Record of Decision 

Appendix 3

Non-significant Forest Plan 

Amendment

Big Thorne Project Record of Decision Non-significant Forest Plan Amendment - Appendix 3 ■ A3-1

Non-significant Forest Plan Amendment

Small Old-growth Habitat Reserve Adjustments in 

the Big Thorne Project Area

The Big Thorne project area includes small OGRs located in VCUs 5790, 5800, 5810, 

5820, 5830, 5840, 5850, 5860, 5950, 5960, and 5972 (FEIS Figure OGR-1; FEIS Figure 

1-2 in Chapter 1 displays the locations of the Old-Growth Habitat LUDs in relation to 

other LUDs and roadless areas). The project area also incorporates other VCUs or 

portions of VCUs (FEIS Table WLD-1). A substantial portion of the Honker Divide 

large OGR complex, which spans several VCUs and is made up of several different 

LUDs, is within the project area. Only VCUs with small OGRs and proposed project 

activities were considered for modifications. There was an alternative in the FEIS that 

included modification of the large OGR in the Honker Divide area; this alternative was 

not carried forward for detailed analysis. Medium OGRs have been designated in 

adjacent VCUs to the north and west. Under the Forest Plan conservation strategy, small 

OGRs were intended to facilitate functional connectivity (i.e., connectivity through 

disconnected patches of old-growth forest) between larger reserves and help ensure welldistributed wildlife populations. 

During the 2008 Forest Plan Amendment process, an interagency biologist review team 

(2008 IRT) conducted a forest-wide review of small OGRs, because small OGR locations 

had not been finalized under the 1997 Forest Plan. For each VCU, the 2008 Interagency 

Review Team evaluated consistency with Forest Plan OGR acreage requirements 

(outlined in Appendix K of the Forest Plan). All existing small OGRs meet or exceed the 

Forest Plan acreage (USDA Forest Service 2008c, Appendix D). This evaluation formed 

the basis for the biologically preferred small OGR locations recommended by the 2008 

IRT, one of several factors taken into account in finalizing the small OGR locations 

under the 2008 Forest Plan. Appendix D of the Forest Plan FEIS and Appendix K of the 

Forest Plan include design criteria used in the development of the reserve system (see the 

Wildlife and Subsistence resource report of the FEIS for additional detail).

Pursuant to Forest Plan Appendix K, OGR boundary changes proposed at the project 

level require an interagency team of USDA Forest Service (USFS), U.S. Fish and 

Wildlife Service (USFWS), and Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) 

biologists to jointly evaluate the location and habitat composition of the OGRs. The 

interagency review team is to develop a biologically preferred location for OGRs that 

meets Forest Plan criteria and document why other proposals are not recommended.

Management Prescriptions for Old Growth Habitat (Forest Plan p. 3-62, WILD1 B.2) say 

that “Reserve location, composition, and size may otherwise also be adjusted. Modified 

OGRs must provide comparable achievement of the Old-growth Habitat LUD goals and 

objectives. Determination as to comparability must consider the criteria listed in 

Appendix K.” Thus, the primary direction for evaluating the capability of a modified 

OGR to provide a comparable achievement is contained in the Old Growth Habitat LUD 

goals and objectives and Appendix K of the Forest Plan. Appendix K further references 

Appendix D of the Forest Plan FEIS. 
Appendix 3

A3-2 ■ Appendix 3 – Non-significant Forest Plan Amendment Big Thorne Project Record of Decision

Determination of comparable achievement of Old-growth LUD goals and objectives for a

modification to an OGR is subjective, and is supported by the process outlined in 

Appendix K of the Forest Plan and a review of additional OGR design criteria provided 

in Appendix D of the 2008 Forest Plan Final EIS (USDA Forest Service 2008b). 

Pursuant to Forest Plan (Appendix K), an IRT comprising USFWS, ADF&G, and Forest 

Service biologists met in Thorne Bay on June 2–3, 2011 (2011 IRT) to review the 

existing small OGRs in the project area. In response to comments received during 

scoping, the 2011 IRT evaluated Inventoried Roadless Areas as alternatives to OGRs and 

to allow timber harvest in currently designated OGRs. The 2011 IRT also considered 

biological values of the current small OGR locations and the location of biologically 

preferred small OGRs. 

The 2011 IRT reviewed small OGRs in VCUs 5790, 5800, 5810, 5820, 5830, 5840, 

5850, 5860, 5950, 5960, and 5972. Other VCUs in the project area that contain portions 

of the Honker large OGR complex were not reviewed by the 2011 IRT because there 

were no changes proposed to the Honker large OGR. The 2011 IRT used quantitative and 

qualitative information to develop recommendations for biologically preferred and 

Roadless area options for small OGR locations in the project area.

The Big Thorne ROD and FEIS include modifications to relocate the small OGRs within 

the 2001 Roadless Rule inventoried roadless areas. The purpose is to allocate the 

portions of the current OGRs that contain existing roads and past harvest units to 

development LUDs where timber harvest is allowed. The portions of existing OGRs that 

were relocated under the ROD are reallocated to Timber Production, Modified 

Landscape, and Scenic Viewshed LUDs, based on the adjacent LUDs and Visual Priority 

Travel Routes and Use Areas to address scenery concerns. Where necessary, the acres 

that are allocated from the OGRs into development LUDs have been replaced with acres 

from the Roadless areas. 

As a non-significant amendment to the Forest Plan, I have modified small old-growth 

reserves for VCUs 5790, 5800, 5810, 5820, 5830, 5850, and 5950. The Selected 

Alternative was developed by an interdisciplinary team that met on April 15, 2013 by 

modifying Alternative 3 of the DEIS. These OGR options reduce roads and young 

growth within their boundaries in response to Forest Plan direction to minimize to the 

extent feasible the amount of early seral habitat and roads within mapped reserves (Forest 

Plan Appendix K, page K-1). They all meet Forest Plan Appendix K acreage criteria for 

small OGRs. However, these modifications also reduce the amount of POG (including 

large-tree POG and low-elevation POG), interior forest acres, goshawk and marbled 

murrelet nesting habitat, and deer and marten winter habitat in some OGRs (see Table 

OGR-2 in the Big Thorne FEIS for a comparison). Some of the modifications reduce the 

size of the OGRs from what they were in the Forest Plan, and small OGRs still meet the 

Appendix K acreage criteria.

The Secretary of Agriculture’s implementing regulation indicates the determination of 

significance for a Forest Plan amendment is to be “[b]ased on an analysis of the 

objectives, guidelines, and other contents of the forest plan” (36 CFR 219.10(f)). The 

Forest Service has issued guidance for what constitutes a “significant amendment” under 

the National Forest Management Act (NFMA) in Forest Service Manual (FSM) 1926.51

and Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 1909.12, Section 25.4. Four factors were used in 
Appendix 3

Big Thorne Project Record of Decision Non-significant Forest Plan Amendment - Appendix 3 ■ A3-3

determining whether a proposed change to a Forest Plan is significant or not significant.

These four factors are: 1) timing; 2) location and size; 3) goals, objectives, and outputs; 

and 4) management prescriptions. A discussion of these factors follows.

Timing

The timing factor takes into account when, during the life of the Forest Plan, the 

proposed change is to take place. Generally, the later the change in the life of the Plan, 

the less likely it is to be significant. 

The Forest Plan revision was completed in 2008, so this change is proposed five years 

into the life of the Plan. The Old-growth Habitat Management Prescription in the Forest 

Plan recognizes that the small mapped reserves have received differing levels of field 

review and integration of site-specific information in their design. The intent of the 

Forest Plan was for project-level environmental analysis to evaluate the size, spacing, and 

habitat composition of mapped reserves, for project areas that include or are adjacent to 

mapped old-growth habitat reserves. Additionally, Forest Plan Appendix K gives 

specific instruction for how to make these changes. 

Based on the Forest Plan implementation to date, I determined that the cumulative 

adjustments to Land Use Designations, in particular those made to adjust small OGRs, 

were anticipated by the Forest Plan and are relatively small in comparison to the overall 

land base. The net effect of all modifications to old growth reserves has been to increase 

acres in old growth reserves and to enhance achievement of the Forest Plan’s goals for 

the old growth reserves system.

For these reasons, I have determined that these changes relevant to timing are not 

considered significant. 

Location and Size

This factor takes into account location and size of the area involved in the change and the 

affected area’s relationship to the overall planning area. Generally, the smaller the area 

affected, the less likely the change is to be significant. 

A comparison of existing small OGRs (Alternatives 1, 2, and 5) and small OGR 

modifications proposed under Alternatives 3 and 4, based on Appendices K and D design 

criteria in the Forest Plan, is in the Big Thorne FEIS Table OGR-2. Modifications to 

small OGRs that do not maintain comparable achievement of Old-growth LUD goals and 

objectives have the potential to reduce the functioning of the reserve system, either 

through reductions in the habitat elements maintained within the reserve system or 

connectivity provided by the reserve system.

All modified small OGRs in the Selected Alternative (ROD) meet minimum Forest Plan 

acreage requirements (FEIS Table OGR-1), continue to meet Old Growth Habitat LUD 

goals and objectives, and are consistent with direction contained in Appendix K of the 

Forest Plan. The Selected Alternative increases the total acres of small OGRs within 

VCUs 5800, 5820, 5830, and 5950. Modifications in VCUs 5790, 5810, and 5850 would 

reduce total OGR and POG acreages. The remaining small OGRs in the project area do

not change (FEIS Table OGR-2).
Appendix 3

A3-4 ■ Appendix 3 – Non-significant Forest Plan Amendment Big Thorne Project Record of Decision

Following the Management Prescriptions for Old Growth Habitat (Forest Plan p. 3-62 

WILD1 B2), a comparable achievement of the Old-growth Habitat LUD goals and 

objectives (Forest Plan 3-57) has been determined for the 11 modified OGRs listed in the 

Selected Alternative. For these 11 modified OGRs, I have followed the direction for 

project-level review and in doing so, considered the criteria contained in Appendix K of 

the Forest Plan and Appendix D of the Forest Plan FEIS as well as the biologically 

preferred alternative (Alternative 4) provided and discussed by the 2011 Interagency 

Review Team. The “Interagency Old Growth Reserve Review Big Thorne Project” 

document dated April, 2013 documents the biologically preferred location for the OGRs 

as well as alternate locations.

Three of the 11 modified small OGRs (VCUs 5800, 5810, and 5850) will not provide

site-specific physical conditions of kind-and-like quality compared to the original 

location, especially with regard to elevational connectivity and blocks of POG. I have 

considered the effect of this action in these three VCUs at the scale of the VCU and 

relative to the purpose and need of the project. I have further considered their role in the 

Forest Plan Conservation Strategy and associated direction in the Forest Plan. I have 

followed the process outlined in the Forest Plan (Appendix K and Appendix D, Forest 

Plan FEIS) and believe this decision has very limited risk to old growth-dependent 

species in the project area.

Analysis of Modified OGRs. The following describes how this project implements 

direction in the Forest Plan and the analysis proposed OGR modifications, including 

those listed in the Selected Alternative.

Interagency Review Team (IRT)

The 2011 IRT evaluated the location and habitat composition of each OGR by reviewing 

all large productive old growth blocks within a Value Comparison Unit (VCU). The team

developed a proposal for OGRs that meets the criteria of this appendix and documented

why other proposals were not recommended (Interagency OGR Report, April 2013).

The purpose and rationale for current location of Forest Plan OGRs was reviewed and 

determination made if the purpose and rationale had changed (see Interagency OGR 

Report, April 2013). The 2011 IRT used the design criteria to define the biologically 

preferred location for each OGR. 

The interagency review team OGR recommendations were analyzed in the FEIS

(Alternative 4), and the best biological locations for OGRs were considered while 

balancing other considerations. The interagency team also worked to develop alternate 

proposals to meet other Forest Plan objectives (Alternatives 2, 3 and 5). 

Modifications to OGRs Made by the Selected Alternative

According to the Forest Plan, all proposed modified OGRs provide a contiguous 

landscape of at least 16 percent of the National Forest System land area of each VCU and 

at least 50 percent of the small reserve should be productive old growth, and contain a 

minimum of 400 acres of productive old-growth forest. During the review process 

attempts were made to have OGR boundaries follow recognizable features that are 

identifiable on the ground. 
Appendix 3

Big Thorne Project Record of Decision Non-significant Forest Plan Amendment - Appendix 3 ■ A3-5

In very large VCUs, generally larger than 10,000 acres, the allocated old growth may be 

mapped in separate reserves as long as each reserve has a minimum of 800 acres of 

productive old growth. However, larger contiguous reserves are preferred to multiple 

smaller reserves.

In the Selected Alternative, modifications to the biologically preferred OGRs were

required to meet Forest-wide multiple use goals and objectives while following 

management prescriptions as defined for the Old-growth Habitat LUD. The following 

section explains each of the alternative reservations considered, the review process and 

application of direction in the Old Growth Habitat LUD goals and objectives and 

Appendix K of the Forest Plan, and Appendix D of the Forest Plan FEIS. The analysis 

displays the trade-offs of the modifications to the biologically preferred OGRs where 

applicable, and documented in the 2013 Interagency Report. The amount of suitable 

Forest land impacted by the modified OGRs was analyzed. 

The OGR modifications in the Selected Alternative provide a comparable achievement of 

the goals and objectives for the Old Growth Habitat LUD by maintaining areas of oldgrowth forests and their associated natural ecological processes to provide habitat for oldgrowth associated resources. The modified OGRs also generally reduce the amount of 

road included in the OGR.

Most of the small OGR modifications under the ROD reduce the miles of roads and early 

seral habitat included in the small OGR, and also increase the amount of suitable timber 

available for harvest. However, some of these modifications reduce the amount of POG 

(including large-tree POG and low-elevation POG), interior forest acres, goshawk, and 

marbled murrelet nesting habitat, and deer and marten winter habitat in some OGRs. The 

various additions and deletions of conservation measures for each VCU with modified 

OGRs refer to Table OGR-2 in the FEIS.

Overall, these proposed OGR modifications result in a net increase of 630 acres being 

added to the Old Growth Reserve system as well as an increase of 95 acres of POG. 

The following paragraphs describe the effects for each VCU individually. The IRT 

defined the purpose and rationale for desired small OGR locations based on habitat 

requirements of specific species or animal groups. These are listed for each VCU in the 

text below.

VCU 5810

This VCU contains two separate, disconnected OGRs. Forest Plan direction (Appendix K 

p. K-3) states that for very large, large and medium VCUs, generally larger than 10,000 

acres, the allocated old growth may be mapped in separate reserves as long as each 

reserve has a minimum of 800 acres of productive old growth. However, larger 

contiguous reserves are preferred to multiple smaller reserves. 

IRT Purpose and Rationale for Desired Small OGR Locations: Low-elevation POG, highvalue deer habitat, and connectivity to the shoreline.
Appendix 3

A3-6 ■ Appendix 3 – Non-significant Forest Plan Amendment Big Thorne Project Record of Decision

South OGR: The biological preferred alternative: the mapped reserve in the southern 

portion of VCU 5810 could be modified to exchange high-elevation, mostly north-facing 

POG along its western edge for east-facing stands in the Roadless area along the eastern 

edge of the existing OGR. 

North OGR: This mapped reserve is retained for its function on the landscape to meet 

conservation objectives. Any reduction in POG in this mapped reserve, with substitute 

acres designated elsewhere in the VCU, would reduce effectiveness of this mapped 

reserve. 

The 2011 Interagency Review Team (2013 IRT Report) recommends maintaining the 

areas south and east of the 3030 road as part of the existing small OGR in the northern 

region of the VCU to maintain important high value, low elevation wildlife habitat and 

connectivity between Luck Lake and the beach.

Selected Alternative: The north OGR contains about 1,560 acres, of which about 608 

acres is POG. Previous decisions made changes to the OGR that resulted in reduction of 

POG below the Forest Plan requirement. The Selected Alternative includes 3 harvest 

units north of Forest Road 3030 road: Units 469, 470, and 471. Although on the surface 

this appears to be inconsistent with the Forest Plan, legacy acres and stream buffers 

among these units and extending to the existing OGR maintain some elevational travel 

corridors for wildlife. In addition, the Selected Alternative makes no changes to the 

south OGR which contains 2,188 acres, including about 1,421 acres of POG, which will 

continue to meet the goals and objectives of the Old Growth Habitat LUD and fulfill 

habitat conservation and timber harvest objectives. 

Unit 469 is 38 acres and proposed for clearcut. Legacy acres in this unit connect with the 

legacy acres in Unit 470, following the landscape contours between about 400 to 600 feet 

in elevation with a stream buffer break in between the two units. The unit is from less 

than 400 to just over 1000 feet in elevation and has an east/southeast aspect. Retention of 

legacy forest structure also serves to divide the unit into 3 separate polygons. Unit 470 is 

58 acres and will be clearcut. Legacy forest structure follows the contours around from 

about 500 to 800 feet in elevation. The legacy forest structure in the unit is split into two 

separate polygons. The legacy forest structure in this unit almost connects through a past

harvest unit to the legacy in Unit 471 leaving only a short distance between legacy in the 

matrix. Both Unit 469 and 470 are in an area used by wildlife as an elevation travel 

corridor. Unit 471 is 35 acres in size and will be clearcut. Retained legacy forest 

structure in Unit 471 will connect to an OGR. Legacy acres in all three units cover some 

deer winter range acres. The net result of the modifications is that the clear cut harvest of 

Unit 469 and 470 will likely result in the loss of elevation corridor and a reduction of 

POG in the North OGR. However, legacy retention in the matrix between harvested 

areas will likely continue providing some level of connectivity for most species.

While this modification changes the physical condition of the existing OGR, the goals 

and objectives of the Old Growth Habitat LUD are still met and this VCU will fulfill both 

habitat conservation and timber harvest objectives on the landscape. 
Appendix 3

Big Thorne Project Record of Decision Non-significant Forest Plan Amendment - Appendix 3 ■ A3-7

VCU 5820

IRT Purpose and Rationale for Desired Small OGR Locations: Maintain contiguous 

blocks of low-elevation POG for deer winter range. 

The biologically preferred option is to maintain current Forest Plan location and 

boundaries. The currently mapped OGR in this VCU is the biologically preferred 

location. 

Selected Alternative: Retains the biologically preferred (IRT Recommended location) 

and re-organizes the accounting of acres within the VCU. No net change on the ground. 

The decision to modify this OGR will not result in any changes to conservation measures 

on the ground. The decision reassigns acres currently mapped as part of the reserve in 

this VCU but are presently accounted for as reserve acres in VCU 5830. Those acres will 

now be counted as reserve acres in this VCU (5820). This does not change the location or 

boundary of the OGR as currently mapped; thus, this OGR will remain in the biologically 

preferred location. This results in a net increase of 386 acres in this VCU, including an 

increase of 300 acres of POG.

VCU 5830

IRT Purpose and Rationale for Desired Small OGR Locations: Maintain low-elevation, 

high-volume stands of bear, deer, wolf, and eagle habitat around Ratz Harbor and

Trumpeter Lake.

Re-assign OGR acres that were previously mapped in the adjacent VCU to the north 

(VCU 5820) but counted towards the OGR in VCU 5830 to the OGR in VCU 5820. As a 

result, the OGR acres in VCU 5820 will increase and the acres in VCU 5820 will drop 

below minimum requirements. This OGR will receive additional acres along the south 

boundary of the existing OGR following Ratz Creek as a recognizable feature to increase 

POG acres in the small OGR and create a boundary that better follows recognizable 

features along the southern portion.

Selected Alternative: All of the old growth harvest units that were in this OGR 

previously displayed in the DEIS have been dropped. In order to meet Forest Plan 

requirements, acres have been added along the northern VCU boundary as well as to the 

southeast portion of the OGR to meet minimum total and POG acre requirements. The 

acres added in the southeast are some of the acres recommended by the 2011 IRT. 

Dropping the old growth harvest units maintains the low elevation, high volume stands in 

the area and connectivity to the OGR in VCU 5820. There are two commercial thinning 

units within the modified OGR boundary. Treatments in the commercial thinning area 

will improve wildlife habitat in the area. The net result is that the proposed modifications 

will enhance wildlife habitat near Trumpeter Lake by improving forage availability and 

removing the stand for the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation.

VCU 5840

IRT Purpose and Rationale for Desired Small OGR Locations: Include remaining POG 

and connectivity.
Appendix 3

A3-8 ■ Appendix 3 – Non-significant Forest Plan Amendment Big Thorne Project Record of Decision

Loss of OGR protections for a significant portion of low-elevation, high-volume stands in 

the east of the VCU adjacent to the beach buffer and connectivity to saltwater would no 

longer be protected as OGR.

Selected Alternative: Maintains 2008 Forest Plan OGR which is also biologically 

preferred OGR.

VCU 5850

IRT Purpose and Rationale for Desired Small OGR Locations: Includes a coastline that 

provides important salmon, waterfowl, and black bear habitat and has documented high 

recreational use. Protect the last remaining blocks of POG in the VCU.

Due to the high level of fragmentation from previous harvest, and the limited remaining 

blocks of POG in this VCU, the biologically preferred option would extend north from 

the existing OGR to include a remaining block of high-volume POG. 

Selected Alternative: The Selected Alternative drops all units in the modified OGR 

except one, thus maintaining most of the high-value, low-elevation stands, and most of 

the remaining blocks of contiguous low-elevation POG in this VCU. One of the larger 

blocks of POG remaining in the VCU is not included in the current, biologically preferred

OGR. 

The one remaining harvest unit carried forward in the Selected Alternative is located on 

the west side of the Sandy Beach road. The coastline that provides important salmon, 

waterfowl, and black bear habitat and has documented recreational use is maintained by 

the Selected Alternative. Harvest of the unit remaining will result in a reduction of POG 

acres currently protected by the OGR. The unit itself is about 58 acres, 19 acres of which

are single tree selection harvest. The net result is that the even aged harvest portion of 

this unit will result in the loss of POG, which is limited in this VCU. The coastline to the 

east of the road, the uneven aged harvest of the partial unit, the limited size of the 

planned even-aged opening in relationship to surrounding lands and the ability of this 

VCU to meet the minimum requirements of Appendix K in the Forest Plan allows for the 

remaining old growth stands to provide the majority of conservation benefits in this 

modified reserve, while providing increased opportunity for timber management in a 

heavily managed and roaded landscape upon which timber management is being 

increasingly focused. 

VCU 5860

IRT Purpose and Rationale for Desired Small OGR Locations: Protect the last remaining 

blocks of POG in the VCU and maintain connectivity to the small OGR to the north in 

VCU 5840. 

Selected Alternative: Maintains currently mapped and biologically preferred OGR that 

meets the goals and objectives of the Old Growth Habitat LUD.

VCU 5800

IRT Purpose and Rationale for Desired Small OGR Locations: Protect limited remaining 

POG and maintaining connectivity in a fragmented landscape. Provide connectivity link 

from Honker Large OGR to saltwater in the east (Clarence Strait) via the Small OGR in 

VCU 5840. 
Appendix 3

Big Thorne Project Record of Decision Non-significant Forest Plan Amendment - Appendix 3 ■ A3-9

The 2011 IRT was not opposed to the proposed units in the roaded OGR land base along 

the northern edge of the OGR. There was some discussion on the effects of the proposed 

units in the flatter valley bottom of this OGR. The IRT group felt that the current Forest 

Plan Standards and Guidelines, such as riparian, soils, would maintain the connectivity 

through this area. South-facing stands on the southern flank of Ratz Mountain should be 

retained to protect an elevational migration corridor and winter range values.

Selected Alternative: The Selected Alternative protects more POG than the current 

small OGR and drops all of the units in the flatter valley bottom of this OGR, thus 

maintaining the purpose and rationale of maintaining OGR protection for the wildlife 

migration corridor through a low elevation river drainage that connects the Honker large 

OGR to the coastline through the current small OGRs in VCUs 5800 and 5840 and 

important winter habitat in the valley bottom. 

There are two remaining units in the modified OGR for the Selected Alternative in the 

south-facing stands on the southern side of Ratz Mountain identified by the IRT as ones 

that should be retained to protect an elevational migration corridor and winter range 

values; however, these were not included in the purpose and rationale. Unit 444 is single 

tree selection (75 percent retention), while Unit 440 contains both clearcut harvest (39 

acres) and single tree selection harvest with 50 percent retention (64 acres). The single 

tree selection areas as well as stream buffers would maintain some of the elevational 

travel corridor thru the area (less than what is currently provided on the landscape) and 

other habitat values. The net result is that clearcutting Unit 440 will likely result in the 

loss of the elevation corridor in this area. Partial harvest of Unit 444 will likely maintain 

this elevational corridor to some extent. Given the mitigating factors associated with the 

partial harvest prescription of Unit 444, the net increase in acres of old growth acres 

associated with the OGR in this VCU, the increase in large tree POG, and the balance of 

all additions and deletions of other conservation functions in this landscape (see Table 

OGR-2), this modified OGR will still maintain the goals and objectives of the Old 

Growth Habitat LUD. 

VCU 5790

IRT Purpose and Rationale for Desired Small OGR Locations: Include remaining POG 

and maintaining connectivity in the VCU.

Removing the westernmost block of POG, one of the few remaining blocks of POG in the 

VCU and a key element in the design of this small OGR, in Alternative 3 would sever the 

connection to the west, and would not provide comparable achievement of Old-growth 

LUD goals and objectives in this VCU.

Selected Alternative: This decision moves 5 acres of small OGR into harvest Unit 83. 

The Selected Alternative does not remove the western-most block of POG (identified as a 

key element for connectivity in this area and one that the OGR was designed to protect) 

from the OGR. The net result is minimal loss of high-elevation acres, and due to the very 

small size of this change, the continued function of conservation within the OGR is 

highly probable. Despite these changes, the modified OGR exceeds the minimum acre 

requirements from Appendix K, continues to meet the goals and objectives of the Forest 

Plan Old Growth Habitat LUD, and provides for increased harvest opportunities within 

the roaded landbase where timber activities have recently been concentrated.
Appendix 3

A3-10 ■ Appendix 3 – Non-significant Forest Plan Amendment Big Thorne Project Record of Decision

VCU 5950

IRT Purpose and Rationale for Desired Small OGR Locations: Protect known habitat for 

wolves, deer, black bears, marten, flying squirrels, and goshawks while providing 

connectivity to other OGRs in adjacent VCUs.

A significant portion of acres that the 2006 IOGR proposed be added to the small OGR 

along the east boundary, which contains a large block of important high-volume POG, 

was not implemented in the 2008 Forest Plan. 

The 2011 IRT agreed that expanding the small OGR in VCU 5950 to the east to include 

the entire contiguous block of POG along the eastern boundary of the existing small OGR 

at its southern end would better meet the purpose and rationale, as well as the Forest Plan

FEIS/ROD Appendix D criteria for small OGRs. The addition would also provide a 

buffer for cumulative effects from extensive timber harvest by both the Forest Service 

and native corporations in this watershed. 

The 2011 IRT recommends adoption of an alternative that incorporates the entire block 

of Roadless area POG adjacent to the southeast corner of the existing OGR. Even though 

the option that would add only the high-elevation acres along the west side of the OGR is 

inferior to the option that would add the southeast POG block, the 2011 IRT felt that 

either option would provide comparable achievement of Old-growth LUD goals and 

objectives.

The 2011 IRT was not opposed to the proposed units in the roaded OGR land base along 

the northern portion of the OGR. There was some discussion on the effects of the 

proposed units in this area severing the connection to the Honker complex to the north; 

however, this connection is already severed by the State land selection in this area.

Selected Alternative: The Selected Alternative retains all harvest units within the 

modified OGR. While the Selected Alternative does not provide a comparable 

achievement on the ground following the proposed change and comparing to the existing 

condition regarding the connectivity within the OGR, it does add the high elevation acres 

on the west side of the VCU and thus provides a comparable achievement and meets the 

goals and objectives of the Old Growth Habitat LUD.

VCU 5960

VCU 5960 contains both large and small OGR acres. The small OGR includes the area 

south of the paved highway and east of Control Lake. The rest of the OGR acres in this 

VCU are part of the Honker large OGR complex.

IRT Purpose and Rationale for Desired Small OGR Locations: Provide OGR areas that 

complemented and added value to the Honker large OGR complex, which provides a 

significant north/south connectivity corridor across the central Prince of Wales Island 

region, connecting the Sarkar reserve to the Karta reserve. The southern reach of the 

Honker large OGR complex is comparatively fragmented, and therefore, remaining POG 

stands in VCUs 5960 and 5972 are important features for achieving the intended 

connectivity between the Sarkar and Karta reserves through the Honker large OGR.

No roaded OGR units proposed in this VCU.
Appendix 3

Big Thorne Project Record of Decision Non-significant Forest Plan Amendment - Appendix 3 ■ A3-11

Selected Alternative: Maintains currently mapped OGR thus providing a comparable 

achievement and meeting the goals and objectives of the Old Growth Habitat LUD.

VCU 5972

IRT Purpose and Rationale for Desired Small OGR Locations: Include known wolf 

habitat and provide a wildlife travel corridor through VCUs 5972 and 5980 to saltwater at 

the Salt Chuck. 

2011 IRT does not recommend the proposed units in the roaded OGR.

Selected Alternative: Maintains currently mapped OGR thus providing a comparable 

achievement and meeting the goals and objectives of the Old Growth Habitat LUD.
Appendix 3

A3-12 ■ Appendix 3 – Non-significant Forest Plan Amendment Big Thorne Project Record of Decision

Figure A-1 Central LUD OGRs
Appendix 3

Big Thorne Project Record of Decision Non-significant Forest Plan Amendment - Appendix 3 ■ A3-13

Figure A-2 Southern LUD OGRs
Appendix 3

A3-14 ■ Appendix 3 – Non-significant Forest Plan Amendment Big Thorne Project Record of Decision

Figure A-3 Northern LUD OGRs
Appendix 3

Big Thorne Project Record of Decision Non-significant Forest Plan Amendment - Appendix 3 ■ A3-15

Goals, Objectives, and Outputs

This factor examines whether the change alters long-term relationships between the 

levels of goods and services projected by the Forest Plan. In most cases, changes in 

outputs are not likely to be a significant change in the Forest Plan unless the change 

would forego the opportunity to achieve an output in later years. 

Goals

The Forest Plan goal for biodiversity is to maintain healthy forest ecosystems and to 

maintain a mix of habitats at different spatial scales (i.e., site, watershed, island, province, 

and forest) capable of supporting the full range of naturally occurring flora, fauna, and 

ecological processes native to Southeast Alaska. While some of the adjusted OGRs do 

vary from the biologically preferred alternative, the adjustment to these reserves is 

consistent with the goals of the Forest Plan. 

Objectives

The Forest Plan objectives are to maintain a Forest-wide system of old-growth forest 

habitat (includes: reserves, non-development LUDs, and beach, estuary, and riparian 

corridors) to sustain old-growth associated species and resources and to ensure that the 

reserve system meets the minimum size, spacing, and composition criteria described in 

Appendix K of the Forest Plan. While some of the modified OGRs do not provide the 

same achievement as compared to the existing condition, the goals and objectives of the 

Old Growth Habitat LUD are still met and the adjustments to these reserves are 

specifically designed to meet Forest Plan Objectives.

Outputs

Adjustment of these OGRs will have a relatively minor effect on the Forest Plan outputs 

on a Forest-wide basis, primarily because the change in the acres of LUDs that allow 

scheduled timber harvest is relatively small. There is a net increase of 543 acres of forest 

lands classed as suitable for timber production, which is one percent of the lands 

classified as suitable for timber production in the project area. This is minor (less than 

one tenth of one percent) when considered at the scale of the Tongass National Forest. 

Suitable forest land is defined in the National Forest Management Act (NFMA) by the 

following criteria: 

• The land is forest land capable of producing 20 cubic feet per acre per year of wood 

volume.

• Technology is available to ensure timber production from the land without 

irreversible resource damage to soils productivity or watershed conditions.

• There is reasonable assurance that the land can be adequately restocked.

• The land is not withdrawn from timber production by an Act of Congress, the 

Secretary of Agriculture, or the Chief of the Forest Service (e.g., Wilderness Areas or 

Resource Natural Areas). 
Appendix 3

A3-16 ■ Appendix 3 – Non-significant Forest Plan Amendment Big Thorne Project Record of Decision

Management Prescriptions

This factor accounts for whether the change in a management prescription is only for a 

specific situation or whether it would apply to future decisions throughout the planning 

areas. It evaluates how the change alters the desired future condition of the land and 

resources or the anticipated goods and services to be produced. 

None of the standards and guidelines associated with the management prescriptions has 

been changed as a result of this amendment. The changes to the mapped small Oldgrowth Habitat Reserves apply only to this specific situation. These changes also would 

apply in future management; however, this action does not preclude future modifications 

being made so long as the standards and guidelines for the management prescription are 

achieved. The proposed amendment fulfills the desired future condition for the Oldgrowth Habitat LUD management prescription as defined in the Forest Plan and does not 

significantly affect the goods and services produced. 

Technical Changes

Technical changes to a Plan’s management direction may be made on the basis of new 

information about the actual resource characteristics of the area. This category does not 

apply to this case.

Cumulative Changes

The Big Thorne Project Area EIS and ROD is the only National Environmental Policy 

Act (NEPA) decision as of June 2013 to make non-significant amendments to the 2008 

Forest Plan by modifying LUD boundaries. These changes are tracked with a monitoring 

question posed by the Forest Plan and are part of the Tongass National Forest Annual 

Monitoring and Evaluation Report. 

Table A3-1 displays acres that were changed from a non-development LUD to a resource 

development LUD or from a development LUD to a non-development LUD and the net 

change in acres suitable for timber management. The net change in suitable acres 

represents approximately one percent of the suitable land base. As this is the only 

amendment to modify LUD boundaries there are no cumulative effects beyond the effects 

of this decision. The acres proposed to move from development LUD to OGR is an 

increase of 645 acres; however, these modifications also reduce the amount of POG 

(including large-tree POG and low elevation POG), interior forest acres, goshawk, and 

marbled murrelet nesting habitat, and deer and marten winter habitat in some OGRs.

Cumulative effects in terms of the intent of the conservation strategy modifying the 

OGRs has the potential to be additive to effects on viable, well-distributed populations of 

old-growth-associated species. The table below shows the total effects of the proposed 

OGR modifications and the proposed timber harvest in the ROD. 
Appendix 3

Big Thorne Project Record of Decision Non-significant Forest Plan Amendment - Appendix 3 ■ A3-17

Table A3-1. Changes In LUD Acres and OGRs

OLD GROWTH HABITAT LUD

Indicator Alt. 1 ROD

LUD Modifications (acres)

Change in Old Growth Habitat LUD 0 +645

Change in Development LUDs 0 -645

Change in Suitable Timber (acres)

Change in Mapped Suitable Timber 0 +543

Small OGR Modifications Metrics

# Small OGRs Consistent with Forest Plan Acreage 

Requirements 11 of 11 11 of 11

Net change in POG in Small OGRs (acres) 0 +107

Table A3-2 shows the changes in POG, High volume POG and Large Tree POG as a 

result of the proposed Alternative compared to what is currently available on the 

landscape and what is estimated to have been present in 1954.

Table A3-2. Changes In LUD Acres

Indicator Alt. 1 ROD

Acres of Productive Old Growth (POG) Remaining

Total POG

Acres Remaining in Project Area 98,654 92,658

% Change from Existing 0% -6%

% Change from 1954 -34% -38%

Acres Remaining in North Central POW Biogeographic Province 569,005 563,008

% Change from Existing 0% -1%

% Change from 1954 -49% -49%

High-volume POG

Acres Remaining in Project Area 43,867 40,629

% Change from Existing 0% -7%

% Change from 1954 -42% -47%

Acres Remaining in North Central POW Biogeographic Province 248,324 245,086

% Change from Existing 0% -1%

% Change from 1954 -59% -59%

Large-tree POG

Acres Remaining in Project Area 22,116 20,543

% Change from Existing 0% -7%

% Change from 1954 -41% -45%

Acres Remaining in North Central POW Biogeographic Province 127,295 125,722

% Change from Existing 0% -1%

% Change from 1954 -57% -57%

Table A3-3 shows the changes in patch size classes for the project area only as a result of 

the Selected Alternative compared to what is currently available on the landscape and 

what is estimated to have been present in 1954. Table A3-4 shows the same changes but 

for all patches that intersect with the project area boundary as well as those within the 

project area.
Appendix 3

A3-18 ■ Appendix 3 – Non-significant Forest Plan Amendment Big Thorne Project Record of Decision

Table A3-3. POG Patches Remaining by Size Category (fully within Project Area)

Indicator Alt. 1 ROD

0-25 acres 308 926

26-100 acres 96 109

101-500 acres 35 37

500-1,000 acres 7 7

1,000+ acres 8 9

% change in total no. patches 0% +140%

Table A3-4. Acres of POG in Remaining Patches by Size Category (all patches 

intersecting Project Area)

Indicator Alt. 1 ROD

0-25 acres 3,039 3774

26-100 acres 4,726 5,451

101-500 acres 7,178 8,757

500-1,000 acres 4,812 5,292

1,000+ acres 82,604 73,799

% change in acres of interior forest habitat in project area 0% -10%

Table A3-5 shows the changes in deer winter habitat capability, on National Forest 

System lands only, as a result of the Selected Alternative both after project completion 

and at the stem exclusion stage, compared to what is currently available on the landscape 

and what is estimated to have been present in 1954.

Table A3-5. Deer Winter Habitat Capability Change at Project Completion & After 

25 Years (% of 2013 value/cumulative % change from 1954 value) NFS Land 

Only

Indicator Alt. 1 ROD

WAA 1315 0%/-7% -5%/-44%

WAA 1318 0%/-5% -5%/-12%

WAA 1319 0%/-4% -6%/-28%

WAA 1420 0%/-11% -6%/-48%

North Central Prince of Wales Biogeographic Province -1%/-4% -1%/-27%

Table A3-6 shows the changes in deer winter habitat capability, on all lands, as a result of 

the Selected Alternative both after project completion and at the stem exclusion stage, 

compared to what is currently available on the landscape and what is estimated to have 

been present in 1954.

Table A3-6. Deer Winter Habitat Capability Change at Project Completion & After 

25 Years (% of 2013 value/cumulative % change from 1954 value) All Lands

Indicator Alt. 1 ROD

WAA 1315 -41%/-45% -11%/-48%

WAA 1318 -8%/-12% -9%/-16%

WAA 1319 -24%/-27% -10%-31%

WAA 1420 -46%/-52% -17%/-54%

North Central Prince of Wales Biogeographic Province -26%/-29% -4%/-29%
Appendix 3

Big Thorne Project Record of Decision Non-significant Forest Plan Amendment - Appendix 3 ■ A3-19

Table A3-7 shows the changes in acres of deer winter range harvested as a result of the 

Selected Alternative compared to what is currently available on the landscape and what is 

estimated to have been present in 1954.

Table A3-7. Acres of Deer Winter Range Harvest

Indicator Alt. 1 ROD

Acres of deep-snow deer winter range harvest proposed (WAAs 

1315, 1318, 1319, 1420) 0 1,798

% Change from Existing (by WAA) 0% -3% to -7%

% Change from 1954 (by WAA) -35% to -69% -40% to -70%

Table A3-8 shows the changes in acres of goshawk habitat as a result of the Selected 

Alternative compared to what is currently available on the landscape and what is 

estimated to have been present in 1954.

Table A3-8. Goshawk Habitat Harvest

Indicator Alt. 1 ROD

Acres of POG & High Volume POG harvest 0/0 5,996 and 3,238

% Change from Existing (by VCU) 0% -<1 to -23% /

-<1 to -25%

% Change from 1954 (by VCU) 0 to -61%/

0 to -82%

-1% to -66%/

-1% to -85%

Table A3-9 shows the changes in acres of deep snow marten habitat harvested as a result 

of the Selected Alternative compared to what is currently available on the landscape and 

what is estimated to have been present in 1954.

Table A3-9. Marten Deep Snow Winter Habitat Harvest

Indicator Alt. 1 ROD

Acres of harvest (WAAs 1315, 1318, 1319, 1420) 0 1,798

% Change from Existing (by WAA) 0% -3% to -7%

% Change from 1954 (by WAA) -35% to 

-69% -40% to -69%

Table A3-10 shows the changes in road densities on both National Forest System lands 

only and on all lands, as a result of the Selected Alternative compared to what is currently 

available on the landscape and what is estimated to have been present in 1954.

Table A3-10. Road Density by Wildlife Analysis Area (WAA) Below 1,200 feet

Indicator Alt. 1 ROD

Road density—Open & Closed Roads (NFS and non-NFS lands) 

WAA 1315

WAA 1318

WAA 1319

WAA 1420

 

 2.7

2.4

1.6

2.4

 2.8

2.5

1.7

2.5

Road density—Open & Closed Roads (NFS lands only) 

WAA 1315

WAA 1318

WAA 1319

WAA 1420

 2.1

0.7

1.6

2.5

 2.3

0.8

1.7

2.6
Appendix 3

A3-20 ■ Appendix 3 – Non-significant Forest Plan Amendment Big Thorne Project Record of Decision

Table A3-11 shows the changes in deer density on National Forest System lands only as a 

result of the Selected Alternative compared to what is currently available on the 

landscape and what is estimated to have been present in 1954.

Table A3-11. Effects of Timber Harvest on Deer Density by WAA (NFS Lands Only)

WAA Year Density or % of 1954 Existing Alt. 1 ROD

1315

1954 deer/mi2 28.3 -- 28.3

2013 deer/mi

2 16.7 -- 16.7

% of 1954 59% --

2014 after 

Implementation

deer/mi2 -- 16.6 15.9

% reduction from 2013 -- 0% 95%

% of 1954 59% 56%

2040 at Stem Exclusion

deer/mi2 -- 15.5 14.8

% reduction from 2013 -- -7% -11%

% of 1954 -- 55% 52%

1318

1954 deer/mi2 14.7 -- 14.7

2013 deer/mi2 13.6 -- 13.6

% of 1954 92% -- 92%

2014 after 

Implementation

deer/mi2 -- 13.5 12.9

% reduction from 2013 -- 0% -5%

% of 1954 -- 92% 88%

2040 at Stem Exclusion

deer/mi2 -- 12.9 12.3

% reduction from 2013 -- -5% -9%

% of 1954 -- 88% 84%

1319

1954 deer/mi2 20.9 -- 20.9

2013 deer/mi2 16.0 -- 16.0

% of 1954 76% -- 76%

2014 after 

Implementation

deer/mi2 -- 15.9 15.0

% reduction from 2013 -- -1% -6%

% of 1954 76% 72%

2040 at Stem Exclusion

deer/mi2 -- 15.3 14.4

% reduction from 2013 -- -4% -10%

% of 1954 -- 73% 69%

1420

1954 deer/mi2 21.5 -- 21.5

2013 deer/mi2 11.8 -- 11.8

% of 1954 55% -- 55%

2014 after 

Implementation

deer/mi2 -- 11.8 11.1

% reduction from 2013 -- 0% 94%

% of 1954 -- 55% 52%

2040 at Stem Exclusion

deer/mi2 -- 10.5 9.9

% reduction from 2013 -- -11% -16%

% of 1954 -- 49% 46%

North Central 

Prince of Wales 

Biogeographic 

Province (all 

WAAs)

1954 deer/mi2 24.28 -- 24.28

2013 deer/mi2 17.95 -- 17.95

% of 1954 74% -- 74%

2014 after 

Implementation

deer/mi2 -- 17.89 17.73

% reduction from 2013 -- -1% -1%

% of 1954 -- 74% 73%

2040 at Stem Exclusion

deer/mi2 -- 17.36 17.23

% reduction from 2013 -- -4% -4%

% of 1954 -- 72% 71%
Appendix 3

Big Thorne Project Record of Decision Non-significant Forest Plan Amendment - Appendix 3 ■ A3-21

Table A3-12 shows the changes in deer density on all lands only as a result of the 

Selected Alternative compared to what is currently available on the landscape and what is 

estimated to have been present in 1954.

Table A3-12. Cumulative Impacts to Deer Habitat Capability by WAA (All Lands)

WAA Year

Density or % 

of 1954 Existing Alt. 1 ROD

1315

1954 deer/mi2 15.9 -- 15.9

2013 deer/mi2 9.4 -- 9.4

% of 1954 59% -- 59%

2014 after 

Implementation

deer/mi2 -- 9.4 8.9

% of 1954 -- 59% 56%

2040 at Stem 

Exclusion

deer/mi2 -- 8.8 8.3

% of 1954 -- 55% 52%

1318

1954 deer/mi2 6.6 -- 6.6

2013 deer/mi2 6.1 -- 6.1

% of 1954 92% -- 92%

2014 after 

Implementation

deer/mi2 -- 6.1 5.8

% of 1954 -- 92% 88%

2040 at Stem 

Exclusion

deer/mi2 -- 5.8 5.5

% of 1954 -- 88% 84%

1319

1954 deer/mi2 20.7 -- 20.7

2013 deer/mi2 15,8 -- 15,8

% of 1954 76% -- 76%

2014 after 

Implementation

deer/mi2 -- 15.7 14.9

% of 1954 -- 76% 72%

2040 at Stem 

Exclusion

deer/mi2 -- 15.1 14.3

% of 1954 -- 73% 69%

1420 

1954 deer/mi2 19.4 -- 19.4

2013 deer/mi2 10.5 -- 10.5

% of 1954 54% -- 54%

2014 after 

Implementation

deer/mi2 -- 10.5 9.9

% of 1954 -- 54% 51%

2040 at Stem 

Exclusion

deer/mi2 -- 9.2 8.6

% of 1954 -- 48% 44%

North Central 

Prince of Wales 

Biogeographic 

Province (all 

WAAs)

1954 deer/mi2 19.8 -- 19.8

2013 deer/mi2 14.6 -- 14.6

% of 1954 74% -- 74%

2014 after 

Implementation

deer/mi2 -- 14.5 14.4

% of 1954 -- 74% 73%

2040 at Stem 

Exclusion

deer/mi2 -- 14.1 14.0

% of 1954 -- 71% 71%