United States 

Department of 

Agriculture 

 

Forest Service 

Tongass 

National Forest 

R10-MB-624 

June 2008 

Baht Timber Sale 

Record of Decision II 

Tongass National Forest 

Wrangell Ranger District 

Wrangell, Alaska 
 

 

Cover photo: view of Zarembo Island Printed on recycled paper 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its 

programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, 

and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, 

sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or 

part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not 

all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require 

alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, 

audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 

(voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, 

Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 

20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an 

equal opportunity provider and employer.
R-1  ROD 2008 Baht Timber Sale Record of Decision II 

Record of 

Decision II 

Baht Timber Sale 

USDA Forest Service 

Wrangell Ranger District 

Tongass National Forest 

Alaska Region 

Introduction 

The 57,600-acre Baht project area is located on the northern half of Zarembo Island in 

southeast Alaska and is approximately 17 air miles west of Wrangell, Alaska (see ROD II 

Selected Alternative map at the end of this document). Previous timber harvest has taken 

place in the area and there are two existing log transfer facilities (LTFs) with associated 

roads. There are 100 miles of existing road on Zarembo Island but the road system does 

not connect to any community. There are 1,652 acres of State land within the project area 

boundary. Two inventoried roadless areas are partially within the project area boundary. 

This Record of Decision (ROD) documents my decision to implement additional 

activities from the Baht Timber Sale Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) 

published in July 2007. This decision includes harvesting two units partially within 

inventoried roadless areas and augments the Baht Timber Sale Record of Decision signed 

on July 25, 2007. The 2007 decision included only those activities within the roaded 

portion of the project area as identified by the 2003 Forest Plan SEIS. 

This second decision on the Baht Timber Sale is in accordance with the settlement 

agreement for the Natural Defense Resource Council, et al. v. U.S. Forest Service, et al. 

Case No. 1:03-cv-0029-JKS, Case No. 1:04-cv-0010-JKS, Case No. 1:04-cv-0029-JKS, 

and Case No. 1:06-cv-0005-JKS. This settlement agreement states, in part, that: 

“The Forest Service will not sign new records of decision (RODs) or other 

decision documents for timber sales in inventoried roadless areas (as shown in the 

2003 Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for TLMP) or Kuiu 

Island until 30 days after the publication in the Federal Register of the notice of 

availability of the final environmental impact statement (FEIS) for the TLMP 

review process now underway ...”
R-2  ROD 2008 Baht Timber Sale Record of Decision II 

The decision for the 2008 Forest Plan Amendment ROD was signed on January 23, 2008. 

The notice of availability of the Forest Plan Amendment FEIS was placed in the Federal 

Register on February 15, 2008. The effective date for implementation of the 2008 

Forest Plan was March 17, 2008, which was 30 days from this notice. Therefore, this 

decision is allowed at this time. 

Decision 

This decision includes harvesting Unit 3 and Unit 17 and providing the associated road 

access. These units were identified for inclusion in the Selected Alternative for the 

project but were not included in the Record of Decision for the Baht Timber Sale since 

they were partially within inventoried roadless areas. 

In making my decision, I considered and balanced the information in the environmental 

analysis in the Baht Timber Sale Final EIS, including the supporting documentation in the 

project record, as well as agency, tribal, and public comments received on the project 

before making my decision. The decision meets the purpose and need for the project, is 

consistent with the transition language in the 2008 Forest Plan Amendment Record of 

Decision and is responsive to issues raised during scoping, information gathered during 

the environmental analysis, and public and agency comments on the Draft EIS. 

1. This decision includes clearcut, ground-based timber harvest of Units 3 and 17 

from the Baht Timber Sale Final EIS (see ROD II Selected Alternative map at the 

end of this ROD). This decision will harvest approximately 123 acres of 

commercial forest land within these two planned units. Unit design includes the 

acres that are retained for legacy structure as required by the Forest Plan and 

described on the unit cards in Appendix 1. These units will contribute 

approximately 4.3 million board feet of gross volume, including 2.3 million board 

feet of net sawlog volume to the Tongass National Forest timber sale program. 

2. The Selected Alternative includes 2.3 miles of road construction, which will be 

decommissioned after timber sale activities are completed. These roads are 

displayed on the unit cards, Appendix 1. Deep Bay and St. John Bay LTFs may 

be used to transport the timber using barging and/or rafting. 

Reasons for the Decision 

In making my decision, I considered the objectives to meet the Purpose and Need for this 

project as well as the issues and concerns raised during scoping, and comments on the 

Draft EIS. I considered Forest Plan direction relevant to this project and the competing 

interests and values of the public. I considered all viewpoints and incorporated them 

where feasible and consistent with the Purpose and Need of the project. I carefully 

considered the comments of those opposing this project. 

I evaluated the trade-off between resource protection, social values, and timber sale 

economics. The Selected Alternative provides a beneficial mix of resources for the 

public, within a framework of existing laws, regulations, policies, public needs and 

Features of 

this 

Decision 

Record of Decision
R-3  ROD 2008 Baht Timber Sale Record of Decision II 

desires, and the capabilities of the land, while meeting the stated Purpose and Need for 

this project. My decision to implement the Selected Alternative conforms to the Forest 

Plan and National Forest Management Act (NFMA). 

I considered the need to manage this timber resource in order to produce an even-flow of 

sawtimber and other wood products on a sustained yield and economical basis. I 

considered the concerns for economical timber sale offerings and the need to meet annual 

demand for timber. This decision provides an estimated 2.3 MMBF toward meeting 

annual market demand. Potential annualized jobs supported are between nine and 

thirteen. This range of jobs accounts for the variety of options the timber purchasers have 

under the limited interstate shipping policy and export policies. The purchasers may elect 

to process all the sawlogs locally or to ship up to 50 percent of the total sawlog volume of 

all species and 100% of the utility volume to markets which may reduce support for 

sawmilling jobs. For this project, this could be primarily interstate shipment to the lower 

48 of unprocessed Sitka spruce and western hemlock sawlogs that are: a) smaller than 15 

inches in diameter at the small end of a 40-foot log, or b) grade 3 or grade 4 logs of any 

diameter. Currently, western redcedar identified as surplus to Alaska domestic needs 

and all Alaska yellow-cedar may be exported to domestic and foreign markets at the 

purchaser’s options. 

I considered the cumulative watershed effects of this project combined with past harvest. 

Resource conditions remain above established standards and the project design as well as 

implementation guidelines will limit resource effects to acceptable levels. 

I considered the effect to deer winter range and potential for increased fragmentation. 

Although high value deer habitat will be reduced and fragmentation may increase, deer 

habitat capability remains above acceptable levels at 20 deer per square mile. 

I considered the public’s concerns related to subsistence uses, especially of deer. 

Testimony from subsistence hearings was considered in this decision. Through the 

analysis process, it was determined that there would be no significant possibility of a 

significant restriction for subsistence use for any species. 

I considered the effects to scenery. Although scenery was a concern for the portion of the 

project within the Scenic Viewshed LUD, these two units are within the Timber 

Production LUD and meet the adopted Forest Plan Visual Quality Objectives. 

I considered the effects of harvest to roadless area values. Units 3 and 17 are partially 

within inventoried roadless areas. The effects were analyzed and disclosed and are the 

same as those effects displayed for Alternative 2 in the Baht Timber Sale Final EIS. All 

three inventoried roadless areas on Zarembo Island were determined to be lower value 

roadless areas through analysis for the Forest Plan Amendment and are included in Phase 

1 of the Timber Sale Program Adaptive Management Strategy in the 2008 Forest Plan 

Amendment ROD. 

Forest health will improve by removing dwarf mistletoe-infected trees and by creating 

younger, more-vigorous growing forest. Timber volume lost to windthrow will be 

minimized with the use of even-aged management. Long-term productivity, growth, and 

yield would be enhanced. 

Record of Decision
R-4  ROD 2008 Baht Timber Sale Record of Decision II 

In making this decision, I considered the comments received about climate change on the 

2008 Forest Plan Draft EIS and reviewed the analysis in the 2008 Forest Plan 

Amendment Final EIS. That forest-wide analysis discusses the risk of possible effects 

and the considerable uncertainty concerning specific predictions of how the climate may 

change, and even more uncertainty regarding the effects of climate change on the 

resources of the Tongass National Forest. In this context, climate change is not essential 

to a reasoned choice among the alternatives considered in the Baht Timber Sale project 

analysis. The Tongass National Forest will continue to monitor potential effects of 

climate change through the existing Forest Plan monitoring programs, and other studies 

that are happening regionally and nationally. Any needs for a different course of action 

that might affect this decision will be addressed through existing procedures to determine 

whether changes are warranted. 

2008 Forest Plan 

The amendment to the Forest Plan (using the 1982 planning regulations) was completed 

while the Baht Timber Sale project was going through environmental analysis. The Forest 

Plan Amendment DEIS was released in January 2007 and the extended public comment 

period ended on April 30, 2007. The 2008 Forest Plan Amendment was completed with 

the signing of the Record of Decision (ROD) on January 23, 2008, and is effective on 

March 17, 2008. The ROD for the Forest Plan Amendment adopts a Timber Sale 

Program Adaptive Management Strategy, under which portions of the suitable land base 

become available for project-level planning in three phases. The Baht Timber Sale 

project area is within the Phase 1 portion of the suitable land base, which allows 

implementation of this project at this time. 

As stated in the Forest Plan Amendment ROD - “Because this was an amendment of the 

1997 Plan, much of the management direction of the 1997 Plan is carried forward 

relatively unchanged into the amended Forest Plan. Therefore, many existing projects and 

ongoing actions that were consistent with the 1997 Plan will continue to be so with the 

amended Forest Plan.” Although some of the LUD allocations have changed with the 

Forest Plan Amendment ROD, the units and roads in this decision are still within 

development LUDs. The major Forest Plan LUD changes within the Baht project area 

involved changing some of the Scenic Viewshed LUD to the Modified Landscape LUD 

based on updated scenery inventory information. 

The 2008 Forest Plan Amendment ROD also contains transition language for timber sale 

projects that were already being planned. This language identifies three different 

categories of projects, depending on how far along the projects are in the planning 

process. The Baht Timber Sale project is in Category 2, which requires me to review the 

project and incorporate the new direction in the 2008 Forest Plan to the extent this can be 

done without causing major disruptions in the implementation of the project. 

Projects in Category 2 “are consistent with the goals and objectives of the amended 

Plan”. The environmental effects of the Baht Timber Sale project have been disclosed to 

the public through site-specific project-level environmental documents. Projects in 

Category 2 were also assumed to be implemented to the extent that they were consistent 

with the alternative in the environmental analysis of the 2008 Forest Plan Amendment 

Record of Decision
R-5  ROD 2008 Baht Timber Sale Record of Decision II 

Final EIS. “Because the Final EIS considered these projects in its effects analysis, their 

implementation is not in conflict with the amended Plan.” 

The ROD for the 2008 Forest Plan directs me “to review these projects, and incorporate 

the new direction in the amended Forest Plan to the extent this can be done without 

causing major disruptions in the implementation of these projects.” Because the amount 

of work for theses two units will be minimal, I am directing the Wrangell Ranger District 

to incorporate the legacy standard and guideline changes for this decision. The legacy 

standard and guideline applies in VCUs where more than 33 percent of the productive old 

growth forest in the VCU has been harvested from 1954 to 2005, or VCUs where less 

than 33 percent has been harvested but more than 67 percent of the productive old growth 

is projected to be harvested by the end of the Forest Plan planning horizon (these VCUs 

are identified in the 2008 Forest Plan). One of the VCUs (VCU 4570) is within the Baht 

Timber Sale project area and the required structure will be maintained as described in 

Appendix 1 (Unit Cards). 

Another change in the Forest Plan involves the calculation of road density where humancaused wolf mortality has been determined to be the significant contributing factor to 

unsustainable wolf mortality. Although there has been no determination based on wolf 

harvest data for Zarembo Island, total road density was calculated and disclosed in the 

2007 decision for the Baht Timber Sale project. This decision will not change that 

calculation. 

The ROD for the 2008 Forest Plan Amendment also states that Category 2 timber sale 

projects do not require changes to the scenery management program. The 2008 Forest 

Plan and 1997 Forest Plan programs are essentially the same in their environmental 

effects. The change in LUD allocations to Modified Landscape would result in a 

determination of less effect to scenery since the standards for the Modified Landscape 

LUD are less restrictive than those for the Scenic Viewshed LUD. Therefore, scenery 

analysis was not reanalyzed for the Baht Timber Sale project. 

I have determined that the changes made in this decision are not substantial when 

compared to the analysis in the Baht Timber Sale FEIS. The modifications to these two 

units do not substantially change the level of impact on any resource as analyzed in the 

project FEIS (see Tables R-1). Slightly more old-growth habitat will be retained within 

VCU 4570 than displayed in the Baht Final EIS due to the application of the legacy 

standard and guideline within VCU 4570 and the final layout of the units (See Appendix 

1). 

Effects of this decision 

The effects of the Selected Alternative including Units 3 and 17 were discussed in the 

Baht Timber Sale Record of decision signed in July 2007. A discussion that is focused 

on Units 3 and 17, and the associated roads follows: 

Record of Decision
R-6  ROD 2008 Baht Timber Sale Record of Decision II 

Issue 1: Timber harvest in the project area may affect local and regional 

economies. 

The addition of these two units would provide approximately an additional 2.4 million 

board feet from the project area. A financial efficiency analysis of the Selected 

Alternative resulted in an indicated bid value of $142.91/ MBF. This was determined by 

the appraisal method used for the Baht Timber Sale Final EIS. This method, NEAT 

(NEPA Economic Appraisal Tool), is based on Transaction Evidence Appraisal (TEA). 

The actual bid rate and value will be determined through the Residual Value (RV) at the 

time of the sale offer for these units. These two units would provide support for a 

potential annualized nine and thirteen jobs depending on whether some of volume is 

exported or shipped out-of state at the purchaser’s request. 

Issue 2: The cumulative watershed effects of past practices and additional 

timber harvest may adversely affect stream channels in the project area. 

This decision combined with 2007 decision would result in additional harvest and road 

construction in four sensitive watersheds in the Baht project area. Unit 3 is partially 

within the St. Johns Creek and partially within an unnamed coastal watershed. Unit 17 is 

mostly within the MacNamara Creek watershed and the rest is within 52012 Creek 

watershed. St. Johns Creek watershed and 52012 Creek watershed were identified as 

sensitive watersheds in the Baht Timber Sale Final EIS. The additional effects of these 

two units would be minimal. 

Issue 3: Additional harvest in this area may affect deer winter range and 

increase fragmentation of desirable habitat. 

This decision would reduce the amount of the highest-value deer winter range (upper 

quartile of the deer model Habitat Suitability Index [HSI]) by approximately 38 acres. 

Results of the deer model indicate a deer habitat capacity for greater than 20 deer per 

square mile would exist after harvest (the same effects as the 2007 decision). 

This decision would further reduce productive old growth from 30,270 acres to 30,130 

acres. This action would fragment an already fragmented old-growth block (fragmented 

from natural and human causes). This decision would not affect the other two 

productive old-growth blocks. 

Issue 4: Proposed activities occur in the Scenic Viewshed land use 

designation (LUD) of the project area, which already exceeds Forest Plan 

adopted Visual Quality Objectives (VQOs). 

This decision would not increase the effects to the scenery within the Scenic Viewshed 

LUD since both units are within the Timber Production LUD. 

Issue 5: Portions of the public are concerned about entering inventoried 

roadless areas. 

The effects of this decision on inventoried roadless areas would be the same as the 

analysis displayed for Alternative 2 in the Final EIS. Harvest within these inventoried 

roadless areas is allowed at this time since they were included as part of Phase 1 of the 

Tongass Adaptive Management Strategy. The effects would include the harvest of 

approximately 34 acres in Unit 3 and construction of approximately 0.3 mile of 

temporary road in the East Zarembo Roadless Area. For the West Zarembo Roadless 

Area, the effects would include the clearcut harvest of approximately 40 acres in Unit 17 

Record of Decision
R-7  ROD 2008 Baht Timber Sale Record of Decision II 

and no construction of roads in the West Zarembo Roadless Area. No unique 

characteristics as identified by the Roadless Rule would be affected. There will be no 

effect on the South Zarembo Roadless Area. A total estimated 166 acres would no 

longer have roadless characteristics due to roads and timber harvest and its influence to 

the area within 600 feet from roads and 1200 feet from units. 

Other Environmental Consequences 

The effects of the Selected Alternative on air quality, heritage, invasive plants, recreation, 

minerals/geology, socioeconomics, soils, subsistence and wildlife habitat other than deer 

have been analyzed. They are the same or similar to Alternative 6. An analysis of the 

Selected Alternative, including the cumulative effects with other projects, is located in the 

project record. 

Public Involvement 

Public involvement has been instrumental in the process of identifying issues and creating 

alternatives for this project, assisting me in making a more-informed decision for the Baht 

Timber Sale project. Public meetings, Federal Register notices, newspaper ads, 

government-to-government consultation, group and individual meetings, and the Tongass 

National Forest Schedule of Proposed Actions were used to solicit input for this project. 

Notice of Intent (NOI) 

A Notice of Intent (NOI) was published November 10, 2003 in the Federal Register

when it was decided that an EIS was to be completed for the project. A Revised NOI was 

published February 3, 2006 identifying a new Proposed Action. 

A second Revised NOI was published May 15, 2006 to notify the public that this project 

would analyze entry into the inventoried roadless area. A legal notice announcing the 

NOI was published in the Wrangell Sentinel and the Juneau Empire. 

Public Scoping 

In July 2003, a scoping letter was mailed to 147 individuals, organizations, agencies, and 

tribal governments. Comments were received from 13 agencies, individuals and 

organizations. 

In February 2006, an updated scoping letter was sent to the scoping mailing list, 

identifying a new Proposed Action. Comments were received from 16 agencies, 

individuals and organizations. In addition, an open house was held at the Wrangell 

Ranger District to share information about the proposal. 

In May 2006, another updated scoping letter was mailed to the public informing them that 

the proposed harvest would include analysis of entry into inventoried roadless areas. 

Comments were received from three individuals and organizations. 

Availability of Draft EIS for Public Comment 

Availability of the Draft EIS was published November 3, 2006 in the Federal Register

and through legal notices published November 5, 2006 in the Juneau Empire (the 

newspaper of record) and in the Wrangell Sentinel November 9, 2006. The Notice of 

Availability in the Federal Register initiated a 45-day public comment period. The Draft 

Draft EIS 

Record of Decision
R-8  ROD 2008 Baht Timber Sale Record of Decision II 

EIS was mailed to Federal and State agencies, Native and municipal offices, and others 

who requested it. 

Analysis and Incorporation of Public Comment on the Draft EIS 

Three agencies and three organizations submitted written comments on the Draft EIS. 

These comments helped the IDT further define the existing issues, identify any new 

issues, and consider any additional mitigations or options. Public comment and Forest 

Service response to the comments was included in Appendix B of the Final EIS. 

Concerns expressed in public comments are reflected in the issues identified and the 

alternatives developed for the project: economic timber sales, harvest in roadless areas, 

effects to scenery, wildlife habitat, and watersheds 

Subsistence Hearing 

Following publication of the Draft EIS, a subsistence hearing was held in Wrangell on 

May 16, 2007. No members of the public attended the hearing. One written comment 

was received and included with a transcript of the testimony (Appendix C of the Final 

EIS.) 

Final EIS and Record of Decision - 2007 

The Notice of Availability of the Final EIS was published in the Federal Register

(9/14/2007) and through legal notices published in the Juneau Empire (9/14/2007), the 

newspaper of record at that time, and in the Wrangell Sentinel (9/20/2007). The Baht 

Timber Sale Record of Decision, signed on July 25, 2007, included only the roaded 

portion of the Selected Alternative due to the Settlement Agreement. The legal notice 

published in the newspaper of record initiated a 45-day appeal period (36 CFR 215). No 

timely appeals were received. 

Copies of the ROD and the Final EIS were mailed to Federal and State agencies, tribal 

governments, municipal offices, and to those who requested them or responded to the 

Draft EIS. The Final EIS and ROD were also available for review at the Wrangell 

Ranger District Office. 

Record of Decision II 

The legal notice for this Record of Decision will be published in the current newspaper of 

record, Ketchikan Daily News, in Ketchikan, Alaska. The legal notice published in the 

newspaper of record will initiate the 45-day appeal period (36 CFR 215). Also as a 

courtesy, a notice will be published in the Juneau Empire in Juneau, Alaska. 

Coordination with Other Agencies 

The Final EIS identifies the agencies that were informed of and/or involved in the 

planning process (see Distribution List in Chapter 4). 

A biological assessment was prepared and sent to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 

(USFWS) and to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) as part of the Section 7 

consultation under the Endangered Species Act. USFWS and NMFS concurred with the 

findings of “not likely to adversely affect” the federally listed species. The National 

Marine Fisheries Services was also consulted for Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) in 

accordance to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). 

Record of Decision
R-9  ROD 2008 Baht Timber Sale Record of Decision II 

The Alaska Coastal Management Plan (ACMP) consistency review process was initiated 

upon publication of the Draft EIS through the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, 

Office of Project Management and Permitting. 

The State Historic Preservation Officer has been consulted, in accordance with Section 

106 of the NHPA and 36 CFR Part 800. The Forest Service has satisfied the consultation 

process with the State Historic Preservation Officer. Native communities have been 

contacted and public comment encouraged. No effects on known heritage resources are 

anticipated. 

An interagency team of biologists representing the USFWS, Alaska Department of Fish 

and Game (ADF&G), and the Forest Service reviewed small old-growth reserves (OGRs) 

for location and function during the project analyses. The Baht Timber Sale Record of 

Decision (2007) included an amendment to the Forest Plan for the OGR design for VCU 

4560. This design was incorporated with the LUD allocations for the Forest Plan 

Amendment with minor changes made during the interagency biologists’ review of the 

conservation strategy for the Forest Plan Amendment. 

Consultation with Tribal Governments 

The following federally recognized tribal governments and organizations were consulted 

about this project: 

• Wrangell Cooperative Association 

• Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska 

• Sealaska Corporation 

Tribal concerns were considered in the environmental analysis. Tribal consultation does 

not imply that the tribes endorse the proposed action or any of the alternatives. 

Alternatives Considered in the Baht Timber Sale 

Final EIS 

Six alternatives were considered in detail in the Final EIS. Each action alternative is 

consistent with the Forest Plan and the effects are described in Chapters 2 and 3 of the 

Final EIS. Refer to Table 2-1 and 2-2 in the Baht Timber Sale Final EIS for a 

comparison of the effects of the alternatives. 

Alternative 1: The Final EIS included an analysis of the No Action Alternative as 

required by the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations (40 CFR 

1502.14(d)). This alternative represented the existing condition. 

Alternative 2 responded to Issue 4, scenery concerns, by locating all timber harvest units 

within the Timber Production LUD instead of the Scenic Viewshed LUD. 

Alternative 3 responded to Issue 1 by maximizing the amount of timber harvested. 

Record of Decision
R-10  ROD 2008 Baht Timber Sale Record of Decision II 

Alternative 4 responded to Issue 2, cumulative watershed effects, by dispersing harvest 

throughout the project area and minimizing harvest in watersheds with higher sediment 

risk assessments. 

Alternative 5 responded to Issue 3, deer habitat, by reducing the size of created openings 

and using uneven-aged and two-aged management. 

Alternative 6 responded to Issue 5, Roadless Areas, by avoiding all timber harvest and 

roads within the inventoried roadless areas. The Selected Alternative was a modification 

of this alternative and described in the Baht Timber Sale Record of Decision (July 2007). 

Alternatives Considered in this Decision 

Two alternatives were considered in this Baht ROD II decision. Both are consistent with 

the Forest Plan and the effects are described in Chapters 2 and 3 of the Final EIS. 

Alternative 1 - No Action, (no harvest of Units 3 and 17) 

Alternative 2 - Harvest of Units 3 and 17 and construction of associated temporary road.

Environmentally Preferred Alternative 

Alternative 1, the No-action Alternative, would result in no environmental disturbance 

and is therefore the environmentally preferred alternative. 

Mitigations 

The analysis documented in the Baht Timber Sale EIS discloses the possible adverse 

effects of implementing the actions proposed under each alternative. Measures were 

formulated to mitigate or reduce these effects, when needed. These measures were 

applied in the development of the project alternatives and in the design of the harvest 

units and road corridors. The Mitigation Measures section of Chapter 2 of the Baht Final 

EIS, and Appendix 1 (Unit Cards) of this Record of Decision discuss mitigation measures 

for all alternatives. 

Monitoring 

Implementation monitoring will determine how well specific design features or 

mitigation measures work to protect natural resources. Road use during and following 

harvest will be monitored to determine whether closure features are sufficient to preclude 

motorized access. Harvest units will be monitored 3 years after harvest to determine if 

regeneration is successful. 

Record of Decision
R-11  ROD 2008 Baht Timber Sale Record of Decision II 

Findings Required By Law 

Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) of 1980; Section 

810 

Subsistence Evaluation and Findings: A subsistence evaluation was conducted for the six 

alternatives, in accordance with Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act 

(ANILCA) Section 810. An ANILCA 810 subsistence hearing was conducted during the 

comment period for the Draft EIS. The hearing transcript was published as Appendix C 

of the Final EIS. 

This evaluation indicates that the potential foreseeable effects from the Selected 

Alternative will not have a significant possibility of a significant restriction of subsistence 

uses for deer, bear, furbearers, marine mammals, waterfowl, salmon, other finfish, 

shellfish, and other foods such as berries and roots (see Chapter 3, Subsistence section, in 

the Baht Timber Sale Final EIS). 

Bald Eagle Protection Act 

This decision will comply with the Bald Eagle Protection Act. No eagle nests have been 

found within or adjacent to these two units. Protective measures are not required for this 

project at this time. 

Clean Air Act of 1970 (as amended) 

Emissions from the implementation of the Selected Alternative will be of short duration 

and are not expected to exceed State of Alaska ambient air quality standards (18 AAC 

50). 

Clean Water Act (1977, as amended) 

Project activities meet all applicable State of Alaska Water Quality Standards. Congress 

intended the Clean Water Act of 1972 (Public Law 92-500) as amended in 1977 (Public 

Law 95-217) and 1987 (Public Law 100-4) to protect and improve the quality of water 

resources and maintain their beneficial uses. Section 313 of the Clean Water Act and 

Executive Order 12088 of January 23, 1987 addresses Federal agency compliance and 

consistency with water pollution control mandates. Agencies must be consistent with 

requirements that apply to "any governmental entity" or private person. Compliance is to 

be in line with "all Federal, State, interstate, and local requirements, administrative 

authority, and process and sanctions respecting the control and abatement of water 

pollution." 

The Clean Water Act (Sections 208 and 319) recognized the need for control strategies 

for nonpoint source pollution. The National Nonpoint Source Policy (December 12, 

1984), the Forest Service Nonpoint Strategy (January 29, 1985), and the USDA Nonpoint 

Source Water Quality Policy (December 5, 1986) provide a protection and improvement 

emphasis for soil and water resources and water-related beneficial uses. Soil and water 

conservation practices (BMPs) are recognized as the primary control mechanisms for 

nonpoint source pollution on National Forest System lands. The EPA supports this 

perspective in their guidance, "Nonpoint Source Controls and Water Quality Standards" 

(August 19, 1987). 

Findings 

Record of Decision
R-12  ROD 2008 Baht Timber Sale Record of Decision II 

The Forest Service must apply BMPs that are consistent with the Alaska Forest 

Resources and Practices Act (AFRPA) to achieve Alaska Water Quality Standards. The 

site-specific application of BMPs, with a monitoring and feedback mechanism, is the 

approved strategy for controlling nonpoint source pollution as defined by Alaska’s 

Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Strategy (2007). In 1997, the State approved the 

BMPs in the Forest Service Soil and Water Conservation Handbook (FSH 2509.22, 

October 1996) as consistent with AFRPA. This handbook is incorporated into the Forest 

Plan. 

A discharge of dredge or fill material from normal silvicultural activities such as 

harvesting for the production of forest products is exempt from Section 404 permitting 

requirements in waters of the United States, including wetlands (404(f)(1)(A). Forest 

roads qualify for this exemption only if they are constructed and maintained in 

accordance with BMPs to assure that flow and circulation patterns and chemical and 

biological characteristics of the waters are not impaired (404)(f)(1)(E). The BMPs that 

must be followed are specified in 33 CFR 323.4(a). These specific BMPs are 

incorporated into the Soil and Water Conservation Handbook under BMP 12.5. 

The design of harvest units for the Selected Alternative will follow the standards, 

guidelines and direction in the Forest Plan and applicable Forest Service Manuals and 

Handbooks. The unit cards (ROD Appendix 1) contains specific details on practices 

prescribed to prevent or reduce nonpoint sediment sources.

Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) of 1972 (as amended) 

The Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, while specifically excluding 

Federal lands from the coastal zone, requires that Federal agency activities be consistent 

with the enforceable policies of the State coastal management program to the maximum 

extent practicable when the activities affect the coastal zone. The Forest Service made a 

determination that the Baht Timber Sale project will affect the coastal zone, and will be 

carried out in a manner that is consistent to the maximum extent practicable with the 

enforceable policies of the Alaska Coastal Management Program. The Office of Project 

Management and Permitting, now the Division of Ocean and Coastal Management, of the 

Alaska Department of Natural Resources reviewed and concurred with that determination 

(December 11, 2006). 

Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973 (as amended) 

The Selected Alternative is not likely to adversely affect any threatened or endangered 

species in or outside the project area. Consultations with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife 

Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service have been conducted, and these 

agencies have concurred that the proposed project is not likely to affect any threatened or 

endangered species. A complete biological assessment is included in the project record. 

Federal Cave Resource Protection Act of 1988 

No cave resources have been documented in the project area and no caves were 

discovered during fieldwork done for this analysis. 

Forest Service Transportation Final Administrative Policy (Roads Rule) 

The Baht Timber Sale Final EIS and this ROD are prepared to be consistent with the 

Forest Service Transportation Final Administrative Policy and the Tongass National 

Record of Decision
R-13  ROD 2008 Baht Timber Sale Record of Decision II 

Forest Level Road Analysis (January 2003), the Zarembo Island Roads Analysis (July 

2005) and the decision on the Wrangell Ranger District Access Travel Management 

environmental analysis (August 2007). The Baht Timber Sale Record of Decision (July 

2007) included the determination that the Baht road system is “the minimum road system 

needed for safe and efficient travel and for administration, utilization, and protection of 

National Forest System lands" (36 CFR 212.5). This determination is not affected by 

this decision since the roads in this decision will be decommissioned after timber sale 

activities are complete. 

Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act 

The potential effects of the project on Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) are discussed in 

Chapter 3 of the Baht Timber Sale Final EIS. This discussion includes reference to the 

Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries Conservation Act that requires the Forest Service to consult 

with the National Marine Fisheries Service on projects that may affect EFH. It also 

includes a description of the EFH in the project area, a description of the proposed 

activities, and a description of the mitigation measures that will be protect these essential 

habitats. 

According to the agreement between the Forest Service and the National Marine Fisheries 

Service on the method to complete EFH consultation using National Environmental 

Policy Act Procedures (August 2000), the Baht Timber Sale Draft EIS (October 2006) 

was provided to the National Marine Fisheries Service to formally initiate the 

consultation process. NMFS concurred with the findings that the Baht Timber Sale may 

adversely affect EFH because of cumulative effects of past harvest and submitted 

recommendations. These factors were considered in evaluating the potential effects of 

the Selected Alternative on EFH. 

1. Forest Plan Standards and Guidelines for process group riparian buffers are 

applied in all instances on Class I, II, and III streams. 

2. BMPs described in the unit and road cards provide assurance of water quality and 

aquatic habitat protection for all freshwater streams and marine waters affected by 

the project. 

3. All acres of slopes greater than 72 percent proposed for harvest have been field 

reviewed by professional soil scientists who determined harvest of these slopes 

could be accomplished with no damage to other resources. 

4. Recent maintenance on roads and facilities has improved sediment control near 

the Deep Bay and Roosevelt Harbors. 

5. Correction of pipes that impede fish passage has occurred and will continue to 

occur as funding is available. 

Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 

Actions authorized in the Selected Alternative will not have a direct, indirect, or 

cumulative effect on marine mammals. Marine mammal viewing guidelines administered 

by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and enforced by the Coast Guard are 

sufficient for their protection. NMFS administers the Marine Mammal Protection Act 

(MMPA), which prohibits the “take” of all marine mammal species in U.S. waters. 

Record of Decision
R-14  ROD 2008 Baht Timber Sale Record of Decision II 

“Take” is defined as “to harass, hunt, capture, or kill, or attempt to harass, hunt, capture, 

or kill any marine mammal.” Harassment is defined in the MMPA as “any act of pursuit, 

torment, or annoyance which has the potential to injure a marine mammal or marine 

mammal stock in the wild; or has the potential to disturb a marine mammal stock in the 

wild by causing disruption of behavior patterns, including, but not limited to, migration, 

breathing, nursing, breeding, feeding, or sheltering.” 

National Forest Management Act (NFMA) of 1976 

The National Forest Management Act (NFMA) requires specific determinations in the 

Record of Decision: consistency with existing Forest Plans and FSM 2410.3, R10 Supp. 

2400-2002-1 (5/7/2002), a determination of clearcutting as the optimal method of 

harvesting, if used, and specific authorizations to create openings over 100 acres in size. 

Information and rationale used to develop unit prescriptions is shown on unit cards 

(Appendix 1 of the ROD), in Chapter 3 of the Final EIS, and in the project record. 

Clearcutting as the Optimal Method of Harvesting

The Forest Plan provides guidance on when to use even-aged management. Clearcutting 

(an even-aged method) is used in this project to preclude or minimize the occurrence of 

potentially adverse impacts from windthrow. It is applied where windthrow potential is 

moderate to high. Clearcutting is also used to minimize mistletoe infestations, logging 

damage or other factors affecting forest health. Specific information and rationale for use 

of this prescription is shown in the silvicultural prescriptions (which are a part of the 

project record), in the introduction to the unit cards and in the individual unit cards (ROD 

Appendix 1), and in Chapter 3 of the Baht Timber Sale Final EIS. Where used, this 

prescription has been deemed optimal related to site-specific considerations as described 

above. 

Harvest Openings Over 100 Acres in Size

The Baht Timber Sale project complies with all resource integration and management 

requirements of 36 CFR 219 (219.14 through 219.27), through application of Forest Plan 

Standards and Guidelines at the project level. No openings in excess of 100 acres are 

planned. Specific NFMA findings pertaining to silvicultural systems are included in 

Chapter 3 of the Baht Timber Sale Final EIS and the project record. 

National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966 (as amended) 

I have determined that there will be no effects on historic properties listed in or eligible 

for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Heritage resource surveys of 

various intensities were conducted in the analysis area in accordance with the Regional 

Inventory Strategy. By following the provisions of the Programmatic Agreement signed 

July 29, 2002 between the Forest Service, Alaska State Historic Preservation Officer, and 

the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, this action complies with Section 106 of 

the National Historic Preservation Act. 

Tongass Timber Reform Act (TTRA) of 1990 

Forest Plan Riparian Standards and Guidelines apply to the Selected Alternative and no 

commercial timber harvest will occur within 100 feet of any Class I stream or any Class 

II stream flowing directly into a Class I stream, as required in Section 103 of the TTRA. 

The design and implementation direction for the Selected Alternative incorporates best 

Record of Decision
R-15  ROD 2008 Baht Timber Sale Record of Decision II 

management practices (BMPs) and Forest Plan Standards and Guidelines for the 

protection of all stream classes. 

Executive Orders 

Executive Order 11988 (Floodplains) 

Executive Order 11988 directs Federal agencies to take action to avoid, to the extent 

possible, the long- and short-term adverse effects associated with the occupancy and 

modification of floodplains. The project design and the application of BMPs and Forest 

Plan Riparian Standards and Guidelines combine to avoid effects on floodplains. 

Executive Order 11990 (Wetlands) 

Executive Order 11990 requires Federal agencies to avoid, to the extent possible, the 

long- and short-term adverse effects associated with the destruction or modification of 

wetlands. Techniques and practices required by the Forest Service serve to maintain the 

wetland attributes including values and functions. No wetlands will be affected by these 

project activities. 

Executive Order 12898 (Environmental Justice) 

Executive Order 12898 directs Federal agencies to state clearly in the EIS whether a 

disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental impact on minority 

populations, low-income populations, or Indian tribes is likely to result from the proposed 

action and any alternatives. The Executive Order specifically directs agencies to consider 

patterns of subsistence hunting and fishing when an agency action may affect fish or 

wildlife. The issue of environmental justice has been addressed in the Subsistence 

section in Chapter 3 of the Baht Timber Sale Final EIS. Environmental justice was not 

identified as an issue for the project because: 1) No communities were identified as being 

adversely affected in this area. 2) None of the alternatives would have a 

disproportionately high and adverse effect on the health of the environment of the 

minority or low-income populations that use the Baht Timber Sale area. 

Executive Order 12962 (Aquatic Systems, Recreational Fisheries) 

Executive Order 12962 requires Federal agencies to evaluate the effects of proposed 

activities on aquatic systems and recreational fisheries. The Selected Alternative 

minimizes the effects on aquatic systems through project design, application of standards 

and guidelines, BMPs, and site-specific mitigation measures. In the Selected Alternative, 

recreational fishing opportunities would remain essentially the same because aquatic 

habitats are protected through implementation of BMPs and riparian buffers. 

Executive Order 13007 (Indian Sacred Sites) 

Executive Order 13007, Indian Sacred Sites, provides presidential direction to Federal 

agencies to give consideration to the protection of American Indian sacred sites and allow 

access where feasible. In a government-to-government relationship, the tribal 

government is responsible for notifying the agency of the existence of a sacred site. A 

sacred site is defined as a site that has sacred significance due to established religious 

beliefs or ceremonial uses, and which has a specific, discrete, and delineated location that 

has been identified by the tribe. Tribal governments or their authorized representatives 

have not identified any specific sacred site locations in the project area.

Record of Decision
R-16  ROD 2008 Baht Timber Sale Record of Decision II 

Executive Order 13175 (Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal 

Governments) 

Executive Order 13175 directs Federal agencies to respect tribal self-government, 

sovereignty, and tribal rights, and to engage in regular and meaningful government-togovernment consultation with tribes on proposed actions with tribal implications. The 

Forest Service consulted with the local tribe during the planning stages of the project as 

previously noted in Consultation with Tribal Governments and Agencies. 

Executive Order 13186 (Migratory Birds) 

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 (amended in 1936 and 1972) prohibits the taking 

of migratory birds, unless authorized by the Secretary of Interior. The law provides the 

primary mechanism to regulate waterfowl hunting seasons and bag limits, but its scope is 

not just limited to waterfowl. Over 100 species of birds migrate from other states and 

countries to Alaska to breed, nest, and fledge their young. Most of these birds fly to 

interior or northern Alaska and only pass through the project area on the way to their 

breeding grounds. The migratory species that may stay in the area utilize most, if not all, 

of the habitats described in the analysis for breeding, nesting, and raising their young. 

The effects on these habitats were analyzed for this project. 

The Selected Alternative will not have a significant direct, indirect, or cumulative effect 

on any migratory bird species for this project area. There may be direct minor effects on 

individuals or small groups and their nests from the harvest of timber or the disturbance 

caused by harvest activities. 

Implementation Process 

Implementation of this decision may occur no sooner than 50 days following publication 

of the legal notice of the decision in the Ketchikan Daily News, published in Ketchikan, 

Alaska. 

Timber harvest activities in the project area will take place on lands found suitable for 

timber production under provisions of the National Forest Management Act. The timber 

may be offered in one or more sales. 

This project will be implemented in accordance with Forest Service Manual (FSM) and 

Forest Service Handbook (FSH) direction for Timber Sale Project Implementation in 

FSM 2430 and FSH 2409.18. This direction provides a bridge between project planning 

and implementation and will ensure execution of the actions, environmental standards, 

and mitigations approved by this decision, and compliance with the TTRA and other 

laws. All applicable best management practices (BMPs) will be applied to the Selected 

Alternative. 

Implementation of all activities authorized by this Record of Decision will be monitored 

to ensure that they are carried out as planned and described in the Final EIS. 

Appendix 1 to this Record of Decision contains the unit cards. These cards are an 

integral part of this decision because they document the specific resource concerns, 

management objectives, and mitigation measures to govern the layout of the harvest units 

Record of Decision
R-17  ROD 2008 Baht Timber Sale Record of Decision II 

and construction of roads. These cards will be used during the implementation process to 

assure that all aspects of the project are implemented within applicable standards and 

guidelines and that resource effects will not be greater than those described in the Baht 

Timber Sale Final EIS. Similar cards will document any changes to the planned layout, 

which may occur during implementation. 

The implementation record for this project will display: 

• Each harvest unit, transportation facility, and other project components as actually 

implemented, 

• Any proposed changes to the design, location, standards and guidelines, or other 

mitigation measures for the project, and 

• Authorization of the proposed changes. 

Process for Change during Implementation 

Proposed changes to the authorized project actions will be subject to the requirements of 

the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the National Forest Management Act of 

1976, the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, the Tongass Timber Reform 

Act, the Coastal Zone Management Act, and other laws concerning such changes. 

In determining whether and what kind of NEPA action is required for changes during 

implementation, the Forest Supervisor will consider the criteria in the Code of Federal 

Regulations (40 CFR 1502.9(c)), and Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 1909.15, sec. 18 to 

determine whether to supplement an existing environmental impact statement. The 

Forest Supervisor will determine whether the proposed change is a substantial change to 

the Selected Alternative as planned and already approved, and whether the change is 

relevant to environmental concerns. Connected or interrelated changes to particular areas 

or specific activities and cumulative effects will be considered together in making this 

determination. 

Minor changes are expected during implementation to better meet on-site resource 

management and protection objectives. Minor adjustments to unit boundaries are also 

likely during final layout for the purpose of improving logging system efficiency. This 

will usually entail adjusting the boundary to coincide with logical logging setting 

boundaries. Changes made during implementation will be reviewed, documented, and 

approved by the Responsible Official. 

Record of Decision

.!

!.

St Johns Creek

Mete r Bight Creek

St Johns

Hbr

Baht Hbr

Meter Big

ht

Cove

Fritter

Roosevelt

Hbr

Deep

Bay

Baht

Little Hbr

6590

6590

6590

52019

52023

6599

52022

6592

6590

52009

52010

6590

6585

6592

52001

6590

52000

52031

52011

6593

52021

52020

52030

52

52002

014

52024

6590

6588

6590

52015

52012

6593

6588

52016 52006

6578

659

52005 0

6585

6594

6597

52003

52007

6590

6590

6590

52019

52023

6599

52022

6592

6590

52009

52010

6590

6585

6592

52001

6590

52000

52031

52011

6593

52021

52020

52030

52

52002

014

52024

6590

6588

6590

52015

52012

6593

6588

52016 52006

6578

659

52005 0

6585

6594

6597

52003

52007

Zarembo

Lk

Middle

Craig Pt

ZAREMBO ISLAND

23

26 27 28 29

1

3

4 5

5

17

13

12

6592

30

32

22

31

6

7

8

VCU

4570

VCU

4590

VCU

4560

VCU

4580

1500

1000

500

2000

1500

1500

500 1500 1500

500

2000

500

1500

500

500

2000

500

1000

1000

500

1500

500

1000

2000

1000

1000

1500

2000

1000

1000

500

1000

1000

1500

1000

1500

500

1500

1500

1500

1500

1000

500

1000

1000

500

1000

1000

500

1500

500

2000

Project Area Boundary

State Land

!. LTFs

Water

VCUs

Streams

Productive Old Growth

NFS Roads

Decommissioned Roads

Planned Temporary Road ROD II (2008)

Planned NFS Road ROD (2007)

Planned Temporary Road ROD (2007)

Planned Units ROD (2007)

Selected Units ROD II (2008)

Existing Managed Stands

0 0.5 1 2 3

®

Miles

Baht Timber Sale FEIS

ROD II

Selected Alternative

!

!

Baht Study Area

Wrangell

1-1  Unit Cards – APPENDIX 1 2008 Baht Timber Sale Record of Decision II 

Appendix 1 

Unit Cards 

Appendix 1, Unit Cards, is used to explain site-specific information about each 

unit and any resource concerns and mitigations. Narrative cards and maps for 

each unit in this Record of Decision are in numerical order and describe the 

silvicultural prescription, resource concerns, and protection or mitigation 

measures for each unit. 

The section of this introduction, Harvest Treatments, explains the stand 

description and harvest treatments for this entry. The next section, Resource 

Concerns and Responses, summarizes how protection measures can be used for 

resource concerns. These protection measures can be either from the Forest 

Plan or project-specific. 

Each unit card narrative has a header block with information used to describe in 

general the stand’s size, location, and volume proposed for harvest. Each 

header block contains the following information: 

Unit Number: This is the number assigned to the unit block during the 

Logging Systems and Transportation Analysis development. 

Unit Acres: This is an estimate of total planned acres within the unit using 

aerial photos, GIS information and preliminary field reconnaissance. 

Modifications were made during the environmental analysis to the original 

LSTA unit boundary. 

Traversed Acres: This is the number of acres of the unit as identified on the 

ground during intensive field reconnaissance which included measurement of 

the proposed harvest boundary. 

Estimated Net Timber Volume: This is the estimated usable volume in board 

feet within the unit. This was derived from a cruise done in 2007. 

Volume Strata Acres: This is the approximate number of unit acres by 

volume strata as explained in the Baht Timber Sale Final EIS Chapter 3 

Silviculture section. 

Existing Stand Condition: This is the developmental stage of the physical 

and temporal distribution of trees and other plants in a forested area. 

Silvicultural Prescription: This provides detailed direction about the 

methods, techniques, timing, and monitoring of vegetative treatments. 

Unit Card Header 

Information 
1-2  Unit Cards – APPENDIX 1 2008 Baht Timber Sale Record of Decision II 

Harvest Treatments 

Silvicultural systems refer to a complete set of treatments used to manage 

forest stands and forest landscapes over long periods of time. This process 

includes the harvest or regeneration of the stand, intermediate cuttings, and 

other treatments necessary for the development and replacement of the forest 

stand. 

Silvicultural systems are applied through prescriptions, the written records of 

the examination, diagnosis, and treatment regimes prescribed for the stand. 

A silvicultural diagnosis/prescription has been written for each unit. These 

provide guidance for treatments following this proposed timber harvest, 

including regeneration and thinning through the entire rotation. 

Silvicultural prescriptions include these unit cards plus the sale layout and 

marking guidelines that will be completed for each of the timber harvest units. 

Minor changes are expected during implementation to better meet on-site 

resource management and protection objectives. Minor adjustments to unit 

boundaries are also likely during final layout for the purpose of improving 

logging system efficiency or for site conditions. 

These cards will be used during the implementation process to assure that all 

aspects of the project are implemented within applicable standards and 

guidelines. If needed, during sale implementation, an interdisciplinary team 

will discuss any changes. Subsequent analysis and supplements to the EIS may 

be needed, as determined by the Responsible Official. Similar cards will be 

used to document any changes to the planned layout as the actual layout and 

harvest of the units occur with project implementation. 

Even-aged Management (Clearcut) 

All merchantable trees will be harvested. The objectives of this system are to 

create a fast-growing stand of trees to maximize wood fiber production, 

favorable timber sale harvest economics and logging feasibility. These stands 

would regenerate into a mostly single-aged stand. Where this treatment is 

recommended, it has been determined that it is optimum for the site and the 

created openings would not exceed 100 acres, to be in compliance with the 

National Forest Management Act. The harvest action chosen to achieve this 

treatment is clearcutting. Even-aged management will result in the conversion 

of mature stands to faster-growing stands of a single age. The post-harvest 

conditions of the forest stand for all systems will be dependent upon the 

existing plant community, the retained canopy structure, and advanced 

regeneration. 

Silvicultural 

Systems 
1-3  Unit Cards – APPENDIX 1 2008 Baht Timber Sale Record of Decision II 

Resource Concerns and Responses 

Wildlife - Legacy Standard and Guideline 

This standard and guideline was incorporated with the decision on the Forest 

Plan Amendment (January 2008). The intent of the legacy standard and 

guideline is to ensure that sufficient legacy forest structure is maintained 

indefinitely within the Value Comparison Unit (VCU) to provide the matrix 

functions of the conservation strategy. Legacy forest structure shall be 

representative of the existing old-growth stand within the unit, including age, 

size class, species composition, and structural components. The Baht Project 

Area is partially within VCU 4570, which is one of the VCUs identified to have 

legacy forest structure left within 30% of the area of the original LSTA unit 

boundary. The number of acres to be retained are based on the original LSTA 

unit boundary prior to field verification and listed on each unit card. 

Information about how the areas retained for legacy structure were identified 

and maps showing these areas are in the project record 

Riparian Management Areas 

Forest Plan Standards and Guidelines and BMP 12.6 direct the design of 

riparian management areas (RMAs) associated with each stream in the project 

area. The standards and guidelines prohibit programmed commercial timber 

harvest in RMAs associated with all Class I, Class II, and Class III streams, 

except for right-of-way clearing for road construction. RMAs vary in width 

from the edge of the stream channel according to process group (Table A1-1) 

and stream value class (Table A1-2). 

Unit card maps show the location of all streams and the associated RMAs. 

RMA widths are described in the unit card narratives. Unit card narratives also 

prescribe the location and width of reasonable assurance of windfirmess 

(RAW) buffers for protecting RMAs, except where windthrow potential is low 

(BMP 12.6a). 

Best Management Practices 

Best management practices are fully described in FSH 2509.22. Many are 

translated into timber harvest and road contract provisions to ensure 

implementation during contract inspection. Other best management practices 

are used after the contract is completed to ensure resource protection. 

Log yarding practices are based on slope stability, soil disturbance, stream 

class. Additional measures are taken to protect streams from possible 

disturbance associated with tree falling and yarding according to BMP 13.16. 

Timber contract provisions guide tree falling and yarding near stream courses. 

Trees near Class IV streams are felled away from the stream whenever feasible 

and logging debris introduced into Class IV streams is removed. Suspension 

requirements are used to minimize soil erosion, mass movement, and formation 

of new channels (BMP 13.9) 
1-4  Unit Cards – APPENDIX 1 2008 Baht Timber Sale Record of Decision II 

Temporary roads and associated erosion control, including decommissioning 

practices, are subject to timber sale contract provisions (BMP 13.14, 13.16, 

14.7, 14.18). 

The Tongass National Forest defines stream channel types according to the 

Channel Type User Guide (USDA Forest Service, 1992), the foundation upon 

which aquatic habitat management prescriptions are developed. Table A1-1 

shows the Forest Plan codes used on the unit card narratives. Only the channel 

types found in timber harvest units are listed. 

Stream classes are also used to define appropriate RMAs and protection 

measures. Stream classes are defined in Table A1-2. 

Table A1-1 

Channel Types In or Adjacent to Proposed Harvest Units 

Process Group 

Channel 

Type 

Code 

Channel Type Description 

FP3 Narrow Low Gradient Flood Plain Channel 

Floodplain FP4 Low Gradient Flood Plain Channel 

HC1 Shallowly Incised Muskeg Channel 

HC2 Shallowly to Moderately Incised Footslope Channel 

HC3 Deeply Incised Upper Valley Channel 

HC5 Shallowly Incised Very High Gradient Channel 

High Gradient Contained 

HC6 Deeply Incised Mountain Slope Channel 

MM1 Narrow Mixed Control Channel 

Moderate Gradient/Mixed Control MM2 Moderate Width Mixed Control Channel 

Process Groups 

and Stream 

Classes 
1-5  Unit Cards – APPENDIX 1 2008 Baht Timber Sale Record of Decision II 

Table A1-2 

Stream Value Classes 

Stream Value 

Class Criteria 

Class I 

Streams and lakes with anadromous or adfluvial fish or fish habitat; or high quality 

resident fish waters, or habitat above fish migration barriers known to be reasonable 

enhancement opportunities for anadromous fish. 

Class II 

Streams and lakes with resident fish or fish habitat and generally steep (6-25 percent 

or higher) gradient (can also include streams with a 0-6 percent gradient) where no 

anadromous fish occur, and otherwise not meeting Class I criteria. 

Class III 

Streams are perennial and intermittent streams that have no fish populations or fish 

habitat, but have sufficient flow or sediment and debris transport to directly influence 

downstream water quality or fish habitat capability. For streams less than 30 percent 

gradient, special care is needed to determine if resident fish are present. 

Class IV 

Other intermittent, ephemeral, and small perennial channels with insufficient flow or 

sediment transport capabilities to have immediate influence on downstream water 

quality or fish habitat capability. Class IV streams do not have the characteristics of 

Class I, II, or III streams and have a bankfull width of at least 0.3 meter (1 foot). 

All identified heritage resources are not in the vicinity of the timber harvest 

units and temporary roads. If any sites are discovered during implementation, 

the Forest Service will fulfill its consultation requirements as described in 

Chapter 3 of the Baht Timber Sale Final EIS. 

PCT: Precommercial thinning 

TPA: Trees per acre 

BA: Basal Area. The cross-sectional area of a tree trunk measured in square 

inches, usually at the DBH. On the unit cards, this measurement is in square 

feet per acre. 

DBH: Diameter breast height. The width of a plant stem (for instance, tree 

trunk) as measured at 4.5 feet above the ground surface. 

Heritage 

Resources 

Acronyms Used 

in the Unit Cards 
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3A

3B

1970

1973

3

6590

MM1

MM2

PA5

FP

FP4

HC1

ES3

ES2

HC2

LC2

MM1

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2008 ROD Unit

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Traversed Unit

Inventoried Roadless Area

Riparian Management Area

TTRA Buffers

NFS Road

Decommissioned Road

Proposed Temporary Road

Lakes and Saltwater

Existing Managed Stands

Stream Class

! ! ! ! ! ! I

! ! ! ! ! ! II

! ! ! ! ! ! III

! ! ! ! ! ! ! IV

3

0 500 1,000 Feet

Baht Timber Sale ROD II Unit 3

Last updated: May 23, 2008

1-6 - Unit Cards -- APPENDIX 1 2008 Baht Timber Sale Record of Decision II
Unit Data Card – Baht Timber Sale Record of Decision II 

1-7  Unit Cards – APPENDIX 1 2008 Baht Timber Sale Record of Decision II 

Volume Strata Acres: Unit Number: 3 

High: 

Medium: 

Low: 

24 

37 

 3 

Unit Acres:

Traversed Acres:

 

64 

53 

Estimated 

Net Volume/unit:

886 

MBF 

Unit Development and Stand Description: 

Even-aged stand structure dominated by western hemlock approximately 200 years old. Some older relic 

western redcedar survived from the previous disturbance and represent the largest trees in the stand. Alaska 

yellow-cedar and younger hemlock and spruce make up the midstory. The stand is fully stocked with 263 TPA 

(139 TPA > 9” DBH) and 267 sq. ft. BA/acre. Species composition is approximately 12% Sitka spruce, 78% 

western hemlock, 7% western redcedar, and 3% Alaska yellow-cedar. Net-volume growth is static or declining 

due to a high level of dwarf mistletoe infection, decay, and mortality. The risk of windthrow is moderate for this 

stand. Even-aged systems are appropriate regeneration methods. 

Stand Management Objectives: 

Contribute to even-flow sustained yield of timber resources and create stand of healthy vigorously growing trees 

with a diverse species mix as directed for the TM LUD in the Forest Plan. Regenerate the stand using clearcut 

with reserve trees present and natural regeneration. A reasonable assurance for windfirmness (RAW) buffer will 

be located approximately 130 feet beyond the RMA buffer with the objective of creating windfirmness. Within the 

RAW buffer, wind-resistant trees will be selected for retention via marking during layout. Larger windthrow-prone 

trees will be targeted for removal, particularly spruce and hemlock. Lay out unit to windfirm boundaries and 

monitor unit for windthrow. Promptly salvage significant windthrow when economical and feasible. No salvage 

will occur in RMAs. Avoid damage to regeneration with salvage operations. Evaluate stand for PCT in year-15 

for possible treatment in year-20. Favor cedars and spruce in PCT operations. 

Fisheries and Water Quality: 

Concern: A Class I stream is near the south unit boundary. This stream reach is a combination of Moderate 

Mixed Control (MM) and Flood Plain (FP) channels. 

Mitigation: No commercial timber harvest is within 100 feet of this Class I stream as identified in the field. No 

commercial timber harvest that counts towards the ASQ is allowed within the riparian management area (greatest 

of floodplain, riparian vegetation or soils, riparian associated wetland fens, or 130 feet (the height of one sitepotential tree). Manage a 130 feet beyond the RMA buffer (area 3B on map) to provide for a reasonable 

assurance of windfirmness of the riparian management area. Riparian trees felled for tailholds must be left in 

place. A watershed or fisheries specialist assisted with the layout of stream and RAW buffers. (BMPs 12.6, 

12.6a, and 13.16) 

Soils:

Concern: Soil compaction and loss of soil productivity from shovel equipment.

Mitigation: Require use of slash to support shovel equipment. (BMP 13.9) 

Wildlife: 

Concern: Unit is within a VCU where legacy forest structure needs to be retained to meet the Forest Plan 

Standard and Guideline. 

Mitigation: Leave 30% (based on area) of the LSTA unit (70 acres) in legacy forest structure. The traversed 

unit meets this standard and guideline. The RAW buffer (3B) is included in this calculation since the remaining 

structure maintains old-growth characteristics. 

Scenery: No concerns. 

Layout and Contract:

Concern: North edge of unit does NOT border to the existing clearcut in all areas due to 1,000’ beach buffer. 

Mitigation: Unit as traversed avoided the beach buffer. 

Road Access needed: Build 0.9 mile of temporary road. Road will be decommisssioned.
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1979

1979

1989

17

52012

FP3

HC2

HC5

PA1

MM1

MC1

HC2

HC2

HC2

HC2

H

C5

2008 ROD Unit

¤¤¤¤

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Traversed Unit

Inventoried Roadless Area

Riparian Management Area

TTRA Buffers

NFS Road

Decommissioned Road

Proposed Temporary Road

Lakes and Saltwater

Existing Managed Stands

Stream Class

! ! ! ! ! ! I

! ! ! ! ! ! II

! ! ! ! ! ! III

! ! ! ! ! ! ! IV

3

0 500 1,000 Feet

Baht Timber Sale ROD II Unit 17

Last updated: May 23, 2008

1-8 - Unit Cards -- APPENDIX 1 2008 Baht Timber Sale Record of Decision II
Unit Data Card – Baht Timber Sale Record of Decision II 

1-9  Unit Cards – APPENDIX 1 2008 Baht Timber Sale Record of Decision II 

Volume Strata Acres: Unit Number: 17 

High: 

Medium: 

Low: 

67 

12 

21 

Unit Acres:

Traversed Acres:

 

100 

77 

Estimated 

Net Volume/unit:

1473 

MBF 

Unit Development and Stand Description: 

Wind-influenced stand with multiple canopy layers. The overstory is composed of western hemlock, Alaska 

yellow-cedar, and Sitka spruce. The midstory is composed of Alaska yellow-cedar and western hemlock. 

Hemlock dominates the understory. The stand is fully stocked with 308 TPA (196 TPA > 9” DBH) and 293 sq. ft. 

BA/acre. Species composition is approximately 52% hemlock, 5% Sitka spruce, and 43% Alaska yellow-cedar. 

Net-volume growth is static or declining due to high levels of dwarf mistletoe infection and decay fungi. The risk of 

windthrow is high. Even-aged systems are appropriate regeneration methods for this stand. 

 

Stand Management Objectives: 

Contribute to even-flow sustained yield of timber resources and create stand of vigorously growing trees with a 

diverse species mix as directed for the TM LUD in the Forest Plan. Regenerate the stand using the clearcut 

method with natural regeneration. Lay out unit to windfirm boundaries. No salvage will occur in RMAs. Evaluate 

stand for PCT in year-15 for possible treatment in year-20. Favor cedars and spruce in PCT operations.

Fisheries and Water Quality: 

Concern: There is a Class II (HC2) stream located along the southern unit boundary. 

Mitigation: Provide at least a 100-foot no-harvest buffer adjacent to this stream. Consult a water quality or 

fisheries specialist for implementation of buffers during unit layout. No RAW buffer is required, due to prevailing 

wind direction. Additional stream flagging and inventory will be necessary during layout. (BMP 13.16) 

Concern: Temporary road has Class II crossing and segment of road in RMA area. 

Mitigation: An adequate fish passage structure is needed and should limit impact to RMA of Class II stream 

located at beginning of the temporary road. Immediate removal of all fish passage structures will be necessary 

after logging operations have been completed. 

Soils:

Concern: None 

Mitigation: None 

Wildlife: 

Concern: Part of the unit is within a VCU where legacy forest structure needs to be retained to meet the Forest 

Plan Standard and Guideline. 

Mitigation: Leave 30% (based on area) of the LSTA unit within VCU 4570 (21.5 acres) in legacy forest structure. 

The traversed unit does not meet this standard and guideline. An additional 6.5 acres of legacy forest structure 

will be identified and retained on the western edge before the unit is offered for sale. 

Scenery: No concerns. 

 

Layout and Contract: No concerns. 

Unit as traversed abuts the existing managed stand. 

Road Access needed: 1.4 miles of temporary road. Build 1.4 miles of temporary road. Road will be 

decommisssioned.