Historic, Archive Document
Do not assume content reflects current
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©United States
Department of
Agriculture
Forest Service
Alaska Region
Tongass
National Forest
R1 0-MB-284
February 1995
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Bohemia Mountain
Timber Saie
1995 Draft Supplement
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VICINITY MAP OF
BOHEMIA MOUNTAIN ANALYSIS AREA
Draft Supplement Bohemia Mountain T.S.EIS
United States Forest Region 10
Department Service Tongass National Forest
of Agriculture
Stikine Area
P.O. Box 309
Petersburg, Alaska 99833
(907-772-3841)
File Code: 1 950
Date: March 8, 1995
Dear Reviewer:
Enclosed is a copy of the 1 995 Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
for the proposed Bohemia Timber Sale(s), Stikine Area, Tongass National Forest, Alaska.
This document describes only the changes from the 1993 Supplemental Final EIS. Changes
include the rerouting of Road 6031 around LUD II lands; additional analysis of timber harvest
unit 541 ; and management objectives for sensitive species in the Bohemia Project Area.
You may wish to refer to the 1 993 Supplemental Final EIS for a more complete description
of the proposed action, alternatives, and consequences.
The comment period on the Supplemental Draft EIS will be at least 45 days from the date
on which notice of availability of the Draft EIS is published in the Federal Register, anticipated
to be March 17th or March 24th. The deadline for comments is anticipated to be May 1st
or May 8th.
The responsible official for the decision is Abigail R. Kimbell, Forest Supervisor of the Stikine
Area, Alaska Region.
Please send written comments to Dave Helmick, USDA Forest Service, P.O. Box 309,
Petersburg, AK, 99833, or call (907)772-3841 for additional information, or if you would like
additional copies of the 1 993 or 1 995 document. The Supplemental Final EIS is expected
to be completed in September 1995.
Sincerely,
f
|>BIGAIL R. KIMBELL
Forest Supervisor
Enclosure
L
1 995 Draft Supplement to the Bohemia Mountain SEIS
Bohemia Mountain Timber Saie
U.S.D.A. • Forest Service
Tongass National Forest
Stikine Area
March 1995
Responsible Agency:
U.S.D.A. Forest Service
P.O. Box 309
Petersburg, Alaska 99833
Responsible Official:
Abigail R. Kimbell
Forest Supervisor
Stikine Area
Tongass National Forest
For Further Information
Contact:
David E. Helmick
IDT Leader
P.O.Box 309
Petersburg, Alaska 99833
(907) 772-3841
Reviewer Comments Must Be
Recieved By:
May 1. 1995
Abstract: This Draft Supplement to the Bohemia Mountain Timber Sale
EIS describes the resolution of three appeal issues regarding harvesting
timber in the Bohemia Mountain study area.
Content
Organization
Content and Organization of
the Suppiement
This Draft Supplement to the Bohemia Mountain Timber Sale SEIS
is not intended to reiterate the content of the SEIS. Its intent is to
document modifications in the EIS before publication of the Record
of Decision to allow public comment and response by the Forest
Service. To that end, this document is limited to how the modifications
alter the analysis presented in the SEIS.
The Supplement should be viewed as an addendum to the original
Bohemia Mountain Timber Sale SEIS and not as a replacement.
Chapter 1 describes the reasons for this Supplement, refines the
Purpose and Need of the Bohemia Mountain Timber Sale, and
identifies the issues addressed in the FSEIS that are potentially
affected by changes in the action alternatives.
Chapter 2 discusses how the proposed modifications affect the
four action alternatives.
Chapter 3 describes changes to the Affected Environment resulting
from the proposed modifications.
Chapter 4 provides thorough descriptions of the modifications
and their effects.
Summary
Introduction
Summary
This summary covers the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement
for the Bohemia Mountain Timber Sale and this supplement. The additional
information in the supplement is related to a modified alternative resulting from
the Narrows Conservation Coalition appeal and some additional analysis. This
summary replaces the summary in the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact
Statement for the Bohemia Mountain Timber Sale.
This document displays the results of analyses to determine whether to
implement or defer a timber sale on North Kupreanof Island under the direction
of the current Forest Plan.
The project proposed in this document is one or more timber offerings
designed to supply timber for the Stikine Area timber sale program. Timber
sales are scheduled by the Forest Plan in order to maintain a supply of timber
for southeast Alaska. In the Forest Plan, the analysis area was given Land Use
Designations (LUD) IV and II.
LUD IV areas provide opportunities for intensive development of resources.
Emphasis is primarily on commodity, or market resources and their use. Amenity
values are also considered. When conflicts over competing resource uses
arise, conflicts would most often be resolved in favor of commodity values.
Allowances in calculated potential timber yield have been made to provide for
protection of physical and biological productivity.
LUD II areas are to be managed in a roadless state to retain their wildland
character, but permit wildlife and fish habitat improvement and primitive
recreational facility development. Roads will not be built except to serve authorized
activities such as vital Forest transportation system linkages. The original FSEIS
included an alternative that would have constructed a road through the LUD II
area. That alternative is modified in the supplement so that the road goes around
the LUD II.
Proposed Action
The Stikine Area of the Tongass National Forest proposes to offer up to 35
million board feet of commercial saw timber and associated road system within
the Bohemia Mountain area on north Kupreanof Island. The timber may be
sold in one or more timber sales beginning in 1 995, and would be transported
to salt water over the little Hamilton and Portage Bay log transfer facilities.
Purpose and Need
The primary purpose and need for the Bohemia Mountain Timber Sale is to
meet the goals of the Forest Plan by providing between 10 and 40 million board
feet of timber for harvest and providing for long-term transportation needs of
National Forest visitors and administration. Current inventory data shows that
the project area could easily provide this much volume while meeting all existing
standards and guidelines for timber harvest and road construction.
Draft Supplement Bohemia Mountain T.S.EIS
SUMMARY ■ 1
Summary
Alternative 1
The Tongass Timber Reform Act directed the Forest Service through the
Secretary of Agriculture to the extent consistent with providing for multiple use
and sustained use of all renewable forest resources, seek to provide a supply
of timber from the Tongass National Forest which (1) meets the annual market
demand for timber and (2) meets the market demand from such forest for each
planning cycle.* This project is one part of a timber management program
designed to meet that direction. A recent timber market assessment (Morse, K.
1 994) confirms that there is available capacity and strong market demand for
this timber.
Decisions to be Made
a Will a timber sale and associated roads be offered in the planning area at
this time?
b. If a sale takes place, how much timber will be cut; where will the units and
roads be located; which log transfer facility(s)will be used; and where will the
camp and sort yard be built?
c. If a sale takes place, what special measures would be needed to protect
fish, wildlife, recreation, subsistence, and visual resource values?
Issues
Alternatives were developed to address the issues that were identified by the
public and by Forest Service resource specialists. The issues addressed are:
1 . Potential effects of timber harvest on water quality, fisheries and soils
2. Potential effects on wildlife and wildlife habitat
3. Effects on subsistence resources and users
4. Effects on recreation resources and users
5. Effects on the Wilderness Area and associated values
6. Potential impacts to heritage resources
7. Maintenance of scenic quality
8. An economically viable timber sale
9. An appropriate transportation system, including a Kake/Portage road
connection
1 0. Effects on the candidate Wild and Scenic River designation
Additional issues addressed in this supplement are:
1. Reading through LUD II lands
2. Adding logging units between draft and final SEIS
3. Incomplete ‘Sensitive* species analysis
4. Additional wetlands analysis
5. Effects on candidate species
Alternatives Considered
The *No Action* alternative would defer timber harvest and road construction.
2 ■ SUMMARY
Draft Supplement Bohemia Mountain T.S.EIS
Summary
Alternative 3
Alternative 4A
Alternative 5B
Alternative 6
Water Quality and
Fisheries
This alternative was developed to defer harvest on Bohemia Mountain and to
maintain old growth wildlife habitat. Its objectives were to avoid wildlife habitat
fragmentation and to provide an economic offering. Units are concentrated in
Portage Bay and old growth habitat fragmentation is minimized. This is the
only alternative that projects a positive mid-market value. However, based
upon current market conditions and demands for timber resources, other
alternatives are anticipated to produce stumpage values above base rates
(minimum rate the USFS will sell timber). Approximately 10.6 million board
feet of timber on 339 acres would be harvested. An estimated 0.4 mile of
specified road would be constructed.
This alternative emphasizes timber cutting, while still maintaining visual quality
and amenity protection. No new harvest units would occur in Portage Bay.
The mainline road (6032.2) would be constructed north and west of Bohemia
Mountain, avoiding the potential Wild and Scenic River corridor along Duncan
Salt Chuck Creek. Approximately 18.1 million board feet of timber on 827
acres would be harvested. An estimated 22.8 miles of specified road would
be constructed.
This alternative harvests the most volume. It combines the Bohemia Mountain
units with those in Portage Bay. A mainline line road from Bohemia Mountain
to Portage Bay would be constructed. Both the Portage Bay and Little Hamilton
LTFs would be utilized. The mainline road would be constructed outside the
potential Wild and Scenic River corridor along Duncan Salt Chuck Creek and
outside of management area S-14, LUD II lands. Approximately 34.3 million
board feet of timber on 1,381 acres would be harvested. An estimated 27.6
miles of specified road would be constructed.
This alternative harvests one unit less than Alternative 5B. Approximately 33.6
million board feet of timber on 1 ,346 acres would be harvested. Both the
Portage Bay and Little Hamilton LTFs would be utilized, but most of the volume
from the Bohemia Mountain units would be hauled to the Little Hamilton LTF
in this alternative. A mainline road would be constructed north and west of
Bohemia Mountain, avoiding the potential Wild and Scenic River corridor
along Duncan Salt Chuck Creek. An estimated 25.7 miles of specified road
would be constructed.
Consequences
The risk to fisheries is estimated by several factors: (1) the total length of
roads, (2) the total number of stream crossings, (3) the total length of buffered
and unbuffered Class I and II stream channels, and (4) the total acres of harvest
within fish stream watersheds. While any harvest activity poses some risk to
resources, no measurable effects are anticipated to fisheries or water quality,
and there should be no habitat-related reduction in the fish population if Best
Klanagement Practices and Aquatic Habitat Management Unit guidelines are
followed.
Alternatives 5B and 6 would pose the greatest potential risk to fisheries
in terms of the number of Class I and II watersheds entered, total existing
and proposed road miles, nurnfeer of stream crossings, and amount of acres
harvested. Evaluated by the same criteria. Alternative 3 would pose the least
potential risk to fisheries of the action alternatives.
Draft Supplement Bohemia Mountain T.S.EIS
SUMMARY ■ 3
Summary
Wildlife Habitat
All action alternatives would harvest some acres of high value wildlife habitat.
Alternatives 4A, 5B, and 6 harvest 5 acres (0.2%) of high value eagle habitat.
High value otter habitat harvested ranges from 8 acres (0.2%) in Alternative 3
to 19 acres (0.5%) in Alternative 5B. High value black bear habitat harvested
ranges from 281 acres (1 .3%) in Alternative 3 to 1 ,21 0 acres (5.5%) in Alternative
5B. High value marten habitat harvested ranges from 179 acres (2.1%) in
Alternative 3 to 617 acres (7.1%) in Alternative 5B. High value deer habitat
harvested ranges from 211 acres (3.7%) in Alternative 4A to 597 acres (14.4%)
in Alternative 5B. No alternatives allow harvesting within 500 feet of the beach
fringe or within 1,000 feet of estuaries.
Subsistence
Three key factors are used to assess subsistence impacts: access, changes
in competition with non-rural users, and the abundance and distribution of
subsistence resources.
Traditional means of access to the analysis area is by boat, foot, motorized
vehicle or float plane. The existing road system allows seasonal access to a
portion of the study area on north Kupreanof Island. The proposed roads wiii
increase access to the area from Kake by adding 5.0 miles of road in Alt 5B
22.8 miles of road in Alt. 4A; and 25.3 miles of road in Alt. 6.
No increase in competition from non-rural users is anticipated. This
conclusion is based on several factors: subsistence use in the area has been
very low in the past, the road system will not connect Portage Bay to Kake.
and the Portage Bay logging camp will only be used on an intermittent basis
Changes in the abundance and distribution of subsistence resources are
projected to be minimal, with the exception of the Sitka black-tailed deer.
Recreation
The primary recreation place that would be impacted by timber harvest is the
Portage Mountain Loop Trail. The mainline road in Alternative 5B would cross
this trail in two places. Some changes in the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum
(ROS) class would occur within the analysis area under any of the action
alternatives.
A public recreation cabin was constructed at West Point in Portage Bay
during 1 994. Impacts to cabin users from timber harvest would include changes
to the view from the site due to roading and timber harvest, and noise coming
from equipment used to sort and load logs at the LTF site.
Wilderness
Alternatives 5B and 6 would have an impact on the Wilderness ROS setting.
About 160 acres of the Petersburg Creek-Duncan Salt Chuck Wilderness
could be affected by logging and road building activities occurring adjacent
to the Wilderness.
Heritage Resources
No heritage resource sites were discovered in any of the planned timber harvest
units during field survey. The Alaska State Historic Preservation Officer has
concurred with the Forest Service finding that no heritage resource sites would
be affected.
Scenic Quality
All of the action alternatives would have visual effects on viewers travelling in
Portage Bay and along the Frederick Sound shoreline. Generally, the short
term effects of the helicopter-logged clearcuts would be less than those
associated with the cable yarded units, because fewer roads would be
necessary and more vegetation would be left standing after harvest. A segment
of road 6031 as it was realigned around the LUD II lands may be seen from
Portage Bay. However, it will not affect the visual quality objective for that
area.
4 ■ SUMMARY
Draft Supplement Bohemia Mountain T.S.EIS
Summary
Timber Sale
Economics
Transportation
Only Alternative 3 is projected to show a positive mid-market value. The
mid-market assessment is based on weighted average pond log values,
estimated logging and roading costs, normal profit ratios, and base rates in
effect on January 22, 1990. The negative net values on the other action
alternatives reflect the capital investment in specified road construction.
No alternatives construct a Kake/Portage road connection and no alternative
constructs road within LUD II designated lands. The Alternative 5B road
connection would haul timber from Bohemia Mountain to the Portage Bay Log
Transfer Facility (LTF). Alternatives 4A, 5B and 6 would also use the Little
Hamilton LTF and maintain two existing separate road systems.
Candidate Wild and
Scenic River
Designation
No alternative comes within one-half mile of the Wild and Scenic River candidate
Duncan Salt Chuck Creek. Decisions on suitability for wild, scenic or recreation
river designation is deferred to the Forest Plan Revision process. Units visible
from within one-half mile from the creek have been given special emphasis
and now meet the visual quality objective of “partial retention".
Mitigation of Consequences
If an action alternative is selected, the following steps are required:
(a) Minimum 330-foot buffers will be maintained around eagle nest trees.
(b) All known or discovered heritage sites will be protected. If additional
sites are discovered once the sale is in operation, protective measures
will be taken under the timber sale contract provisions.
(c) Full bench construction and removal of excess excavated material will be
required on designated areas for soil stability.
(d) Pursuant to the Tongass Timber Reform Act, there will be no commercial
timber harvesting within a buffer zone no less than one hundred feet in
width on each side of all Class I streams, and those Class II streams
which flow directly into a Class I streams. In addition, stream protection
will include provision of buffer areas and other protective actions consistent
with aquatic habitat management unit (AHMU) guidelines pertaining to
(1) unstable banks, (2) temperature sensitivity, (3) sedimentation, and (4)
large, woody debris for rearing habitat, nutrient retention, and streambed
stabilization.
(e) Class III channels will receive appropriate protection according to Best
Management Practices (BMPs, see Forest Service Handbook 2509.22).
See unit descriptions. Appendix A, for specific BMPs.
(f) The scenic quality will be protected to meet the visual quality objectives
for the Bohemia Mountain Analysis Area as stated in the current Forest
Plan. Landscape design principles will be used to locate and design
rock pits, sort yards, and other related facilities.
(g) Rock pit and roadside rehabilitation will be implemented in areas that are
heavily disturbed.
Alternative Preferred by the
Forest Service
After reviewing all resource impacts, consequences, and opportunities. Alternative
5B was identified as the preferred alternative.
Draft Supplement Bohemia Mountain T.S.EIS
SUMMARY ■ 5
Contents
Contents
Summary
Introduction S-1
Proposed Action S-1
Purpose and Need S-1
Decisions to be Made S-2
Issues S-2
Alternatives Considered S-2
Alternative 1 S-2
Alternative 3 S-3
Alternative 4A S-3
Alternative 5B S-3
Alternative 6 S-3
Consequences S-3
Water Quality and Fisheries S-3
Wildlife Habitat S 4
Subsistence S-4
Recreation S-4
Wilderness S-4
Heritage Resources S-4
Scenic Quality S-4
Timber Sale Economics S-5
Transportation S-5
Candidate Wild and Scenic River Designation S-5
Mitigation of Consequences S-5
Alternative Preferred by the Forest Service S-5
Chapter 1 - Purpose and Need
Background 1-1
Appeal 1-1
Additional Analysis 1-1
Wetlands 1-1
Wolves 1-1
Proposed Action 1-2
Purpose and Need 1-2
Issues 1-2
Chapter 2 - Alternatives
Modifications to Alternatives 2-1
Alternative 5B 2-1
Objective 2-1
Impacts 2-1
Water and Fisheries 2-1
Wildlife 2-2
Subsistence 2-2
Wilderness 2-2
Scenic Quality 2-2
Timber Sale Economics 2-2
Transportation 2-2
Draft Supplement Bohemia Mountain T.S. EIS
CONTENTS ■ 1
Contents
Comparison Tables 2-5
Timber Management 2-5
Roads 2-6
Economics 2-6
Scenic Quality 2-6
Fisheries/Water Quality 2-7
Wildlife Habitat 2-8
Subsistence 2-9
Identification of the Forest Service Preferred Alternative 2-9
Chapter 3 - Affected Environment
Introduction 3-1
Wetlands 3-1
Forested Wetlands 3-2
Bogs 3-2
Fens 3-2
Subalpine Wetlands 3-3
Salt Marshes 3-3
Lakes and Ponds 3 3
Wetland Functions and Values 3-3
Threatened. Endangered, Sensitive and Candidate Species 3-4
Sensitive Species 3-4
Goshawk 3-4
Candidate Species 3-5
Alexander Archipelago Wolf • 3-5
Kittlitz Murrelet 3-5
Olive-sided Flycatcher 3-6
Plants 3-6
Sensitive Plants 3-6
Candidate Species 3-7
Recreation 3-7
Chapter 4 - Environmental Consequences
Watershed 4-1
Roads and Stream Crossings 4-1
Cumulative Effects of Roads and Stream Crossings 4-1
Wetlands 4-2
Roads and Wetlands 4-2
Timber Harvest and Wetlands 4-3
Wildlife 4-3
Sensitive Species 4-3
Goshawk 4-4
Candidate Species 4-4
Alexander Archipelago Wolf 4-4
Kittlitz Murrelet 4-6
Olive-sided Flycatcher 4-6
Sensitive Plants 4-6
Recreation 4-7
Timber 4-7
Timber Sale Economics 4-7
Units Added 4-8
Transportation 4-8
Energy Requirements 4-9
2 ■ CONTENTS
Draft Supplement Bohemia Mountain T.S. EIS
Contents
Appendices
Unit Cards Appendix A
Road Cards Appendix B
Maps
2-1 LUD II Bypass Route 2-3
2- 2 Alternative 5B 2-4
3- 1 Wetlands 3-9
Tables
2-1 Comparison of Timber Harvest Characteristics by Alternative 2-5
2-2 Comparison of Proposed CFL Harvest by Alternative 2-5
2-3 Miles of Road Constructed by Alternative 2-6
2-4 Comparison of Mid-Market Timber Sale Economics by Alternative 2-6
2-5 Visual Quality Objectives Resulting from the Cumulative Effects of Timber Harvest 2-6
2-6 Visibility of Proposed Activities - Percent of Proposed Harvest Acres Seen From Sensitive Viewpoints
in Frederick Sound and Portage Bay 2-7
2-7 Cumulative Percent of Seen CFL Acres Visually Affected by Past and Proposed Management
Activities 2-7
2-8 Comparison of Impacts on Water Quality and Fish Habitat by Alternative 2-7
2-9 Miles of Buffered Streams by Alternative 2-8
2-10 Miles of Unbuffered Streams by Alternative 2-8
2-1 1 Comparison of High Value Wildlife Habitat Acres Impacted by Alternative 2-8
2-1 2 Possibility of a Significant Restriction of Subsistence Resources by Alternative (Excluding Deer) . . 2-9
2- 13 Possibility of a Significant Restriction of Deer for Subsistence Users by Alternative 2-9
3- 1 Distribution of Wetland Types in the Analysis Area 3-2
3- 2 Sensitive Plants Known or Suspected to Occur on the Petersburg Ranger District on Habitats
Affected by the Bohemia Mountain Timber Sale 3-7
4- 1 Timber Harvest on Forested Wetlands (acres) 4-3
4-2 Roads on Bogs and Forested Wetlands (miles) 4-3
4-3 Remaining CFL Acres and Percentages for the Original Condition and After Alternative
Implementation 4-4
4-4 Habitat Capability (Number of Wolves) for Wolves within the Study Area 4-5
4-5 Density of Road and Accessible Coast within WAAs 5135, 5136, and 5137 by Alternative 4-6
4-6 Density of Deer Within the Study Area Based on Habitat Capability 4-6
4-7 Mid-Market Timber Values and Costs by Alternative 4-8
4-8 Road Construction Clearing Acres by Alternative 4-9
4-9 Estimated Fuel Consumption by Alternative 4-9
Draft Supplement Bohemia Mountain T,S.€1S
CONTENTS ■ 3
Chapter 1
Purpose and Need
Appeal
Wetlands
Wolves
Chapter 1
Purpose and Need
Background
This document presents supplemental information to the analysis documented
in the Bohemia Mountain Timber Sale FSEIS of July 1993. The additional
information presented in this supplement is related to a modified alternative
resulting from the Narrows Conservation Coalition appeal and some additional
analysis. The reader will need both documents to get a complete picture of the
proposed action, alternatives being considered, and the effects of those
alternatives.
On December 27, 1 993, the Narrows Conservation Coalition filed an appeal of
the Record of Decision (ROD) regarding the Bohemia Mountain Timber Sale
Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (FSEIS) and requested
that implementation of the ROD be stayed. On January 6, 1994, a Request for
Stay was granted. The City of Kupreanof, the Alaska Forest Association and
Michael Medalen were granted intervenor status.
A review was conducted by the Alaska Regional Forester. Discussion of
the following issues was found not to fully meet the requirements of the CEO
NEPA regulations. Forest Service Manual and Handbook direction, and the
Forest Plan. The appellants and interveners were notified by mail on April 1 1 ,
1994.
Issue I: Reading through LUD II lands is not Justified.
Issue II: The Forest Service added Unit 541 following publication of the
supplementai draft.
issue iil: "Sensitive* species iist and management objectives for aii such
species existing in the Bohemia Project Area was incompiete.
Additionai Anaiysis
In addition to these Appeal Issues, this supplement will analyze and directly
address the values and functions of wetlands.
This supplement will analyze the impacts of the timber sale on the Alexander
Archipelago wolf. This wolf was recently added to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife’s
Candidate Species list.
Draft Supplement Bohemia Mountain T.S. EIS
CHAPTER 1 ■ 1
Proposed Action
The Stikine Area of the Tongass National Forest proposes to offer up to 35
million board feet of commercial saw timber and associated road system within
the Bohemia Mountain area on north Kupreanof Island. The timber may be
sold in one or more timber sales beginning in 1995, and would be transported
to salt water over the Little Hamilton and Portage Bay log transfer facilities.
Purpose and Need
The primary purpose and need for the Bohemia Mountain Timber Sale is to
meet the goals of the Forest Plan by providing between 10 and 40 million board
feet of timber for harvest and providing for long-term transportation needs for
National Forest visitors and administration. Current inventory data shows that
the project area could easily provide this much volume while meeting all existing
standards and guidelines for timber harvest and road construction.
The Tongass Timber Reform Act directed the Forest Service through the
Secretary of Agriculture to, to the extent consistent with providing for multiple
use and sustained use of all renewable forest resources, seek to provide a
supply of timber from the Tongass National Forest which (1) meets the annual
market demand for timber and (2) meets the market demand from such forest
for each planning cycle.’ This project is one part of a timber management program
designed to meet that direction. A recent timber market assessment (Morse, K.
1 994) confirms that there is available capacity and strong market demand for
this timber.
Issues
Issues were categorized in Chapter 1 of the FSEIS. This Suppiement addresses
the same issues, but only to the extent that associated environmental consequenc-
es are affected by the proposed modifications.
The issues that are addressed are:
1 . Potential effects of timber harvest on water quality, fisheries and soils
2. Potential effects on wildlife and wildlife habitat
3. Effects on subsistence resources and users
4. Effects on recreation resources and users
5. Effects on the Wilderness Area and associated values
6. Potential impacts to heritage resources
7. Maintenance of scenic quality
8. An economically viable timber sale
9. An appropriate transportation system, including a Kake/Portage road
connection
1 0. Effects on the candidate Wild and Scenic River designation
Additional Issues addressed in this supplement are:
1. Reading through LUD II lands
2. Adding logging units between draft and final SEIS
3. Incomplete “Sensitive" species analysis
4. Additional Wetlands analysis
5. Effects on ‘Candidate" species
2 ■ CHAPTER 1
Draft Supplement Bohemia Mountain T.S. EIS
Chapter 2
Alternatives
Objective
Impacts
Chapter 2
Alternatives
Modifications to Aiternatives
-The modifications associated with Appeal Issue I (Reading through LUD II
designated lands) affect only Alternative 5B.
— Resolution of Appeal Issue II (Addition of Unit 541) and Appeal Issue III
(Sensitive Species) have no effect on the alternatives.
—The expanded wetlands analysis had no effect upon the alternatives.
—The Candidate Species effects analysis had no effect on the alternatives.
Alternative 5B
This summary of Alternative 5B replaces the summary found in the FSEIS, Chapter
2, page 10.
Alternative 5B was designed to harvest the greatest volume of timber. Both the
Portage Bay and the Little Hamilton LTFs would be used; most of the timber
would be hauled to the Portage Bay LTF. Harvest units are located on the
south and east sides of Bohemia Mountain and in east Portage Bay,
Volume and Acreage of Timber Harvested In Alternative 5B by
Logging System
Timber
(MMBF)
Acres
Harvested
Cable Logging Systems
26.7
1,147
Shovel Logging Systems
2.3
100
Helicopter Logging Systems
5.3
134
All Logging Systems
34.3
1,381
Water and Fisheries. Road construction under this alternative would require 35
stream crossings. Three and one-half miles of stream would be buffered adjacent
to harvest units.
Draft Supplement Bohemia Mountain T.S. EIS
CHAPTER 2 ■ 1
2 Alternatives
Wildlife. The percentage reduction in high value habitat for each of the five
Management Indicator Species would be:
- Within VCU 442: bald eagle, 0%; otter, 0.7%; black bear, 8.2%; marten, 10.2%;
and Sitka black-tailed deer, 13.4%.
— Within VCU 424: bald eagle, 0.4%; otter, 0.4%; black bear, 4.7%; marten,
5.4%: and Sitka black-tailed deer, 8.1%.
This alternative harvests the greatest amount of high value wildlife habitat
(See Table 2-11 in FSEIS).
Subsistence. Alternative 5B has some potential to affect subsistence resources.
There would be increased access to the Bohemia Mountain area from the Portage
Bay logging camp and more competition for subsistence resources. Habitat for
some subsistence resources may be affected.
Wilderness. Approximately 1 60 acres of semi-primitive non-motorized ROS
setting within the Wilderness would change to a roaded modified setting because
the road and timber harvesting activities outside the Wilderness would be partially
audible and visible within the Wilderness Area.
Scenic Quality. Alternative 5B would visually affect Portage Bay to a slightly
greater degree than Alternatives 3 or 6. Effects of past and proposed activities
east of Portage Bay would likely meet a 'partial retention' VQO near the mouth
and a 'modification' VQO near the head of the bay. As seen from Portage Bay,
activities west of the bay would likely produce a visual condition of 'modification.'
Scenic quality from Frederick Sound would likely meet a 'modification' VQO.
As seen from Bohemia Lakes, proposed harvest would likely meet a VQO of
'partial retention.' Proposed helicopter units east of Portage Bay would likely
meet a VQO of 'partial retention.'
Timber Sale Economics. Alternative 5B harvests the most volume and builds
the greatest amount of road. The helicopter logging units in this alternative are
the same as for Alternatives 3 and 6.
The mid-market assessment is based on weighted average pond log values,
estimated logging and roading costs, normal profit ratios, and base rates in
effect on the date the Forest Service initiates the NEPA process with publication
of a Notice of Intent in the Federal Register. The initial Notice of Intent for Bohemia
Mountain Timber Sale EIS was published in the Federal Register on Monday,
January 22, 1990.
This mid-market net value reflects the capital investment in 27.6 miles of
specified road. The capital investment for this road at this time may result in
positive net values on future entries.
Transportation. Proposed road 6031 originally passed through LUD II lands
and has been rerouted around the LUD II lands. This action lengthens road
6031 by approximately 0.5 mile. A spur road approximately 1.8 miles long is
needed to access Unit 541. See Map 2-1. This alternative would construct
approximately 27.6 miles of system road. Both Portage Bay and Little Hamilton
LTFs would be used.
2 ■ CHAPTER 2
Draft Supplement Bohemia Mountain T.S. EIS
Draft Supplement Bohemia Mountain T.S. EIS
Map 2-1. LUD 2 By-Pass Route
Proposed Roads I///J LUD 2
Original Proposed Road
Existing Road
All 5B Unit Boundary
. . ' Elevation Contours
/ ^ Shoreline
/til8/home/salarid/boliem95:borouLes.rnap 02/17/95
Map 2-2. Alternative 5B
SCALE is 1 INCH = L68 MILES
Draft Supplement Bohemia Mountain T.S. EIS
LEGEND
.*• Study Area BounJi
A/ Shoreline
N Major Streams
N Existing Roads
/V Reconstructed W
Planned Roads
/V 500-foot Contour i
CZI River Corridor
E3 LUD 2
S Proposed Cable lli
■ Proposed Helicopto
^ 'm Existing Managed S
538^ , j. Log Transfer Faci!
*r***** ^ Camp/Admin. Site
>0
iCL
STAFFfflSSOHEMlASEISO&ALTMAPm 02/17/95
im.
Alternatives 2
Comparison Tables Tables 2-1 through 2-13 are displayed here as a condensed comparison
of Alternatives. With few exceptions they are shown exactly as they appear
in the FSEIS. Tables 2-3, 2-4, and 2-8 reflect changes due to the realignment
of road 6031 in Alternative 5B.
Timber Management
Table 2-1- Comparison of Timber Harvest Characteristics by Alternative
Alt. 1
Alt. 3
Alt. 4A
Ait. 5B
Alt. 6
Total Sawlog Volume (MMBF)
0
10.6
18.1
34.3
33.6
Units over 100 acres
0
0
0
0
0
Proposed Acres Harvested (for the Bohemia
Mountain Sale)
0
339
827
1381
1346
Cumulative Acres Harvested (within the
Analysis Area)
382
721
1209
1763
1728
Table 2-2 Comparison of Proposed CFL Harvest by Alternative
Alt. 1
Alt. 3
Alt. 4A
Alt. 5B
Alt. 6
Percentage of CFL Harvested
Bohemia Mountain Sale
0%
1.2%
2.8%
4.9%
4.8%
Cumulative Harvest Activity in the Analysis
Area
1.5%
2.7%
4.3%
6.4%
6.3%
Percentage of Adjusted Operable CFL
Harvested
Bohemia Mountain Sale
0%
2.3%
5.2%
9.2%
9.1%
Cumulative Harvest Activity in the Analysis
Area
2.8%
5.1%
8.0%
12.0%
11.9%
Percentage of Standard Adjusted Operable
CFL Harvested
Bohemia Mountain Sale
0%
2.7%
9.5%
15.2%
14.9%
Cumulative Harvest Activity in the Analysis
Area
5.0%
7.7%
14.5%
20.2%
19.9%
Acres of Standard Adjusted Operable CFL
Harvested
Bohemia Mountain Sale
0
205
827
1,247
1,212
Cumulative Harvest Activity in the Analysis
Area
382
587
1,209
1,629
1,594
Percentage of Non-standard Adjusted
Operable CFL Harvested
Bohemia Mountain Sale
0%
2.2%
0%
2.2%
2.2%
Cumulative Harvest Activity in the Analysis
Area
0%
2.2%
0%
2.2%
2.2%
Acres of Non-standard Adjusted Operable
CFL Harvested
Bohemia Mountain Sale
0
134
0
134
134
Cumulative Harvest Activity in the Analysis
0
134
0
134
134
Area
Draft Supplement Bohemia Mountain T.S. EIS
CHAPTER 2 ■ 5
2 Alternatives
Roads
Table 2-3 Miles of Road Constructed by Alternative
Alt. 1
Alt. 3
Alt. 4A
Alt. 5B
Alt. 6
Specified Road Construction
0
0.4
22.8
27.6
25.7
Spur Road Construction
0
0.7
2.2
5.6
3.6
Road Reconstruction
0
0.4
0
0.4
0.4
Economics
Table 2-4 Comparison of Mid-Market Timber Sale Economics by Alternative
1
3
4A
5B
6
Total Pond Log Selling Value (minus 60%
normal profit) ($/MBF)
0
234
243
241
241
Total Costs to the Operator ($/MBF)
0
203
400
325
327
Mid-Market Net Value ($/MBF)
0
31
-157
-84
-86
Scenic Quaiity
Table 2-5 Visual Quality Objectives Resulting from the Cumulative Effects of Timber Harvest
Alt. 1
Alt. 3
Alt. 4A
Alt. 5B
Alt. 6
VQO from Frederick Sound
(TLMP direction: PR-M)
R
P-R
R-M
PR-M
PR-M
VQO from Portage Bay
(TLMP direction: PR-MM)
PR
PR-M
PR-M
PR-M
PR-M
VQO from Bohemia Lakes
P
PR
PR
PR
PR
P = Preservation, R = Retention, PR = Partial Retention, M = Modification, MM = Maximum Modification (See Glossary for further
clarification)
6 ■ CHAPTER 2
Draft Supplement Bohemia Mountain T.S. EIS
Alternatives 2
Table 2-6 Visibility of Proposed Activities • Percent of Proposed Harvest Acres Seen From
Sensitive Viewpoints in Frederick Sound and Portage Bay.
Ait. 1
Ait. 3
Alt. 4A
Alt. 5B
Alt. 6
Bohemia VCU 424
0%
0%
49%
47%
47%
Portage VCU 442
88%
91%
0%
77%
77%
* Note: 30 percent of the total CFL can be seen in VCU 424, and 80 percent of total CFL can be seen
in VCU 442
Table 2-7 Cumulative Percent of Seen CFL Acres Visually Affected by Past and Proposed
Management Activities
Alt. 1
Alt. 3
Alt. 4A
Alt. 5B
Alt. 6
Bohemia VCU 424
0
0
9
9
9
Portage VCU 442
10
21
10
23
23
* Note: Nine percent of VCU 424 is seen CFL; 28 percent of VCU 442 is seen CFL The numbers shown
are percents of these totals; that is, past and proposed harvest with Alternative 3 would modify 21
percent of the 28 percent that is available in the Portage Bay VCU.
Fisheries/Water Quality
Table 2-8 Comparison of Impacts on Water Quality and Fish Habitat by Alternative.
Alt. 1
Alt. 3
Alt. 4A
Alt. 5B
Alt. 6
Number of Stream Crossings
Bohemia Mountain Sale
0
3
31
37
36
Cumulative Number of Crossings in the
Analysis Area
24
27
55
61
60
Number of Fish Watersheds (out of 1 0
total) Affected by Harvest
Bohemia Mountain Sale
0
1
4
5
5
Cumulative Number of Watersheds Affected
1
1
in the Analysis Area
D
0
0
Average Percentage of Fish Stream
Watershed Area Harvested
Bohemia Mountain Sale
0%
0.3%
1.5%
2.2%
2.2%
Cumulative Percentage of Fish Stream
Watershed Area Harvested
0.3%
0.6%
1.8%
2.5%
2.5%
Draft Supplement Bohemia Mountain T.S. EIS
CHAPTER 2 B 7
2 Alternatives
Table 2-9 Miles of Buffered Streams by Alternative
Alt. 1
Alt. 3
Alt. 4A
Alt. 5B
Alt. 6
Bohemia Mountain Sale
0
0.88
1.86
3.52
3.52
Cumulative Number in the Analysis Area
0.55
1.43
2.41
4.07
4.07
Within Bohemia VCU 424
0
0.00
1.86
2.34
2.34
Within Portage VCU 442
0
0.88
0.00
1.18
1.18
Table 2-10 Miles of Unbuffered Streams by Alternative ^
Alt. 1
Alt. 3
Alt. 4A
Alt. 5B
Alt. 6
Bohemia Mountain Sale
0
2.93
1.78
4.89
4.89
Cumulative Number in the Analysis Area
1.25
4.18
3.03
6.14
6.14
Within Bohemia VCU 424
0
0.00
1.78
1.78
1.78
Within Portage VCU 442
0
2.93
0.00
3.11
3.11
' Unbuffered streams are Class II streams not directly feeding into Class I streams and Class III water quality streams affected by
proposed harvest and road activities where AHMU prescriptions will be applied.
Wildlife Habitat
Table 2-11 Comparison of High Value Wildlife Habitat Acres Impacted by Alternative
Alt. 1
Alt. 3
Alt. 4A
Alt. 5B
Alt. 6
Eagle Habitat Acres Harvested
0
0
5
5
5
Otter Habitat Acres Harvested
0
8
8
19
16
Bear Habitat Acres Harvested
0
281
699
1,210
1,119
Marten Habitat Acres Harvested
0
179
256
617
572
Deer Habitat Acres Harvested
0
236
211
597
551
8 ■ CHAPTER 2
Draft Supplement Bohemia Mountain T.S. EIS
Alternatives 2
Subsistence
Table 2-12 Possibility of a Significant Restriction of Subsistence Resources by Alternative
(Exciuding Deer) ^
Alt. 1
Alt. 3
Alt. 4A
Alt. 5B
Alt. 6
Abundance/Distribution
No
No
No
No
No
Access
No
No
No
No
No
Competition
No
No
No
No
No
1 'Yes* indicates that there may be a significant restriction and 'No' indicates there is no significant
possibility of a significant restriction.
Table 2-13 Possibility of a Significant Restriction of Deer for Subsistence Users by Alternative.
Alt. 1
Alt. 3
Alt. 4A
Alt. 5B
Alt. 6
Abundance/Distribution
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Access
No
No
No
No
No
Competition
No
No
No
No
No
Identification of the Forest Service
Preferred Alternative
The Bohemia Mountain ID Team met with the Forest Supervisor and Staff Officers
to select the alternative preferred by the Forest Service. After reviewing all
resource impacts, consequences, and opportunities
Alternative 5B was identified as the preferred alternative.
Draft Supplement Bohemia Mountain T.S. EIS
CHAPTER 2 ■ 9
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Chapter 3
Affected Environment
Chapter 3
Affected Environment
This chapter describes the environment of the Bohemia Mountain analysis
area. The information has been taken from more detailed resource reports
that are available for public review in the planning record. The planning record
is located at the Stikine Area Supervisor’s office, in Petersburg, Alaska.
Included in this supplement are only the environments that are not described
in or have changed since publication of the FSEIS.
Wetlands
The following replaces the discussion on wetlands in the Bohemia FSEIS, Chapter
3, pages 7-8.
Wetlands are defined as: those areas that are inundated or saturated by
surface or ground water with a frequency and duration sufficient to support,
and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation
typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions" (40CFR 230.41(a)(1)).
Identification of wetlands is based on the Corps of Engineers three-parameter
system described in U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual
(COE 1987). Wetlands are identified as areas having hydric soils, hydrophytic
vegetation, and wetland hydrology. Soil resource inventory maps, including
correlations between soil series and plant communities were used to determine
the extent of wetlands in the Bohemia study area. Hydrologic parameters were
inferred from the soil moisture regime.
Using this wetland definition and delineation method, approximately 70
percent (47,616 acres) of the Bohemia study area is classified as wetland.
These extensive wetlands are not all alike but consist of at least six different
types of wetlands. (Table 3-1). Each wetland type has different soil and vegetative
communities, occupies different landscape positions, and has somewhat different
functions and values. Map 3-1 shows the location and extent of these wetland
types within the Bohemia area.
Draft Supplement Bohemia Mountain T.S. EIS
CHAPTER 3 ■ 1
Affected
Environment
Table 3-1 Distribution of Wetland Types in the Analysis Area
Wetland Type
Area (acres)
Percent of Analysis Area
Forested Wetland
30,030
44%
Bog (Muskeg)
16,171
24%
Subalpine Wetlands
1,043
2%
Fens
107
<1%
Salt Marshes
41
<1%
Lakes and Ponds
244
<1%
Total
47,616
70%
Forested Wetlands
Forested wetlands, as used here, consist primarily of coniferous treed slope
bogs, some of which occur in an intricate mosaic pattern with small open bogs.
Forested wetlands are plentiful throughout the area and represent about 44
percent of the Bohemia study area. Tree cover ranges from a minimum of 10
percent to about 60 percent canopy cover of trees at least 25 feet tall. Plant
communities consist primarily of Mixed Conifer/Blueberry/Skunk Cabbage,
Mixed Conifer/Blueberry/Deer Cabbage, Western Hemlock/Blueberry/Skunk
Cabbage, Shore Pine/Blueberry, and some Sitka Spruce/Blueberry/Skunk
Cabbage, and Mountain Hemlock/Blueberry/Skunk Cabbage. Soils are primarily
very poorly drained organic soils or poorly and very poorly drained mineral
soils. Included in this forested wetland is a small area of floodplain swamp
associated with the fen on the east side of Bohemia mountain.
Bogs
Bogs (locally called muskegs) consist of open peatlands that are dominated by
sphagnum moss vegetation. Bogs are found scattered throughout the area but
are most common at elevations below 500 feet. About 24 percent of the study
area is bog. Less than 10 percent of the area is covered with trees more than
25 feet tall, mostly stunted shore pine with lesser amounts of western hemlock,
mountain hemlock, yellow cedar and Sitka spruce. Common shrubs include
Labrador tea, crowberry, mountain cranberry, dwarf blueberry, bog laurel, and
bog cranberry. Soils are very poorly drained, moderately-deep to deep, extremely
acid peatland soils.
Fens
Fens are open (non-forest) sloping wetlands dominated by sedges. Less than
1 0 percent of the area is covered with trees more than 25 feet tall, mostly Sitka
spruce with lesser amounts of western and mountain hemlock and Alaska
yellow cedar. Unlike bogs, fens do not usually contain shore pine. A few Oregon
crab apple and highbush cranberry are common on the margin of these fens.
Soils are poorly and very poorly drained, moderately-deep to deep organic
soils. Soil and water in fens typically are less acid and have a higher nutrient
content than bogs. These organic soils typically contain some mineral soil
material as thin strata of alluvium. Fens are relatively rare on the Bohemia area.
2 ■ CHAPTERS
Draft Supplement Bohemia Mountain T.S. EIS
Wetland Functions
and Values
Affected
Environment
They occupy about 107 acres, or less than one percent of the area. Most of
these fens are in one area on the east toeslope of Bohemia Mountain at the
headwaters of ADF&G stream no. 110-16-006, stream #7 Map 3-1.
As opposed to bogs, which get most of their water as rainfall, fens receive
nutrient-enriched ground water from adjacent uplands. Nutrient status is
appreciably higher than bogs, which makes for very diverse plant communities.
Nutrient-enriched water supplied to aquatic systems from fens and adjacent
upland ecosystems is important to maintain the productivity of the aquatic food
chain.
Subalpine Wetlands
Subalpine wetlands are primarily high elevation (1 800 to 2300 feet) bogs that
occupy the sloping to steep summit of Bohemia Mountain and to lesser extent
subalpine slopes of the Missionary Range on the east side of Portage Bay.
Vegetation is dominantly sphagnum moss, low sedges and deer cabbage.
Trees include widely scattered stunted mountain hemlock, yellow cedar and
less frequently, shore pine. Shrubs include some alpine species, typically yellow
mountain heather. Merlin’s cassiope, luetkea and copperbush. Soils are typically
poorly and very poorly drained shallow organic soils over bedrock. These areas
accumulate a heavy winter snow pack and provide a source of runoff as meltwater
during spring and early summer.
Salt Marshes
Salt marsh wetlands occupy the estuary areas in Portage Bay, and to a lesser
extent, the mouth of Big Creek. These intertidal areas contain a variety of
salt-tolerant sedge communities arranged according to subtle differences in
elevation and corresponding frequency of salt water inundation. The higher,
less frequently inundated areas typically contain highly diverse grass/sedge/forb
communities with Oregon crab apple and alder trees scattered along their
upper margins. Salt marshes have poorly drained mineral soils that have
appreciably higher pH values and nutrient contents than other wetland types.
These estuarine areas, although they are not abundant (only 41 acres, or less
than one percent of the area), provide very important habitat to a wide variety
of wildlife. The Portage Bay estuary also contains extensive area of unvegetated
mud flats not included in acreage calculations in Table 3-1.
Lakes and Ponds
These are freshwater lakes and small ponds, most of which are surrounded by
other wetlands. These small open water areas often enhance the habitat value
of adjacent wetlands as well as upland ecosystems and also provide enhanced
diversity on a landscape scale.
Functions attributable to wetland ecosystem can be organized as follows:
Physical functions: flood conveyance, water retention and regulation,
heat absorption, and sediment collection and storage.
Chemical functions: ability to accumulate significant carbon and nutrients
(nitrogen).
Biological functions: provide biological diversity, produce timber (generally
in lower volume classes), provide habitat for fish (salmon) and wildlife (waterfowl
and bears), and provide smaller animals as part of the food web.
Draft Supplement Bohemia Mountain T.S. EIS
CHAPTER 3 ■ 3
3
Affected
Environment
Values are socio-economic benefits derived from wetland functions. These
include wildlife viewing and harvest, commercial fishing (salmon habitat provided
by estuaries, streams and lakes), development sites (for example, buildings
and roads), community water supplies, actual and potential recreation, and
timber harvesting.
The biological significance of a wetland is related to the value of its functions,
and at least in part to the relative scarcity of the wetland type in the landscape.
This is especially true in terms of biological diversity on the landscape scale.
The relatively scarce fens and estuarine salt marshes in the Bohemia area
have a greater biological significance than the more common bogs and forested
wetlands which are widespread throughout the landscape.
Threatened, Endangered, Sensitive
and Candidate Species
There have been changes to the threatened, endangered, sensitive, and
candidate species lists since the printing of the FSEIS. The Queen Charlotte
goshawk and several plant species have been added to the sensitive species
list. The Alexander Archipelago wolf, the KIttlitz murrelet, and the olive-sided
flycatcher have been added to the category II candidate species list. The arctic
peregrine falcon has been delisted and no longer needs to be addressed.
While the spectacled eider has been upgraded to threatened, while the Steller’s
eider has been proposed for threatened status, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
no longer requires the USFS to address either eider species in southeast Alaska
(John Lindell, Personal Communication).
Sensitive Species in January 1994, the Alaska Region of the USDA Forest Service released a
sensitive species list that included 9 animal species and 22 plant species.
This list changes the description of existing conditions in the Bohemia Mountain
Timber Sale FSEIS.
Common Name
Montague Island tundra vole
Trumpeter swan
Dusky Canada goose
Queen Charlotte goshawk
Qsprey
Peale’s peregrine falcon
Northern pike
Fish Creek chum salmon
King Salmon River and Wheeler Creek king salmon
Animal Species (vertebrates): Of the nine vertebrate species listed as sensitive,
only the Queen Charlotte goshawk has been sighted within the study area.
Goshawk
The goshawk, a large forest-dwelling raptor, is a year-round resident of the
Petersburg Ranger District. The literature on goshawks suggests that there
are two subspecies in southeast Alaska; {Accipiter gentilis atricapillus) which
occupies much of North America and {Accipiter gentilis laingi), the Queen
Charlotte goshawk which is found in southeast Alaska and coastal British
4 ■ CHAPTER 3
Draft Supplement Bohemia Mountain T.S. EIS
Candidate Species
Affected
Environment
3
Columbia. The Queen Charlotte subspecies is thought to grade into the A g.
atricapillus subspecies on Vancouver island and perhaps in northern southeast
Alaska. Goshawks forage within home ranges that are typically 6,000 to 8,000
acres in the southwestern United States (Crocker-Bedford 1 991). Recent studies
within southeast Alaska suggest larger home ranges (Titus et al 1994). Studies
are currently being conducted and data are being collected. Since the studies
are not completed and our understanding of goshawk habitat requirements is
not sufficient, the effects of the proposed sale activities on the goshawk are
not known.
Candidate species are those being considered for listing as threatened or
endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or National Marine Fisheries.
The following are additions to the Candidate Species described in the
FSEIS, Chapter 3, page 18-19.
Alexander Archipelago Wolf
The wolf {Canis lupus) was once widely distributed throughout North America,
but today is restricted to the more remote and undeveloped portions of its
original range. Two subspecies of wolves are recognized to occur within Alaska,
one of which is the Alexander Archipelago Wolf (C. /. lingoni). This subspecies
is currently a candidate species (category II) being considered for listing as a
threatened or endangered species by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The
range of the subspecies includes the islands south of Frederick Sound and
the narrow mainland strip of land west of the Coast Mountains, from Dixon
Entrance to Yakutat Bay (Hall 1981).
Wolves are most abundant in the southern panhandle, less abundant on
the islands further north (Kuiu, Mitkof, Wrangell, and Kupreanof Islands), and
least abundant on the mainland (Kirchhoff 1991). The wolf population in
southeast Alaska is currently estimated at 635-690 individuals (Kirchhoff 1991).
In southeast Alaska, the primary prey are Sitka black-tailed deer, mountain
goats, and moose. Wolves are present within the Bohemia Mountain Study
Area and their major prey are Sitka black-tailed deer and moose.
Kirchhoff (1991) has listed three factors which may lead to wolf population
declines in the next century.
- An expanding road system and increasing human population which will
increase wolf mortality by increased shooting and trapping.
- Clearcut logging which reduces the habitat capability for Sitka black-tailed
deer.
- Inbreeding which may reduce fitness.
Kittlitz Murrelet
This murrelet has recently been added as a category II species (see Bohemia
Mountain Timber Sale FSEIS, Chapter 3, Page 18, Candidate Species).
Information on the Kittlitz murrelet within the Petersburg Ranger District is
rather limited. Kittlitz murrelet are locally very rare with observations occurring
at Thomas Bay and historical records of occurrence at LeConte Bay (Walsh,
Personal Communication). In southeast Alaska, this murrelet is uncommon,
with a center of distribution located at Glacier Bay, Alaska. Kittlitz murrelets
nest on bare rock, some distance from the sea, primarily high, near the tops
of mountains (Harrison 1987). The Kittlitz murrelet is not known to occur within
the study area.
Draft Supplement Bohemia Mountain T.S. EIS
CHAPTER 3 ■ 5
3
Affected
Environment
Olive-sided Flycatcher
This flycatcher has recently been added as a category II species. The species
ranges roughly from interior Alaska to Baja California, through the Rocky
Mountain States and east through Canada and the New England States.
Information on the olive-sided flycatcher within the Petersburg Ranger District
is rather limited, but locally it is considered an uncommon breeder and a rare
migrant (Walsh, personal communication). Information gathered by Walsh
suggests the population is stable on Mitkof Island. We believe this is true for
other areas on the district. This flycatcher utilizes semi-open areas and forest
edge habitat such as beaver ponds and young managed stands (Walsh,
personal communication and Blatt, personal observation).
Plants
Sensitive Plants in January, 1994, an updated Regional Forester’s sensitive species list was
released for Region 1 0. No species of plants were listed as Threatened of
Endangered. The list did contain 22 species, subspecies, or varieties of Sensitive
Plants.
Plant Species: The following plant species have been identified as sensitive.
Of them, one species (Choris bog orchid) is known to occur and 9 are suspected
of occurring in the Bohemia Study Area, based on habitats found in the area.
The 10 are indicated by an asterisk(*).
Common Name
*Edible thistle
*Bog orchid
* Northern rockcress
*Calder lovage
*Davy mannagrass
*Wright filmy fern
*Straight-beak buttercup
*Choris bog orchid
*Circumpolar stanwort
* Loose-flowered blue-grass
Aphragmus escholtzianus
Kamchatka rockcress
Smooth alkali grass
Kamchatka alkali grass
T undra whitlow-grass
Goose-grass sedge
Norberg arnica
Unalaska mist-maid
Pale Poppy
Queen Charlotte butterweed
Truncate quillwort
Pretty shooting star
These plants may occur on one or several habitats. Five habitats are listed as
potential sites for Sensitive Plants in the Bohemia Study Area. Table 3-2 lists
habitats present and Sensitive Plants that may be supported by each.
6 ■ CHAPTERS
Draft Supplement Bohemia Mountain T.S. EIS
Affected
Environment
3
Table 3-2. Sensitive Plants Known or Suspected to Occur on the Petersburg
Ranger District on Habitats Affected by the Bohemia Mountain Timber Sale
Habitat
Piant Taxa
Forest Edge
Edible thistle
Wright filmy fern
Calder lovage
Forest
Wright filmy fern
Open Forest
Northern rockcress
Loose-flowered bluegrass
Stream-sides and River Banks
Edible thistle
Davy mannagrass
Straight-beak buttercup
Circumpolar starwort
Muskegs
Choris bog orchid
Bog orchid
The one sensitive plant found in the study area, Choris bog orchid, is associated
with wet areas dominated by sphagnum. All but one plant was found in this
habitat. These areas were open with little or no tree cover. Some sites were
small open inclusions with noncommercial Mixed Conifer/Mountain Cranberry/
Deer Cabbage plant associations. Plants most frequently associated with the
orchid were: sphagnum, skunk cabbage, fern-leaf goldthread, bunchberry,
deer berry, deer cabbage, mountain cranberry, swamp gentian, and arctic
starflower. Other bog species were present but were less consistent in their
occurrence.
Candidate
Species
Recreation
The following is added to the discussion on recreation in the Bohemia Mountain
FSEIS, Chapter 3, pages 26-29:
Added to the two primary developed sites identified in the FSEIS for the study
area is the West Point Public Recreation Cabin, constructed during 1994. (The
other two sites are the Portage Cabin and the Portage Mountain Loop Trail.)
The West Point Cabin sleeps six people and is equipped with an oil stove.
It is a modified A-frame design cabin that meets universal accessibility standards.
The cabin site includes a salt water access ramp, a boardwalk/deck network,
and a universally accessible toilet. The cabin is in a "Semi-primitive motorized"
ROS setting.
Two plants are listed as candidate species:
- Goose-grass sedge (Also listed as a sensitive species)
-Slim stem reed grass
Neither are found on habitats within the study area.
Draft Supplement Bohemia Mountain T.S. EIS
CHAPTER 3 B 7
3
Affected
Environment
The Petersburg Recreation Plan and Regional Capital Investment Program
identified the Portage Bay Cabin as due for replacement and/or relocation due
to several factors (see FSEIS, Chapter 3, page 27, 'The Portage Bay Cabin’).
The West Point Cabin is the replacement for the Portage Bay Cabin.
TLMP designated the land area at West Point as LUD IV. Most of the
landscape seen from this site is designated LUD IV or LUD III. In planning for
this cabin, it was acknowledged that timber harvest was expected to change
the views or noise levels experienced by cabin users (see Portage Bay Public
Recreation Cabin EA, 1993).
8 ■ CHAPTERS
Draft Supplement Bohemia Mountain T.S. EIS
UAPSCALE UOOOOO
Map 3-1. Wetlands
Affected -
Environment O
LEGEND
.*• Study Area Boundan
N Shoreline
f'J Major Streams
N Existing Roads
Forested Wetland
E3 Bogs Muskeg
Salt Marshes
Subalpine Wetlands
Fens
Lakes and Ponds
Alt 5B Harvest Units
SrAFraiSS0HJMIA5ElS95:WCT2JU(L 02/17/95
Draft Supplement Bohemia Mountain T.S. EIS
CHAPTER 3 ■ 9
Chapter 4
Environmental
Consequences
Roads and Stream
Crossings
Cumulative Effects
of Roads and
Stream Crossings
Chapter 4
Environmental
Consequences
This chapter describes the physical, biological, economic, and social effects
likely to result from implementing each of the alternatives. A summary of the
consequences of each alternative is displayed in Tables 2-1 through 2-13 in
Chapter 2. This information has been taken from more detailed reports that are
available for public review in the planning record.
The impacts of the proposed modifications are addressed for each issue.
The issues are presented in the same order as they occur in the Bohemia
Mountain Timber Sale FSEIS. The analysis and discussion for each issue is
limited to the effects of the modifications presented in this document and do
not comprise a complete reanalysis of each issue.
Watershed
Road length and stream crossings were the only parts of the watersheds affected
by the the realignment of road 6031 in alternative 5B. The following sections
replace those in the FSEIS, Chapter 4, pages 4 and 6.
The realignment of Road 6031 crosses two more narrow width channels than
the original alignment. Alternative 5B would require the most new construction
of specified and spur roads (33.2 miles), followed in descending order by
Alternative 6 (29.3) miles. Alternative 4A (25) miles and Alternative 3 (1.1 miles).
The number of road crossings over all inventoried streams for the action
alternatives (in decreasing order) are Alternative 5B (37); Alternative 6 (36);
Alternative 4A (31) and Alternative 3 (3).
Cumulative lengths of roads within watersheds would include proposed new
specified and spur road construction as well as previously constructed specified
roads. The greatest cumulative length of these roads would occur in Alternative
5B (61.3 miles), followed in descending order by Alternative 6 (57.8 miles).
Alternative 4A (53.1 miles) and Alternative 3 (29.6 miles). The ‘no action*
alternative would maintain the existing specified road length of 28.1 miles.
The number of past and proposed road crossings over all inventoried streams
for the action alternatives follows (in decreasing order): Alt. 5B (61); Alt, 6
(60): Alt. 4A (55): Alt. 3 (27): and Alt. 1 (24).
Draft Supplement Bohemia Mountain T.S. EIS
CHAPTER 4 ■ 1
Environmental
Consequences
Roads and
Wetlands
Wetlands
The following replaces the discussion on wetlands in the Bohemia FSEIS, Chapter
4, pages 9-10.
Executive Order 11990, as amended, requires Federal agencies exercising
statutory authority and leadership over Federal lands to avoid to the extent
possible the long- and short-term adverse impacts associated with the destruction
or modification of wetlands. Federal agencies are required to preserve and
enhance the natural and beneficial values of wetlands in carrying out their
responsibilities for: 1) acquiring, managing, and disposing of lands and facilities:
2) providing federally undertaken, financed, or assisted construction and
improvements: and 3) conducting Federal activities and programs affecting
land use.
Because wetlands are so extensive in the Bohemia area it is not feasible
to avoid wetland areas. It is possible, however, to avoid development activities
on the most biologically significant wetlands. Roads and timber harvest in all
alternatives avoid these areas. There will be no direct effects to the fens, estuarine
salt marshes, subalpine wetlands, lakes and small ponds in any alternative.
In all alternatives, roads were located to avoid the fen on the east toe slope
of Bohemia Mountain. No roads or other facilities will be constructed in or adjacent
to salt marshes. No timber will be harvested within 1 000 feet of these wetlands.
No activities are planned in subalpine wetlands nor within 200 feet of any lake
or pond. The wetland types that will be directly affected by roads and/or timber
harvest are the more extensive, less biologically significant bogs and forested
wetlands.
Wetland vegetation, soil drainage, and the hydric character of a wetland is
permanently altered by road construction for the width of the road fill itself.
This is approximately 24 feet wide and equates to approximately 2.9 acres
per mile of road. Road construction on wetlands will be limited to the needed
transportation components of roads, landings, and associated drainage
structures necessary for timber harvest operations and resource protection.
Appropriate BMPs and mitigation measures are incorporated into road designs
to minimize effects on water quality and maintain wetland functions. Rock
overlay construction on wetlands provides a highly permeable fill that, along
with adequate cross drain culverts, minimizes changes in hydrologic conditions.
The amount of change in surface or subsurface water flow within a bog due
to road construction has not been measured but is expected to be very small.
Subtle changes in wetland vegetation associated with roads have been
observed on similar soils of Kupreanof and Mitkof Islands. A small increase in
vigor and growth of some species such as shore pine, spruce, and sedges
and a decrease in the abundance of some mosses have been observed in a
few scattered locations adjacent to roads within muskegs. These changes are
limited to a short distance (50 to 75 feet) on the downslope side of the road
and are thought to result from the slight dewatering effect of road drainage.
Ditch construction on open muskeg bogs in the Bohemia area will be minimized
to the extent required to avoiding waterlogging the road prism.
2 ■ CHAPTER 4
Draft Supplement Bohemia Mountain T.S. EIS
Timber Harvest and
Wetlands
Sensitive Species
Environmental -
Consequences ^
Timber harvest is expected to have minimal long-term effects upon the physical,
chemical and biological functions of wetlands. Removal of the forest overstory
may temporarily change the hydrology of the site. Increased snow accumulation
and a slight increase in soil moisture is expected until vegetation is established.
The plant community will, of course, be changed from a mature old-growth
stand to a young even-aged stand. Plant species composition will not be
appreciably altered; however, community structure and understory biomass
will change during secondary succession following logging (Alaback 1982).
Timber site productivity on wetland soils is typically lower than on better
drained soils. Growth rates on wetland sites are expected to be slower than
non-wetland sites, and merchantable timber may not be available in a 1 00-year
rotation. Based on investigations of 25- to 35-year-old second-growth stands
on wetland sites on Kupreanof Island, all were adequately stocked with hemlock
and spruce. Measured growth rates, however, are very slow on these excessively
wet sites.
The amount of timber harvest on forested wetlands is displayed in table
4-1 . The amount of road building on bogs and forested wetlands is displayed
in Table 4-2.
Table 4-1. Timber Harvest on Forested Wetlands (acres)
Existing
Alt. 1
Ait. 3
Alt. 4A
Alt. 5B
Alt. 6
26
0
1
234
250
244
Table 4-2. Roads on Bogs and Forested Wetlands (miles)
Existing
Alt. 1
AK. 3
Alt. 4A
Alt. 5B
Alt. 6
0
0
0
13.5
17.3
14.3
Wildlife
There is the potential for short-term noise disturbance of wildlife residing in
Portage Bay as a result of the realignment of road 6031 . No additional impacts
to wildlife are anticipated.
Currently nine vertebrate species are listed as sensitive. Of these, only the
trumpeter swan, osprey, Queen Charlotte goshawk, and the Peale’s peregrine
falcon are known or are expected to occur within the Stikine Area. Of these
four, only the goshawk has been sighted within the study area.
Trumpeter swans, osprey, and Peale’s peregrine falcon have not been
found within the study area, so this timber sale should not have any direct,
indirect, or cumulative effects on them.
Draft Supplement Bohemia Mountain T.S. EIS
CHAPTER 4 ■ 3
- Environmental
4 Consequences
Goshawk
Currently no nests have been located within the study area. Goshawk surveys
have been conducted within the study area, along the existing roads and
within each harvest unit proposed by the alternatives for the timber sale.
Goshawk surveys have also been conducted outside of the study area, along
the existing roads within VCUs 443 and 444. Surveys were conducted in 1 993
and 1 994, with 119 and 31 6 calling stations being completed, respectively.
One adult goshawk was observed in late August of 1 992 near unit 538.
Surveys have been conducted within the area without locating a nest. The
adult goshawks, especially females, are known to disperse from their nesting
area after breeding season. This observation may have been a dispersing
goshawk, a non-breeder, or a goshawk which was foraging far from the nest
site.
A juvenile goshawk was observed within the muskegs west of unit 541
during the time when the juveniles have fledged from the nest. Juveniles are
known to move great distances from the nest, some as far as 50 miles. It can
not be concluded that this bird’s nest is within the study area.
Table 4-3 displays the effects of past activities and each of the alternatives
on specified volume classes within the study area. Current data suggests that
goshawks use timbered areas containing greater than 8,000 board feet/acre
(Volume class 4+) a majority of the time, with a disproportionately greater
amount of use in 20,000 board feet/acre or greater (Volume class 5-I-) timbered
stands. Past activities have removed 1 and 2 percent of the volume class 4-i-
and 5+, respectively (Alternative 1). The greatest impacts would occur with
implementation of alternatives 5B and 6, removing 7 and 1 0 percent of the
volume class 4-i- and 54- from the original condition, respectively.
This timber sale along with the past cumulative actions may reduce goshawk
habitat. We do not have sufficient data at this time to determine how a reduction
of 10 percent (Alternative 5B and 6) of the volume class 5-f- stands within the
study area would affect goshawks. Goshawks are known to successfully nest
within areas where moderate levels of timber harvest have occurred, such as
Rowan Creek on Kuiu Island.
Table 4-3. Remaining CFL Acres and Percentages for the Original Condition and After Alternative
impiementation.
Volume
Class
Original
Condition
Alt. 1
Alt. 3
Alt. 4A
Alt. 5B
Alt. 6
4
26222 (100)
25840 (99)
25501 (97)
25013 (95)
24459 (93)
24494 (93)
5
14213 (100)
13585 (99)
13526 (95)
13280 (93)
12756 (90)
12771 (90)
Candidate Species The following are additions to the Candidate Species described in the FSEIS,
Chapter 4, page 21.
Aiexander Archipelago Wolf
For estimating the habitat capability for wolves within the study area, we used
the wolf habitat capability model developed for the TLMP Revision (Suring
and DeGayner 1988). The wolf model estimate is based on the prey species
habitat capability. For the wolf habitat capability model, we used estimates for
the Sitka black-tailed deer (see Bohemia Mountain FSEIS, Chapter 14, Page
15, Table 4-12) and an estimate of 1 moose per square mile for the study
area (a moose model does not exist for the Tongass NF). The estimate of
1 moose per square mile was held constant for all alternatives, though we
4 ■ CHAPTER 4
Draft Supplement Bohemia Mountain T.S. EIS
Environmental
Consequences
4
expect to see a slight increase in the moose population in the area with additional
timber harvest. This increase may only occur for approximately 20 years,
since canopy closure of the harvested stands will reduce forage for moose.
Within the Study Area (VCUs 442 and 424) the habitat capability is estimated
to have been 5.01 wolves before 1954 and to be 4.85 wolves currently. The
largest reduction from the original condition (1954) would be 0.3 wolves for
alternative 5B. Since the deer population is not at carrying capacity (i.e. the
habitat capability numbers), we do not believe that the wolf population is at
habitat capability. Based on deer pellet counts within VCU 442, the wolf
population may presently be approximately 1/2 of the habitat capability value.
Table 4-4 displays the habitat capability for wolves after implementation
of alternatives.
Table 4-4 Habitat Capability (Number of Wolves) for Wolves within the
Study Area.
VCU
Alt. 1
Alt 3
Alt. 4A
Alt. 5B
Alt. 6
424
3.57
3.57
3.50
3.49
3.50
442
1.28
1.24
1.28
1.22
1.22
Total
4.85
4.81
4.78
4.71
4.72
An interagency committee studying viable wildlife populations recommended
the following standards and guidelines to maintain viable and well distributed
populations of wolves (Suring et al 1994).
* Where roads are joined to communities, road density within any 3
contiguous Wildlife Analysis Areas (W/\As) should not exceed 1.0 mile per
square mile. Because the coastline provides similar waterborne access to these
same wolves, the miles of skiff-accessible beach should be added to road
miles when calculating 'road density.' Generally 1 0 percent of the total coastline
may be considered accessible by skiff.
* Habitat capability necessary to provide for equilibrium populations of
predators and prey should be maintained wherever possible. As a general rule,
where deer are the primary prey item for wolves, sufficient habitat capability to
support at least 5 deer per square mile should be retained.
Road density was analyzed within the 3 WAAs (5135, 5136, and 5137) the
study area entirely or partially overlaps (Map 3-7 FSEIS, Chapter 3, page 14).
Currently there are approximately 43.25 miles of open road and 77 miles of
coastal shoreline associated with the 3 \NAAs. Kirchhoff (Suring et al 1994)
used a factor of 1 0 percent for the coastal areas with dependable access for
trapping. For the 3 WAAs, we assumed that 30 percent of the coast had
dependable access, since areas along Frederick Sound would be exposed to
harsh winter weather. The road density is currently 0.28 miles per square mile
and would be as high as 0.40 miles per square mile if alternative 5B would be
implemented. If all coastal miles were considered, the highest density would be
0.62 miles per square mile (alternative 5B). Both of these figures are far below
the 1.0 mile per square mile maximum density suggested to maintain viable
populations of wolves.
Draft Supplement Bohemia Mountain T.S. EIS
CHAPTER 4 ■ 5
Environmental
Consequences
Table 4-5 displays the road and accessible beach miles per square mile
within the 3 WAAs.
Table 4-5 Density of Road and Accessible Coast within WAAs 5135, 5136,
and 5137 by Alternative.*
Alt. 1
Alt. 3
AH. 4A
Alt. 5B
Alt. 6
Density
0.28
0.28
0.38
0.40
0.39
* Miles per square mile
The deer habitat capability density within the study area will support at least 5
deer per square mile for any of the alternatives. The density will be reduced
the most with the implementation of alternative 5B.
Table 4-6. Density of Deer Within the Study Area Based on Habitat
Capability.*
vcu
Alt. 1
Alt. 3
Alt. 4A
Alt. 5B
AH. 6
424
11.33
11.33
11.07
11.03
11.07
442
22.78
21.93
22.78
21.59
21.59
* This is the number of deer per square mile at habitat capability.
Kittlitz Murrelet
Since the Kittlitz murrelet is not known to occur within the study area and seems
to be associated with the coastal mountainous areas of the mainland, the sale
is expected to have no impact on Kittlitz murrelets.
Olive-sided Flycatcher
Though information on this species is limited, we believe that the population of
olive-sided flycatchers will remain stable or possibly increase within the study
area. Most forested edge habitat associated with beaver ponds is protected by
TTRA fish stream buffers, and harvesting of old-growth stands will produce
additional forested edge habitat.
Sensitive Plants
The five plant habitats that occur in the study area that may have sensitive
plants are: forest edge, forest, open forest, stream sides and river banks, and
bogs (muskegs).
The analysis area has a high proportion of muskeg (24%) and open forest
(44%), with the remainder primarily closed forest habitat. Forest edges are
present where forests and muskegs meet. Streams are present and 37 stream
crossings are planned in Alternative 5B.
Under Alternative 5B, about 250 acres of open forest will be harvested out
of 30,030 acres, about 0.8% of the open forest habitat. For forest habitat, 2.3%
of volume class 4, 8.4% of volume class 5 and 6.4% of volume class 6 will be
harvested from the study area. Roads will traverse about 17.3 miles through
muskeg and open forests and will affect an additional 50 acres. Total acreage
affected is less than 1% (0.63%) of these habitats.
6 ■ CHAPTER 4
Draft Supplement Bohemia Mountain T.S. EIS
Timber Sale
Economics
Environmental m
Consequences ^
No Sensitive Plants were found in any of the proposed harvest units.
Choris bog orchid {Platanthera chorisiana) was found at eleven locations
along the proposed road system, both within the proposed road corridor and
adjacent to the corridor. The number of plants found on a site ranged from
one to 22. A total of 1 00 plants were found.
The proposed timber harvest and road system will affect less than one
percent of the habitat capable of supporting Platanthera chorisiana in the study
area. The impact of this project will not contribute to loss of species viability or
create significant trends toward Federal listing.
Recreation
The following replaces the second complete paragraph on page 35, Chapter 4,
in the Bohemia Mountain Timber Sale FSEIS.
All action alternatives might result in small impacts to users of the trails,
cabins, and Wilderness due to distant views and sounds of harvesting,
construction, and hauling/sorting/loading activities. Use of these roads is not
anticipated to change much as a result of implementing these alternatives.
Potential opportunities for Kupreanof might be impacted, depending on the
market segment of users they attracted to the area and how purist they might
be in their pursuits.
Timber
The realignment of road 6031 increases the logging and roading costs in
Alternative 5B.
The purpose of an economic analysis is to provide a means by which short-term
costs and revenues for each alternative can be compared. This economic
analysis is done for the purpose of relative ranking of the alternatives only.
Actual timber values and costs at the time of the sale may deviate, due to
fluctuations in market conditions, from the numbers displayed in the alternative
comparisons.
Timber markets vary during the time between planning and actually selling
a timber sale. Timber values can change by as much as $200 per thousand
board feet during this period. Due to these market variations, the estimate of
timber end-product selling value was based on the mid-market level.
The mid-market assessment is based on weighted average pond log
values, estimated logging and roading costs, normal profit ratios, and base
rates in effect on the date the Forest Service initiates the NEPA process with
publication of a Notice of Intent in the Federal Register. The initial Notice of
Intent for Bohemia Mountain Timber Sale EIS was published in the Federal
Register on Monday, January 22, 1990.
A recent timber market assessment (Morse, 1 994) confirms that there is
available capacity and strong market demand for this timber volume, and this
sale is expected to sell.
Draft Supplement Bohemia Mountain T.S. EIS
CHAPTER 4 H 7
Environmental
Consequences
Units Added:
Table 4-7. Mid-Market Timber Values and Costs by Alternative
Alt. 1
Alt. 3
Alt. 4A
Alt. 5B
Alt. 6
Timber Value ($/MBF)*
0
234
243
241
241
Total Logging Costs ($/MBF)
0
194
225
204
216
Specified Road Construction
Costs ($/MBF)
0
9
175
121
111
Total Costs ($/MBF):
0
203
400
325
327
Net ($/MBF):
0
31
-157
-84
-81
* Timber value in ($/MBF) is pond log value minus 60% normal profit and risk.
Units 539 and 541 were added to the Bohemia Timber Sale between the draft
SEIS and final SEIS.
Unit 539 is located high on the east slope of Bohemia Mountain, adjacent
to proposed Unit 511. This unit is in Alternatives 4A, 5B and 6. This unit is
approximately 41 acres and has an estimated 1,542 MBF of net saw timber.
The only resource concern identified was scenic quality. Consequently the unit
was reshaped and reduced in size to meet the visual quality objective of Pamal
Retention.
Unit 541 is located near the center of the study area between Bohemia
Mountain and Portage Bay. It is offered in only Alternative 5B. The unit boundary
encompasses approximately 105 acres but only 35 of those acres will be
harvested, in small patch clearcuts. This unit will contribute about 570 MBF of
net saw timber to the sale. Fisheries and wildlife concerns along the Class 1
stream west of the unit were addressed by the 1 00 foot stream buffer.
Transportation
The realignment of Road 6031 moves it out of the LUD II lands. The section
'‘Road Development in a LUD II Area" is no longer relevant in the FSEIS, Chapter 4,
page 47.
The realigned route crosses a section of moderately steep side slopes for
approximately 0.6 mile. Full bench and end-haul will be necessary on slopes
greater than 60 percent. This same segment will have a section of steep (>14%)
adverse haul grade. The additional road construction and log haul costs are
incorporated in the previous Table 4-7, Mid Market Timber Values and Costs
by Alternative.
Road density: The 0.5 mile of forest development road added as a result of
realignment of Road 6031 does not increase the road density (as defined by
the number of miles of forest development road in a square mile) appreciably
in Alternative 5B.
8 ■ CHAPTER 4
Draft Supplement Bohemia Mountain T.S. EIS
Environmental
Consequences
Clearing Acres: The additional 0.5 mile of Road 6031 will result in an increase
of 3.4 acres of roadway clearing. Table 4-8 compares road clearing acres by
alternative.
Table 4-8. Road Construction Clearing Acres by Alternative
Road Network
Alt. 1
Alt. 3
Alt. 4A
Alt. 5B
Alt. 6
Bohemia Roads
63
63
207
217
205
Portage Roads
45
50
45
65
65
Energy Requirements
The additional 0.5 mile of specified road construction in alternative 5B will result
in consumption of an additional 2,01 0 gallons of fuel.
Table 4-9 shows the energy used for each action alternative:
Table 4-9. Estimated Fuel Consumption by Alternative.
Fuel Use
Alt. 1
Alt. 3
Alt. 4A
Alt. 5B
Alt. 6
Gallons/1,000
0
149
291
518
503
Gallons/MBF
0
14
16
15
15
Draft Supplement Bohemia Mountain T.S. EIS
CHAPTER 4 ■ 9
1
Index
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Index
Alexander Archipelago Wolf . .
Alternative 1
Alternative 3
Alternative 4A
Alternative 5B
Alternative 6
Candidate Plant Species ....
Candidate Wildlife Species . . .
Choris Bog Orchid
Cumulative Effects
Decisions to be Made
Economics
Energy Requirements
Fisheries
Goshawk
Heritage Resources
Issues
Kake/Portage Road Connection
Kittlitz Murrelet
Logging Camp
Log Transfer Facilities
LUDII
Mitigation
Old Growth Forest
Olive-sided Flycatcher
Preferred Alternative
Recreation
Recreation Cabin
Road Realignment
I Roads
Rock Pits
Scenic Quality
Sensitive Plant Species
Sensitive Wildlife Species . . .
1-1; 3-5; 4-4, 5, 6
S-2; 2-5, 6, 7, 8, 9; 4-1,3,4,5,6,7,8,9
S-3,4,5; 2-2,5,6,7,8,9; 4-1,3,5,6,7,8,9
S-3,4,5; 2-2,5,6,7,8,9; 4-1,3,5,6,7,8,9
S-3,4,5: 2-1,2.4,5,6,7.8,9; 4-1,3,4,5,6,7,8,9
S-3,4,5; 2-2,5,6,7,8,9; 4-1,3,4,5,6,7,8,9
S-2; 1-2; 2-1; 3-7
S-2; 1-1,2; 2-1 ,3,5,6; 4-4,5,6
3-6,7; 4-7
2-5,6,7,8; 4-1,3,4
S-2
S-2,3,5; 1-2; 2-2,6; 4-7,8
4-9
S-2,3; 1-2; 2-1,7; 4-8
3-4,5; 4-3,4
S-2,4,5; 1-2
S-2; 1-2; 4-1
S-5; 1-2
3-4,5: 4-6
S-2,4; 2-2
S-1,2,5; 1-2; 2-1,2
S-1,2,3,4,5; 1-1,2; 2-1, 2,3; 4-8
S-5; 4-2
S-3
3^,6; 4-6
S-5; 2-9
S-1.2,4; 1-2; 3-7; 4-7
3-7,8; 4-7
S-1,3,4; 2-2,3,5; 4-1, 3,7
S-1,2,3,4,5: 1-1,2; 2-1 .2.6; 3-5; 4-1,2,3,5,6,7,8,9
S-5
S-2,3,4,5; 1-2; 2-1 ,2,6; 4-8
S-2; 1-1,2; 2-1; 3-6,7; 4-6,7
S-2; 1-1,2; 2-1; 3-4; 4-3,4
Draft Supplement Bohemia Mountain T.S. EIS
INDEX ■ 1
Streams
Stream Crossings
Subsistence
Timber
Tongass Land Management Pian (TLMP)
Tongass Timber Reform Act (TTRA) . . . .
Transportation
Watershed
Wetiands
Wiid & Scenic River
Wiiderness
Wiidiife Habitat
S-5; 2-8; 3-3,7; 4-6,8
S-3; 2-1,7; 4-1,6
S-2,4; 1-2; 2-2,9
S-1 ,2,3,5; 1-2; 2-1 ,2,5,6; 4-2,3,4,7,8
2-6; 3-8; 4-4
S-2,5; 1-2; 4-6
S-1 .2,5; 1-2; 2-2; 4-2,8
S-3; 2-7; 4-1
. . . S-2; 1-1,2; 2-1; 3-1 ,2,3,4; 4-2,3
S-2,3,5; 1-2
S-2,4; 1-2; 2-2
. . . S-2,3,4; 1-2; 2-2,8; 3-3; 4-4,5,6
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service is a diverse organization committed to equal opportunity in
employment and program delivery. USDA prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age,
disability, political affiliation and familial status. Persons believing they have been discriminated against should contact the
Secretary, United States Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250, or call 202-720-7327 (voice), or 202-720-1127 (TDD).
2 ■ INDEX
Draft Supplement Bohemia Mountain T.S. EIS
Appendix A
Appendix A
BOHEMIA MOUNTAIN TIMBER SALE - PLANNED UNIT CARD
UNIT DESCRIPTION
UNIT NUMBER(S): 439, 539, 639 AGE CLASS: 200+ VCU; 424
MANAGEMENT AREA: S10 LUD CLASS: IV ACRES: 41
PREDOMINANT SPECIES: W. Hemlock, S. spruce, Alaska ceder
UNIT ATTRIBUTES
HARVEST METHOD: High Lead
VOLUME/ACRE (NET SAWLOG) (MBF) 37 NET SAW (MBF): 1,542
This unit is made up of a portion of what was Unit 211 in the FEIS.
MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES - RESOURCE CONCERNS OR OPPORTUNITIES
VISUALS:
The unit is high on the slope, so it is likely to be seen from Portage Bay and Fredrick Sound. - Meet
TLMP’s recommended VQO range of 'Partial Retention" to ‘Maximum Modification".
RECREATION SETTING: CURRENT: P AFTER HARVEST: RM
IMPLIMENTATION DIRECTION
VEGETATION:
Manage as an even-aged stand, clearcut for natural regeneration.
VISUALS:
This unit was designed to meet the visual quality objective of 'Partial Retention'. It was reshaped and
reduced in size in order to lessen visual impacts.
Draft Supplement Bohemia Mountain T.S. EIS
APPENDIX ■ 1
Appendix A
Draft Supplement Bohemia Mountain T.S. EIS
APPENDIX ■ 2
Appendix A
BOHEMIA MOUNTAIN TIMBER SALE - PLANNED UNIT CARD
UNIT DESCRIPTION
UNIT NUMBER(S); 541 AGE CLASS: 200+ VCU: 442
MANAGEMENT AREA: S10 LUD CLASS: IV ACRES: 35
PREDOMINANT SPECIES:
UNIT ATTRIBUTES
HARVEST METHOD: High Lead
VOLUME/ACRE (NET SAWLOG) (MBF) 17 NETSAW(MBF): 570
MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES - RESOURCE CONCERNS OR OPPORTUNITIES
FISHERIES:
Anadromous fish habitat may be jeapordized. - Protect fish habitat (BMP 13.16, 05).
WILDLIFE:
Harvest activity will affect beaver habitat. - Minimize the impacts on beaver habitat.
RECREATION SETTING: CURRENT: P AFTER HARVEST: RM
IMPLEMENTATION DIRECTION
VEGETATION:
Small patch clearcuts will be used to protect advanced natural regeneration. Approximately one third
(35 acres total) of the area within the unit boundary will be harvested. Leave a buffer on the LUD II
boundary so that no commercial timber is felled in a LUD II area.
FISHERIES:
Maintain a minimum 1 00 foot uncut buffer on the west unit boundary, and the tributary on the southwest-
ern boundary.
WILDLIFE:
Buffer protection of the fish streams within the unit will also act to protect beaver habitat.
Draft Supplement Bohemia Mountain T.S. EIS
APPENDIX ■ 3
Appendix A
Draft Supplement Bohemia Mountain T.S. EIS
APPENDIX ■
4
Appendix B
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APPENDIX B
PLANNED ROAD DESCRIPTION
PROJECT NAME; Bohemia Mountain Timber Saie MGT AREA: S-10 VCD: 424/442
ROAD NUMBER: 6031 FUNCTIONAL CLASS: Coliector ENTRY CYCLE: Constant
LENGTH: 10.7 miies TRAFFIC SERVICE LEVEL: C DESIGN SPEED: 20 MPH
TERMINI; Junction of proposed road 6032.1 (T57S,R76E,Sec.2) to an intersection with an existing spur
road. (T57S,R77E,Sec.14).
DESIGN VEHICLE:Log Truck CRITICAL VEHICLE: Lowboy HIGHWAY SAFETY ACT: No
MAINTENANCE LEVELS: (ACTIVE SALE) 3 POST SALE: 2
INTENDED PURPOSE: To connect the Bohemia Mountain transportation network with the Portage Bay
transportation network: providing access to the log transfer facility and for timber and forest administration.
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT STRATEGY: Keep open for forest administration. Restrict to high-clearance
vehicles.
EROSION CONTROL: No unusual problems anticipated on this road segment.
ROAD LOCATION: The main objectives for road location is to keep the road as far back from the Goose
Cove estuary at the head of Portage Bay to reduce impacts to estuarine wildlife habitat and to avoid the
LUD II lands.
ROCK PITS: Flat topography along most of this segment, little if any quality rock available for road
construction. Rock is available along the small ridge that separates Bohemia Mountain and Portage Bay
at 'G“ on map. Consider crushed aggregate, 4 inch minus, from existing pits. Coordinate with the landscape
architect on location and access design of rock pits. Consider rehabilitation of rock pits located adjacent
to road 6031.
STREAM CROSSINGS: There are six class I/ll fish stream crossings. Metal pipe arches are proposed for
two small streams: a 40 foot bridge on a small coho salmon stream and a 90 foot bridge to be installed
on Portage Creek. BMP’s 14.17 and 14.36 apply.
TIMING RESTRICTIONS: Timing restrictions apply only to in-stream work where water quality standards
will be compromised. Out-of-stream construction can be conducted outside of timing windows'.
A timing window of June 1, through August 15 will be required during construction of the permanent
culverts or bottomless arches and the 40 foot bridge due to the chance that sedimentation from construction
will be harmful to Coho salmon egg incubation. BMP 14.64 applies.
A timing constraint on bridge construction at the Portage Creek site which allows in stream construction
from July 1 5, through August 1 5 is required to protect steelhead trout, pink and Coho salmon egg incubation.
BMP 14.64 applies.
Draft Supplement Bohemia Mountain T.S. EIS
APPENDIX B ■ 1
PLANNED ROAD DESCRIPTION
PROJECT NAME: Bohemia Mountain Timber Saie ROAD NUMBER; 6031
FUTURE NEEDS: This segment of road 6031 may contribute to a Kake - Petersburg connection.
VEGETATIVE MGT: No special needs or considerations.
IMPLEMENTATION MONITORING: A basic soil and water review will be conducted to insure application
of Best Management Practices (BMP’s).
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS: Wildlife biologist input if raptor nests or other important wildlife concerns
surface during road location.
Consider Central Tire Inflation or low pressure radial tires where marginal rock quality may cause a breakdown
of road surfacing material. BMP 14.84 applies.
SPECIALISTS NEEDED; Landscape architect and Geotech Engineer to plan rock pits. A bridge design
engineer and landscape architect to analyze the Portage Creek crossing. The landscape architect’s interest
is primarily the style of bridge to be used and provisions for parking because of the high potential recreational
fishing use.
2 ■ APPENDIX B
Draft Supplement Bohemia Mountain T.S. EIS
USDA Forest Service
P.O. Box 309
Petersburg, AK 99833
NATIONAL agricultural LIBRARY
022273193
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