Historic, Archive Document
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aSDl 1.R23
USDA
United States
Department of
Agriculture
Forest Service
Tongass
National
Forest
R10-MB-570
January 2006
Kuiu Timber
Sale Area
Draft Environmental
Impact Statement
Abbreviations and Common Acronyms
ANILCA
Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act
ASQ
BMPs
Allowable Sale Quantity
Best Management Practices
CCF
Hundred Cubic Feet
CEQ
DBH
Council on Environmental Quality
Diameter at Breast Height
DEIS
Draft Environmental Impact Statement
EFH
Essential Fish Habitat
FEIS
Final Environmental Impact Statement
Forest Plan
Tongass Land and Resource Management Plan, 1997, as amended
GIS
Geographic Information System
HSI
Habitat Suitability Index
IDT
Interdisciplinary Team
LTF
Log Transfer Facility
LUD
Land Use Designation
MBF
Thousand Board Feet
MIS
Management Indicator Species
MMBF
Million Board Feet
MMI
Mass Movement Index
NEAT
NEPA Economic Analysis Tool
NEPA
National Environmental Policy Act
NFMA
National Forest Management Act
NIC
Non-interchangeable Component
OGR
Old-growth Habitat Reserve
RMA
Riparian Management Area
RMO
Road Management Objective
ROS
Recreation Opportunity Spectrum
RVD
Recreation Visitor Day
SEIS
Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement
TTRA
Tongass Timber Reform Act
VCU
Value Comparison Unit
VQO
WAA
Visual Quality Objective
Wildlife Analysis Area
United States Forest Alaska Region 648 Mission Street
% Department of Service Tongass National Forest Ketchikan, AK 99901
Agriculture Phone: (907) 225-3101
_ Fax: (907)228-6215
File Code: 1950-3
Date: January 6, 2006
Dear Reader:
Here is your copy of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (Draft EIS) for the Kuiu Timber
Sale Area on the Petersburg Ranger District, Tongass National Forest. This document describes
the no-action alternative and four action alternatives. At this point. Alternative 4 is the preferred
alternative. However, please review all alternatives since any alternative, combination of
alternatives, or a new alternative within the range of these alternatives may be selected in the
final decision for this project.
I am the Responsible Official for this project and will make the decision on whether or not
timber harvest will occur and where it will occur, the management of existing roads, and any
other activities proposed in these alternatives.
Your comments are important and will help me make my decision. Comments that are
substantive and specific to the Kuiu Timber Sale Area are the most valuable. It is important for
those interested to respond to this Draft EIS within the comment period with comments and
objections that can be meaningfully considered during the development of the Final
Environmental Impact Statement (Final EIS). Comments or objections made at a later date or
during the appeal period may not be considered, if no comments were made on the Draft EIS.
The 45-day comment period on the Draft EIS will begin on the date the Notice of Availability of
the Draft EIS is published in the Federal Register. A public notice will also be placed in the
Juneau Empire , the newspaper of record, and the Petersburg Pilot , the weekly newspaper in
Petersburg, Alaska.
Please send written comments to Patricia Grantham, Petersburg District Ranger, or Kris
Rutledge, Team Leader, Attn: Kuiu Timber Sale, USDA Forest Service, P.O. Box 1328,
Petersburg, AK 99833. Comments may also be e-mailed to: eomments-alaska-ton gass-
petersburg@fs. fed .us, with Kuiu Timber Sale in the subject line. If you need additional
information or if you would like additional copies of this Draft EIS, please call the Petersburg
Ranger District at (907) 772-3871.
Sincerely,
Forest Supervisor
Caring for the Land and Serving People
Printed on Recycled Paper
Kuiu Timber Sale
Area
Draft Environmental Impact
Statement
Tongass National Forest
USDA Forest Service
Alaska Region
Lead Agency: USDA Forest Service
Tongass National Forest
648 Mission Street
Ketchikan, AK 99901
Responsible Official: Forrest Cole,
Forest Supervisor
Tongass National Forest
For Further Kris Rutledge, Planning Team Leader
Information Contact: Tongass National Forest
P-C^Box 1328
Petersburg, Alaska 99833
(907) 772-5905
Abstract: The Tongass National Forest proposes to harvest timber and
build associated temporary roads in the Kuiu Timber Sale
Area on Kuiu Island. This EIS examines one no-action
alternative and four action alternatives with a range of
harvest levels from approximately 14.6 to 42.6 million board
feet (mmbf) of timber. Alternatives consider both clearcut
harvest and partial harvest methods. One alternative includes
some helicopter yarding. All alternatives include the choice
of two log transfer facilities (LTF), one of which would
require reconstmction. All action alternatives include
reducing the number of miles of open road in the project
area. Options for the location, size and habitat composition
of three small old-growth habitat reserves are considered.
v^-
Summary
Introduction
The Forest Service has prepared this Environmental Impact Statement
(EIS) to analyze the potential effects of timber harvest in the Kuiu
Timber Sale Area in compliance with the National Environmental
Policy Act (NEPA) and other relevant federal and state laws and
regulations.
Project Area
The Kuiu Timber Sale Area is located on north Kuiu Island, on the
Petersburg Ranger District, Tongass National Forest, Alaska Region
(Region 10) of the USDA Forest Service, an agency of the U.S.
Department of Agriculture (see Vicinity Map, Figure 1-1 in Chapter
1). The project area is approximately 46,102 acres in size.
Proposed Action
The Proposed Action for the Kuiu Timber Sale Area (Alternative 4)
includes timber harvest and the development of a road management
plan. The proposed timber harvest would result in the production of
approximately 42.6 million board feet (mmbf) of timber from
approximately 1,425 acres. This alternative includes a mix of ground
based and helicopter yarding. Logs would be transported by truck to
existing log transfer facilities at either Rowan Bay or Saginaw Bay.
Approximately 19 miles of new temporary roads would be necessary
for timber harvest. No new classified roads designed for long-term use
would be constructed. As part of the analysis for this Proposed Action,
three small old-growth habitat reserves within or near the project area
are analyzed to see if any adjustments to the location and configuration
of the small OGRs should be made as a non-significant amendment to
the Forest Plan.
Decisions to be Made
Based on the environmental analysis in this EIS, the Forest Supervisor
will decide whether and how to implement activities within the Kuiu
Timber Sale Area in accordance with Forest Plan goals, objectives,
and desired future conditions. The decision may include:
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Summary • S-1
DEIS Summary
• the location, amount, and method of timber harvest, temporary
road construction, log transfer facilities, and silvicultural practices,
• access management measures including storage of classified roads,
• any necessary project-specific mitigation measures and monitoring
requirements,
• a determination whether there may be a significant restriction on
subsistence uses, and
• whether any changes in the small old-growth habitat reserves in
Value Comparison Units (VCUs) 398, 399, or 402 should be made,
and approved as a non-significant amendment to the Forest Plan.
Purpose and Need
The Kuiu Timber Sale is proposed at this time to respond to goals and
objectives of the Tongass Land and Resource Management Plan, and
to help move the project area toward desired conditions described in
that plan. Applicable forest-wide *oals and objectives include the
following:
• Providing for a vigorous and healthy forest environment, including
management of the timber resource for production of sawtimber
and other wood products from suitable lands made available for
timber harvest on an even-flow, long-term sustained yield basis,
and in an economically efficient manner
• Ensuring the Forest Service acts in a responsible manner by:
1 ) providing a timber supply sufficient to meet the annual market
demand for the Tongass National Forest, 2) meeting the demand for
the planning cycle while maintaining a Forest- wide system of old-
growth forest habitat to sustain old-growth associated species and
resources, and 3) ensuring that the old-growth habitat reserve
system meets the minimum size, spacing, and composition criteria
• Providing for current and future habitat needs of endemic wildlife
species
• Maintaining and enhancing current riparian conditions
• Providing diverse opportunities for resource uses that contribute to
the local and regional economies of Southeast Alaska, supporting a
wide range of natural-resource employment opportunities within
Southeast Alaska’s communities
S-2 • Summary
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
DEIS Summary
Issue 1 -
Roadless
Areas
Issue 2 -
Wildlife
Habitat and
Subsistence
Public Involvement
The Kuiu Timber Sale project had extensive public involvement. The
following is a summary of the public involvement for the Kuiu Timber
Sale Area analysis:
• The Kuiu Timber Sale Area EIS was listed on the Schedule of
Proposed Actions for project analysis since the Fall of 2004.
• Open houses with information about the Kuiu Timber Sale Area
were held in Petersburg in March 2004, December 2004, and June
20, 2005, and in Kake in June 2004 and November 2004.
• Public scoping letters were mailed in February 2004.
• A Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare an environmental impact
statement was published in the Federal Register on August 9,
2004. A revised NOI was published on September 14, 2004.
Significant Issues
Significant issues for the Kuiu Timber Sale Area were identified
through public and internal scoping. Measures of the significance of an
issue are based on the extent of the geographic distribution or duration
of the related effects, or the intensity of interest or resource conflict
surrounding the issue.
Four issues were determined to be significant, and within the scope of
the Kuiu Timber Sale project decision. These issues are addressed
through the proposed action and the alternatives.
This issue relates to timber harvest and the related construction of new
roads to facilitate timber harvest in roadless areas or in the smaller
unroaded areas (Figure 3-1 in Chapter 3). Additional roads and timber
harvest could reduce roadless area acres within the project area, and
could affect the roadless values as identified in the 2003 Tongass Fand
Management Plan Revision Final Supplemental Environmental Impact
Statement - Roadless Area Evaluation for Wilderness
Recommendations (Forest Plan SEIS).
Several public comments were received concerning management
within roadless areas. This analysis examines the values of two
roadless areas and three smaller unroaded areas that may be affected
by this proposed project.
This issue relates to cumulative effects on wildlife habitat and
connectivity from past, present, and proposed activities, and the
resulting effects on subsistence uses.
The Forest Plan conservation biology strategy includes a forest-wide
network of large, medium, and small old-growth habitat reserves. How
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Summary • S-3
DEIS Summary
Issue 3 -
Timber
Harvest
Economics
Issue 4 -
Cumulative
Watershed
Effects
these reserves are connected by old-growth habitat corridors is an
important part of the strategy. The location and quality of the habitat
corridors linking the reserves is important, as is the location and
habitat of the small old-growth habitat reserves. Timber harvest and
road construction could affect existing corridors connecting old-
growth habitat.
Two options for the design of the small old-growth habitat reserves
(small OGRs) in or near the Kuiu Timber Sale Area (VCUs 398, 399,
and 402) were analyzed for each VCU. Option 1 is the Forest Plan
design. Option 2 is an interagency design using old-growth habitat
reserve criteria from Appendix K of the Forest Plan and several site-
specific factors. See Chapter 2 and Issue 2: Wildlife Habitat and
Subsistence (in Chapter 3) for a description of this analysis.
The cumulative reduction of high value winter range for Sitka black-
tailed deer from past, present, and proposed timber harvest from this
project may have adverse effects on the availability of deer for
subsistence and may result in a significant possibility of a significant
restriction to subsistence hunting and/or a reduction in prey species for
wolves. Sitka black-tailed deer are also a Forest Plan Management
Indicator Species (MIS) that represent the habitat needs of several old-
growth associated wildlife species that require low elevation, high
volume habitat (see Issue 2: Wildlife Habitat and Subsistence, in
Chapter 3).
The black bear is an important game animal in Southeast Alaska. On
Kuiu Island, black bear hunting is an important source of revenue.
Bears may be negatively affected by loss of old-growth habitat,
fragmentation, and increased road density.
Wolves experience higher mortality from hunting and trapping in
Wildlife Analysis Areas (WAAs) with higher open road densities
(Person et al. 1996).
This issue relates to the economic viability of the proposed timber sale
or sales. It also relates to the potential local employment and revenue
generated for communities in the local area. If proposed timber harvest
alternatives are not designed to be economically viable across
fluctuating market conditions, there is concern that the forest products
industry in Southeast Alaska cannot remain viable.
Watersheds within the project area have high values for fisheries. In
two of these watersheds, over 20 percent of the watershed area has
been harvested within the past 30 years, and in another, approximately
19.8 percent of the watershed has been harvested. The cumulative
effects of harvest and road building within the Kuiu Timber Sale Area
may affect the condition of stream channels draining these watersheds.
S-4 • Summary
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
DEIS Summary
Alternative 1
Alternative 2
Identification of cumulative watershed effects as a significant issue in
this project necessitated detailed watershed analysis for all major
watersheds within the project area. (See “Watershed Analysis for the
Kuiu Landscape Assessment” in Appendix C of this EIS). The level of
detail in each watershed analysis corresponds to the perceived level of
cumulative risk associated with past, present and future projects.
Alternatives Considered in Detail
The No-Action Alternative (Alternative A), Proposed Action
(Alternative 4), and three other action alternatives were considered in
detail. Figures 2-1 through 2-5 in Chapter 2 display the five
alternatives considered. Tables S-l and S-2 compare the proposed
activities and effects of the alternatives.
This alternative proposes no timber harvest, road construction, changes
to the road management objectives, or other activities within the Kuiu
Timber Sale Area at this time. It represents the existing condition of
the Kuiu Timber Sale Area. It does not preclude future timber harvest
or other activities from this area.
This alternative was developed to minimize impacts to wildlife and
watersheds, and have no impact to roadless areas. The proposed timber
harvest would result in the production of approximately 14.6 million
board feet (mmbf) of timber from approximately 491 acres. Only
ground-based logging systems would be used. The amount of trees
remaining in a unit after harvest would vary from zero to fifty percent
of the stand’s pre-harvest basal area.
Where high wildlife values are identified, approximately 50 percent of
the stand basal area would be retained to provide cover and structure
for wildlife habitat. Harvested units in the Recreational River LUD
would retain 50 percent of the stand basal area to retain scenic values.
Logs would be transported to existing log transfer facilities (LTFs) in
either Saginaw Bay or Rowan Bay. The Saginaw Bay LFT would
require some reconstruction before use.
Approximately 2.9 miles of temporary road construction would be
necessary for timber harvest. No new long-term use classified roads
would be constructed. Temporary road construction would not cross
any Class I or II fish streams in this alternative. The reconstruction of
closed roads would require the installation of three crossing structures
on Class I streams, and three crossing structures on Class II streams.
Temporary road construction and closed road reconstruction would
require placement of one crossing structure on a Class III stream, and
five crossing structures on Class IV streams. These culverts or bridges
would be removed upon completion of harvest activities.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Summary • S-5
DEIS Summary
Alternative 3
After timber harvest is complete, 8.2 miles of currently open roads that
would be used to access timber for this project would be closed to
motorized traffic and placed in storage with stream crossing structures
removed (Roads 6413, 46096, and 46021). Additionally,
iproximately 4.5 miles of roads currently in storage (Roads 6417,
46091 , 46094, and 6443) would be opened and reconstructed to access
timber. After harvest, these roads would be returned to storage
condition with all stream crossing structures removed and closed to
motorized traffic.
This alternative was developed by modifying Alternatives 2 and 4 to
reduce impacts to resources such as wildlife, hydrology, and fisheries
while providing a larger economic return. The proposed timber harvest
would result in the production of approximately 23.6 million board
feet (mmbf) of timber from approximately 794 acres. Only ground-
based logging systems would be used. The amount of trees remaining
in a unit after harvest would vary from zero to fifty percent of the
stand’s pre-harvest basal area.
Where high wildlife values were identified, approximately 50 percent
of the stand basal area would be retained to provide structure for
wildlife habitat. Logs would be transported to existing log transfer
facilities (LTFs) in either Saginaw Bay or Rowan Bay. The Saginaw
Bay LTF would require some reconstruction before use.
Approximately 7.5 miles of temporary road construction would be
necessary for timber harvest. No new classified roads would be
constructed. One bridge would be placed across a Class II fish stream
on a temporary road to reduce impacts to fish. The bridge would be
removed after timber harvest activities are completed. The
reconstruction of closed roads would require the installation of two
crossing structures on Class I streams, and three crossing structures on
Class II streams. Temporary road construction and closed road
reconstruction would require placement of eight crossing structures on
Class III streams, and 19 crossing structures on Class IV streams. All
culverts or bridges would be removed upon completion of harvest
activities.
After timber harvest is complete, 8.4 miles of currently open roads that
would be used to access timber would be closed to motorized traffic
and placed in storage with all stream crossing structures removed
(Roads 6413, 46096, and 4618). Additionally. 3.2 miles of roads
currently in storage that would be opened and reconstructed to access
timber would be closed to motorized traffic and returned to storage
condition with all stream crossing structures removed (Roads 6417,
46091, and 46094).
S-6 • Summary
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
DEIS Summary
Alternative 4
(Proposed
Action)
Alternative 5
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
The Proposed Action for the Kuiu Timber Sale Area would result in
the production of approximately 42.6 million board feet (mmbf) of
timber from approximately 1,425 acres. A mix of ground-based and
helicopter logging systems would be used. Helicopter logging would
be used to access units on steeper ground. Using helicopters reduces
the need for road construction and allows for selective harvest on
steeper slopes.
The amount of trees remaining in a unit after harvest would vary from
zero to fifty percent of the stand’s pre-harvest basal area.
Where helicopter logging is necessary to access the standing timber,
trees less than 16 inches diameter at breast height (DBH) and western
hemlock greater than 36 inches DBH would be left standing to
improve economics. Where high wildlife values were identified,
approximately 50 percent of the stand basal area would be retained to
provide cover and structure for wildlife habitat. Harvested units in the
Recreational River Land Use Designation would retain 50 percent of
the stand basal area. Logs would be transported to existing log transfer
facilities in either Saginaw Bay or Rowan Bay. The Saginaw Bay LTF
would require some reconstruction before use.
Approximately 19 miles of temporary road construction would be
necessary for timber harvest. No new classified roads would be
constructed. Temporary road construction would require the
installation of two crossing structures across Class II fish streams. The
reconstruction of closed roads would require the installation of three
crossing structures on Class I streams, and three crossing structures on
Class II streams. Temporary road construction and closed road
reconstruction would require placement of 1 4 crossing structures on
Class III streams, and 19 stream crossing structures on Class IV
streams. All culverts or bridges would be removed upon completion of
harvest activities.
After timber harvest is complete, 1 1 miles of currently open roads that
would be used to access timber for this project would be closed to
motorized traffic and placed in storage with all stream crossing
structures removed (Roads 6413, 46096, 46021, 6418 and a portion of
6427). Additionally, 6.1 miles of roads currently in storage that would
be opened and reconstructed to access timber would be closed to
motorized traffic and returned to storage condition with all stream
crossing structures removed (Roads 6417, 46091, 6422, 6443, and a
portion of 6427).
This alternative proposes only even-aged management with clearcut
harvesting of timber to increase the economic return. The proposed
timber harvest would result in the production of approximately 36.3
million board feet (mmbf) of timber from approximately 1,231 acres.
Only ground-based logging systems would be used. Logs would be
Summary • S-7
DEIS Summary
transported to existing log transfer facilities in either Saginaw Bay or
Rowan Bay. The Saginaw Bay LTF would require some reconstruction
before use.
Approximately 17.1 miles of temporary road construction would be
necessary for timber harvest. No new classified roads would be
constructed. Temporary road construction would require the
installation of two crossing structures across Class II fish streams. The
reconstruction of closed roads would require the installation of three
crossing structures on Class I streams, and three crossing structures on
Class II streams. Temporary road construction and closed road
reconstruction would require placement of 15 crossing structures on
Class III streams, and 18 crossing structures on Class IV streams. All
culverts or bridges would be removed upon completion of harvest
activities.
After timber harvest is complete, 1 1 miles of currently open roads that
would be used to access timber would be closed to motorized traffic
and placed in storage with all stream crossing structures removed
(Roads 6413, 46096, 46021, 6418, and a portion of 6427).
Additionally, 6.9 miles of roads currently in storage that would be
opened and reconstructed to access timber would be closed to
motorized traffic and returned to storage condition with all stream
crossing structures removed (Roads 6417, 46091, 46094, 6422, 6443,
and a portion of 6427).
Design Criteria Common to All Action
Alternatives/Project-specific Mitigation
Where effects to resources were unavoidable, design criteria and
mitigation measures were developed to reduce those effects. All
applicable Forest Plan standards and guidelines. Best Management
Practices, laws, and Forest Service manual and handbook direction
were incorporated into the design of the proposed units and
alternatives. Design criteria and mitigation measures common to all
action alternatives, and unit and/or alternative-specific mitigation
measures are described in Chapter 2 and Appendix B.
S-8 • Summary
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
DEIS Summary
Table S-1 . Kuiu Timber Sale Area proposed activities by alternative
Proposed Activity
Alternative
1
2
3
4
5
Acres of Timber Harvested by Treatmenl
,
Even-aged
Management
Clearcut
0
197
409
1,026
1,231
Uneven-aged
Management
Single tree selection -
50% basal area
retention
0
87
72
215
0
Group selection -50%
basal area retention
0
19
19
42
0
Two-aged
Management
Clearcut with reserves
- 50% basal area
retention
0
188
294
142
0
Total Acres
0
491
794
1,425
1,231
Acres of timber harvest by logging system
Cable
0
408
759
1,108
1,082
Shovel
0
83
35
147
149 ;
Helicopter
0
0
0
170
0
Miles of road maintenance/construction
Maintenance: miles of open
j classified roads
0
48.0
47.8
45.2
45.2
Reconstruction: existing classified
roads (closed after harvest)
0
4.5
3.2
6.1
6.9
Construction: temporary roads
(closed after harvest)
0
2.9
7.5
19.0
17.1
Miles of road closure
Classified roads currently drivable
0
8.2
8.4
11.0
11.0
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Summary • S-9
DEIS Summary
Table S-2. Comparison of alternatives by issue and effects
Units of Measure
Alt 1
Alt 2
Alt 3
Alt 4
Alt 5
Issue 1 - Roadless Areas
Acres harvested within roadless
areas
0
0
67
210
114
Miles of temporary roads
constructed within roadless areas
0
0
0.2
0.95
0.95
Percent of affected area including
zones of influence (600’ for harvest,
1,200’ for roads)
0
0
3%
7%
4%
Change in roadless characteristics?
No
No
No
No
No
Eligible for Wilderness designation?
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Issue 2 - Wildlife Habitat and S osistence
Acres of productive old-growth
maintained
27,112
26,628
26,329
25,710
25,906
Project area open road density
(miles per square mile)
0.78
0.67
0.66
0.63
0.63
Acres of high value deer habitat
remaining after harvest
(HSI = 0.60-1.0)
6,824
6,696
6,694
6,513
6,578
Coarse canopy old-growth; percent
change from historic level
51%
52%
52%
54%
53%
Acres high value wildlife POG below
800 feet that will be clearcut
0
96
90
341
446 ;
Subsistence
Possible future restrictions based on the Forest Plan’s
predicted cumulative effects for subsistence hunting
for deer.
S-10 • Summary
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
DEIS Summary
Table S-2 (continued). Comparison of alternatives by issue and effects
Units of Measure
Alt 1
Alt 2
Alt 3
Alt 4
Alt 5
Issue 3 - Timber Harvest Economics
Amount of volume (mbf)
0
14,572
23,585
42,649
36,291
Amount of volume (ccf)
0
29,738
48,134
87,039
74,063
Expected bid ($/mbf) to Rowan Bay
LTF
0
$13.03
$8.51
$18.04
$20.59
Expected bid ($/mbf) to Saginaw
Bay LTF
0
$3.18
$3.71
$16.21
$18.19
Total Logging Costs per mbf
(including road costs) to Rowan
Bay LTF
0
$229.00
$237.02
$219.47
$211.53
Total Logging Costs per mbf
(including road costs) to Saginaw
Bay LTF
0
$249.10
$246.84
$223.20
$216.43
Road costs per mbf (construction
and reconstruction) to Rowan Bay
LTF
0
$21.85
$31.20
$27.71
$32.55
Road costs per mbf (construction
and reconstruction) to Saginaw Bay
LTF
0
$31.29
$37.04
$30.93
$36.35
Issue 4 - Cumulative Watershed Effects
Acres of extreme mass movement
index (MMI 4) soils in units
0
13.7
8.3
51.8
15.9
Cumulative timber harvest acres - %
of Dean Creek Watershed3
31.3
31.3
31.3
34.0
34.0
Cumulative timber harvest acres - %
of Saginaw Creek Watershed3
8.2
9.3
12.3
13.5
12.3
Cumulative timber harvest acres - %
of WS #109-45-10090 3
19.8
20.9
19.8
23.1
23.1
Cumulative timber harvest acres - %
of WS#1 09-44-1 03703
8.2
11.0
10.7
11.4
10.9
Cumulative timber harvest acres - %
of Security Creek Watershed3
23.9
24.7
25.7
27.2
27.2
Cumulative timber harvest acres - %
of Rowan Creek Watershed3
10.6
11.1
11.2
12.2
12.4 :
Cumulative timber harvest acres -
% of Kadake Creek Watershed3
17.7
18.1
18.2
18.7
18.4
a Percent of area harvested in past 30 years
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Summary • S-1 1
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Purpose and Need
1.1 Introduction 1-1
1.2 Proposed Action 1-1
1.3 Purpose and Need 1-2
1.4 Decisions to be Made 1-3
1.5 Management Direction 1-5
1.6 Description of the Project Area 1-10
1.7 Public Involvement 1-14
1.8 Significant Issues 1-17
1 .9 Other Issues and Concerns 1 -2 1
1.10 State and Federal Agency Review 1-23
1.11 Federal and State Permits, Licenses, and Certifications 1-24
1.12 Applicable Laws and Executive Orders 1-25
Chapter 2 Alternatives
2.1 Introduction 2-1
2.2 Alternatives Considered In Detail 2-2
2.3 Design Criteria Common to All Action Alternatives 2-5
2.4 Design Criteria Specific to Certain Alternatives 2-9
2.5 Comparison of Alternatives 2-1 1
2.6 Identification of the Preferred Alternative 2-16
2.7 Alternatives Considered but Eliminated From Detailed Study 2-16
2.8 Mitigation 2-21
2.9 Monitoring 2-22
Chapter 3 Environment and Effects
3.1 Introduction 3-1
3.2 Issue 1 - Roadless Areas 3-6
3.3 Issue 2 - Wildlife Habitat and Subsistence Use 3-23
3.4 Issue 3 - Timber Sale Economics 3-97
3.5 Issue 4 - Cumulative Effects of Logging and Road Construction on Watersheds 3-1 12
3.6 Alaska Region Threatened, Endangered, Candidate, and Sensitive Species 3-144
3.7 Timber and Vegetation Resources 3-152
3.8 Fisheries 3-174
3.9 Soils and Geology 3-189
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Table of Contents • TOC-
Contents
3.10 Wetlands 3-208
3.11 Transportation 3-215
3.12 Scenery 3-224
3.13 Recreation 3-240
3.14 Socioeconomics 3-25 1
3.15 Heritage Resources 3-26 1
3.16 Non-National Forest System Lands and Uses 3-266
3.17 Findings and Disclosures 3-267
Chapter 4 References and Lists
Glossary 4-1
References 4-19
List of Preparers 4-29
List of DEIS Recipients 4-3 1
Index for Chapters 1-3 4-35
Appendix A Reasons for Scheduling the Environmental Analysis of the
Scott Peak Project Area
Why is Timber from the Tongass National Forest Being Offered for Sale? A-2
How does the Forest Service Develop Forecasts about Future Timber Market Demand?
A-6
Annual Market Demand A-6
What Steps Must Be Completed to Prepare a Sale for Offer? A-8
How does the Forest Service Maintain an Orderly and Predictable Timber Sale Program?.
A-9
How Appeals and Litigation Affect the Timber Sale Program A- 13
How Does the Forest Service Decide Where Timber Harvest Projects should be Located?
A- 13
How Does This Project Fit into the Tongass Timber Program? A-17
Why is this Project Occurring in this Location? A-17
Conclusion A- 18
References A-20
ii • Table of Contents
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Contents
Appendix B Activity Cards
Introduction to Appendix B B- 1
Unit Card Header Information B-l
Harvest Treatments B-2
Resource Concerns and Responses B-4
Unit Cards B-l 5
Road Cards B-97
Road Management Objectives B-98
Appendix C Watershed Analysis for the Kuiu Landscape Assessment
Introduction C-l
Watershed Delineation and Identification C-2
Watershed Characterization C-3
Stream Channel Classification C-3
Watershed Processes and Forest Management C-5
Watershed Analysis Tools and Techniques C-8
Analysis Area C-10
Watersheds C-10
Watersheds Analyzed in Detail C-23
Literature Cited C-55
Appendix C-l: The Sediment Risk Assessment C-58
Appendix C-2: Ecological Subsections C-61
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Table of Contents • iii
Contents
List of Tables
Chapter 1
Table 1-1. Forest Plan land use designations on Kuiu Island 1-9
Table 1-2. Past activities by decade in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area 1-11
Table 1-3. Potential future management opportunities in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area
1-13
Chapter 2
Table 2-1 . Kuiu Timber Sale Area proposed activities by alternative 2-10
Table 2-2. Comparison of alternatives by issue and effects 2-17
Table 2-3. Rationale for dropping units from pool 2-20
Chapter 3
Table 3-1. Kuiu Island roadless areas 3-8
Table 3-2. Acres of roadless areas within the Kuiu Timber Sale Area 3-8
Table 3-3. North Kuiu Roadless Area LUDs 3-10
Table 3-4. Effects on the North Kuiu Roadless Areaa by alternative 3-14
Table 3-5. Effects on Area 1 (southern unroaded area 2,412 acres) by alternative. 3-20
Table 3-6. Effects on Area 2 (middle unroaded 3,302 acres) by alternative 3-20
Table 3-7. Small old-growth habitat reserve options for VCU 398 3-30
Table 3-8. Small old-growth habitat reserve options for VCU 399 3-36
Table 3-9. Small old-growth habitat reserve options for VCU 402 3-37
Table 3-10. Historic and current POG acres 3-38
Table 3-11. Effects of the proposed alternatives on POG habitata 3-39
Table 3-12. Acres of coarse canopy (Volume Class 6 and 7) harvested by alternative ..
Table 3-13. Management Indicator Species and Species of Concern 3-43
Table 3-14. Marten habitat capability in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area 3-45
Table 3-15. Marten habitat capability in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area by alternative
3-46
Table 3-16. High value marten habitat acres compared to historic (1954) condition -
WAA 5012 and the Kuiu Timber Sale Area 3-49
Table 3-17. High value marten habitat in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area remaining after
harvest by alternative 3-^ "
Table 3-18. Acres of POG high value wildlife habitat (below 800 feet) harvested. 3
Table 3 -19. WAA 5012 deer habitat suitability indices - historic (1954) and curren.
(2005) condition 3-54
iv • Table of Contents
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Contents
Table 3-20. Kuiu Timber Sale Area deer habitat suitability indices - historic (1954)
and current (2005) condition 3-54
Table 3-21. Deer habitat capability of WAA 5012 by alternative 3-54
Table 3-22. Historic (1954) and current (2005) deer habitat suitability indices for deer
winter habitat in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area 3-55
Table 3-23. Deer winter habitat capability in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area 3-56
Table 3-24. Deer winter habitat capability in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area by
alternative 3-57
Table 3-25. Acres high value deer winter habitat in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area by
alternative 3-58
Table 3-26. Road density by alternative in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area 3-67
Table 3-27. Subsistence harvest of important game species on Kuiu Island 3-81
Table 3-28. ADF&G deer hunter survey results for Kuiu Island 3-82
Table 3-29. Deer habitat capability for WAA 5012 by alternative 3-83
Table 3-30. Acres of marten habitat in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area by alternative . 3-85
Table 3-31. Estimated volumes proposed for harvest by alternative 3-98
Table 3-32. NEAT logging costs by alternative for haul to Rowan Bay LTF 3-101
Table 3-33. Appraised Value to Rowan Bay LTF 3-102
Table 3-34. NEAT logging costs by alternative for haul to Saginaw Bay LTF .... 3-102
Table 3-35. Appraised Value to Saginaw Bay LTF 3-103
Table 3-36. Acres of harvest prescriptions by alternative 3-103
Table 3-37. Acres of proposed timber harvest by logging system 3-104
Table 3-38. Direct employment calculation adjusted for Alaska yellow cedar export....
3-107
Table 3-39. Interpretation of the Sediment Risk Index (SRI) 3-1 14
Table 3-40. Results from the Watershed Analysis for the Kuiu Island Landscape
Assessment indicating the risk of sediment-related changes to stream channels when
compared amongst 163 watersheds on Kuiu Island 3-115
Table 3-41. Interpretation of percentile ranking for stream channel characteristics
3-116
Table 3-42. Watersheds within Kuiu Timber Sale Area, cumulative harvest since
1975, and miles of roads 3-116
Table 3-43. Stream channel condition: East Fork Saginaw Creek 3-117
Table 3-44. Stream channel condition: West Fork Saginaw Creek 3-118
Table 3-45. Stream channel condition: Security Creek 3-119
Table 3-46. Stream channel condition: ADF&G stream # 109-45-10090 3-120
Table 3-47. Stream channel condition: Dean Creek 3-121
Table 3-48. Stream channel condition: Main stem Kadake Creek 3-122
Table 3-49. Current Sediment Risk Index (SRI) in project area watersheds, and SRI
after accounting for proposed timber harvest and road construction 3-128
Table 3-50. Miles of open roads proposed to be put into storage, by alternative.. 3-129
Table 3-51. Summary of timber harvest and road building proposed in Alternative 2,
and associated changes in cumulative harvest levels, including areas cleared for roads
3-131
Table 3-52. Proposed harvest acreage in Alternative 2, by Mass Movement Index
class, by watershed 3-131
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Table of Contents • v
Contents
Table 3-53. Summary of timber harvest and road building proposed in Alternative 3,
and associated changes in cumulative harvest levels, including areas cleared for roads
3-133
Table 3-4. Proposed harvest acreage in Alternative 3, by Mass Movement Index class,
by watershed 3-134
Table 3-5 ' Summary of timber harvest and road building proposed in Alternative 4,
and associated changes in cumulative harvest levels, including areas cleared for roads
3-135
Table 3-56. Proposed harvest acreage in Alternative 4, by Mass Movement Index
class, by watershed 3-136
Table 3-57. Summary of timber harvest and road building proposed in Alternative 5,
and associated changes in cumulative harvest levels, including areas cleared for roads
3-138
Table 3-58. Proposed harvest on MMI3 and MMI4 soils, by watershed and unit in
Alternative 5 3-138
Table 3-59 Threatened, endangered, and candidate species, and Alaska Region
sensitive species potential habitat within the Project area for Kuiu Timber Sale.. 3-145
Table 3-60. Current Alaska Region sensitive plant species known or suspected to
occur on Petersburg Ranger District 3-150
Table 3-61. Species composition of forest lands in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area.. 3-154
Table 3-62. Timber volume by species in the Kuiu Sale Area proposed harvest units
(mbf) 3-155
Table 3-63. ’ lume strata in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area 3-158
Table 3-64. \ lume strata acres harvested by alternative 3-158
Table 3-65. Suitable and available productive forest land strata and volume estimates .
3-159
Tat 3-66. Acres of silvicultural prescriptions by alternative 3-163
Table 3-67. Cumulative acres of timber harvest by alternative 3-173
Table 3-68. Acres of riparian harvest by watershed (WS) 3-17 ;
Table 3-69. Existing and proposed stream crossings needing structures by stream
class and alternative 3-179
Table 3-70. Proposed fish stream structure removal 3-183
Table 3-71. Landslide analysis of Swanston and Marion (1991) and Landwehr (2000,
unpub.) 3-192
Table 3-72. Acres previously harvested in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area by MMI Class. .
3-196
Table 3-73 Inventory of landslides within the Kuiu Timber Sale Area 3-197
Table 3-7 \cres detrimental soil disturbance from harvest and road construction by
alternative 3-199
Table 3-75. Acres MMI in proposed units by alternative 3-200
Table 3-76. Estimated potential rate of landslides by alternative for proposed acres of
harvest within MMI Class 3-201
Table 3-77. Miles of road constructed by alternative for each MMI cla 3-202
Table 3-78. Ac s of wetlands previously harvested and proposed for h .vest within
the Kuiu Tim Sale Area by alternative 3-211
Table 3-79. Proposed temporary road miles crossing wetlands 3-212
vi • Table of Contents
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Contents
Table 3-80. Existing classified roads in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area 3-216
Table 3-81. Current and proposed open road density in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area
3-218
Table 3-82. Existing and proposed miles of open and closed classified road and miles
of proposed temporary road construction in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area 3-218
Table 3-83. Existing classified road closures 3-219
Table 3-84. Project area acres by variety class 3-225
Table 3-85. Acres of harvest in seen areas by alternative 3-227
Table 3-86. Project area acres by existing visual condition 3-228
Table 3-87. Project area acres by Visual Absorption Capacity Class 3-229
Table 3-88. Project area acres by Forest Plan adopted visual quality objective.... 3-230
Table 3-89. Percent cumulative visual disturbance by VCU 3-238
Table 3-90. Existing Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) Classes within the
Kuiu Timber Sale Area* 3-241
Table 3-91. Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) class acres in the Kuiu Timber
Sale Area 3-246
Table 3-92. Population estimates for local communities 3-253
Appendix A
Table A-l. Projected and Actual Tongass Harvest (MMBF) A-4
Table A-2. Accomplishments in gate system and timber pools (MMBF) A-l 1
Table A-3. Timber volume involved in appeals and/or litigation 1 A- 12
Table A-4. Annual projected distribution of Forest Plan allowable sale quantity
(MMBF) A- 15
Appendix B
Table B-l . Channel types in or adjacent to proposed harvest units B-10
Table B-2. Stream value classes B-10
Table B-3. Stream classes, species of concern, and construction timing windows for
stream crossings on classified roads proposed for reconstruction B-l 00
Appendix C
Table C-l . Stream process groups and channel types recognized on the Tongass
National Forest C-4
Table C-2. Interpretation of the Sediment Risk Index (SRI) C-14
Table C-3. Sediment Risk Index ratings for watersheds on Kuiu Island, by LUD type..
C-21
Table C-4. Watersheds in which cumulative harvest levels (including road clearings)
exceed 20 percent C-22
Table C-5. Sediment Risk Index ranking in watersheds with greater than 20 percent
cumulative harvest levelsa C-23
Table C-6. Tongass fish habitat objectives for Flood Plain channel types C-24
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Table of Contents • vii
Contents
Table C-7. Interpretation of percentile ranking for stream channel characteristics
C-25
Table C-8. Miles of road in the Saginaw Creek Watershed C-28
Table C-9. Stream channel condition: East Fork Saginaw Creek C-30
Table C-10. Stream channel condition: West Fork Saginaw Creek C-30
Table C-l 1. Road miles in the Security Creek Watershed C-34
Table C-12. Stream channel condition: Security Creek C-36
Table C-13. Road miles in watershed #109-45-10090 C-39
Table C-l 4. Stream channel condition: ADF&G stream # 109-45-10090 C-41
Table C-l 5. Road miles in the Dean Creek Watershed C-44
Table C-l 6. Stream channel condition: Dean Creek C-45
Table C-l 7. Stream channel condition: Main stem Kadake Creek C-50
List of Figures
Figure 1-1. Vicinity map of Kuiu Timber Sale Project Area 1-4
Figure 1-2. Fand Use Designations (FUDs) within the Kuiu Timber Sale Area 1-8
Figure 2-1. Alternative 1 No Action 2-25
Figure 2-2. Alternative 2 2-27
Figure 2-3. Alternative 3 2-29
Figure 2-4. Alternative 4 Proposed Action 2-3 1
Figure 2-5. Alternative 5 2-33
Figure 3-1 . Roadless Areas and Unroaded Areas 3-15
Figure 3-2. Old-growth Habitat Reserves on Kuiu Island 3-31
Figure 3-3. Small Old-growth Habitat Reserve Options in VCUs 398, 399 and 402 ...
and 402 3-33
Figure 3-4. Habitat Suitability Index for marten 3-47
Figure 3-5. Habitat Suitability Index for deer 2006 3-59
Figure 3-6. Habitat Suitability Index for deer by 2045 3-61
Figure 3-7. Watersheds and Streams 3-139
Figure 3-8. Managed Stands, Roads, and Landslides 3-141
Figure 3-9. MMI-3 and MMI-4 Soils within the Kuiu Timber Sale Area 3-lc
Figure 3-10. Adopted Visual Quality Objectives 3-2
Figure 3-11. Area of Potential Effect for Heritage Resources 3-263
Figure B-l. Unit Pool B-13
Figure B-2. Proposed Road Maintenance Levels B- 101
Figure C-l. Kuiu Watersheds identified for this analysis C-l 1
Figure C-2. Inherent Sediment Risk Index (SRI) for Kuiu watersheds C-l 5
Figure C-3. Current Sediment Risk Index (SRI) for Kuiu Watersheds C-l 7
viii • Table of Contents
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Contents
List of Charts
Chart 3-1. NEAT expected bid rate by appraisal quarter 3-100
Chart 3-2. 30-year cumulative harvest levels in major watersheds within the Kuiu
Timber Sale Area under Alternative 1 3-126
Chart 3-3. 30-year cumulative harvest levels in major watersheds within the Kuiu
Timber Sale Area in Alternative 4 3-127
Chart 3-4. Plant series in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area 3-153
Chart 3-5. Forest land classification in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area 3-157
Chart 3-6. Kuiu Timber Sale Area landslide comparison 3-197
Chart A-l. 1997 Forest Plan Timber Resource Suitability Analysis A- 14
Chart C-l. Relationship between the Inherent SRI for Kuiu watersheds and the
percent of watershed area in landslides C-l 9
Chart C-2. Saginaw Creek Watershed stream channel process groups C-26
Chart C-3. Saginaw Creek Watershed stream classes C-27
Chart C-4. Harvest history in the Saginaw Creek Watersheds C-28
Chart C-5. Stream channel process groups in the Security Creek Watershed C-32
Chart C-6. Stream classes in the Security Creek Watershed C-33
Chart C-l . Harvest history in the Security Creek Watershed C-34
Chart C-8. Stream channel process groups in Watershed #109-45-10090 C-38
Chart C-9. Stream classes in Watershed #109-45-10090 C-38
Chart C-10. Harvest history for Watershed # 109-45-10090 C-39
Chart C-l 1. Stream channel process groups in the Dean Creek Watershed C-42
Chart C-l 2. Stream classes in the Dean Creek Watershed C-43
Chart C-l 3. Harvest history for the Dean Creek Watershed C-44
Chart C-14. Stream channel process groups in the Kadake Creek Watershed C-47
Chart C-l 5. Stream classes in the Kadake Creek Watershed C-48
Chart C-l 6. Harvest history for the Kadake Creek Watershed C-49
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Table of Contents • ix
USDA
United States
Department of
Agriculture
Forest Service
Tongass
National
Forest
R10-MB-570
January 2006
Kuiu Timber
Sale Area
Draft Environmental
Impact Statement
Chapter 1
Purpose and Need
Chapter 1
Table of Contents
1.1 Introduction 1-1
1 .2 Proposed Action 1-1
1 .3 Purpose and Need 1-2
1 .4 Decisions to be Made 1-3
1 .5 Management Direction 1-5
1 .6 Description of the Project Area 1-10
1 .7 Public Involvement 1-14
1 .8 Significant Issues 1-17
1 .9 Other Issues and Concerns 1-21
1.10 State and Federal Agency Review 1-23
1.11 Federal and State Permits, Licenses, and Certificates 1-24
1.12 Applicable Laws and Executive Orders 1-25
Chapter 1
Purpose and Need
1.1 Introduction
The Kuiu Timber Sale Area is located on north Kuiu Island, on the
Petersburg Ranger District, Tongass National Forest, Alaska Region
(Region 10) of the Forest Service, an agency of the U.S. Department
of Agriculture (see Vicinity Map, Figure 1-1).
This is a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). A Final EIS
will be published at a later date. The Final EIS may have changes
based on public comment on this Draft EIS.
This chapter discusses the background of the Kuiu Timber Sale project
and tiers to the Tongass National Forest Land and Resource
Management Plan (referred to as the Forest Plan in this document). It
includes the steps taken to identify environmental issues and public
concerns related to implementation of the project.
1 .2 Proposed Action
A “proposed action” is defined early in the project-level planning
process to briefly describe the project’s actions and magnitude. This
serves as a starting point for the environmental analysis and gives the
public and other agencies specific information on which to focus
comments. Using these comments (see discussion of Significant Issues
later in this chapter), and information from preliminary analysis, the
interdisciplinary team develops alternatives to the proposed action.
These are discussed in detail in Chapter 2.
The Proposed Action for the Kuiu Timber Sale Area (Alternative 4) is
for the sale and harvest of approximately 42.6 million board feet
(mmbf) of sawlog and utility volume from 1,425 acres of National
Forest System land. This harvest would require about 19 miles of
temporary road construction, and 6.1 miles of road reconstruction. The
logs would be hauled by truck to existing log transfer facilities (LTFs)
at Rowan Bay or Saginaw Bay for shipment. Timber from this project
would be offered through the Tongass National Forest timber sale
program beginning in 2006. The timber may be offered as a single sale
or as multiple sales of varying sizes.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 1*1-1
Purpose and Need
The Proposed Action includes adjusting the boundary of three small
old-growth habitat reserves (OGRs) in or adjacent to the project area
to meet or slightly exceed Forest Plan minimum requirements. The
proposed adjustments would result in changes to the size of the OGRs
(see Chapter 3, “Issue 2 Wildlife Habitat and Subsistence Use” for a
detailed description of proposed OGR adjustments). Any proposed
reserve adjustments would require a non-significant amendment to the
Forest Plan.
The Kuiu Timber Sale project proposes timber harvest on selected
lands suitable for the production of saw amber and other wood
products. This harvest would help meet market demands for timber
and provide resource production opportunities and employment for
local communities. These proposals are in compliance with the goals
and objectives of the Forest Plan. Harvest methods other than
traditional clearcutting are proposed where feasible, based on site
conditions. Harvest is expected to improve timber growth and
contribute toward a balance of age classes.
1.3 Purpose and Need
The purpose of the project is to harvest timber from up to 1,425 acres
and construct up to 19 miles of temporary roads (no classified roads
would be constructed) to access the proposed timber harvest units.
Harvesting timber now would produce sawlogs and utility volumes
and generate an immediate economic return.
The secondary purpose of the project is to develop a road management
plan for the Kuiu Timber Sale Area which would facilitate
transportation planning for short-term and long-term access across the
project area. There is a need to manage an efficient transportation
system through reconstruction, storage, and maintenance of roads and
landings.
There are approximately 76 miles of existing classified roads within
the project area. About 56 miles of these roads are currently open for
public use. These roads are used for timber harvest and connect to
existing log transfer facilities located at Rowan Bay and Saginaw Bay.
The roads do not connect to any existing community.
The Kuiu Timber Sale project would achieve goals and objectives
described in the Forest Plan, and help move the project area toward
desired future conditions described in that plan. Forest-wide goals and
objectives (Forest Plan, pp. 2-3 and 2-4) that this proposed action
would achieve include the following:
• Providing for a vigorous and healthy forest environment, including
management of the timber resource for production of sawtimber
1-2 • Chapter 1
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Purpose and Need I
and other wood products from suitable lands made available for
timber harvest on an even-flow, long-term sustained yield basis,
and in an economically efficient manner
• Ensuring the Forest Service acts in a responsible manner by:
1 ) providing a timber supply sufficient to meet the annual market
demand for the Tongass National Forest, 2) meeting the demand for
the planning cycle while maintaining a Forest-wide system of old-
growth forest habitat to sustain old-growth associated species and
resources, and 3) ensuring that the old-growth habitat reserve
system meets the minimum size, spacing, and composition criteria
• Providing for current and future habitat needs of endemic wildlife
species
• Maintaining and enhancing current riparian conditions
• Providing for a diversity of opportunities for resource uses that
contribute to the local and regional economies of Southeast Alaska,
supporting a wide range of natural-resource employment
opportunities within Southeast Alaska's communities
Appendix A of this document provides information on how this project
relates to the overall Tongass timber sale program, and why the project
is being scheduled at this time.
1.4 Decisions to be Made
Based on the environmental analysis in this Draft EIS, the Forest
Supervisor would decide whether and how to implement activities
within the Kuiu Timber Sale Project Area in accordance with Forest
Plan goals, objectives, and desired future conditions. The decision may
include:
• the location, design, scheduling, amount, and method of timber
harvest, temporary road construction, log-transfer facilities, and
silvicultural practices,
• access management measures including storage of classified roads,
• any necessary project-specific mitigation measures and monitoring
requirements,
• a determination whether there may be a significant restriction on
subsistence uses, and
• whether any changes in the small old-growth habitat reserves in
VCU 398, 399, or 402 should be made and approved as a non-
significant amendment to the Forest Plan.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 1*1-3
Legend
| 1 Non-National Forest
Lakes/Salt Water
500ft Contour Interval
Kuiu Project Area Boundary
Existing Roads
Figure 1-1
Area of Detail
Vicinity Map of Kuiu Timber Sale
Petersburg Ranger District
Tongass National Forest
Kadake **
Security
Bay %
Washington
Bay
Purpose and Need
1.5.1 Forest
Plan Land Use
Designations
1.5 Management Direction
The Kuiu Timber Sale EIS is a project-level analysis. The scope of the
analysis is confined to the Kuiu Timber Sale Area, addressing the
significant issues and environmental consequences of the proposed
action and its alternatives. While it does not attempt to address
decisions made at higher levels of planning, it does implement
direction provided at those higher levels.
The Forest Plan embodies the provisions of the National Forest
Management Act (NFMA), its implementing regulations, and other
guiding documents. The Forest Plan sets forth in detail the direction
for managing the land and resources of the Tongass National Forest.
Where appropriate, this EIS tiers to the Forest Plan.
In Sierra Club v. Fyons (J00-0009 CV (JKS)), The U.S. District Court,
District of Alaska directed the Forest Service to prepare a
supplemental environmental impact statement that evaluated and
considered roadless areas within the Tongass for recommendations as
potential wilderness areas. In February 2003, The Tongass National
Forest completed the Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement
to the Forest Plan (referred to as the Forest Plan SEIS in this
document). The No-Action alternative was selected, continuing
management under the 1997 Forest Plan with no new wilderness
recommendations. The Forest Plan SEIS provides updated inventory
information to which this project tiers.
The Forest Plan uses land use designations (LUDs) to guide the
management of the National Forest System lands on the Tongass
National Forest. Chapter 3 of the Forest Plan contains a detailed
description of each land use designation. The Kuiu Timber Sale Area
includes three of these land use designations - Timber Production,
Recreational River, and Old-growth Habitat Reserve (Table 1-1).
Goals, objectives and desired future conditions of each are
summarized below. The locations of each land use designation on
Kuiu Island, including the Kuiu Timber Sale Area, are shown on
Figure 1-2. Less than one percent of the lands in the project area are
non-National Forest System Lands.
The area contains no known features of special interest other than two
bands of karst1. The mapped karst resources encompass approximately
6,624 acres or 16 percent of the project area. The area does not include
1 Karst - A type of topography that develops in areas underlain by soluble rocks,
primarily limestone. Dissolution of the subsurface strata results in areas of well-
developed surface drainage resulting in sinkholes, collapsed channels, or caves.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 1*1-5
Purpose and Need
any Potential Research Natural Areas and has not been identified for
any other scientifh urpose.
1. 5.1.1 Timber Production LUD (42,905 acres)
These lands are managed for the production of saw timber and other
wood products on an even-flow, long-term sustained yield basis. The
forested areas are healthy stands with a balanced mix of age classes.
An extensive road system is developed for accessing timber as well as
recreation, hunting, fishing, and other public and administrative uses.
Roads may be closed, either seasonally or yea -round, to address
resource and other needs. Management activities will generally
dominate most seen areas. A variety of wildlife habitats,
predominately in the early and middle successional stages are present.
Within the Timber Production LUD are areas of beach and estuary
fringe, riparian reserves, high-vulnerability karst. Riparian
Management Areas (RMAs), non-forested areas, and non-productive
forested areas that total approximately 8,182 acres. These acres are
considered unsuitable for timber production and were removed from
the suitable1 timber base by the Forest Plan. Before the signing of the
Forest Plan Record oi Decision, approximately 1,739 acres of what is
now unsuitable land had been harve^ed. Most of this harvest took
place in what are now recognized a parian areas, beach fringe areas,
and non-development LL These acres are included in the total
acres harvested discussion in the “Prior Management of the Area”
section in this chapter and throughout the EIS.
Approximately 29,3o2 acres in the Timber Production LUD are
considered suitable for timber production of whic1 8,654 acres have
been previously harvested. Of the total acres harvested in the project
area (approximately 1,739 from unsuitable lands and 8,654 from
suitable lands) 4,766 acres have been pre-commercially thinned. The
remaining 5,627 are too young and not large enough for commercial
thinning. The second growth that is on suitable land, is not proposed
for harvest at this time.
1 Suitable Forest land - Forest land that is producing or is capable of producing crops
of industrial wood and; 1) has not been withdrawn by Congress, the Secretary of
Agriculture, or the Chief of the Forest Service; 2) existing technology and
knowledge is available to ensure timber production without irreversible damage to
soils productivity or watershed conditions; 3) existing technology and knowledge, as
reflected in current research and experience, provides reasonable assurance that it is
possible to restock adequately within five years after final harvest, 4) adequate
information is available to project responses to timber management activities, and 5)
where timber harvest is allowed under the Forest Plan.
1-6 • Chapter 1
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Purpose and Need I
The remaining 20,708 acres of suitable timber in the project area
includes land with productive old-growth1 timber and is available for
harvest at this time.
1.5.1. 2 Recreational River LUD (1,246 acres)
Recreational River segments are managed to maintain a free-flowing
river resource, while providing for access and use consistent with the
Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and the Alaska National Interest Lands
Conservation Act (ANILCA). Timber harvest is permitted on suitable
lands if adjacent lands are being managed for timber. These lands
would also be managed for recreation use and activities to meet the
criteria for number of social encounters, on-site developments,
methods of access and visitor impacts. Roads are permitted to access,
parallel or cross the river. Visual Quality Objectives would be applied
with the corridor.
In the Kuiu Timber Sale Area, approximately 1,246 acres are in the
Recreational River LUD. This LUD was established to maintain the
eligibility status of the Kadake River corridor for Wild and Scenic
River designation.
1.5.1. 3 Old-growth Habitat LUD (1,595 acres)
In this LUD, the objectives are to provide forest habitats to maintain
viable populations of native and desired non-native fish and wildlife
species that may be closely associated with old-growth forests. Other
objectives are to contribute to the habitat capability of fish and wildlife
resources in order to support sustainable human subsistence, and to
maintain biological diversity components and ecological processes
associated with old-growth forests.
In the Kuiu Timber Sale Area, there are approximately 1,595 acres in
the Old-growth Habitat LUD.
1 Productive Old-growth - old-growth stands capable of producing 20 cubic feet per
acre per year with 8,000 or more board feet of timber per acres
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 1*1-7
i
Ci
Security •
Bay V,
5T
G
3
go
Washington
Bay
Legend
Modified Landscape
Non-National Forest
Old-growth Reserve
Remote Recreation
] Recreation River
Special Interest Area
Semi-Remote Recreation
Scenic Viewshed
Timber
Wild River
Wilderness
Lakes/Salt Water
Kuiu Project Area Boundary
Figure 1-2
Land Use Designation Map of Kuiu Timber Sale
Petersburg Ranger District
Tongass National Forest
2.5
i Miles
Purpose and Need
Table 1-1. Forest Plan land use designations on Kuiu Island
Land Use
Designation
Kuiu Island
Kuiu Timber
Sale Area
% of project
area in LUD
Non-development LUDs
Wilderness
124,576 acres
0
0
Special
Interest Area
1,094 acres
0
0
Remote
Recreation
42,347 acres
0
0
Old-growth
Habitat
25,171 acres
1,595 acres
3% I
Semi-remote
Recreation
106,149 acres
0
0
Wild River
1,807 acres
0
0
Recreational
River
6,585 acres
1 ,246 acres
3%
Development LUDs
Modified
Landscape
29,444 acres
0
0
Timber
Production
141,241 acres
42,905 acres
93%
Non-National
Forest System
Land
3,787 acres
356 acres
<1%
1.5.2 Non-
National
Forest
System
Lands
There are 356 acres of non-National Forest System lands within the
project area: two acres of private land, seven acres of Bureau of Land
Management land, and 347 acres of State of Alaska land. These lands
are not designated in the Forest Plan; however, for purposes of this
EIS they are considered in the action alternatives of this project when
analyzing cumulative effects.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 1*1-9
Purpose and Need
1.6 Description of the Project Area
1.6.1
Geographic
Location and
Boundaries
1.6.2 Prior
Management
of the Area
The Kuiu Timber Sale Area is located on north Kuiu Island, on the
Petersburg Ranger District of the Tongass National Forest in Southeast
Alaska, Townships 57, 58, and 59 South, Ranges 71 and 72 East,
Copper River Meridian. The project area includes lands within Value
Comparison Units (VCUs) 399, 400, 402, and 421, an area of
approximately 46,102 acres (Figure 1-2). VCUs are comparable to
large watersheds and generally follow major topographic divides (see
the Introduction to Chapter 3 for a more detailed definition of VCUs).
The project area is encompassed by Forest Service Roads 6402 and
6415 and the peninsula between Security Bay and Saginaw Bay. There
are seven watersheds within the project area: Dean Creek, 109-45-
10090, Saginaw, Security, 10-44-10370, and parts of Kadake Creek
and Rowan Creek (see Figure 3-7 in Chapter 3).
The Kuiu Timber Sale Area is within the Rowan Sediments and North
Prince of Wales-Kuiu Carbonates ecological subsections (Nowacki et
al. 2001). Specifically, the project area is located in the north central
portion of Kuiu Island.
The western portion of the project area is in the Rowan Sediments
area, which has long, smooth, forested hillslopes dissected by broad U-
shaped glacial valleys. The eastern portion of the project area is in the
North Prince of Wales-Kuiu Carbonates area, which has surfaces that
undulate irregularly, and possess unique topographic oddities
including vertical shafts and cliffs (Nowacki et al. 2001).
The project area is located approximately 12 air-miles southwest of the
city of Kake. Approximately 356 acres of non-National Forest System
lands are included in the project area. Access to the area is by boat or
floatplane. The National Forest System lands are divided into three
land use designations (LUDs), with 42,905 acres in the Timber
Production LUD where development is permitted.
Timber harvest and associated road building in the Kuiu Timber Sale
Area occurred mostly during the 1970s and 1980s under a long-term
contract (Table 1-2). Some timber was also harvested in small sales in
the early 2000s from the Crane and Rowan Mountain Timber Sale. All
of the harvest units (approximately 10,393 acres) have successfully
regenerated and approximately 4,766 of these acres have been pre-
commercially thinned. The remaining 5,627 acres are not eligible for
thinning at this time. Log hauling in this area used Rowan Bay and
Saginaw Bay Log Transfer Facilities (LTFs).
1-10 • Chapter 1
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Purpose and Need
Table 1- 2. Past activities by decade in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area
Decade
Activity
1900-1959
Minimal activity
1960-1969
1 ,277 acres timber harvest
1970-1979
5,205 acres timber harvest
1980-1989
2,605 acres timber harvest
Dean Creek fish pass built and Coho fry transplanted
1990-1999
938 acres timber harvest
Dean Creek fish pass modified for pink salmon passage
2000-2005
368 acres timber harvest
1.6.3 Project
Implement-
ation
1.6.4 Future
Projects
If the decision is made to harvest timber in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area,
the timber may be offered for harvest in one sale or multiple sales of
various sizes in the near future. The number and volume of the timber
sales would depend on the final decision and the timber demand,
which is reviewed on an annual basis. More information on scheduling
timber harvest can be found in Appendix A of this EIS.
Environmental analysis includes activities that may occur “in the
reasonably foreseeable future,” either within or adjacent to the Kuiu
Timber Sale Area. The timeframe is generally considered to be ten
years or less. The following items have been or are currently listed as
possible projects.
1. 6.4.1 Tongass Timber Sale Schedule
The Tongass Timber Sale Schedule lists all proposed timber sales and
the timber volumes therein, the methods of harvest, and the associated
road activities for the upcoming five-fiscal-year period. Included in the
list is information for all sales where site-specific analysis, in
accordance with procedures under the National Environmental Policy
Act, has been completed (sales scheduled at least 1-3 years in the
future) as well as more general information for the sales proposed in
the final 2 years of the 5-fiscal-year period in which site-specific
analysis has yet to be completed.
The most recent sale schedule does not list any planned sales within
VCUs 399 or 400. Portions of VCU 402 and 421 overlap the Bayport
planning area. Planning for Bayport is scheduled to begin in 2010 with
up to 35 mmbf offered in one or more sales.
The Crane and Rowan Mountain Timber Sales Record of Decision was
signed in July 1998. The area encompasses VCUs 398, 399, 400, 402,
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 1 • 1-11
Purpose and Need
421, and a portion of 420. Approximately 20. 1 mmbf of the Crane
Timber Sale were harvested. The Rowan Mountain Sale (20.2 mmbf)
and Road 6402 sale (9.5 mmbf) were mutually cancelled in 2004.
Approximately 16.5 mmbf of timber from 816 acres in 20 units, with
approximately 5 miles of road construction may be reoffered in other
sales. Six of these units are within the Kuiu Timber Sale Area and are
proposed in the following VCUs.
• In VCU 400, there are five units totaling 389 acres of two-aged
management with partial harvest. Trees less than 16 inches DBH
and over 36 DBH would be left within the units. The logging
system used would be helicopter harvest.
• In VCU 399, there is one unit of 64 acres. Fifty acres would be
clearcut harvested (even-aged management) and 14 acres would be
partially harvested (two-aged management).
The Threemile Record of Decision (19.5 mmbf) was signed in April of
2004 and is currently in litigation. This sale is in VCU 419 on Kuiu
Island and is not adjacent to the Kuiu Timber Sale Area.
1. 6.4.2 Kuiu Island Landscape Assessment
The Kuiu Island Landscape Assessment (2005) and public comments
identified several projects that could be implemented within or near
the project area. These projects are displayed in Table 1-3.
1-12 • Chapter 1
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Purpose and Need
Table 1- 3. Potential future management opportunities in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area
Watershed
Activity
Benefiting Resource
Place 6.2 miles of classified road in storage
Hydrology and wildlife
Saginaw
Evaluate approximately 450 acres of riparian areas
for thinning
Hydrology and wildlife
Creek
Evaluate approximately 1,025 acres of upland second
growth stands for pruning or thinning
Wildlife and timber
Evaluate large wood installation
Fisheries enhancement
Security
Creek
Evaluate 78 acres of harvested riparian areas for
thinning opportunities
Hydrology and wildlife
Evaluate large wood installation in Security Creek
Fisheries enhancement
#109-45-
10090
Place 1.4 miles of road in storage
Hydrology and wildlife
Dean
Place 1 .2 miles of road in storage
Hydrology and wildlife
Creek
Evaluate large wood installation in Dean Creek
Fisheries enhancement
Kadake
Creek
Evaluate 410 acres of harvested riparian areas for
thinning opportunities
Wildlife
•' / .. •: ■ • ' '
Evaluate 44 red3 culverts as opportunities arise
Fisheries - enhance
juvenile fish passage
Decommission13 any temporary roads that are
currently open and no longer needed
Hydrology and wildlife
Genera!
Replace/remove aging log bridges and culverts
Safety and hydrology
Identify all closed roads and Maintenance Level lc
roads that are being used by wheeled traffic. Place in
storage or reopen with proper drainage structures
installed.
Safety, hydrology, and
wildlife
a Red culvert - a culvert that cannot pass juvenile fish during flows equal to or less than the discharge
predicted to occur two days before or after the mean annual flood levels.
b Decommission - activities that result in the stabilization and restoration of unneeded roads to a more
natural state.
L Maintenance Level 1 - closed, basic drainage maintenance (see the Road Maintenance Objectives in
Appendix B)
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 1
1-13
Purpose and Need
1.7.1 Kuiu
Island
Landscape
Assessment
1.7 Public Involvement
Public involvement is a key component of the planning process. The
Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) defines scoping as “...an
early and open process for determining the scope of issues to be
addressed and for identifying the significant issues related to a
proposed action” (40 CFR 1501.7). Among other things, the scoping
process is used to invite public participation, to help identify public
issues, and to obtain public comment at various stages of the
environmental analysis process. Scoping begins early and is a process
that continues until a decision is made. Comments received at other
levels of the planning process, such as for the Forest Plan and the
landscape level analysis, were also considered. The following
paragraphs describe the public involvement activities that have
occurred for the Kuiu Timber Sale Analysis.
The Kuiu Timber Sale project has been included in the Tongass
National Forest Timber Sale Plan since 2004 and was first placed on
the spring 2004 Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA). This schedule
is updated quarterly and mailed to everyone who requests it, and is
available at Ranger District offices and on the Tongass National Forest
website ( w\vu \ fs. fed, us/rl 0/tonsass).
In general, the vision for Kuiu Island, as expressed in public comments
received from scoping and open houses, parallels the Forest Plan’s
desired condition for the Tongass. People want to see a healthy deer
population maintained on the island in perpetuity to meet the needs of
subsistence hunters. They are concerned about the fragmentation of
old-growth habitat and supportive of the old-growth habitat
conservation strategy.
Public comments support a sustainable timber harvest, although
opinions differ on what level of harvest is acceptable. Public
comments concerning recreation emphasize maintaining a wide
spectrum of recreation opportunities, from developed to non-
developed. Public comment strongly favors protection of water quality
as it relates to fish and shellfish habitat because of the importance of
aquatic species for subsistence and commercial uses. Public opinions
regarding National Forest System roads vary widely, but most people
agree that all open roads should be well maintained to minimize their
environmental effects and to provide for the comfort and safety of
users.
Nearby residents in Kake, Point Baker, and Port Protection emphasize
the importance of considering traditional community values and
1-14 • Chapter 1
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Purpose and Need I
customs when proposing management activities. They express a desire
for balance between meeting the economic needs of a community and
meeting the ecological needs of a landscape.
1.7.2 Scoping 1.7.2.1 Public Mailing
Public scoping was conducted in February 2004. A newsletter
identifying the project area and requesting information on site-specific
concerns was mailed to approximately 270 people who requested to be
on project mailing lists, who previously expressed interest in timber
sale proposals, or who either own property or conduct business near
the project area. In addition, the newsletter was mailed to local, state,
and federal agencies and federally-recognized tribal governments.
The project mailing list is frequently updated to accommodate requests
for additions or deletions, and to update mailing addresses.
The Forest Service received 28 responses to this mailing. While some
comments support the proposed timber sale, most express concerns
about additional road construction, uneconomic timber harvest,
disturbance to wildlife, clearcutting as a harvest method, and the
cumulative effects of additional harvest on previously harvested
watersheds.
1.7.3 Notice of
Intent
1.7.4
Consultation
with Other
Government
Agencies
1. 7.2.2 Open Houses
Open houses that included information about the Kuiu Timber Sale
were held in Petersburg in March 2004, December 2004, and June
2005. Open houses were held in Kake in June and November of 2004.
Open houses were advertised in the Petersburg Pilot , the local weekly
newspaper in Petersburg, and on KFSK Public Radio in Petersburg.
Flyers were posted on bulletin boards throughout Petersburg. In Kake,
flyers were sent to the City Council for posting prior to the meetings.
There is no local paper or radio station in Kake.
A Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement was
published in the Federal Register on August 9, 2004. On September
14, 2004 a revised Notice of Intent was published. This Notice briefly
described the proposed action and the purpose and need for the project.
Estimated timelines for the project were given, along with project
background summary and contact information for those interested in
participating in the planning process.
The Forest Service is committed to working closely with other
agencies at all stages of planning. The agency is responsible for
coordinating reviews of the project by several other agencies. In some
cases, the reviews are required because another agency has authority to
issue permits for certain proposed activities. In other cases, the reviews
allow interaction with other agencies with responsibilities for certain
environmental conditions, like clean water or healthy wildlife
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 1 • 1-15
Purpose and Need
populations. This interagency cooperation helps identify the means to
avoid or mitigate possible harmful environmental effects. In many
cases, an ongoing professional dialogue is maintained with these
agencies throughout the planning process.
The following agencies have been consulted about this project:
• Alaska Department of Fish and Game
• Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation
• Alaska Office of History and Archaeology
• Alaska Department of Natural Resources
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• National Marine Fisheries Service
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
1.7.5
Consultation
with Federally
Recognized
Tribal
Governments
In 1998, in a collaborative process, a Forest Service Wildlife Biologist
worked with biologists from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(USFWS), the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), and
the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to
develop a biologists’ recommended design for placement of the small
old-growth habitat reserves for all of Kuiu Island. In June 2004,
representatives from ADF&G, USFWS, and DEC met with the Kuiu
Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) to further discuss options for
reconfiguring the small old-growth habitat reserves in northern Kuiu
Island, including those in or near the project area. The following day,
the IDT coordinated an interagency field trip to the project area with
representatives of ADF&G, USFWS, and DEC. There was agreement
to submit the proposed small OGR recommendations for VCUs 398,
399, and 402 for analysis in this document.
Consultation with federally recognized tribal governments included
govemment-to-govemment and staff level communications. The
Forest Service met with representatives of the Organized Village of
Kake, and sent letters of consultation to the Petersburg Indian
Association, SeaAlaska Corporation, and Tlingit/Haida Central
Council.
1-16 • Chapter 1
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Purpose and Need
1.7.6
Availability of
Draft EIS
The Notice of Availability of this Draft EIS will be published in the
Federal Register , in the Juneau Empire, the official newspaper of
record, and in the Petersburg Pilot. The 45-day public comment period
will begin on the date of publication of the Notice of Availability in
the Federal Register. This Draft EIS will be mailed to everyone on the
project mailing list. A list of recipients is included in Chapter 4. The
Draft EIS will also be available at the Petersburg Ranger District and
in public libraries throughout Southeast Alaska.
1.8 Significant Issues
Significant issues are used to formulate and design alternatives,
prescribe mitigation measures, and analyze significant effects.
Significant issues for the Kuiu Timber Sale have been identified
through public and internal scoping. Similar issues are combined
where appropriate. Issues can arise from a variety of sources,
including:
• issues, concerns, and opportunities identified in the Forest Plan,
• issues identified for similar projects (past actions),
• current internal issues,
• changes in public uses, attitudes, values, or perceptions,
• issues raised by the public during scoping, and
• comments from other government agencies.
Measures of the significance of an issue are based on the extent of the
geographic distribution, the duration of the related effects, or the
intensity of interest or resource conflict surrounding the issue. For an
issue to be considered significant at the project level, it must be
relevant to the specific project so that it can be appropriately addressed
at the project level. Some issues have already been resolved through
national level direction or analyzed at the Forest Plan level.
Once a significant issue is identified, measures are developed to
analyze how each alternative responds to the issue. Measures are
chosen that are quantitative (where possible), predictable, responsive
to the issue, and linked to cause and effect relationships. These
measures describe how the alternative affects the resource or resources
at the heart of the issue. Monitoring and mitigation of the anticipated
environmental effects of the project are also designed to be responsive
to significant issues.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 1 • 1-17
Purpose and Need
Four issues were determined to be significant within the scope of the
Kuiu Timber Sale decision. These issues are addressed through the
proposed action and the alternatives.
Some concerns will be addressed in the same way in all alternatives.
For example, riparian and beach buffer strips would protect fish
habitat from some of the effects of timber harvest in all alternatives.
These measures are described in Chapter 2 in the section titled,
“Design Criteria Common to All Action Alternatives.” They are also
discussed in Chapter 3, “Other Environmental Considerations.”
1.8.1 Issue 1 -
Roadless
Areas
This issue relates to timber harvest and the related construction of new
roads to facilitate timber harvest in roadless areas or in the smaller
unroaded areas (Figure 3-1). Additional roads and harvest could result
in reducing acres of roadless areas in the project area, and could affect
roadless values as identified in the 2003 Tongass Land Management
Plan Revision Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement -
Roadless Area Evaluation for Wilderness Recommendations (Forest
Plan SEIS).
Roadless areas hold a high value and several comments were received
from the public concerning management within roadless areas. This
analysis examines the values of two roadless areas and three smaller
unroaded areas that may be affected by this proposed project.
1.8.2 Issue 2 -
Wildlife
Habitat and
Subsistence
1.8. 1.1 Issue 1 Units of Measure
To respond to this issue, alternatives will be compared according to
how they affect acres and values of the two roadless areas and the
three smaller unroaded areas within the Kuiu Timber Sale Area. This
evaluation will display the number of acres of proposed harvest and
miles of road construction within the roadless and unroaded areas,
their potential for wilderness recommendation, and the changes to
existing values as identified in the Forest Plan SEIS.
This issue relates to cumulative effects on wildlife habitat and
connectivity from past, present, and proposed activities, and the
resulting effects on subsistence uses.
The Forest Plan conservation biology strategy includes a forest-wide
network of large, medium, and small old-growth habitat reserves. How
these reserves are connected by old-growth habitat corridors is an
important part of the strategy. The location and quality of the habitat
corridors linking the reserves is important, as is the location and
habitat of the small old-growth habitat reserves. Timber harvest and
road construction could affect corridors connecting old-growth habitat.
The cumulative reduction of high value winter range for Sitka black-
tailed deer from past, present, and proposed timber harvest may have
adverse effects on the availability of deer for subsistence and may
1-18 • Chapter 1
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
1.8.3 Issue 3 -
Timber
Harvest
Economics
Purpose and Need
result in a significant possibility of a significant restriction to
subsistence hunting and/or a reduction in prey species for wolves.
Sitka black-tailed deer are also a Forest Plan Management Indicator
Species (MIS) that represents the habitat needs of several old-growth
wildlife species that require low elevation, high volume habitat (see
Issue 2: Wildlife Habitat and Subsistence, in Chapter 3).
The black bear is an important game animal in Southeast Alaska. On
Kuiu Island, black bear hunting is an important source of revenue.
Bears may be negatively affected by loss of old-growth habitat,
fragmentation, and increased road density.
Wolves experience higher mortality from hunting and trapping in
Wildlife Analysis Areas (WAAs) with higher open road densities
(Person et al. 1996).
1. 8.2.1 Issue 2 Units of Measure
Connectivity will be analyzed through the effectiveness of the Forest
Plan conservation biology strategy and the network of large, medium,
and small old-growth habitat reserves on North Kuiu Island.
Two options for the design of the small old-growth habitat reserves
(small OGRs) in or near the Kuiu Timber Sale Area (VCUs 398, 399,
and 402) will be analyzed for each VCU. Option 1 is the Forest Plan
design. Option 2 is an interagency design using old-growth habitat
reserve criteria from Appendix K of the Forest Plan and several site-
specific factors. The existing Forest Plan small old-growth habitat
reserve values will be compared to the interagency recommendation.
Effects of timber harvest on Sitka black-tailed deer habitat will be
evaluated by using the deer habitat capability model to measure the
effects of the alternatives on acres of high value deer habitat and
potential deer carrying capacity of the project area, and comparing
model results to historic and current hunting effort data from ADF&G.
The effect of open road density on black bears and wolves will be
analyzed by comparing the changes in open road density by alternative
to the known effects of open road density on bears and wolves.
This issue relates to the economic viability of the proposed timber sale
or sales. It also relates to the potential local employment and the
revenue generated for communities in the local area. If proposed
timber harvest alternatives are not designed to be economically viable
across fluctuating market conditions, there is concern that the forest
products industry in Southeast Alaska cannot remain viable.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 1 • 1-19
Purpose and Need
1. 8.3.1 Issue 3 Units of Measure
Comparison of alternatives for this i^sue will inc .ude the amount
(volume) of timber harvested, the \ te of the timber to be removcu
(stumpage values), the number of a ect jobs and estimated direct
income generated (present net value), the logging costs, and the
anticipated contributions to the regional economy.
1.8.4 Issue 4 -
Cumulative
Watershed
Effects
Watersheds within the project area have high values for fisheries. In
two of these watersheds, over 20 percent of the watershed area has
been harvested within the past 30 years, and in another, approximately
19.8 percent of the watershed area has been harvested. The cumulative
effects of harvest and road building within the Kuiu Timber Sale Area
may affect the condition of stream channels draining these watersheds.
Identification of c lative watershed effects as a significant issue in
this project necessitated detailed watershed analysis for all major
watersheds within the project area. (See “Watershed Analysis for the
Kuiu Landscape Assessment” in Appendix C of this EIS). The level of
detail in each watershed analysis corresponds to the perceived level of
cumulative risk associated with past, present and future projects.
1. 8.4.1 Issue 4 Units of Measure
To respond to this issue, alternatives will be compared according to:
• acres of proposed cumulative timber harvest within each major
watershed (expressed as a percentage of watershed area),
• linear miles of temporary road construction, and
• linear miles of classified roads to be placed in storage.
The first two measures are indicators of the potential negative effects
of each alternative on water quality and fish habitat. The third measure
is an indicator of the degree to which implementation of an alternative
may benefit water quality and fish habitat. The analysis of cumulative
watershed effects will also make use of:
• the Sediment Risk Index, a measure for comparing the risk that
landslides will cause stream channel changes in each watershed,
• an analysis of current stream channel conditions compared to the
Tongass Fish Habitat Objectives, and
• projections of watershed recovery rates, based on calculations of
future cumulative harvest levels using a 30-year window.
1-20 • Chapter 1
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Purpose and Need
i
1.9 Other Issues and Concerns
1.9.1 Issues
Beyond the
Scope of this
EIS
Many comments received during the public scoping process concerned
issues that are not considered significant. Some are already addressed
through other processes or in the Forest Plan (see Design Criteria
Common to All Alternatives, Section 2.3 in Chapter 2), or their
resolution is beyond the scope of this project. As needed, resource
effects related to these concerns are discussed in Chapter 3.
Some comments received during scoping are not specific to the project
or concern decisions that are made at a higher level of planning. These
comments are paraphrased and addressed below.
1.9. 1.1 No more logging or road building on National Forest
Lands, the Tongass National Forest and/or Kuiu Island
There is a long legislative recognition that timber harvest is one of the
appropriate activities on National Forests, starting with the founding
legislation for National Forests in 1897. The National Forest Organic
Act provides that National Forests may be established “to improve and
protect the forest within the boundaries of, or for the purposes of
securing favorable conditions of water flows and to furnish a
continuous supply of timber for the use and necessities of the citizens
of the United States.”
Congress’s policy for National Forests, as stated in the Multiple-Use
Sustained Yield Act of 1960, is “the National Forests are established
and shall be administered for outdoor recreation, range, timber,
watershed, and wildlife and fish purposes.” Accordingly, Congress has
authorized the Secretary of Agriculture to sell trees and forest products
from the National Forests “at no less than appraised value.” The
National Forest Management Act directs that forest plans shall
“provide for multiple use and sustained yield, and in particular, include
coordination of outdoor recreation, range, timber, watershed, wildlife,
fish and wilderness.”
This was one of the significant issues raised during the development of
the Forest Plan. During that forest planning process, a wide array of
alternatives was developed and analyses were conducted to estimate
the effects of those alternatives. The selected alternative documented
in the Forest Plan Record of Decision permitted timber harvest to
occur in certain areas on the forest. The majority of the Kuiu Timber
Sale Area is allocated to the Timber Production Land Use Designation,
where timber harvest is permitted.
The No-Action Alternative for this EIS responds to this issue by not
proposing timber harvest in the project area.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 1 • 1-21
Purpose and Need
1.9.1. 2 Protect all old-growth forests
The guidelines for management of old-growth forests are developed at
the Forest Plan level. During the Forest Plan analysis, various
strategies were analyzed for the protection of old-growth. This resulted
in the forest-wide old-growth habitat reserve system. Other old-growth
forests are protected by non-development land use designations, such
as Semi-remote Recreation or Riparian, Beach, and Estuary Fringe
Standards and Guidelines. Some old-growth is designated as available
for timber harvest by development LUDs, such as Timber Production,
Scenic Viewshed, and Modified Landscape.
1.9.1. 3 No clearcutting (even-aged management)
The Forest Plan recognizes that there are silvicultural reasons to
clearcut. These include: creating a fast growing stand of trees to
maximize wood fiber production, minimizing the occurrence of
potentially adverse impacts such as logging damage, and reducing the
potential of windthrow damage, which can occur when residual trees
are left in harvest units.
The Forest Plan estimated that clearcutting, using even-aged
management, would dominate regeneration timber harvesting
(approximately 80 percent). Forest Plan standards and g. tdelines, as
well as the conservation strategy, were developed around this estimate.
1.9.1. 4 Project Area is already over harvested; don’t harvest
anymore in the area
The Forest Plan allocates LUDs to provide for various resource uses.
The Forest Plan predicts that 54 percent of the productive old-growth
will remain within Wildlife Analysis Area (WAA) 5012 (in which the
project area is located) at the end of the planning horizon (Forest Plan
FEIS Part 1, p.3-387). Thirty-seven percent of the WAA is within old-
growth habitat reserves and will not be harvested. About 23 percent of
the project area acres have already been harvested. In addition,
approximately 32 percent of the acres in the Timber Production LUD
in the project area are unsuitable for harvest. The area is well within
the Forest Plan predictions.
1.9.1. 5 Analyze the impacts of the project on carbon
sequestering
The Forest Plan determined that because of the small area of land
involved, and the high degree of reforestation following logging, land
use practices in the temperate rainforest zone of Southeast Alaska are
expected to have no measurable effect on carbon sequestration. At the
project level, the effects would be even less, and any attempt to
quantify them would be arbitrary.
1-22 • Chapter 1
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Purpose and Need I
1.9. 1.6 Identify the number of logging jobs that would be
filled by seasonal, non-resident workers
While this document provides an estimate of the number of jobs
created by each alternative (Issue 3: Timber Sale Economics in
Chapter 3), it is not possible to predict with any degree of reliability
the residency of those who would fill the jobs that might be created by
a particular timber sale.
1.10 State and Federal Agency Review
Alaska Coastal Management Act of 1977
The Alaska Coastal Management Act of 1977 contains standards and
criteria for a consistency determination for activities within the coastal
zone. The Alaska Coastal Management Plan incorporated the Alaska
Forest Resources and Practices Act standards and guidelines for timber
harvesting and processing. The Forest Service standards and
guidelines described in Chapters 2 and 3 of this document are
comparable to or exceed State standards.
Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972
All alternatives comply with the Federal Coastal Zone Management
Act of 1972 (CZMA). Federal lands are not included in the definition
of the coastal zone as prescribed in the CZMA. Flowever, the Act
requires that when federal agencies conduct activities or developments
that affect the coastal zone, the activities or development must be
consistent to the maximum extent practicable with the approved State
Coastal Management Program.
A Memorandum of Understanding between the State of Alaska and the
Regional Forester, dated March 2, 2000, outlines standards for the
consistency evaluation. The following standards are included in the
agreement:
• Alaska Statute Title 46, Water, Air, Energy, and Environmental
Conservation
• Alaska Forest Practices Act of 1993
• The District Coastal Management Program
The Forest Service has made the required consistency determination,
which is included in this EIS in the Disclosures section of Chapter 3. A
review will be coordinated through the Alaska Department of Natural
Resources, Office of Project Management and Permitting to determine
if the state agencies agree with the Forest Service's determination of
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 1 • 1-23
Purpose and Need
consistency with the Alaska Coastal Management Program (ACMP).
The State’s response will be reported in the Final EIS for this project.
Alaska Forest Resources and Practices Act
The Alaska Forest Resources and Practices Act (1993) affects National
Forest management through its relationship to the ACMP and the
CZMA.
This Act is the standard used for evaluating timber harvest activities
on federal lands for purposes of determining consistency to the
maximum extent practicable with the ACMP. The Act recognizes that
consistency is attainable for timber harvest on federal land using
procedures different from those required by the Act or its
implementing regulations.
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation Act
The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation Act (1996) requires that
all federal agencies consult with the National Marine Fisheries Service
(NMFS) when any project “may adversely affect” essential fish
habitat. NMFS will review this Draft EIS to determine if the Agency
concurs with the Forest Service’s Essential Fish Habitat assessment.
The results of this review will be reported in the Final EIS for this
project.
National Historic Preservation Act (Section 106)
The State of Alaska, State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO)
reviews compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic
Preservation Act, a process to determine the effects of the alternatives
on heritage resources.
1.11 Federal and State Permits,
Licenses, and Certifications
To proceed with the activities proposed in this EIS, various permits
from other federal and state agencies may be required. The following
permits have been or will be obtained.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (1977, as amended) requires a
permit from the Corps of Engineers before filling or dredging in
wetlands and tidelands. Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of
1-24 • Chapter 1
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Purpose and Need
1899 requires Corps of Engineers approval for the construction of
structures or work in navigable waters of the United States. This
applies to the existing Rowan Bay and Saginaw Bay Log Transfer
Facilities (LTFs), for which permits have been obtained. All roads
proposed for this project meet the criteria for a silvicultural exemption
from permits required by Section 404.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
A Storm Water Discharge Permit and a permit for discharge of bark
and wood debris (Section 402 of the Clean Water Act) has been
obtained. Both of these permits are required for the Rowan Bay and
Saginaw Bay LTFs. The contractor will be responsible for obtaining
the necessary stormwater discharge permits for log storage and
handling at the LTF(s), and for construction activities that disturb
more than one acre.
State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources
Use of the Rowan Bay and Saginaw Bay LTFs requires authorization
for occupancy and use of tidelands and submerged lands from the
Alaska Department of Natural Resources. This permit has been
obtained.
State of Alaska, Department of Environmental Conservation
A Certification of Compliance with Alaska Water Quality Standards
(Section 401 Certification) has been obtained for the Rowan Bay and
Saginaw Bay LTFs.
1.12 Applicable Laws and Executive
Orders
This section includes a partial list of federal laws and executive orders
pertaining to project-specific planning and environmental analysis on
federal lands. Disclosures and findings required by these laws and
orders are found at the end of Chapter 3 .
• Organic Administration Act of 1897 (as amended)
• Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899
• Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1 9 1 8 (as amended)
• Multiple-Use Sustained-Yield Act of 1960
• National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (as amended)
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 1
1-25
Purpose and Need
• Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968, amended 1986
• National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 (as amended)
• Clean Air Act of 1970 (as amended)
• Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) of 1971
• Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972
• Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973 (as amended)
• Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act (RPA) ot
1974 (as amended)
• National Forest Management Act (NFMA) of 1976 (as amended)
• Clean Water Act of 1977 (as amended)
• Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) of 1972 (as amended)
• American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978
• Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) of
1980
• Archeological Resource Protection Act of 1980
• Cave Resource Protection Act of 1988
• Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (1990)
• Tongass Timber Reform Act (TTRA) of 1990
• Magnuson- Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act of
1996
• Executive Order 1 1593 (cultural resources)
• Executive Order 1 1988 (floodplains)
• Executive Order 1 1 990 (wetlands)
• Executive Order 12898 (environmental justice)
• Executive Order 12962 (aquatic systems and recreational fisheries)
• Executive Order 13007 (American Indian Sacred Sites)
• Executive Order 13186 (Migratory Bird Treaty)
1-26 • Chapter 1
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 2
Alternatives
tO t O
Chapter 2
Table of Contents
.1 INT UCTION 2-1
.2 ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED IN DETAIL 2-2
2.3 Design Criteria Common to All Action Alternatives 2-5
2.4 Design Criteria Specific to Certain Alternatives 2-9
2.5 Comparison of Alternatives 2-11
2.6 Identification of the Preferred Alternative 2-16
2.7 Alternatives Considered but Eliminated From Detailed Study.... 2-16
2.8 Mitigation 2-21
2.9 Monitoring 2-22
2.1.1 Proposed
Action and
Alternative
Development
Chapter 2
Alternatives
2.1 Introduction
This chapter describes and compares the alternatives considered by the
Forest Service for the Kuiu Timber Sale to meet the Purpose and Need
and respond to the significant issues as described in Chapter 1 . The
following topics are discussed:
• the development of the Proposed Action and alternatives,
• a description and map of each alternative considered in detail,
• an overview of design elements,
• a comparison of the alternatives focusing on the evaluation criteria
for the significant issues,
• alternatives eliminated from detailed study, and
• mitigation and monitoring.
Chapter 2 presents the alternatives in comparative form to inform the
public and other agencies, and to provide a basis for a decision by the
responsible official (40 CFR 1502.14). For a more complete discussion
of the effects used to compare alternatives in Chapter 2 consult
Chapter 3, "Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences."
A Logging System and Transportation Analysis (LSTA) was
developed to include all suitable commercial forest land as identified
by the National Forest Management Act and the Forest Plan. From that
LSTA, potential timber harvest units were identified. These units were
field-verified to ensure their suitability, to identify any concerns, and
to determine which silvicultural prescriptions would be feasible.
In response to the significant issues and comments received during
scoping, the Proposed Action was modified to form five alternatives.
These alternatives address the significant issues and meet the Purpose
and Need. One additional alternative was considered but dropped from
detailed analysis. In addition, development of the alternatives led to
deferring many potential timber harvest units from further
consideration at this time.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 2 • 2-1
Alternatives
2.2.1
Alternative 1
(Figure 2-1)
2.2.2
Alternative 2
(Figure 2-2)
2.2 Alternatives Considered In Detail
The No- Action Alternative (Alternative 1), Proposed Action
(Alternative 4) and three other action alternatives were considered in
detail. Figures 2-1 through 2-5 display the five alternatives. Tables 2-1
and 2-2 compare the proposed activities and effects of the alternatives.
This alternative proposes no timber harvest, road construction, changes
to the road management objectives, or other activities within the Kuiu
Timber Sale Area at this time. It represents the existing condition of
the Kuiu Timber Sale Area. It does not preclude future timber harvest
or other activities from this area.
This alternative was developed to minimize impacts to wildlife and
watersheds, and have no impact to roadless areas. The proposed timber
harvest would result in the production of approximately 14.6 million
board feet (mmbf) of timber from approximately 491 acres. Only
ground-based logging systems would be used. The amount of trees
remaining in a unit after harvest would vary from zero to fifty percent
of the stand’s pre-harvest basal area.
Where high wildlife values are identified, approximately 50 percent of
the stand basal area would be retained to provide cover and structure
for wildlife habitat. Harvest units in the Recreational River LUD
would retain 50 percent of the stand basal area to retain scenic values.
Logs would be transported to existing log transfer facilities (LTFs) in
either Saginaw Bay or Rowan Bay. The Saginaw Bay LFT would
require some reconstruction before use.
Approximately 2.9 miles of temporary road construction would be
necessary for timber harvest. No new long-term use classified roads
would be constructed. Temporary road construction would not cross
any Class I or II fish streams in this alternative. The reconstruction of
closed roads would require the installation of three crossing structures
on Class I streams, and three crossing structures on Class II streams.
Temporary road construction and closed road reconstruction would
require placement of one crossing structure on a Class III stream, and
five crossing structures on Class IV streams. These culverts or bridges
would be removed upon completion of harvest activities.
After timber harvest is complete, 8.2 miles of currently open roads that
would be used to access timber for this project would be closed to
motorized traffic and placed in storage with stream crossing structures
removed (Roads 6413, 46096, and 46021). Additionally,
approximately 4.5 miles of roads currently in storage (Roads 6417,
46091, 46094, and 6443) would be opened and reconstructed to access
timber. After harvest, these roads would be returned to storage
2-2 • Chapter 2
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
2.2.3
Alternative 3
{Figure 2-3)
2.2.4
Alternative 4
Proposed
Action
(Figure 2-4)
Alternatives
condition with all stream crossing structures removed and closed to
motorized traffic.
This alternative was developed by modifying Alternatives 2 and 4 to
reduce impacts to resources such as wildlife, hydrology, and fisheries
while providing a larger economic return. The proposed timber harvest
would result in the production of approximately 23.6 million board
feet (mmbf) of timber from approximately 794 acres. Only ground-
based logging systems would be used. The amount of trees remaining
in a unit after harvest would vary from zero to fifty percent of the
stand’s pre-harvest basal area.
Where high wildlife values were identified, approximately 50 percent
of the stand basal area would be retained to provide structure for
wildlife habitat. Logs would be transported to existing log transfer
facilities (LTFs) in either Saginaw Bay or Rowan Bay. The Saginaw
Bay LTF would require some reconstruction before use.
Approximately 7.5 miles of temporary road construction would be
necessary for timber harvest. No new classified roads would be
constructed. One bridge would be placed across a Class II fish stream
on a temporary road to reduce impacts to fish. The bridge would be
removed after timber harvest activities are completed. The
reconstruction of closed roads would require the installation of two
crossing structures on Class I streams and three crossing structures on
Class II streams. Temporary road construction and closed road
. reconstruction would require placement of eight crossing structures on
Class III streams, and 19 crossing structures on Class IV streams. All
culverts or bridges would be removed upon completion of harvest
activities.
After timber harvest is complete, 8.4 miles of currently open roads that
would be used to access timber for this project would be closed to
motorized traffic and placed in storage with all stream crossing
structures removed (Roads 6413, 46096, and 4618). Additionally, 3.2
miles of roads currently in storage that would be opened and
reconstructed to access timber would be closed to motorized traffic
and returned to storage condition with all stream crossing structures
removed (Roads 6417, 46091, and 46094).
The Proposed Action for the Kuiu Timber Sale would result in the
production of approximately 42.6 million board feet (mmbf) of timber
from approximately 1,425 acres. A mix of ground-based and
helicopter logging systems would be used. Helicopter logging would
be used to access units on steeper ground. Using helicopters reduces
the need for road construction and allows a more selective harvest on
steeper slopes. The amount of trees remaining in a unit after harvest
would vary from zero to fifty percent of the stand’s pre-harvest basal
area.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 2 • 2-3
Alternatives
2.2.5
Alternative 5
(Figure 2-5)
2-4 • Chapter 2
Where helicopter logging is necessary to access the standing timber,
trees less than 16 inches diameter at breast height (DBH) and western
hemlock greater than 36 inches DBH would be left standing to
improve economics. Where . gh wildlife values were identified,
approximately 50 percent of the stand basal area would be retained to
provide cover and structure for wildlife habitat. Harvested units in the
Recreational River LUD would retain 50 percent of the stand basal
area. Logs would be transported to existing log transfer facilities in
either Saginaw Bay or Rowan Bay. The Saginaw Bay LTF would
require some reconstruction before use.
Approximately 19 miles of temporary road construction would be
necessary for timber harvest. No new classified roads would be
constructed. Temporary road construction would require the
installation of two crossing structures across Class II fish streams. The
reconstruction of closed roads would require the installation of three
crossing structures on Class I streams, and three crossing structures on
Class II streams. Temporary road construction and closed road
reconstruction would require placement of 14 crossing structures on
Class III streams, and 19 crossing structures on Class IV streams. All
culverts or bridges would be removed upon completion of harvest
activities.
After timber harvest is complete, 1 1 miles of roads that are currently
open and that would be used to access timber for this project would be
closed to motorized traffic and placed in storage with all stream
crossing structures removed (Roads 6413, 46096, 46021, 6418, and a
portion of 6427). Additionally, 6. 1 miles of roads currently in storage
that would be opened and reconstructed to access timber would be
closed to motorized traffic aid returned to storage condition with all
stream crossing structures removed (Roads 6417, 46091, 6422, 6443,
and a portion of 6427).
This alternative proposes only even-aged management with clearcut
harvesting of tiniper to increase the economic return. The proposed
timber harvest would result in the production of approximately 36.3
million board feet (mmbf) of timber from apf ximately 1,23 1 acres.
Only ground-based logging systems would be used. Logs would be
transported to existing log transfer facilities in either Saginaw Bay or
Rowan Bay. The Saginaw Bay LTF would require some reconstruction
before use.
Approximately 17.1 miles of temporary road construction would be
necessary for timber harvest. No new classified roads would be
constructed. Temporary road construction would require the
installation of two crossing structures across Class II fish streams. The
reconstruction of closed roads would require the installation of three
crossing structures on Class I streams, and three crossing structures on
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
2.3.1
Biodiversity
and Old-
growth
Alternatives
Class II streams. Temporary road construction and closed road
reconstruction would require placement of 15 crossing structures on
Class III streams, and 18 crossing structures on Class IV streams. All
culverts or bridges would be removed upon completion of harvest
activities.
After timber harvest is complete, 1 1 miles of currently open roads that
would be used to access timber for this project would be closed to
motorized traffic and placed in storage with all stream crossing
structures removed (Roads 6413, 46096, 46021, 6418, and a portion of
6427). Additionally, 6.9 miles of roads currently in storage that would
be opened and reconstructed to access timber would be closed to
motorized traffic and returned to storage condition with all stream
crossing structures removed (Roads 6417, 46091, 46094, 6422, 6443,
and a portion of 6427).
2.3 Design Criteria Common to All
Action Alternatives
All alternatives, including the Proposed Action, are consistent with the
Tongass Land and Resource Management Plan. All applicable Forest
Plan standards and guidelines have been incorporated into the design
of the proposed units and alternatives. Additional direction comes
from applicable laws and Forest Service manuals and handbooks. Site-
specific descriptions and resource considerations for each potential
harvest unit are included as unit cards in Appendix B of this EIS.
These unit cards serve as the prescription or design narrative for the
project. Design elements for the reconstruction and maintenance
needed for existing classified roads are also described in detail in
Appendix B.
The design elements required from the Forest Plan and common to all
alternatives are listed below.
Each alternative complies with the Forest Plan conservation biology
strategy. The strategy was designed to ensure well-distributed viable
populations of wildlife.
The small old-growth habitat reserves (OGRs, Old-growth Habitat
LUD) mapped in the Forest Plan FEIS have been evaluated for size,
spacing, and habitat composition. An interagency review by biologists
from the USDA Forest Service, Alaska Department of Fish and Game
(ADF&G), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
determined that alternative small OGRs within Value Comparison
Units (VCUs) 398, 399, and 402 would better meet the requirements
for size, connectivity, and acres of productive old-growth habitat. The
review team recommended that the boundaries of the existing small
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 2 • 2-5
Alternatives
2.3.2 Beach
and Estuary
Fringe
2.3.3 Fish
Habitat and
Water Quality
OGRs be adjusted. All action alternatives would require a non-
significant Forest Plan Amendment to adopt these recommendations.
The modified OGR for VCU 398 would be approximately 2,305 acres,
compared to 2,237 acres identified in the Forest Plan.
The modified OGR for VCU 399 would be approximately 4,159 acres,
compared to 2,628 acres identified in the Forest Plan.
The modified OGR for VCU 402 would be approximately 5,273 acres,
compared to 4,044 acres identified in the Forest Plan.
Beach and estuary fringes extend 1,000 feet inland from mean high
tide along all marine coastlines. The Forest Plan classifies the beach
and estuary fringe as unsuitable for timber harvest (Forest Plan p. 4-5).
No timber harvest or new roads are proposed at Saginaw Bay or
Security Bay, which are the only beach and estuary fringes in the
project area.
Saginaw Bay LTF may be used. This LTF would require
reconstruction in order to accommodate log transfer from the sort yard
to the barge without floating logs. The “footprint’ ’ of the LTF would
not change.
Rowan Bay is outside the project area, but the existing LTF and sort
yard may be used for this project. No additional road building or
development of the LTF would occur for this project at Rowan Bay.
Forest Plan standards and guidelines for riparian areas are applied to
all fish streams and to non-fish-bearing Class III and Class IV streams
within the Kuiu Timber Sale Area. These areas are delineated
according to the process group direction in the Forest-wide riparian
standards and guidelines. This protection exceeds the requirements of
the Tongass Timber Reform Act (TTRA), which mandates at least a
100-foot buffer zone where no commercial timber harvest can occur
on each side of all Class I streams and on Class II streams that flow
directly into Class I streams. No Riparian Management Area (RMA)
buffers were adjusted for this project, and no timber harvest is
proposed within any RMA for this project. Best Management Practices
(BMPs) would be implemented to minimize the risk of land
management activities impairing water quality on streams that are
likely to require specific protection measures during implementation.
Protection measures may include timing restrictions for in-stream
activities, or site-specific design of stream crossing structures. Any
activities that occur on classified roads are addressed on the Road
Cards in Appendix B.
Appendix B site-specific design criteria for road management
objectives show the timing restrictions for in-stream activities such as
the replacement of bridges (See Table B-3 in Appendix B). Timing
2-6 • Chapter 2
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
2.3.4 Soils
2.3.5 Wetlands
2.3.6 Scenery
Alternatives
windows for in-stream work for temporary roads and/or replacement
of bridges would be coordinated with the Alaska Department of Fish
and Game.
All Best Management Practices would be incorporated during sale
design and harvest administration. A National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System permit has been obtained for the Rowan Bay and
Saginaw Bay LTFs. This permit provides for protection of water
quality by eliminating discharge of surface water directly from the
working area to the environment through the use of settling ponds and
a drainage system.
Operators who maintain storage facilities for oil or oil products in the
sale area would take appropriate preventive measures to ensure that
spills do not occur. If a spill did occur, action would be taken using
emergency response materials to prevent petroleum products from
entering any stream or other waters. A Spill Prevention Control and
Countermeasures (SPCC) Plan that meets applicable EPA
requirements would be prepared and maintained. Timber sale
administrators would inspect petroleum storage facilities and the
Purchaser’s SPCC for prevention of spills, and to ensure prepared
emergency response plans are in place.
Field inspections located a few areas inside proposed timber harvest
units with slopes greater than 72 percent. On-site stability analyses,
documented in the planning record, showed that these areas are stable
enough for timber harvest to occur. Harvest settings would be
designed to achieve partial or full suspension where needed to
minimize soil disturbance.
Temporary road locations would avoid slopes greater than 67 percent,
unstable areas, and slide-prone areas. Soil exposed after temporary
road construction would be seeded in a timely manner.
Temporary roads would be located and designed to avoid or minimize
effects to wetlands where possible. Where temporary roads would
cross wetlands, shot rock would be used. Any drainage structures
would be designed to ensure that subsurface flow is not restricted.
Proposed harvest units and treatments have been designed and
prescribed to meet visual quality objectives in the Forest Plan for the
applicable land use designation.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 2 • 2-7
2 Alternatives
2.3.7
Threatened,
Endangered
and Sensitive
Species
2.3.8
Biodiversity
2.3.9 Wildlife
Habitat
2.3.10
Windthrow
2.3.11 Heritage
Resources
Biological evaluations for all sensitive wildlife and plant species
potentially inhabiting the project area have been completed. The Forest
Plan contains standards and guidelines for each designated sensitive
species, and these are incorporated into the proposed project as
applicable.
A Biological Assessment will be completed. Any standards and
guidelines would be applied as needed to ensure that any listed species
population or its habitat would not be adversely affected.
Goshawk field surveys were conducted on Kuiu Island since 1 993 and
in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area in 2003, 2004, and 2005. Two nests
have been located and monitored within the Kuiu project area. An
active nest was discovered in 1997 in the Saginaw Medium Old-
growth Habitat Reserve. Surveys in 2003 and 2004 did not find any
nesting activity in the area. A second nest was found in Rowan Bay in
1993. It has not been observed as active since then. No activities are
proposed in or near these areas.
Forest Plan standards and guidelines specify a buffer of not less than
100 acres of productive old-growth around any nest tree or probable
nest site. If any nest sites are discovered in the area of proposed
activities, these standards and guidelines will be applied.
The small old-growth habitat reserves in VCUs 398, 399, and 404
mapped in the Forest Plan have been evaluated for size, spacing, and
habitat composition. Design options for these reserves were created,
and timber harvest alternatives were designed to accommodate these
options.
Where even-aged management clearcutting has been identified as the
best silvicultural prescription to r set the objectives of the alternatives
and Forest Plan management prescription, unmerchantable trees would
be retained where safe to do so to create future stand structure. No
even-aged management openings over 100 acres in size would be
created.
Green trees retained to mitigate effects to resources other than timber
would be located to minimize their effects on the logging operation.
Windthrow risks have been evaluated, and means to minimize
windthrow were incorporated into the proposed harvest unit
prescriptions.
All identified heritage resources have been avoided. The Forest
Service has made a determination of no effect and has received
concurrence from the Alaska State Historic Preservation Officer for all
proposed activities.
2-8 • Chapter 2
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Alternatives
2.3.12 Log
Transfer
Facility (LTF)
and Sort Yard
2.3.13 Logging
Camps
2.4.1 High
Wildlife Use
2.4.2 Logging
Economics
2.4.3
Recreational
River LUD
If previously undiscovered archaeological sites are found during
implementation, activities would cease until a qualified archaeologist
can evaluate the site and, if necessary, develop mitigation measures in
consultation with the Alaska State Historic Preservation Officer.
The existing permitted log transfer facility (LTF) at Rowan Bay,
approximately five miles to the south of the project area, may be used.
In addition, an existing sort yard located near the LTF on the uplands
would be used if necessary.
An alternative permitted LTF may be used at Saginaw Bay. This LTF
would require reconstruction, but the “footprint” of the LTF would not
change. An existing sort yard located near the LTF on the uplands
would be used if necessary.
An area for a land-based logging camp, at Rowan Bay, about six miles
south of the project area, has been in use intermittently since the 1980s
and could be used with the appropriate permits. A floating logging
camp would also require permits. No camp is planned at Saginaw Bay.
2.4 Design Criteria Specific to Certain
Alternatives
In Alternatives 2 and 3, and to a lesser extent in the Proposed Action
(Alternative 4), retention of 50 percent of the basal area of the stand is
proposed in harvest units where comparatively high wildlife use (deer,
moose, and bear) has been identified.
For the units logged by helicopter in Alternative 4, all trees less than
16 inches DBH and western hemlock greater than 36 inches DBH
would be left standing where safe to do so to improve helicopter
yarding economics.
In Alternatives 2 and 4, 50 percent basal area retention is proposed to
maintain a natural-appearing scenic quality for those units located in
the Recreational River LUD.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 2 • 2-9
Alternatives
Table 2-1. Kuiu Timber Sale Area proposed activities by alternative
Proposed Activity
Alternative
1
2
3
4
5
Acres of Timber Harvested by Treatment
Even-aged
Management
Clearcut
0
197
409
1,026
1,231
Uneven-aged
Management
Single tree selection - 50%
basal area retention
0
87
72
215
0
Group selection -50% basal
area retention
0
19
19
42
0
Two-aged
Management
Clearcut with reserves -
50% basal area retention
0
188
294
142
0
Total Acres
0
491
794
1,425
1,231
Acres of timber harvest by logging system
Cable
0
408
759
1,108
1,082
Shovel
0
83
35
147
149
Helicopter
0
0
0
170
0
Miles of road maintenance/construction
Maintenance: miles of open classified roads
56.2
48.0
47.8
45.2
45.2
Reconstruction: existing classified roads
(closed after harvest)
0
4.5
3.2
6.1
6.9
Construction: temporary roads (closed after
harvest)
0
2.9
7.5
19.0
17.1
Miles of road closure
Classified roads currently drivable
0
8.2
8.4
11.0
11.0
2-10 • Chapter 2
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Alternatives
2.5.1 Issue 1 -
Roadless
Areas
2.5 Comparison of Alternatives
The following discussion focuses on how each alternative responds to
each significant issue. The existing condition will change over time for
some resources even if no proposed activities are implemented. Table
2-2 at the end of this section compares alternatives in terms of their
effects on each resource analyzed. For a complete discussion of the
significant issues and other environmental considerations, refer to
Chapter 3.
This issue relates to timber harvest and the construction of new roads
to facilitate timber harvest in roadless areas or in the smaller unroaded
areas (Figure 3-1). Additional roads and timber harvest could result in
educing the amount of roadless acreage within the project area, and
could affect roadless area values as identified in the Forest Plan SEIS.
Alternatives 1 and 2 are the only alternatives with no proposed timber
harvest or road construction within the North Kuiu Roadless Area, and
no units within 600 feet of, or proposed roads within 1 ,200 feet of, the
edge of the roadless area (refer to the discussion under Issue 1 -
Roadless Areas, in Chapter 3).
Alternatives 3, 4, and 5 propose timber harvest and temporary road
construction within the North Kuiu Roadless Area.
In Alternative 3 approximately 67 acres (8 percent) of the 794 acres
proposed for harvest are in the North Kuiu Roadless Area and 0.2 mile
of temporary road construction is proposed in the roadless area.
Alternative 3 would also result in a total of 258 acres removed from
the roadless area, including the 600-foot and 1 ,200-foot buffers.
In Alternative 4 approximately 210 acres (15 percent) of the 1,425
acres proposed for harvest are in the North Kuiu Roadless Area and
0.95 mile of temporary road construction is proposed in the roadless
area. Alternative 4 would result in the most acres (662) removed from
the roadless area, including the 600-foot and 1,200-foot buffers.
In Alternative 5 approximately 1 14 acres (9 percent) of the 1,231 acres
proposed for harvest are in the North Kuiu Roadless Area and an
additional 0.95 mile of temporary road construction is proposed in the
roadless area. Alternative 5 would also result in a total of 404 acres
removed from the roadless area, including the 600-foot and 1 ,200-foot
buffers.
For Alternatives 3, 4, and 5 the overall size of the North Kuiu
Roadless Area would be reduced. However, the area would still be
eligible for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 2*2-11
Alternatives
2.5.2 Issue 2 -
Wildlife
Habitat and
Subsistence
and the values identified for the roadless area as defined in the Forest
Plan SEIS would be retained.
There are three smaller unroaded areas within the project area, totaling
approximately 8,723 acres. Alternatives 1 and 2 would not harvest
timber or build any roads within these unroaded areas. Alternative 3
proposes harvest in 68 acres within these areas and construction of
0.64 mile of temporary road. Alternatives 4 and 5 propose harvest in
167 acres and construction of 0.74 mile of temporary road in the
unroaded areas.
The primary effect on the unroaded areas would be visual disturbance
in the viewshed for areas close to the proposed harvest units.
This issue relates to cumulative effects on wildlife habitat from past,
present, and proposed activities and the potential corresponding effect
to subsistence hunting.
Small OGRs would not be adjusted under Alternative 1. All action
alternatives would adjust the small OGRs as follows:
• The small OGR in VCU 398 would lose approximately 222 acres of
productive old-growth (POG) but would become less fragmented.
Its shape would improve from linear to circular.
• The small OGR in VCU 399 would gain approximately 1 ,384 acres
of POG and would become less fragmented.
• The small OGR in VCU 402 would gain approximately 1,022 acres
of POG and would contain more acres of coarse canopy old-growth
habitat.
Alternative 2 would harvest the least amount of POG (484 acres), with
294 acres retaining 50 percent of the stand’s pre-harvest basal area.
Alternative 3 would harvest 783 acres of POG, with 385 acres
retaining 50 percent of the stand’s pre-harvest basal area. Alternative 4
would harvest the most POG (1,402 acres), with 399 acres retaining 50
percent basal area. Alternative 5 would harvest 1 ,206 acres of POG,
clearcutting 100 percent of the acres harvested.
Low elevation productive old-growth has a high value for many
wildlife species. Alternative 2 would harvest 245 acres of high value
habitat of which 151 acres would retain 50 percent of the stand’s pre-
harvest basal area. Alternative 3 would harvest the least amount of
high value habitat (237 acres), of which 146 acres would retain 50
percent of the stand’s pre-harvest basal area. Alternative 4 would
harvest the most high value habitat (481 acres), of which 138 acres
would retain 50 percent of the stand’s pre-harvest basal area.
Alternative 5 would harvest 449 acres of high value habitat, all of
which would be clearcut.
2-12 • Chapter 2
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Alternatives
Open road densities in the project area would be reduced from 0.78
mile per square mile in all action alternatives. Alternatives 4 and 5
would place the most miles of road into storage, resulting in an open
road density of 0.63 mi/mf , followed by Alternative 3 (0.66 mi/mi-)
and Alternative 2 (0.67 mi/mi2).
Subsistence, an Alaska concern and a right protected by law, is a
significant issue. The Kuiu Timber Sale Area analysis addresses this
issue by comparing the timber harvest alternatives in terms of their
effects on the following old-growth habitat values in the project area:
• Acres of coarse canopy old-growth remaining in the project area
after proposed harvest
• Acres of high value habitat (POG below 800 feet in elevation) that
will be clearcut harvested
• Acres of high value deer habitat in the project area
Coarse canopy old-growth is valuable wildlife habitat. Approximately
5 1 percent of the original coarse canopy old-growth in the project area
has been previously harvested. There are currently 13,009 acres of
coarse canopy old-growth within the project area. Alternative 4 would
harvest the most coarse canopy; 813 acres (six percent of the current
acres). Alternatives 2 and 3 would harvest the fewest acres of coarse
canopy old-growth; 228 and 334 acres respectively (three percent of
the current acres of coarse canopy). Alternative 5 would harvest four
percent of the existing coarse canopy old-growth in the project area
(553 acres).
Since 1954, there has been a 39 percent reduction in high value deer
habitat (habitat suitability index (HSI 0.6- 1.0) within Wildlife Analysis
Area (WAA) 5012 and a 49 percent reduction in high value deer
habitat (HSI 0.6-1 .0) in the project area. At most, the action
alternatives would reduce the high value deer habitat within the project
area by an additional five percent. The deer winter habitat capability of
the project area has been reduced approximately 31 percent from
historic levels. At most, the winter habitat would be reduced an
additional four percent in Alternatives 4 and 5. At the least, the deer
winter habitat capability would be reduced by an additional two
percent in Alternative 2. Alternative 3 would reduce the deer winter
habitat capability by three percent.
Among the action alternatives, Alternative 2 responds best to meeting
wildlife and subsistence needs. Alternatives 4 and 5 would retain the
least amount of habitat.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 2*2-13
2 Alternatives
This issue relates to the economic viability of the proposed timber sale
or sales. It also relates to the potential local employment and revenues
generated for local communities. If proposed timber harvest
alternatives are not designed to be economically viable across
fluctuating market conditions, there is a concern that the forest
products industry in Southeast Alaska cannot remain viable.
Timber economics depends on several factors. These factors include:
• the amount of timber harvested,
• the value of the timber harvested, and
• the cost of harvesting the timber.
More timber generally means a higher economic return and more jobs,
or jobs over a longer period of time.
The value of the timber is determined by species composition, the
amount of defect in the wood, and the value of the products that can be
obtained from the wood. Road construction and the amount of
helicopter logging are two items that increase the cost of timber
harvest.
The amount of timber that would be harvested varies from none in
Alternative 1 to 42.6 mmbf in Alternative 4, the Proposed Action.
Alternative 5 proposes the next highest volume 36.3 mmbf.
Alternatives 2 and 3 propose the lowest volumes for harvest, 14.6
mmbf and 23.6 mmbf respectively.
A financial analysis was done using the NEPA Economic Analysis
Tool (NEAT) developed by the Alaska Region. For this analysis, it
was assumed that all timber volume would be sold at one time. The
financial analysis uses cubic feet (ccf) as a unit of measure since that is
how timber volume is sold by the Forest Service. The results of the
analysis were then converted to board feet, the unit of measure with
which most people are familiar.
The analysis showed that all the action alternatives would have a
positive expected bid value. All alternatives show a higher expected
bid when the Rowan Bay LTF is used over the Saginaw Bay LTF
because of reconstruction costs associated with the Saginaw Bay LTF.
If the Rowan Bay LTF is used. Alternative 5 would have the highest
expected bid value of $20.59/mbf. Alternative 4 has the second highest
value at $18.04/mbf. Alternative 2 has an expected bid value of
$ 13. 03/mb f. Alternative 3 has the lowest expected bid value of
$8.51/mbf, due to the high ratio of partial harvest acres to the miles of
temporary road construction.
2.5.3 Issue 3 -
Timber
Harvest
Economics
2-14 • Chapter 2
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
2.5.4 Issue 4 -
Cumulative
Watershed
Effects
Alternatives
If timber is hauled to the Saginaw Bay LTF, the unusual adjustments
associated with the reconstruction of the LTF and sort yard are
expected to lower the bid price. Alternative 5 would have the highest
value of $18.19/mbf. Alternative 4 would have the second highest
expected bid value of $16.21/mbf. Alternative 3 would have the
second lowest bid of $3.71/mbf and Alternative 2 would have the
lowest expected bid value of $3. 1 8/mbf.
Direct employment would be the highest in Alternative 4 with 228
expected jobs. Alternative 2 would have the lowest direct employment,
with 78 expected jobs.
This issue relates to the cumulative effects of timber harvest and
construction of roads in watersheds with previous management,
particularly those watersheds in which over 20 percent of the
watershed area has been harvested within the last 30 years.
Because of the current condition, two watersheds are in excess of 20
percent harvested within a 30-year period, which is a threshold
identified in the Forest Plan for requiring further analysis. Alternative
1 would have the least effect on all watersheds in the project area, with
no timber harvest or road construction proposed. If Alternative 1 were
implemented, the 30-year cumulative harvest levels would be less than
1 5 percent in all project area watersheds by the year 2011.
Alternatives 2 and 3 would have the same two watersheds as
Alternative 1 in excess of 20 percent harvested within a 30-year
period. Alternatives 4 and 5 would have three watersheds in excess of
20 percent harvested within a 30-year period. However, by the year
201 1 the cumulative harvest in all watersheds in all action alternatives
would be less than 1 6 percent. This is a direct effect of the age of the
majority of the previous harvest within the watersheds (the majority of
the harvest occurred in the 1960s and 1970s).
The sharp decline in the 30-year cumulative harvest levels between
years 2001 and 2011 reflects a sharp decline in harvest rates within the
project area since the 1960s and 1970s. Therefore, the cumulative
watershed effect is a general trend toward recovery of slope stability,
pre-harvest rates of canopy interception, and evapotranspiration.
Under the action alternatives the proposed harvest would cause small
increases in the 30-year harvest levels. However, the overall trend in
30-year cumulative harvest levels is decreasing.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 2*2-15
Alternatives
2.6 Identification of the Preferred
Alternative
At this point in the analysis. Alternative 4 has been identified as the
Preferred Alternative. The recommendations were based on the
environmental analysis and public and agency comments received to
this date. The Responsible Official may select this alternative, another
alternative, or a modification of one of the alternatives. The
Responsible Official may also select another old-growth habitat
reserve (OC ) option from the small OGR options discussed in Issue
2: Wildlife Habitat and Subsistence in Chapter 3.
2.7.1
Helicopter-
logging only
2.7.2 Units
Dropped from
the Unit Pool
2.7 Alternatives Considered but
Eliminated From Detailed Study
Several alternatives were considered during the planning process, but
not all have been included in the EIS for detailed study. The
alternative dropped from detailed analysis is described briefly below,
along with the reasons for not considering it further.
Some un within the unit pool were also eliminated from further
consider^, on due to environmental concerns.
The possibility of developing a helicopter logging only alternative,
which would eliminate the need for additional road construction, was
considered at the request of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other
commenters. Because helicopter logging is the most expensive yarding
method, using this as the only method would not allow the cost of
helicopter logging to be offset by more cost-effective conventional
ground-based systems, making this alternative financially inefficient.
Using the NEAT economic model and given present market
conditions, the economics of helicopter logging could not be made
positive, even with increased timber volumes.
Several units were dropped from consideration within any alternative.
They are listed in Table 2-3 along with the rationale for elimination.
2-16 • Chapter 2
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Alternatives
Table 2-2. Comparison of alternatives by issue and effects
Units of Measure
Alt 1
Alt 2
Alt 3
Alt 4
Alt 5
Issue 1 - Roadless Areas
Acres harvested within roadless
areas
0
0
67
210
114
Miles of temporary roads
constructed within roadless areas
0
0
0.2
0.95
0.95
Percent of affected area including
zones of influence (600’ for harvest,
1,200’ for roads)
0
0
3%
7%
4%
Change in roadless characteristics?
No
No
No
No
No
Eligible for Wilderness designation?
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Issue 2 - Wildlife Habitat and Subsistence
Acres of productive old-growth
maintained
27,1 12
26,628
26,329
25,710
25,906 j
Project area open road density
(miles per square mile)
0.78
0.67
0.66
0.63
0.63
Acres of high value deer habitat
remaining after harvest .
(HSI = 0.60-1.0)
6,824
6,696
6,694
6,513
6,578
Acres coarse canopy old-growth
remaining after harvest
13,009
12,781
12,675
12,196
12,456
Acres high value wildlife POG below
800 feet that would be clearcut
0
96
90
341
446
Subsistence
Possible future restrictions based on the Forest Plan’s
predicted cumulative effects for subsistence hunting for
deer.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 2*2-17
Alternatives
Table 2-2 (continued). Comparison of alternatives by issue and effects
Units of Measure
Alt 1
Alt 2
Alt 3
Alt 4
Alt 5
Issue 3 - Timber Harvest Economics
Amount of volume (mbf)
0
14,572
23,586
42,649
36,291
Amount of volume (ccf)
0
29,738
48,134
87,039
74,063
Expected bid ($/mbf) to Rowan Bay
LTF
0
$13.03
$8.51
$18.04
$20.59 ;
Expected bid ($/mbf) to Saginaw
Bay LTF
0
$3.18
$3.71
$16.21
$18.19
Total Logging Costs per mbf
(including road costs) to Rowan
Bay LTF
0
$229.00
$237.02
$219.47
$211.53
Total Logging Costs per mbf
(including road costs) to Saginaw
Bay LTF
0
$249.10
$246.84
$223.20
$216.43
Road costs per mbf (construction
and reconstruction) to Rowan Bay
LTF
0
$21.85
$31.20
$27.71
$32.55
Road costs per mbf (construction
and reconstruction) to Saginaw Bay
LTF
0
$31.29
$37.04
$30.93
$36.35
Issue 4 - Cumulative Watershed Effects
Acres of extreme risk hazard (MMI
4) soils in units
0
13.7
8.3
51.8
15.9
Cumulative timber harvest acres -
% of Dean Creek Watershed
31.3
31.3
31.3
34.0
34.0
Cumulative timber harvest acres -
% of Saginaw Creek Watershed
8.2
9.3
12.3
13.5
12.3
Cumulative timber harvest acres -
%of WS #109-45-10090
19.8
20.9
19.8
23.1
23.1
Cumulative timber harvest acres -
% of WS #109-44-10370
8.2
11.0
10.7
11.4
10.9
Cumulative timber harvest acres -
% of Security Creek
23.9
24.7
25.7
27.2
27.2
Cumulative timber harvest acres -
% of Rowan Creek Watershed
10.6
11.1
11.2
12.2
12.4
Cumulative timber harvest acres -
% of Kadake Creek Watershed
17.7
18.1
18.2
18.7
18.4
2-18 • Chapter 2
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Alternatives
Table 2- 2 (continued). Comparison of alternatives by issue and effects
Units of Measure
Alt 1
Alt 2
Alt 3
Alt 4
Alt 5
Other Environmental Considerations
Effects on TES Species
Activities may impact individual goshawks but would not
result in a trend toward listing. No effect for other species.
Effects on Water Quality
Number of Class 1 stream
crossings on closed roads and
proposed temporary roads
0
3
2
3
3
Number of Class II stream
crossings on closed roads and
proposed temporary roads
0
3
4
5
5
Number of Class III stream
crossings on closed roads and
proposed temporary roads
0
1
8
14
15
Number of Class IV stream
crossings on closed roads and
proposed temporary roads
0
5
19
19
19
Miles of temporary road
construction
0
2.9
7.5
19.0
17.1
Miles of currently open roads
placed in storage with structures
removed and roads waterbarred
0
8.2
8.4
11.0
11.0
Effects on Wetlands
Miles of new temporary road on
wetlands
0
0.8
0.9
2.7
2.8
Effects on recreation
None
Effects on Scenery
Acres harvested in Recreational
River LUD
0
18
0
49
0
Effects on heritage resources
None
Effects on land status
None
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 2*2-19
2 Alternatives
Table 2- 3. Rationale for dropping units from pool
Unit
Number
Acres
Rationale for elimination from unit pool
102
62
Soil/hydrology concerns over a stream crossing by a
temporary road on high MMI 4 soils. Very steep slopes
103a
90
Need stream crossing listed above
103b
26
N ed stream crossing listed above
104
36
Need stream crossing listed above
106
98
Long helicopter yarding distance, not economical
107
60
Long helicopter yarding distance, not economical
108
52
Long helicopter yarding distance, not economical
109a
35
Fisheries and hydrology concerns
110
58
Fisheries and wildlife concerns
201
61
Economics, reduce temp road miles
202
24
Economics, reduce temp road miles
203
76
Economics, reduce temp road miles
206
14
Economics, reduce temp road miles
301
92
High windthrow potential and sedimentation concerns
304
81
High windthrow potential and sedimentation concerns
306
43
High windthrow potential and sedimentation concerns
406
30
MMI 4 soils, long helicopter yarding distance,
economics
407
7
MMI 4 soils, long helicopter yarding distance,
economics
408
63
Long helicopter yarding distance, economics
411
188
Long helicopter yarding distance, economics
413
28
Wildlife concerns
419
82
High vulnerability karst area
501a
76
Long helicopter yarding distance, economics
501b
43
Long helicopter yarding distance, economics
502
50
Long helicopter yarding distance, economics I
2-20 • Chapter 2
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Alternatives
2.8.1 Wildlife/
Biodiversity
2.8.2 Logging
Economics
2.8.3
Cumulative
Watershed
Effects
2.8 Mitigation
The analysis documented in this EIS discloses the possible adverse
effects that may occur from implementing the actions proposed under
each alternative. Many of these effects are reduced or avoided by using
Forest Plan direction, including management prescriptions, standards
and guidelines, and Best Management Practices (BMPs), which meet
the requirements of the Clean Water Act. All unit-specific and/or
alternative-specific mitigation is identified in Appendix B.
The following mitigation measures would be incorporated at the
implementation stages.
In all action alternatives, timber harvest would result in the loss of
wildlife habitat, some of which has been identified as: (1) high value
deer winter habitat, (2) coarse canopy habitat, (3) wildlife travel
corridors, and/or (4) areas with evidence of comparatively high
wildlife use. In some proposed harvest units, 50 percent retention of
the stand’s pre-harvest basal area would provide for future old-growth
characteristics and stand structure and provide wildlife travel
corridors. The proposed retention of all trees 16” or less DBH and
western hemlock trees greater than 36” DBH in helicopter units would
also help retain wildlife habitat.
The high cost of helicopter yarding has been identified as a concern.
To mitigate, or reduce, the impact to logging economics in units
logged by helicopter, all tree species 16” or less DBH would be
retained. Because of the high percentage of rot within large western
hemlock trees, western hemlock greater than 36” DBH would be
retained where it is safe to do so.
After the completion of proposed harvest activities, all action
alternatives would result in a net decrease in the miles of open roads in
the project area by closing between 8.2 and 1 1 miles of road. This
involves removing all culverts, excavating additional waterbars in the
road surface, and allowing natural revegetation on the road and in the
road ditch. This has advantages for protecting water quality and
fisheries habitat by keeping road maintenance needs low, which
minimizes the potential for sediment delivery to streams from the
failure of drainage structures, and minimizes potential fish passage
problems. Culverts associated with proposed temporary roads and
those associated with roads currently in storage that would be used for
this project would also be removed, restoring more natural drainage
patterns and eliminating the risk of road failures at stream crossings,
culvert plugging, and stream diversion. Natural revegetation would
further reduce the risk of sediment delivery to streams. The removal of
structures on Road 6413 and excess fill in a stream crossing on Road
6417 could restore juvenile fish passage.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 2 • 2-21
Alternatives
2.9.1 Forest
Plan
Monitoring
2.9.2 Project-
Specific
Monitoring
2.9 Monitoring
Monitoring is a tool which involves gathering data and information
and observing the results of management activities as a basis for
evaluation. Monitoring activities can be divided into project-specific
monitoring and Forest Plan monitoring. The National Forest
Management Act requires national forests to monitor and evaluate
their forest plans (36 CFR 219.1 10). Chapter 6 of the Forest Plan
includes the activities to be conducted as part of the Forest Plan
monitoring.
Forest Plan monitoring items are either contingent on management
activities, such as those associated with this project, or are based on
the condition of the Tongass National Forest as a whole. Much of the
monitoring at the Forest Plan level consists of annually surveying a
representative sample of harvest units or roads. Any implemented
activities in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area could be incorporated as
described in the Monitoring and Evaluation Guidebook for the
Tongass Land and Resource Management Plan (USDA FS 2000).
There are three types of monitoring:
• Implementation monitoring and evaluation is used to determine if
the design criteria and Forest Plan standards and guidelines are
being incorporated during on-the-ground operations. This includes
contract preparation and contract administration for timber harvest
or road construction.
• Effectiveness monitoring is designed to determine how well
specific design features used to meet Forest Plan standards and
guidelines or mitigation measures work in protecting natural
resources and their beneficial uses.
• Validation monitoring and evaluation is used to examine whether
the assumptions and predicted effects are accurate.
Implementation monitoring is conducted at the project level. The
selected management activities need to be consistent with the design
criteria used to analyze the environmental effects during the planning
stage. This ensures that the effects would not change from what was
predicted. Whether or not the design criteria are effective is
determined by Forest Plan level monitoring. Project activities are
included as a representative sample during Forest-wide monitoring.
2.9.2. 1 Implementation Monitoring
The Interdisciplinary Team prepared unit and road cards to provide
site-specific analysis and guidance for unit layout, road location during
timber harvest, and road construction and road reconstruction needs.
Unit cards include a unit map and a narrative explaining resource
2-22 • Chapter 2
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Alternatives
2.9.3
Effectiveness
Monitoring:
Project Level
2.9.4
Validation
Monitoring
concerns and how the concerns could be addressed in the design of
each unit. Road Management Objectives were developed for each
classified road (Road Cards, Appendix B).
Staff who prepare timber sale contracts are required to confirm and
certify that the timber sale contract is in agreement with the decision
document. This certification verifies that items such as maps, number
of acres, location of units, harvest methods, and stand numbers are
consistent. The certification also ensures that all mitigation measures
identified in the EIS relating to timber sale contract requirements are
included in the timber sale contract.
Implementation monitoring continues through harvest and contract
inspections. As a routine part of project implementation, sale
administrators and road inspectors monitor harvest and construction
activities. Through provisions contained in the timber sale contract or
other contracts, contract administrators and inspectors ensure that the
prescriptions contained on the unit and road cards are implemented.
Sale administrators and road contract inspectors have the authority to
initiate action to repair resource damage and suspend operations until
problems have been corrected. This process ensures that project
elements and Forest Plan standards and guidelines are implemented as
designed. The Contract Administrators monitor all units and roads for
implementation of the appropriate Best Management Practices.
2.9.3. 1 Road Condition Surveys (Fish Passage)
Objective: To ensure that all road crossings over fish streams maintain
fish passage to Forest Plan standards.
Method: Fish passage will be monitored using developed criteria.
Action: If fish passage is impaired, corrective actions would be taken.
2.9.4.1 Heritage Resources Predictive Model
The validation monitoring of the Heritage Resources Predictive Model
is included for the Kuiu Timber Sale Area.
Objective: Validate assumptions of heritage resources predictive
model.
Method: Conduct field observations along reconstructed and newly
reconstructed roads.
Action: Determine if assumptions of the heritage resources predictive
model require adjustment. Document results in the Tongass National
Forest Annual Monitoring and Evaluation Report.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 2 • 2-23
2 Alternatives
2-24 • Chapter 2
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
JDean Creek
' Watershed
) / , Watershed t
/ 109-45-10090 (
Saginaw, Creek
--Watershed K
Watershed
109-44-10370
Kadak'e Creek_
Watershed
Security Creek
. Watershed
Rowan Creek-
Watershed
Kuiu Timber Sale
Figure 2-1
Alternative 1 No Action
Legend
Productive Old-Growth
Non-National Forest
Managed Stands
Lakes/Saltwater
Forest Plan OGR
Project Area Boundary
Existing Open Roads
Roads in Storage (Closed)
Decommissioned Roads
500ft Contour Interval
Stream Value Class I & II
Watershed Boundary
2
■ Miles
0 0.250.5
1.5
Dean Creek.
Watershed
Keku Roadless Area
J Watershed \
/ 109-45-10090 l
Saginaw Creek
Watershed)
yVatershea $
I09%£l0370\
North Kuiu
Roadless'Area
'Kadake Creek
Watershed I
Security Creek
Watershed
Security, Roadless-Area
RowanjCreek
Watershed
m
WM
Kuiu Timber Sale
Figure 2-2
Alternative 2
Legend
Clearcut (0% Retention)
50% Retention-Clearcut with Reserves
50% Retention-Group Selection
50% Retention-Single Tree Selection
Productive Old-Growth
Interagency OGR
Managed Stands
Non-National Forest
Lakes/Saltwater
Roadless Areas
Proposed Temporary Roads
Decommissioned Roads
Project Area Boundary
Existing Open Roads
Reconstructed Roads
Roads in Storage (Closed)
500ft Contour Interval
Watershed Boundary
Stream Value Class I & II
N
A
0 0.250.5 1 1.5 2
Miles
Dean Creek j
Watershed /
c Saginaw • Creek'
- Watershed <
Watershed /
109,45-10090 ,
Watershed )<.
^09y4^-10370';
[Kadake-Creek'
§MterslTed£
'North' Kuiu
Roadless Area
, \Security Creek
\ \ Watershed/^
Security Roadless Area
Rowan Creek
Watershed
■V-
if'"
Kuiu Timber Sale
Figure 2-3
Keku Roadless am® Alternatives
Legend
Clearcut (0% Retention)
50% Retention-Clearcut with Reserves
50% Retention-Single Tree Selection
50% Retention-Group Selection
Productive Old-Growth
Interagency OGR
Non-National Forest
Managed Stands
Lakes/Saltwater
Roadless Areas
..... Project Area Boundary
Existing Open Roads
^ Proposed Temporary Roads
Roads in Storage (Closed)
Decommissioned Roads
Reconstructed Roads
500ft Contour Interval
Stream Value Class I & II
Watershed Boundary
l Miles
0 0.250.5
Dean. Creek
Watershed
Keku Roadless Area
Saginaw Creek
- 1 Watershed
Watershed
109-.45=10090
Watershed Q
wmtfm
$ North KuiU'y
Roadless 'Area
Kadake Creek
Watershed
\ Security. Creek
i \ \ Watershed/
Security Roadless Area
Rowan Creek
' Watershed
40a
/ L.
1
i\V\
■ 404 V r
rciiv ...- -a...
Kuiu Timber Sale
Figure 2-4
Alternative 4
Legend
Clearcut (0% Retention)
50% Retention-Clearcut with Reserves
50% Retention-Group Selection
50% Retention-Single Tree Selection
Productive Old-Growth
Interagency OGR
| 1 Non-National Forest
Managed Stands
Lakes/Saltwater
Roadless Areas
Helicopter Yarding
Reconstructed Roads
— ■■■ ProjectArea Boundary
Existing Open Roads
Roads in Storage (Closed)
----- Decommissioned Roads
500ft Contour Interval
Stream Value Class I & II
Watershed Boundary
Proposed Temporary Roads
!
I
i
2
■ Miles
0 0.25 0.5
1.5
Dean Creek
Watershed
Keku Roadless Area
Saginaw Creek
Watershed
Watershed
109^45-10090
V ^ -,Watershedyt
211/'/ 09^44- 1037-0 •
111
<Kadakeigreek
y Watershed
North Kuiu
Roadless Area
' SecuritylCreek
Watershed
Security Roadless Area
Rowan Creek
Watershed
Kuiu Timber Sale
Figure 2-5
Alternative 5
Legend
Clearcut (0% Retention)
Productive Old-Growth
Interagency OGR
Managed Stands
Non-National Forest
Lakes/Saltwater
Roadless Areas
Project Area Boundary
Reconstructed Roads
Existing Open Roads
Roads in Storage (Closed)
Decommissioned Roads
500ft Contour Interval
Stream Value Class I & II
Proposed Temporary Roads
Watershed Boundary
N
A
0 0.250.5 1 1.5 2
m ■ — Miles
Chapter 3
Affected
Environment and
Environmental
Consequences
Chapter 3
Table of Contents
3.1 Introduction 3-1
3.2 Issue 1 - Roadless Areas 3-6
3.3 Issue 2 - Wildlife Habitat and Subsistence Use 3-23
3.4 Issue 3 - Timber Sale Economics 3-97
3.5 Issue 4 - Cumulative Effects of Logging and Road Construction on
Watersheds 3-112
3.6 Alaska Region Threatened, Endangered, Candidate, and Sensitive
Species 3-144
3.7 Timber and Vegetation Resources 3-152
3.8 Fisheries 3-174
3 .9 Soils and Geology 3-189
3.10 Wetlands 3-208
3.11 Transportation 3-215
3.12 Scenery 3-224
3.13 Recreation 3-240
3.14 Socioeconomics 3-251
3.15 Heritage Resources 3-261
3.16 Non-National Forest System Lands and Uses 3-266
3. 17 Findings and Disclosures 3-267
Chapter 3
Affected Environment and
Environmental
Consequences
3.1 Introduction
This chapter provides information concerning the existing
environment of the Kuiu Timber Sale Area, and potential
consequences to that environment as a result of this project. It also
presents the scientific and analytical basis for the comparison of
alternatives presented in Chapter 2. Each resource potentially affected
by the Proposed Action or other alternatives is described by its current
condition and uses. Some other findings required by policy and law are
included at the end of the chapter.
The chapter begins with a description of the environmental effects on
resources associated with the four significant issues in the Kuiu
Timber Sale Area. Other concerns raised during scoping that are not
significant issues are discussed in the Other Environmental
Considerations section. These include potential effects (environmental
consequences) that are mitigated in the same way in all alternatives, or
resources that are not significantly affected by any alternative. All
effects, including direct, indirect, and cumulative effects, are
disclosed. Effects are quantified where possible, and qualitative
discussions are also included. The means by which potential adverse
effects would be reduced or mitigated are described (Chapter 2 and
Appendices B and C).
The discussions of resources and potential effects use existing
information included in the Forest Plan, other project environmental
analyses, project-specific resource reports, agency and scientific
studies, and related information. Where applicable, such information is
briefly summarized and referenced to minimize duplication. The
planning record for the Kuiu Timber Sale Area includes all project-
specific information, including resource reports, documentation of
field investigations, and information resulting from public involvement
efforts. The planning record is located at the Petersburg Ranger
District Office in Petersburg, Alaska, and is available for review
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-1
Environment and Effects
3.1.1
Administrative
and Ecological
Land Divisions
3.1.2
Analyzing
Effects
during regular business hours. Information ^om the record is available
upon request.
The land area of the Tongass National Forest has been divided in
several different ways to describe the different resources and facilitate
systematic and consistent analysis. These divisions vary by resource as
the relationship of each resource to geographic conditions and zones
varies.
3.1. 1.1 Land Use Designations (LUDs)
The allocation of land use designations (LUDs), as discussed in
Chapter 1, was accomplished with the Forest Plan. Each LUD provides
for a combination of activities, goals and objectives, and uses. There
are three LUDs within the Kuiu Timber Sale Area. These are: Timber
Production, Recreational River, and Old-growth Habitat. The
standards and guidelines for these LUDs were used for unit design and
to analyze effects on scenery. The LUDs within the Kuiu Timber Sale
Area are discussed and displayed in Chapter 1 .
3. 1.1. 2 Value Comparison Units (VCUs)
For the purposes of project-level analysis, the Tongass National Forest
is divided into Value Comparison Units (VCUs). These are distinct
geographic areas, each encompassing a drainage basin containing one
or more large stream systems. The boundaries usually follow major
watersheds. The Kuiu Timber Sale Area includes lands within VCUs
399, 400, 402 md 421 on the northern portion of Kuiu Island. VCUs
are used to analyze the size of small old-growth habitat reserves.
3. 1.1. 3 Wildlife Analysis Areas (WAAs)
Wildlife Analysis Areas (WAAs) are land divisions used by the Alaska
Department of Fish and Game to report community harvests of
selected wildlife species. The project area lies within WAA 5012 and
makes up approximately 32 percent of the WAA. Some of the wildlife
and subsistence analyses for the Kuiu Timber Sale Area are compiled
by WAA.
3. 1.1. 4 Et jgical Subsections
The term “ecological subsection” refers to mapping delineations
described in Ecological Subsections of Southeast Alaska and
Neighboring Areas of Canada (Nowacki et al. 2001). This system is
part of a national hierarchical framework designed to group
ecosystems into logical associations. The Kuiu Timber Sale Area is
within the Rowan Sediments and North Prince ofWales-Kuiu
Carbonates ecological subsections.
Environmental consequences are the effects of implementing an
alternative on the physical, biological, social, and economic
environment. The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ)
3-2 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Introduction
regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA) includes a number of specific categories for the analysis of
environmental consequences. Several are applicable to the analysis of
the proposed project and alternatives and form the basis of much of the
analysis which follows. They are explained briefly here.
3. 1.2.1 Direct, Indirect, and Cumulative Effects
Direct environmental effects are those occurring at the same time and
place as the initial cause or action. Indirect effects are those that occur
later in time or are spatially removed from the activity, but could have
some effect in the foreseeable future. Cumulative effects result from
incremental effects of actions when added to other past, present, and
reasonably foreseeable future actions, regardless of which agency or
person undertakes such other actions. Cumulative effects can result
from individually minor but collectively significant actions taking
place over a period of time.
3. 1.2.2 Unavoidable Adverse Effects
Implementation of any action alternative may cause some adverse
environmental effects that cannot be effectively mitigated or avoided.
Unavoidable adverse effects often result from managing the land for
one resource at the expense of other resources. Many adverse effects
can be reduced, mitigated, or avoided by limiting their extent or
duration. The interdisciplinary procedure used to identify specific
harvest units and roads was designed to eliminate or lessen the
significant adverse consequences. The application of Forest Plan
standards and guidelines. Best Management Practices (BMPs), project-
specific mitigation measures, and monitoring are all intended to further
limit the extent, severity, and duration of potential effects. The purpose
of this chapter is to discuss such measures and fully disclose any
adverse effects.
3. 1.2. 3 Short-term Use and Long-term Productivity
Short-term uses and their effects are those that occur annually or
within the first few years of project implementation. Long-term
productivity refers to the capability of the land and resources to
continue producing goods and services long after the project has been
implemented. Under the Multiple-Use Sustained Yield Act (MUSYA),
and the National Forest Management Act (NFMA), all renewable
resources are to be managed in such a way that they are available for
future generations. Timber harvest can be considered a short-term use
of a renewable resource. As a renewable resource, trees can be
reestablished if the long-term productivity of the land is maintained.
This long-term productivity is maintained through the application of
the resource protection measures described in Chapter 2, in particular
those applying to the soil and water resources. These protection
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-3
Environment and Effects
3.1.3 Resource
Information on
the
Geographic
Information
System
measures are also discussed throughout this chapter, in particular for
soils, water quality, biodiversity, and economics.
3.1. 2.4 Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitments
Irreversible commitments are decisions affecting non-renewable
resources such as soils, wetlands, unroaded areas, and heritage
resources. Such commitments are considered irreversible because the
resource has deteriorated to the point that renewal can occur only over
a geological period of time, at a great expense, or not at all. The
destruction of an archaeological site is an example of an irreversible
commitment. No irreversible effects are expected to occur within this
project.
Irretrievable commitments represent opportunities foregone for the
period during which resource use or production cannot be realized.
Such decisions are reversible, but the production opportunities
foregone are irretrievable. For example, the construction of a classified
road for long-term management is an irretrievable action. The
commitment is irretrievable rather than irreversible, because trees
could be reestablished in this area, but the amount of timber
production during the period of time when the land was used as a road
could not be regained. Expansion of existing rock sources would lead
to an irretrievable commitment of resources within this project.
Much of the Tongass National Forest resource data resides in an
electronic database formatted for a geographic information system
(GIS). The Forest uses GIS software to assist in the analyses of these
data. GIS data is available in tabular (numerical) format, and as plots
displaying data in map format. For this EIS, all the maps and most of
the numerical analyses are based on GIS resource data supported by
field verification.
GIS data does have some limitations. This is especially true when
comparing the data layers used for the Forest Plan with the project-
specific data layers. The Forest Plan uses point data for analyses
because the area to be analyzed covers a large area (17 million acres).
Each point represents approximately 20.66 acres.
For smaller areas of land, polygon layers can be used. Project-level
analysis done for environmental documents usually uses polygon data.
These GIS layers have polygons of varying sizes. GIS data, which was
often obtained by aerial photo interpretation, has been updated using
data collected during field reviews. Areas that project activities may
affect were field inventoried. Project-level layers will continue to be
updated and added to the GIS layers as more information becomes
available through implementation activities or other surveys.
3-4 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Introduction
3.1.4 Available
Resource
Information
3.1.5
Discussion of
Significant
Issues
There is incomplete knowledge about many of the conditions and
relationships of forest resources and social needs. Forest management
is a complex and developing science. Wildlife population dynamics
and habitat relationships are not completely understood. The
interaction of forest resource supply with economic and social
conditions and communities is the subject matter of an inexact science.
However, the basic data and central relationships are sufficiently well
established in the respective sciences for the analysis of the Kuiu
Timber Sale Area for the Responsible Official to make a reasoned
choice between the alternatives, and to adequately assess and disclose
the possible adverse environmental consequences.
A significant issue provides the focus for one or more alternatives and
can be used to compare alternatives. It is used to track environmental
effects throughout the analysis. Significant issues for the Kuiu Timber
Sale were identified through public and internal scoping. Chapter 1
describes the process used to identify issues. Similar issues were
combined where appropriate.
Once a significant issue is identified, measures are identified to
analyze how each alternative responds to the concern. Measures are
chosen that are quantitative (where possible), predictable, responsive
to the issue, and linked to cause-and-effect relationships. These
measures describe how the alternative affects the resource or resources
at the heart of the issue.
The issues that were determined to be significant and within the scope
of the project decision are: 1) Roadless Areas, 2) Wildlife Habitat and
Subsistence Use, 3) Timber Sale Economics, and 4) Cumulative
Effects on Watersheds.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-5
Environment and Ejects
3.2.1
Introduction
3.2.2
Background
3.2 Issue 1 - Roadless Areas
Roadless areas were originally identified during the Roadless Area
Review and Evaluation studies (RARE I and RARE II) done in the
1970s. Roadless areas are defined as undeveloped lands where there
are no roads maintained for travel by motorized vehicles intended for
highway use and that do not have extensive timber harvest or other
developments.
Roadless areas and their values are issues of national importance. On
the Tongass National Forest, many of the biological and social values
of roadless areas were taken into consideration when determining the
land use designations for the Forest Plan. The Kuiu Timber Sale Area
includes portions of two roadless area; North Kuiu Roadless Area and
Security Roadless Area.
Several terms are used when referring to roadless areas on National
Forests and are important to this analysis.
Roadless Areas refer to undeveloped areas typically exceeding 5,000
acres that meet the minimum criteria for wilderness consideration
under the Wilderness Act. Areas meeting these criteria were
inventoried during the Forest Service’s RARE II process, subsequent
assessments or forest planning. The inventory conducted by the
Tongass National Forest and published in the Tongass Forest Plan
Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement 2003, (Forest Plan
SEIS) represents the best and most recent inventory on the Tongass.
Unroaded Areas refer to undeveloped areas with typically fewer than
5,000 acres, but of a size and configuration sufficient to protect the
inherent characteristics associated with their roadless condition.
Unroaded areas do not overlap with “roadless areas.”
3.2.2. 1 Roadless Analysis in the Forest Plan
During the revision of the Forest Plan, all areas, including roaded and
roadless areas, were analyzed. The Forest Plan allocated some portions
of the roadless areas to Timber Production, Modified Landscape, and
Scenic Viewshed Land Use Designations (LUDs), all of which allow
reading and timber harvest. Other portions of roadless areas are
allocated to non-development LUDs. These allocations include Old-
growth Habitat, Remote Recreation, Semi-remote Recreation, Special
Interest Areas, and Recreational River LUDs. About 74 percent of the
Roadless Areas in the Tongass National Forest are included in non-
development LUDs.
3.2.2.2 Roadless Area Conservation Rule
Effective May 13, 2005, The Department of Agriculture revised the
2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule (Subpart B of Title 36, Code
3-6 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
3.2.3 Current
Condition
Issue 1 : Roadless Areas
of Federal Regulations, Protection of Roadless Areas) by adopting a
new rule - Special Areas; State Petitions for Roadless Area
Management. This 2005 Roadless Rule establishes a petitioning
process that provides Governors an opportunity to seek establishment
of or adjustment to management requirements for National Forest
System roadless areas within their States. Submission of a petition is
strictly voluntary, and management requirements for roadless areas are
guided by the Tongass Forest Plan until and unless these management
requirements are changed through a State-specific rulemaking. If the
Secretary of Agriculture accepts a petition, the Forest Service shall be
directed to initiate notice and comment rulemaking to address the
petition. Further details on the history of the Roadless Rule and how it
affected development of this project are available in the project record.
In December 2003, as part of a settlement agreement reached in the
State of Alaska v. USDA, the Department adopted a final rule that
temporarily withdrew the Tongass National Forest from the provisions
of the 2001 Roadless Rule. Under the approach established in the 2005
final rule, management of roadless areas on the Tongass will continue
to be governed by the existing Forest Plan, unless changed through a
State-specific rulemaking as described above. The 2005 rule negates
the need for further Tongass-specific rulemaking anticipated in the
2003 temporary withdrawal.
3.2.3. 1 Introduction
Most of Southeast Alaska is currently unroaded. About 74 percent of
the roadless areas are within land use designations that would retain
their unroaded condition through the life of the Forest Plan (Forest
Plan SEIS Record of Decision (ROD) p. 12). There are eight Roadless
Areas on Kuiu Island. Table 3-1 lists the size of each roadless area
along with acres in Development and Non-development LUDs.
The Forest Plan 2003 inventory identified two roadless areas that
overlap the Kuiu Timber Sale Area (North Kuiu #241 and Security
#240). Another roadless area occurs near the Kuiu Timber Sale Area -
Keku (#239), which is 1 1,170 acres in size. This area occurs to the east
of the project area. The integrity of the Keku Roadless Area would not
be affected by any of the proposed activities. Figure 3-1 shows the
location of the roadless areas on the northern portion of Kuiu Island.
The proposed action alternatives would not make any roadless areas
ineligible for wilderness designation although the size of one roadless
area may be reduced, as described later in this analysis.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-7
Environment and Effects
Table 3-1. Kuiu Island roadless areas
Roadless area
Roadless
area
number
Non-
development
acres1*
Development
acres
Total
acres in
roadless
area
Keku
239
3,062
8,108
11,170
Security
240
26,104
9,393
35,497
North Kuiu
241
734
8,810
9,544
Camden
242
8,095
32.300
40,395
Rocky Passb
243
73,961
5,142
79,103
Bay of Pillars
244
27,782
946
28,728
East Kuiuc
245
16,711
29.684
46,395
South Kuiu
246
63,063
0
63,063
Total Acres
219,512
94,383
313,895
Forest Plan allocation
b Includes acres on both Kuiu Island and Kupreanof Island
1 Includes some small islands off the coast of Kuiu Island
3.2.3.2 Roadless Areas
Portions of two roadless areas and three smaller unroaded areas lie
within the Kuiu Timber Sale Area (Table 3-2 and Figure 3-2). The
roadless areas are: North Kuiu Roadless Area (#241) and Security
Roadless Area (#240). These roadless areas lie near the existing road
system. Although infrequent, sights and sounds of vehicles traveling
this existing road system may occur. These noises are temporary and
of short duration.
Table 3-2. Acres of roadless areas within the Kuiu Timber Sale Area
Roadless area
Total roadless area
Roadless area acres
(acres)
within project area
North Kuiu (#241)
9,544 acres
9,544 acres
Security (#240)
35,497 acres
1 34 acres
3-8 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Issue 1: Roadless Areas
3.2. 3. 3 Security Roadless Area #240
The Security Roadless Area is located on the northwest side of Kuiu
Island, approximately 15 air miles southwest of Kake and about 50 air
miles west of Petersburg. Chatham Strait lies to the west. Security Bay
to the northeast, and Frederick Sound to the north.
Approximately 134 acres of the Security Roadless Area are within the
project area. No activities are proposed within this roadless area;
therefore, this roadless area will not be discussed further in this EIS.
Additional information on the Security Roadless Area is available in
the Roadless Area Analysis located in the project planning record.
3.2.3.4 North Kuiu Roadless Area #241
The North Kuiu Roadless Area is located near the center of the
northern portion of Kuiu Island. Roads surround the area and provide
access to Rowan Bay (Figure 3-1). Petersburg is approximately 40 air
miles from the roadless area. Kake, the nearest town, is located
approximately 10 air miles away on Kupreanof Island.
The following discussion relates to the Forest Plan SEIS. The values
discussed below have been identified as key characteristics of roadless
areas in the National Forest System. This discussion evaluates the
North Kuiu Roadless Area using these national criteria.
Wilderness Potential
The North Kuiu Roadless Area is unmodified; however, its overall
appearance is affected by its irregular shape and the patterns of
development surrounding the area, such as adjacent timber harvest and
roads.
There are no special attractions or features in this roadless area and no
known significant or unique features or values.
Opportunity for Solitude and Serenity
The opportunity for solitude is low and the opportunity for primitive
recreation is moderate in this roadless area. Vehicle traffic
occasionally passes nearby and may be heard and seen from within the
roadless area. Most of the roadless area is within one mile of a road.
Scenic Values
The area is unmodified; however, its overall integrity is not pristine.
The irregular shape of the area, patterns of adjacent timber
management and reading have affected the natural appearance of the
landscape. The roadless area contains no landscapes considered
distinctive for the character type from a scenery perspective.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-9
Environment and Effects
Fisheries
The roadless area contains primarily Class III headwater streams (see
the Fisheries section in this chapter for stream class definitions). Pink
and chum salmon spawning habitat is limited to the lower portions of
the watershed where a lower-gradient floodplain channel is present. A
population of deer and black bear range over the area, as do some
moose.
Vegetation
All of the North Kuiu Roadless Area lies within the be mdary of the
Kuiu Timber Sale Area. There are 9,456 acres of mapped forest lands
in the roadless area, approximately 90 percent of which is productive
old-growth. Of the productive old-growth acres, approximately 5,932
acres, or 63 percent, are mapped as high-volume old-growth forest.
The productive old-growth includes about 3,408 acres of high-volume,
coarse-canopy old-growth. There is no mapped second growth due for
harvest (Forest Plan SE1S p. 241).
Management Direction and Current uses
The majority of this roadless area, 92 percent, was allocated to the
Timber Production LUD. Approximately eight percent of the roadless
area was allocated to non-development LUDs (Table 3-3).
There are no developed recreation sites in the roadless area. Deer
hunting is the primary recreational use. There is some subsistence use
in the area; most use is concentrated along the road-accessible areas
outside of the roadless area.
Table 3 - 3. North Kuiu Roadless Area LUDs
LUD
Acres of LUD in
roadless area
Percent roadless are*'
Timber Production
8,810 acres
92%
Old-growth Habitat
Reserve
385 acres
4%
Recreational River
349 acres
4%
Total
9,544 acres
100%
3-10 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Issue 1: Roadless Areas
Recreational Values
Tourism has been increasing in Southeast Alaska and is expected to
continue increasing. North Kuiu Roadless Area is relatively close to
Kake, which has Alaska Marine Highway ferry service. A very small
portion of Kadake Creek, a Recreational River, lies in the northeast
portion of the North Kuiu Roadless Area. There is little potential for
outfitter and guide permits given the difficulty in accessing the area
and the habitat conditions.
There are no recreation places in the North Kuiu Roadless Area.
Biological Values
The vegetation within the North Kuiu Roadless Area is typical of
Southeast Alaska. Most of the area is covered with a mosaic pattern of
temperate rainforest and muskeg (see the Timber and Vegetation, and
Soils sections in this chapter).
Roadless areas have value as habitat for wildlife species with large
home ranges such as wolf or black bear. The home range of a typical
wolf pack is about 50,000 acres. The roadless areas, in conjunction
with the rest of Kuiu Island, provide habitat for wolves and bear (see
the Issue 2 - Wildlife Habitat and Subsistence Use in this chapter).
The only federally listed threatened or endangered species likely to
occur within or adjacent to the roadless areas are the humpback whale
(endangered) and the Steller’s sea lion (threatened). Both of these
species are found in adjacent marine waters. Three Forest Service
Region 10 Sensitive Species are suspected or known to occur within
the area; trumpeter swan, Peale’s peregrine falcon, and the Queen
Charlotte goshawk. Trumpeter swans nest in the lowlands on small
lakes and along large rivers and winter in ice-free areas throughout the
Tongass. Peale’s peregrine falcons nest on cliff faces and islands and
feed primarily on seabirds. Queen Charlotte goshawks are closely
associated with productive old-growth.
Twelve sensitive plant species are known or suspected to occur in the
Petersburg Ranger District. Botanical surveys were conducted in
representative habitats within and around the project area and no
threatened or endangered plant species were located. Two sensitive
plant species are known to occur on Kuiu Island ( Poa laxiflora and
Glyceria leptostostachya). Poa laxiflora is known to occur within the
project area (see the Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Species
section this chapter).
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3*3-11
Environment and Effects
Cultural or Historical Values
The North Kuiu Roadless Area lies within the traditional territory of
the Kake Tlingit. There are no known cultural resource sites in the
roadless area, although some subsistence use probably occurs in the
area via access by existing roads that surround the project area.
More recent history includes black bear and deer hunting, and timber
sales in the adjacent roaded areas.
Research Values
The area contains no known features of special interest other than two
bands of karst. The mapped karst resources encompass approximately
2,270 acres or 24 percent of the roadless area. The area does not
include any Potential Research Natural Areas and has not been
identified for any other scientific purpose.
3.2.3. 5 Unroaded Areas
In addition to analyzing roadless areas, the Forest Plan SEIS also
identified unroaded areas with fewer than 5,000 acres. These unroaded
areas are divided into two categories: areas greater than 1,000 acres
but less than 5,000 acres in size and areas less than 1,000 acres in size.
The Kuiu Timber Sale Area has three unroaded areas between 1 ,000
acres and 5,000 acres in size (Figure 3-1).
• Unroaded area 1 is 2,412 acres in size and is located in the
southern portion of the project area. It is surrounded on all sides by
previously harvested units and logging roads. There are no
managed stands within this area.
• Unroaded area 2 is 3,302 acres in size and is located in the
northeastern portion of the project area. It is bounded on one side
by the ocean and on the other three sides by logging roads and
previously harvested units. There are no managed stands within
this area.
• Unroaded area 3 is 3,009 acres in size and is located in the
northernmost tip of the project area. This area is a rough half circle
with the rounded portion bounded by ocean and the other edge
bounded by logging roads. Approximately 88 acres were harvested
between 1985 and 1999.
There are no proposed timber harvest units or roads in any of the
unroaded areas less than 1,000 acres in size within the project area;
therefore, these areas will not be analyzed further in this EIS.
3-12 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
3.2.4 Effects
on the North
Kuiu Roadless
Area
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Issue 1: Roadless Areas
3.2.4.1 Introduction
The Forest Plan SEIS GIS layer reflects the best and most current
information on roadless areas on the Tongass and was used for
summarizing the information required for the following analyses.
This section describes the effects of the project on roadless areas in
terms of the amount of road to be constructed and the amount of
timber harvest proposed within the boundaries by alternative.
Additionally, any change in the size of North Kuiu Roadless Area is
determined for each alternative. The inventory criteria used for this
project is the same used to delineate roadless areas in the Forest Plan
and the Forest Plan SEIS. Existing roads and harvest units, and all
areas within 1,200 feet of an existing road and 600 feet of an existing
harvest unit, are considered developed for the purposes of this
analysis. These 1,200 and 600-foot buffers are considered “zones of
influence” affected by their proximity to roads, harvest units, and other
development or activities. Small included areas and long narrow strips
of unroaded areas are also considered developed and are not included
in the roadless area acres.
Some of the timber harvest units are proposed for partial harvest,
which produces fewer effects than clearcutting. Helicopter logging
further reduces effects because it does not require as much road
building, thereby limiting access to the roadless area.
Table 3-4 displays the effects of the proposed activities on the North
Kuiu Roadless Area. A narrative review of the effects follows the
table.
3.2.4.2 Effects Common to all Alternatives
In all alternatives, the North Kuiu Roadless Area would remain greater
than 5,000 acres in size and would remain eligible for wilderness
designation.
Logging activities and traffic may be heard from the existing logging
roads surrounding the North Kuiu Roadless Area and from the eastern
boundary of the Security Roadless Area. These logging roads were
present when roadless areas were analyzed for the Forest Plan Final
EIS. The proposed activities would not change the integrity of the
roadless areas.
Because the area is currently influenced by roads and managed stands,
the effect on the edge of the roadless area from the action alternatives
to the overall roadless area characteristics and values would be
minimal. Values of the roadless area would remain unchanged, with
opportunities for solitude remaining low and the opportunity for
primitive recreation moderate. In addition, the roadless area includes
no landscapes considered distinctive for the character type from a
scenery perspective.
Chapter 3*3-13
Environment and Effects
Table 3 - 4. E ts on the North Kuiu Roadless Area3 by alternative
Measure of Effect
Alt. 1
Alt. 2
Alt. 3
Alt. 4
Alt. 5
Harvest unit acres in roadless area
0
0
67
210
114
Acres of roadless area affected11
0
0
258
663
404
Percent of roadless area affected
0
0
3%
7%
4%
Miles of temporary roads in
roadless area (all would be closed
after harvest)
0
0
0.2
0.95
0.95
North Kuiu Roadless Area acres
after harvestb
9,544
9,544
9,286
8,881
9,140
a This table uses the Forest Plan SEIS Roadless acres
b Total includes 600-foot buffers around proposed timber harvest units and 1,200-foot
buffers along proposed temporary roads within the roadless areas
3.2.4.3 Comparison of Alternatives
Alternatives 1 and 2 would not affect the North Kuiu Roadless Area.
These alternatives do not propose any timber harvest units or roads
within the roadless area, nor would the zones of influence from roads
or timber harvest extend into the roadless area. The roadless rea
would remain unchanged under Alternatives 1 and 2.
Alternatives 3, 4, and 5 include portions of timber harvest i .ts within
the boundary of the North Kuiu Roadless Area. Additional units w ould
be located within 600 feet of the roadless area; therefore, their zones of
influence would extend into the edge of th e roadless area. This would
reduce the overall size of the roadless area by a maximum of 663 acres
(Alternative 4).
Of the four action alternatives, Alternative 4 would have the greatest
direct effect on the North Kuiu Roadless Area, with up to 210 acres
harvested from eight units within the roadless area and two units
whose zones of influence would extend into the roadless area. In
addition, 0.95 mile of temporary road is proposed within this roadless
area. The affected acres represent about seven percent of the North
Kuiu Roadless Area.
3-14 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Kuiu Timber Sale
Figure 3-1
' Roadless Areas and
Unroaded Areas
Legend
Roadless Areas
Y//A Unroaded Areas > 1000 Acres and < 5000 Acres
Unroaded Areas < 1000 Acres
Unit Pool
Non-National Forest
Managed Stands
^ Lakes/Saltwater
■■■•' Project Area Boundary
(r Existing Open Roads
Stream Value Class I &
Miles
Issue 1: Roadless Areas
3.2.4.4 Alternative 1
This alternative does not propose road construction or timber harvest
nor does it propose to reduce the miles of open drivable roads. Where
a minimum of 8.2 miles of road is proposed for closure in all action
alternatives, in Alternative 1 those roads would remain open and
would continue to influence the quality of the roadless area through
the sights and sounds of vehicle traffic at current levels.
3. 2.4.5 Alternative 2
Direct Effects
There would be no direct effects on the North Kuiu Roadless Area in
Alternative 2. This alternative does not propose any timber harvest or
road construction in the North Kuiu Roadless Area. None of the zones
of influence from roads or timber harvest would extend into the
roadless area.
Indirect Effects
Indirect beneficial effects could occur through the closure of 8.2 miles
of roads that are currently open. Closure of these roads could reduce
the influence of sights and sounds from vehicle use within the roadless
area. However, this influence is small, as these remote roads are not
used much beyond logging and hunting and would not change the
overall integrity of the roadless area.
3.2.4.6 Alternative 3
Direct Effects
Harvest of 67 acres of timber and construction of 0.2 mile of
temporary road is proposed within the North Kuiu Roadless Area in
Alternative 3. A total of 258 acres in the roadless area would be
affected, including the 600-foot zone of influence around harvest units
and the 1,200-foot zone of influence around proposed roads.
The reduction of 258 acres (three percent of the roadless area) is not
expected to change the integrity of the North Kuiu Roadless Area.
Portions of Units 109, 210, and 308 would be within the roadless area.
Unit 307 would be within 600 feet of the roadless area, and its zone of
influence would extend into the edge of the area.
All effects would occur along the edge of the roadless area. With the
ongoing influence from roads and managed stands, the effects to the
overall roadless area characteristics and values would be minimal.
About 9,286 acres would be maintained in a roadless condition.
Opportunities for solitude would remain low, and the opportunity for
primitive recreation would remain moderate.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3*3-17
Environment and Effects
Indirect Effects
Indirect beneficial effects could occur through the closure of 8.4 miles
of roads that are currently open. Closure of these roads could reduce
the influence of sights and sounds from vehicle use. However, this
influence is small, as these remote roads are not used much beyond
logging and hunting and would not change the overall integrity of the
roadless area.
3. 2.4.7 Alternative 4
Direct Effects
This alternative proposes harvest of 210 acres of timber and
construction of 0.95 mile of temporary roads within the North Kuiu
Roadless Area. A total of 663 acres in the roadless area would be
affected when the 600-foot zone of influence around harvest units and
the 1,200-foot zone of influence around roads are applied around the
proposed activities.
The reduction of 663 acres (seven percent of the roadless area) is not
expected to change the integrity of the North Kuiu Roadless Area.
Portions of Units 101, 1 09, 2 1 0, 2 1 1 , and 308 would be located within
the edges of the roadless area. Helicopter Units 305, 302, and 303 are
located almost entirely within the roadless boundary. Units 212 and
307 would be within 600 feet of the roadless area, extending their
zones of influence into the edge of the roadless area.
All effects would occur along the edge of the roadless area. With the
ongoing influence from roads and managed stands, the effects to the
overall roadless area characteristics and values would be minimal.
While this alternative would result in the greatest reduction in overall
roadless area acres, these acres would still be removed from the edges
of the roadless area and would not affect the overall values of the area.
The opportunity for solitude would remain low, and the opportunity
for primitive recreation would remain moderate. About 8,881 acres
would be maintained in a roadless condition.
Indirect Effects
Beneficial effects could result from the closure of 1 1 miles of roads
that are currently open around the roadless area. Closure of these roads
could reduce the influence from sights and sounds of vehicle use.
However, this influence is small, as these remote roads are not used
much beyond logging and hunting and would not change the overall
integrity of the roadless area.
3-18 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Issue 1: Roadless Areas
3.2.5
Effects on
Unroaded
Areas
3.2.4.8 Alternative 5
Direct Effects
This alternative proposes harvest of 1 14 acres of timber and
construction of 0.95 mile of temporary roads within the North Kuiu
Roadless Area. A total of 404 acres of roadless area would be affected
when the 600-foot zone of influence around harvest units and the
1 ,200-foot zone of influence around roads are applied around the
proposed activities.
The reduction of 404 acres (four percent of the roadless area) is not
expected to change the integrity of the North Kuiu Roadless Area.
Units 101, 1 09, 2 1 0, 2 1 1 , and 308 would be located within the roadless
area. Units 212 and 307 would be within 600 feet of the roadless area,
extending their zones of influence into the edge of the roadless area.
All effects would occur along the edge of the roadless area. With the
ongoing influence from roads and managed stands, the effects to the
overall roadless area characteristics and values would be minimal.
About 9,140 acres would be maintained in a roadless condition.
Opportunities for solitude would remain low, and the opportunity for
primitive recreation moderate.
Indirect Effects
Beneficial effects could result from the closure of 1 1 miles of roads
that are currently open around the roadless area. Closure of these roads
could reduce the influence from sights and sounds of vehicle use.
However, this influence is small, as these remote roads are not used
much beyond logging and hunting and would not change the overall
integrity of the roadless area.
Table 3-5 and Table 3-6 list the effects of the proposed harvest by
alternative on the two unroaded areas in which timber harvest or
temporary road building are proposed. No table is shown for the third
unroaded area, in which no timber harvest or road construction is
proposed in any action alternative. Locations of these unroaded areas
are shown in Figure 3-1.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3*3-19
Environment and Effects
Table 3 - 5. Effects on Area 1 (southern unroaded area 2,412 acres) by alternative
Measure of Effects
Alt. 1
Alt. 2
Alt. 3
Alt. 4
Alt. 5
Acres harvested within units
0
0
68
149
149
Acres of unroaded area affected3
0
0
289
428 428
Percent of unroaded area affected by units
0
0
3%
8%
8%
Miles of temporary road, n unroaded areas and
in 1,200 foot buffer15
0
0
0.64
0.64
0.64
Unroaded Area 1 acres after harvest3
2,412
2,412
2,123
1,984
1,984
a Total includes 600-foot buffers around proposed timber harvest units and 1 ,200- foot buffers along
proposed temporary roads within the roadless areas.
All new roads in roadless areas would be closed after harvest
Table 3 - 6. Effects on Area 2 (middle unroaded 3,302 acres) by alternative
Measure of Effect
Alt. 1
Alt. 2
Alt. 3
Alt. 4
Alt. 5
Acres harvested within units
0
0
0
18
18
Acres of unroaded area affected3
0
0
0
112
112
Percent of unroaded area affected by units
0
0
0
3%
3%
b
Miles of temporary roads in unroaded areas
0
0
0
0.1
0.1
Unroaded Area 2 acres after harvest3
3,302
3,302
3,302
3,190
3,190
Total includes 600-foot buffers around proposed timber harvest units and 1,200-foot buffers along
proposed temporary roads within the roadless areas.
All new temporary roads in roadless areas would be closed after harvest
3.2.5. 1 Direct Effects
Alternatives 1 and 2 would not affect unroaded areas less than 5,000
acres. These alternatives do not propose any timber harvest units or
roads w.min unroaded areas, nor would the zones of influence from
roads or timber harvest extend into any unroaded area.
Alternative 3 proposes harvest of 68 acres (portions of Units 403, 409,
and 410), and construction of 0.64 mile o: temporary road within
Unroaded Area 1 . This area would be reduced by approximately three
percent to 2,123 acres. No timber harvest is proposed within Unroaded
Area 2 in Alternative 3.
3-20 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Issue 1: Roadless Areas
3.2.6
Conclusion
Alternatives 4 and 5 propose harvest of 167 acres from Unroaded
Areas 1 and 2 (Units 402, 403, 409, 410, 412, and 503) and
construction of 0.65 mile of temporary road within the unroaded areas.
A total of 540 acres of unroaded area would be affected when the
zones of influence from roads and timber harvest is considered.
Unroaded Area 1 would be reduced by approximately eight percent to
1,984 acres and Unroaded Area 2 would be reduced approximately
three percent to 3,190 acres in Alternatives 4 and 5.
3. 2. 5. 2 Indirect Effects
Logging activities and traffic may be heard from Unroaded Area 1.
These logging roads existed before this project was planned. The
proposed activities would not change the integrity of the unroaded
areas.
In Alternatives 1 and 2 the roadless areas and unroaded areas would be
unchanged. In Alternatives 3-5, the North Kuiu Roadless Area and two
of the three unroaded areas would be reduced in size as shown in
Table 3-4, Table 3-5, and Table 3-6. The roadless areas would remain
eligible for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System.
Values identified for the roadless areas within the Kuiu Timber Sale
Area would be retained.
3.2.6. 1 Cumulative Effects
Cumulative effects on roadless areas were analyzed at the Forest Plan
level. The decision was made to allocate roadless areas to either
development or non-development land use designations. During the
analysis for the Forest Plan, the values of the roadless areas, their
location, and their proximity to other roadless areas, especially
Congressionally-designated Wilderness Areas, were used to determine
which roadless areas would be allocated for development.
There are 5.8 million acres of Congressionally-designated Wilderness
within the Tongass National Forest. These areas will remain as
Wilderness in perpetuity. Of the other 9.6 million acres of land that
are currently unroaded, even with full implementation of activities
allowed by the Forest Plan and no further wilderness designation, 90
percent would remain roadless after 10 years, and 87 percent would
remain roadless after 50 years (2003 Forest Plan SEIS ROD p. 12).
None of the alternatives for the Kuiu Timber Sale project would affect
the wilderness eligibility of any roadless area.
In the Kuiu Timber Sale action alternatives, individual timber sales are
planned to be offered in 2006. Road construction and harvest of an
action alternative would be completed approximately three to four
years later.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-21
Environment and Effects
It is reasonable to assume that timber harvest and associated road
management will continue on Kuiu Island. The current 5-year timber
sale schedule lists two additional sales:
• Threemile Timber Sale FEIS was signed April 2004 and offers
19.5 mmbf. This project does not enter the roadless areas included
in the Kuiu Timber Sale. The Threemile Timber Sale will harvest
approximately 19.5 mmbf on approximately 665 acres and
construct 4.2 miles of new classified roads and 4.2 miles of
temporary roads. Nine harvest units totaling 621 acres are within
three Roadless Areas; Camden, Rocky Pass and East Kuiu. The
Threemile timber sale project would not affect the wilderness
eligibility of any of these roadless areas.
• Bayport is a 10 mmbf timber sale scheduled for planning to begin
in 2009. This project includes Camden Roadless Area and three
unroaded areas less than 5,000 acres but greater than 1,000 acres.
Units within the Rowan Mountain Sale would reduce acres within the
North Kuiu Roadless Area. The roadless area would still be eligible for
Wilderness designation.
The current five-year plan is not expected to reduce the size of any of
the roadless areas on Kuiu Island to less than 5,000 acres or remove
them from eligibility for wilderness consideration.
Since timber harvest and associated road building and major facilities
are not allowed within non-development LUDs, at least 219,512 acres
of these roadless areas would remain in a natural state for the life of
the Forest Plan.
3-22 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
3.3 Issue 2 - Wildlife Habitat and
Subsistence Use
3.3.1
Introduction
This issue relates to changes in wildlife habitat including wildlife
travel corridors, critical winter range, and the effect of road densities
to wildlife and the availability of various species, particularly deer, for
subsistence hunting on Kuiu Island in general and within the project
area specifically.
The Forest Plan conservation biology strategy includes a forest-wide
network of large, medium, and small old-growth habitat reserves
(OGRs). Both the location and habitat of the small old-growth habitat
reserves and the connectivity, location, and habitat quality of the
corridors linking these reserves are important components of the
strategy.
The reduction of high value winter range (high volume, old-growth
forest below 800 feet elevation) for Sitka black-tailed deer due to the
combined effects of previous and proposed timber harvest and road
building may have adverse effects on the availability of deer for
subsistence hunting and may result in a significant possibility of a
significant restriction to subsistence hunting opportunities.
Current open road densities in the project area are 0.78 mile per square
mile. Roads at these densities may adversely affect wolf populations.
Subsistence is an Alaska concern and a right protected by law. It is a
significant issue that can be addressed within the wildlife issue.
This evaluation addresses the potential effects of harvesting suitable
timber from the northern portion of Kuiu Island, on subsistence use of
and wildlife habitat for Sitka black-tailed deer, black bear, marten, and
the Alexander Archipelago Wolf.
3. 3. 1.1 Units of Measure
Connectivity will be analyzed through the effectiveness of the Forest
Plan conservation biology strategy and the network of large, medium,
and small old-growth habitat reserves within northern Kuiu Island.
The existing Forest Plan small old-growth habitat reserve values will
be compared to the interagency recommendations.
Effects of harvest on Sitka black-tailed deer habitat will be compared
by using acres of high value deer winter range affected by alternative.
Open road densities will be analyzed by comparing the effect of road
densities in each alternative to the known effects to bear and wolves.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-23
Environment and Effects
3.3.2
Biodiversity
3.3.3 Habitat
Connectivity
Comparison of alternatives uses the deer winter range model and
analyzes effects of road densities to bear and wolves. Effects are
related to the location, aspect, elevation, harvest method, and timber
type of stands harvested.
Biodiversity is a measure of the variety of all the plant and animal
communities and species within an area, including the ecological
processes that lead to maintenance of well-distributed viable
populations of species. Habitat refers to the environment in which a
species lives and thrives. Wildlife species may occupy one distinctive
habitat type, a range of different habitats, or may change habitats
seasonally.
The Tongass National Forest provides habitat for a variety of plant and
animal species. The conifer forests of Southeast Alaska are divided
into ten forest cover types and 57 plant associations (Forest Plan FEIS
Part 1, pages 3-12 and 3-13). Approximately 54 species of mammals,
231 species of birds, and five species of amphibians and reptiles live in
Southeast Alaska. An additional 18 species of marine mammals
inhabit the offshore marine environment. About 45 other species of
birds and three species of amphibians or reptiles are considered casual
or accidental visitors to Southeast Alaska (Forest Plan FEIS Part 1,
page 3-351).
There are ov-t 500 species of lichens on the Tongass across all
habitats (Geiger et al. 1998). At least one species ( Lobaria oregana )
could be used as an important indicator of normally functioning late
successional forests at the stand level (Dillman 2003).
The old-growth forest habitat within the Kuiu Timber Sale Area occurs
in landscape patterns of naturally-fragmented old-growth forest,
muskeg, and forested wetlands. The majority of forest types in
Southeast Alaska are not a continuous sea of “old-growth”; many are
in different stages of stand development (Oliver and Larson 1996,
Kramer 1997). A variety of successional pathways exist on wind-
exposed landscapes (Nowacki and Kramer 1997, Kirchhoff and
Thomson 1998). On Kuiu Island, as much as 30 percent of the forests
may never reach late-seral stages because of the frequent, catastrophic
wind storms (Bonnann and Kramer 1998). Areas topographically
protected from windstorms on Kuiu Island consist of about 35 percent
f the forested area and these have a wide range of disturbance
intensity and frequency (Bormann and Kramer 1998). The remaining
35 percent of forests may develop, after small-scale and partial or
complete stand-replacement disturbances, into mid- to late-seral stages
(Borman and Kramer 1998), better known as the understory
reinitiation stage of stand development (Oliver and Larson 1996). It is
estimated that medium to high-intensity windthrow has occurred on
3-24 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Issue 2: Wildlife Habitat and Subsistence Use
approximately 20 percent of the productive forests on Kuiu Island
(Kramer 1997, Jorgensen 1999, and Kramer et al. 2001).
Past timber harvest activities have resulted in additional fragmentation
within some of the old-growth habitat areas. In contrast to
fragmentation from natural disturbance events, where broken or fallen
trees remain to contribute to the overall functioning of the old-growth
habitat, timber harvest removes much of the wood biomass from an
area. This old-growth habitat fragmentation, combined with the
proposed harvest for this project, may have adverse effects on some
old-growth associated wildlife species. Too much fragmentation could
make an area unsuitable for some species in the short term, and could
affect the ability of some species to travel between the remaining areas
of old-growth habitat.
Landscape connectivity is the degree to which the landscape facilitates
or impedes movement among habitat patches or the functional
relationship among habitat patches (Tischendorf and Fahrig 2000).
Connectivity does not necessarily mean that old-growth habitat areas
need to be physically joined for all species, since many old-growth
associated species across the Tongass can move or be carried across
areas not in old-growth conditions (Forest Plan FEIS Part 1, p. 3-33).
However, the Forest Plan also recognized that for species with limited
dispersal capabilities, such as lichens, fungi, bryophytes, plants, and
small-bodied animals, the corridors may be the only linkage between
habitats and therefore need to function as breeding habitat. In these
instances the habitat quality of these corridors is of utmost importance.
Wider corridors are considered to be more effective at facilitating
species movements. A functioning corridor should be continuous,
maintaining a minimum width along its entire length. The corridor
must also contain suitable habitat for the species that are expected to
move within it.
The definition of a corridor and its function can vary according to the
species that use it. Forested muskeg may act as a corridor for mobile
species with less affinity to old-growth forest, whereas roads may act
as corridors for wolves during winter. Productive old-growth stands
provide corridors for species, such as marten, that do not use open
landscapes (Suring et al. 1992), and small bodied animals that are not
highly mobile (Pardini et al. 2005).
This analysis looks at two levels of connectivity: 1) the function of the
old-growth habitat reserves identified in the Forest Plan, particularly
the small old-growth habitat reserves, in providing connectivity for
old-growth dependent species, and 2) connectivity of corridors linking
productive old-growth habitat areas.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-25
Environment and Effects
3.3.4 Oid-
Growth Forest
Habitat
Conservation
Strategy
Although there are published studies that question the utility of
corridors for species conservation, a review of these studies suggests
that corridors can be effective and that studies that have been
inconclusive were so largely due to design flaws (Beier and Noss
1 998). The Forest Plan addressed landscape patterns including
connectivity of old-growth patches by corridors (Forest Plan Final EIS
Part 1, page 3-20). Two important landscape elements, beach and
estuary fringe, and riparian areas, have special importance as
components of old-growth forest and provide unique wildlife habitats
as well as serve as wildlife travel corridors. The Tongass has
established 1,000-foot buffers along beach and estuary fringes and
100-foot minimum buffers for riparian areas (buffer widths vary on
riparian areas by stream class) where no programmed timber harvest is
allowed.
3. 3.4.1 Introduction
The Forest Plan contains a comprehensive conservation strategy to
assure viable and well-distributed wildlife populations (Forest Plan
FEIS Appendix, Volume 4, Appendix N, 1997). There are two
components to this strategy: (1) establishment of a system of small,
medium, and large old-growth habitat reserves (OGRs), and other non-
development land use designations; and (2) management of the matrix
of lands where development that would alter the old-growth forest
ecosystem is allowed (productive old-growth). The following
discussion concentrates on the first component and compares three
options for design of the small old-growth habitat reserves in the Kuiu
Timber Sale Area (VCUs 398, 399, and 402).
The habitat connectivity strategy described in the Forest Plan has three
primary components:
• A network of land use designations (LUDs) for small, medium,
and large old-growth habitat reserves, using old-growth habitat
LUDs (25,171 acres on Kuiu Island)
• A forest-wide system of protection provided by other non-
development LUDs that maintain the integrity of the forest-wide
natural ecosystem and provide future options for maintaining
naturally occurring ecosystems (282,558 acres on Kuiu Island)
• In LUDs where development may occur, maintenance of
components of the naturally occurring ecosystem according to
Forest Plan standards and guidelines, in order to protect important
habitat elements and provide for habitat connectivity
An important aspect of the old-growth habitat reserve strategy is
connectivity - maintaining corridors of forested areas between
reserves so that old-growth associated species can travel between large
and medium reserves and other non-development LUDs. This
3-26 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Issue 2: Wildlife Habitat and Subsistence Use
connectivity is provided by a combination of non-development LUDs
such as small old-growth habitat reserves, wilderness, beach and
estuary fringe, and riparian management areas. The Forest Plan
anticipated that some of the small OGRs would be adjusted during
project level planning to better meet Forest Plan criteria and
objectives.
3. 3.4.2 Large and Medium Old-growth Habitat Reserves
There is a good science base for the “old-growth reserve” approach. A
Proposed Strategy’ for Maintaining Well-Distributed, Viable
Populations of Wildlife Associated With Old-growth Forests in
Southeast Alaska (VPOP) (Suring et al. 1993) performed pioneering
work in Alaska. The result was a landscape conservation strategy
(based on the work of Thomas et. al 1990) that would sustain habitat to
ensure maintenance of well-distributed viable populations of old-
growth-associated species across the Tongass. Subsequent reviews of
the VPOP strategy have been supportive (Suring et al. 1994, Kiester
and Eckhardt 1994).
Currently there is one large OGR on Kuiu Island in the
Tebenkof/South Kuiu Wilderness Area south of the project area. Two
medium OGRs are adjacent to the project area, one in VCUs 400 and
401, and the other in VCUs 428 and 429. Three small OGRs are
within, or adjacent to, the project area. They are located in VCUs 398,
399, and 402 (Figure 3-2).
3. 3.4.3 Small Old-growth Habitat Reserves
The Forest Service identified and explicitly mapped small reserves to
establish the Old-growth Habitat LUD areas in the Forest Plan process.
In the objectives identified by VPOP, small reserves serve two
principal functions:
• As corridors for habitat connectivity between large and medium
reserves
• As functional habitat for species less able to disperse between
larger reserves, specifically the flying squirrel, a species closely
associated with mature forests
The Forest Plan mapping of small reserves considered both functions.
However, both may not be simultaneously satisfied in each small
reserve. A landscape linkage among reserves suggests a linear design
of greater distance which would likely contain limited functional
interior forest habitat. Conversely, habitat that is more circular than
linear minimizes potential edge effects and maximizes interior forest
habitat. Thus, two possibly mutually exclusive designs may allocate
acres to small reserves. The Forest Plan revision used both designs, but
functional contiguous habitat was generally preferred over linear
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-27
Environment and Effects
landscape connectivity because other Forest Plan features often
provided the connectivity function (e.g. oeach fringe and riparian
corridors).
A total of 237 small reserves were mapped in the Forest Plan. They
total nearly 270,000 acres of productive old-growth (POG) forest that
would otherwis have been allocated to management LUDs in the
Forest Plan. Tin a is a substantial component of the forest-wide d-
growth conservation strategy.
The Forest Plan (Appendix K) provided guidelines for further
evaluating the design of small OGRs at the project level. The Forest
Plan Appendix K criteria applicable to this analysis are listed below.
• The OGR should be a contiguous landscape oi at least 1 6 percent
of the area of the VCU.
• At least 50 percent of the OGR should be productive old-growth.
• The OGR should be more circular than linear in shape to maximize
the amount of interior forest habitat.
• The amount of early serai habitat (young second growth) and roads
within the OGR should be minimized.
Site-specific factors to help meet multiple biodiversity or wildlife
habitat objectives should be considered. F. tors to consider include,
but are not limited to:
• important deer winter range to maintain deer habitat capability to
meet public demand for use of the deer resource,
• known or suspected goshawk or marbled murrelet nesting habitat,
• the largest blocks of contiguous old-growth within a watershed,
and
3.3.5 Design
Options for the
Small OGRs
• rare features, such as underrepresented forest plant associations or
stands with some of the Forest’s highest volume timber.
In a meeting with the Forest Service (conducted on December 1, 1998
in Petersburg, Alaska), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) expressed
concerns about the size, shape, and connectivity of small old-growth
habitat reserves on Kuiu Island, and options were designed for the
OGRs of concern. An additional meeting and field trip to Kuiu Island
took place in 2004 to review the proposed OGR changes suggested in
the December 1998 meeting. The agency representative’s agreed the
options proposed in the Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS represented the
changes discussed in earlier meetings. A discussion of this process
entitled “Revision to Existing Small Old-Growth Habitat Reserves
3-28 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Issue 2: Wildlife Habitat and Subsistence Use
(OGRs) on Kuiu Island” is included in the planning record for this
project along with the recommendations to the Responsible Official
for this and subsequent projects on Kuiu Island.
Two options for the design of each small OGR are analyzed in detail
using the criteria from Appendix K of the Forest Plan (Table 3-7 thru
Table 3-9 and Figure 3-3). The options include the original Forest Plan
design. Option 1, and the design developed by USFWS, ADF&G, and
the Forest Service during the 1998 meeting. Option 2.
3.3.5. 1 Keku Small OGR (VCU 398)
Option 1 VCU 398
The Forest Plan OGR meets the objectives of the standards and
guidelines as designed. However, its shape is linear, and it includes
more acres of timber harvest and more miles of road than Option 2.
Option 2 VCU 398
Option 2 would decrease the amount of POG from the original OGR
design. This redesign would reduce that acreage by about 200 acres.
The western boundary would be expanded to make the OGR more
circular. The area is within the land base for timber harvest but much
of the timber is in stringers and may not be economical to harvest
because of this natural configuration and low quality wood.
The southern boundary would follow the VCU boundary between
VCUs 398 and 421 and run from the beach to the east. Table 3-7 and
Figure 3-3 compare the Forest Plan small OGR with the proposed
OGR for VCU 398.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-29
Environment and Effects
Table 3 - 7 Small old-growth habitat reserve options for VCU 398
Forest Plan Appendix K Criteria for VCU 398
Option 1
Option 2 !
General Criteria
Total acres - should be at least 2,1 12 acres3
2,237
2,305
Acres of POG - should be at least 1 ,056 acres13
1,458
1,236
Shape
Linear
Circular
Acres of early serai habitat included
455
126
Miles of classified road included
4.37
2.53
Site-specific Factors
Acres of important deer winter habitat (HSI 0.6-1 .0)
1,182
1,390
Acres of high value marten habitat (HSI 0.9 - 1 .0)
1,466
2,473
Total acres of high volume strata
1,462
2,589
Total acres of medium volume strata
422
825
Total acres of low volume strata
52
166
Total acres below 1500 ft. elevation
2,322
3,668
Total acres below 800 ft. elevation
1,893
1,691
Contains the largest blocks of contiguous old-growth
within a watershed?
Yes
Yes
Known or suspected goshawk nesting habitat
No
No
Connectivity to other OGRs
Yes
Yes
Known or suspected marbled murrelet nesting
habitat
No
No
Acres of coarse canopy forest
features
81
67
a 16 percent of VCU acres need to be within the small OGR
50 percent of the 16 percent must be in POG
3-30 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Figure 3-2
Kuiu Island
Old-growth Habitat Reserves
::/workspace/kuiu_roaded/plots/arcmap/c2Jnh_sed_risk.mxd 1-5-06 EP
Kuiu Timber Sale
Figure 3-3
Small Old-Growth Reserve
Options in VCUs
398, 399 and 402
Legend
Forest Plan OGR (Option 1)
Interagency OGR (Option 2)
Recreational River
Managed Stands
Lakes/Saltwater
Non-National Forest
Forest Land Suitable for
Commercial Timber Production
Stream Value Class I & II
...... project Area Boundary
VCU Boundary
=— = Existing Open Roads
0 1.25
2.5
Miles
5
Issue 2: Wildlife Habitat and Subsistence Use
3. 3. 5.2 Saginaw Small OGR (VCU 399)
Option 1 VCU 399
This is the existing small OGR identified in the Forest Plan. The
interagency group of biologists who reviewed the OGRs on Kuiu
Island concluded the Forest Plan small OGR is deficient in total
acreage, lacks connectivity, does not have adequate productive old-
growth (POG) acres, and includes several small islands off the coast of
Kuiu Island, leading toward further fragmentation of this small OGR.
Option 2 VCU 399
Option 2 would be expanded toward the VCU boundary to the south to
meet the Recreational River corridor, thus maintaining a travel
corridor out of the VCU (one of USFWS concerns). The existing
outline would be reconfigured and would not go up the beach fringe to
the north nor would it include the small islands off the coast of Kuiu
Island. The OGR boundary would remove as many of the harvest units
and roads within the OGR as possible. This OGR would have more
POG than required by the Forest Plan due to the natural composition
of the forest in this VCU. Table 3-8 and Figure 3-3 display the small
old-growth habitat reserve options for VCU 399.
3. 3. 5. 3 Rowan Small OGR (VCU 402)
Option 1 VCU 402
Option 1 has more than the required acres of POG. However, it also
has a large component of previously harvested stands and the total
acreage does not meet Forest Plan minimums.
Option 2 VCU 402
The boundary would be moved to exclude as many managed stands as
possible and the overall size would be increased to meet minimum size
requirements. This OGR design follows the Rowan Creek drainage
which would improve connectivity to other areas and would protect
the low elevation high value wildlife habitat. Table 3-9 and Figure 3-3
display the small old-growth habitat options for VCU 402.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-35
Environment and Effects
Table 3 -8. Small old-growth habitat reserve options for VCU 399
Forest Plan Appendix K Criteria for VCU 399
Option 1a
Option 2
General Criteria
Total acres - should be at least 4,088 acresb
2,628
4,159
Acres of POG - should be at least 2,044 acresc
2,386
3,770
Shape
Linear
Circular-
Linear
Acres of early serai habitat included
154
99
Miles of classified road included
2.91
4.75
Site-specific Factors
Acres of important deer winter habitat (HSI 0.6 - 1 .0)
508
523 !
Acres of high value marten habitat (HSI 0.9 - 1 .0)
1,466
2,501
Total acres of high volume strata
1,462
2,623
Total acres of medium volume strata
422
852
Total acres of low volume strata
52
175
Total acres below 1500 ft. elevation
2,229
3,722
Total acres below 800 ft. elevation
1,893
2,082
Contains the largest blocks of contiguous old growth
within a watershed?
Yes
Yes
Known or suspected goshawk nesting habitat
No
No
Connectivity to other OGRs
Yes
Yes
Known or suspected marbled murrelet nesting habitat
No
No
^ai!e Acres of coarse canopy forest
features
815
1,454
a
Includes acres on several small islands off Kuiu Island shore
b
16 percent of VCU acres need to be within the small OGR
c
50 percent of the 16 percent must be in POG
3-36 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Issue 2: Wildlife Habitat and Subsistence Use
Table 3 - 9. Small old-growth habitat reserve options for VCU 402
Forest Plan Appendix K Criteria for VCU 402
Option 1
Option 2
General Criteria
Total acres - should be at least 5,197 acres3
4,044
5,273
Acres of POG - should be at least 2,599 acres13
3,198
4,220
Shape
Linear
Linear
Acres of early serai habitat included
215
361
Miles of classified road included
1.93
1.35
Site-specific Factors
Acres of important deer winter habitat (HSI 0.6 - 1 .0)
712
1,113
Acres of high value marten habitat (HSI 0.9 - 1 .0)
1,895
2,520
Total acres of high volume strata
1,787
2,575
Total acres of medium volume strata
495
712
Total acres of low volume strata
360
371
Total acres below 1500 ft. elevation
3,963
5,008
Total acres below 800 ft. elevation
3,480
4,327
Contains the largest blocks of contiguous old growth
within a watershed?
No
No
Known or suspected goshawk nesting habitat
Yes - directly
adjacent
Yes - directly
adjacent
Connectivity to other OGRs
Yes
Yes
Known or suspected marbled murrelet nesting habitat
No
No
?ar!e Acres of coarse canopy forest
features
541
748
16 percent of VCU acres need to be within the small OGR
50 percent of the 1 6 percent must be in POG
3.3.6
Environmental
Consequences
3.3.6. 1 Direct and Indirect Effects
The proposed changes to the small OGRs in VCUs 398, 399, and 402
constitute a non-significant amendment to the Forest Plan for the
project area because it brings the existing small old-growth habitat
reserves into compliance with Forest Plan direction. The small
reserves in VCUs 419 and 420 were adjusted during the Threemile
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-37
Environment and Effects
3.3.8. Affected
Environment
timber sale and were analyzed in the Threemile FEIS. Proposed
changes in small old-growth habitat reserves in VCUs 416, 417, and
418 will be analyzed when planning is done in those areas.
Most impacts from timber harvest activities occur in productive old-
growth habitats and are the main focus of this discussion since these
areas are the most at risk (Table 3-10). These forests are an important
component of the temperate rain forest ecosystem of Southeast Alaska
comprising the majority of the forested lands in the Kuiu Timber Sale
Area. This habitat consists of different tree species that vary in form,
composition, function, and suitability to different species of wildlife.
Old-growth forest is structurally complex and provides unique habitat
for many species of plants and animals. These forests have broken,
multi-layered canopies through which sunlight penetrates to the forest
floor. Water, disease, and wind act as the driving forces behind forest
changes in Southeast Alaska.
3.3.8. 1 Productive Old-growth (POG)
The trees growing in productive old-growth exhibit wide ranges of
diameters, heights, and stand structure characteristics. This habitat
contains high biological diversity by providing genetic source material
to maintain populations of plants and animals (Roman et al. 200 1 ).
Table 3-10. Historic and current POG acres
1954 (historic
condition)
2005 (existing
condition)
Percent
change from
historic to
existing
condition3
WAA 5012
1 12,677 acres
90,856 acres
-19 %
Project Area
(46,102 acres)
37,505 acres
27,1 12 acres
-28 %
Change in POG includes harvest units and blowdown within project area.
3. 3.8.2 High Volume Old-growth
High volume old-growth forests provide good thermal cover for
wildlife in the winter. This habitat is given higher values when
calculating the winter habitat capability for both deer and marten. All
high volume strata less than 1,500 feet in elevation is considered high
value habitat for marten and Queen Charlotte goshawk habitat, and
high volume old-growth below 800 feet in elevation is considered high
value deer habitat.
3-38 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Issue 2: Wildlife Habitat and Subsistence Use
3. 3. 8.3 Medium Volume Old-growth
The stands are uneven-aged, with numerous gaps in the overhead
canopy. The more open canopy results in a thicker understory, but it is
subject to burial by snow in the winter. Huckleberry is more abundant
on these sites and ferns are less common. Winter thermal cover for
wildlife is generally considered moderate.
3. 3. 8.4 Low Volume Old-growth
The overstory is relatively open, with 20-50 percent canopy closure,
and tree height typically less than 60 feet. Western hemlock and cedar
predominate. With tall brushy thickets of blueberry and rusty
menziesia, the production of forbs and ferns tends to be low. Lichens
are relatively abundant. Thermal cover for wildlife is considered poor.
3.3.8. 5 Effects to high, medium, and low POG
The proposed alternatives affect the high, medium, and low volume
POG differently. High volume POG contains some of the highest
biological diversity and has generally been harvested the most. Table
3-1 1 shows the historic, current, and proposed timber harvest of high,
medium, and low POG within the project area.
Table 3-11. Effects of the proposed alternatives on POG habitat3
Productive
Old -growth
Historical
Condition
(1954)
Alt 1
No Action
Alt 2
Alt 3
Alt 4
Proposed
Action
Alt 5
Acres
37,505
27,112
26,628
26,329
25,710
25,906
High volume strata
21,251
20,849
20,622
20,062
20,304
Medium volume strata
5,211
5,147
5,078
5,028
4,982
Low volume strata
650
632
629
620
620
Percent current POG
remaining after harvest
100%
98%
97%
95%
96%
Percent historic POG
remaining after harvest
72%
71%
70%
69%
69%
a Acres of volume strata harvested in each alternative does not equal the total unit size due to some
“non” POG acres identified in GIS. These acres may be “holes” of unidentified volume in the GIS
layer, or MMI-4 Soils (see the Soils and Geology section in this chapter).
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-39
Environment and Effects
Approximately 28 percent of the historic POG has been harvested.
Historic information of how much was high volume is not available.
However Table 3-11 shows that a large percentage of the total POG is
high voli. le; therefore it is likely that the majority of the volume
previously harvested was high volume strata as well. It is possible to
more accurately track the proposed actions on the current level of
POG.
Alternative 2 would harvest 402 acres of high volume, 64 acres of
medium volume, and 18 acres of low volume. Approximately seven
acres appear as “non-volume” which represents nonforested areas
within units or slivers of areas in GIS that have not been identified.
Alternative 3 would harvest 629 acres of high volume, 133 acres of
medium volume, and 21 acres of the low volume. Approximately 1 1
acres appear as “non-volume” which represents nonforested areas
within units or slivers of areas in GIS that have not been identified.
Alternative 4 would harvest 1,189 acres of high volume, 183 acres of
medium volume, and 30 acres of low volume. Approximately 23 acres
appear as “non-volume” which represents nonforested areas within
units or slivers of areas in GIS that have not been identified.
Alternative 5 would harvest 947 acres of high volume, 229 acres of
medium volume, and 30 acres of low volume. Approximately 25 acres
appear as “non-volume” which represents nonforested areas within
units or slivers of areas in GIS that have not been identified.
3.3.8.6 Coarse Canopy Old-growth
Certain types of old-growth habitat, particularly low elevation, very
high-volume stands, are rare in the Tongass National Forest. Only four
percent of the entire Tongass land base is composed of this type of
old-growth. These sites are portrayed by volume class 6 and 7 and
described as high volume - coarse texture. The term “coarse canopy”
is used to describe these stands. These stands have low to moderate
densities of tall large diameter trees that are consistently distributed
within the stand. These stands are considered to be important to some
old-growth associated species and may have areas containing the
highest biological diversity (Caouette et al. 2000). Table 3-12 displays
the existing amount of coarse canopy in the project area (Alternative
1 ), and the amount of coarse canopy proposed for harvest by
alternative.
3-40 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Issue 2: Wildlife Habitat and Subsistence Use
Table 3-12. Acres of coarse canopy (Volume Class 6 and 7)
harvested by alternative
Project Area
coarse canopy
1
2
3
4
5
Historic (1954)a acres
26,558
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Current acresb
13,009
12,781
12,675
12,196
12,456
Percent change from
historic condition
-51 %
-52 %
-52 %
-54 %
-53 %
Percent change from current
condition
-2 %
-3 %
-6 %
-4 %
“Differences between historic and current acres include management activities such
as timber harvest and road building as well as natural events such as windthrow.
Acres of historic coarse canopy are approximate as coarse canopy was not measured
in early harvest units.
b Acres are approximate and may differ due to rounding factors.
3. 3. 8. 7 Matrix
A component of the old-growth conservation strategy is the
availability of management lands subject to timber harvest, or the
“matrix.” Forest Plan standards and guidelines that apply to these
lands prohibit timber harvest over much of the area to protect specific
resource and landscape components. Examples include riparian
buffers, beach fringes and estuary areas, and areas with soils and water
standards and guideline exemptions. On average, 57 percent of the
original 1 954 (pre-industrial timber harvest) forest lands within the
matrix will remain unharvested on a forest wide basis (Forest Plan
FEIS p. 3-382). Within the project area least 35 percent of the matrix
lands are unavailable for timber harvest consideration and will not be
harvested (Forest Plan FEIS p. 3-387). They will remain standing
throughout the 100 year planning horizon.
Some components of the matrix are spatially explicit such as the
complete protection of the 1 ,000-foot beach and estuary fringe
throughout the Tongass. This area represents a substantial amount
(26,648 acres on Kuiu Island; 2,672 acres in the project area) of the
retained natural forest mosaic. Riparian buffers were designed to
maintain the integrity of the riparian ecosystem and not diminish the
capability of these systems to produce aquatic resources. Other
standards and guidelines preclude or significantly limit timber harvest
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-41
Environment and Effects
3.3.9
Management
Indicator
Species and
Species of
Concern
3-42 • Chapter 3
on high hazard soils, karst terrain, visually sensitive areas along
marine highway routes, and areas technically infeasible for timber
harvest.
3. 3. 8.7 Direct and Indirect Effects
The amount of productive old-growth habitat in the project area is well
within the Forest Plan predictions. Depending on which action
alternative is chosen, between 69 and 71 percent of the historic POG
would remain in the project area following harvest.
Coarse canopy old-growth habitat in the project area has been reduced
by approximately 51 percent from historic levels (1954). The action
alternatives would cause an additional two to six percent reduction
depending upon which alternative is chosen.
Management indicator species (MIS) are those wildlife species whose
responses to land management activities can be used to predict the
likely response of a wide range of other species with similar habitat
requirements. Under the MIS concept, the responses to management
activities of relatively few species are studied and monitored in order
to predict the impacts to entire assemblages of species and associated
habitats (Table 3-13). MIS are used to assess population viability and
biological diversity.
The following MIS are known to occur on Kuiu Island: Sitka black-
tailed deer, Alexander Archipelago wolf, American marten, black bear,
river otter, red squirrel, bald eagle, red-breasted sapsucker, hairy
woodpecker, and brown creeper. These species, with the exception of
black bear, wolf, and red squirrel, are associated with old-growth
forests during part of their life cycle and therefore may be affected by
the proposed management activities in the project area.
Impacts to MIS species will be assessed by applying Habitat
Capability Modeling (HCM) to Sitka black-tailed deer and American
marten, as well as analysis of site-specific habitat features such as
snow levels, high volume old-growth habitat, fragmentation and
condition of interior forests, elevation, and local knowledge of the
area. The wildlife models are best suited, by their nature, for
comparison of proposed land management activities. These models
should not be used to predict animal population numbers at some
future date.
The model outputs are best used as an index of risk to rank planning
alternatives. For example, the statement “the model predicts a habitat
capable of supporting 324 animals by year 2054 in Alternative 1” is
misleading. This infers that the model has the ability to predict habitat
capability for animal numbers. Conversely, the statement “of the five
alternatives. Alternative 1 has the highest habitat capability score at
year 2054” is more useful. This correctly implies that habitat features
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Issue 2: Wildlife Habitat and Subsistence Use
associated with animal use will be more abundant in Alternative 1 .
Experimentally, the link between habitat capability and actual wildlife
population has not been proven.
How habitat scores affect the fundamental limits governing animal
populations has not been determined. It is assumed that a reduction in
habitat suitability index (HSI) scores results in a reduction in carrying
capacity. To understand the effect of habitat changes on populations,
we need to link HSI scores to mortality, natality, habitat patch size,
and emigration and immigration estimates. Furthermore, to predict a
future population, information is needed on the population’s current
density, age, and sex composition.
Table 3-13. Management Indicator Species and Species of Concern
Management
Indicator Species
Potential
habitat in
project area?
Carried forward for analysis?
Sitka Black-tailed
Deer
YES
YES
Alexander
Archipelago Wolf
YES
YES
American Marten
YES
YES
Red Squirrel
YES
No. There is no concern with red
squirrel habitat; leave trees, riparian
buffers and the matrix retain sufficient
habitat.
River Otter
YES
No. The majority of river otter habitat is
protected by Forest Plan standards and
guidelines.
Black Bear
YES
YES
Bald Eagle
NO
No. The majority of bald eagle nesting
and foraging habitat is protected by
Forest Plan standards and guidelines.
Hairy Woodpecker,
Brown Creeper
YES
No. Cryptic behavior and the difficulty in
monitoring these species.
Neotropical
Migratory Birds
YES
No. Habitat considerations are included
in biodiversity (i.e., old-growth)
analyses.
In short, biologists are unable to predict wildlife populations into the
future, except in the most general of terms. Maybe thinking of
“phantom” or “paper” animal numbers will assist in understanding
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-43
Environment and Effects
these figures. These are the animals that a particular habitat could
produce if biologists had perfect knowledge of the existing habitat,
animal numbers, predation, and disease agents in the population.
For a more in-depth discussion of the reliability of habitat capability
models please refer to “The Role and Relia' ity of Habitat Capability
Models” (DeGayner 1992, available in the project planning record;
The model is a good tool to compare the changes in habitat between
historic, current, and proposed actions and will be used as such.
3. 3.9.1 American Marten
An important furbearer representing upland forested old-growth
(forests with large snags, and downed logs for dens and prey habitat),
marten are sensitive to human access. Saltwater and freshwater
influence zones and upland old growth forests are important ecological
zones.
Marten are members of the weasel family and are dependent on over-
mature forests, including beach fringe and riparian habitats. Marten
prefer mature conifer or mixed forest stands, although they may be
adaptable to a variety of forest habitats (Soutiere 1979). Use of
habitats by marten depends upon occurrence and availability of food
and cover characteristics.
Snags provide important den sites for marten for resting activities in
both winter and summer (Spencer 1987). They use the tops of broken
snags as resting sites in the summer and cavities in winter and
summer. Preferred snags range from 14 to 49-inches DBH (Campbell
1979, Spencer 1987).
Forest Plan Marten Standards and Guidelines
Standards and guidelines found in the Forest Plan mitigate harvest
activities on marten habitat. Kuiu Island does not occur within one of
the biogeographic regions where high risks have been determined.
Recently, however, there has been concern expressed about the
metapopuUtion of marten found on Kuiu Island. It has been
hypothesis i that the coastal subspecies ( Martes caurina ) and the
continental subspecies ( Martes cimericana) are hybridizing. Because
very narrow stretches of saltwater separate the islands of Mitkof,
Kupreanof, and Kuiu from each other and the mainland, this
immigration appears to be a natural occurrence (Cook et al. 2001).
Marten Habitat Capability Model
The Forest Plan marten model (Suring et al. 1991) was used to analyze
the effects of the alternatives on marten in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area.
The model assumes that optimal habitat for marten must have: (1)
3-44 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Issue 2: Wildlife Habitat and Subsistence Use
sufficient protective canopy cover, and (2) available prey species. A
habitat suitability index (HSI) is assigned to areas based on volume,
stand size class (stand age), presence of beach fringe or riparian
habitat, and elevation. The model assumes that habitat with an HSI
value of 1.0 is capable of supporting a marten population density of
2.7 marten per square mile. The result is a theoretical maximum
carrying capacity and does not represent actual population numbers.
Figure 3-4 displays the marten habitat capability values in the Kuiu
Timber Sale Area. This habitat also represents important Queen
Charlotte goshawk nesting and foraging habitat (TP1T 1998).
The marten model results show that the current marten habitat
capability in the project area is approximately 23 percent lower than
the historic (1954) condition (Table 3-14). This reduction is a result of
previous timber harvests in the area.
Table 3-14. Marten habitat capability in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area
Habitat capability Percent change from
historic (1954) condition
Historic (1954) 146 Q
condition
Current (2005)
condition
23%
theoretical maximum number of marten that the project area can support over
time, according to the current marten habitat capability model
Table 3-15 displays the effects of the alternatives on marten habitat
capability in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area. As the table shows, the direct
effects of the alternatives on marten habitat capability in the project
area are small. The reduction in current marten habitat capability in the
project area would range from less than one percent in Alternative 2,
to up to four percent in Alternatives 4 and 5. This would amount to a
cumulative reduction of 24 to 26 percent, depending on the action
alternative selected, when considering the effects of past timber
harvest that have occurred since 1954.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-45
Environment and Effects
Table 3 -15. Marten habitat capability in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area by
alternative
Historic marten
habitat capability
(146)a
Alternative
1
2
3
4
5
Marten habitat
capability after harvest
112
111
110
108
108
Change from current (2005)
condition
-<1%
-2%
-4%
-4%
Percent change from
1954
-23%
-24%
-25%
-26%
-26%
theoretical maximum number of marten that the project area can support over time,
according to the current marten habitat capability model
High Value Marten Habitat
High value marten habitat is defined as high volume strata old-growth
stands below 1,500 feet in elevation. These areas have a marten habitat
suitability index (HSI) of 0.9 and above. This habitat type also
represents highly suitable goshawk nesting and foraging habitat. Table
3-16 compares the current (2005) acres of high value marten habitat in
the Kuiu Timber Sale Area to the historic (1954) condition. To put
these values into a broader ecological perspective, these changes are
compared to the changes that have occurred within Wildlife Analysis
Area (WAA) 5012.
Table 3-16 shows that high value marten habitat acres have been
reduced approximately 29 percent within WAA 5012, compared to a
reduction of approximately 34 percent within the Kuiu Timber Sale
Area. The effects of the alternatives on the amount of high value
marten habitat remaining in the project area are shown in Table 3-17.
The reduction in the acres of current high value marten habitat would
range from approximately two percent in Alternative 2 to
approximately six percent in Alternative 4.
3-46 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Kuiu Timber Sale
Figure 3-4
High Value Marten Winter Habitat
Kadctke
Bay
&?a 4C9Bgs
[ j/ i rv
rwJ
/ / r — nL*
£ <
* jtJLj/ '
Legend
High Value Marten Winter Habitat HSI .9-1
Managed Stands
Non-National Forest
Lakes/Saltwater
Unit Pool
500ft Contour Interval
..... Project Area Boundary
Existing Open Roads
0 0.5
3 4
Miles
Issue 2: Wildlife Habitat and Subsistence Use
Table 3-16. High value marten habitat acres compared to historic (1954)
condition - WAA 5012 and the Kuiu Timber Sale Area
WAA 5012
Historical (1954) condition
72,847
Current (2005) condition
51,614
Percent change
-29%
Historical (1954) condition
30,110
Kuiu Timber Sale Area
Current (2005) condition
19,778
Percent change
-34%
Table 3 -17. High value marten habitat in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area remaining
after harvest by alternative
Historic condition -
30,110 acres
Alternative
1
2
3
4
5
Acres remaining after harvest
19,778
19,375
19,148
18,602
18,839
Percent reduction from current
condition
0%
2%
3%
6%
5%
Percent reduction from historical
condition3
34%
36%
36%
38%
37%
It is estimated that there were approximately 30,1 10 acres of high value marten habitat in the
Kuiu Timber Sale Area in 1954. This is the figure used to represent the “historical condition.”
3.3.10 Sitka
Black-tailed
Deer
The Sitka black-tailed deer receives the highest sport hunting and
subsistence use of all terrestrial species in Southeast Alaska. In
ADF&G’s Game Management Unit 3, where Kuiu Island is located,
deer are extremely important. All the communities in this region
utilize this resource. Maintaining sufficient habitat to ensure the
continued existence of this species is a priority for the Forest Service.
Sitka black-tailed deer is a MIS that prefers higher volume old-growth
forests during winters with deep snow conditions. Young clearcuts
provide poor winter habitat because they lack overstory canopies that
can intercept snowfall. Older second-growth stands are typically poor
winter habitat because they generally have closed canopies that shade
out understory forage species. Important deer wintering areas within
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-49
Environment and Effects
the Kuiu Timber Sale Area include lower elevation forests on south
aspects and adjacent to marine waters where snowfall is somewhat
moderated by warmer weather.
The quantity and quality of winter habitat is considered the most
limiting factor for Sitka black-tailed deer in Southeast Alaska (Suring
et al. 1992). Winter snow conditions affect deer populations through
decreased forage availability, specifically in clearcut areas, and
increased energy expenditures. The highest quality winter habitat
exists on south-facing slopes below 800 feet in elevation, dominated
by stands of timber in the high volume old-growth strata. The
combination of a dense canopy with scattered openings allows forage
growth in the openings, while the canopy modifies snowfall
sufficiently to promote availability of forage and movement of deer.
Early successional stands provide forage for deer during mild winters
and the remaining seasons. Sitka black-tailed deer disperse through
and use a variety of vegetation communities throughout the year, and
no specific corridor requireme ts have been identified.
Every 20 to 40 years a severe inter kills large numbers of deer. On
the Petersburg Ranger District, this last occurred during the winters of
1971-72 (Brainard 1996). Cold weather with higher than normal
persistent snowfall caused the animal populations to decline.
The deer returned rapidly on Prince of Wales and Admiralty Islands
but not on Kuiu, Kupreanof, and Mitkof. The die-off was more severe
on the islands of Kuiu, Kupreanof, and Mitkof for several reasons:
• Wolf populations were rebounding from the discontinued wolf
control program of the late 1960s.
• Weather patterns kept the snow pack from melting.
• Heavy black bear and wolf predation kept the population low.
Currently, deer populations have rebounded to a huntable population.
In 1992, ADF&G re-opened the hunting season for deer on all islands
in Game Management Unit 3 (Mitkof, Kupreanof, and Kuiu Islands).
3.3.10.1 Direct and indirect Effects
Effects of silvicultural treatments on deer habitat
Changes in deer habitat from timber harvest may increase populations
in the short-run. However, if stands mature in a natural fashion, habitat
will decrease in value over time through plant succession. Several
silvicultural treatments are available to maintain the habitat value for
deer, and other species, through time. Pre-commercial thinning,
commercial thinning, and pruning may help maintain the understory in
these stands longer.
3-50 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Issue 2: Wildlife Habitat and Subsistence Use
It was speculated in the Crane/Rowan Mountain FEIS, that partial
harvest prescriptions would have no major impact on the deer
population on Kuiu Island. This prediction was based on the small
percent of the stand removed. These prescriptions were developed by
observing the natural patterns of wind damage on Kuiu Island.
Mimicking the within-stand structures produced by these occurrences
allows removal of a high value forest product while not disrupting
animal populations. However, individual animals within a population
may be disturbed for the duration of harvest activities.
Historic partial harvest treatments (50 percent retention) on the
Tongass National Forest studied by Bob Deal (2001 ) show that these
treatments could provide deer food and habitat better than clear-cut
treatments. Partial harvest stands do not show the dramatic rise and fall
of blueberry abundance in stands 20 to 80 years after clearcutting.
Deal also noted that the decrease in blueberry abundance following
partial harvest was small when compared to that of clear-cutting.
Community plant structures in the forests of Southeast Alaska appear
to be resilient to moderate ranges of partial cutting (below 50 percent
basal area removal). Overall, partial cutting maintained diverse and
abundant plant understories comparable to the plant communities
typically found in old growth stands (Deal 2001).
Partial harvest can increase both deer and moose use of areas. In
Thomas Bay, the Petersburg Ranger District harvested two 20-acre
blocks. One block had 20 percent of the volume in an overstory
removed and the second block had 40 percent removed. This harvest
occurred in 1983-84. In 1995, Petersburg District wildlife biologists
Joe Doerr and Jim Brainard returned to measure moose and deer use of
these two treatments and compared the results to two 20-acre untreated
blocks directly adjacent to the treatment plots. The 20 percent and 40
percent overstory removal treatments increased the deer and moose
use by 80 to 280 percent for these two treatments, respectively (Doerr
1995).
Within the project area, harvest varies by alternative and by
prescription. When the prescription is combined with the important
deer winter habitat, which is also recognized as high value habitat for
marten and goshawk (POG below 800 feet in elevation), the effects of
the proposed alternatives can be measured through the reduction of
acres of this high value habitat by prescription (Table 3-18).
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-51
Environment and Effects
Table 3-18. Acres of POG high value wildlife habitat (below 800 feet) harvested
Current Condition:
14,481 acres POG
below 800 feet
Alt 1
(current
condition)
Alt 2
Alt 3
Alt 4
(proposed
action)
Alt 5
Acres harvested
below 800 ft with 50%
retention
0
151
146
141
0
Acres clearcut below
800 ft.
0
96
90
341
446
Total acres harvested
below 800 ft.
0
247
236
482
446
Percent of total acres harvested below
800 ft with 50% retention
61%
62%
29%
0
3.3.10.2 Deer Habitat Capability Model
The deer habitat capability model developed for the Forest Plan was
used to predict the potential number of deer that the habitat within the
Kuiu Timber Sale Area can support over time. The result is not an
actual population number, but a theoretical long-term carrying
capacity given normal winter conditions.
The habitat capability models used for the Forest Plan analysis are
useful for comparing alternatives, but were never meant to predict
population numbers (DeGayner 1992; Person 2001). They do this, but
they will probably overestimate the population predictions by
approximately 30 percent (Person et al. 1997). Rather, these models
were designed to make distinctions between alternative treatments and
they do this relatively well.
The Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) generated by the deer habitat
capability model ranges in value from 0, indicating no habitat value, to
1.3, indicating the optimal habitat value. The deer model assigns the
highest HSI value ( 1 .3) to areas in high volume strata on south-facing
slopes below 800 feet elevation where average winter snow depths are
low. The lowest values (0.01-0.02) are assigned to harvested stands
greater than 25 years old and less than 200 years old, and harvested
stands less than or equal to 25 years old in areas with high average
winter snow depths. Productive old-growth forest and harvested stands
up to 25 years old receive moderate to high scores depending on
aspect, elevation, and average winter snow depths. Areas above 1,500
feet elevation are not considered suitable for deer winter habitat and
receive an HSI score of 0.
3-52 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Issue 2: Wildlife Habitat and Subsistence Use
The deer model assumes that an area with an HSI value of 1 .0 could
support 100 deer per square mile. The result is a theoretical long-term
deer carrying capacity, or deer habitat capability, for the project area
based on the area’s cumulative HSI values. This number represents the
theoretical maximum number of deer that an area can support over the
long term, assuming normal winter conditions. It is useful for
estimating changes in habitat capability resulting from timber harvest
activities, but is not intended to estimate actual deer populations.
Habitat Capability Models have been used by the Forest Service to
document the suitability of habitat for wildlife species (Noss 1990).
These models use physical and biological characteristics to determine
a Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) value for all habitat types throughout
the area of analysis. Acres within the analysis area are assigned an HSI
value by the model. Acres with a zero value (such as lakes) are
removed from the data as they have no habitat value for deer and the
remaining acres are divided into four groups of somewhat equal size
called quartiles. Each quartile is given a value between 1 and 4 with 1
being the lowest value habitat and 4 the highest value winter habitat1.
High value deer habitat is evaluated and assigned for each project area
and may vary between analysis areas.
The deer model was run for WAA 5012, of which the Kuiu Timber
Sale Area is a part (Table 3-19), to calculate the quartile groups for the
HSI values. The results were generated using the quartile model
developed by the Forest Service and the State of Alaska as a means of
describing important deer winter range (Agreement No. 00MOU-
1 1 1001-026). Pre-harvest conditions present in 1954 were used to give
a general indication of the overall habitat quality within the WAA.
The HSI values established in this method were then assigned to
similar habitat types within the project area. The changes between
historic and current conditions are shown in Table 3-20.
All HSI values have the capability to support deer to some level. As
stated above the higher the HSI value the better the deer habitat (Table
3-21).
1 Because HSI values are not distributed equally among the acres of deer habitat. HSI
values are divided as close to four equal areas as possible.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-53
Environment and Effects
Table 3 -19. WAA 5012 deer habitat suitability indices - historic (1954)
and current (2005) condition
Quartile
HSI values
1954 acres
2005 Acres
Percent
change
1
0.01 -0.20
30,536
50,023
+39%
2
0.23 - 0.36
32,929
33,393
+1%
3
0.40 - 0.5
27,798
21,643
-22%
4
0.60 - 1.0
35,766
21,971
-39%
Table 3 -20. Kuiu Timber Sale Area deer habitat suitability indices -
historic (1954) a 1 current (2005) condition
Quartile
HSI values
1954 acres
2005 Acres
Percent
change
1
0.01 - 0.20
6,872
16,613
+59%
2
0.23-0.36
20,486
10,369
-49%
3
0.40 - 0.50
11,546
8,411
-27%
4
0.60 - 1.0
13,313
6,824
-49%
Table 3-21. Deer habitat capability ofWAA 5012 by alternative
1954
Alt 1
Alt 2
Alt 3
Alt 4
Alt 5
Estimated number of
animals 3
8,535
6,641
6,614
6,606
6,569
6,581
Percent change from historic
condition
22%
23%
23%
24%
23%
Percent change from current condition
<1%
<1%
1%
1%
theoretical maximum number of deer that the project area can support over time, according
to the current deer habitat capability model
3-54 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Issue 2: Wildlife Habitat and Subsistence Use
Tables 3-22 and 3-23 show that the capability of the project area to
support deer has been reduced approximately 3 1 percent as a result of
previous timber harvest, and by 2045 the deer habitat capability will
have declined a total of 34 percent. As mentioned previously, as the
stands reach the stem exclusion age, which the deer model assumes
will occur at 26 years after harvest, deer habitat is reduced with the
loss of browse. Many of the existing managed stands in the project
area are over 30 years of age, so the modeled decline may have begun
to occur. Those stands under 30 years of age will show a decline in
deer habitat capability within a few years, according to the model. The
year 2045 is used to represent the future condition in this analysis to
include the effects of the proposed timber harvest on future deer
habitat capability in the project area.
Table 3 - 22. Historic (1954) and current (2005) deer habitat suitability
indices for deer winter habitat in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area
HSI
Acres3
Deer habitat
capability
Acres3
Deer habitat
capability
1954
2005
.01 -.02
0
0
5,637
13
.03-.09
1,006
11
1,557
18
.1-.19
4,943
110
7,667
166
.2-.28
6,668
250
7,903
292
.3-.39
4,741
232
4,217
207
.4-.45
4,492
287
3,728
239
.5-. 56
7,054
551
4,683
366
.6-. 65
4,450
417
2,355
221
| .7-.78
0
0
0
0
.8
5,334
667
2,687
336
1.0
3,529
551
1,781
278
1. 1-1.3
0
0
0
0
Total
44,217
3,076
42,217
2,136
3 acres are rounded to the nearest whole acre
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-55
Environment and Effects
Table 3 - 23. Deer winter habitat capability in the Kuiu Timber Sale
Area
Deer habitat
capability3
Percent change
from original (1954)
condition
Historic (1954) condition
3,076
N/A
Current (2005) condition
2,136
31%
Future (2045) condition
2,034
34%
theoretical maximum number of deer that the project area can support over
time, according to the current deer habitat capability model
Table 3-22 displays the historic and current range and acres of HSI
values in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area and the associated deer habitat
capability represented by each range of HSI values. The differences
between the 1954 and 2005 ranges give a general indication of how
previous timber harvests have changed the area’s ability to support
deer in the project area. Currently, for example, there are
approximately 5,637 acres of deer winter habitat with HSI values of
.01 -.02 whereas the 1954 values in Table 3-22 show zero acres of this
habitat. These acres represent managed stands that have reached the
stem exclusion stage, which is modeled to occur at 26 years after
harvest.
Table 3-24 displays the effects of the alternatives on deer habitat
capability in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area. The results indicate that the
decrease in current deer habitat capability in the project area, as a
result of the proposed timber harvest, would range from two percent to
approximately four percent, depending on the alternative selected.
When all existing and proposed managed stands have reached the stem
exclusion stage by the year 2045, the model predicts that the
cumulative decline in the project area deer habitat capability would
range from 34 to 37 percent, depending on the alternative selected.
This analysis does not include the potential benefits from thinning.
High Value Deer Winter Habitat
For this analysis, high value deer winter habitat was identified using
the quartile approach mentioned above. This analysis showed that the
highest HSI values on roughly 25 percent of the deer habitat acres
(35,766 acres) in WAA 5012 ranged from 0.6 to 1.0 prior to 1954
when large scale commercial timber harvest began on the Tongass
(Table 3-19). This represents the top quartile of deer winter habitat
values in the subsection. Since the Kuiu Timber Sale Area is part of
this WAA, these HSI values were used to represent high value deer
3-56 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Issue 2: Wildlife Habitat and Subsistence Use
winter habitat in the project area for this analysis. Past timber harvest
in the WAA has reduced the top quartile deer winter habitat to
approximately 21,971 acres, a reduction of approximately 39 percent.
A review of the historic high value deer winter habitat within the Kuiu
Timber Sale Area shows a reduction of approximately 49 percent
indicating that harvest has been more concentrated within this portion
of the WAA (Table 3-20).
Other areas known to be important deer winter habitat such as low
elevation (below 800 feet) POG are also analyzed in this EIS.
Figure 3-5 displays the current deer HSI values by quartile for the
Kuiu Timber Sale Area. Future declines in deer HSI values predicted
by the deer model are shown for the year 2045 in Figure 3-6.
The high value deer winter habitat within the project area would be
reduced between two and five percent from the current condition
depending on the alternative (Table 3-25). The reduction in high value
winter habitat within the project area compared to the historic
conditions would range between 49 and 5 1 percent depending on the
alternative.
Table 3 - 24. Deer winter habitat capability in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area by
alternative
Historic habitat capability
(3,076)
Alternative
1
2
3
4
5
Deer habitat capability after
harvest
2,136
2,092
2,081
2,046
2,058
Change from current (2005)
condition
0
2%
3%
4%
4%
Percent change from 1954a
31%
32%
32%
33%
33%
Deer habitat capability in
2045
2,034
1,997
1,983
1,935
1,950
Percent change from 1954
to 2045
34%
35%
36%
37%
37%
According to the deer habitat capability model, the Kuiu Timber Sale Area deer habitat
capability was approximately 3,076 deer in 1954, which is the base year used in the Forest Plan to
represent the year that large scale commercial timber harvest began on the Tongass.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-57
Environment and Effects
Table 3 - 25. Acres high value deer winter habitat in the Kuiu Timber Sale
Area by ternative
HSI value 0.6 - 1.0
Alternative
1
2
3
4
5
Acres high value in
project area
6,824
6,696
6,694
6,513
6,578
Percent change from present
condition
2%
2%
5%
4%
Percent change from
1954 to 2045
49%
50%
50%
51%
51% I
Hunting
While Kuiu Island seems to be getting more use, there has been no
significant change in the number oi deer harvested.
In Game Management Unit (GMU) 3, o iverage 36 percent of the
deer were harvested using the road system while 47 percent of the deer
harvested were taken using a boat for access (ADF&G hunter
surveys) . The majority of the animals taken from the road system were
along the Mitkof, Zarembo, and Kupreanof (Portage Bay, Kake, and
Lindenberg Peninsula) road systems. It is possible that several were
taken from the Kuiu road system but the method of harvest was only
recorded by GMU not by island.
On Kuiu Island the majority of boat hunting occurs in Port Camden,
Kadake . East Kuiu, and Rocky Pass. The majority of hunting by road
occurs around Rowan Bay and the inland areas of the island.
The harvest from Kuiu Island constitutes only three percent of the total
harvest for GMU 3, with an average of 18 animals harvested yearly on
an island of approximately 482,102 acres (ADF&G hunter surveys).
There is no known biological concern with the harvest of deer on Kuiu
Island based on ADF&G and Forest Service data.
3-58 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Kuiu Timber Sale
Figure 3-5
Deer Winter Range 2005
Legend
| : High Value HSI .6-1
HSI .4-. 5
HSI .23-. 36
HSI .01-. 2
1 Unit Pool
Non-National Forest
Lakes/Saltwater
...... Project Area Boundary
Existing Open Roads
500ft Contour Interval
0 0.5 1
3
4
■ Miles
Kuiu Timber Sale
Figure 3-6
Deer Winter Range for 2045
Legend
High Value HSI .6-1
HSI .4-. 5
HSI .23-. 36
HSI .01-. 2
] Unit Pool
Non-National Forest
Lakes/Saltwater
...... Project Area Boundary
Existing Open Roads
500ft Contour Interval
Stream Value Class I & II
N
A
0 0.5 1 2 3 4
m m Miles
Issue 2: Wildlife Habitat and Subsistence Use
3,3.11 Black
Bear
Black bear inhabit the project area and use a variety of habitat types
for forage, denning, and cover. Saltwater and freshwater influence
zones are of ecological importance to bears. Black bear in Southeast
Alaska use hollow logs and trees for denning sites (Erickson et al.
1982). These features are numerous due to the natural disturbance
patterns found in this rainforest.
Black bear distribution occurs over 75 percent of Alaska (Johnson
1978). Little is known about black bear populations in Southeast
Alaska, although densities occurring on Kuiu Island seem very high. A
study conducted by Peacock (2004) has produced population estimates
on north Kuiu Island of 1.5 bears/km2, which is one of the highest
recorded bear densities in North America. From her research. Peacock
expressed concern about this population, suggesting additional harvest
could cause a change in the population when the stem exclusion stage
begins (Peacock 2004).
3.3.11.1 ADF&G Harvest Data
Approximately three percent of successful hunters use vehicles to hunt
black bear on Kuiu Island. This has ranged from 0 to 14 percent since
the 1988-89 hunting season. Using boats and hunting from the beach
are the most successful means for taking black bear on Kuiu Island
(mean 84 percent, range 73 to 91 percent). For the remainder of GMU
3, hunters accessing the area by roads are successful an average of 17
percent of the time (range 12 to 21 percent).
For eleven years ADF&G has been tracking the skull measurements of
black bear harvested on Kuiu Island, with measurements averaging
1 8.6 inches, which is greater than the State’s management objective
for GMU 3 (18.5 inches). Seventy-nine percent of black bear harvested
were male, well above the State’s management goal of 75 percent.
Each successful hunter hunted an averaged of three to four days before
harvesting a bear. These data indicate a relatively stable population
since the 1988-89 season.
Since 1991 the mean age of harvested male black bears on Kuiu Island
has been 8.1 years (ADF&G Harvest Summaries 1991-2004). The age
of harvested female black bears has been less consistent, but the 1998-
99 mean ages showed an increase similar to the male cohort. The data
suggest a relatively stable population on Kuiu Island.
3.3.11.2 Roads
Open road density in the project area would remain the same if the no-
action alternative is selected, and would be reduced from the existing
level of 0.78 mi/mi2 to between 0.63 and 0.67 mi/mi2 if an action
alternative is chosen. This project may affect individual bears
negatively by adding additional disturbed areas, reopening old roads.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-63
Environment and Effects
and constructing new temporary roads, which would increase road
density and therefore human access, and may increase hunter success
in the short-term. However, implementation of road management
objectives, and the retention of structure within proposed harvest units
would mitigate risks to black bear populations from the proposed
project. By closing new temporary roads and placing other existing
and re-opened roads into storage, black bear disturbances would be
mitigated in the long-run.
3.3.11.3 Timber harvest
The Forest Service has developed different timber harvest
prescriptions to ensure adequate habitat for black bear and other
species. Through implementation of prescriptions that remove
approximately 50 percent of the overstory, the Forest Service hopes to
mimic natural disturbance as much as possible with managed stands.
Using these retention prescriptions should result in little or no
appreciable effect to the wildlife populations. However, individual
animals may be affected for a short time.
3.3.11.4 Hunting
The black bear is an important game animal in Southeast Alaska. All
rural residents of Alaska have subsistence rights on Kuiu Island, and
the remainder of GMU 3, for black bear harvest. In GMU 3, where
Kuiu Island is located, the bear is becoming increasingly important not
only to resident subsistence hunters but to resident and out-of-state
trophy hunters as well. Concern over the increasing harvest of black
bear on Kuiu Island, especially by non-resident hunters, has led
ADF&G to reduce the black bear harvest on Kuiu Island to 120
animals annually for non-residents.
In the past, black bear harvests have been relatively stable at about 80
to 100 animals harvested annually. ADF&G changed the black bear
harvest in the 2000-2001 hunting season for non-residents by adjusting
season dates for Kuiu Island. They have assessed these adjustments
annually but have not allowed for more than 1 20 animals harvested by
non-resident hunters per season since implementation of these harvest
restrictions. If the number of animals harvested in the spring hunt
reaches 120, the fall season will be closed by emergency order. A
closure occurred in the 2001-2002 season.
Black bear populations on Kuiu Island appear to be stable. There is no
evidence that the black bear population on Kuiu Island is over-
harvested at this time. However, the Forest Service and ADF&G agree
that it would be prudent to use a conservative approach in managing
black bear on Kuiu Island. The ADF&G and the Forest Service will
cooperatively monitor the harvest and population of black bear on
Kuiu Island.
3-64 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Issue 2: Wildlife Habitat and Subsistence Use
3.3.12
Alexander
Archipelago
Gray Wolf
3.3.11.5 Spatial and Temporal Framework
Legacy trees remaining in a harvested stand using prescriptions that
retain 50 percent of the stand basal area would result in a more natural
forest setting and enhance both the vegetation and wildlife values.
Some of the trees retained in the treated stand may eventually blow
over and provide denning habitat for the bears that live in, or next to,
the treated stands. Untreated stands surrounding the treated stand
would also provide denning habitat for the black bear population.
Continued harvest within the project area and island-wide should
maintain stands within the stand initiation stage of stand development,
maintaining good high quality habitat and food throughout the
rotation. Additionally, the silvicultural practices of thinning and
pruning should maintain this habitat in quality condition throughout
the rotation.
The Alexander Archipelago wolf, a subspecies of the gray wolf, occurs
on the Southeast Alaska mainland and on all large islands in Southeast
Alaska except for Admiralty, Baranof, and Chichagof (Person et al.
1 996). A wide-ranging, opportunistic predator, the wolf does not
exhibit a preference for specific habitats or habitat characteristics.
Wolf presence is more indicative of the availability of habitat for its
primary prey species, Sitka black-tailed deer, rather than landform,
climate, or vegetation (Suring 1993, Person et al. 1996). Person et al.
(1996) examined the relationships between wolf viability, prey habitat
capability, and hunter demand for deer. He concluded that maintaining
an average long-term deer habitat capability of at least 1 8 deer per
square mile over broad areas (using the current deer habitat capability
model) should be sufficient to both provide for sustainable wolf
populations and meet hunter demand for deer. Since wolves tend to
have home ranges that cross several wildlife analysis areas, the
appropriate scale at which this model should be applied is the
biogeographic province (Tongass Land and Resource Management
Plan Implementation Policy Clarification 1998 (TPIT)). The wolf
secondarily preys upon beaver and moose, and when available,
spawning salmon, and waterfowl (Person et al. 1996). Wolves on Kuiu
Island consume deer, moose, black bear, mink, muskrats, marten, other
rodents, waterfowl, fish, and grouse.
For the Kuiu Timber Sale project, the IDT evaluated the impacts to
wolves on an island-wide basis (Kuiu Island Biogeographic Province).
According to the deer winter habitat capability model, Kuiu Island
theoretically has enough habitat to currently support 27 deer per square
mile (Forest Plan FEIS Part 1, p. 3-379). Person et al. (1996) believes
this is a sufficient prey density to support a sustainable wolf
population and meet human deer harvest demands.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-65
Environment and Effects
Availability of suitable denning habitat is of secondary importance to
wolves. Dens are generally located in sites with good drainage and
within 100 meters of fresh water (Person et al. 1996).
Ninety-four wolf pelts taken from WAA <ri2 were turned into the
Alaska Department of Fish and Game f ding between 1990 and
2001 (Meucci 2002) with the annual avt harvest over the last
twenty years of five wolves. Refer to th*. _ ...osistence section of this
chapter for a description of WAA 5012.
Dens
During the 2003 field season, field crews located a probable wolf den
in the project area. The crew took photos and the crew leader
conferred with Dave Person from ADF&G. The correct buffer was
prescribed for the site. The she was revisited again during the 2004
and 2005 field seasons. This den was inactive in 2004 and 2005.
During the 2004 field season, another den site was located in the
project area. Following consultation with Dave Person, it was
determined that it was probably a bear den. It was revisited during the
2005 field season and was unoccupied. Both areas had the prescribed
1,200-foot buffers following Forest Plan direction (Forest Plan p. 4-
113).
Roads
The primary threat to wolf populations are high road densities and
increased access by humans who kill wolves both legally and illegally
by shooting, snaring, or trapping (Person et al. 1996, Person 2001).
Wolves are reportedly intolerant of open road densities that exceed the
0.7- 1.0 mile per square mile threshold, raising a concern of
maintaining viable populations (Person et al. 1996, Person 2001,
Forest Plan p. 4-116). Currently the road density for Kuiu Island is
0.20 miles per square mile. This project would not increase the road
density; all action alternatives for this project propose to reduce open
road density in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area. Refer to the Transportation
section of this chapter and the Road Management Objectives in
Appendix B of this EIS.
In a study conducted on Prince of Wales and Kosciusko Islands from
1992 to 1995, Person et al. (1996) found that WAAs with road density
of 0.7 miles per square mile below 1,200 feet in elevation experiences
a twofold increase in wolf mortality. The area was calculated using
road density area within a WAA below 370 meters (-1,200 feet)
elevation as the denominator. Wolves spend most of their time at low
elevations and calculations of road density reflect this relation. In a
concurrent radiotelemetry study, the average annual mortality was 50
percent of the population, which is not sustainable (Person et al. 1996).
3-66 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Issue 2: Wildlife Habitat and Subsistence Use
When the road density exceeded 0.9 miles per square mile on a study
area located on Prince of Wales Island, all resident wolves were
harvested (Person et al. 1996).
Person (2001) also found that while wolves are susceptible to hunting
and trapping from all roads there was a perceivable increase in wolf
mortality from roads that were connected to communities. Kuiu Island
roads do not connect to any community. The open road density in
WAA 5012 is 0.42 mi/mf . The open road density on Kuiu Island is
0.2 mi/mi\ Within the project area, open road density is currently 0.78
mi/mi"; however, all action alternatives would reduce the road density
to below 0.7 mi/mi". Table 3-26 displays open road density by
alternative within the project area. The existing open road density is
represented by Alternative 1 .
Table 3 - 26. Road density by alternative in the Kuiu Timber Sale
Area
Alternative
1
2
3
4
5
Open Road
Density
(mi/mi2 )
0.78
0.67
0.66
0.63
0.63
Conclusions
3.3.13 1
Effects
Common to All
Alternatives
Effects would be minimized on National Forest System lands by: 1)
using old growth reserves to protect key deer winter range, 2) using
timber harvest treatments other than traditional clearcutting, and 3)
monitoring and limiting open road density. Historically, a small
number of wolves were harvested annually on Kuiu Island. Small wolf
harvests are likely to continue on Kuiu Island due to the limited access
during the trapping season. Only the eastern portion of the island is
vulnerable to trapping from the beach. Hunting pressure is limited
because the road system is not connected to the Alaska Marine
Highway and while not impossible, it is difficult to transfer a vehicle
to the road system. Therefore, an increase in trapping pressure is not
anticipated on Kuiu Island because of limited access, and the absence
of permanent logging camps or communities.
Biodiversity
Implementation of the proposed changes for small old-growth habitat
reserves in VCUs 398, 399, and 402 is compatible with all action
alternatives and would increase connectivity and improve habitat
within the reserves.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-67
3 Environment and Effects
Black Bear
Black bear range throughout all habitat types found within the project
area. Mature and old growth timber provides denning and bedding
sites. A negative impact to bears may occur through the loss of old-
growth habitat, fragmentation, and increased road density. The
increase in acres of early successional habitat created by clearcut
harvests would provide quality foraging sites for a short time,
particularly during spring and summer seasons.
Alexander Archipelago Wolf
The Alexander Archipelago wolf ranges through all habitat types
found within the project area. The wolf is closely linked to populations
of the Sitka black-tailed deer, its primary prey species, and declines in
deer habitat would negatively affect wolf populations. The island-wide
deer density would remain above 1 8 deer per square mile after harvest
in all alternatives. The resulting deer density is sufficient to support a
viable wolf population and meet hunters’ demands. Wolves experience
higher mortality from hunting and trapping in WAAs with high road
densities (Person 1996). Open road densities below 1,200 feet in
elevation within WAA 5012 are 0.42 miles per square mile, well
below the 0.7 mile per square mile density.
The action alternatives would re-open between 3.2 and 6.9 miles of
roads that are currently closed (in a storage condition) and would
construct between 2 9 and 19 miles of temporary roads. These roads
would be re-opened for a short time and would be returned to storage
once the harvest is complete. The alternatives would also close
between 8.2 and 1 1 miles of currently open roads. All roads re-opened
or constructed during this project would be closed (put into storage or
decommissioned) following harvest activities. These activities would
not cause a direct or cumulative effect to wolf populations on Kuiu
Island because of the use patterns of humans. Currently, open road
density in the project area is 0.78 mi/mi2. All action alternatives would
reduce road density to below 0.7 mi/mi2. For more information on
roads, please refer to the Transportation section of this chapter.
3-68 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
3.3.14
Comparison of
Effects by
Alternative
Issue 2: Wildlife Habitat and Subsistence Use
Deer, black bears, and wolves would be affected in different ways
depending on the amount and type of timber harvest and road
construction. The following is a comparison of the effects of each
alternative on these species.
3.3.14.1 Alternative 1
This alternative proposes no new activities in the Kuiu Timber Sale
Area. Wildlife habitat may decline in current second-growth stands as
they regenerate and the understory forage is shaded. There would be
no change in the current road network.
Habitat capability for deer has been reduced by 31 percent since 1954
in the project area. No additional acres of deer habitat would be
harvested by this alternative. When harvested areas regenerate to the
point of stem exclusion, thinning or pruning could be applied to
increase forage productivity.
Marten habitat capability has been reduced by 23 percent since 1954 in
the project area. No addition reductions would be expected with this
alternative.
3.3.14.2 Alternative 2
Alternative 2 proposes harvest on 491 acres. Harvest prescriptions
include 294 acres of partial harvest with 50 percent basal area
retention and 197 acres of clearcut. Approximately 2.9 miles of new
temporary roads would be constructed, and decommissioned after
timber harvest. Approximately 4.5 miles of roads currently in storage
would be reopened and 8.2 miles of currently open roads would be put
into storage.
Of the low elevation POG deer habitat harvested by this alternative,
151 acres would be harvested using the uneven-aged prescriptions. An
additional 96 acres of low elevation habitat would be harvested using
the clearcut prescription. A total of 228 acres of volume class 6 and 7
(coarse canopy habitat) would be harvested. According to deer model
predictions, deer habitat capability may be reduced by two percent
following harvest.
High value deer winter habitat and deer habitat capability would be
reduced by two percent from the current conditions.
High value marten habitat acres would be reduced by two percent and
marten habitat capability would be reduced by less than one percent
from the current level.
Deer, wolf and bear would unlikely be adversely affected by this
alternative since 294 acres (60 percent of the acres harvested) are in
partial harvest prescriptions that retain 50 percent of the basal area
which would help maintain a natural forest mosaic. Bear would
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-69
Environment and Effects
initially thrive due to the increased forage produced by the proposed
prescriptions. When harvested areas reg ate to the point of stem
exclusion, thinning or pruning ^ould be «... plied to maintain forage
productivity. Road closures would reduce hunter accessibility. The
deer model reports all units as harvested by an even-aged prescription
so the results would be even less with a 50 percent retention
prescription.
3.3.14.3 Alternative
Alternative 3 proposes uarvest on 794 acres. Harvest prescriptions
include 385 acres partial harvest with 50 percent basal area retention
and 409 acres clearcut harvest. Approximately 7.5 miles of new
temporary roads would be constructed and decommissioned after
harvest. Approximately 3.2 miles of roads currently in storage would
be reopened. These roads would be put into storage after timber
harvest. Approximately 8.4 miles of currently open roads would be put
into storage.
Of the low elevation POG deer habitat harvested by this alternative,
146 acres would be harvested using the 50 percent basal area retention
harvest prescriptions. An additional 90 acres would be harvested using
the clearcut prescription. Approximately 334 aces of coarse canopy
(volume class 6 and 7) would be harvested.
High value marten habitat would be reduced by three percent and
marten habitat capability would be reduced by two percent from the
current condition within the project area.
High value deer habitat would be reduced by two percent and deer
habitat capability would be reduced by three percent from the current
conditions within the project area.
Deer, wolf and bear populations are not likely to be adversely affected
by this alternative since applied harvest prescriptions would result in a
large number of uneven aged stands which should help maintain a
natural forest mosaic. Bear would initially thrive due to the increased
forage produced by the proposed prescriptions. When harvested areas
regenerate to the point of stem exclusion, thinning or pruning could be
applied to maintain forage productivity. Road closures may reduce
hunter accessibility.
3.3.14.4 Alternative 4
Alternative 4 proposes harvest on 1,425 acres. Harvest presc ptions
include 399 acres partial harvest with 50 percent basal area retention
and 1,026 acres clearcut. Approximately 19 miles of new temporary
roads would be constructed and decommissioned after harvest.
Approximately 6. 1 miles of roads currently in storage would be
reopened and 1 1 miles of currently open roads would be put into
3-70 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Issue 2: Wildlife Habitat and Subsistence Use
storage. All of these roads would be put into storage after timber
harvest.
Of the low elevation deer habitat harvested by this alternative, 141
acres would be harvested using the uneven-aged prescriptions, and 341
acres would be harvested using the clearcut prescription.
Approximately 813 acres of coarse canopy (volume class 6 and 7)
would be harvested.
High value marten habitat would be reduced by six percent and marten
habitat capability would be reduced by four percent from the current
conditions within the project area.
High value deer habitat would be reduced by five percent and deer
habitat capability would be reduced by four percent from the current
conditions within the project area.
Deer, wolf and bear populations are not likely to be adversely affected
by this alternative since applied harvest prescriptions would result in a
large number of uneven-aged stands which should help maintain a
natural forest mosaic. When harvested areas regenerate to the point of
stem exclusion, thinning and pruning could be applied to maintain
forage productivity.
3.3.14.5 Alternative 5
Alternative 5 proposes harvest on 1,231 acres all of which would be
clearcut harvested. Approximately 17.1 miles of new temporary roads
would be constructed, and decommissioned after harvest.
Approximately 6.9 miles of roads currently in storage would be re-
opened and 1 1 miles of currently open roads would be put into storage.
High value marten habitat would be reduced by five percent and
marten habitat capability would be reduced by four percent from the
current condition within the project area.
High value deer habitat and deer habitat capability would be reduced
by four percent from the current conditions within the project area.
Approximately 446 acres of low elevation deer habitat would be
clearcut harvested by this alternative. Approximately 553 acres of
coarse canopy (volume class 6 and 7) would be harvested.
Deer, wolf and bear populations are not likely to be adversely affected
by this alternative since applied harvest prescriptions would result in a
large number of uneven aged stands which should help maintain a
natural forest mosaic. Bear would initially thrive due to the increased
forage produced by the proposed prescriptions. When harvested areas
regenerate to the point of stem exclusion, thinning and pruning could
be applied to maintain forage productivity.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-71
Environment and Effects
3.3.15
Cumulative
Effects
3.3.15.1 Past, Present, and Reasonably Foreseeable Future
Timber harvest has occurred on much of the northern portion of the
island. This harvest was mostly to fill the needs of the long-term sale
program starting in 1954. Kuiu Island was an alternate area for the
Alaska Pulp Corporation long-term sale. Most of these units have been
treated once with silvicultural thinning. Wildlife would benefit from
the thinning and/or pruning treatment to approximately 1,475 acres of
37-year-old second growth stands within the Saginaw Watershed. The
IDT has visited these units and has determined that it would be
beneficial to prescribe treatments to extend the usefulness of the deer
and bear habitat. The judicious use of silvicultural treatments (thinning
and pruning) can extend the time animals can use these habitats and
thus maintain animal populations.
Past management activities within WAA 5012 has reduced POG
habitat by 19 percent. The Forest Plan predicts that 54 percent of the
1954 POG habitat will remain at the end of the rotation in WAA 5012
(Forest Plan, FEIS p. 3-387). Analysis shows the Kuiu project area is
well within this predicted decline.
Deer
Past management activities have reduced deer habitat capability in
WAA 5012 by 22 percent and in the project area by 3 1 percent
compared to historic conditions. At the most the action alternatives
would reduce deer habitat capability in the project area by an
additional four percent (Alternatives 4 and 5) and one percent in WAA
5012. After harvest of Alternative 4 (the worst case scenario) 77
percent of the deer habitat capability would be retained. The Forest
Plan predicts that 56 percent of the deer habitat capability would
remain at the end of the rotation (2095) (Forest Plan FEIS Part 1, p. 3-
373) in WAA 5012. These changes assume all harvest is even-aged.
The results should be somewhat less for Alternatives 2, 3, and 4
because of the particle harvest prescriptions proposed for this EIS.
Past management activities have reduced high value deer habitat in
WAA 5012 by 39 percent since 1954 and by 49 percent in the project
area.
Marten
Other timber harvests planned on Kuiu Island in the near future may
further decrease marten habitat capability. Cumulative effects would
be minimized on National Forest System lands by: 1) implementing
old-growth reserves with connectivity, 2) using timber harvest
treatments other than traditional clearcutting, and 3) monitoring and
limiting open road density.
3-72 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Issue 2: Wildlife Habitat and Subsistence Use
Marten habitat capability within the project area has declined 23
percent since 1954. There would be an additional reduction of one to
three percent depending on the alternative selected.
High value marten habitat has been reduced by 29 percent in WAA
5012 and by 34 percent within the project area. An additional
reduction of two to six percent would occur within the project area
with the implementation of the action alternatives, depending on the
alternative selected.
The Forest Plan FEIS (pp. 3-398 - 3-399) predicts there is a relatively
high likelihood of sustaining viable marten populations when an
average of 57 percent of the productive old-growth (POG) is retained
within the matrix of development LUDs. Other factors contributing to
this likelihood include riparian management, the old-growth habitat
reserve system, and use of two-aged management and uneven-aged
management within high value marten habitat. Currently 72 percent of
the POG has been retained within the matrix within the project area.
Adoption of the design changes to the small OGRs within VCUs 398,
399, and 402 would improve the habitat within these reserve systems.
Black Bear
Fragmenting a continuous forested habitat by clearcutting has the
potential to increase bear populations by creating foraging areas with
abundant preferred foods (Erickson et al. 1982). This increased food
supply on any given clearcut is short-lived, however. Canopy closure
during the stem exclusion stage occurs at age 15 to 25 years (Oliver
and Larson 1996). At this time forage production is lowest, and may
cause black bear populations to decline. The judicious use of
silvicultural practices such as thinning and pruning can increase the
productive time that harvest units provide suitable habitat for black
bear by maintaining the understory in these stands while allowing the
trees to grow larger and the understory species to flourish. Alternative
harvest regimes may provide adequate habitat to black bear without
the closure described during the stem exclusion stage of stand
development. However, if these maturing stands remain untreated and
they follow the natural stand stage development, the habitat will
decrease in value over time through plant succession. Prescribed
silvicultural treatments are available to maintain the habitat value for
black bear and other species through time.
Future Projects
For the Kuiu Timber Sale action alternatives, an individual timber
offering in 2006 or more than one sale over a period of several years
starting in 2006 may occur. Road construction and harvest of an action
alternative would be completed approximately three to four years later.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-73
Environment and Effects
3.3.16
Migratory
Birds
It is reasonable to assume that timber harvest and associated road
management will continue on Kuiu Island. The current Tongass timber
sale schedule lists other timber sale projects:
• Crane and Rowan Mountain Timber Sales FEIS signed June 1998.
Portions of the selected alternative have been harvested.
Approximately 23 mmbf were returned to the Tongass National
Forest and may be offered for sale at a later date.
• Threemile Timber Sale FEIS was signed April 2004. The
Threemile Timber Sale will harvest approximately 19.5 mmbf on
approximately 665 acres and construct 4.2 miles of new classified
roads and 4.2 miles of temporary roads.
• Bayport is a 25 mmbf timber sale scheduled for planning to begin
iii2010.
3.3.16.1 Introduction
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act is the domestic law that affirms, or
implements, the United States' commitment to four bilateral
international conventions (with Canada, Japan, Mexico, and Russia)
for the protection of a shared migratory bird resource. Each of the
conventions protect selected species of birds that are common to both
countries (i.e., they occur in both countries at some point during their
annual life cycle). The list of migratory bird species protected under
these treaties is filed in the project planning record (USDI Fish and
Wildlife Service 2004).
3.3.16.2 Existing condition
Executive Order 13186 of January 10, 2001, directs federal agencies to
evaluate the effects of actions and agency plans on migratory birds,
with emphasis on species of concern. A report entitled “Neo-tropical
Birds of Concern on the Tongass National Forest - Kuiu Timber Sale
Area” is filed in the project planning record. The report includes a
discussion of 40 protected migratory bird species that may occur on
the Tongass National Forest, and any anticipated effects to these
species from "he proposed activities for this project. The report
concludes t proposed activities for this project are not expected to
result in measurable negative effects to any migratory bird populations
for the following reasons:
• Eighteen of the migratory bird species considered important on the
Tongass National Forest do not occur in habitats where forest
management activities would likely take place. These habitats are
either not impacted by management activities such as logging and
road building, or are protected by Forest Plan land use
designations.
3-74 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Issue 2: Wildlife Habitat and Subsistence Use
• Two migratory bird species are extremely rare on the Tongass
National Forest but their habitat may be impacted by management
activities. These species are associated with riparian shrub and
alder thickets. No timber harvest in this habitat type is proposed for
this project.
• Eight migratory bird species are uncommon on the Tongass
National Forest but could be disturbed by management activities
on the Tongass National Forest. Forest Plan standards and
guidelines and LUD allocations should protect sufficient habitat
for these species.
• Twelve species are common or abundant within habitats where
forest management activities may take place. Potential
disturbances may occur to their habitat, but Forest Plan standards
and guidelines and LUD allocations should protect sufficient
habitat for these species.
3.3.16.3 Cumulative Effects
Some direct effects to nesting birds will occur in all of the action
alternatives. The primary effect will be loss of habitat, nest
destruction, or abandonment. The magnitude of the effects will vary
depending upon the alternatives selected and in which season harvest
occurs. Nesting in Southeast Alaska generally begins in May. By
September, the birds are fledged and will not be directly affected.
Indirect effects would be associated with fragmentation and patch size
reduction of suitable habitat. For species such as northern goshawk,
marbled murrelet, and Townsend’s warbler, habitat removal would
affect forest fragmentation by potentially reducing the effectiveness of
interior habitat and increasing the potential for nest-site predation from
avian predators that are associated with forest edges and fragmented
landscapes. The Old-growth habitat reserve system was designed to
maintain large areas of habitat for these species. That, in combination
with the management of the matrix within the lands open to harvest,
will mitigate many of the effects of harvest on neotropical migratory
birds. Other species may be more associated with forest edge, riparian
or more open habitats; therefore, the effects from timber harvest could
be beneficial to other bird species. We may affect certain individual
birds but the design of the alternatives in conjunction with the
management of the matrix and the old-growth habitat reserves will
meet the requirements of habitat for these bird species and maintain
them within the Tongass National Forest.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-75
Environment and Effects
3.3.17
Subsistence
3.3.18
Community
Subsistence
Profiles
3-76 • Chapter 3
3.3.17.1 Introduction
With the passage of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation
Act (ANILCA), the U.S. Congress recognized the importance of
subsistence resource gathering to the rural communities of Alaska.
ANILCA (16 USC 31 130) defines subsistence as:
“The customary and traditional uses by rural Alaska residents of wild,
renewable resources for direct personal or family consumption as food,
shelter, fuel, clothing, tools or transportation; for the making and
selling of handicraft articles out of non-edible byproducts of fish and
wildlife resources taken for personal or family consumption; and for
customary trade.”
ANILCA provides for the continuation of the opportunity for
subsistence uses by rural residents of Alaska, including both Natives
and non-Natives, on public lands. It also set legislation that customary
and traditional subsistence uses of renewable resources shall be the
priority consumptive uses of all such resources on the public lands of
Alaska. Non-rural residents are not provided a preference for the
taking of fish and wildlife on public lands. Juneau and Ketchikan are
the only communities in Southeast Alaska that have been determined
to be non-rural by ANILCA and the Federal Subsistence Board.
Kake residents probably use the project area more than residents of
any other community in Southeast Alaska. They fish, hunt deer and
waterfowl, gather seaweed, medicinal plants, shellfish, and berries.
Petersburg and Wrangell residents make limited use of the project area
for hunting deer and commercial fishing. Other nearby rural
communities with some reported fish and wildlife gathering activities
in the project area include Port Protection, Point Baker, Port
Alexander, and Meyers Chuck.
3.3.18.1 Kake
Kake is located on the northwestern tip of Kupreanof Island. It is
approximately 1 05 air miles from Juneau, 40 air miles from
Petersburg, and approximately 12 air miles northeast of the Kuiu
Timber Sale Area. In 1990 and 2000, the population of Kake was
reportedly 700 and 710, respectively. Approximately 74.6 percent of
the population is Native American (U.S. Census 1990 and 2000). By
2003 the population had fallen to 682, which was a drop of two
percent from the 1995 population of 696 (Matson 2004).
Kake is a long established community whose residents have a lengthy
history of hunting, fishing, and gathering wild foods. In recent years,
intensive timber management has taken place on Native Corporation
and National Forest System lands adjacent to Kake.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Issue 2: Wildlife Habitat and Subsistence Use
The community of Kake has a variety of income sources.
Governments (state, federal, and local) contribute about 70 percent of
earned income in households surveyed (Firman and Bosworth 1990).
Retail and private businesses provide income for 21 percent of the
households. The timber industry supplies jobs, as do the commercial
fishing and processing industries.
Kake residents harvest a variety of subsistence resources, documented
in detail through the Tongass Resource Use Cooperative Study
(TRUCS) (Kruse and Frazer 1988). Flouseholds in Kake reported they
consume an average of 1 60 pounds of meat and fish annually. The
subsistence resources most often used are salmon, other fmfish, and
deer. In terms of pounds of edible harvest, fish constituted 48 percent
of the 1996 total harvest (24 percent salmon, 24 percent other fish),
large mammals 29 percent, marine invertebrates 12 percent, plants
five percent, and birds less than one percent.
There is a long history of use of the waters near the project area by
Kake residents. The saltwater is heavily used by commercial, sport,
and subsistence users. The stream locally known as Fall Dog Creek is
adjacent to the project area and is heavily used by Kake residents for
subsistence fishing and gathering when they are traveling to Bay of
Pillars. Most of the large streams on Kuiu Island are used by Kake
residents, especially in the Rocky Pass area because of its easy access,
even in inclement weather. These areas are used for hunting, fishing,
and gathering seaweed.
3.3.18.2 Point Baker and Port Protection
Point Baker and Port Protection are on the northwest end of Prince of
Wales Island, approximately 40 miles southeast of the project area.
The 1990 census reported a population of 39 in Point Baker and 62 in
Port Protection. In 2000, the U. S. Census reported 35 people living in
Point Baker and 63 in Port Protection. By 2003 the population of Point
Baker had fallen to 33, which was a drop of 47 percent from the 1995
population of 62 (Matson 2004). By 2003 the population of Port
Protection had dropped to 57, which was a drop of 1 1 percent from the
1995 population of 64 (Matson 2004). Less than one percent of the
populations of both communities combined are Native American.
Employment in both communities is seasonal, based on commercial
fishing. Residents of both communities use the project area for deer
hunting and fishing.
Port Protection and Point Baker residents harvest a variety of
subsistence resources, documented in more detail through the TRUCS
of 1988. In terms of edible harvest, fish constituted 45 percent of the
1987 total harvest, deer 35 percent; invertebrates 10 percent, mammals
other than deer 0.2 percent, plants 2.8 percent and birds 0.4 percent.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-77
Environment and Effects
Residents of Port Protection and Point Baker use the southern portion
of Kuiu Island and the lower reaches of Keku Strait. These areas are
used for hunting, fishing, and gathering plants and berries.
3.3.18.3 Petersburg
Petersburg is situated on the northwest shore of Mitkof Island at the
north end of Wrangell Narrows, approximately 35 miles southeast of
the Kuiu Timber Sale Area. The 1990 census population of Petersburg
was 3,207 people and the 2000 census population was 3,224. By 2003
the population had fallen to 3,060, which was a drop of 9 percent from
the 1995 population of 3,350 (Matson 2004).
Except for a slight decline in the 1950s, a continual growth in
population has occurred. Approximately 10 percent of the population
is Native American. Prior to white settlement, Native Americans used
the Petersburg area for seasonal fishing camps. Founded by Norwegian
Peter Buschmann in 1899, Petersburg was incorporated in 1906. More
Norwegians followed and created a Scandinavian-style community.
Petersburg grew around a cannery, and the site quickly became a
center for fishing, fish processing, and transportation.
Petersburg’s economy is highly dependent on seafood harvesting and
processing. A number of fish, shrimp, and crab canneries have
operated in Petersburg and nearby Scow Bay over the years.
Petersburg is homeport to the largest salmon purse seining fleet in
Southeast Alaska. Halibut has also been central to the local fishing
industry because it provided regular employment through the winter
months. Approximately 37 percent of the households fished
commercially in 1987, and 12 percent of all fish used by households
came from commercial catches (ADF&G 1994 [revised 1999]).
Government institutions, particularly local government, became the
second largest employment sector in the Petersburg economy in the
1980s. Other economic sectors include retail trade, construction,
timber, and tourism. Large-scale logging was introduced to the area in
the 1960s but has subsequently declined with the end of the long-term
timber contracts in the 1990s.
The subsistence resources most commonly used by Petersburg
residents are coho and chinook salmon, halibut, and deer. Crab,
shrimp, berries, and wood are also important. Subsistence harvest
provides just over 30 percent of the meat and fish for Petersburg
residents (Kruse and Muth 1990). Petersburg residents harvest most of
their fish well away from the project area. Those that do use the area
do so when involved in commercial fishing activities.
3-78 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Issue 2: Wildlife Habitat and Subsistence Use
3.3.19 Types
and Amounts
of Resources
Gathered
3.3.18.4 Wrangell
Wrangell is on the northern tip of Wrangell Island, approximately 60
miles east of the Kuiu Timber Sale Area. In 1990, the U. S. census
reported the population of Wrangell as 2,479 people and the 2000
census population was 2,308 people. By 2003 the population had
fallen to 2,1 13, which was a drop of 23 percent from the 1995
population of 2,758 (Matson 2004). Approximately 20 percent of the
population is Native American.
The community began as an important Tlingit village primarily
because of its proximity to the Stikine River. Wrangell Stikine Kwan
clans held and fiercely defended a monopoly of trading rights along
the Stikine River, which served as an important early trade route into
the Canadian interior. The flags of three nations (England, Russia, and
the United States) have flown over Wrangell. Wrangell became a
supply center for gold miners and prospectors during a gold rush in
1 862 and in the Klondike rush of the 1 890s. Over the years, several
fish, crab, and shrimp canneries have operated near Wrangell
(ADF&G 1994 [revised 1999]).
Timber, fishing, and fish processing dominate Wrangell’s economy.
Approximately 19 percent of Wrangell households fished
commercially in 1987. Commercial fishing contributes significantly to
the subsistence fish harvest. Approximately 16 percent of all fish used
by households in 1987 came from commercial catches (ADF&G 1994
[revised 1999]). Tourism has been a growing economic sector in
recent years.
Wrangell residents make limited use of the project area for deer and
bear hunting and for sport fishing.
3.3.18.5 Other Communities
Meyers Chuck is a small community that has some reported
subsistence use in the project area. Meyers Chuck is located on the
Cleveland Peninsula approximately 80 miles to the southeast of Kuiu
Island. Most of this use is from commercial fishermen and is an
incidental use in nature. By 2003 the population had fallen to 18,
which was a drop of 49 percent from the 1995 population of 35
(Matson 2004).
Summary subsistence harvest information is presented in Table 3-27.
This table displays the total harvest of terrestrial game species from
Kuiu Island for regulatory years 1984-2003. Before 1991, Kuiu Island
was closed for deer hunting. Most of the subsistence harvest on Kuiu
Island was by Petersburg and Kake residents. The Sitka black-tailed
deer is by far the most important species listed in this table. Black bear
and moose are also important resources, although not as important as
deer. Trapping, especially for marten and less so for beaver, is a
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-79
Environment and Effects
potentially significant subsistence activity that occurs in the project
area. When compared to the number of animals harvested from
Mitkof, Kupreanof, and Admiralty Islands, the numbers harvested
from Kuiu Island are relatively small and variable. Local patterns are
discussed briefly below. The primary subsistence resource of potential
concern is deer, which will be discussed in more detail.
3.3.20 Wildlife
Effects and
Evaluation
Deer have been an important subsistence resource since Southeast
Alaska was settled. As motorboats and larger commercial fishing boats
became more common, the hunting ranges expanded. Most deer were
hunted close to shore or a short distance inland, although some people
did hunt the foothills, side-hills, and mountaintops (especially when
deer were relatively scarce).
Prior to the 1970s, Kuiu Island had three-month to five-month long
deer hunting seasons with bag limits of up to three or four deer. The
winters in 1971 and 1972 were extremely severe. As a result, the deer
population crashed and the hunting season was closed from 1975 to
1991 . Since 1992 most of Kuiu Island has been open with a two-buck
bag limit.
On Kuiu Island, the use of WAA 5012 is limited and variable. In past
years, Petersburg and Kake residents heavily hunted Kuiu Island for
deer. Following the deer die-off in the early 1970s, hunters shifted to
Admiralty Island (especially WAAs 3938-3940) and, to a lesser extent,
the northern part of Prince of Wales Island, as well as on the nearby
mainland. When hunting was again allowed, the low number of deer
and their availability did not persuade hunters to return to Kuiu Island
to hunt. The deer population is growing, but it is not advantageous at
this time for most hunters, who have to travel long distances to hunt on
Kuiu Island. Hunters generally go to Admiralty Island where the deer
population is higher and therefore much easier to hunt successfully.
Subsistence use areas and the levels of harvest were estimated from a
variety of sources. The ADF&G records the level of community
harvests for selected species, including deer, within WAAs. Kuiu
Island has five WAAs. The project area is in WAA 5012.
3.3.20.1 Abundance and Distribution of Deer
The evaluation of deer is based on a comparison of supply and
demand. The deer habitat capability model developed as part of the
Forest Plan was used in this analysis to provide an estimate of the
potential number of deer that the habitat within a Wildlife Analysis
Area (WAA) can support over time. This is the potential supply
available for subsistence use. If the demand for deer exceeds the
supply, then a significant possibility of a subsistence restriction exists.
3-80 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Issue 2: Wildlife Habitat and Subsistence Use
Data compiled from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game’s
(ADF&G) Deer Flunter Surveys is shown in Table 3-28. The average
number of deer harvested on Kuiu Island since 1993, when the season
reopened, is 18.4 with a range of 7 to 29 animals harvested. In
contrast, the average for Kupreanof is 1 74 with a range of 90 to 373.
Mitkof Island, the average is 139 with a range of 64 to 232 during the
same period.
Table 3 - 27. Subsistence harvest of important game species on Kuiu Island
Year
Beaver
Otter
Wolf
Wolverine
Deer
Marten
Black Bear
Moose
1984
17
40
0
0
N/A*
N/A
51
N/A
1985
18
19
4
0
N/A
N/A
66
N/A
1986
14
5
1
0
N/A
N/A
89
N/A
1987
9
3
4
0
N/A
N/A
84
N/A
1988
11
3
3
0
N/A
N/A
118
N/A
1989
2
0
3
0
N/A
N/A
109
N/A
1990
0
0
0
1
N/A
N/A
78
N/A
1991
6
0
7
0
N/A
N/A
77
1
1992
8
0
3
0
N/A
N/A
88
0
i 1993
0
11
16
0
11
23
121
0
1994
9
9
1
0
24
0
111
0
1995
0
7
8
0
25
51
124
0
1996
0
6
9
0
22
21
131
0
1997
0
7
5
0
13
35
165
0
1998
0
0
8
0
29
15
161
0
1999
0
0
10
0
18
0
168
0
2000
1
0
7
0
27
17
166
0
2001
0
0
3
0
8
0
105
0
2002
0
0
13
0
17
0
112
1
2003
0
0
4
0
7
10
121
0
2004
0
0
0
0
N/A
0
114
0
Average
4
5
5
<1
19
14
112
<1
N/A = Harvest records were not available.
Source: Meucci 2005
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-81
Environment and Effects
Table 3 - 28. ADF&G deer hunter survey results for Kuiu Island
Year
No. of
hunters
No. of
successful
hunters
No. of
days
hunted
No. of
bucks
harvested
No. of
does
harvested
Total deer
harvested
Ave. no. of
deer per
hunter
Average
days per
deer
1993
19
8
33
11
0
11
0.6
3.0
1994
26
13
50
24
0
24
0.9
2.1
1995
28
22
87
20
5
25
0.9
3.5
1996
NR
18
NR
22
0
22
1.2
NR
1997
39
13
141
13
0
13
0.3
10.8
1998
41
19
212
29
0
29
0.7
7.3
1999
57
14
102
18
0
18
0.3
5.7
2000
42
27
157
27
0
27
0.6
5.8 1
2001
17
8
21
8
0
8
0.5
2.6
2002
35
13
143
17
0
17
0.5
8.4
2003
23
7
63
7
0
7
0.3
9.0
Average
29.7
14.7
91.7
17.8
0.5
18.4
0.6
5.3
NR = data not reported
Effects of the Alternatives for WAA 5012
The Wildlife Habitat section of this chapter describes the deer habitat
capability model used to estimate the effects of the proposed timber
harvest on deer habitat. For this subsistence evaluation, the deer
habitat capability for WAA 5012 is reduced 36 percent to account for
predation by wolves. This represents the theoretical maximum number
of deer available for hunters that the area could support over time.
"he Alaska Department of Fish and Game has set deer population
objectives for all Wildlife Analysis Areas on the Tongass National
Forest. The population objective set by the State of Alaska for WAA
5012 is 5,390 animals. ADF&G also estimated hunter demand for deer
in WAA 5012 to be 68 deer, based on estimated annual harvest during
the years 1960-1968. To sustain a healthy deer population, harvest
should not exceed ten percent of the deer population in any WAA
(Forest Plan FEIS, Page 3-361). Therefore, a minimum number of deer
needed to meet the hunter demand of the 1 960s would be 680 deer.
This is well within the capability of the WAA and is therefore
considered a sustainable harvest. Based on this number, and on the
3-82 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Issue 2: Wildlife Habitat and Subsistence Use
model predictions described above, WAA 5012 has the habitat
capability to support a deer population sufficient to meet the State of
Alaska’s population objectives at this time.
All action alternatives would result in reductions of deer habitat
capability. Alternatives 2 and 3 would result in less than one percent
decline in deer habitat capability. Alternatives 4 and 5 would result in
a one percent decline in deer habitat capability in WAA 5012 (Table 3-
29).
All alternatives would result in an immediate decline in habitat
capability. Further declines are modeled to occur 26 years after harvest
when the stem exclusion stage is reached. Future thinning in roughly
1 0 to 20 years may maintain understory forage and could mitigate the
decline in potential deer habitat. The Tongass National Forest has had
an active and continuous timber stand improvement program for over
25 years. These vegetative treatments maintain understory vegetation.
There is no indication that this program will be discontinued or that
forest health and wildlife habitat management will cease on the
Tongass National Forest.
Table 3-29. Deer habitat capability for WAA 5012 by alternative
1954
Alt 1
Alt 2
Alt 3
Alt 4
Ait 5 ;
Estimated number of
animals a
8,535
6,641
6,614
6,606
6,569
6,581
36 % reduction13
5,462
4,250
4,233
4,228
4,204
4,212
% Change from current condition
<1%
<1%
1%
1%
a The deer model assumes that an area with an HSI score of 1.0 could support 100 deer per
square mile.
b In accordance with current Forest direction (Cole 2005), HSI scores have been reduced 36
percent to account for the effects of wolf predation.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-83
Environment and Effects
3.3.20.2 Abundance and Distribution of Moose
Studies at Thomas Bay have shown that moose use may temporarily
increase three-fold in clearcuts, but will likely decline to low levels if
forage is eventually shaded out by conifer regeneration (Doerr 1998).
In all harvest alternatives, moose are likely to benefit from an increase
in understory from the proposed cutting. The long-term effects of this
logging activity would depend on whether thinning and other
silvicultural treatments would be used to maintain understory in the
harvested areas. One of the future concerns is maintaining understory
in the existing second-growth stands. Numerous thinning needs were
identified for second-growth stands on National Forest System lands
within the Kuiu Timber Sale Area. At this time, stands harvested
earlier than 1968 may be thinned or pruned to benefit wildlife species
including moose.
3.3.20.3 Abundance and Distribution of Black Bear
The black bear is an important subsistence animal in Southeast Alaska.
In ADF&G’s Game Management Unit (GMU) 3, where Kuiu Island is
located, the bear is becoming more important not only to resident
hunters but to non-resident hunters as well. There is concern about the
Kuiu Island black bear population and what will happen if timber
harvest continues on this island at its projected rate. Outfitter/Guides
are now advertising their hunts on Kuiu Island as a “World Class
Trophy Hunt” and are able to command higher prices because of the
large bear population and the large size of the individual animals.
Concern expressed over the increasing harvest of black bear on Kuiu
Island, especially through outfitted and guided hunting, has led
ADF&G to reduce the black bear harvest on Kuiu Island to 120
animals annually for non-resident hunters. All rural residents of Alaska
have subsistence rights on Kuiu Island, and the remainder of GMU 3,
for black bear harvest.
Field observations indicate that black bear are common and well
distributed w hin the Kuiu Timber Sale Area. ADF&G studied black
bear populati. is on Kuiu Island and found that the population is about
1.5 bears per square kilometer (Peacock 2004), which is one of the
highest population levels of black bear ever recorded in North
America. None of the alternatives are expected to result in any
restrictions to subsistence harvest of black bear.
3-84 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Issue 2: Wildlife Habitat and Subsistence Use
3.3.20.4 Abundance and Distribution of Furbearers
Marten are an important furbearer representing species associated with
upland forested old-growth (forests with large snags and downed logs
for dens and prey habitat). They are sensitive to human access. The
type of harvest proposed varies among alternatives (Table 3-66 in the
Timber and Vegetation section of this chapter) with more partial
harvest within units with high value marten habitat in Alternatives 2
and 3, some partial harvest within units with high value marten habitat
in Alternative 4, and no partial harvest within units with high value
marten habitat in Alternative 5. See the Management Indicator Species
section of this chapter for more information on harvest within units of
high value marten habitat.
Table 3 - 30. Acres of marten habitat in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area by alternative
HSI
1954
Alt 1
Alt 2
Alt 3
Alt 4
Alt 5
0.01-0.29
Low
7,700
18,032
18,025
18,020
17,989
17,989
0.30-0.49
Medium
2,326
2,326
2,308
2,306
2,296
2,296
0.50-0.80
High
5,933
5,933
5,870
5,802
5,757
5,713
0.90-1.00
Highest
30,110
19,778
19.378
19,146
18,602
18,823
Total*
46,069
46,069
45,581
45,274
44,644
44,821
* Totals for alternatives vary because acres harvested become a 0 HSI value.
Most trapping activity occurs near the beach using boats to access the
area. Approximately one-third of the island is roaded and the
population in that area may be trapped, snow conditions permitting, by
local trappers from Kake.
According to the sealing records from ADF&G (Table 3-27), marten
trapping has been recorded on Kuiu Island since 1993. During this
period, an average of 14 marten has been taken annually. The most
animals were harvested in 1995, with 51 marten trapped. No marten
were reported trapped in 1994, 1999. 2001, 2002, or 2004.
Past subsistence hearings have indicated that most marten trapping is
by local area residents. Very few people travel to Kuiu Island to hunt
or trap from other communities in Southeast Alaska.
No significant subsistence restrictions on marten are anticipated from
any action alternatives. The miles of roads maintained for motorized
public would remain the same in Alternative 1 , and open road densities
would be reduced after timber harvest by a minimum of 8.2 miles and
a maximum of 1 1 miles depending on the alternative (Table 3-26).
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-85
Environment and Effects
3.3.20.5 Access to Wildlife
The primary modes of access for harvesting wildlife include boats,
foot travel, cars, and all-terrain vehicles. Because the existing road
system on Kuiu Island does not connect directly to any other road
systems or the Alaska State Ferry System, only minim'’1 impacts due
to road use are , pected.
Access by boat and foot would not be restricted by an> of the action
alternatives. Access to areas along the be. i fringe would not change.
Proposed road management objectives would keep mot ized access
below its current levels All new temporary roads would be closed to
vehic traffic after timber harvest is complete in all action
alternatives.
The action alternatives would re-open between 3.2 and 6.9 miles of
roads currently closed (in a storage condition) and would construct
between 2.9 and 19 miles of temporary roaus. They would additionally
close between 8.2 and 1 1 miles of currently open roads. All roads
opened or constructed during this project would be closed (put into
storage or decommissioned) following harvest activities with all
structures removed. For more information, please see the
Transportation Section in this chapter. Table 3-26 shows the road
densities within the project area after harvest.
Most of the former temporary roads in the project area were
decommissioned after their use was terminated. Decommissioned
roads have signs of removed structures, intact water bars, and are
generally brushed-in with alder. There is no evidence of ATV use on
any of the decommissioned roads, mainly due to the remoteness of
Kuiu Island. Most personal vehicle use on the island is in the form of
pickup trucks, which cannot navigate the alder or the mound and pit
type barriers normally found on decommissioned roads. Foot trails
along the decommissioned roads are common; most of these are
actively used as bear trails.
3.3.20.6 Competition for Wildlife
Competition is closely linked to access. Access within the project area
is not expected to change greatly as a result of this project.
While there are approximately 56 miles of open roads in the Kuiu
Timber Sale area, most competition comes from beach access, as roads
are not the most common mode of transportation used by hunters.
Most hunting of black bear is from non-resident guided or transported
hunters. The use of this resource by subsistence users has remained
relatively stable at about 1 12 animals harvested per year.
Most furbearer trapping comes during the winter months and is done
from a boat. Kuiu Island is remote and few trappers are able to reach it
3-86 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Issue 2: Wildlife Habitat and Subsistence Use
3.3.21 Fish and
Shellfish
Effects and
Evaluation
reliably during the trapping season. There is no longer a year round
logging camp and much of the recreational trapping that occurred
when this camp was occupied has stopped.
Few deer and moose are harvested on Kuiu Island. Deer hunters prefer
to go to islands that have larger populations, higher success rates, and
higher bag limits. None of the action alternatives should have any
effect on competition between rural and non-rural residents since none
of the alternatives would change the existing access patterns to other
communities. Potential conflicts among user groups for subsistence
resources would not vary by alternative.
3.3.21.1 Abundance and Distribution of Fish and Shellfish
Application of Forest Plan riparian standards and guidelines and road
construction Best Management Practices (BMPs) would be expected to
minimize the risk of impact to fish habitat and fish populations. Stream
buffers are specified for all proposed harvest units. Refer to the unit
cards in Appendix B of this EIS for descriptions of stream buffers and
water quality BMPs. All action alternatives would result in temporary
road crossings across fish streams. Refer to the Fisheries section of this
chapter for additional information on stream crossings proposed for
this project. The effects to fish populations from these proposed
activities should be minor.
There are no expected measurable effects on shellfish populations for
all action alternatives. With the exception of use of either the Saginaw
Bay or Rowan Bay LTF, all proposed activities are located in the
uplands, away from shellfish populations. Use of either LTF would
present the greatest potential for adverse impacts to shellfish, but
mitigation measures specified in the permits for the LTF should reduce
these potential effects.
3.3.21.2 Access to Fish and Shellfish
Temporary road construction and reconstruction of existing roads may
temporarily increase access to fish populations in the project area. This
effect should be minimal. This increased access would end when
logging is completed and the roads are again put into a storage
condition. Fishing and shellfish harvesting occurs primarily from
boats, on beaches, and along estuaries. Most use is by people who
occasionally occupy the logging camp, hunters who occasionally fish
during hunting trips, and commercial fishermen using either Saginaw
Bay or Rowan Bay as anchorages.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-87
Environment and Effects
3.3.22 Upland
Birds and
Waterfowl
Effects and
Evaluation
3.3.21.3 Competition for Fish and Shellfish
The proposed activities for this project should not increase competition
for fish and shellfish. Fishing and shellfish harvesting occurs primarily
from boats, on beaches, and along estuaries. Some increased activity
may occur in the streams of the Kuiu Timber Sale Area due to opening
of roads during project implementation and temporary residence at the
logging camp during logging activities. Saltwater fishing may also
increase during temporary occupation of the logging camp. These
activities would be of short duration and narrow in scope.
3.3.21.4 Subsistence Use Fish and Shellfish Effects and
Evaluation
Subsistence fishing and shellfish harvesting in or near the Kuiu Timber
Area are not likely to be adversely affected by the proposed activities
for this project. As discussed above, the distribution and abundance of
these resources should not change as a result of this project, and any
change, in access or competition for these resources should be minor
and of limited duration.
3.3.22.1 Abundance and Distribution of Upland Birds and
Waterfowl
Upland game birds, such as grouse, are found throughout the Kuiu
Timber Sale Area.
Waterfowl nesting and breeding areas are adjacent to the project area.
Saginaw, Security, and Rowan bays all provide resting, nesting, and
feeding habitats for waterfowl throughout the year. Rocky Pass, to the
east of the project area, provides excellent habitat for waterfowl.
Upland birds do not seem to be affected by increased road access. The
amount of upland bird habitat unaffected by the proposed projects will
support the current populations. Beach, estuary, and riparian buffers
would retain habitat for waterfowl. The Forest Plan standard and
guideline for waterfowl buffers would be applied if necessary to
protect nesting or breeding waterfowl.
No measurable effects on bird populations are expected for any of the
action alternatives.
3.3.22.2 Access to Upland Birds and Waterfowl
Road building associated with timber harvest would temporarily
increase access to upland bird hunting areas. Access to waterfowl
hunting areas along the shorelines would not change. All action
alternatives would build roads providing foot access. Closed roads
would be used for foot access until the regeneration of alder makes
them impassable. It is expected that upland bird hunters would use the
roads that remain open to motorized vehicle use.
3-88 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Issue 2: Wildlife Habitat and Subsistence Use
3.3.23 Marine
Mammals
Effects and
Evaluation
3.3.24
Vegetation
Effects and
Evaluation
3.3.22.3 Competition for Upland Birds and Waterfowl
Competition for upland birds and waterfowl should not be affected by
any of the proposed activities. Bird hunting is usually done in the area
surrounding the community. The number of hunters in the area may
temporarily increase during active logging operations, but long-term
competition would be reduced by road closures and the difficulty in
accessing the area during the spring and fall months when these
animals are normally harvested for food.
3.3.22.4 Subsistence Use Effects to Upland Birds and
Waterfowl
Upland birds and waterfowl are a small percentage of the foods
harvested by the people of Kake. The people of Petersburg use Mitkof
Island and the Tonka road system on Kupreanof Island to harvest
upland birds, and the Stikine River Flats, Duncan Canal, and Blind
Slough to harvest waterfowl. They are taken more as an incidental
species when they are encountered elsewhere. The activities proposed
for this project should not change the distribution, abundance, or use
of upland birds or waterfowl in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area.
The Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 prohibits the taking of
marine mammals by anyone other than Alaska Natives. The Act
allows Alaska Natives to take marine mammals for subsistence or to
create authentic native handicrafts or clothing as long as the activity is
not wasteful in nature.
Forest Plan standards and guidelines for protection of marine mammal
habitat would be followed and none of the alternatives is expected to
negatively impact marine mammals. No significant restriction to the
subsistence use of marine mammals is expected under any alternative.
3.3.24.1 Personal Use Timber and Firewood
Each Alaska resident is entitled to 10,000 board feet of sawtimber and
25 cords of firewood every year for personal use, regardless of rural or
non-rural residency status. Currently, two or three permits are issued
yearly for subsistence wood use by all users within the Kuiu Timber
Sale Area. This use occurs mostly in Saginaw and Security Bays. The
area is not heavily used for firewood gathering. Other places on the
Petersburg Ranger District are more popular because of their
proximity to a community.
3.3.24.2 Personal Use Timber Effects and Evaluation
None of the action alternatives should have an impact on personal use
of timber in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-89
Environment and Effects
3.3.25
Cumulative
Effects
3.3.24.3 Food Plants
Subsistence plant foods consist of a variety of species. Some of the
most sought after types include kelp, seaweed, goose tongue,
mushrooms, and berries. Roads and previous timber harvest areas
within the project area are excellent berry harvest locations since many
berry species thrive on open exposed slopes (Alaback 1982).
However, since project area roads are not connected to any
community, few people would be expected to use these new berry
harvest locations. Most traditional gathering of other plants and foods
occurs near beach and estuarine areas. Based on an expected increase
of berries due to forage production in new harvest units, and the
locations of proposed activities, none of the alternatives are expected
to negatively affect subsistence plant gathering for food. Reasonably
foreseeable effects of the action alternatives on the abundance and
distribution of food plants would be minimal.
The subsistence analysis evaluates whether the project, in combination
with other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions,
may significantly restrict subsistence uses. Although the precise
location of future projects is not clearly known, some conclusions can
be reasonably made about future impacts.
The analysis for the Kuiu Timber Sale Area indicates that for any
action alternative, the proposed timber harvest, in combination with
past and reasonably foreseeable future timber harvest, will not likely
result in significant restrictions on subsistence use of resources other
than deer.
The Forest Plan addressed the long-term consequences on subsistence
and concluded that full implementation of the Forest Plan may result
in a significant restriction to subsistence use of deer due to the
potential effects of projects on the abundance and distribution of deer,
and on competition for deer (Forest Plan ROD, page 24).
Several measures are designed to maintain subsistence species over
time, especially deer populations. Habitat is set aside in 1,000-foot
beach and estuary buffers. These areas protect key habitats for deer
winter use, black bear, furbearers, waterfowl, and intertidal food
gathering. Application of Forest Plan Riparian Standards and
Guidelines will minimize future impacts to fish habitat. Small old-
growth habitat reserves have been located to include some of the most
important deer winter habitat. Other possible measures include partial
harvest prescriptions and thinning second growth to promote
understory vegetation for browse. Partial harvest prescriptions are
proposed in Alternatives 2, 3, and to a lesser extent 4, to provide for
retention of wildlife habitat in areas showing evidence of high wildlife
use. Thinning of the harvested stands would be scheduled as needed.
3-90 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Issue 2: Wildlife Habitat and Subsistence Use
There are two sorts of potential enhancements associated with the
Kuiu Timber Sale Area that could benefit subsistence uses in the area:
• Opportunities for precommercial thinning would potentially
increase the opportunities for harvesting deer. Management
activities proposed for this project would increase production of
forage for deer by opening the forest overstory. This effect would
last for approximately 25 to 30 years. At that time, second growth
management activities would be needed to maintain this increase
in understory forbs for deer.
• Access management (primarily road management) is a more
complex issue and is covered in the Transportation section of this
chapter.
Other projects and considerations are:
• ongoing Forest Service Timber Sales (Threemile (outside project
area, and Rowan Mountain sale (within the project area)),
• future Forest Service timber sale project areas in adjacent areas
(Bayport),
• other Forest Service programs such as the provision of personal
use wood,
• timber offered by other landowners (private, state of Alaska,
Mental Health Trust), and
• general population dynamics.
A general discussion of these factors is provided in this section, first in
terms of subsistence and then in terms socioeconomics.
The effects from a single project are not likely to significantly alter
deer habitat capability in WAA 5012. In 2095, the Forest Plan FEIS
(p. 3-373) predicts that Kuiu Island will retain 56 percent of the 1954
deer habitat capability in WAA 5012 (compared to 80 percent in
1995). These projections were made using the assumption that the
Forest Plan would be implemented in its entirety (most harvest
completed using even-aged management, clearcutting). To date,
planned timber harvest on Kuiu Island has had less impact on wildlife
habitat values than predicted because modified prescriptions have
reduced the use of clearcutting as the major method for cutting trees.
Estimates on the deer availability and anticipated demand in areas used
by rural residents indicate that sufficient numbers of deer should be
available to provide for all federally qualified subsistence users (rural
Alaskan residents). However, due to projected human population
increases and some habitat degradation (reduced deer habitat
capability) in the long term, demand for deer for all hunters
(subsistence plus sport) may well exceed supply. To date this expected
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-91
Environment and Effects
population growth has not occurred but it could change in years to
come. At that time, a restriction on sport hunting may be required
(Forest Plan FEIS Part 2, p. 3-625). The current bag limit is two
antlered deer in Game Management Unit 3. Very few deer are
harvested on Kuiu Island annually. Thus, cumulative effects on the
subsistence use pattern of Kuiu Island by rural residents will remain
unaltered.
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has set deer population
objectives for all Wildlife Analysis Areas (WAAs) on the Tongass
National Forest. The population objective set by the State of Alaska
for WAA 5012 is 5,390 animals, based on hunter demand (ADFG
1991). The current deer habitat capability in WAA 5012 is
approximately 6,641 deer, with 4,250 deer theoretically available to
hunters after accounting for wolf predation. We used the following
criteria and assumptions to analyze hunter demand:
• Hunter demand is from “Strategic Plan for Management of Deer in
Southeast Alaska 1991-1995, Population Objectives” (ADFG
1991).
• The number of deer needed for a huntable surplus is ten times the
hunter demand.
• The 1960s deer harvest level was assumed 100 percent subsistence.
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game estimated hunter demand
for deer in WAA 5012 to be 68 deer, based on estimated annual
harvest during the years 1960-1968. To sustain a healthy deer
population, harvest should not exceed ten percent of the deer
population in any WAA (Forest Plan FEIS Part 1, Page 3-361).
Therefore, a minimum number of deer needed to meet the hunter
demand of the 1 960s would be 680 deer. This is well within the
capability of the WAA and is therefore considered to be a sustainable
harvest.
According to model predictions, WAA 5012 can meet the State of
Alaska’s population objectives for a deer population to meet current
hunter demand for all alternatives.
The Federal Subsistence Board has the authority to regulate
subsistence and non-subsistence use of resources in the Tongass
National Forest when those resources are approaching scarcity. If
necessary, this type of action, as prescribed by ANILCA Section 804,
could be used to ensure the availability of adequate subsistence
resources needed by the rural communities using the Kuiu Timber Sale
Area.
3-92 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Issue 2: Wildlife Habitat and Subsistence Use
3.3.26 ANILCA
Compliance
The actions proposed in this document have been examined to
determine whether they are in compliance with the Alaska National
Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) Section 810. Standards
used for the review include:
• National Forest Management Act of 1 976 and its implementing
regulations
• Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act ( 1 980)
• Tongass Land and Resource Management Plan (1997)
• Tongass Timber Reform Act ( 1 990)
• Alaska State Forest Practices Act ( 1 993)
• Alaska Coastal Management Program (1997)
• Multiple Use Sustained Yield Act ( 1 960)
• USDA Forest Service Subsistence Management and Use
Handbook (FSH 2609.25)
The proposed actions have been determined to be in compliance with
these standards, and with ANILCA.
3.3.26.1 Necessary, Consistent with Sound Management of
Public Lands
ANILCA Title VIII places an emphasis on the maintenance of
subsistence resources and lifestyles. However, the Act also provides
for adequate opportunity for satisfaction of the economic and social
needs of the state of Alaska and its people and recognizes that public
lands are necessary and appropriate for more intensive uses. The Act
also requires the Forest Service to make available 4.5 billion board feet
per decade from the Tongass National Forest. The Tongass Timber
Reform Act (TTRA) removed the 4.5 billion board foot requirement,
but directs the Forest Service to seek to meet market demand for
timber to the extent consistent with providing for the multiple use and
sustained yield of all renewable forest resources, and subject to
applicable law.
The Forest Plan has determined that the Kuiu Timber Sale is necessary
as a component of the timber management program designed to
implement the Forest Plan and to meet TTRA direction. There is
currently a market demand for timber, a limited timber supply from
other sources, and an under-utilized mill capacity in the region. The
volume from the project is a component of the Tongass National
Forest 5-year timber sale schedule, which seeks to provide timber to
industry in an even-flow over the planning cycle. This project can help
meet the Forest Plan and TTRA objectives, while also providing
reasonable protection measures for forest resources, especially for
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-93
Environment and Effects
subsistence. It is consistent with the Forest Plan, laws, regulations,
policies, public needs, and the capabilities of the land.
The alternatives presented here encompass four action alternatives that
would help achieve multiple-use management objectives in the Forest
Plan. For subsistence deer use, a significant possibility of a significant
restriction on the current level of subsistence deer harvest on Kuiu
Island is not likely under any of the alternatives. It is well within the
capability of the WAA to meet hunter demand for subsistence deer use
and is therefore considered to be a sustainable harvest.
3.3.26.2 Amount of Land Necessary to Accomplish the
Purpose of the Proposed Action
The amount of public land necessary to implement the Kuiu Timber
Sale (considering sound multiple use management of public lands) is
the minimum necessary to accomplish the purpose of the project. One
or more rural communities use much of the Tongass National Forest
for subsistence purposes. It is not possible to reduce timber harvest in
one area, and concentrate it in another without influencing one or more
rural communities’ important subsistence use areas. In addition,
harvestable populations of subsistence wildlife species could not be
maintained in a natural distribution across the forest if harvest were
concentrated in specific areas. A well-distributed population of species
is required by the National Forest Management Act and is one of the
objectives of the Forest Plan.
The Forest Plan allocated many of the important subsistence use areas
to land use designations that do not allow timber harvest. Other areas
that are important to subsistence use were protected through standards
and guidelines, such as the 1,000-foot beach and estuary buffers and
the streamside Riparian Management Areas, which do not allow
timber harvest.
The Kuiu Timber Sale Area is about 42,102 acres. The acreages for
proposed harvest units range from 491 acres in Alternative 2 to 1,425
acres in Alternative 4. Given the framework and emphasis of each
alternative, the minimum amount of land was used to resolve resource
concerns while meeting the purpose and need for the project in a
practical and efficient manner. Resources are protected to the
maximum extent practicable and the project meets or exceeds Forest
Plan standards and guidelines.
3.3.26.3 Reasonable Steps to Minimize Adverse Impacts on
Subsistence Uses and Resources
The Forest Plan took considerable steps to minimize adverse impacts
to subsistence uses and resources. Forest Plan standards and guidelines
protect important deer winter habitat. Other reasonable steps taken to
minimize adverse impacts to subsistence resources include: (1) the
3-94 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Issue 2: Wildlife Habitat and Subsistence Use
3.3.27
Conclusions
and Findings
overall Forest Plan land use designation strategy, (2) the old-growth
habitat reserve strategy, (3) travel and access management planning,
(4) Forest Plan standards and guidelines for stream, beach and estuary
buffers, and (5) the use of silvicultural systems that maintain
components of overstory tree canopy.
Chapter 2 and Appendix B of this EIS describe mitigation measures
that would be implemented as part of each alternative. Most of the
mitigation measures are designed to maintain fish and wildlife habitat
productivity, while still harvesting timber to meet the purpose and
need of this project. Additionally, all action alternatives would reduce
the number of miles of open roads in the project area. No new
classified roads designed for long-term use are proposed and
temporary roads proposed for construction would be decommissioned
following logging.
One of the most significant protection measures is the use of timber
harvest methods other than even-aged management clearcutting. In
many units, the harvested timber would be dispersed throughout the
unit, leaving 50 percent of the pre-harvest basal area after harvest.
Such harvest would maintain overstory canopy that would reduce
impacts to deer winter habitat and old growth habitat. Small old-
growth habitat reserves have been designed to improve protection of
high-value deer winter habitat and connectivity between reserves.
The project reflects a reasonable balance between the projected need
for timber from the project area to help meet the Forest Plan,
ANILCA, and TTRA timber-related objectives, and the continued
protection of subsistence uses and resources. Impacts on subsistence
resources have been minimized through the design and location of the
individual harvest units, and through the formulation of the
alternatives. Reasonable measures to minimize impacts on subsistence
have been adopted to the maximum extent practicable while still
meeting the purpose and need for this project.
The potential foreseeable effects from the action alternatives in the
Kuiu Timber Sale Area are not expected to result in a significant
restriction of subsistence uses of Sitka black-tailed deer, black bear,
moose, furbearers, marine mammals, upland birds, waterfowl, salmon,
other finfish, shellfish, or other foods.
Based on the habitat modeling and subsistence deer harvest reported
by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, the Federal Subsistence
Program, and the Forest Plan, the current level of subsistence harvest
(1992-2005) can be achieved for any of the alternatives within the
project area.
The Forest Plan concluded that the potential cumulative effects of
implementation of the Plan could lead to a significant restriction to
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-95
Environment and Effects
subsistence use of deer some time in the future due to the potential
effects of projects on the abundance and distribution of these
resources, and on competition for these resources (Forest Plan Record
of Decision, p. 36). However, the analysis was based on an assumed
18 percent increase in community population growth for each of the
first two decades and a 1 5 percent increase for each of the next three
decades (Forest Plan FEIS Part 2, p. 3-528). Populations in Southeast
Alaska have actually declined an average of three percent between
1995 and 2003, with Petersburg showing a nine percent decline and
Kake showing a 2 percent decline (Matson 2004). Given the recent
population declines, it is likely that this restriction, if it occurs, would
occur somewhat later than predicted.
The possibility of this restriction is necessary, consistent with sound
management principles for the utilization of public lands, and will
involve the minimal amount of public lands necessary to accomplish
the purposes of this use. Reasonable steps have been taken to minimize
the adverse impacts upon subsistence users and resources.
A subsistence hearing will be held in Petersburg and Kake, Alaska
during the 45-day public comment period for the EIS. The results of
this hearing will be reported in the Final Environmental Impact
Statement for this project.
3-96 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
3.4 Issue 3 - Timber Sale Economics
1
s. eduction
This issue concerns the ability of Southeast Alaska’s timber purchasers
to make a profit and stay in business, and the implications for the
economic health of the communities in the region. Specifically, can the
forest products industry in Southeast Alaska remain viable if timber
harvest alternatives are not economically viable across fluctuating
market conditions? There is also concern about the decreasing amount
of timber available for sale from national forests and how an unstable
supply affects local employment and revenues. Timber purchasers and
affected communities are concerned about the quantity, quality,
frequency, and profitability of timber offered for sale from the
Tongass National Forest.
Some comments that were received during the scoping period offered
suggestions for improving overall timber harvest economics on the
Tongass National Forest. Suggestions included: 1) meet the Forest
Plan Allowable Sale Quantity to ensure adequate supply; 2) provide
economic sales that allow adequate profit for both small and medium-
sized businesses; 3) limit the use of helicopter yarding; 4) minimize
the use of partial harvest; and 5) minimize road construction.
The discussion of economics for the Kuiu Timber Sale Area is based
on financial efficiency economics, which uses the Forest Service
timber appraisal system to compare the relative value of the
alternatives. Since the possibility exists for all action alternatives to
offer timber in more than one sale over a period of several years,
during which timber values are likely to fluctuate, this comparison can
only be used for relative values rather than for exact monetary values.
The financial efficiency analysis of the alternatives on which the Kuiu
Timber Sale Economic Analysis is based considers the following
factors:
• volume offered,
• logging costs,
• stumpage values (predicted bid per unit of measure),
• present net value (direct income), and
• timber industry jobs (direct jobs).
Timber markets and values tend to fluctuate dramatically. In the past,
timber sales on the Petersburg Ranger District have had multiple
bidders and have been bid up above advertised rates. Some of these
sales are no longer economical to operate under current market
conditions. Economic factors including future market conditions
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-97
Environment and Effects
3.4.2 financial
Efficiency
Economics
(which are unknown) would be given careful consideration in the
design and scheduling of individual sale offerings from the selected
alternative.
Financial efficiency is a comparison of those costs and benefits that
can be quantified in terms of actual dollars spent or received within the
project area. When considering quantitative issues, financial efficiency
analysis offers a consistent measure in dollars for comparison of
alternatives. A discussion of non-market benefits, values, and costs can
be found in the Socioeconomics section of this chapter. Although
individual timber harvest units may or may not be economical to
harvest by themselves, the management of less productive land, or
land containing a high percentage of defective timber, helps to
increase future timber yields. The harvest of units with higher returns
helps compensate for those units that are less economical.
3.4.2.1 Volume Estimates
Volume calculations for this economic analysis are based on
information from stand exams. Volumes for the alternatives are
displayed in hundred cubic feet (ccf) and in thousand board feet (mbf)
in Table 3-31. The conversion ratio between board feet and cubic feet
depends on the amount of taper in a log. Taper is the difference
between the smallest and largest diameter of the log. On the Tongass
National Forest, the board foot to cubic foot ratio varies between about
four and six board feet per cubic foot.
Table 3-31. Estimated volumes proposed for harvest by alternative
Alternative
Alt 1
Alt 2
Alt 3
Alt 4
Alt 5
Total Volume
(mbf)
0
14,572
23,586
42,649
36,291
Total Volume
(ccf)
0
29,738
48,134
87,039
74,063
The sum of unit volumes by species is also factored into the economic
analysis. Table 3-62 in the Timber and Vegetation section of this
chapter displays the species composition in proposed harvest units for
each action alternative.
3.4.2.2 Road Construction Costs/Logging Costs
The Transaction Evidence Appraisal (TEA) process calculates net
stumpage values from previous timber sales that were sold during an
identified base period. The predicted stumpage value for any given
sale is based on the average of these previously sold sales, with
3-98 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Issue 3: Timber Sale Economics
adjustments for sale specific data. Logging costs (stump-to-truck
costs) vary by quality and quantity of timber per acre. Logging costs
include timber falling, bucking, yarding, sorting, and loading. Haul
costs have been calculated for both Rowan and Saginaw Bays (Table
3-32 and Table 3-34). Towing/barging cost is figured to the nearest
production site for all materials, sawlogs, and utility wood. All
alternatives were appraised assuming towing/barging to the same
production site, Sawmill Cove Wrangell, Alaska. Road costs include
the construction of temporary roads and the reconstruction and
maintenance of classified roads. The difference in net stumpage values
between the action alternatives (Table 3-32 and Table 3-34 can be
attributed to multiple factors including:
• differences in volume harvested and species composition (see the
Timber and Vegetation section of this chapter), timber quality, and
harvest prescriptions (Table 3-36),
• differences in the logging systems, such as helicopter yarding
(Table 3-37), and
• the type and amount of road construction (see the Transportation
Section of this chapter).
3.4.2. 3 NEPA Economic Analysis Tool
NEPA Economic Analysis Tool (NEAT) was used to analyze the
alternatives based on the Transaction Evidence Appraisal (TEA)
method. The analysis compares estimated costs (Table 3-32 and Table
3-34 and predicts a bid value for each action alternative (Table 3-33
and Table 3-35). NEAT calculates the predicted bid value of the
proposed timber harvest alternatives by making adjustments to the
regional base period price. Base period price is the weighted average
of bid values, logging costs, and timber quality from a minimum of ten
of the most recent sales sold on the Tongass National Forest. The
predicted bid value for each of the Kuiu Timber Sale Area alternatives
is calculated by adjusting the regional base period price to account for
the specific logging characteristics and timber quality of the
alternative.
The difference in expected bid among the action alternatives can be
attributed to multiple factors, including:
• differences in species composition, volume per acre harvested, and
timber quality,
• differences in harvest prescriptions,
• percentages of cable, shovel, and helicopter yarding systems,
• amount of temporary road construction,
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-99
Environment and Effects
• differences in haul distances, and
• unique costs associated with the alternative.
The “Alternative Expected Bid” for each of the 12 Appraisal Quarters
between June 2001 and March 2004 is displayed in Chart 3-1 . The
value for the March 2004 quarter is used to compare alternatives in
this analysis. Display of expected bids for 12 appraisal quarters is used
to illustrate market fluctuations and trends. By looking at predicted bid
values of the alternatives over a period of time, the economics of a
given alternative can be estimated for a range of market conditions.
Chart 3-1. NEAT expected bid rate by appraisal quarter
♦ Base Rates
— • Alt 2R
Alt 3R
— * Alt 4R
— * — Alt 5R
- - Alt 2S
. _ Alt 3S
Alt 4S
Alt 5S
Aug-01 Oct-01 Dec-01 Feb-02 Apr-02 Jun-02Aug-02 Oct-02 Dec-02
$50.00
$40.00
$30.00
$20.00
$10.00
$-
Jun
$(10.00)
$(20.00)
$(30.00)
-01
Alt 2R - Alt 4R = Haul to Rowan Bay LTF
Alt 2S - Alt 4S = Haul to Saginaw Bay LTF
3-100 * Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Issue 3: Timber Sale Economics
Table 3 - 32. NEAT logging costs by alternative for haul to Rowan Bay LTF
Cost Item
Alternatives
Alt 1
Alt 2
Alt 3
Alt 4
Alt 5
Stump-to-truck
$ per
ccf
N/A
$67.61
$66.93
$60.18
$52.96
$ per
mbf
N/A
$137.98
$136.59
$122.82
$108.08
Haul, barge, tow
$ per
ccf
N/A
$26.12
$26.12
$26.12
$26.12
$ per
mbf
N/A
$53.31
$53.31
$53.31
$53.31
Road
Maintenance
$ per
ccf
N/A
$3.90
$4.09
$3.59
$3.78
$ per
mbf
N/A
$7.95
$8.35
$7.33
$7.71
Unusual
Adjustments3
$ per
ccf
N/A
$3.87
$3.71
$4.07
$4.84
$ per
mbf
N/A
$7.91
$7.57
$8.31
$9.88
Road Costs
$ per
ccf
N/A
$10.70
$15.29
$13.58
$15.95
$ per
mbf
N/A
$21.85
$31.20
$27.71
$32.55
Total
$ per
ccf
N/A
$112.21
$116.14
$107.54
$103.65
$ per
mbf
N/A
$229.00
$237.02
$219.47
$211.53
Unusual adjustments are estimates for surface replacement deposits, camp days, and camp setup costs.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-101
Environment and Effects
Table 3 - 33. Appraised Value to Rowan Bay LTF
Alternative
1
2
3
4
5
High Market
$/mbf
N/A
$33.03
$28.78
$38.19
$40.95
Low Market
$/mbf
N/A
($14.52)
($18.83)
($9.44)
($6.66)
Expected Bid ($/mbf)
N/A
$13.03
$8.51
$18.04
$20.59
Table 3 - 34. NEAT logging costs by alternative for haul to Saginaw Bay LTF
Cost Item
Alternatives
Alt 1
Alt 2
Alt 3
Alt 4
Alt 5
Stump-to-truck
$ per
ccf
N/A
$67.61
$66.93
$60.18
$52.96
$ per
mbf
N/A
$137.98
$136.59
$122.92
$108.08
Haul, barge, tow
$ per
ccf
N/A
$24.51
$24.51
$24.51
$24.51
$ per
mbf
N/A
$50.02
$50.02
$50.02
$50.02
Road
Maintenance
$ per
ccf
N/A
$2.32
$2.40
$2.53
$2.50
$ per
mbf
N/A
$4.73
$4.90
$5.16
$5.10
Unusual
Adjustments3
$ per
ccf
N/A
$12.29
$8.96
$6.99
$8.27
$ per
mbf
N/A
$25.08
$18.29
$14.27
$16.88
Road Costs
$ per
ccf
N/A
$15.33
$18.15
$15.16
$17.81
$ per
mbf
N/A
$31.29
$37.04
$30.93
$36.35
Total
$ per
ccf
N/A
$122.06
$120.95
$109.37
$106.05
$ per
mbf
N/A
$249.10
$246.84
$223.20
$216.43
a Unusual adjustments are estimates for surface replacement deposits, camp days, and camp setup costs
and include costs associated with reconstaiction of Saginaw Bay LTF and sort yard.
3-102 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Issue 3: Timber Sale Economics
Table 3 - 35. Appraised Value to Saginaw Bay LTF
Alternative
1
2
3
4
5
High Market
$/mbf
N/A
$23.18
$23.97
$36.36
$38.55
Low Market
$/mbf
N/A
($24.37)
($23.64)
($11.28)
($9.07)
Expected Bid (mbf)
N/A
$3.18
$3.71
$16.21
$18.19
3.4.2.4 ASQ and Non-lnterchangeable Components (NIC)
The allowable sale quantity (ASQ) is the amount of timber that can be
sold from lands suitable for timber production by decade for a
National Forest. It is divided into two non-interchangeable
components (NIC I and NIC II) based on economic factors. Timber
harvest is easier and more economical on NIC I lands than it is on NIC
II lands. Refer to Appendix A for more information about the ASQ.
For the Kuiu Timber Sale Area, all of the proposed timber harvest
units are on NIC I lands (see the Transportation section in this
chapter).
3.4.2. 5 Harvest Prescriptions
In general, the more volume per acre removed from a stand, the lower
the per-unit logging cost. Table 3-36 displays the harvest prescription
acres by alternative.
Table 3 - 36. Acres of harvest
prescriptions by alternative
Harvest System
Alternative
Alt 1
Alt 2
Alt 3
Alt 4
Alt 5
Even-aged management
(clearcut)
0
197
409
1,026
1,231
Two-aged management
(clearcut with reserves)
0
188
294
142
0
Uneven-aged management
(single tree selection)
0
87
72
215
0
Uneven-aged management
(group selection)
0
19
19
42
0
Total
0
491
794
1,425
1,231
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-103
Environment and Effects
Logging Systems
Three different logging systems are nroposed in the Kuiu Timber Sale
Area. Total acres by yarding system are shown in Table 3-37.
Proposed yarding methods for individual units are noted on the unit
cards (Appendix B).
Table 3 - 37. Acres of proposed timber harvest by logging system
Harvest System
Alternative
Alt 1
Alt 2
Alt 3
Alt 4
Alt 5
Cable
0
40E
759
1,108
1,082 |
Shovel
0
83
35
147
149
Helicopter
0
0
0
170
0
Total
0
491
794
1,425
1,231
Cable yarding
Cable yarding systems are best suited for steep slopes and wet soils.
Cable systems minimize soil disturbance by partially or fully
suspending the logs over the ground. Harvest prescriptions are more
limited with cable systems compared to the other systems because a
clear path is needed to convey the logs to the landing.
Cable yarding is most efficient with clearcut systems. Partial harvest is
possible, but the tower for the cable system needs to be moved more
often, which increases costs. Downhill yarding needs to be in
corridors, since there is less control of the logs as they approach the
landings. Uphill yarding gives more flexibility, especially if a lateral
carriage is used to bring the logs from the sides to the middle of the
corridor. Extra care is needed to protect the remaining trees in a partial
harvest. The average cost of cable yarding used in this analysis is
$96.22/mbf.
Among the action alternatives, Alternative 4 proposes the most cable
logging, followed in descending order by Alternative 5, Alternative 3,
and Alternative 2.
Shovel yarding
Track mounted log loaders (shovels) have been used throughout the
Tongass National Forest where the slope is generally less than 20
percent. Placing slash underneath the tracks as the loader moves
through the unit provides a mat to displace the weight of the
equipment over a larger surface area, which minimizes the possibility
3-104 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Issue 3: Timber Sale Economics
of soil compaction. Shovel yarding is limited to roadsides. The average
yarding distance on each side of the road has been 300 feet. Recently,
however, distances of up to 900 feet have been shovel yarded. In many
units, shovel yarding is used for the timber near the road and the rest
of the unit is cable logged. Shovel logging does provide flexibility in
the selection of trees to be harvested. Shovel yarding is the least costly
yarding method used in this analysis. The average cost of shovel
yarding used in this analysis is $85.83/mbf.
Among the action alternatives. Alternative 5 proposes the most shovel
logging, followed in descending order by Alternative 4, Alternative 2,
and Alternative 3.
Helicopter yarding
Helicopter yarding is one of the more costly logging systems due to
the high operating and helicopter maintenance costs. The average cost
of helicopter yarding used in this analysis is $337/mbf. However,
helicopter yarding does provide land managers with options not
available with other land-based yarding systems and can result in less
ground disturbance than traditional ground-based systems. Advantages
of helicopter logging are:
• minimized unit ground disturbance,
• ability to implement more complex silvicultural prescriptions, and
• reduced need for classified and/or temporary road building.
Unit ground disturbance is minimized since logs are lifted to the
landing rather than dragged along the ground as with cable systems.
Other advantages include the ability to implement more complex
silvicultural prescriptions such as patch cuts and individual tree
selection, which may not be feasible with cable and shovel systems.
Helicopter yarding is most sensitive to the variables that influence the
economic viability of logging systems. Alternative design plays an
important role in the overall economics of those alternatives
containing helicopter yarding. Three factors that directly impact
yarding costs are turn-time, payload, and the type of helicopter used.
Helicopter units located closest to existing roads and harvest
prescriptions that allow for maximum payloads provide better
economics.
Alternative 4 is the only alternative that proposes helicopter yarding.
3.4.2.6 Small Sales
Maintaining a consistent small sales offering is a component of the
Petersburg Ranger District timber sale program. Due to the distance of
the Kuiu Timber Sale Area from processors, it is unlikely individual
units would be offered for sale.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-105
Environment and Effects
Small Business Administration Program
The Forest Service and the Small Business Administration review
market demand and su dy and agree on an annual amount of volume
to be offered to small businesses from the Tongass National Forest.
Once an alternative has been selected in the Record of Decision, the
number and size of the individual sales to be offered (if any) will be
determined as part of the update to the Tongass National Forest five-
year sale schedule. Currently, the proposed volume from the Kuiu
Timber Sale Area would be offered in a single sale and as an
opportunity for small businesses. All of the mills in Southeast Alaska
currently qualify as small businesses.
3.4.2.7 Employment
Any of the proposed action alternatives could generate or maintain
employment and income in Southeast Alaska as a result of timber
harvest, if timber is offered and sold (Table 3-38). Employment would
be both directly and indirectly related to timber harvest activities.
Indirect employment refers to businesses supporting the wood
products industry. Direct jobs are logging, construction, marine
transport, and processing. Flistorically, Alaska yellow cedar has been
exported and it is likely this pattern will not change in the near future.
NEAT analysis predicts direct employment and is adjusted to account
for expected Alaska yellow cedar export.
Predictably, the higher the volume of timber available and sold, the
more jobs and income that would result. The Forest Plan FEIS, which
bases its employment figures on the Tongass- wide timber base, has
indicated the estimated number of available jobs expected for the
planning period.
3-106 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Issue 3: Timber Sale Economics
Table 3 - 38. Direct employment calculation adjusted for Alaska yellow cedar export
Alt 2
Alt 3
Alt 4
Alt 5
A.
Direct employment from NEAT
79
127
230
196
B.
Alt volume (CCF)
29.738
48,134
87,039
74,063
C.
Logging employment
29
47
85
72
D.
AYC volume (CCF)
416
733
1,216
1,176
E.
AYC job reduction for export
1
1
2
2
F.
Total adjusted direct
employment
78
126
228
194
G.
Direct income (million $)
3.50
5.66
10.23
8.71
A=Direct Jobs using the estimated volume for each alternative and the direct job coefficient used in
the NEAT Analysis.
B=The total alternative volume.
ODirect Jobs for the logging and related component of Total Direct Employment.
D=Estimated Alaska Yellow Cedar export volume.
E=Estimated sawmill jobs not realized due to Alaska Yellow Cedar export.
F=Direct Employment from NEAT - AYC Job Reduction for Export.
3.4.2.8 Payments to the State of Alaska
The “Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of
2000“ replaced the Twenty-five Percent Act of 1908, as amended.
These Acts provide for part of the timber sale receipts for National
Forest timber to be returned to the states to be used for public schools
and roads. The states then distribute the receipts to organized boroughs
and municipalities based on miles of road and school enrollment.
Communities within the Unorganized Borough, which includes
Petersburg, will receive payments based on the state's three highest
payments between the years 1986 and 1999. This payment is currently
authorized through fiscal year 2006.
3.4.3 3.4.3. 1 Public Investment Analysis
Administrative Public investment analysis of each alternative compares the value of
Project Costs the timber with the cost of preparing the timber sale. The average
Region 1 0 budget allocation costs and management expenses are
subtracted from net stumpage revenues to determine net value. The
costs and management expenses include environmental analysis, sale
preparation, sale administration, and engineering support. Forest
Service cost per thousand board feet (mbf) is based on the Region 10
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-107
Environment and Effects
3.4.4
Economic
Analysis
average budget allocation of S41/mbf for analysis, $23/mbf for sale
preparation, $9/mbf for sale administration, and $28/mbf for
engineering support.
3.4.3.2 Environmental Analysis
Environmental analysis costs include field inventory and the analysis
of data, public involvement, and the preparation of a document that
satisfies the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act.
The timeframe is about two years and involves many resource
specialists. Although it is based on timber volume, the cost fluctuates
more with the amount of area to be examined and the accessibility of
that area. The Kuiu Timber Sale Area is accessible by helicopter,
floatplane or boat, and is located on Kuiu Island on the Petersburg
Ranger District. The environmental analysis cost is constant and
applies to all alternatives, including the No-Action alternative.
3.4.3. 3 Sale Administration
Sale administration costs are higher when helicopter logging is
involved because of the increased cost of accessing the timber harvest
for administration. Scattered and smaller harvest areas are more costly
to visit. Because of the higher sale administration costs for helicopter
yarding. Alternative 4 would have higher costs than the other action
alternatives. Alternative 5 would be the next most costly.
3.4.3.4 Sale Preparation
Unit layout and cruising costs increase significantly when partial
harvest is prescribed compared to clearcutting. The Alternatives^
clearcutting Research Study on Kupreanof Island required about eight
times more person-days to prepare a unit that involved marking
individual trees throughout the unit compared to a clearcut unit.
Designation of two-acre patches took about four times longer than a
clearcut. Accessibility to the units is another major cost factor.
Helicopter access and steeper terrain increase sale preparation costs
compared to areas with existing road access.
Economic efficiency analysis or cost/benefit analysis is best done at a
scale much larger than a project area. A regional scale economic
analysis is presented in the Forest Plan FEIS Part 2, which balances
resource uses and values for the Tongass National Forest. The
economic analysis compares the costs and benefits of all resources,
whether or not these costs and benefits are realized as an explicit
market price. This analysis considers a variety of positive and negative
resource-related external factors, passive use, non-consumptive use,
and opportunity costs at various scales.
An economic efficiency analysis includes benefits and costs that are
not easily valued through the market or exchange of money and can be
difficult to quantify or summarize. Often, the same impact may be
3-108 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
3.4.5
Effects by
Alternative
Issue 3: Timber Sale Economics
considered a cost to some and a benefit to others depending on
individual values. The analysis in this document tiers to the analysis
done in the Forest Plan for non-commodity resources. Direct effects of
the Kuiu project for economic sectors are displayed in the previous
tables to the extent that they are known.
Alternative 1, No-Action, would maintain the current level of
opportunities other than timber harvest for resource use. Those people
interested in maintaining unroaded areas, primitive recreation
opportunities, current levels of roaded access, and scenery would have
the same condition in the near future as they have now. Those
interested in using or expanding roaded recreation and access, or
increasing wood product resource uses, would also have the same
opportunities in the near future as they do now.
All action alternatives would cause changes to the existing economic
conditions. These changes are described as increases or decreases in
opportunities, benefits, or costs. In general, alternatives with lower
harvest levels tend to have less impact on other resources when
compared to those with higher levels. Many of the “costs” are short-
term, lasting only as long as the timber sale is active. Wood products
employment associated with the sales, noise, LTF activity, and
increased traffic are examples of short-term impacts. Other costs have
more long-term effects. Road development, visual changes to harvest
units, increased access, and scenery changes are impacts that would
remain after timber harvest.
3.4.5.1 Effects common to all action alternatives
The timber from all alternatives was appraised assuming it would be
barged to Wrangell from either Rowan Bay or Saginaw Bay LTF.
NEAT analysis showed positive values for all alternatives in 1 1 of the
12 quarters used in the analysis.
3.4.5.2 Alternative 1
No timber would be harvested. In order to meet the estimated demand
for timber, more timber may need to be harvested elsewhere on the
Tongass National Forest. This alternative would provide no
opportunities for local wood products employment, and no return to
the U.S. Treasury. There would be no small sales offered for local
operators. There would be no effect on commercial recreation use,
commercial fisheries, or the current level of opportunities, other than
timber harvest, for resource use.
3.4.5.3 Alternative 2
This alternative proposes to harvest 14,572 mbf using shovel and cable
yarding systems. This alternative represents the lowest volume of the
four action alternatives.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-109
Environment and Effects
3.4.6
Cumulative
Effects
Estimated logging costs to Rowan Bay LTF would be $229.00/mbf
and $249.10/mbf to Saginaw Bay. The predicted bid is $13.03/mbf for
Rowan Bay LTF and $3.18/mbf for Saginaw Bay LTF. About 78
direct jobs and $3.5 million in direct income would be created.
3.4.5.4 Alternative 3
This alternative proposes to harvest 23,586 mbf using shovel and cable
yarding systems. This alternative represents the lowest predicted bid
value when hauled to Rowan Bay and is therefore the least economic
alternative of the four action alternatives.
Estimated logging costs to Rowan Bay LTF would be $237.02/mbf
and $246. 84/mb f to Saginaw Bay. The estimated bid is similar to
Alternative 2 when haul is to Saginaw Bay LTF. The predicted bid is
$8.51/mbf for Rowan Bay LTF and $3.71 /mbf to Saginaw Bay LTF.
About 126 direct jobs and $5.66 million in direct income would be
created.
3.4.5. 5 Alternative 4
This alternative proposes to harvest 42,649 mbf using shovel, cable,
and helicopter yarding systems. This alternative is the only alternative
requiring the use of helicopter yarding systems, and has the highest
volume of the alternatives.
Estimated logging costs to Rowan Bay LTF would be $219.47/mbf
and $223.20/mbf to Saginaw Bay. The predicted bid is $18.04/mbf for
Rowan Bay LTF and $16.21/mbf for Saginaw Bay LTF. About 228
direct jobs and $10.23 million in direct income would be created.
3.4.5.6 Alternative 5
This alternative proposes to harvest 36,291 mbf using shovel, and
cable yarding systems. This alternative represents the only alternative
that proposes clearcut prescription for all units and is therefore the
most economical alternative.
Estimated logging costs to Rowan Bay LTF would be $21 1 .53/mbf
and $216.43/mbf to Saginaw Bay. The predicted bid is $20.59/mbf for
Rowan Bay LTF and $18.19/mbf for Saginaw Bay LTF. About 194
direct jobs and $8.71 million in direct income would be created.
3.4.6. 1 Alternative 1
No timber would be harvested from the project area. Timber needed to
meet estimated demand would have to be harvested from other areas
on the Tongass National Forest.
3.4.6.2 Alternatives 2, 3, 4, and 5
These alternatives wou 1 help contribute to a stable timber industry in
Southeast Alaska, which depends on a steady flow of economic timber
sales in order for operators to make investments in machinery and
3-110* Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Issue 3: Timber Sale Economics
employ qualified workers. All the action alternatives would contribute
to supplying economically viable timber sales to meet market demand.
Volume from the Kuiu Timber Sale Area, in combination with other
timber sales offered on the Tongass National Forest, would contribute
to a stable long-term timber supply.
Other timber sale projects near the project area include volume
approved in the Crane and Rowan Mountain Timber Sale FEIS (July
1998) of approximately 16.5 million board feet from 816 acres in 20
units, with approximately five miles of road construction, and harvest
of units originally from the Alaska Pulp Corporation Long-Term
Timber Sale Contract (North and East Kuiu FEIS, January 1993).
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3*3-111
Environment and Effects
3.5.1
Introduction
3-112* Chapter 3
3.5 Issue 4 - Cumulative Effects of
Logging and Road Construction on
Watersheds
This document describes the watersheds affected by the proposed Kuiu
Timber Sale, and provides an analysis of the effects of the proposed
activities on watershed resources. A detailed description of the
watersheds affected by this project can be found in Appendix C.
Kuiu Island is subject to the State of Alaska Water Quality Standards
(18 AAC 70), which are set according to protected water use classes
and subclasses. Protected water use classes for freshwater include 1)
water supply, 2) water recreation, and 3) growth and propagation of
fish, shellfish, other aquatic life, and wildlife. The fresh waters of Kuiu
Island are used primarily for water recreation and growth and
propagation of fish, shellfish, other aquatic life, and wildlife. There is
also some use of water for water supply at the Forest Service camp at
Rowan Bay.
The Tongass Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan)
guides the management of soil and water resources on the Tongass
National Forest. Appendix J of the Forest Plan describes the need for
watershed analysis, defines the core topics of the watershed analysis,
and guides the scale and intensity of the analysis. The scale, intensity,
and complexity of the watershed analysis is to be commensurate with
the level of cumulative risk. More intensive, complex, and field-based
watershed analysis is conducted in watersheds with:
• high value fish habitat,
• high sediment yield risks or erosion potential,
• extensive very high and high hazard soils,
• presence of threatened, endangered, or sensitive species,
• more than 20 percent of the watershed acres with trees in second
growth younger than 30 years, or
• a high density of roads and stream crossings.
The Kuiu Timber Sale proposes timber harvest and road building in
some of the most extensively managed watersheds on the Petersburg
Ranger District. All of the major watersheds within the project area
have streams with high value fish habitat. Three of the watersheds
within the project area have near 20 percent or greater cumulative
harvest levels over the last 30 years, and there is a high potential for
changes in stream channel condition if sediment loads increase. Public
comment generated from scoping for the Kuiu Timber Sale indicated
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Issue 4: Cumulative Effects on Watersheds
that some people were concerned about the possibility of negative
cumulative watershed effects resulting from the proposed project. To
address the issue of cumulative watershed effects, and to follow the
intent of the Forest Plan, a detailed watershed analysis was completed
for the watersheds affected by proposed activities (Appendix C).
In this document, a basic watershed analysis is presented for all
watersheds that could be affected by proposed activities. The basic
watershed analysis includes a Sediment Risk Assessment, the details
of which are described below. For watersheds that have had greater
than 20 percent cumulative harvest within the last 30 years, a more
detailed watershed analyses is presented. For these watersheds, the
analysis incorporates the results of detailed, field-based assessments of
stream channel condition. The criteria for these assessments are
described below.
3. 5. 1.1 Sediment Risk Assessment
The Sediment Risk Assessment presented in this document originally
appeared in the Kuiu Island Landscape Assessment (USDA FS 2005).
This tool integrates stream, soil and watershed characteristics to
facilitate a comparison of the relative potential for sediment-related
changes in stream channels to occur among a group of watersheds.
Because the assessment tool is designed to compare the relative
sediment risk among groups of watersheds, it is most appropriately
used at large scales where there are many watersheds with varying
morphology.
The basic assumptions of the Sediment Risk Assessment are:
• The potential for sediment delivery to streams (transport potential)
in a watershed increases with increases in the density of steep
slopes, unstable soils, harvest areas, and roads.
• The higher the density of low-gradient, sediment-storing stream
channels in a watershed (storage potential), the greater the chance
that sediment inputs to streams will cause changes such as channel
widening or pool filling.
This analysis results in the sediment risk index (SRI), which ranges
from very low to very high (Table 3-39). The SRI is highest where
there are combinations of high transport potential in headwaters areas
of watersheds and high storage potential in the lower portions of
watersheds.
The Sediment Risk Assessment (SRA) was run twice for the Kuiu
Island Landscape Assessment, and a third time for this proposed
timber sale. The first run did not account for timber harvest and road
building. This provides an assessment of the inherent risk of sediment
effects to streams based solely on the natural characteristics of the
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-113
Environment and Effects
watershed and the stream network. The second run of the SRA
accounted for all roads and landings, regardless of their age, and all
timber harvest occurring within the past 20 years. Except for roads and
landings, timber harvest occurring more than 20 years ago was not
accounted for because harvested slopes are expected to recover rooting
strength in the soil and stabilize after a 20 year period (Brardinoni et
al. 2002). The second run of the SRA was used to describe the current
condition of the watersheds analyzed. The third run accounts for
proposed harvest and road building associated with each alternative.
Results of the third run are presented below under each alternative.
The Sediment Risk Analysis highlights the variations in watersheds on
Kuiu Island with regard to watershed morphology, stream channel
morphology, topography, and soil characteristics. These variations
demonstrate why landslides and sediment related changes to stream
channels — such as pool filling or channel widening — are more likely
in some watersheds than others on Kuiu Island (Table 3-40). This is
consistent with findings from research on landslide frequency
(Swanston and Marion 1991), and stream channel response to
sediment inputs (Montgomery and Buffington 1998).
The current SRI is either high or very high in five out of seven of the
major watersheds in the project area (Table 3-40). Increases in the SRI
above inherent levels reflect that timber harvest has temporarily
increased the risk of landslides on harvested slopes, thereby potentially
increasing sediment delivery to streams. This statement is consistent
with research on forestry and landslide frequency in Southeast Alaska
(Swanston and Marion 1991). For sediment-related changes to stream
channels to occur, there must be an increase in sediment delivery to
streams. Thus, minimizing the risk of sediment inputs to streams from
landslides and roads provides a strategy for avoiding undesirable
channel changes.
Table 3 - 39. Interpretation of the Sediment Risk Index (SRI)
SRI Percentile
SRI Ranking
Greater than 90th
Very High
Between 75th and 90th
High
Between 50th and 75th
Moderate
Between 25th and 50th
Low
Less than 25th
Very low
3-1 14 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Issue 4: Cumulative Effects on Watersheds
Table 3 - 40. Results from the Watershed Analysis for the Kuiu Island
Landscape Assessment indicating the risk of sediment-related changes
to stream channels when compared amongst 163 watersheds on Kuiu
Island
Watershed
Inherent sediment risk
index (SRI)
SRI after accounting for
recent timber harvest
Saginaw Creek
Moderate
High
Security Creek
Moderate
High
WS #109-45-10090
Very low
Moderate
Dean Creek
Low
Moderate
Kadake Creek
High
Very high
Rowan Creek
Very high
Very high i
WS #109-44-10370
Very high
Very high
3. 5.1. 2 Tongass Fish Habitat Objectives
The Forest Plan calls for using baseline fish habitat objectives, as
described in the Anadromous Fish Habitat Assessment (USDA FS
1995), for evaluating the condition of aquatic habitat in stream
channels. The Tongass maintains an inventory of stream channel
measurements obtained in streams draining unharvested basins. This
inventory allows percentile ranges to be defined for a set of physical
habitat characteristics that are considered important to fish
populations. This provides criteria for evaluating the physical habitat
characteristics of streams draining harvested basins (Table 3-41). The
criteria used for assessing the condition of physical habitat
characteristics in this analysis include:
• pools per kilometer,
• percent of stream channel area in pools,
• pieces of large wood per kilometer of stream channel, and
• stream width-to-depth ratio.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-115
Environment and Effects
Table 3 - 41 . Interpretation of percentile ranking for stream channel
characteristics
Parameter
Percentile ranking and interpretation
25th 50th ■'5th
Pools per reach,
percent pool area,
LWD per 1000m2
Poor
Fair
Good
Excellent
Width to depth
ratio
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
3.5.2 Existing This analysis considers seven major watersheds on Kuiu Island
Condition (Table 3-42). Watersheds that do not have names on USGS quad maps
are numbered according to the system used by ADF&G in the Catalog
of Waters Important for Anadromous Fishes (Johnson et al. 2004). The
watershed boundaries correspond to the 6th level Hydrologic Unit
Code (HUC), and all are true watersheds; meaning that each watershed
is well defined by topographic boundaries and all surface water within
the watershed drains to a single stream or river.
Table 3 - 42. Watersheds within the Kuiu Timber Sale Area, cumulative harvest since 1975,
and miles of roads
Watershed
ADF&G
Number
ws
Acres
Harvest (ac)
since 1975
Existing
road (mi)
Existing
Road3 (ac)
Cumulative
harvest since 1975
(%)
Security Creek
109-45-10100
5,931
1,349
16.1
68.3
24
Saginaw Creek
109-44-10390
8,302
591
20.4
86.5
8
Unnamed
109-45-10090
2,140
374
11.6
49.2
20
Dean Creek
109-50-10070
4,690
1,399
16.3
69.2
31
Kadake Creek
109-42-10300
32,270
5,380
78.4
332.6
18
Rowan Creek
109-52-10060
13,234
1,304
23.5
99.6
11
Unnamed
109-44-10370
4,992
382
7.0
29.5
8
3 Assumes that existing roads have an average clearing width of 35 feet. Actual clearing widths vary
from zero on closed roads that have trees growing on them to 70 feet on classified roads.
3-116* Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Issue 4: Cumulative Effects on Watersheds
3. 5.2.2 Saginaw Creek Watershed
The Saginaw Creek Watershed lies almost entirely within a Timber
Management LUD and has a harvest history dating to 1 968. Twenty-
seven percent of this watershed has been harvested, but only eight
percent of the watershed has been harvested within the last thirty years
(as of 2005). Early harvest was concentrated in valley bottoms and toe
slopes. Harvest in riparian areas totaled 450 acres (Table 3-68). More
recent harvest has occurred on mid-slopes and ridge tops (Figure 3-8).
There are a total of 20.4 miles of roads in the Saginaw Creek
Watershed. Road building in the Saginaw Creek Watershed dates back
to the 1960s. Maintenance needs are increasing as the road system and
drainage structures age.
Sediment Risk Assessment and Stream Channel
Characteristics
The Sediment Risk Assessment for Kuiu Island identified the Saginaw
Creek Watershed as having a moderate inherent risk for sediment
related changes in stream channel characteristics, compared to other
Kuiu watersheds. The risk rating increases to high after accounting for
timber harvest and road building. The high SRI indicates that low
gradient stream reaches in Saginaw Creek may be susceptible to
channel changes such as widening, braiding, or pool filling if sediment
supply increases.
The East Fork of Saginaw Creek is in fair condition both for the
number of pools and the percentage of channel area in pools; in good
condition concerning the width-to-depth ratio; and in excellent
condition for wood loading (Table 3-43). The West Fork of Saginaw
Creek is in good condition for number of pools; in fair condition for
pool area; in excellent condition for wood loading; and in good
condition considering the width-to-depth ratio (Table 3-44).
Table 3 - 43. Stream channel condition: East Fork Saginaw Creek
Channel characteristic
Value
Percentile ranking
Condition
Number of pools / kilometer
37.1
Between 25lh and 50th
Fair
% channel area in pools
37.9
Between 25th and 50th
Fair
Pieces of wood per 1000 m2
56.3
Greater than 75th
Excellent
Width-to-depth ratio
20.0
Between 25th and 50th
Good
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-117
Environment and Effects
Table 3 - 44. Stream channel condition: West Fork Saginaw Creek
Channel characteristic
Value
Percentile rankmg
Condition
Number of pools / kilometer
48.9
Between 50th and 75th
Good
% channel area in pools
31.8
Between 25th and 50th
Fair
Pieces of wood per 1000 m2
54.7
Greater than 75th
Excellent
Width-to-depth ratio
20.0
Between 25th and 50th
Good :
3. 5.2. 3 Security Creek Watershed
The Security Creek Watershed lies almost entirely within the Timber
Management LUD, and has a harvest history dating to 1 974
(Figure 3-8). Twenty six percent (1,546 acres) of this watershed has
been harvested (after accounting for road clearings), but only 24
percent has been harvested within the last 30 years. Harvest in riparian
areas total 77 acres, or 1.3 percent of the watershed area (Table 3-68).
There are a total of 16.1 miles of cataloged roads in the Security Creek
Watershed (Table 3-42). Road building in the Security Creek
Watershed dates back to the 1960s.
Sediment Risk Assessment and Stream Channel
Characteristics
The sediment risk assessment for Kuiu Island identified the Security
Creek Watershed as having a moderate inherent risk for sediment
related changes in stream channel characteristics, compared to other
Kuiu watersheds. After accounting for harvest and road building, the
risk rating for sediment-related changes in stream channel
characteristics is high. The high SRI indicates that low gradient stream
reaches in Security Creek may be susceptible to channel changes such
as widening, braiding, or pool filling if sediment supply increases.
Security Creek is in poor condition for the number of pools; in fair
condition for the percentage of channel area in pools; and in excellent
condition concerning the width-to-depth ratio (Table 3-45). Data for
wood loading in Security Creek are not available.
3-118* Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Issue 4: Cumulative Effects on Watersheds
Table 3 - 45. Stream channel condition: Security Creek
Channel characteristic
Value
Percentile ranking
Condition j
Number of pools / kilometer
7.1
Less than 25th
Poor
% channel area in pools
39.0
Between 25th and 50th
Fair
Pieces of wood per 1000 m2
No data
No data
No data
Width-to-depth ratio
27.5
Less than 25th
Excellent
3. 5. 2.4 Watershed (WS) #109-45-10090
This watershed lies entirely within the Timber Management LUD and
has a harvest history dating to 1972 (Figure 3-8). Fifty-nine percent
(1266 acres) of this watershed has been harvested (after accounting for
road clearings), but only 20 percent of the watershed has been
harvested within the last 30 years. Harvest in riparian areas total 85
acres or four percent of the watershed area (Table 3-68). There are a
total of 1 1.6 miles of roads in WS # 109-45-10090 (Table 3-42). Road
building in this watershed dates back to the 1960s.
Sediment Risk Assessment and Stream Channel
Characteristics
The sediment risk assessment for Kuiu Island identified WS #109-45-
10090 as having a very low inherent risk for sediment related changes
in stream channel characteristics, compared to other Kuiu watersheds.
After accounting for harvest and road building the risk rating for
sediment-related changes in stream channel characteristics is
moderate.
Stream channel characteristics for Watershed #109-45-10090 are
displayed in Table 3-46. This creek is in good condition for the
number of pools; in fair condition for the percentage of channel area in
pools; in excellent condition for wood loading; and in poor condition
concerning the width-to-depth ratio. The good rating for number of
pools, and fair rating for percent of channel area in pools indicates that
there are many pools, but that they are smaller than average for a
stream of this size. This is not likely due to a lack of wood loading in
the channel, because wood loading was rated as excellent. Below
average pool area and the poor width-to-depth ratio may be related to
high sediment loading. While these could be natural characteristics of
the stream channel, they may also reflect channel adjustments resulting
from landslides — visible on aerial photographs — that likely increased
sediment loading in channels upstream.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-119
Environment and Effects
Table 3 - 46. Stream channel condition: ADF&G stream # 109-45-10090
Channel characteristic
Value
Percentile ranking
Condition
Number of pools / kilometer
49.1
Between 50lh and 75th
Good
% channel area in pools
48.1
Between 25th and 50th
Fair
Pieces of wood per 1000 m2
89.2
Greater than 75th
Excellent
Width-to-depth ratio
35.6
Greater than 75th
Poor
3. 5.2.5 Dean Creek Watershed
The Dean Creek Watershed lies entirely within the Timber
Management LUD, and has been managed intensively for timber
harvest since 1972. In addition, fishpass construction in Dean Creek
represents a major investment in fisheries production. Thirty-three
percent (1,538 acres) of this watershed has been harvested (after
accounting for road clearings), with 3 1 percent of the watershed
having been harvested within the last 30 years (as of 2005) (Figure 3-
7). Flarvest of riparian areas tota, 105 acres or 2.2 percent of the
watershed area. There are a total of 16.3 miles of cataloged roads in
the Dean Creek Watershed (Table 3-42). Road building in the Dean
Creek Watershed dates back to the 1970s.
Sediment Risk Assessment and Stream Channel
Characteristics
The sediment risk assessment for Kuiu Island identified the Dean
Creek Watershed as having a low inherent risk for sediment related
changes in stream channel characteristics, compared to other Kuiu
watersheds. After accounting for harvest and road building the risk
rating for sediment-related changes in stream channel characteristics is
moderate.
Stream channel characteristics are displayed in Table 3-47. Dean
Creek is in excellent condition for the number of pools and in fair
condition for the percentage of channel area in pools; in good
condition for wood loading, and in fair condition concerning the
width-to-depth ratio. The excellent rating for number of pools, and fair
rating for percent of channel area in pools indicates that there are many
pools, but that they are smaller than average for a stream of this size.
This is not likely due to a lack of wood loading in the channel, because
wood loading was rated as excellent. Below average pool area and the
poor width-to-depth ratio may be related to high sediment loading.
While these could be natural characteristics of the stream channel, they
may also reflect channel adjustments resulting from landslides —
3-120 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Issue 4: Cumulative Effects on Watersheds
visible on aerial photographs — that likely increased sediment loading
in channels upstream.
Table 3 - 47. Stream channel condition: Dean Creek
Channel characteristic
Value
Percentile ranking
Condition
Number of pools / kilometer
57.0
Greater than 75th
Excellent
% channel area in pools
37.6
Between 25th and 50th
Fair
Pieces of wood per 1000 m2
27.1
Between 50th and 75th
Good
Width-to-depth ratio
27.3
Between 50th and 75th
Fair
3. 5.2.6 Kadake Creek Watershed
In addition to providing timber, the Kadake Creek Watershed provides
recreation opportunities, and is important for fisheries production. The
watershed has a harvest history dating to 1972 (Figure 3-8). Nineteen
percent (6,151 acres) of this watershed has been harvested (after
accounting for road clearings), but just less than 18 percent of the
watershed has been harvested within the last 30 years. Riparian harvest
totaled 100 acres, or less than one percent of the watershed area (Table
3-68). There are a total of 78.4 miles of roads in the Kadake Creek
Watershed (Table 3-42). Road building in the Kadake Creek
Watershed dates back to the 1960s.
Sediment Risk Assessment and Stream Channel
Characteristics
The sediment risk assessment for Kuiu Island identifies the Kadake
Creek Watershed as having a high inherent risk for sediment-related
changes in stream chamiel characteristics, compared to other Kuiu
watersheds. The risk rating increases to very high after accounting for
harvest and road building. The very high SRI indicates that low
gradient stream reaches in Kadake Creek may be susceptible to
channel changes such as widening, braiding, or pool filling if sediment
supply increases.
Stream channel characteristics are displayed in Table 3-48. Kadake
Creek is in poor condition for the number of pools; in excellent
condition for the percentage of channel area in pools; and between fair
and good condition for wood loading and width-to-depth ratio. The
poor rating for number of pools, and excellent rating for percent of
channel area in pools indicates that there are few pools, but that they
are larger than average for a stream of this size. Both wood loading
and width-to-depth ratio are average.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-121
Environment and Effects
Table 3 - 48. Stream channel condition: Main stem Kadake Creek
Channel characteristic
Value
Percentile
ranking
Condition
Number of pools / kilometer
11
Less than 25th
Poor
% channel area in pools
69
Greater than 75th
Excellent
Pieces of wood per 1000 m2
5
= 50th percentile
Fair / good
Wicun-to-depth ratio
45
= 50th percentile
Fair / good
3. 5.2.7 Rowan Creek Watershed
The Rowan Creek Watershed has a harvest history dating to 1942,
with most of the harvest occurring after 1972 (Figure 3-8). Nineteen
percent of this watershed has been harvested (after accounting for road
clearings), but only about 1 1 percent of the watershed has been
harvested within the last 30 years (as of 2005). Riparian harvest totals
79 acres or less than one percent of the watershed area (Table 3-68).
There are a total of 23.5 miles of cataloged roads in the Rowan Creek
Watershed (Table 3-42). Road building in the Rowan Creek Watershed
dates back to the 1 960s.
Sediment Risk Assessment and Stream Channel Condition
The sediment risk assessment for Kuiu Island identifies the Rowan
Creek Watershed as having a very high inherent risk for sediment-
related changes in stream channel characteristics, compared to other
Kuiu watersheds. The rating does not change after accounting for
harvest and road building. The very high SRI indicates that low
gradient stream reaches in Rowan Creek may be susceptible to channel
changes such as widening, braiding, or pool filling if sediment supply
increases.
The watershed analysis for the Rowan Creek Watershed (Appendix C
of this document) did not include a detailed assessment of stream
channel conditions in the main stem of Rowan Creek. This is because
more detailed, field based studies were only conducted for watersheds
with greater than 20 percent cumulative harvest levels. Consequently,
field data on the condition of the major stream draining this watershed
are not available. Field investigations of streams draining proposed
harvest units did not identify any impaired stream channels in the
Rowan Creek Watershed.
3-122 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Issue 4: Cumulative Effects on Watersheds
3.5.3 Effects
Common to all
Action
Alternatives
3. 5.2.8 Watershed (WS) #109-44-10370
The watershed has a harvest dating back to 1983, with a cumulative
harvest level of 8.2 percent (Figure 3-8). Riparian harvest totals three
acres or less than one percent of the watershed area (Table 3-38).
There are a total of 7.0 miles of roads within the watershed.
Sediment Risk Assessment and Stream Channel Condition
The sediment risk assessment for Kuiu Island identifies WS 109-44-
10370 as having a very high inherent risk for sediment related changes
in stream channel characteristics, compared to other Kuiu watersheds.
The rating does not change after accounting for harvest and road-
building. The very high SRI indicates that low gradient stream reaches
in this watershed may be susceptible to channel changes such as
widening, braiding, or pool filling if sediment supply increases.
The watershed analysis for this watershed (part of the Kuiu Island
Landscape Assessment (Appendix C of this document)) did not
include a detailed assessment of stream channel conditions in this
watershed. This is because more detailed, field based studies were only
conducted for watersheds with greater than 20 percent cumulative
harvest levels. Consequently, field data on the condition of the major
stream draining this watershed are not available. Field investigations
of streams draining proposed harvest units did not identify any
impaired stream channels in this watershed.
3.5.3. 1 Direct and Indirect Effects
Each of the proposed action alternatives relies on the existing road
system, and no new classified roads are proposed. All of the proposed
action alternatives would require the construction of temporary roads,
but these would be closed at the completion of harvest activities. This
has advantages for protecting water quality and fish habitat by keeping
road maintenance needs low, minimizing the potential for sediment
delivery to streams from the failure of drainage structures, and by
minimizing potential fish passage problems. Some roads that are
currently in storage would need to be reconstructed to access timber.
All culverts associated with these roads would be removed following
the completion of harvest activities.
Clearcut timber harvest and road building both cause an increased risk
of landslides, debris flows, and debris torrents (Swanston and Marion
1991, Satterland and Adams 1992, Brardinoni et al. 2002). The
increased risk of landslides is considered an indirect effect to streams,
because if landslides do occur they may or may not deliver sediment to
streams. Minimizing the risk of landslides in clearcut harvest units and
where roads are constructed is addressed by applying BMPs and Forest
Plan standards and guidelines. Each of the proposed action alternatives
would increase landslide potential to some degree. More specific
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-123
Environment and Effects
3.5.4
Cumulative
Watershed
Effects
information about landslide potential is presented below under each
alternative and in the Soils and Geology section in this chapter.
3. 5.4.1 Timber Harvest and Water Yield
1 imber harvest causes changes in the collection and storage of water
in watersheds primarily by affecting canopy interception and
evapotranspiration, which can affect the amount of stream discharge.
Extensive reduction in plant transpiration rates by vegetation removal
can increase annual water yield as well as peak flows in small streams,
particularly during the driest part of the growing season (Harr et al.
1975, Jones and Grant 1996). Peak flow increases have been
demonstrated in small watersheds where as little as 25 percent of
vegetation has been completely removed in a single entry (Jones and
Grant 1996). However, increases may be undetectable when harvest
levels are below 25 percent (Jones and Grant 1996, Beschta et al.
2000).
Hydrologic recovery due to regrowth of vegetation in harvested areas
offsets changes in water yield over time. Full hydrologic recovery in
the absence of roads is dependent upon regrowth following harvest,
and is expected to require between 10 and 30 years in the Pacific
Northwest (Hicks et al. 1991(a), Jones 2000).
Potential changes in water yield are assessed for each alternative in the
sections that follow. These qualitative assessments are made assuming
1) that cumulative harvest levels affecting less than 25 percent of total
watershed area generally do not cause detectable increases in water
yield (Jones and Grant, 1996; Beschta et al. 2000), and 2) that water
yield recovers to pre-harvest levels within 30 years (Hicks et al.
1991(a), Jones 2000).
3. 5.4.2 General Timber Harvest and Watershed Recovery on
Kuiu Island
High rates of timber harvest occurred on Kum Island in the 1960s and
1970s, and in the 1980s in the Dean Creek Watershed. Research
discussed above suggests that timber harvest levels may have caused
temporary increases in landslide potential and water yield during
certain time periods, and that recovery to pre-harvest conditions is
ongoing. Currently, only the Dean Creek Watershed has 30-year
cumulative harvest levels exceeding 25 percent. Regardless of which
alternative is selected, 30-year cumulative harvest levels in the project
area watersheds will decrease rapidly until the year 2011, after which
time the 30-year cumulative harvest lev s in all watersheds will be
well below 20 percent. More specifically, if the no-action alternative
were implemented, the highest 30-year cumulative harvest levels in
any watershed would be about 12 percent (Chart 3-2) in 201 1. In
comparison, if Alternative 4 were selected, the highest 30-year
cumulative harvest levels in any watershed would be about 1 5 percent
3-124 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Issue 4: Cumulative Effects on Watersheds
(Chart 3-3) by 201 1. This calculation accounts for timber harvest that
has been approved under the Crane and Rowan Mountain timber sale,
but has not yet been logged. The sharp decline in 30-year harvest
levels happening between years 2001 and 2011 reflects the sharp
decline in harvest rates within the project area since the 1960s and
1970s. What this means for the cumulative watershed effect is that the
general trend is toward recovery of slope stability and pre-harvest rates
of canopy interception and evapotranspiration. Under the action
alternatives the proposed harvest would cause small increases in the
30-year cumulative harvest levels (three percent at the most).
However, the overall trend in 30-year cumulative harvest levels is
decreasing (Chart 3-2). Cumulative watershed effects are also
described below under each alternative.
Chart 3-2 shows how cumulative harvest levels in the project area
change over time when a 30-year window is used to calculate
cumulative harvest levels. This graph shows how cumulative harvest
levels would change over time if the no-action alternative were
implemented. This graph does not account for road clearings, but does
account for timber harvest that has been approved but not yet
implemented.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-125
Environment and Effects
Chart 3-2. 30-year cumulative harvest levels in major watersheds within the Kuiu
Timber Sale Area under Alternative 1
Alternative 1
Year
*— Dean Creek —■—Saginaw Creek —A— WS 109-45-10090
X— WS 109-44-10370 X Security Creek —•— Rowan Creek
H — Kadake Creek
Chart 3-3 shows how cumulative harvest levels in the project area
would change over time when a 30-year window is used to calculate
cumulative harvest levels. This graph shows how cumulative harvest
levels would change over time if the alternative with the most affects
Alternative 4, were implemented. All other alternatives would have
less effect. This graph does not account for road clearings, but does
account for timber harvest that has been approved but not yet
implemented.
3.5.4.3 Sediment Risk and Stream Channel Condition in
Kuiu Watersheds
Generally, observed stream channel conditions were fair, good, or
excellent, except for the poor width-to-depth ratio in watershed 1009-
45-10090, and the poor number of pools per kilometer in the Security
Creek and Kadake Creek Watersheds. These conditions may be
exacerbated if sediment loads are increased in these watersheds.
3-126 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Issue 4: Cumulative Effects on Watersheds
The current sediment risk index is greater than the inherent sediment
risk index in five of the major watersheds within the project area
(Table 3-49). This reflects the fact that recent timber harvest has
increased the risk of landslides in these watersheds, and that streams in
these watersheds may be susceptible to channel changes if landslides
do occur. All of the action alternatives would increase the risk of
landslides to different degrees, as discussed below under each
alternative. Alternative 3 proposes enough timber harvest and road
building to further increase the SRI in the Saginaw Watershed (Table
3-49). Alternatives 4 and 5 propose enough timber harvest and road
building to increase the SRI in both the Saginaw and Dean Creek
watersheds (Table 3-49). Low gradient stream channels in the lower
valleys of watersheds with high and very high SRI values may be
subject to changes in channel morphology including channel widening,
braiding, and changes to channel roughness, grain size, pool depth and
pool frequency. This statement is consistent with research on stream
channel morphology and stream channel change associated with
increased sediment inputs (Lyons and Beschta 1983, Sullivan et al.
1987, Montgomery and Buffington 1997, Madej 1999).
Chart 3-3. 30-year cumulative harvest levels in major watersheds within the Kuiu Timber
Sale Area in Alternative 4
Alternative 4
Year
Dean Creek WS
Security Creek WS
■Saginaw Creek
■ Rowan Creek
■WS 109-45-10090
■Kadake Creek
•WS 1 09-44-1 C
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-127
Environment and Effects
Table 3 - 49. Current Sediment Risk Index (SRI) in project area watersheds,
and SRI after accounting for proposed timber harvest and road construction
Watershed
Current
SRI
Alt 2 SRI
Alt 3 SRI
Alt 4 SRI
Alt 5 SRI
Dean Creek
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
High
High
Saginaw
Creek
High
High
Very high
Very high
Very high
WS #109-45-
10090
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
WS #109-44-
10370
Very high
Very High
Very High
Very High
Very High
Security
Creek
High
High
High
High
High
Rowan Creek
Very high
Very high
Very high
Very high
Very high
Kadake Creek
Very high
Very high
Very high
Very high
Very high
3.5.5
Cumulative
Effects of
Roads
Each of the action alternatives described in this section respond to the
issue of cumulative watershed effects in similar ways. After the
completion of proposed harvest activities, all action alternatives would
result in a net decrease in the amount of road needing maintenance
(Table 3-50). This would be accomplished by placing roads in storage,
which involves removing all culverts, excavating additional waterbars
in the road surface, and allowing natural revegetation on the road and
in the road ditch. This would restore more natural drainage patterns
and eliminate the risk of road failures at stream crossings, culvert
plugging, and stream diversion. Natural revegetation would further
reduce the risk of sedimen" delivery to streams.
3-128 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Issue 4: Cumulative Effects on Watersheds
Table 3 - 50. Miles of open roads proposed to be put into storage, by
alternative
Watershed
Alternative
Miles of roads with culverts
Before
After
Net change
Saginaw Creek
1
10.6
10.6
0
2
10.6
5.82
4.78
3, 4, 5
10.6
4.18
6.42
Dean Creek
1,2, 3
10.11
10.11
0
4, 5
10.11
9.11
1.0
Watershed #
109-45-10090
1,3
4.37
4.37
0
2
4.37
2.97
1.4
4, 5
4.37
2.87
1.5
Watershed #
109-44-10370
1
6.72
6.72
0
2, 3, 4, 5
6.72
4.72
2.0
Security Creek
All alternatives
9.88
9.88
0
Kadake Creek
All alternatives
44.76
44.76
0
Rowan Creek
All alternatives
0
0
0
3.5.6 Effects
by Alternative
3.5.6. 1 Alternative 1 No Action Alternative
Direct and Indirect Effects
In the no action alternative, no timber harvest would occur, and no
roads would be built. Selection of this alternative would not preclude
regular maintenance of existing roads, including erosion control
measures and removal or replacement of culverts. With periodic road
maintenance, sediment delivery to streams from roads is expected to
be minor, and within water quality standards set by the State of
Alaska.
Cumulative Effects
Cumulative effects associated with the no action alternative are limited
to those associated with timber harvest activities that have already
been approved, the maintenance of existing roads, and the growth of
trees in managed stands that have been harvested in the past. Under
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-129
Environment and Effects
this alternative, no changes in water yield, sediment delivery to
streams or fish passage are expected beyond those associated with
naturally occurring events, or activities analyzed under the Crane and
Rowan Mountain Timber Sales (USDA FS 1998). Most of the timber
harvest approved under the ROD for the Crane and Rowan Mountain
Timber Sales has been implemented. The remainder of the timber
harvest would include about 5 1 acres of harvest in the Dean Creek
Watershed, 326 acres in the Security Creek Watershed, 8.5 acres in the
Rowan Creek Watershed, and 86 acres in the Kadake Creek
Watershed.
3. 5.6. 2 Alternative 2
Direct and Indirect Effects
Alternative 2 would harvest 491 acres (Table 3-51). Harvest units
included in this alternative would be accessed using the existing road
system and 2.9 miles of temporary road (Table 3-51). This alternative
would also require reconstruction on 4.5 miles of road that are
currently in storage. However, these roads would again be placed in
storage at the completion of harvest activities. Yarding systems would
include only ground-based cable and shovel yarding. This alternative
would require the installation of three culverts or bridges on Class I
streams, three culverts or bridges on Class II streams, one culvert on a
Class III stream, and five culverts or bridges on Class IV streams
(Table 3-69). These culverts or bridges would be removed after the
completion of harvest activities.
A direct effect of implementing this alternative would be the
temporary increase in sediment delivery to streams due to road
building, bridge construction, and the installation of culverts. Short
term increases in sediment delivery are not expected to degrade water
quality or fish habitat.
Alternative 2 proposes 197 acres of clearcut harvest, of which 2.4
acres are on slopes with a high (MMI 3) mass movement index (MMI)
(Table 3-52). The proposed timber harvest would increase the risk of
landslides occurring on these slopes. These slopes lie in the northeast
comer of unit 417 (see unit card Appendix B). Alternative 2 also
proposes 13.7 acres of harvest on slopes with an extreme MMI (MMI
4), with a harvest prescription of 50 percent basal area retention. A
Soils Stability Investigation Report was completed with a site visit in
which it was determined that this area showed no signs of instability
and was available for partial harvest. This prescription is expected to
effectively mitigate the risk of causing landslides. This alternative does
not propose any road building on slopes with a high or extreme MMI.
3-130 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Issue 4: Cumulative Effects on Watersheds
Table 3 - 51 . Summary of timber harvest and road building proposed in Alternative 2,
and associated changes in cumulative harvest levels, including areas cleared for roads
Watershed
Name
ADF&G
Number
ws
Acres
Existing
Condition
Proposed Activities in Alternative 2
Cumulative
harvest (%)
since 1975
Harvest
(ac)
Temp.
road
(mi)
Temp
road3
(ac)
Cumulative
harvest (%)
Dean Creek
109-50-10070
4,690
31.3
0.0
0.0
0.0
31.3
Saginaw Creek
109-44-10390
8,302
8.2
95
0.8
3.9
9.3
Unnamed
109-45-10090
2,140
19.8
24
0.0
0.0
20.9
Unnamed
109-44-10370
4,992
8.2
139
0.0
0.0
11.0
Security Creek
109-45-10100
5,931
23.9
41
0.9
4.3
24.7
Rowan Creek
109-52-10060
13,234
10.6
68
0.2
1.1
11.1
Kadake Creek
109-42-10300
32,270
17.7
124
1.0
4.8
18.1 !
Total:
491
2.9
14.1
Assumes a 40-foot clearing width for proposed temporary roads.
Table 3 - 52. Proposed harvest acreage in Alternative 2, by Mass
Movement Index class, by watershed
Watershed
Unit
Prescription
MMI 3
(high)
MMI 4
(extreme)
Dean
NA
NA
0
0
Saginaw
NA
NA
0
0
109-45-10090
NA
NA
0
0
109-44-10370
207
50% retention
0
13.7
Security
NA
NA
0
0
Rowan
417
Clearcut
2.4
0
Kadake
NA
NA
0
0
All watersheds
2.4
13.7
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-131
Environment and Effects
Cumulative Effects
Harvest of 491 acres within the project area would increase cumulative
harvest levels in the Saginaw Creek, Security Creek, Rowan Creek,
and Kadake Creek Watersheds and in watersheds numbered 109-45-
10090 and 109-44-10370 (Table 3-51). Dean Creek Watershed (in
which no harvest is proposed) would have a 30-year cumulative
harvest level above 20 percent (including roads). If Alternative 2 were
implemented, and completed by 2007, all watersheds within the
project area would have 30-year cumulative harvest levels well below
20 percent in the year 2010.
This alternative addresses cumulative effects associated with roads by
placing 8.2 miles of road in storage (Forest Roads 6413 (2.7 miles),
46096 (4.1) miles, and 46021 (1.4 miles)). This would result in a
decrease of 4.8 miles of open road in the Saginaw Creek Watershed,
1 .4 miles in WS #109-45-10090, and 2.0 miles in WS #109-44-10370.
Placing roads in storage involves removing all culverts or bridges,
excavating additional waterbars in the road surface, and allowing
natural revegetation on the road and in the road ditch. This restores
more natural drainage patterns and eliminates the risk of road failures
at stream crossings, culvert plugging, and stream diversion. Natural
revegetation further reduces the risk of sediment delivery to streams.
3.5.6. 3 Alternative 3
Direct and Indirect Effects
Alternative 3 would harvest 794 acres (Table 3-53). Harvest units
included in this alternative wo d be accessed using the existing road
system, 7.5 miles of temporary road and 3.2 miles of road
reconstruction (Table 3-53). Yarding systems would include only
ground-based cable and shovel yarding. This alternative would require
the installation of two culverts or bridges on Class I streams, four
culverts or bridges on Class II streams, eight culverts or bridges on
Class III streams, and 19 culverts or bridges on Class IV streams
(Table 3-69). These culverts or bridges would be removed after the
completion of harvest activities.
A direct effect of implementing this alternative would be the
temporary increase in sediment delivery to streams due to road
building, bridge construction, and the installation of culverts. Short
term increases in sediment delivery are not expected to degrade water
quality or fish habitat.
Alternative 3 proposes 409 acres of clearcut harvest, of which 2.4
acres are on slopes with a high mass movement index (MMI 3) (Table
3-54). The proposed timber harvest would increase the risk of
landslides occurring on these slopes. Alternative 3 also proposes about
3-132 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Issue 4: Cumulative Effects on Watersheds
8.3 acres of harvest on slopes with extreme MMI, with a prescription
of 50 percent basal area retention. A Soils Stability Investigation
Report was completed with a site visit in which it was detennined that
this area showed no signs of instability and was cleared for partial
harvest. The 50 percent basal area retention prescription is expected to
effectively mitigate the risk of causing landslides. This alternative does
not propose any road building on slopes with a high or extreme MMI.
Table 3 - 53. Summary of timber harvest and road building proposed in Alternative
3, and associated changes in cumulative harvest levels, including areas cleared
for roads
Watershed
ADF&G
Number
ws
Acres
Existing
Condition
Proposed Activities in Alternative
3
Cumulative
harvest (%)
since 1975
Harvest
(ac)
Temp
Road
(mi)
Temp
Road
(ac)a
Cumulative
harvest (%)
Dean Creek
109-50-10070
4,690
31.3
0.0
0.0
0.0
31.3
Saginaw Creek
109-44-10390
8,302
8.2
329
2.7
12.9
12.3
Unnamed
109-45-10090
2,140
19.8
0
0.0
0.0
19.8
Unnamed
109-44-10370
4,992
8.2
123
0.0
0.0
10.7
Security Creek
109-45-10100
5,931
23.9
100
1.5
7.4
25.7
Rowan Creek
109-52-10060
13,234
10.6
82
0.1
0.7
11.2
Kadake Creek
109-42-10300
32,270
17.7
160
3.2
15.4
18.2
Total:
794
7.5
36.4
“Assumes a 40-foot clearing width for proposed temporary roads.
Cumulative Effects
Harvest of 794 acres within the project area would increase cumulative
harvest levels in the Saginaw Creek, Security Creek, Rowan Creek,
and Kadake Creek Watersheds and in watershed number 109-44-
10370 (Table 3-53). Of the watersheds within the project area, only
Dean Creek Watershed — in which no harvest is proposed — and
Security Creek Watershed would have 30-year cumulative harvest
levels above 20 percent (including roads).
If Alternative 3 were implemented, increases in cumulative harvest
levels in Security Creek may result in slight increases in water yield.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-133
Environment and Effects
However, any increase in water yield would be short lived due to the
ongoing re-growth of trees in stands harves over a period of
decades.
Table 3 - 54. Proposed harvest acreage in Alternative 3, by Mass
Movement Index class, by watershed
Watershed
Unit
Prescription
MMI 3
(high)
MMI 4
(extreme)
Dean Creek
NA
NA
0
0
Saginaw Creek
NA
NA
0
0
Unnamed
NA
NA
0
0 I
Unnamed
207
50% partial
harvest
0
8.3
Security Creek
NA
NA
0
0
Rowan Creek
417
Clearcut
2.4
0
Kadake Creek
NA
NA
0
0
All watersheds
2.4
8.3
This alternative addresses cumulative effects associated with roads by
placing 8.4 miles of currently drivable roads into storage after
accessing units on them; Forest Roads 6413 (2.7 miles), 46096 (4.1
miles), and 6418 (1.6 miles). This would result in a decrease of 6.4
miles of open road in the Saginaw Creek Watershed, and 2 .0 miles in
WS #109-44-10370. Placing roads in storage involves removing all
culverts or bridges, excavating additional waterbars in the road
surface, and allowing natural revegetation on the road and in the road
ditch. This restores more natural drainage patterns and eliminates the
risk of road failures at stream crossings, culvert plugging, and stream
diversion. Natural revegetation further reduces the risk of sediment
delivery to streams.
3. 5.6.4 Alternative 4
Direct and Indirect Effects
Alternative 4 would harvest 1,425 acres (Table 3-55). Harvest units
included in this alternative would be accessed using the existing road
system and 19.0 miles of temporary and 6. 1 miles of reconstructed
road (Table 3-55). Yarding systems would include helicopter yarding,
cable yarding, and shovel yarding. This alternative would require the
installation of three culverts or bridges or bridges on Class I streams.
3-134 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Issue 4: Cumulative Effects on Watersheds
five culverts or bridges on Class II streams, 14 culverts or bridges on
Class III streams, and 19 culverts or bridges on Class IV streams
(Table 3-69). These culverts or bridges would be removed after the
completion of harvest activities.
A direct effect of implementing this alternative would be the
temporary increase in sediment delivery to streams due to road
building, bridge construction, and the installation of culverts. Short-
term increases in sediment delivery are not expected to degrade water
quality or fish habitat.
Table 3 - 55. Summary of timber harvest and road building proposed in Alternative 4,
and associated changes in cumulative harvest levels, including areas cleared for roads
Watershed
ADF&G
Number
ws
Acres
Existing
Proposed in Alternative 4
Cumulative
harvest (%)
since 1975
Harvest
(ac)
Temp
road
(mi)
Temp
road3
(ac)
Cumulative
harvest (%)
Dean Creek
109-50-10070
4,690
31.3
120
1.3
6.3
34.0
Saginaw Creek
109-44-10390
8,302
8.2
421
3.9
18.9
13.5
Unnamed
109-45-10090
2,140
19.8
66
0.9
4.2
23.1
Unnamed
109-44-10370
4,992
8.2
156
0.0
0.0
11.4
Security Creek
109-45-10100
5,931
23.9
176
3.6
17.7
27.2
Rowan Creek
109-52-10060
13,234
10.6
203
2.3
11.0
12.2
Kadake Creek
109-42-10300
32,270
17.7
283
7.0
33.8
18.7
Total:
1,425
19.0
91.9
a Assumes a 40-foot clearing width for proposed temporary roads.
Alternative 4 proposes 1,026 acres of clearcut harvest, of which about
16 acres are on slopes with an extreme mass movement index (MMI 4)
(Table 3-56). These slopes are located in Unit 101, both along the
western edge of the unit where there are no streams, and in an area
drained by Class III and Class IV streams in the southeast comer of the
unit (see Unit Card). The proposed timber harvest would increase the
risk of landslides occurring on these slopes. This alternative also
proposes approximately 36 acres of partial harvest with 50 percent
basal area retention on slopes with an extreme MMI. A Soils Stability
Investigation Report was completed with a site visit in which it was
determined that this area showed no signs of instability and was
available for harvest. The partial harvest prescription is expected to
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-135
Environment anc Iffects
effectively mitigate the risk of causing landslides. This alternative does
not propose any road building on slopes with a high or extreme MMI.
Table 3 - 56. Proposed harvest acreage in Alternative 4, by Mass
Movement Index class, by watershed
Watershed
Unit
Prescription
MMI 3
(high)
MMI 4
(extreme)
Dean
NA
NA
0
0
Saginaw
303
50% retention
0
10.1
305
50% retention
0
12.2
109-45-10090
101
Clearcut
0
1.9
109-44-10370
207
50% retention
0
13.7
Security
101
Clearcut
0
13.9
Rowan
NA
NA
0
0
Kadake
A
NA
0
0
All watersheds
0
51.8
Cumulative Effects
Harvest of 1,425 acres within the project area would increase
cumulative harvest levels in all watersheds within the project area
(Table 3-55). Of the watersheds within the project area, only the Dean
Creek and the Security Creek Watersheds would have a 30-year
cumulative harvest level above 20 percent (including roads).
If Alternative 4 were implemented, increases in cumulative harvest
levels in Dean Creek, Security Creek, and Watershed #109-45-10090
may result in slight increases in water yield. However, any increase in
water yield would be short lived due to the ongoing re-growth of trees
in stands harvested over a period of decades.
This alternative addresses cumulative effects associated with roads by
placing 1 1 miles of currently drivable roads into storage after
accessing units on them; Forest Roads 6413 (2.7 miles), 46096 (4.1
miles), 6427 (1.2 miles), 4602 1 ( 1 .4 miles), and 64 1 8 ( 1 .6 miles). This
would result in a decrease of 6.4 miles of ope^ road in the Saginaw
Creek Watershed, 1.1 miles of road in the D ) Creek Watershed, 1.5
miles of road in Watershed #109-45-10090 and 2.0 miles in Watershed
#109-44-10370. Placing roads in storage involves removing all
culverts or bridges, excavating additional waterbars in the road
surface, and allowing natural revegetation on the road and in the road
3-136 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Issue 4: Cumulative Effects on Watersheds
ditch. This restores more natural drainage patterns and eliminates the
risk of road failures at stream crossings, culvert plugging, and stream
diversion. Natural revegetation further reduces the risk of sediment
delivery to streams.
3. 5.6. 5 Alternative 5
Direct and Indirect Effects
Alternative 5 would harvest 1,231 acres (Table 3-57). Harvest units
included in this alternative would be accessed using the existing road
system and 17. 1 miles of temporary and 6.9 miles of reconstructed
road (Table 3-57). Yarding systems would include only ground-based
cable and shovel yarding. This alternative would require the
installation of three culverts or bridges on Class I streams, five culverts
or bridges on Class II streams, 1 5 culverts or bridges on Class III
streams, and 19 culverts or bridges on Class IV streams (Table 3-69).
These culverts or bridges would be removed after the completion of
harvest activities.
A direct effect of implementing this alternative would be the
temporary increase in sediment delivery to streams due to road
building, bridge construction, and the installation of culverts.
Short term increases in sediment delivery are not expected to degrade
water quality or fish habitat.
Alternative 5 proposes 1 ,23 1 acres of clearcut harvest, of which about
18.3 acres are on slopes with a high or extreme mass movement index
(MMI) (Table 3-58). These include about 16 acres of MMI 4 soils in
Unit 101; both along the western edge of the unit where there are no
streams, and in an area drained by Class III and Class IV streams in
the southeast comer of the unit, and on about 2 acres of MMI 3 soils
that lie in the northeast comer of unit 417 along a stream. A Soils
Stability Investigation Report was completed with a site visit in which
it was determined that this area showed no signs of instability and was
available for harvest. This alternative does not propose any road
construction on slopes with a high or extreme MMI.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-137
Environment and Effects
Table 3 - 57. Summary of timber harvest and road building proposed in Alternative 5, and
associated changes in cumulative harvest levels, including areas cleared for roads
Watershed
ADF&G
Number
ws
Acres
Existing
Condition
Proposed Activities in
Alternative 5
Cumulative
harvest (%)
since 1975
Harvest
(ac)
Temp
Road
(mi)
Temp
Road3
(ac)
Cumulative
harvest (%)
Dean Creek
109-50-10070
4,690
31.3
120.3
1.3
6.3
34.0
Saginaw Creek
109-44-10390
8,302
8.2
323.9
3.8
18.7
12.3
Unnamed
109-45-10090
2,140
19.8
66.0
0.9
4.2
23.1
Unnamed
109-44-10370
4,992
8.2
133.6
0.0
0.0
10.9 ;
Security Creek
109-45-10100
5,931
23.9
176.3
3.6
17.7
27.2
Rowan Creek
109-52-10060
13,234
10.6
226.4
2.3
11.0
12.4
Kadake Creek
109-42-10300
32,270
17.7
184.4
5.2
25.1
18.4
Total:
1,230.9
17.1
83.0
a Assumes a 40-foot clearing width for proposed temporary roads.
Table 3 - 58. Proposed harvest on MMI3 and MMI4 soils, by
watershed and unit in Alternative 5.
Watershed
Unit
Prescription
MMI 3
(high)
MMI 4
(extreme)
Dean Creek
NA
NA
0
0
Saginaw Creek
NA
NA
0
0
Unnamed
101
CC
0
2.0
Unnamed
NA
NA
0
0
Security Creek
101
CC
0
13.9
Rowan Creek
417
CC
2.4
0
Kadake Creek
NA
NA
0
0
All watersheds
2.4
15.9
3-138 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Dean preek
Watershed\
I n Saginaw Creek-
I K Watershed ■
Watershed (
\ 109:45<W090
Watershed (
109-44-10370
Kadake Creek
Watershed
Security Creek
' Watershed \
6444
46094
'Rowan Creek
Watershed ^
\
0 mV
v\yA \
N)f VV
Kuiu Timber Sale
Figure 3-7
Watersheds and Streams
Legend
Non-National Forest
Stream Value Class I
— Stream Value Class II
Stream Value Class III
Stream Value Class IV
Project Area Boundary
Existing Roads
Watershed Boundary
0.5 1
l Miles
Dean Creek :
' Watersheds
Sag(naw Creeks
Watershed '
JWatershedp
109-45-10090 i
r Watershed
109-44-10370
Sepurity Creek^s
sl WatershecL x
Kadcikd
Kadake Creek
s Watershed ~~
^ Rowan Creek
Watersheds
7 V
(1 \
r /
xA A
\ J
Kuiu Timber Sale
Figure 3-8
Managed Stands, Roads, Landslides
Legend
| Harvested Between 1911-1959
Harvested Between 1960-1969
Harvested Between 1970-1979
Harvested Between 1980-1989
1990 - Present
Non-National Forest
Streams
Existing Open Roads
..... Project Area Boundary
500ft Contour Interval
Watershed Boundary
1 Landslides
0 0.5 1
4
■ Miles
3
Issue 4: Cumulative Effects on Watersheds
Cumulative Effects
Harvest of 1,23 1 acres within the project area would increase
cumulative harvest levels in all watersheds within the project area
(Table 3-57). Of the watersheds within the project area, only the Dean
Creek Watershed, the Security Creek Watershed, and Watershed #109-
45-10090 would have a 30-year cumulative harvest level above 20
percent (including roads).
If Alternative 5 were implemented, increases in cumulative harvest
levels in Dean Creek, Security Creek, and Watershed #109-45-10090
may result in slight increases in water yield. However, any increase in
water yield would be short lived due to the ongoing re-growth of trees
in stands harvested over a period of decades.
This alternative addresses cumulative effects associated with roads by
placing 1 1 miles of currently drivable roads into storage after
accessing units on them; Forest Roads 6413 (2.7 miles), 46096 (4.1
miles), 6427 (1.2 miles), 46021 (1.4 miles), and 6418 (1.6 miles). This
would result in a decrease of 6.4 miles of open road in the Saginaw
Creek Watershed, 1 . 1 mile of road in the Dean Creek Watershed, 1.5
miles of road in Watershed 109-45-10090, and 2.0 miles in WS #109-
44-10370. Placing roads in storage involves removing all culverts or
bridges, excavating additional waterbars in the road surface, and
allowing natural revegetation on the road and in the road ditch. This
restores more natural drainage patterns and eliminates the risk of road
failures at stream crossings, culvert plugging, and stream diversion.
Natural revegetation further reduces the risk of sediment delivery to
streams.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3
3-143
Environment and Effects
3.6 Alaska Region Threatened,
Endangered, Candidate, and
Sensitive Species
3.6.1
Introduction
3.6.2
Threatened,
Endangered
and Candidate
Species
Federally listed threatened and endangered species are those plant and
animal species formally listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or
the National Marine Fisheries Service under authority of the
Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. Under the Endangered
Species Act, an endangered species is defined as one that is in danger
of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. A
threatened species is defined as one that is likely to become an
endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a
significant portion of its range.
The Regional Forester of the USD A Forest Service has the authority to
designate species as “sensitive.” Sensitive species are those plant and
animal species for which population viability is a concern, as
evidenced by significant current or predicted downward trends in
population numbers or density, or significant current or predicted
downward trends in habitat capability that would reduce a species’
existing distribution.
Information on threatened, endangered, candidate, and sensitive
species distributions and occurrences in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area
was obtained from agency contacts, a review of the available literature
on these species in Southeast Alaska, and field review by
interdisciplinary survey teams.
3. 6.1.1 Wildlife Species
Table 3-59 displays the potential habitat for the Alaska Region
threatened endangered, candidate, and sensitive species wildlife
species within the Kuiu Timber Sale Area.
The Forest Service consulted with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(USFWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) as part
of this analysis. There are no terrestrial species listed by the USFWS
as threatened, endangered, or candidate species that are known to
occur within the Kuiu Timber Sale Area. The humpback whale, which
returns to feed in Alaska waters during the summer, and the Snake
River sockeye salmon, which may occur in the outer waters of the
Alexander Archipelago, are listed as endangered by NMFS. Only the
humpback whale is known to occur in the vicinity of Kuiu Island. The
Northern (Steller) sea lion, the Snake River spring/summer chinook
salmon, and the Snake River fall chinook salmon are listed as
threatened species by NMFS. There is no critical habitat for these
species within or near the Kuiu Timber Sale Area.
3-144 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
TES Species
Table 3 - 59 Threatened, endangered, and candidate species, and Alaska Region sensitive
species potential habitat within the Project area for Kuiu Timber Sale
US Fish & Wildlife Service and
National Marine Fisheries Listed
Species (T, E, & C)
Potential Habitat
in Project Area
Carried Forward For Analysis
Humpback Whale (Endangered)
NO
NO. Habitat or individuals do not occur
in action area. Compliance with TLMP
standards and guidelines3. No effects
are expected.
Snake River Sockeye (Endangered)
NO
NO. Habitat or individuals do not occur
in action area. Compliance with TLMP
standards and guidelines. No effects
are expected.
Steller’s Sea Lion (Threatened)
NO
NO. Habitat or individuals do not occur
in action area. Compliance with TLMP
standards and guidelines3. No effects
are expected.
Snake River Spring/Summer Chinook
(Threatened)
NO
NO. Habitat or individuals do not occur
in action area. Compliance with TLMP
standards and guidelines. No effects
are expected.
Snake River Fall Chinook
(Threatened)
NO
NO. Habitat or individuals do not occur
in action area. Compliance with TLMP
standards and guidelines. No effects
are expected.
Kittlitz’s Murrelet (Brachyramphus
brevirostris) (Candidate)
NO
NO. Habitat or individuals do not occur
in action area.
Alaska Region Sensitive Species
Potential Habitat
in Project Area
Carried Forward for Analysis
Northern Goshawk (Accipiter
gentilis)
YES
YES
Trumpeter Swan (Olor buccinator)
YES
YES
Osprey ( Pandion haliaetus)
YES
NO. Habitat is outside primary zone of
influence.
Peale’s Peregrine Falcon ( Falco
peregrinus pealei)
NO
YES
u Appendix J of the 1997 Forest Plan Final EIS includes a Biological Assessment for the humpback whale and
Steller sea lion that are found in waters of Southeast Alaska. The Forest Plan includes appropriate standards
and guidelines for management operations within the waters of Southeast Alaska when these species could be
affected, such as in the vicinity of sea lion haul outs.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-145
Environment and Effects
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the agency responsible for
management of federally listed endangered, threatened, and candidate
plant species.
No federally listed threatened or endangered animal species would be
adversely affected by the proposed actions. The Forest Service has
prepared a complete Biological Evaluation for these species located in
the Kuiu Timber Sale planning record.
3.6.2. 1 Sensitive Species
The northern goshawk, Peale’s peregrine falcon, and trumpeter swan
are sensitive species for the Tongass National Forest that may occur in
the project area. The Forest Plan provides standards and guidelines for
protection of these species. If sensitive species’ nests are located, the
Forest Plan standards and guidelines will be implemented.
Of the Alaska Region sensitive wildlife species, the northern goshawk,
trumpeter swan, and Peale’s peregrine falcon are known to occur on
Kuiu Island, but only the northern goshawk is documented within the
project area. While Kuiu Island has potential haoitat for osprey, there
is no evidence that this rare migrant to central Southeast Alaska uses
Kuiu Island.
Northern Goshawk
The goshawk is a raven-sized raptor associated with forests having
tall, dense canopies. These features allow goshawks to hunt beneath
the canopy. Goshawks typically forage over a range of 6,000 to 8,000
acres and use many different landscape features (Iverson 1996).
Field surveys have been completed since the 1993 field season
following the Regional protocols for the northern goshawk. There are
ten known nesting locations on Kuiu Island. One new nesting pair of
birds was reported in the medium old-growth habitat reserve on the
west side of Security Bay, one nest in Kadake Bay, one in Rowan
Creek drainage, four in the Bay of Pillars, and three nests in Elena
Bay. The pair in Security Bay came from Prince of Wales Island and
relocated to Kuiu during the 1 997 nesting season. A pair was sighted
in a previous nesting area on Kuiu but no new nesting activity was
reported. One pair was nesting in Elena Bay in 2000. No new birds
were discovered during the 2004 or 2005 field seasons.
Of the ten nests located, two are within the Kuiu Timber Sale Area.
The nest site in the Rowan Bay drainage was first discovered in 1993.
It has not
been observed as active since then. The original nesting pair was radio
tagged and monitored. The female moved to East Bay of Pillars and
the male was found dead in 1995. A male goshawk was seen in 1995,
3-146 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
TES Species
400 meters from the 1993 nest site, and an adult pair responded
aggressively to broadcasted alarm calls. The area was surveyed in
1998, 1999, 2000 and 2002 but no activity was observed. In 2002 the
nest was in excellent condition, but there was no evidence of
occupation at the base of the tree. The Rowan Creek nest was last
checked in 2004, and was unoccupied with the nest structure in poor
condition.
The nest in Security Bay was active starting in 1997 and was surveyed
in 2003 for goshawk nesting activity, using conspecific broadcasting
along a short transect as well as a ground search for evidence of
goshawk activity. Two plucks (varied thrush) were found in the
vicinity, but no other evidence of goshawk activity was observed. Use
of the site by breeding goshawks could not be determined by the
survey. The nest was last visited in 2004, and was in poor condition
and unoccupied.
The standards and guidelines applied to the management activities
proposed in the DEIS would meet the requirements of the Forest Plan.
The Rowan Bay nest is protected by a buffer of suitable habitat greater
than 100 acres around the nest. The Security Bay nest does not require
a buffer as it is located within a medium old-growth habitat reserve
and is protected from timber harvest.
The wildlife panel assessments showed that the preferred alternative in
the Forest Plan would sustain goshawk habitat across the forest to the
end of the planning horizon (FEIS Part 1 p. 3-394). The only
silvicultural prescription used in the Forest Plan analysis was even-
aged management. The Kuiu Timber Sale Project prescribes both
even-aged and uneven-aged management activities in the action
alternatives and, depending on which alternative is chosen, these
should meet or exceed the requirements found in the Forest Plan.
The harvest of timber in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area may impact
individuals or habitat, but would not likely contribute to a trend
towards federal listing or cause a loss of viability to the population or
species of the goshawk populations on Kuiu Island and the remaining
habitat would maintain a viable population into the future.
Peale’s Peregrine Falcon
Thirty-six Peale's peregrine falcon nests have been located in
Southeast Alaska, 32 of which are on the Tongass National Forest.
Nest surveys are very difficult to conduct, and biologists believe more
nests may be present. Peregrine falcon nest distribution is closely
associated with large seabird colonies located on the outer coasts or
nearby islands. Nest sites are on cliffs from 65 to 900 feet in height
and all but one face the open ocean. Seabirds are thought to be major
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-147
Environment and Effects
prey of the falcon. Information on falcon breeding biology or
reproduc success is limited; but based on U. S. Fish and Wildlife
Service surveys, populations appear to be stable.
There is no known Peale's Peregrine Falcon nesting habitat within the
project area. The nearest know nesting habitat is approximately 20
miles south of the project area. Forest Plan standards and guidelines
require a 2-mile exclusion zone surrounding a known nest to reduce
disturbance. If peregrine falcons are located during any phase of this
project, the Forest Plan standards and guidelines will be enforced.
This project is unlikely to adversely impact individual Peale’s
peregrine falcons or their habitat, and would not contribute to a trend
towards federal listing or cause a loss of viability to the Peale’s
peregrine falcon populations on Kuiu Island.
Trumpeter Swan
The largest nesting population of trumpeter swans on the Tongass
National Forest occurs on the Yakutat Forelands. The southernmost
nesting population in Alaska occurs in the Chilkat Valley on non-
National Forest System lands. Surveys by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife
Service indicate the Yakutat population has been stable while the
Chilkat Valley population has increased. Trumpeter swans winter in
ice-free areas throughout Southeast Alaska. Information on wintering
habitats and populations is very limited, but a traditional winter
concentration has been documented at Blind Slough on Mitkof Island
near Petersburg. Numerous swans from other parts of Alaska migrate
through Southeast Alaska, and many may be wintering in suitable
habitats in this area.
Forest-wide standards and guidelines for wetlands and riparian areas
would apply to these and any newly discovered habitat areas for the
swans. Trumpeter swans are not known to nest on Kuiu Island and no
known effects to trumpeter swans are likely to occur from this project.
All Forest Plan standards and guidelines would be implemented. The
Forest Plan standards and guidelines require a '/2-mile protection buffer
around nesting birds with no development within known nesting areas.
Winter trumpeter swan habitat is adjacent to the project area.
However, because of the topography (a mountain range lies between
the management activities and the wintering swan habitat) no
disturbance is expected. This project is not likely to impact individuals
or habitat, and is not likely contribute to a trend towards federal listing
or cause a loss of viability to the trumpeter swan populations on Kuiu
Island. The remaining habitat will maintain a viable population into
the future.
3-148 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
TES Species
3.6.3
Threatened,
Endangered
and Candidate
Plant Species
In the State of Alaska, one plant species is federally listed: the
endangered fern Polystichum aleuticum , known only from Adak Island
in the Aleutians. No federally listed or proposed plant species are
known or suspected to occur on Kuiu Island.
3.6.3. 1 Sensitive Listed Plant Species
Plant surveys for sensitive listed plants are routinely conducted in
areas where projects are proposed. Much of north Kuiu Island has been
surveyed over the last several years prior to such proposed projects,
the most recent surveys being conducted in 2003 and 2004. These
surveys record all vascular plants encountered, not just sensitive
plants. This provides a comprehensive list of all species found in the
habitats surveyed.
The Alaska Region lists 19 plant species as sensitive. Twelve Forest
Service listed sensitive plant species are known or suspected to occur
on the Petersburg Ranger District of the Tongass National Forest
where the Kuiu Timber Sale Area is located (Figure 1 - 1 and Table 3-
60). More information is in the Biological Evaluation located in the
Kuiu Timber Sale planning record.
Three sensitive listed plants have been found on the Petersburg Ranger
District; two of those are known on Kuiu Island. Loose-flowered
bluegrass ( Poa laxiflora ) has been documented on several upper
beaches in the wilderness areas 15-20 miles south of the project area
and along one stream on north Kuiu within the project area. Davy
mannagrass ( Glyceria leptostachya) has been found along a stream
bank near the Affleck Portage Trail, which is about 25 miles south of
the project area. The third sensitive species found on the Petersburg
Ranger District is Wright filmy fern (. Hymenophyllum wrightii). It has
only been found on Mitkof Island in the 1960s.
Sensitive plant surveys for the Kuiu Timber Sale Area were conducted
during the summers of 2003 and 2004. These surveys were mainly
conducted in mature spruce/hemlock forests where harvest units were
proposed. Habitats and microsites within the units and roads where
sensitive plants were most likely to be found were targeted in the
surveys. These sites included wet seeps, wet meadows, streambanks,
and rocky areas. Also, dark, damp areas on downed logs and at the
base of trees were searched for Wright filmy fem. Areas with
limestone substrates were also targeted in the surveys. A total of 24
proposed units were surveyed. Identified road corridors within the
surveyed units were also surveyed. In addition, the proposed
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-149
Environment and Effects
new road to Unit 402, which is outside any proposed harvest units, was
surveyed for sensitive listed plants. Only one sensitive listed plant was
found, loose-flowered blue grass ( Poa laxiflora), along a stream below
Unit 307. The population consisted of about 25 individual plants on a
rocky area near the edge of the stream. The plants are within the
riparian buffer on the stream so they are not within a proposed harvest
unit. Unit 307 is proposed in Alternatives 3, 4 and 5.
Table 3 - 60. Current Alaska Region sensitive plant species known < .uspected to
occur on Petersburg Ranger District
Common Name
Scientific Name
Habitat description
Goose-grass sedge
Carex lenticularis var. dolia
Wet meadows, snowbed
edges, and lakeshores in
alpine areas
Edible thistle
Cirsium edule
Wet meadows (muskegs) and
open forests
Davy mannagrass
Glyceria leptostachya
Wet areas, usually along
streams, ponds, and lake
margins
Wright filmy fern
Hymenophyllum wrightii
On the base of trees and rock
outcrops in damp humid
woods
Truncate quiilwort
Isoetes truncata
Immersed in shallow
freshwater pools !
Calder lovage
Ligusticum calderi
Alpine and margins of
subalpine and mixed conifer
stands, on limestone
Bog orchid
Platanthera gracilis
Wet meadows and wet open
habitats
Uoose-flowered bluegrass
Poa laxiflora
Moist lowland woods, open- 1
forested meadows, upper
beaches, along streams
Kamchatka alkali grass
Puccinellia kamtschatica
Wet places and sea beaches
Unalaska mist-maid
Romanzoffia unalaschcensis
Rock outcrops, along
streambanks, beach terraces,
and open rocky areas
Queen Charlotte
butterweed
Senecio moresbiensis
Alpine and subalpine with
open, rocky, or boggy slopes,
grassy talus slopes, or rocky
heaths. Usually on limestone
Circumpolar starwort
Stellaria ruscifolia spp.
aleutica
Moist gravelly sites and along
creeks in mountains
3-150 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
3.6.4
Conclusions
TES Species
The one sensitive listed plant species found within the project area
would not be affected by the proposed alternatives since it is within a
riparian buffer along a stream that is outside any proposed harvest
units or proposed road construction or reconstruction. The nearest
proposed units are Units 307 and 308 which are across the stream and
uphill from the site. These units are proposed in Alternatives 3, 4,
and 5.
3. 6.4.1 Direct and Indirect Effects
Wildlife Species
There would be no measurable direct effects on any threatened,
endangered, or sensitive species other than the goshawk for any of the
alternatives. For goshawk, proposed timber harvest and road building
activities in the project area may impact individuals but are not likely
to cause a trend toward federal listing or a threat to population
viability. Goshawk nesting and foraging habitat would be reduced in
all action alternatives. Indirect effects may include reduction of prey
species habitat for goshawk as a result of old-growth habitat
fragmentation. Application of Forest Plan standards and guidelines
will ensure that no known goshawk nest sites would be disturbed by
any of the proposed activities.
Plant Species
The proposed timber harvest activities in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area
would not have any direct, indirect, or cumulative effects on
threatened, endangered, and sensitive listed plant species.
3. 6.4.2 Cumulative Effects
The Forest Plan projected that VCUs that reached a harvest level of at
least 47 percent of their original productive old-growth (POG) may
have an elevated risk of not sustaining goshawks in the VCU, unless at
least 6,700 acres of POG remained in the VCU. Fifty-one VCUs
representing approximately 7.5 percent of the species’ range on the
Tongass were projected to reach this level of harvest by 2095 (Forest
Plan FEIS Appendix N, pages N-39 and N-40, and Appendix 15).
VCUs 399, 400, 402, and 421 are not a part of this list. The Forest
Plan estimated that at least 54 percent of the forested land would
remain unharvested by the end of the 100 year rotation within these
VCUs. Therefore, the cumulative effects of projects within the project
area would not contribute to a trend towards federal listing or cause a
loss of viability to the population or species of the goshawk
populations.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-151
Environment and Effects
3.7.1
Introduction
3.7.2 Project
Area Land
Description
3.7.3 Plant
Associations
3.7 Timber and Vegetation Resources
The Kuiu Timber Sale Area is a mosaic of coniferous forests
interspersed with muskeg, scrubland, and alpine plant communities.
The forests are primarily western hemlock with a Sitka spruce
component and scattered Alaska yellow-cedar. Higher percentages of
Sitka spruce are found along streams and other well-drained sites. The
understory shrubs are blueberry, huckleberry, and rusty menziesia.
Many species of vascular plants, lichens, and mosses occur throughout
all habitat types. Forested muskeg with a high percentage of yellow-
cedar occurs throughout the project area especially in the lower
elevations. Alder is found on disturbed sites such as roadsides,
managed stands and alon^ stream banks. Muskegs support shore
(lodgepole) pine.
The project area is within the Rowan Sediments and North Prince of
Wales-Kuiu Carbonates ecological subsections as described in
Ecological Subsections of Southeast Alaska and Neighboring Areas of
Canada (Nowacki et al 2001). Specifically, the project area is located
in the north central portion of Kuiu Island.
The western portion of the project area is in the Rowan Sediments
area, which has long, smooth, forested hillslopes, dissected by broad
U-shaped glacial valleys. The eastern portion of the project area is in
the North Prince of Wales-Kuiu Carbonates area, which has surfaces
that undulate irregularly, and possess unique topographic oddities
including vertical shafts and cliffs.
Forest vegetation has been categorized using the Preliminary Forest
Plant Associations of the Stikine Area, Tongass National Forest
'"awuk and Kissinger 1989), which describes potential climax plant
communities that may develop over time in response to soil, climate,
plant geography, and evolution. This classification system assists land
managers and resource specialists in predicting the outcome of various
egetative manipulations. Chart 3-4 displays the relative percentages
of the different plant associations found in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area.
3-152 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Timber and Vegetation
Forest Plant Association Series
W estern Hem lock/
Western Red
Cedar
W
W estern
Hemlock/Alas
Cedar
2%
S itka S pruc
2%
M ountain Hem lock
2%
estern Hem lock
7 5%
ifer
Chart 3-4. Plant series in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area
3.7.3. 1 Western Hemlock
The Western Hemlock series is dominated by western hemlock with
Sitka spruce being a minor component. This series has moderate
productivity and generally provides a well-developed stand structure
for wildlife habitat, including both snow intercept and browse for
wildlife.
3.7. 3.2 Western Hemlock-Alaska-Cedar
The Western Hemlock-Alaska-Cedar series is characterized by the
presence of both western hemlock and Alaska yellow-cedar in the
overstory. Western hemlock is normally more abundant but Alaska
yellow-cedar is always present.
3. 7. 3. 3 Sitka Spruce
The Sitka Spruce series is characterized by a mixture of Sitka spruce
and western hemlock in the overstory. Sitka spruce is usually
dominant, especially in younger stands. This series typically occurs on
sites with re-occurring soil disturbance.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-153
Environment and Effects
3.7. 3.4 Mixed Conifer
The Mixed Conifer series has a low to very low productivity, with
stunted tree heights. This series includes western hemlock, Sitka
Spruce and Alaska yellow-cedar. This series provides important
wildlife habitat for many species. Blueberry forage production and
production of persistent forbs is high. Snow interception is poor, with
little or no forage for wildlife during winters with heavy snowfall. This
association is primarily found next to muskegs.
3. 7.3. 5 Mountain Hemlock
The Mountain Hemlock series which is usually found at higher
elevations has moderate productivity. It is important summer range for
wildlife species but is very poor winter range due to extreme cold
temperatures and deep snow.
3. 7. 3.6 Western Hemlock-Western Redcedar
The Western Hemlock-Western Redcedar series is characterized by the
presence of both western hemlock and western redcedar in the
overstory. These tree species are typically present in similar
proportions as co-dominant species. Other species do not occur or are
a minor component of the overstory. Western redcedar is usually, but
not always present in the understory.
Table 3 - 61 . Species composition of forest lands in the Kuiu
Timber Sale Area
Species
Percent Volume
Western hemlock
82 %
Sitka spruce
16 %
Alaska cedar
2 %
Western redcedar
0
3.7.4 Species
Composition
Table 3-61 and Table 3-62 display the species composition by volume
for productive forest land in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area and the
species composition in proposed harvest units for each action
alternative. None of the proposed alternatives are expected to have an
adverse effect on the quantity or composition of cedar (or any species)
in the future. If regeneration surveys indicate that natural regeneration
is inadequate, planting of cedar would be applied to ensure adequate
stocking is maintained as described in the silvicultural prescription.
Since both western redcedar and Alaska yellow-cedar are shade
intolerant, overstory removal of hemlock could release cedar if
3-154 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Timber and Vegetation
advanced regeneration is present. Thinning and pruning of second
growth stands typically benefit cedar.
Table 3 - 62. Timber volume by species in the Kuiu Sale Area proposed harvest units (mbf)
Species
Alternative
Alt 1
Alt 2
Alt 3
Alt 4
Alt 5
Sitka Spruce
N/A
2,574
4,129
7,468
6,339
Hemlock
N/A
11,794
19,098
34,585
29,376
Alaska Yellow-
Cedar
N/A
204
359
596
576
Western Redcedar
N/A
0
0
0
0
Total (mbf)
N/A
14,572
23,586
42,649
36,291
3.7.5 Forest
Land
Classification
National Forest System lands are defined by vegetative cover, soil
type, and administratively designated land use. This classification
scheme is intended to show the amount of land that is covered by
forest vegetation, with further divisions to show the amount of that
land that is capable of commercial timber production. Chart 3-5 shows
the National Forest System land classifications in the Kuiu Timber
Sale Area.
3. 7. 5.1 Non-Productive Forest Land
Non-productive forest land comprises about 16 percent of the National
Forest System (NFS) land in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area. Non-
productive forest land is forested land that does not support enough
timber volume to meet the criteria for productive forest land.
3. 7. 5.2 Forested Land
These lands comprise about 98 percent of the NFS land in the Kuiu
Timber Sale Area. Forested land has at least ten percent occupied by
forest trees of any size or formerly having had such a tree cover and
not developed for non-forest use.
3. 7. 5. 3 Non-Forest Land
Non-forest land comprises about two percent of the NFS land in the
Kuiu Timber Sale Area. Non-forested land has less than ten percent of
the area occupied by forest trees of any size, or formerly had such a
tree cover and is now developed for non-forest use.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-155
Environment and Effects
3. 7. 5.4 Productive Forest Land
These lands comprise about 89 percent of the NFS land in the Kuiu
Timber Sale Area. Productive forest lands have timber volumes of
greater than or equal to 8,000 board feet/acre or have the potential to
achieve this volume and are capable of maintaining that volume. This
land is capable of producing 20 cu ft/acre/year of industrial wood or
has a site index of 40. Productive forest land does not necessarily
mean that the stand is within the timber base of lands that are available
for commercial timber harvest.
3.7. 5. 5 Suitable Forest Land
These lands were determined to be suitable for timber production.
Within those areas of productive forest k some land was removed
from the suitable timber base due to Forest .dan standards and
guidelines. Appendix A of the Forest Plan describes the process that
was used to identify suitable forest land. About 78 percent of the
productive forest land in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area is classified as
suitable for timber production.
3.7.5.6 Unsuitable Forest Lands
No commercial timber harvest is allowed on these lands. Land on
slopes greater than 72 percent that have unstable soils and areas within
riparian, beach and estuary buffers are examples of forest land
classified as unsuitable for timber production. About 22 percent of the
productive forest land in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area is classified as
unsu de for timber production.
3-1 56 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Timber and Vegetation
Chart 3-5. Forest land classification in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area
3.7.6 Volume 3-7-6-1 Volume s‘rata
Classification The Forest Plan adopted a volume strata classification system for
estimating volumes. This strata system was used for estimating timber
volumes and vegetation structure in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area. The
strata system combines the existing timber inventory volume classes
with additional information on soils and slope to group the strata.
These volume strata are grouped as follows:
High Volume Strata are areas within mapped timber inventory
volume classes 5, 6, and 7 on non-hydric soils, and on hydric soils
with slopes greater than 55 percent.
Medium Volume Strata are areas within mapped timber inventory
volume classes 5, 6, and 7 on hydric soils with slopes less than or
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-157
Environment and Effects
equal to 55 percent and areas within mapped timber inventory volume
class 4 that are either on non-hydric soils, or are on hydric soils with
slopes greater than 55 percent.
Low Volume Strata are areas within mapped timber inventory
volume class 4 on hydric soils with slopes less than or equal to 55
percent.
Timber volumes for the Kuiu Timber Sale are based on stand exams
performed in 2003 and 2004 (Tables 3-63 and 3-64). Actual timber
volume to be harvested would be determined from a timber cruise
prior to advertisement of the timber sales offered.
Table 3 - 63. Volume strata in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area
Strata
Average
Vol/Acrea
Productive
Forest Acres13
Suitable Acres
Low
16.9 mbf
650
454
Medium
24.1 mbf
5,211
3,790
High
29.3 mbf
21,251
16,082
aSawlog and utility mbf/acre
b does not included non productive forest acres in planning area
Table 3 - 64. Volume strata acres harvested by alternative
Strata*
Acres
in
Project
Area
Alt 1
Alt 2
Alt 3
Alt 4
Alt 5
High
21,251
0
402
629
1,189
947
Medium
5,211
0
64
133
183
229 !
Low
650
0
18
21
30
30
* Does not include non productive forest acres within project area or units.
3.7.7 Timber
Resources
About 93 percent of the project area acres have been assigned to land
use designations (LUDs) that allow commercial timber harvest. The
remaining acres are allocated small old-growth habitat reserves
(OGRs), (three percent) and Recreational River LUD (three percent).
The remaining one percent is non-National Forest System land within
the project area). Of the LUD acres that allow timber harvest,
approximately 29,362 are suitable for timber harvest according to the
Forest Plan.
3-158 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Timber and Vegetation
There are 16,837 acres of productive forest lands currently excluded
from timber harvest within the project area due to resource protection
measures, prior timber harvest, or land use designation. The remaining
20,708 acres of productive forest lands are currently suitable and
available for timber harvest.
Based on averages for the Petersburg Ranger District, volume
classification for the suitable and available productive forest land is
displayed in Table 3-65.
Detailed explanations of the rationale for considering timber harvest in
the Kuiu Timber Sale Area and market demand for wood products is
located in Appendix A of this document. More information can also be
found in the Forest Plan FEIS, Part 1 (pages 3-248 to 3-307).
Table 3 - 65. Suitable and available productive forest land strata and volume
estimates
Vo 1 strata
Percentage
Acres
Sawlog
mbf/ac
Sawlog
mmbf
Sawlog
& utility
mbf/acre
Sawlog
&
Utility
mmbf
Low
2%
454
16.9
27
18.9
31
Medium
18%
3,790
24.1
123
27.5
140
High
78%
16,082
29.3
482
33.4
549
None3
2%
382
Total
100%
20,708
632
720
anone acres are “holes" in the GIS layer and represent forested areas of unknown volume
quality or small inclusions of non forest land
3.7.8
Silvicultural
Systems
Silvicultural systems are used to manage, harvest, and re-establish
stands of forest trees for the purpose of meeting certain objectives.
Silvicultural systems have been developed to produce more valuable
commercial timber at a faster rate, maintain wildlife habitat, and either
maintain or enhance scenery values. No single silvicultural system for
a forest stand can be used to achieve all the desired combinations of
amenities and products. Instead, a variety of treatments applied over
the Kuiu Timber Sale Area would result in a mosaic of stands for
different uses. Three silvicultural systems and three harvest methods
were considered for the project area. Many times the proposed
treatments are designed to emulate natural disturbance.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-159
Environment and Effects
The Forest Plan (Appendix G) provides detailed information about the
silvicultural systems recommended for the Tongass National Forest.
The systems considered for the Kuiu Timber Sale are:
• uneven-aged management which results in a stand with younger
trees interspersed with older trees, either in clumps or distributed
across the stand,
• even-aged management which results in the conversion of mature
stands to faster growing stands of a single age, and
• two-aged management which results in a seedling stand with
varying levels of older-aged residual trees.
The post-harvest conditions of the forest stand for all systems are
dependent upon the existing plant community, the retained canopy
structure, and advanced regeneration. Species composition is
monitored to ensure that the mix of species is roughly the same as
expected on the existi site.
The Kuiu Timber Sale analysis used a variety of silvicultural systems
tailored to site-specific objectives. The objectives include:
• retaining stand legacy or old-growth characteristics to maintain
biodiversity,
• economics and logging feasibility,
• protection of the soil, watershed, wildlife habitat, and scenery
characteristics of the project area, and
• production of wood-fiber for future human use.
A complete silvicultural prescription for the entire length of the
rotation will be written for each stand selected for harvest. These
prescriptions provide guidance for treatments following the proposed
timber harvest for this project, including subsequent entries, thinning,
and pruning.
3.7.8. 1 Even-aged Systems
An even-aged system harvests all merchantable trees and produces
stands that consist of trees of the same or nearly the same age. A stand
is even-aged if the range in tree ages normally does not exceed 20
percent of the rotation age (the age at which the stand is harvested).
Reasons for using even-aged systems include:
1) their compatibility with the use of standard logging systems,
2) their favorable harvest economics,
3) their effectiveness in controlling disease such as hemlock dwarf
mistletoe, and
3-160 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Timber and Vegetation
4) their creation of favorable conditions for the regeneration of Sitka
spruce (Forest Plan, pages 4-96 - 4-97).
Stands regenerated by even-aged systems develop through distinct
stages. There are even-aged stands of various ages and sizes
distributed throughout the managed forest. The system produces a
stand-developmental sequence much like that which follows stand
replacement events such as catastrophic windthrow, landslides, or
avalanches. The sequence may include dense seedlings and saplings,
thinned saplings, poles, small diameter trees, medium diameter trees,
and large diameter trees. Consequently, even-aged forests have
relatively low diversity within a site, but they have a high degree of
diversity across the landscape. Even-aged systems may require some
modification to provide for other resource considerations and needs,
such as reserve trees for wildlife. These reserve trees are generally
carried to the end of the stand rotation.
3. 7. 8.2 Two-aged System
This system is designed to maintain and regenerate a stand with two
age classes. The resulting stand may be two-aged or trend toward the
uneven-aged condition as a consequence of both an extended period of
regeneration establishment and retention of reserve trees that may
represent one or more age classes. The reserve trees provide structural
diversity and a biological legacy. Two-aged management regimes can
produce stands of greater structural diversity than even-aged
management. This method may be used where windthrow or disease
are not major threats or can be tolerated (Forest Plan, p. 4-98). In some
areas, windthrow or damage to residual trees can be tolerated because
the dead or fallen trees would continue to provide structure and
wildlife habitat. These stands would not be reentered for harvest until
the next rotation in approximately 100 years.
The residual stands left in the Kuiu Timber Sale units would have an
average of 50 percent of the pre-treatment basal area, based on
standing green trees that constitute a distinct age class separated in age
by more than 20 percent of the rotation. Retention may be in clumps or
as individual trees. Reserves or clumps would be distributed somewhat
evenly across the harvest unit or stand, and away from the unit
boundary.
3.7. 8.3 Uneven-aged System
This system regenerates and maintains a multi-aged structure by
removing some trees in all size classes either singly, in small groups,
or in strips. Uneven-aged management maintains or creates a stand
with trees of three or more distinct age (size) classes, either intimately
mixed or in small groups. The remaining structure provides wildlife
habitat and reduces visual impacts. The next entry into these stands
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-161
Environment and Effects
3.7.9
Silvicultural
Prescriptions
would be in approximately 75 years when 25 percent of the stands
basal area would be removed in patches or in single trees.
Silvicultural prescriptions for the Kuiu Timber Sale were developed by
a silviculturist to meet the objectives identified by the interdisciplinary
planning team. The objectives for the proposed timber harvest units
include: ( 1 ) timber sale economics, (2) future timber production, (3)
wildlife habitat, (4) soil stability, (5) scenic viewshed, (6) watershed
stream channel stability, and (7) minimizing logging system damage to
residual trees.
Prescriptions for the even-aged and two-aged management systems
cover the entire rotation to provide guidance for intermediate
treatments that may follow the harvests, including thinning and
pruning. Prescriptions for the uneven-aged management system
include the next entry into the stand; in approximately 75 years (see
the discussion in the previous section). However, they are subject to
change if the management direction changes, such as through Forest
Plan amendments or a new Forest Plan. Table 3-66 displays the
silvicultural prescriptions and yarding systems proposed for the Kuiu
Timber Sale Area alternatives. Additional information on these
project-specific prescriptions may be found in the introduction to unit
cards in Appendix B.
3.7.9. 1 Even-aged Management (Clearcutting)
Even-aged management (clearcutting) is the cutting of all the trees in
one harvest entry, which produces a fully exposed microsite for the
development of a new age class. The objectives of this system are: (1)
to create favorable timber sale harvest economics and increase logging
feasibility, and (2) to create a fast-growing stand of trees to maximize
wood fiber production. These stands regenerate into a mostly single-
aged stand. Where this treatment is recommended, it has been
determined that it is optimal for the site and the resulting openings do
not exceed 100 acres, in compliance with the National Forest
Management Act. The harvest action chosen to achieve this treatment
is clearcutting.
The desired future condition is an even-aged stand of the same species
composition as the original stand that mimics the results of a large
naturally-occurring wind event. Except for reserve trees, all trees
greater than nine inches DBH would be harvested in the cable and
shovel units. Natural regeneration is expected to be abundant. Reserve
trees would be retained to meet site-specific resource objectives,
including (1) Stream Channel Best Management Practices, and (2)
high soil hazard areas as identified in the Soils section of this chapter.
Natural regeneration is expected to contribute to the stand being fully
stocked with seedlings within three years of the regeneration harvest.
3-162 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Timber and Vegetation
Clearcutting is prescribed for all units where there are no other
conflicting resource issues and so that residual trees are not damaged
by traditional logging systems. Where resource issues are anticipated,
damage to trees left within the unit and lower commercial stand
productivity are acceptable resource tradeoffs.
Table 3 - 66. Acres3 of silvicultural prescriptions by alternative
Silvicultural
System
Yarding
System
Alt 2
Alt 3
Alt 4
Alt 5
Even-aged Management
Clearcut
Shovel
10
12
118
149
Cable
187
397
908
1082
Total acres even-aged management
197
409
1,026
1,231
Uneven-aged Management
Single Tree
Selection, 50%
BA retention
Helicopter
0
0
170
0
Cable
87
72
45
0
Group Selection,
50% BA retention
Cable
19
19
42
0
Total acres uneven-aged
management
106
91
257
0
Two-aged Management
Clearcut with
reserves 50% BA
retention
Cable
115
271
113
0
Shovel
73
23
29
0
Total acres even-aged management
188
294
142
0
aThese are gross acres and include the entire unit size and not actual acres harvested within the units.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3
3-163
"nvironment and Effects
3. 7.9.2 Two-aged management - clearcut with reserves
Objectives of this prescription are to: (1) retain trees for scenic values
in recreational river corridors, (2) retain additional habitat where heavy
use by wildlife is evident, and (3) retain structural diversity and a
biological legacy.
The desired future condition is a two-aged stand of the same species
composition as the original stand. Natural regeneration is expected to
be abundant.
The two criteria for two-a! inagement would be met for density
and distribution of created ^ pcnings.
Operational feasibility and safety would be considered when selecting
reserve tree clumps or groups. It is recognized that where two-aged
management is applied to areas of high windthrow risk, there may be
some windthrow in the leave trees. This risk is tolerated because if
blowdown occurs, the trees would still have benefits to wildlife and
would still contribute to stand structure.
Stands proposed for this system would have approximately 50 percent
of the basal area of the merchantable trees (trees greater than 9 inches
in diameter) harvested in the form of patches 14-acre to one acre in size
o ndividually where feasible. This would create a stand of two or
more distinct age (size) classes.
This system would provide foraging areas interspersed with cover. T
large trees provide habitat for cavity nesters, and snow interception.
The appearance of the residual stand mimics natural blowdown
patches and single trees. Damage to leave trees and lower commercial
stand productivity are acceptable resource tradeoffs to achieve these
goals.
The next entry would be in approximately 100 years. All reserve trees
would be maintained throughout the entire rotation. Intermediate
treatments that follow the harvests may include thinning and pruning.
3. 7.9.3 Uneven-aged management - Group selection
Objectives of this prescription are to: (1 ) retain trees for scenic values
in the recreational river corridor, (2) retain additional habitat where
heavy use by wildlife is evident, and (3) retain structural diversity and
a biological legacy.
The desired future condition is a stand with three or more distinct size
classes resulting in an uneven-aged stand. Natural regeneration is
expected to be abundant.
Stands proposed for this system have approximately 50 percent of the
basal area of the trees remaining after harvest. Merchantable trees
(trees greater than nine inches in diameter) would be harvested in
3-164* Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Timber and Vegetation
small patches to form a mosaic of irregularly shaped openings within
the stand. Each group harvested consists of a mixture of tree sizes.
Each harvested opening regenerates, creating a patch of trees of
uniform age and height. These groups provide small foraging areas
interspersed with cover. The large trees provide habitat for cavity
nesters. The appearance of the residual stand mimics natural
blowdown patches. Damage to leave trees and lower commercial stand
productivity are acceptable resource tradeoffs to achieve these goals.
Operational feasibility and safety would be considered when selecting
reserve tree clumps or groups. It is recognized that where uneven-aged
management is applied to areas of high windthrow risk, there may be
some windthrow in the leave trees. This risk is tolerated because if
blowdown occurs, the trees would still have benefits to wildlife and
would still contribute to stand structure.
Stands proposed for this system would have approximately 50 percent
of the basal area of the merchantable trees (trees greater than 9 inches
in diameter) harvested in the form of patches % to 1 acre in size or
individually where feasible. This would create a stand of three or more
distinct age (size) classes.
This system would provide foraging areas interspersed with cover. The
large trees provide habitat for cavity nesters and snow interception.
The appearance of the residual stand mimics natural blowdown
patches and single trees. Damage to leave trees and lower commercial
stand productivity are acceptable resource tradeoffs to achieve these
goals.
The next entry into these stands would be in approximately 75 years
when 25 percent of the stand’s basal area would be removed in patches
or in single trees.
3. 7.9.4 Uneven-aged management- single tree selection
Objectives of this prescription are: (1) to preclude or minimize the
occurrence of potentially adverse impacts from logging damage, (2) to
improve timber sale economics when using helicopter yarding systems
by retaining trees 16 inches diameter-at-breast-height (DBH) and less
and retaining western hemlock trees greater than 36” DBH, (3) retain
structural diversity and a biological legacy, and (4) retain scenic values
in the recreational river corridor.
The desired future condition is a stand with three or more distinct size
classes resulting in an uneven-aged stand. Natural regeneration is
expected to be abundant.
Stands proposed for this system have approximately 50 percent of the
basal area of the trees remaining after harvest. This regenerates and
maintains a multi-aged structure by removing some trees in various
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-165
3 Environment and Effects
size classes distributed across the stand. Trees to be harvested are
selected using a criterion such as species, diameter limits or spacing. A
range of diameters, or everything above or below a certain diameter
limit, may define the trees selected for harvest. Different diameters
may be used for different species. The resulting stand may have small
openings plus individual trees harvested throughout the stand. This
maintains or creates a stand of three or more distinct size classes
distributed throughout the stand, resulting in an uneven-aged stand.
Dispersing trees harvested throughout the stand would retain a
continuous large tree canopy following harvest. The residual stand
would have structural diversity that would provide wildlife habitat and
maintain scenic quality. Damage to the residual trees and lower
commercial stand productivity is an acceptable resource tradeoff to
achieve these goals.
The next entry into these stands would be in approximately 75 years
when 25 percent of the stand's basal area would be removed in patches
or in single trees.
Following timber harvest, the managed forest goes through distinctive
developmental stages. Removal of the forest overstory alters the
microsite conditions that influence density and species composition of
the understory vegetation. Natural regeneration is used to restock the
harvest units, which must be reforested with a minimum of 300 trees
per acre by the fifth year following harvest. This is monitored with
regeneration surveys and certification of successful reforestation.
Different components dominate the stand at different stages, and the
overall forest structure changes as the new stand develops. The level of
change depends on the type of silvicultural treatment applied during
harvest and subsequent treatments applied during stand development.
Characteristics such as tree height, diameter, and overall stand
productivity vary according to site class. However, second-growth
stands commonly show less variability in tree diameter and height than
the old-growth stands they are replacing. Second-growth timber has a
stand size of seed-saplings or pole timber, which is usually the result
of clearcut harvest. Currently, about 29 percent of the suitable
forestland in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area is second-growth timber.
Management of these harvested acres would improve stand conditions
for future timber production and increase forage for deer and moose.
Second-growth stands are candidates for thinning and pruning.
3.7.10.1 Thinning
Following timber harvest, natural regeneration often results in stands
with too many trees per acre, reducing individual tree growth and
shading out understory vegetation that may be valuable to some
wildlife species. Thinning is designed to improve future tree growth by
3.7.10
Intermediate
Treatments for
Managed
Stands
3-166 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Timber and Vegetation
reducing stand density, thus reducing the competition between trees
for sunlight. Increased sunlight as a result of thinning also allows for
greater shrub and forb growth, thereby increasing wildlife forage.
In older harvested stands (35 to 45 years or older), as the canopy
progressively closes and sunlight is virtually absent beneath the
canopy, the understory vegetation becomes suppressed. If thinned at
this age, the thinning slash is extremely thick due to the size of the cut
trees (some as large as 6 inches in diameter and 30 feet in height). The
slash does not come into contact with the ground, and decomposes
slowly. Consequently, sunlight is still limited due to the accumulation
of thinning slash, and germination of forage species is limited for an
extended period of time. The effectiveness of thinning is limited in
older harvested stands, and at this point, it may be too late to improve
forage.
Conversely, it is too early to thin when canopy cover is relatively
sparse with many open spaces between trees. At this stage, there is
usually abundant forage, and thinning does not generally provide much
more forage. In addition, new hemlock regeneration can become
established after thinning and suppress some release of the forage.
When thinned too early, trees have not expressed dominance, making
it difficult to select which trees to cut while thinning.
The first thinning program for harvested stands in the Kuiu Timber
Sale Area began in 1982, when stands were approximately 10 to 15
years old. Stand thinning is currently prescribed at 25 - 30 years of
age. Stands harvested prior to 1 960 are considered too old to benefit
from thinning. Since 1980, stands have been periodically surveyed to
determine the need for thinning. Approximately 4,766 acres of the
10,393 acres in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area have been thinned to date.
The remaining 5,627 acres are not eligible for thinning or pruning
because:
• 5,280 acres are too young for thinning to be effective, and
• 347 acres do not require thinning at this time due to site conditions
resulting in spacing between trees such that competition between
trees has not yet developed.
It is not known if thinning would have an application in uneven-aged
stands resulting from partial harvest. Stocking surveys and additional
analysis would be done as these stands develop.
3.7.10.2 Pruning
As a harvested stand develops to the point where the trees are too large
to thin and the understory is stressed but able to be released, pruning
may be considered. It may provide enough indirect sunlight
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-167
Environment and Effects
3.7.11 Forest
Health and
Natural
Disturbance
penetration through the canopy to maintain the understory vegetation
for wildlife forage. Pruning also increases the value of each tree, by
providing knot-free wood as the tree grows. Pruning allows the
maximum volume to be produced in the stand while still maintaining
the vegetative understory.
Thinning and pruning for wildlife is under consideration in some
stands that were harvested in the late 1960s and have been thinned
once These stands are located along the 6402 road in the Saginaw Bay
area.
3.7.11.1 Wind Disturbance
Wind is the major disturbing influence shaping the south-aspect slopes
within the Kuiu Timber Sale Area. Most of the south-aspect stands
have evidence of periodic windthrow events where openings were
created in which successive generations of trees, shrubs, and forbs
were created.
If the south-aspect slopes are harvested, the edges of the residual
stands will be more susceptible to wind damage, particularly when the
units are clearcut in long, thin strips pointing in the southerly direction.
The harvested groups will need to be oriented perpendicular to the
direction of the dominant winds. High potential for windthrow exists
in the helicopter units along Road 6413, as evidenced by the
blowdown within the adjacent clearcut units. This windthrow occurred
on east-facing slopes just upslope of the valley bottom adjacent to
earlier clearcuts.
On the wind-exposed south-facing slopes, the most common
progression of stand development starts with partial disturbance with
most of the trees blowing down leaving varying numbers of legacy
trees (residual trees following a blowdown event). Over time,
seedlings emerge in the openings created by the wind event. The result
is two distinct age classes in the stand: (1) individual trees that were
left standing following the wind storm, and (2) the regenerated
seedlings that started growing immediately following the storm. Other
wind disturbances may occur during stand development. If all of the
older trees blow over, the stand continues to develop with two age
classes. If not, the stand structure becomes more complex, now
containing three age classes. Many stands never develop more than
three age classes, as the oldest age class continually blows over in
major storm events.
The final stage of stand development, old-growth, usually occurs in
wind-sheltered areas on the north-facing slopes of ridges and
mountains. In these areas, where there is relatively infrequent
disturbance, individual trees mature and die. These individual trees
3-168 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Timber and Vegetation
create gaps in the canopy where seedlings will invade. This is called
gap-phase dynamics, which results in stands with multiple age classes.
Field reconnaissance indicates that the east- or west-oriented medium
elevation (1,000-1,500 feet) slopes in the project area seem to have a
moderate risk of windthrow.
3.7.11.2 Yellow-cedar decline
Yellow-cedar decline is a disease causing considerable cedar mortality
in Southeast Alaska. Mortality can be in small patches or can cover
expansive areas. Affected trees may die more quickly (2 or 3 years), or
more slowly over a 15-year period or longer with crowns progressively
thinning. The cause of yellow-cedar decline is not completely
understood but the disease generally occurs on wet, poorly-drained
sites at lower and middle elevations. Recent studies theorize that
mortality could be caused by soil toxicity or freeze damage to fine
roots (Flennon and Shaw 1997).
The Kuiu Timber Sale Area has a low incidence of cedar decline in the
proposed timber harvest units. Yellow-cedar may be salvaged from the
stands.
3.7.11.3 Dwarf mistletoe
Dwarf mistletoe reduces the vigor and growth rate of hemlock and
often produces a low quality of timber (Ruth and Harris 1979).
Cankerous swellings often occur at the point of infection on limbs and
main stems. These cankers offer an entrance for wood-destroying
fungi, which can lead to heart rot. The occurrence of dwarf mistletoe is
relatively light in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area.
Dwarf mistletoe progresses relatively slowly in Southeast Alaska. In
stands that are partially harvested, the infected trees, if any, would be
targeted for removal to eliminate the infected trees in the residual
stand.
3.7.11.4 Decay Fungi
Wood decay fungi play an important role in the structure and function
of coastal old-growth forests where fire and wind disturbance are
uncommon. In addition to creating canopy gaps and wildlife habitat,
decay fungi play an important role in nutrient cycling. The importance
of wood decay fungi in young managed stands is less well understood.
There is evidence of decay fungi throughout the Kuiu Timber Sale
Area. Approximately one third of the old-growth timber volume is
defective in Southeast Alaska old-growth stands (USD A Forest
Service 2003a). Although decay develops slowly, the longevity of
individual trees allows ample time for significant amounts of decay to
develop.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-169
Environment and Effects
3.7.12 Direct
and Indirect
Effects
The structure of the forest would be affected by timber harvest. The
effects would vary by the silvicultural prescription and the number of
acres harvested. Partial harvest would maintain old-growth forest, but
with fewer trees. The distribution of the trees would vary depending on
the prescription. Removal of trees in patches would result in small
openings that would regenerate to second-growth forest. Removal of
trees dispersed throughout the stand would result in old trees
interspersed with regeneration of young trees. Forest health concerns,
including the removal of trees with disease, or that face imminent
mortality; can be used as factors determining which trees to harvest.
Clearcut harvest would result in the creation of primarily second-
growth stands with or without older residual trees.
3.7.12.1 Alternative 1
Vegetation and forest health would not be affected by management
activities. Tree growth and mortality would continue to progress
naturally. Other forest lands with land use designations that allow
timber harvest would need to meet the objective of providing timber
for public consumption to meet market demand.
3.7.12.2 Alternative 2
In this alternative 197 acres would be converted to even-aged
management. Forest health and commercial productivity would be
improved by removing dwarf mistletoe-infected trees and trees
infected by disease, and by creating younger, faster-growing forests.
Approximately 1 06 acres would be managed in an uneven-aged
system by removing 50 percent of the basal area in clumps !4-acre to
one acre in size on 19 acres and by removing 50 percent of the basal
area in individual trees dispersed throughout the stand on 87 acres.
These stands would be harvested a second time in approximately 75
years. This second harvest would remove approximately 25 percent of
the basal area. These stands would retain the structural diversity and
biological legacy over the next 75 years allowing the previously
harvested stands around them to develop better wildlife habitat (larger
trees, more snow interception, and improved forage), before they are
harvested.
An additional 188 acres would be harvested in a two-aged
management system by harvesting 50 percent of the basal area in small
clumps !4-acre to one acre in size and individually where possible.
These stands would not be re-entered for harvest until the end of the
rotation (approximately 100 years). These stands would retain
structural diversity and biological legacy of the forest (wider variation
in tree sizes and spacing, decadent trees, multiple canopy layers), but
the resulting forest would have lower net commercial volume. These
3-170 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Timber and Vegetation
stands would retain canopy cover characteristics associated with old-
growth forests throughout the rotation of the stand.
This alternative would impact the least number of acres and harvest
the least volume of the action alternatives in the Kuiu Timber Sale
Area.
3.7.12.3 Alternative 3
In this alternative 409 acres would be converted to even-aged
management. Forest health and commercial productivity would be
improved by removing dwarf mistletoe-infected trees and trees
infected by disease; and by creating younger, faster-growing forests.
Approximately 9 1 acres would be managed in an uneven-aged system
by removing 50 percent of the basal area in clumps !4 to 1 acre in size
on 19 acres and by removing 50 percent of the basal area in individual
trees dispersed throughout the stand on 72 acres. These stands would
receive a second harvest in approximately 75 years. This second
harvest would remove approximately 25 percent of the basal area.
These stands would retain the structural diversity and biological legacy
associated with old-growth forests over the next 75 years allowing the
previously harvested stands around them to develop better wildlife
habitat (larger trees, more snow interception, and improved forage),
before they are harvested.
An additional 294 acres would be harvested in a two-aged
management system by harvesting 50 percent of the basal area in small
clumps %-acre to one acre in size and individually where possible.
These stands would not be entered for harvest again until the end of
the rotation (approximately 100 years). These stands would retain
structural diversity and biological legacy (wider variation in tree sizes
and spacing, decadent trees, multiple canopy layers), but the resulting
forest would have lower net commercial volume.
These stands would retain canopy cover characteristics associated with
old-growth forests throughout the rotation of the stand.
This alternative would impact the second lowest number of acres in
the action alternatives in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area and harvest the
second lowest volume of the action alternatives.
3.7.12.4 Alternative 4
In this alternative 1 ,026 acres would be converted to even-aged
management. Forest health and commercial productivity would be
improved by removing dwarf mistletoe-infected trees and trees
infected by disease; and by creating younger, faster-growing forests.
Approximately 257 acres would be managed in an uneven-aged
system by removing 50 percent of the basal area in clumps !4-acre to
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-171
Environment and Effects
3.7.13
Cumulative
Effects
one acre in size on 42 acres and by removing 50 percent of the basal
area in individual trees dispersed throughout the stand on 215 acres.
These stands would retain their structural diversity and biological
legacy (wider variation in tree sizes and spacing, decadent trees,
multiple canopy layers), but result in a forest with lower net
commercial volume. These stands would receive a second harvest in
approximately 75 years. This second harvest would remove
approximately 25 percent of the basal area. These stands would retain
canopy cover characteristics associated with old-growth forests over
the next 75 years allowing the previously harvested stands around
them to develop better wildlife habitat (larger trees, more snow
interception, and improved forage), before they are harvested.
An additional 142 acres would be harvested in a two-aged
management system by harvesting 50 percent of the basal area in small
clumps 'A-acre to one acre in size and individually where possible.
These stands would not be re-entered for harvest for the rotation of the
stand (approximately 100 years). This alternative would provide the
greatest volume and impact the greatest number of acres of the action
alternatives.
3.7.12.5 Alternative 5
In this alternative 1,231 acres would be converted to an even-aged
forest. Forest health and productivity would be improved by removing
dwarf mistletoe infected trees and trees infected by disease, and by
creating younger, faster-growing forests.
All the stands proposed for harvest in this alternative would mimic the
results of a large, naturally-occurring wind event with the stands
converted to even-aged stands. No structural diversity, biological
legacy, or old-growth characteristics would remain in the stand other
than the reserve trees retained to meet site-specific resource objectives.
Natural regeneration is expected to contribute to the stand being fully
stocked with seedlings within three years of the regeneration harvest.
This alternative would impact the second largest number of acres in
the action alternatives in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area and is the most
economical. It is the only alternative that proposes even-aged
management by clearcutting for all proposed harvest units.
Since 1954 there has been approximately 25,286 acres of timber
harvested on Kuiu Island. There has been about 716 mmbf of timber
harvested on Kuiu Island since 1964. The Tongass Five-Year Timber
Sale Schedule shows an additional 49.7 million board feet of timber
coming off Kuiu Island (in addition to Kuiu Timber Sale) in various
locations. Since this is a timber production LUD, future harvest within
the project area is projected by the Forest Plan on the acres that have
been determined suitable for timber harvest. The timing, amount, and
3-172 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Timber and Vegetation
location of future timber harvest would depend on several factors,
including the amount of harvest, if any, resulting from this EIS and the
demand for timber in Southeast Alaska.
Within the Kuiu Timber Sale Area, past harvesting has resulted in the
conversion of 10,393 acres from old-growth forest to second-growth
forest. Approximately 8,654 acres of these lands are on forested land
within the suitable timber base (Table 3-67). The remaining 1,739
acres were harvested before Forest Plan land use designations were
assigned and generally fall within what are now recognized as riparian
reserves and beach fringe areas and are now designated by the Forest
Plan as unsuitable for timber harvest. Thinning of second-growth or
conversion to uneven-aged management may occur. All of the
proposed harvest units that have an uneven-aged management
prescription have subsequent entries planned. The current five-year
timber sale schedule for VCUs 399, 400, 402, and 421 includes the
Kuiu Timber Sale EIS scheduled for 2006 and 2007, which proposes
harvesting 42.6 mmbf in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area.
Table 3 - 67. Cumulative acres of timber harvest by alternative
29,362 acres of suitable
forest land
Alt. 1
Alt. 2
Alt. 3
Alt. 4
Alt. 5
Acres of harvest units
proposed for this project
0
491
794
1,425
1,231
% of suitable forest acres
proposed for this project
0
2
3
5
4
Acres of previous harvest on
suitable forest
8,654 acres
% Cumulative harvest of
suitable forest
29
31
32
34
34
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3
3-173
Environment and Effects
3.8.1
Introduction
3.8 Fisheries
Anadromous fish such as salmon spend part of their life in fresh water
and part of their life in saltwater. Salmon spawn in fresh water, in
features called redds. Females use their tails to dig holes in the gravel
where they lay eggs, which are then fertilized by the males, and
covered lightly with gravel. Newly hatched salmon live in the gravel,
still attached to their yolk sacs. When the juvenile fish emerge from
the gravel, the amount of time spent in fresh water varies. Pink and
chum salmon migrate downstream soon after emergence, while coho
and sockeye spend one to three years in fresh water.
Salmonids use a variety of different stream habitats throughout their
life cycle in order to satisfy the unique demands of spawning and
incubation, rearing, and overwintering (Sullivan et al. 1987).
Limitations in habitat availability at any stage of development within a
species’ life cycle can potentially limit overall production. Forest
harvest activities can potentially affect fish habitat by altering the
amount and timing of runoff by altering sediment transport and
deposition regimes (Sullivan et al. 1987), and by alteriu0 stream
temperature (Beschta et al. 1987).
Removal of vegetation and the presence of roads can increase water
yield and peak flows during salmon spawning seasons which may
affect spawning success. The suitability of salmon spawning habitat is
related to the capacity of stream flows to mobilize and scour bed
substrates. Bed load movement can bury eggs to great depths,
prohibiting fry emergence, or, alternatively, scour can remove or
rework redds and crush incubating eggs or fry (Sullivan et al. 1987).
Management activities may affect salmon spawning success if an
excess of fine sediments is introduced from management-caused
landslides or poorly designed or maintained roads. Spawning requires
the availability of clean gravels of appropriate size with intragravel
flows sufficient to deliver dissolved oxygen to buried eggs (Sullivan et
al. 1987).
Juvenile salmonids require cover from predators, areas of variable
flow velocity for feeding, and areas of low flow velocity during winter
storm events, including off-channel habitats and pools (Sullivan et al.
1987). Large wood input from adjacent riparian areas are important for
providing cover, and the loss of wood can decrease overwinter
survival of salmonids (Bisson et al. 1987). Large wood is also an
important factor in pool formation, and pool spacing is dependent on
wood loading in pool-riffle and plane-bed channels in Southeast
Alaska (Montgomery et al. 1995). Timber harvest can potentially
affect salmonid habitat if wood is removed from streams or if wood
3-174 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Fisheries
recruitment is diminished through harvest in riparian areas. Riparian
vegetation also shades streams and minimizes increases in water
temperature due to solar radiation (Beschta et al. 1987).
3.8. 1.1 Fine Sediment
Fine sediment can enter streams from log yarding and road
construction activities. Fine sediments can reduce interstitial water
flow, leading to depressed dissolved oxygen concentrations and
physically trapping emerging fry in the gravel. Hicks et al. (1991b)
found that in some cases in Alaska, salmonid survival was apparently
affected over the short term when timber harvest activities increased
the amount of fine sediment in spawning. However, the amount of
sediment in gravels returned to pre-logging conditions within five
years. The placement of buffers and implementation of BMPs and
standards and guidelines would reduce the amount of fine sediment
entering the streams.
3. 8. 1.2 Large Woody Debris
Forest management in western North America has affected the
distribution and abundance of large woody debris (LWD) in streams in
many cases. Changes include the reduction of large stable debris in
streams of all sizes, concentration of debris in large but infrequent
accumulations, and loss of important sources of new LWD for stream
channels (Hicks et al. 1991b).
LWD plays an important role in controlling stream channel
morphology, regulating the storage and routing of sediment and
particulate organic matter, and creating and maintaining fish habitat
(Hicks et al. 1991b).
Timber harvest adjacent to streams can alter the rate of contribution
and loss of large woody debris. The placement of buffers along
streams helps provide a continuous source of large woody debris
(Hicks et al. 1991b).
3.8. 1.3 Stream Temperature
Decreasing the amount of shade provided by streamside trees can
increase the water temperature and decrease the amount of dissolved
oxygen that the water can hold. The metabolic rates of fish and other
aquatic organisms are directly related to the water temperature.
State water quality standards state that water temperatures may not
exceed 20°C at any time. For fish streams, migration routes and
rearing areas, temperatures may not exceed 1 5°C, and spawning and
egg and fry incubation areas may not exceed 13°C (Alaska Department
of Environmental Conservation 2003).
By leaving no-harvest buffers along Class I, II, and III streams, water
temperatures are not expected to increase.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-175
Environment and Effects
3. 8. 1.4 Stream Buffers
Stream buffers protect and regulate riparian areas. Riparian areas
include water, land, and plants adjacent to perennial streams, lakes,
and other bodies of water. Riparian plants maintain stream bank
stability and floodplain integrity by inhibiting erosion. Plants provide
shade that helps regulate stream temperature, large woody debris, and
leaf and needle litter that fuels the aquatic food cha, »
The Tongass Timber Reform Act (TTRA) of 1990 mandates that all
Class I and Class II streams that flow directly into Class I streams
receive a minimum 100-foot no harvest buffer. Prior to TTRA, riparian
harvest did occur on Kuiu Island (Table 3-68).
Table 3 - 68. =s of riparian harvest by watershed (WS)
Watershed Name
ADF&G
number
Acres of riparian
harvest within WS
Acres of riparian
harvest within project
area
Dean Creek
109-50-10070
105
105
Saginaw Creek
109-44-10390
450
450
None (Drains into
Security Bay)
109-45-10090
85
85
Rowan
109-52-10060
363
79
Kadake
109-42-10300
410
100
None (Drains into
Saginaw)
109-44-10370
13
13
Security Creek
109-45-10100
78
77
3. 8. 1.5 Stream Value Classes
Stream value classes are mapping units that indicate levels of habitat
use by fish populations. Boundaries were delineated according to the
following criteria, described in the Aquatic Habitat Management
Handbook (FSH 2090.21).
Class 1 - 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 do not meet Class I criteria.
3-176 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Fisheries
3.8.2 Resource
Inventory
3.8.3 Existing
Condition
Class III - Streams which are both 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 bankful width of at least 0.3 meters (one
foot).
The Class IV designation was created under the 1997 Forest Plan and
was identified and mapped for each unit and when possible outside the
units.
Non-streams - Rills and other watercourses, generally intermittent and
less than one-foot in bankfull width, little or no incision into the
surrounding hillslope, and with little or no evidence of scour.
During the summer of 2003 and 2004, field surveys were conducted to
verify fish presence or absence, fish species, channel type, and stream
value class. This information was incorporated into a GIS based
inventory (see Kuiu Fisheries Resource Report available in the Kuiu
Timber Sale planning record)
3.8.3. 1 Watersheds
The north and east sides of Kuiu Island have had the most harvest. The
project area is in northern Kuiu and encompasses eight watersheds.
Table 3-43 shows the acres harvested within each of these watersheds.
The watersheds contain important fish habitat that will be discussed in
the following paragraphs. More detailed discussions on watersheds can
be found in Issue 4 - Cumulative Watershed Effects, in this chapter
and in Appendix C.
Kadake Creek Watershed
Kadake Creek Watershed (ADF&G # 109-42-10300) is the largest
producer of steelhead and salmon on Kuiu Island and is used by sport
fishermen more than any other stream on Kuiu Island. It has
approximately 71 miles of Class I and 18 miles of Class II stream. It
has a Recreational River LUD due to its high fish values for steelhead,
coho salmon, and cutthroat trout. Few other streams receive as much
angling pressure. Kadake Creek also has high wildlife, historic,
scenic, and recreation values.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-177
Environment and Effects
The number of steelhead redds and adult steelhead have been counted
in Kadake Creek for 10 of the last 12 years. Although statistical
analysis is incomplete, no obvious trends are evident.
Dean Creek Watershed
The Dean Creek Watershed (ADF&G # 109-50-10070) contains two
lakes with a total of 6.6 acres and approximately 10 miles of Class I
and four miles of Class II stream habitat.
The Dean Creek fish pass was built in 1984 to provide coho salmon
passage over a 13-foot waterfall. Coho fry were transplanted from
three adjacent drainages (Rowan Creek, Security Creek, and Saginaw
Creek) over a seven year period (1983-1989). The fish pass was
modified in 1994 for pink salmon. In addition to coho and pink
salmon, Dean Creek also has chum salmon, steelhead, and Dolly
Varden (Johnson et al. 2004).
Security Creek Watershed
The Security Creek Watershed (ADF&G # 109-45-10100) does not
contain any lakes. There are approximately ten miles of Class I stream
and five miles of Class II stream habitat. Security Creek has
populations of coho, pink, chum, and Dolly Varden (Johnson et al.
2004).
Saginaw Creek Watershed
The Saginaw Creek Watershed (ADF&G # 109-44-10390) contains
one small lake and approximately 14 miles of Class I and six miles of
Class II stream habitat. Saginaw has coho, chum, pink, steelhead,
Dolly Varden, and cutthroat trout (Johnson et al. 2004).
Rowan Creek Watershed
The Rowan Creek Watershed (ADF&G # 109-52-10060) has one large
19-acre lake and four smaller lakes which total one acre. There are 22
miles of Class I and 15 miles of Class II stream habitat. Rowan Creek
has populations of coho, pink, sockeye, Dolly Varden, and cutthroat
(Johnson et al. 2004).
Watershed #109-44-10370
This unnamed stream system drains into Saginaw Bay. It does not
have any lakes but does have approximately three miles of Class I
stream and six miles of Class II stream habitat. This stream has
populations of coho, pink, and chum salmon as well as Dolly Varden,
and steelhead (Johnson et al. 2004).
3-178 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Fisheries
Watershed # 109-45-10090
This unnamed stream system drains into Security Bay. It does not
contain any lakes but it does have approximately one mile of Class I
stream and three miles of Class II stream habitat. The fish species
present are coho and pink salmon, and Dolly Varden (Johnson et al.
2004).
3. 8.3.2 Roads and Stream Crossings
Guidelines for fish passage through culverts are specified in the
Aquatic Habitat Management Handbook (FSH 2090.21). The guiding
criteria for culvert design is to allow natural migration by adult and
juvenile fish through the culvert during flows equal to or less than the
discharge predicted to occur two days before or after the mean annual
flood levels.
Each of the proposed action alternatives relies heavily on the existing
road system with a supporting temporary road system to access timber.
The miles of proposed temporary road construction varies between 2.9
and 19 miles depending on the action alternative (see Transportation
section this chapter). Use of the existing road system minimizes
interference with fish migration by avoiding installation of additional
culverts, except for those associated with proposed temporary roads.
For the action alternatives between 3.2 and 6.9 miles of existing closed
classified roads would be needed to access timber, depending on the
alternative. These roads would be reopened (reconstructed) including
the installation of stream crossing structures (stringer bridges or
culverts). Table 3-69 shows the existing and proposed stream crossings
needing structures by stream class and alternative for the Kuiu Timber
Sale Area.
Table 3 - 69. Existing and proposed stream crossings needing
structures by stream class and alternative
Stream
Class
Alt 1
Alt 2
Alt 3
Alt 4
Alt 5
1
0
3
2
3
3
2
0
3
4
5
5
3
0
1
8
14
15
4
0
5
19
19
19
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-179
Environment and Effects
Road condition surveys assess the condition of existing roads, culverts,
and drainage features. The Tongass National Forest maintains this
information in a database, and updates are made as new information
becomes available. As part of this road survey each of the fish
crossings are analyzed to determine if juvenile fish can pass through
the culvert at different flows. The fish crossings are categorized red,
gray, or green. A red fish crossing is one that cannot pass juvenile fish
at some or all flows, a green fish crossing is one that can pass juvenile
fish at all flows up to the Q2 2-day flow (a two day delay from the
mean annual flood), and a gray fish crossing needs additional analysis
to determine if it is red or green. Within the project area, there are six
grey culverts and 44 red culverts. Of the 44 red culverts, 1 1 are on
Class I streams. One Class I stream and three Class II streams need
upstream habitat analysis. Those culverts that have had upstream
habitat analysis block or partially block approximately 2.4 miles of
Class I habitat and 5.2 miles of Class II stream habitat. Currently an
interagency group is working to develop a model that would help
make management recommendations for the red culverts. The model is
planned to be tested in 2006. Culverts are being prioritized by the
degree of the barrier, species of fish, and amount of habitat upstream.
3. 8.3. 3 Marine Environment
The project area includes approximately 33.7 miles of shoreline which
contains diverse estuarine and tidal ecosystems that include shrimp,
flatfish, marine worms, starfish, sponges, anemones, sea cucumbers,
urchins, shellfish, plankton, marine algae, and other organisms. The
shallow marine waters are vital habitat for some commercially
important species, such as Dungeness crab and juvenile salmon.
Log transfer facilities (LTFs) and log transport are the points of
concentrated activity in the marine environment. The rest of the
shoreline is protected by a 1,000-foot buffer (Forest Plan). There are
two existing LTFs in north Kuiu that could be used for the action
alternatives (see the Transportation section of this chapter for further
details). Rowan Bay LTF and sort yard approximately six miles south
of the project area and Saginaw Bay LTF and sort yard which is in the
project area. All the action alternatives would use the existing
administrative site at Rowan Bay or a floating camp to house the
timber operators.
Rowan Bay
There are six anadromous fish streams that drain into Rowan Bay.
Rowan Creek and Browns Creek are the largest producers. Rowan
Creek has populations of coho and pink salmon, sockeye, Dolly
Varden, and cutthroat. Browns Creek has populations of pink salmon,
coho salmon, cutthroat trout, steelhead, Dolly Varden, and chum
3-180 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Fisheries
salmon. Average annual pink salmon escapement from 1 993 to 2002
was 29,000. Dungeness crab is harvested from Rowan Bay and the
surrounding area.
In 1996 Rowan Bay was placed on the Section 303(d)1 list for bark
debris from the LTF. A dive on July 15, 2002 to monitor the bark
deposit at Rowan Bay showed the LTF had an area with continuous
bark coverage of 0.5 acres which is compliant with water quality
standards, resulting in its removal from the Section 303(d) list in 2003.
3.8.4
Environmental
Consequences
Saginaw Bay
This LTF would require reconstruction, but the “footprint” of the LTF
would not change. An existing storage yard located near the LTF on
the uplands would be used if necessary. In addition to the storage area,
a sort yard at the end of Road 6448 approximately one mile from the
LTF site is proposed for log sorting prior to storage at the LTF site.
There are five cataloged anadromous fish streams entering Saginaw
Bay with Saginaw Creek and Straight Creek being the largest
producers. Saginaw Creek has coho, chum, and pink salmon,
steelhead, Dolly Varden, and cutthroat trout. Straight Creek has
populations of coho salmon, pink salmon, chum salmon, steelhead,
Dolly Varden, and cutthroat trout (Johnson et al. 2004). Dungeness
crabs are harvested in Saginaw Bay. The close proximity to the
community of Kake makes Saginaw Bay an important fishing area.
In 1998 Saginaw Bay was placed on the Section 303(d) list for bark
debris from the LTF. Two dives were completed in 2002. The dive on
May 30, 2002 was based on previous dives' layouts. The continuous
bark accumulation was 1 .08 acres which is compliant with water
quality standards, resulting in its removal from the Section 303(d) list
in 2003.
3.8.4.1 Direct and Indirect Effects
Effects Common to all Action Alternatives
Harvest units are designed so that all Class I and Class II streams that
flow directly into Class I streams receive a minimum 100-foot buffer.
Many stream channel types extend this buffer beyond the 100-foot
1 Section 303(d) is an EPA approved. State submitted, prioritized list of impaired
waters as required by the Clean Water Act (33 USC 1313). Section 303(d) list
provides a comprehensive inventory of water bodies impaired by all sources,
including point sources, nonpoint sources, or a combination of both. This inventory
is the basis for targeting water bodies for watershed-based solutions, and the TMDL
process provides the analytical framework to develop these solutions.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-181
Environment and Effects
minimum. Class III streams have a no harvest buffer within the v-
notch or to the break in side slopes (see unit cards for site-specific
buffers).
The action alternatives propose temporary road construction and
reconstruction of some system roads. No construction of new
classified roads is proposed (see the Transportation section in this
chapter for road class definitions). All classified roads that are
reopened for this timber sale would be put back into storage again after
timber harvest is completed. Roads placed into storage would have all
stream crossing structures removed and cross drains added where
necessary. Roads in storage are system roads and may be reopened for
future use.
The effects for all the action alternatives are expected to be short term.
They include increased annual water yield and peak flows in small
streams and a temporary increase in sediment delivery from temporary
road construction, installation of culverts and bridges, and the removal
of culverts on currently open roads (Table 3-70). Fish passage would
be restored in the following two areas that do not meet current
standards for fish passage and block or partially block approximately
636 feet of fish habitat:
• Storage of Road 6413 would remove a culvert that does not meet
current fish passage standards.
• Excess fill left on site from a prior culvert removal on Road 6417
would be removed restoring fish passage.
Rowan and Saginaw Bay LTFs have recently been removed from the
impaired waters list for bark accumulation. Although both LTFs are
permitted for the rafting of logs under the EPA General Permit AK-
G70-0027, the common practice in the timber industry is to barge logs.
Bark accumulation would be monitored and if the accumulation
exceeded EPA standards appropriate actions would be taken.
3-182 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Fisheries
Table 3 - 70. Proposed fish stream structure removal
Alt
Road#
Class 1 Stream
Structures
Removed
Meets
Current Fish
Passage
Standards
Class II
Stream
Structures
Removed
Meets Current
Fish Passage
Standards
2
6413
1
Yes
1
Does not meet
46096
1
Yes
0
6417
3
Yes
3
1 does not meet
2 meet
3
6413
1
Yes
1
Does not meet
46096
1
Yes
0
6418
2
Yes
0
6417
3
Yes
3
1 does not meet
2 meet
4 and 5
6413
1
Yes
1
1 does not meet
46096
1
Yes
0
6418
2
Yes
0
6417
3
Yes
3
1 does not meet
3.8.5
Comparison of
Effects by
Alternative
3. 8. 5.1 Alternative 1 (No Action Alternative)
In this alternative, there would be no timber harvest, no roads would
be built, and no additional roads would be put into storage. No changes
in water yield, sediment delivery to streams, or fish passage are
expected to occur except for naturally occurring events. This does not
preclude regular maintenance of roads and the removal or replacement
of culverts that do not allow fish passage.
3.8. 5.2 Alternative 2
This alternative proposes the harvest of 14.6 mmbf of timber from 491
acres. Timber harvest in this alternative would require the construction
of 2.9 miles of temporary road. There are 4.5 miles of roads currently
in storage that would have to be reopened, which would require
replacing the culverts or bridges on three Class I streams and three
Class II streams (Table 3-69). The replacement of the Class I
structures would require timing restrictions to minimize impacts to fish
(see the road cards in Appendix B). This alternative would close an
additional 8.2 miles of road after timber harvest is complete. The
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-183
Environment and Effects
harvest would occur in six watersheds; Security Creek, Saginaw
Creek, Rowan Creek, Kadake Creek, Watershed 109-44-10390, and
Watershed 109-52-10070.
3.8. 5. 3 Alternative 3
This alternative proposes the harvest of 23.6 mmbf of timber and the
construction of 7.5 miles of temporary road. Temporary road
construction would require one new Class II stream crossing (Table 3-
69). There are 3.2 miles of road that are currently in storage that would
have to be reopened, which would require replacing two Class I and
three Class II culverts or bridge crossings on Road 6417 (Table 3-69).
All structures on the temporary roads and reconstructed classified
roads would be removed after logging is complete. An additional 8.4
miles of currently open road would be put into storage at the end of
this project. The harvest would occur in five watersheds; Security
Creek, Saginaw Creek, Rowan Creek, Kadake Creek, and Watershed #
109-44-10370.
3.8.5.4 Alternative 4
This alternative proposes the harvest of 42.6 mmbf of timber and
construction of 19 miles of temporary road. There are 6.1 miles of road
that are currently in storage that would have to be reopened.
Temporary road construction would require two new Class II stream
crossings, and road reconstruction would require replacing three Cla-^
I and three Class II stream crossings on Road 6417 (Table 3-69). A
timber harvest is completed, an additional 1 1 miles of currently open
road would be put into storage with all structures pulled. The harvest
would occur in six watersheds; Security Creek, Saginaw Creek,
Rowan Creek, Kadake Creek, Watershed 109-44-10390, and
Watershed 109-52-10070.
3.8. 5. 5 Alternative 5
This alternative proposes the harvest of 36.3 mmbf of timber and the
construction of 17. 1 miles of temporary road. There are 6.9 miles of
road that are currently in storage that would have to be reopened.
Temporary road construction would require two new Class II stream
crossings, and road reconstruction would require replacing three Class
I and three Class II stream crossings on Road 6417 (Table 3-69). After
timber harvest is completed, an additional 1 1 miles of currently open
road would be put into storage with all structures pulled. The harvest
would occur in six Watersheds; Security Creek, Saginaw Creek,
Rowan Creek, Kadake Creek, Watershed 109-44-10390, and
Watershed 109-52-10070.
3-184 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Fisheries
3.8.6
Cumulative
Effects
3.8.7 Essential
Fish Habitat
Assessment
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Cumulative effects to fish include all past, present, and reasonable
foreseeable future management activities. Past activities include the
Dean Creek fish pass, which opened approximately 6.5 miles of stream
for coho, pink, and chum salmon, steelhead and Dolly Varden. Past
activities also include road construction and timber harvest.
Cumulative effects for this project include the potential harvest of
units from the Crane and Rowan Mountain EIS and road maintenance.
Within the project area, the harvest units from the Crane and Rowan
FEIS lie in the Security Creek, Dean Creek, and an unnamed
unnumbered Watershed in the north portion of the project area.
According to the five-year timber sale schedule, there is no additional
harvest scheduled in the project area, but the Bayport EIS borders the
project area to the south and may affect the Kadake and Rowan Creek
Watersheds.
The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act
(the Act) defines Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) as “those waters and
substrates necessary for fish spawning, breeding, feeding, or growth to
maturity.” For EFH, “fish” refers to federally managed fish or shellfish
species and their prey. Marine EFH in Alaska includes estuarine and
marine areas from tidally submerged habitat to the 200-mile exclusive
economic zone (EEZ). Freshwater EFH includes streams, rivers, lakes,
ponds, wetlands and other bodies of water currently and historically
accessible to salmon. EFH for Pacific salmon recognizes six critical
life history stages:
• Spawning and incubation of eggs
• Juvenile rearing
• Winter and summer rearing during freshwater residency
• Juvenile migration between freshwater and estuarine rearing
habitats
• Marine residency of immature and maturing adults
• Adult spawning migration
Habitat requirements within these periods can differ significantly and
any modification of the habitat within these periods can adversely
affect EFH.
Section 305(b)(2) of the Act states that all federal agencies must
consult the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for actions or
proposed actions that may adversely affect EFH. The Act promotes the
protection of these habitats through review, assessment, and mitigation
of activities that may adversely affect these habitats. On August 25,
2000 the Forest Service, Alaska Region, and NMFS agreed to a
procedure for the consultation. This Environmental Impact Statement
Chapter 3 • 3-185
Environment and Effects
(EIS) satisfies the consultation requirements by providing 1) a
description of the proposed action, 2) an analysis of individual and
cumulative effects of the action on EFH, the managed species, and
associated species such as major prey species, including affected life
history stages, 3) the Forest Service's views regarding effects on EFH,
and 4) a discussion of proposed mitigation, if applicable. The formal
consultation will start when NMFS receives a copy of the draft
environmental impact statement (DEIS) with the EFH Assessment.
NMFS may then respond in writing as to whether it concurs with the
findings of the assessment, or make conservation recommendations.
The Forest Service must respond to conservation recommendations
within 30 days. Documentation of the consultation process will be
included in the FEIS.
A description of the Kuiu Timber Sale Area is located in Chapter 1.
Either the Rowan Bay or the Saginaw Bay LTF may be used. If the
LTF at Saginaw Bay is used it would need to be rebuilt and the old
campsite near the LTF would be used as a sort yard. While the LTF is
in operation, it must be dived annually to monitor bark accumulation.
The last dive to monitor the bark deposit at Rowan Bay took place on
July 15, 2002. The LTF had an area with continuous bark cover of 0.5
acres. The substrate near the LTF is mainly silt with some areas of
sand, gravel, shells, and bedrock. The Saginaw Bay LTF was last
dived on May 30, 2002 and the continuous bark accumulation was
1 .08 acres. Sporadic use of either LTF is not expected to cause
additional bark accumulation.
According to the queriable database (http://www.fakr.noaa.gov),
NMFS has identified Rowan Bay as EFH for adult and late juvenile
arrowtooth flounder, yelloweye rockfish, dusky rockfish. Pacific ocean
perch, walleye pollock, sculpin, skates. Pacific cod, flathead sole, rex
sole, shortraker and rougheye rockfish. The Saginaw Bay is EFH for
Pacific cod, arrowtooth flounder. Pacific Ocean perch, walleye
pollock, dusky rockfish, shortraker and rougheye rockfish, yelloweye
rockfish, sablefish, sculpin and skates. Primary prey items for the
managed species follow as described in the Gulf of Alaska Fishery
Management Plan (FMP), March 1, 2002.
• Arrowtooth flounder feed in gravel-mud substrates near the
seafloor. Adults feed on other fish. Juveniles feed on crustaceans,
and young pollock.
• Yelloweye rockfish eat primarily fish, but also feed on shrimp,
small crabs, and lingcod eggs.
• Dusky rockfish have a diet mainly of plankton, squid, octopus,
shrimp, and hermit crabs are also consumed.
3-186 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Fisheries
• Pacific Ocean perch feed on plankton. Adults may eat small
shrimp and squids.
• Walleye pollock feed throughout the water column on small
crustacean, young pollock, and other fish.
• Sculpins feed mainly near the bottom. Prey items include crabs,
barnacles, and mussels. Larger sculpins eat fish.
• Skates feed on bottom invertebrates (crustaceans, mollusks, and
polychaetes) and fish.
• Pacific cod feed mostly on other fish. Young cod feed mostly on
invertebrates.
• Flathead sole prey on brittle stars, basket stars, tanner crabs,
smelts, bivalves, and worms.
• Rex sole feed on worms and snow crabs.
• Shortraker and rougheye rockfish feed on shrimp, squids, and fish.
The potential effects of the LTF on marine EFH include diminished
habitat for managed species and their prey due to placement of shot
rock fill and bark accumulation. Another effect is reduced rearing
capability for juvenile salmon due to potential reduced water quality
from bark lechates and shading beneath log rafts and equipment floats.
Potential effects on freshwater EFH include increased peak flows,
increased sediment delivery, altered riparian vegetation and disturbed
channel integrity, which may reduce habitat quality for salmon.
The Forest Service's position is that harvesting timber near Class I
streams and wetlands, and the use of the Rowan Bay or Saginaw Bay
LTFs may have an adverse affect on Essential Fish Habitat. However,
by following the standards and guidelines in the Forest Plan and
implementing the Best Management Practices (BMPs), the effects on
EFH would be minimized because:
• All Class I and Class II streams1 2 within the project area would be
protected by a no-harvest buffer of 100 feet or more*" (see unit
cards in Appendix B for site-specific activities).
• All Class III streams would be protected by no-harvest buffers
according to the Forest Plan. This minimizes the potential impact
to downstream Essential Fish Habitat (see unit cards in Appendix
B for site-specific activities).
1 See Appendix B for stream class definitions
2 The mitigation measures for no harvest buffers are located in the Aquatic Habitat
Management Handbook FSH 2090.2 1_30 page 5.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-187
Environment and Effects
• In areas where wind damage has occurred in the past, buffer widths
would be increased, and additional trees would be left standing to
assure resistance to wi hrow (see unit cards in Appendix B for
locations of increased buffer widths).
• BMPs would be implemented to protect water quality and aquatic
habitat for all freshwater streams within the project area (see unit
cards in Appendix B for site-specific activities).
• Only temporary road construction would occur.
• The Saginaw and Rowan Bay LTFs would comply with the
Environmental Protection Agency’s National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements.
3.8.7. 1 Conclusions
The Forest Service believes ‘Tat these mitigation measures would
avoid or minimize the effects of this timber sale on Essential Fish
Habitat. Impacts to EFH are likely to occur onl) from unforeseen
events. A copy of the DEIS will be given to NMFS as stated in the
agreement, and the Forest Service will continue the consultation
process with the National Marine Fisheries Service.
3-188 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
3.9.1 Geology
and Minerals
3.9.2 Karst
3.9.3 Soils
3.9 Soils and Geology
North Kuiu is formed from the Alexander Terrane1. The landscape has
been altered through time by repeated glaciation. The Kuiu Timber
Sale Area is within the Rowan Sediments and North Prince of Wales-
Kuiu Carbonates Ecological Subsections (Nowacki et al. 2001). The
terrane includes interbedded ocean trench sediments, shallow water
limestone, sedimentary rocks (primarily mudstone, graywacke, and
turbidites), volcanic rocks, and chert. (Kuiu island Landscape
Assessment 2005). Calcareous mudstones from the Bay of Pillars
formation are also present (Kuiu Island Landscape Assessment 2005).
There are no known mineral occurrences of commercial value within
the Kuiu Timber Sale Area. The April 2004 Alaskan Bureau of Land
Management Mining Report lists no mining claims or patented mining
claim groups within the project area. The proposed action would have
no direct or indirect impact on mineral resources.
Karst is a comprehensive term that applies to the unique topography,
surface and subsurface drainage systems, and landforms that develop
by the action of water on soluble rock. In the Kuiu Timber Sale Area
that rock is limestone and marble, and in some cases calcareous
mudstones. The dissolution of the rock results in the development of
internal drainage producing sinking streams, closed depressions, and
other solution landforms such as sinkholes, collapsed channels and
caves. It has been found that, to one extent or another, karsts develop
within all carbonate blocks. In Southeast Alaska the purity of
carbonates, proximal peatlands, and highly fractured bedrock are
particularly favorable for karst development (Baichtal and Swanston
1996).
The Tongass National Forest has developed management guidelines
which strive to protect and maintain the function and biological
significance of karst landscapes and caves found, per the requirements
of the Federal Cave Resources Protection Act of 1988. Within the
Kuiu Timber Sale Area, 6,624 acres of carbonate bedrock including
2,270 acres of karst, have been identified along the northeastern
boundary. All proposed alternatives have been modified so that no
timber harvest, road construction, or quarry development would occur
in these areas or along the drainages which flow to them.
Soils provide the foundation for the forest ecosystem and have evolved
with time, climate, and vegetation. Soil development in the Kuiu
Timber Sale Area has been strongly influenced by high precipitation
and cool soil temperatures. Under such conditions, organic matter
1 The Alexander Terrane is made up of a block of interbedded marine volcanic and
sedimentary rocks that began forming more than 200 million years ago.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-189
Environment and Effects
decomposes slowly and accumulates on-site. A thick organic surface
horizon composed of forest litter is common on mineral soils. Deep
organic soils develop where movement of water is impeded by
bedrock or other restrictive horizons. Tree rooting is generally very
shallow, even in deep soils, with most of the roots present in the
surface organic layers and the upper few inches of mineral soil.
Typically the rooting zone is almost always wet, very acidic, and it
contains many of the nutrients required for plant growth.
Scoping comments for the Kuiu Timber Sale Area did not identify any
specific soil related issues. The Forest Plan however has identified two
concerns pertinent to proposed timber harvests that are applicable. The
concerns are: 1) soil productivity loss due to roads, rockpits, and
detrimental soil conditions created as a result of timber harvests, and
2) erosion due to management-induced mass wasting (i.e. various
types of landslides: avalanches, debris and earth flows, soil creep,
slumps, etc.).
3.9.3. 1 Mineral Soils
Mineral soils, accounting for over 72 percent of soil in the project area,
originate from weathered bedrock, glacial till, alluvium (water worked
sediments), and colluvium (sediments moved by gravity from upslope
areas), and are typically overlain with a thick organic layer. Soil depth
beneath a 6 to 10 inch layer of organic matter ranges from 1 0 inches to
more than 20 feet.
Drainage in mineral soils ranges from poorly drained to extremely
well-drained. Drainage is a critical factor in tree growth and site
productivity. Good drainage generally encourages more productive
forestland while poor drainage usually results in poor forest
productivity.
Well-drained, deep soils derived from carbonate rocks, make up about
six percent of the project area. The soils derived from carbonate rocks
are limited to the limestone geology near Saginaw Bay. The calcareous
mudstone and thin beds of limestone add valuable nutrients to the soil.
The higher pH created by the weathering rocks neutralizes some of the
acidity common to Southeast Alaska soils, making nutrients more
available to plants.
3.9. 3.2 Organic Soils
Organic soils (classified as Histosols), accounting for approximately
14 percent of the Kuiu Timber Sale Area are derived from highly
decomposed plant material, typically found on low slope areas (0-35
percent), and are very poorly drained. Sphagnum peat and sedge
muskegs are common types of organic soils. Histosols develop in
water-saturated environments and contain between 12 and 18 percent
organic carbon. Almost all Histosols are considered wetlands.
3-190 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Soils and Geology
3.9.4 Soil
Productivity
3.9.5 Soil
Disturbance
and Erosion
The Forest Service Manual (FSM 2554.05-13) defines soil
productivity as the inherent capacity of a soil to support the growth of
specific plant communities. Deep well-drained soils are the most
productive for tree growth, even though tree rooting is shallow. Thick
matting resulting from accumulating and decaying organic matter
helps to minimize soil erosion. Maintaining soil drainage while
minimizing soil erosion are both key to soil productivity in the Kuiu
Timber Sale Area.
Soil disturbance is part of a natural and ongoing process within a forest
ecosystem. Erosion is considered one phase of soil disturbance,
initiated by natural processes such as heavy or consistent precipitation,
landslides, windthrow, and fire. Soil disturbance can also be initiated
by land management activities (e.g. road construction, timber harvest,
and rock pit development (Swanston 1995)), and unmanaged activities
(e.g. excessive off-highway vehicle use (OHV)). The level of
disturbance varies with management practices and site characteristics.
Forest Plan standards and guidelines state that no more than 15 percent
of an activity area can be detrimentally disturbed through management
practices (FSM 2554.03-10). Documented detrimental soil conditions
includes soil displacement, eroded areas, compaction and puddling,
mass movements, and ground cover removal. Roads are the largest
contributor of management induced soil disturbance on the Tongass
National Forest (Kuiu Island Landscape Assessment 2005). Classified
roads are considered a dedicated use of the soil resource and normally
are not included when calculating detrimental soil conditions, whereas
temporary roads are included. For purposes of analyzing cumulative
effects to the soil resource for this report, all roads in the Kuiu Timber
Sale Area are included.
3.9.5.1 Mass Movement
Analysis in Southeast Alaska between 1963 and 1983 revealed that
landslides over 100 cubic yards in size were 3.5 times more likely to
occur in harvested areas than in unharvested areas (Swanston and
Marion 1991). However, Swanston noted that “as a general rule,
landslides in harvest areas are significantly smaller, occur at lower
elevations, develop on gentler gradients, and tend to travel shorter
distances [than naturally induced landslides]” (Swanston and Marion
1991). The areas considered hazardous or most prone to landslides are
those with steep slopes or areas with distinct slip-planes (such as those
with compacted glacial till or bedrock sloping parallel to the surface)
and those with a northwest-southeast aspect (warmer areas). During
heavy rainfall or snowfall events (during snow melt) these areas have a
higher likelihood of failing especially if previously disturbed by
blasting for rock pits, road pioneering, side casting of excavated
material, or logging practices (Swanston and Marion 1991).
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-191
Environment and Effects
In another Southeast Alaska landslide analysis conducted for the
Forest Service (Landwehr 2000, unpub.), Landwehr compares the
results of his study from 1971 to 1991 against that of Swanston and
Marion (1991) (Table 3-71), noting that in the Landwehr study all
landslides visible on aerial photos were included, regardless of their
size.
Table 3-71. Landslide analysis of Swanston and Marion (1991) and Landwehr
(2000, unpub.).
20 Year
Analysis
Landslides
Per acre of
unharvested
areas
Per acre of
harvested
areas
Ratio between
harvested and
unharvested
Per mile of :
road
construction
Swanston and
Marion (1991)
1 slide/8,021
acres
1 slide/2,348
acres
3.42 higher in
harvested
N/A
Landwehr
(2000,
unpub.).
1 slide/3,324
acres
1 slide/418
acres
7.95 higher in
harvested
1 slide/31 mile
Mass movement ratings have been developed to assist management at
the planning level for predicting the landslide potential of an area. The
formula or calculation used to determine a rating or mass movement
index (MMI) can differ between users. When determining the MMI
rating for units within the Kuiu Timber Sale Area, four categories were
used to rank soil units, as suggested by Swanston (1995). The relative
ranking provided in the Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
database used by the Forest Service used to classify a MMI rating is
based on several factors which include: soil data identified in the Soil
Resource Inventory (SRI) established for the northern and central
portions of the Tongass, state-of-the-art research, soil properties
(including slope gradient), and collective experience within Forest
Service management. The rating is based on how soils will react at soil
saturation without major stabilizing events and is intended to reflect
the natural stability (or instability ) of a slope under natural conditions
(Swanston 1995).
3-192 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
A
Kuiu Timber Sale
Figure 3-9
MMi-3 and MMI-4 Soils within the Kuiu
Timber Sale Area
Legend
j MMI-4 Extreme
MMI-3 High
Productive Old-Growth
Managed Stands
Lakes/Saltwater
| Unit Pool
..... Project Area Boundary
500ft Contour Interval
Stream Value Class I & II
Existing Open Roads
Roads in Storage (Closed)
Decommissioned Roads
Kadake
Bay
wmm
- %
3.9.6 Existing
Condition
Soils and Geology
Slope gradient is a primary site factor for determining the stability of
natural slopes. For reference purposes, the MMI ratings identified by
Swanston (1995) are generally associated with the following slope
gradients:
• MMI - 1 (low): 5 to 35 percent
• MMI - 2 (moderate): 35 to 51 percent
• MMI - 3 (high): 51 to 72 percent
• MMI - 4 (extreme): over 72 percent
Other factors that contribute to slope stability and calculating a MMI
rating include drainage density and dissection, soil depth and drainage
patterns, and slope length and shape (Swanston 1995).
Vegetative growth on slopes also effects soil strength. Four to seven
years after harvests, root strength tends to decrease because of
decomposition (Ziemer and Swanston 1977) and soil cohesion begins
to lessen. This information is validated through a study by Johnson et
al. (2000) for landslides that occurred on Prince of Wales. Prince of
Wales is part of the Alexander terrane, having similar rocks and soils
as in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area. Johnson et al (2002) found that in
landslides initiated by a single storm event in 1993, 89 percent of over
300 landslides that occurred were in areas with rotted roots and
convergent topography.
Soils having slope gradients greater than 50 percent may need special
road construction design (i.e. benching and end-hauling overburden
away from cutbank (Krosse 1993)). At the Forest Planning level, areas
with slope gradients of 72 percent or more are removed from the
tentatively suitable timber base due to a higher risk of landslides.
However, the Forest Supervisor or District Ranger at the project level
may approve timber harvest on these slopes, on a case-by-case basis.
Their decision includes consideration of results from an on-site
analysis of slope stability, stability documented on a Soil Stability
Investigation Report, an assessment of impacts of potential accelerated
erosion on down slope areas, downstream fish habitats, as well as
other affected resources and economical factors.
3.9.6. 1 Effects of Past Actions
Approximately 22 percent of the Kuiu Timber Sale Area has been
harvested in the past 30 years, mostly from valley bottoms and gentle
slope areas (Table 3-72). The Kuiu Timber Sale proposal includes
harvest on some steeper and mid-slope areas considered through the
MMI Rating process as hazardous areas (MMI-3 and MMI-4) (Figure
3-9).
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-195
Environment and Effects
Table 3-72. Acres previously harvested in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area
by MMI Class.
MMI Class
Project area
Acres
Acres
Harvested
% Hazard class
harvested
1 - Low
19,284
5,273
27%
2 - Moderate
20,862
4,668
22%
3 -High
2,595
190
7%
4 - Extreme
3,361
262
8%
Totals
46,102
10,393
22%
3.9. 6.2 Mass Movement
Mass wasting and general slope failures have occurred within the Kuiu
Timber Sale Area (Figure 3-8). Evidence of road failures can be seen
in tension cracks, blown culverts and filled ditches. A landslide
inventory was completed in December 2003 using aerial photos taken
in 1998 and Forest Service land surveys completed in the 1960s and
1980s. Through the inventory, 57 known landslides were identified
within the Kuiu Timber Sale Area varying in size from 0.5 acre to 88
acres (Table 3-73). One of these was a large rotational failure that
occurred after a rain on snow event in December 1988. This slide
today is partially revegetated and recovering. No units are proposed on
or near this slide. The landslides analyzed originated on moderate to
steep slopes, or in areas where shallow soils come into contact with
glacial till or bedrock.
Landslides for MMI-1 and MMI-2 areas were two times higher in
harvested areas than in unharvested areas (Chart 3-6). For MMI-4
areas, there were almost three times as many landslides in harvested
areas compared to unharvested areas. This inventory analysis supports
previously referenced research stating that more landslides occur in
harvested areas (Swanston and Marion 1991).
3-196 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Soils and Geology
Table 3 - 73 Inventory of landslides within the Kuiu Timber Sale Area
Unharvested acres
Harvested acres
MMI Rating
Landslides
# of
slides/1000
acres3
Landslides
# of
slides/1000
acresb
1 - Low
1
0.07
1
0.19
2 - Moderate
23
1.42
14
2.99
3 -High
3
1.25
0
N/A
4 - Extreme
12
3.87
3
11.45
Ratio was developed from unharvested acres within the Kuiu Timber Sale Area Table 3-72.
Ratio was calculated from harvested acres within the Kuiu Timber Sale Area Table 3-72.
Chart 3 -6. Kuiu Timber Sale Area landslide comparison
Kuiu Timber Sale Area Landslide Comparison
MMI Rating
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-197
Environment and Effects
3.9.7
Environmental
Consequences
3.9.7. 1 Methodology
Data used for soil analysis comes from existing resources such as the
Soil Resource Inventory (SRI), the landslide inventory and field data
collected through on-site surveys conducted throughout the summer of
2004. Road acres are based on an average road width of 40 feet (from
top of cutslope to toe of fillslope) or 4.85 acres per mile.
Effects are estimated based on the following measures:
• Estimated acres of detrimental soil conditions in harvest units
based on yarding method
• Acres of timber harvest on slopes over 72 percent, acres of timber
harvest by MMI Class and estimated numbers of landslides
• Cumulative acres of soil removed from productivity by roads,
detrimental soil conditions within harvest units and estimated
numbers of landslides
3.9.7.2 Timber Harvest
Detrimental soil conditions are often created within harvest units as a
result of varding activities. Literature pertaining to actual acres of soil
impacted through detrimental disturbance is limited for soils within
Southeast Alaska. However, a survey was performed by Landwehr and
Nowacki (1999, unpub.) where detrimental soil conditions were
monitored as a result of a clearcut timber harvest on northern Prince of
Wales Island. They found that partial suspension and shovel yarding
within the clearcut harvest areas resulted in five percent disturbance of
the acres harvested, and three percent disturbance as a result of
helicopter yarding. Table 3-74 shows the amounts of detrimental soil
condition by alternative and proposed activity. The percent of
detrimental soil disturbance is calculated for the actual acres of
disturbance, not for the entire project area (i.e. five percent disturbance
for Alternative 4 on 1,255 acres of ground based yarding would equal
63 acres; three percent disturbance on 1 70 acres of helicopter yarding
would equal 5 acres. When these numbers are combined with the 92
acres of temporary road construction (using an average clearing width
of 40 feet) the total acres of detrimental soil conditions would equal
160 for this alternative. Note that the calculations for detrimental soil
disturbance due to yarding methods were based on clearcut harvest and
therefore could be overestimated for Alternatives 2, 3, and 4.
3-198 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Soils and Geology
Table 3 - 74. Acres detrimental soil disturbance from harvest and
road construction by alternative
Soil disturbance
Alt 1
Alt 2
Alt 3
Alt 4
Alt 5
Ground yarding
0
25
40
63
62
Helicopter yarding
0
0
0
5
0
Temporary road
construction
0
14
35
92
83
Total acres soil
disturbance
0
39
75
160
145
Although soils and landforms are not identical between Prince of
Wales and Kuiu Island, there are similarities such as rock types
(volcanics, limestone, marine and sedimentary deposits), soil orders
(Spodosols and Histosols), vegetation (spruce and hemlock trees).
Additionally, both areas are considered to have a cool and moist
environment. Because of these similarities, the estimates by Landwehr
and Nowacki (1999, unpub.) stated above are used when evaluating
detrimental soil conditions by alternative within the Kuiu Timber Sale
Area.
Alternative 4 has the greatest potential for landslides of all the
alternatives due to the greater number of acres proposed for harvest
(1,425 acres), the highest amount of harvest on MMI-4 soils (52
acres), and the second most amount of clearcut harvest proposed over
the other alternatives (1,026 acres). Alternative 4 is estimated to
produce 160 acres, or 1 1 percent detrimental disturbance as a result of
the proposed harvest. As stated earlier, this calculation may be
overestimated because Alternative 4 includes partial harvest units.
Table 3-75 shows the acres of proposed timber harvest by alternative
within each MMI Class. Depending on alternative, one to four percent
of harvest acres are proposed on units with a MMI-3 or MMI-4 rating.
For these areas on-site evaluations resulted in specific silvicultural
prescriptions such as partial suspension of the logs, partial to full
retention of trees within the MMI area, or recommending that
helicopter yarding be used; all of which are documented on the
appropriate unit cards (Appendix B).
Landslide potential is projected to be higher (two times over
unharvested areas) for all alternatives on MMI-2 soils, and three times
as likely on MMI-4 soils.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-199
Environment and Effects
Table 3 - 75. Acres* MMI in proposed units by alternative
MMI Class
Alt. 1
Alt. 2
Alt. 3
Alt. 4
Alt. 5
1 - Low
0
146
115
374
299
2 - Moderate
0
329
669
999
914
3- High
0
2
2
0
2 !
4 - Extreme
0
14
8
52
16
Total Acres
0
491
794
1,425
1,231
*variations in acres are the result of rounding.
There is a lower likelihood of slides per acre in MMI-2 areas over
MMI-4 areas (Chart 3-6), however these lower elevation, gentler
sloped MMI-2 areas occur more often on the landscape and therefore
have a higher overall number of landslides than MMI-4 areas. As a
general rule, the landslides on the gentler gradients (MMI-1 and MMI-
2) tend to travel shorter distances and are smaller in size (Swanston
and Marion 1991). The action alternatives propose more harvest in
MMI-2 soils than all other MMI classes combined. It is therefore
projected that there is a potential for more, smaller, landslides within
harvested units with MMI-2 soils. Table 3-76 displays the potential
increase of landslides by alternative.
Landslides occur naturally on the landscape (Table 3-73 and Chart 3 -
6) and as discussed above, harvest increases the rate of landslides on
that landscape. Table 3-76 is a tool used to compare the estimated
potential rate of increase for landslides within the project area between
alternatives. It does not predict the number of landslides that would
occur nor does it estimate the size, distance of travel, or type of
landslide (soil creep, slump, debris flow, etc.). The rate of potential
increase was calculated from the inventory of landslides within the
project area (Table 3-73) and applied to the proposed acres of harvest
within each alternative. The Soils and Geology Specialist Analysis
Report in the project planning record contains a more in depth
discussion on this method.
3-200 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Soils and Geology
Table 3 - 76. Estimated potential rate of landslides by alternative for
proposed acres of harvest within MMI Class
MMI Class
Alt 1
Alt 2
Alt 3
Alt 4
Alt 5
1 -Low
0
0.018
0.014
0.045
0.036
2-Moderate
0
0.52
1.056
1.574
1.44
3-High
0
0.003
0.003
0.000
0.003
4- Extreme
0
0.106
0.061
0.409
0.136
Potential Rate of
Increase
0
0.647
1.134
2.028
1.615
This table displays the difference between the projected landslide rate with the proposed
harvest by alternative and the projected landslide rate within the same areas with no harvest.
The difference equals the projected increase of landslides by MMI Class due to harvest.
3.9.7. 3 Roads
Small changes to drainage surfaces created by roads can result in large
changes for surface erosion and sedimentation accumulation (USDA
FS 1999). Roads placed in areas with steeper slopes are more prone to
failure through mass wasting from activities such as roadcuts,
fillslopes, or rerouting hillslope drainage. The failure track can extend
long distances from a failed site. In addition, many roads considered
stable under normal climatic conditions are subject to fail in areas with
high amounts of precipitation such as Kuiu Island (USDA FS 1999).
Precipitation within Southeast Alaska is generally reported to be
between 60 and 200 cm annually (USDA FS 2005). Specific climate
data for the Kuiu Timber Sale Area was not available; however Kake
(10 miles northeast of Kuiu) receives 152 cm of rainfall annually and
Petersburg (70 miles east of Kuiu) receives 267 cm annually (Mead
2002), both of which are considered “high precipitation” for the
purpose of this analysis.
Temporary road construction is needed to access timber in all action
alternatives. Road construction removes approximately 4.85 acres per
mile of road from soil productivity (based on 40 foot wide road right-
of-way).
Table 3-77 displays the miles of proposed road construction by
alternative. As directed by the Forest Plan, no proposed roads would
occur on slopes greater than 67 percent gradient, or on unstable soils.
All new roads would be temporary roads (built to minimum size and
width with fewer turnouts) and would be closed with culverts removed
and waterbars added at the end of the sale (refer to Issue 4 -
Cumulative Effects on Watersheds and the Transportation section of
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-201
Environment and Effects
this chapter for more information on culverts and closures). There is
no mechanism provided for future maintenance on temporary roads.
The ’fore, proper closure of these roads is critical for maintaining
hydrologic conditions adjacent to the road.
Reconstruction of existing roadbeds is also necessary on up to 6.9
miles of road in Alternative 5. Additional effects to soil productivity
are expected to be minimal because the road prism is still in place.
Sediment may be mobilized, but it is expected to be minimal and
would be mitigated with Best Management Practices (BMPs). See
Issue 4 - Cumulative Effects on Watersheds in this chapter and the
Unit Cards in Appendix B).
Table 3 - 77. Miles of road constructed by alternative for each MMi class.
MMI Class
Alt. 1
Alt. 2
Alt. 3
Alt. 4
Alt. 5
1 - Low
0
0.8
1.3
5.8
3,8
2 - Moderate
0
2.1
5.9
13.2
13.3
3 -High
0
0
0
0
0
4 - Extreme
0
0
0
0
0
About 6.8 miles and 33 acres of Forest Roads 6413 and 46096 in
Saginaw Basin would be placed in storage under all alternatives. This
road closure would reduce hydrologic impacts from the roads when
natural drainage patterns are restored (See Issue 4: Cumulative Effects
on Watersheds in this chapter). In areas where roads cross wetlands,
some wetland functions would be restored.
3.9. 7.4 Best Management Practices (BMPs)
Section 3 13 of the Clean Water Act and Executive Order 12088
require that BMPs are consistent with State Forest Practices and that
other applicable State Water Quality Regulations be used to mitigate
the impacts of land-disturbing activities. Site-specific application of
these BMPs are designed with consideration of geology, land type,
hydrology, soil type, erosion hazard, climate, cumulative effects, and
other factors in order to protect and maintain soil productivity, and
water-related beneficial uses. BMPs recommended during the planning
process are shown on the unit cards in Appendix B. Additional
protective measures may be applied during timber sale layout or
during harvest activities as needed.
3-202 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
3.9.8 Effects
by Alternative
Soils and Geology
3.9.8. 1 Alternative 1
Alternative 1 proposes no new road construction, no timber harvest
and no road closure(s). This alternative would not result in soil
disturbance or mass movement as a result of managed activities. Under
this No Action Alternative, the Saginaw Basin roads would remain
open and although selection of this alternative would not preclude
regular maintenance of existing roads, it should be noted that natural
events and area traffic could induce erosion on these roads.
3.9. 8.2 Alternative 2
Alternative 2 has the lowest potential of increased landslides within
the action alternatives.
Alternative 2 would construct about 2.9 miles of temporary road to
access timber. Road construction would remove approximately 14
acres of land from soil productivity through soil disturbance.
Approximately 25 acres of detrimental soil conditions would be
created as a result of yarding methods (expected through soil
displacement, erosion, or lack of vegetative cover). Note that the
projection of soil disturbance is based on clearcut harvest; this
alternative proposes clearcutting on 40 percent of harvest acres.
Therefore detrimental soil impacts are likely to be less than the above
calculations. When soil impacts from road construction and harvest are
combined approximately 39 acres of detrimental soil impacts could
occur as a result of implementing Alternative 2.
Harvest is proposed on 146 acres of MMI-1 soils, 329 acres of MMI-2
soils, 2 acres of MMI-3 soils, and 14 acres of MMI-4 soils. Units 207,
208b, 209, and 416 account for 70 percent of the MMI-2 soils, Unit
207 accounts for all 14 acres of MMI-4 soils. Over the next 20 years
the predicted rate of increase for landslides would be 0.647 additional
slides over the no action alternative. The risk of landslides and
detrimental disturbance is minimized by applying BMPs and Forest
Plan standards and guidelines.
Harvest prescriptions to retain 50 percent of the basal area would be
applied to 294 of the 49 1 acres proposed, including all the MMI-4
soils within units. This harvest prescription allows root systems from
standing trees to contribute to slope shear strength, which may reduce
detrimental soil disturbance and help lessen landslide potential.
3.9. 8. 3 Alternative 3
Alternative 3 has the second lowest potential of increased landslides
within the action alternatives.
Alternative 3 proposes about 7.2 miles of temporary road construction
to access timber. Road construction would remove about 35 acres from
soil productivity due to soil disturbance. Approximately 40 acres of
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-203
Environment and Effects
detrimental soil conditions would be created as a result of yarding
methods (expected through soil displacement, erosion, or lack of
vegetative cover). Note that the projection of soil disturbance is based
on clearcut harvest; this alternative proposes clearcutting on 52 percent
of the harvest acres. Therefore detrimental soil impacts are likely to be
less than the above calculations. When soil impacts from road
construction and harvest are combined approximately 75 acres of
detrimental soil impacts could occur as a result of implementing
Alternative 3.
Harvest is proposed on 1 15 acres of MMI-1 soils, 669 acres of MMI-2
soils, 2 acres of MMI-3 soils, and 8 acres of MMI-4 soils. Of the units
on the MMI-2 soils, the largest acreage is in Units 204, 207, 208, and
209. Unit 207 accounts for all 8 acres on MMI-4 soils. Within the next
20 years, the predicted rate of increase for landslides would be 1.134
additional slides over the no action alternative. The risks of landslides
and detrimental disturbance are minimized by applying BMPs and
Forest Plan standards and guidelines.
Harvest prescriptions which retain 50 percent of the basal area would
be applied to 385 of the 794 acres proposed in the harvest area
including all the MMI-4 soils within units. This harvest prescription
allows root systems from standing trees to contribute to slope shear
strength, which may reduce detrimental soil disturbance and help
lessen landslide potential. Unit boundary lines were also modified
during the planning process to avoid V-notches where erosion could
impact streams.
3.9. 8.4 Alternative 4
Alternative 4 has the highest potential of increased landslides among
the action alternatives.
Alternative 4 proposes more road construction and harvest than any
other alternative. It is therefore likely to generate more soil disturbance
and landslides than any of the other alternatives.
Nineteen miles of temporary road would be constructed to access
timber. Road construction would remove approximately 92 acres from
soil productivity through soil disturbance. Approximately 68 acres of
detrimental soil conditions would be created as a result of yarding
methods (expected through soil displacement, erosion, or lack of
vegetative cover). Note that the projection of soil disturbance is based
on clearcut harvest; this alternative proposes clearcutting on 72 percent
of harvest acres. Therefore detrimental soil impacts are likely to be
less than the above calculations. When soil impacts from road
construction and harvest are combined, approximately 1 60 acres of
detrimental soil impacts would occur as a result of implementing
Alternative 4.
3-204 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Soils and Geology
Harvest is proposed for 374 acres of MMI-1 soils, 999 acres of MMI-2
soils, and 52 acres of MMI-4 soils. No harvest is proposed on MMI-3
soils. Within the next 20 years, the predicted rate of increase for
landslides would be 2.028 additional slides over the no action
alternative. The risk of landslides and detrimental disturbance is
minimized by applying BMPs and Forest Plan standards and
guidelines.
Alternative 4 includes harvest prescriptions to retain 50 percent of
basal area on units in 399 of the 1,425 acres proposed for harvest,
including 170 acres of helicopter harvest yarding.
Based on research mentioned previously by Swanston and Marion
(1991) (estimating 3.5 times more landslides in harvested areas) and
the landslide analysis conducted within the Kuiu Island Landscape
Assessment (2005) landslide potential is greatest for this alternative,
especially on the 52 acres of MMI-4 soils. Alternative 4 would
clearcut harvest 16 acres of MMI-4 soils in Unit 101. The remaining
36 acres of MMI-4 soils (in Units 303, 305, and 207) would be partial
harvest with 50 percent retention.
3.9. 8. 5 Alternative 5
Alternative 5 has the second highest potential of increased landslides
within the action alternatives.
Alternative 5 proposes about 17.1 miles of temporary road
construction to access timber. Road construction would remove about
83 acres from soil productivity through soil disturbance.
Approximately 62 acres of detrimental soil conditions would be
created as a result of yarding methods (expected through soil
displacement, erosion, or lack of vegetative cover). When soil impacts
from road construction and harvest are combined approximately 145
acres of detrimental soil impacts would occur as a result of
implementing Alternative 5.
Harvest is proposed on 299 acres of MMI-1 soils, 914 acres of MMI-2
soils, two acres of MMI-3 soils, and 16 acres of MMI-4 soils. Unit 101
accounts for all of the MMI-4 soils. Within the next 20 years, the
predicted rate of increase for landslides would be 1.615 additional
slides over the no action alternative. All of the proposed harvest is
even-aged clearcut harvest.
Minimizing the risk of landslides and detrimental soil disturbance is
addressed by applying BMPs and Forest Plan standards and guidelines.
This alternative would clearcut harvest all the available timber (trees
greater than 9 inches dbh) within the units.
Unit boundary lines were also modified during the planning process to
avoid V-notches where erosion could impact streams.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-205
Environment and Effects
3.9.9
Cumulative
Effects
Cumulative effects of the proposed actions on long-term soil
productivity are directly related to the amount of soil disturbance that
occurs through time. The extension of the road and harvest network on
North Kuiu by the action alternatives adds to existing disturbance.
Currently, no additional entries are expected within the project area
during this planning cycle.
It is recommended in the Kuiu Island Landscape Assessment (2005)
that Roads 6413 and 40696 within the Saginaw Basin be closed. Road
failures in the area are evidenced by tension cracks, washed-out
culverts and filled ditches. All proposed temporary roads would be
decommissioned after harvest in the action alternatives (see the
Transportation section in this chapter).
Within the project area there are currently 1,030 acres of detrimental
soil impacts from past management activities (roads, detrimental soil
conditions in harvest units and landslides). Because Alternative 4
impacts soils more than any other alternative, its effects will be
analyzed for cumulative effects.
Combining Alternative 4 (estimated at 160 acres of detrimental soil
conditions) with impacts from past activities (1,030 acres) yields
approximately 1,190 acres of cumulative detrimental soil impacts or
1 1 percent of the managed areas with the Kuiu Timber Sale Area. The
amount is within the Region 1 0 Soil Quality Standards 1 5 percent
threshold (FSM 2554-3-10). Thus, soil productivity would be
maintained under all alternatives.
A key to keeping detrimental impacts of the soil resource to a
minimum is the proper closure of the temporary roads following
construction and use. Maintaining natural drainage patterns along the
road system reduces the effective footprint of the road and minimizes
potential for road related mass wasting and impacts to surrounding
streams.
The Crane and Rowan Mountain Timber Sales Record of Decision was
signed in July 1998. The area encompasses VCUs 398, 399, 400, 402,
421 and a portion of 420. Approximately 20.1 mmbf of the Crane
Timber Sale has been harvested. The Rowan Mountain Sale (20.2
mmbf) and Road 6402 sale (9.5 mmbf) were mutually cancelled in
2004. This volume may be reoffered in other sales. Six of these units
are within the Kuiu Timber Sale Area.
• In VCU 400 there are a total of 5 units equaling 389 acres of two
aged management with partial harvest. Trees less than 16 inches
DBH and over 36 DBH would be left within the units. The logging
system used would be helicopter harvest.
3-206 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Soils and Geology
• In VCU 399 there is one unit of 64 acres. Fifty acres would be
even-aged management clearcut and 14 acres would be two-aged
management with partial harvest.
The above 453 acres of harvest would create an additional 15 acres of
detrimental soil condition equaling 1,205 acres of detrimental soil
impacts over 12,342 acres, or 10 percent of the Kuiu Timber Sale
Area.
It is not known when or if these units would be harvested. However,
when the cumulative harvest of these units is included in the
detrimental disturbance calculation, they would not exceed the 1 5
percent threshold which is stated in the Forest Service Standards and
Guidelines (FSM 2554.03-10).
No other actions are planned in the foreseeable future within the
project area. The next scheduled sale area, Bayport, is completely
outside the Kuiu Timber Sale Area. The north boundary of Bayport is
adjacent to the Kuiu Timber Sale Area’s southern boundary (Road
6415). The Three Mile Timber Sale area is on east Kuiu Island, also
completely outside of the Kuiu Timber Sale Area.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-207
Environment and Effects
3.10 Wetlands
3.10.1
Introduction
3.10.2 Wetland
Types
Wetlands are sites which generally have both saturated soils for at
least a portion of the year and vegetation that is adapted to wet sites.
They are valued for their physical, chemical and biological functions.
Wetlands moderate flooding, reduce runoff and sedimentation, provide
wildlife and plant habitat, and may help sustain stream flow during dry
periods. Physical functions may include flood conveyance, surface and
ground water regulation, sediment retention, and temperature
moderation. Chemical functions may include nutrient storage, pH
moderation, and carbon storage. Biological functions include habitat
for terrestrial, aquatic, and marine plants and animals. Additionally,
forested wetlands are an important component of the forestland base.
When working in any wetland area, the Forest Service adheres to the
Army Corps of Engineers Guide for Delineating Wetlands (1987).
Overall, working in wetlands is avoided if possible.
Based on the Soil Resource Inventory approximately 1 7 percent of the
Kuiu Timber Sale Area is classified as wetlands. Most of the wetlands
are grouped at the head of Saginaw Bay, the head of Security Bay and
at the top of the peninsula separating Security Bay from Saginaw Bay.
Kuiu Island is a mosaic of forestland and wetlands. Different wetland
types are found from sea level to mountain top. Resource values
associated with these wetlands vary, depending on biological qualities,
proximity to water bodies, and position on the landscape.
Determining what constitutes high value wetlands is largely dependant
on human use or the perceived benefit of the wetland. Because human
perceptions change, the values we place on wetlands or upland
ecosystems also changes over time. There are two wetland habitat
types in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area that are considered high value
wetlands: Estuaries and Tall Sedge Fens, covering approximately 200
acres. No activities are proposed on these wetland types for this
project.
3.10.2.1 Alpine/Subalpine Muskegs (1,027 acres or 2.2%)
These wetlands are located at elevations of 1,200 to 2,500 feet.
Vegetation is a combination of muskegs, sedge meadows on peat
deposits, and low growing blueberry and heath on higher rises. Stunted
lodgepole pine and mountain hemlock are common. These wetlands
are important for snow storage and can be a source of snowmelt water
throughout the summer. They also provide summer habitat for
terrestrial wildlife species.
3-208 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Wetlands
3.10.2.2 Alpine/Subalpine Forested Wetlands/ Meadow
Mosaic (174 acres or 0.4%)
Small patches of alpine shrubs and small trees exist within a matrix of
meadow as described above. The trees are stunted lodgepole pine or
mountain hemlock.
3.10.2.3 Estuarine Wetlands (60 acres or 0.1%)
Estuaries are unique brackish environments where saltwater mixes
with fresh water. They provide high value habitat for vegetation, fish
and wildlife. There are two types of estuarine wetlands: (1) emergent
wetlands in the upper tidal zone characterized by grasses and sedges
and (2) the regularly flooded aquatic algal beds and rocky or
unconsolidated shore. Estuaries are protected by Forest Plan standards
and guidelines with at least a 1,000-foot buffer. The Forest Service
only manages wetlands above mean high tide (Forest Plan).
3.10.2.4 Forested Wetlands (1,736 acres or 3.8%)
Forested wetlands include a number of forested plant communities
with hemlock, cedar, or mixed conifer overstory, and ground cover
including large amounts of skunk cabbage. Forested wetlands are
found on poorly or very poorly drained hydric mineral or organic soils.
They are most common on broad glacial valley bottoms and on gently
sloping hills or benches. These wetlands function as recharge areas for
groundwater and streams, and for deposition of sediment and nutrients.
They also produce commercial forest products and exceed Forest
Service minimum standards for commercial timberland (Julin and
D’Amore 2003).
3.10.2.5 Forested Wetland/Upland Mosaic (21 acres or less
than 0.1%)
Small patches of forested wetland as described above interspersed with
forested non-wetland ecosystems. Forested wetlands/Upland Mosaics
are typically found in concavities on gently sloping or rolling
landscapes and function somewhat differently than large, contiguous
areas of forested wetland due to their orientation.
3.10.2.6 Muskegs (987 acres or 2.2%)
Muskegs are commonly found in broad valley bottoms and on rounded
hilltops. They are dominated by sphagnum moss with a wide variety of
other plants adapted to very wet, acidic, organic soils. Drainage varies
from poorly drained to very poorly drained, thus the organics are less
decomposed than in other wetland systems. They serve as areas high in
biological and vegetative diversity and function as large filters,
removing nutrients and sediment from recharging groundwater.
Muskegs are gently sloped and typically include raised bogs and some
shrubby coniferous vegetation with stunted lodgepole pine and
hemlock trees less than 15 feet high.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-209
Environment and Effects
3.10.3 Affected
Environment
3.10.2.7 Muskegs/Forested Wetlands Mosaic (3,707 acres or
8%)
Small patches of muskegs and forested wetlands as described above
form a mosaic on the landscape. These areas have vegetative
properties of each of the respective components above but function
somewhat differently with respect to habitats, due to their small size
and spatial arrangement.
3.10.2.8 Sedge Fens (140 acres or 0.3%)
Sedge fens are characterized by a diverse community of sedges with a
variety of forbs and occasionally include stunted trees - usually spruce
or hemlock. Soils are typically deep organic muck, often with thin
layers of alluvial soil material. They are considered high value
wetlands because they occur in landscape positions where they receive
nutrient-rich runoff from adjacent slopes creating somewhat richer
conditions than bogs or sphagnum muskegs. These wetlands function
as areas for recharge of groundwater and streams, deposition and
storage of sediment and nutrients, and for waterfowl and terrestrial
wildlife habitat. Many sedge fens contain beaver ponds that often
provide high quality waterfowl and salmon rearing habitat.
3.10.3.1 Guidance
Direction was available through the Tongass Land and Resource
Management Plan, Forest Plan standards and guidelines p. 4-1 1 1,
BMP 12.5, Wetland Identification, Evaluation and Protection, and
Wetlands Executive Order 1 1988.
The Forest Service is required by Executive Order 11990 and Section
404 of the Clean Water Act to preserve and enhance the natural and
beneficial values of wetlands whenever practicable while carrying out
land management responsibilities.
Past harvest from wetland areas in the project area (approximately 325
acres) is minimal. Less than five percent of the previously harvested
areas were on wetlands, including forested wetlands and wetland
complexes. Less than 15 percent of the roads were built across
wetlands to access timber.
3.10.3.2 Timber Harvest
Within wetlands, timber harvest i ually only affects forested wetlands
and some upland complex areas, as most wetlands do not support
productive forest and are not harvested. Impacts to wetlands are
generally caused by roads built across wetlands, and are small
compared to the amount of wetlands on the Tongass.
Many of the forested wetland soils capable of supporting forests
suitable for timber production were included in the suitable timber
base during the analysis of the Forest Plan. Site productivity for tree
3-210 • Chapter 3
kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Wetlands
growth is generally lower than on sites with better drainage.
Regeneration is expected to occur within five years, just as with other
forested sites (Julin and D’Amore 2003).
Vegetation changes on both low volume old growth and young growth
forest stands in a wetland area after a harvest. A small and temporary
increase in soil moisture is expected until transpiration and
interception of rainfall is equivalent to pre-harvest conditions. These
effects are common to all the action alternatives. Table 3-78 displays
acres of timber harvest on forested wetland for each alternative.
Table 3 - 78. Acres of wetlands previously harvested and proposed for harvest
within the Kuiu Timber Sale Area by alternative
Wetland Type
Existing
Managed
Stands
Alt 1
Alt 2
Alt 3
Alt 4
Alt 5
Alpine/Subalpine
Muskegs
15
0
0
0
0
0
Forested Wetlands
216
0
15
34
60
66
Muskegs/Forested
Wetlands Mosaic
94
0
17
24
57
57
Forested
Wetlands/Upland
Mosaic
0
0
0
0
2
2
Total Harvest
325
0
32
58
119
125
3.10.3.3 Roads on Wetlands
A direct effect to wetlands is the placement of fill material during the
construction of temporary roads. Proposed temporary roads would
cross forested wetland in all of the action alternatives and cross
muskegs/forested wetlands mosaics in three of the four action
alternatives (Table 3-79). This is considered a long term effect on the
wetlands area covered by the road prism. There would also be a slight
alteration of soil drainage for several feet on either side of the prism,
which can be expected to alter vegetation in these regions. Drainage
ditches normally collect and divert overland flow and shallow surface
flow to the nearest stream channel. Units where wetlands exist would
apply BMP 14.9 to direct drainage flow to filter collection areas, rather
than allow drainage to enter a stream channel directly. Drainage
structures would be removed on all temporary roads after timber
harvest is complete.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-211
Environment and Effects
Table 3 - 79. Proposed temporary road miles crossing wetlands
Wetland Type
Alt. 1
Alt. 2
Alt. 3
Alt. 4
Alt. 5
Forested Wetland
0
0.8
0.3
1.1
1.2 I
Muskeg/Forested
Wetland Mosaic
0
0
0.6
1.6
1.6
Total Road Miles to be
Constructed on
Wetlands
0
0.8
0.9
2.7
2.8
Closing existing roads may restore some of the wetland functions. By
removing all drainage structures, installing ditch blocks and additional
cross drains through the road prism, natural drainage patterns may also
be restored. Revegetation of the road prism by natural species,
especially alder, is encouraged. All of the action alternatives would
close the roads in Saginaw Basin, including 0.8 miles of road on
forested wetland and 0.3 miles of road on Muskeg/Forested Wetlands
mosaics. The prism would stay in place but drainage would be
reestablished.
3.10.4 Effects 3.10.4.1 Alternative 1
by Alternative Alternative 1 proposes no new road construction, no timber harvest
and no road closure. This altemat ve would not be expected to alter the
current wetlands state through management activities.
3.10.4.2 Alternative 2
Alternative 2 proposes about 0.8 miles (3.9 acres) of temporary road
on wetlands. There would be harvest on 15 acres on poorly drained
forested wetlands (out of 1,736 acres within project area) and 17 acres
of moderately drained soils within the muskeg/forested wetland
mosaic complex (out of 3,707 acres), neither of which are considered
high value wetlands. Due to the large amount of both wetland types
within the Kuiu Timber Sale Area and the very small amount that
would be impacted during the proposed harvest, the impacts are not
considered significant.
3.10.4.3 Alternative 3
Alternative 3 proposes about 0.9 miles (4.4 acres) of temporary road
on wetlands. There would be harvest on 34 acres of poorly drained
forested wetlands (out of 1,736 acres within project area) and 24 acres
of moderately drained soils within the muskegs/forested wetland
mosaic complex (out of 3,707 acres), neither of which are considered
high value wetlands. Due to the large amount of both wetland types
3-212 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Wetlands
3.10.5
Cumulative
Effects
within the Kuiu Timber Sale Area and the very small amount that
would be impacted (0.01 percent) during the proposed harvest, the
impacts are not considered significant.
3.10.4.4 Alternative 4
Alternative 4 proposes about 2.7 miles (13 acres) of temporary road on
wetlands. There would be harvest on 60 acres of poorly drained
forested wetlands (out of 1,736 acres within project area), and 57 acres
of moderately drained soils within the muskeg/forested wetland
mosaic complex (out of 3,707 acres), neither of which are considered
high value wetlands. There are also two acres of forested
wetland/upland mosaic wetlands (out of 21 acres) that would be
impacted as a result of Alternative 4. Although the two acres accounts
for 10 percent of the total acreage of this wetland type within the Kuiu
Timber Sale Area, there are 1,844 acres of this wetland type on Kuiu
Island (USDA FS 2005). Therefore, the impacts for all three wetlands
are not considered as significant.
3.10.4.5 Alternative 5
Alternative 5 proposes about 2.8 miles (13.6 acres) of temporary road
on wetlands. There would be harvest on 66 acres of poorly drained
forested wetlands (out of 1,736 acres within project area), and 57 acres
of moderately drained soils within the muskeg/forested wetland
mosaic complex (out of 3,707 acres), neither of which are considered
high value wetlands. There are also two acres of forested
wetland/upland mosaic wetlands (out of 21 acres) that would be
impacted as a result of Alternative 5. Although the two acres accounts
for ten percent of the total acreage of this wetland type within the Kuiu
Timber Sale Area, there are 1,844 acres of this wetland type on Kuiu
Island. Therefore, the impacts for all three wetlands are not considered
significant.
The proportion of wetlands to be impacted in all alternatives is
considerably less than the total amount of wetlands available in the
area and cumulative effects are expected to be minor. Many of the
high value wetland habitats on the Tongass National Forest are
protected either by land use designations or by standards and
guidelines specifically addressing wetlands. Estuarine wetlands, for
example, are protected by beach buffer standards and guidelines.
Cumulative impacts to wetlands include the harvest units in each
alternative added to the approximately 325 acres of past harvest on
wetlands.
The Record of Decision for the Crane and Rowan Mountain Timber
Sales Final EIS was signed in July 1998. The area encompasses VCUs
398, 399, 400, 402, 421 and a portion of 420. Approximately 20. 1
mmbf of the Crane Timber Sale has been harvested. The Rowan
Mountain Sale (20.2 mmbf) and Road 6402 sale (9.5 mmbf) were
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-213
Environment and Effects
mutually cancelled in 2004. These acres may be reoffered in other
sales. Six of these units are within the Kuiu Timber Sale Area. These
units are off of existing roads or helicopter units and no additional road
building is proposed.
It is not known at this time if or when these units may be harvested.
However calculations for detrimentally disturbed soil which include
the harvest of these units show that the project area would still be well
below the Forest Plan standards and guidelines which state that no
more than 15 percent of an activity area can be detrimentally disturbed
through management practices.
No other actions are planned in the foreseeable future within the Kuiu
Timber Sale Area. The next scheduled sale area, Bayport, is
completely outside the Kuiu Timber Sale Area. The north boundary of
Bayport is the southern boundary (Road 6415) for the Kuiu Timber
Sale Area. Although planning for the Bayport project has not begun, it
is assumed that the existing LTF in Rowan Bay would be used.
Currently, it is not possible to estimate the amount of wetlands that
may be affected. It is likely that this proposed timber sale would
require some road construction and possible that road building would
result in the direct loss of small amounts of wetland habitat.
The T ernile Timber Sale Area is in east Kuiu Island and entirely
outside me Kuiu Timber Sale area. The selected alternative for
Threemile EIS proposes harvest on 76.3 acres of wetland, construction
1.9 miles of new road, which would disturb 5.5 acres of wetland; and
closure of 2.5 miles of road on wetland, restoring some of the
functions.
Cumulative effects to wetlands resulting from this project and
reasonably foreseeable projects are expected to be minor. While
effects to wetlands from road construction associated with this project
and foreseeable projects may be long lasting, they are expected to be
of limited extent and of little consequence when considering the
abundance of wetlands that would not be affected by these projects.
Effects from timber harvest on wetland habitats are expected to be
temporary. After timber harvest, it is expected that wetland function
and habitat characteristics would be restored through natural processes
of vegetation growth and succession.
3-214 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
3.11.1
Introduction
3.11.2 Road
Analysis
Process
3.11 Transportation
Forest roads are planned either for long-term management or for
temporary use and are classified as follows:
• Classified roads are developed and maintained for long-term land
and resource management purposes and for public use.
• Unclassified roads are not managed as part of the forest
transportation system. These include unplanned roads, abandoned
travelways, and off-road vehicle tracks that have not been
designated and managed as a trail. Roads that are no longer under
permit or other authorization and have not been decommissioned
are also considered unclassified.
• Temporary roads are constructed and used for a limited time
period. When the road is no longer needed, the road bed is
decommissioned (returned to a more natural condition).
Decommissioning can occur for classified, unclassified, and temporary
roads. Decommissioning for classified roads removes the road from
the classified road system. Otherwise, decommissioning is the same
for all roads. Action on the ground for decommissioning ranges from
the minimum action of blocking the entrance and removing drainage
structures to the maximum action of obliterating the road, returning the
natural contours, and replanting vegetation.
Part of the analysis of the Kuiu Timber Sale Area is to identify the
minimum road system needed for safe and efficient travel and for
administration, utilization, and protection of National Forest System
lands. The minimum system is the road system determined necessary
to:
• meet resource and other management objectives adopted in the
Tongass Land and Resource Management Plan,
• meet applicable statutory and regulatory requirements,
• reflect long-term funding expectations, and
• ensure that the identified system minimizes adverse environmental
impacts associated with road construction, reconstruction,
decommissioning, and maintenance.
The Road Analysis Process (RAP) for the Kuiu Timber Sale Area is a
tiered, science-based system of analysis. The first layer is the Forest
Wide RAP, which is an analysis of the whole Tongass National Forest.
The second layer is the Kuiu Road Analysis which includes the Kuiu
Timber Sale Area.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-215
Environment and Effects
The recommendations for the roads in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area are
detailed on the Road Cards in Appendix B and will become part of the
Record of Decision. Each of the roads shown in Appendix B is
considered necessary for long-term management of the forest, on
either an intermittent or constant basis.
Table 3 - 80. Existing classified roads in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area
Road#
Length (Miles)
Status
Road
Length
(Miles)
Status
6402
14.5 (includes 1.1
miles outside
project area)
Open
6417
3.67
Closed
6448
0.81
Open
6443
1.3
Closed
46252
1.10
Closed
6422
0.24
Closed
46251
2.13
Open
6401
1.03
Open
6425
6.47
Closed past MP
4.65
46094
1.58
Closed
6403
0.37
Closed
46091
1.58
Closed
6441
1.73
Open
46152
2.05
Closed
6442
0.75
Closed
46154
0.54
Closed
46098
0.42
Closed i
6415
18.51
Open
6427
3.44
Closed past MP
1.15
6421
0.46
Closed
6413
2.84
Open
6419
0.39
Closed
46096
3.80
Open
46127
1.43
Closed
6418
1.70
Open
6411
0.80
Open
46021
1.38
Open
46420
2.27
Open
6404
4.4 miles outside
project area
Open
3-216 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Transportation
3.11.3 Existing
Roads
3.11.4 Closing
Existing
Roads
The existing roads in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area are connected to a
contiguous road system consisting of approximately 190 miles of
classified roads on the northern portion of Kuiu Island. None of these
roads connect to any community, other public roads, or other public
transportation system. All of the forest roads were constructed in
support of timber sales and connect to Log Transfer Facilities (LTFs)
in Rowan Bay and Saginaw Bay.
The Kuiu Timber Sale Area has approximately 76 miles of existing
National Forest System Roads, including 4.4 miles of Road 6404 that
runs from Rowan Bay LTF to Road 6402 (outside the project area).
Approximately 1.1 miles of Road 6402 is outside the project area and
connects the project area to Road 6404. These roads are included in
this analysis because they could be used for both administration traffic
to access the area and may be used for log haul to Rowan Bay LTF, if
an action alternative is selected. Approximately 56.2 miles of roads
within the project area are open and drivable. Table 3-80 lists the roads
in the project area and their status.
Most of the road use on the island is either administrative or logging
traffic. Because of Kuiu Island's remote location, there is very little
public traffic although some public traffic occurs from outfitter\guides
and some subsistence hunting.
3.11.4.1 Road Density
The Kuiu Timber Sale Area comprises approximately 72 square miles,
with 56.2 miles of existing open road in the project area. This equates
to an open road density of 0.78mi/mi“. The action alternatives would
physically close between 8.2 and 1 1 miles of existing classified roads
that are currently open in the project area. These closures were
recommended in the Kuiu Island Landscape Assessment (2005). The
closed roads would be placed into storage by removing culverts and
bridges, and restoring natural drainage patterns. These roads could be
re-opened by filling in the trenches and re-installing stream crossing
structures as needed. This project would decrease the mileage and
density of permanent roads left open after timber harvest in each
alternative except the no-action alternative, as shown in Table 3-81.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3
3-217
Environment and Effects
Table 3 - 81 . Current and proposed open road density in the Kuiu
Timber Sale Area
Alt 1
Alt 2
Alt 3
Alt 4
Alt 5
Current open road
density (mi/mi2)
0.78 miles per square mile
Proposed open road
density (mi/mi2)
0.78
0.67
0.66
0.63
0.63
Table 3 - 82. Existing and proposed miles of open and closed
classified road and miles of proposed temporary road construction in
the Kuiu Timber Sale Area
Alt 1
Alt 2
Alt 3
Alt 4
Alt 5
Miles of open classified
road
56.2
56.2
56.2
56.2
56.2
Miles of closed classified
road to be temporarily
opened for harvest
0
4.5
3.2
6.1
6.9
Miles of existing open
classified road to be
placed into storage
0
8.2
8.4
11.0
11.0 !
Miles of open classified
road after harvest
56.2
48.0
47.8
45.2
45.2
Miles of temporary road
construction
0
2.9
7.5
19.0
17.1
Total road costs ($ 1000s)
$0
$321
$1,074
$1,370
$1,474
3.11.5
Proposed New
Roads
There are no new classified roads proposed in any of the alternatives
for this project. The action alternatives propose between 2.9 and 19
miles of temporary road construction to access timber harvest units
(Table 3-82). All temporary roads would be decommissioned after
timber harvest is complete in all alternatives. The construction of
temporary roads was chosen over the construction of classified roads
for this project because it was determined there was no need for long-
term motor vehicle access along these roads.
3-218 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
3.11.6 Other
Facilities
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Transportation
To provide access to timber harvest units, all of the action alternatives
would reconstruct between 3.2 and 6.9 miles of existing classified
roads that are currently closed. All of these reconstructed roads would
again be closed and put into storage after timber harvest is complete
(Table 3-83).
Table 3-83. Existing classified road closures
Alt 1
Alt 2
Alt 3
Alt 4
Alt 5
Roads currently drivable and/or with structures
6413
0
2.7
2.7
2.7
2.7
46096
0
4.1
4.1
4.1
4.1
6427
0
0
0
1.2
1.2
46021
0
1.4
0
1.4
1.4
6418
0
0
1.6
1.6
1.6
Total
Miles
0
8.2
8.4
11.0
11.0
Roads currently in storage to be opened to access units(s)
6417
0
2.5
1.3
2.5
2.5
6427
0
0
0
2.2
2.2
46091
0
1.1
1.1
1.1
1.1
46094
0
0.8
0.8
0
0.8
6422
0
0
0
0.2
0.2
6443
0
0.1
0
0.1
0.1
Total
Miles
0
4.5
3.2
6.1
6.9
All roads, both existing and proposed, would be located, designed,
constructed or reconstructed, and maintained following Best
Management Practices (BMPs). Refer to the Road Management
Objectives in Appendix B of this Draft EIS for more information on
specific BMPs.
3.11.6.1 Log Transfer Facilities (LTFs)
The transfer of harvested timber requires that logs be hauled to a site
where they can be removed from trucks, transferred to saltwater for
rafting or loaded onto barges, and then towed to a mill. These sites are
termed “log transfer facilities,” or “marine access points.” There is one
Chapter 3 • 3-219
3 Environment and Effects
LTF on the north end of the project area, Saginaw LTF, and one
approximately five miles south of the project area. Rowan Bay LTF.
To access the Rowan Bay LTF would require log haul over existing
Roads 6402 and 6404, a distance of approximately 5.5 miles outside
the project area. The Rowan Bay LTF is a steel piling bulkhead that
was designed for use with a barge for loading logs. The Rowan Bay
LTF is in good condition and would require no reconstruction for log
transportation or storage. The barging of logs may be recommended in
order to minimize bark deposition in Rowan Bay. Timber could still be
rafted when barge costs versus log volume make barging cost-
prohibitive.
To access the Saginaw Bay LTF would require log haul over existing
Roads 6402 and 6448, both of which are inside the project area. The
Saginaw Bay LTF was designed to place the logs in the water for
rafting. The LTF will need reconstruction before any use.
Current permits for the construction and use of the LTFs include:
• Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 Corps of
Engineers approval for the construction of structures or work in
navigable waters of the United States
• Tidelands permit from the State of Alaska, Department of
Environmental Conservation
• Certification of compliance with Alaska Water Quality Standards
(Section 401 Certification) from the State of Alaska, Department
of Environmental Conservation
• Storm Water Discharge Permit and a permit for discharge of bark
and wood debris from the US EPA (Section 402 o '+he Clean
Water Act)
3.11.6.2 Sort Yard
There is a sort yard of approximately 12 acres located on the uplands
adjacent to the Rowan Bay LTF. Due to its size and convenient
location, it is not expected that any other sort yard would be needed for
any of the alternatives if Rowan Bay is used as the LTF site.
There is an existing storage yard adjacent to Saginaw Bay LTF for
storing the 100 to 200 mbf barge loads, which may require some
expansion of the area. In addition to the storage area, a sort yard at the
end of Road 6448 approximately one mile from the Saginaw LTF site
is proposed for log sorting prior to storage at the LTF site. This sort
yard would be located at the old logging camp site. This area is
currently covered in alders, but the surface underneath is shot rock.
The sort yard site would be approximately 400 x 800 feet in size and
located on the existing flat terrain already surfaced with shot rock.
3-220 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Transportation
3.11.7 Direct
and Indirect
Effects by
Alternative
3.11.6.3 Logging Camp
There is an existing land camp at Rowan Bay about one mile south of
the LTF. The camp has an Alaska Department of Environmental
Conservation approved water and sewer system. This would be a
typical camp for any timber operator that worked in this area. A
floating camp could also be used during harvest activities. Appropriate
permits would need to be acquired by the operator.
3.11.6.4 Forest Service Facilities
There is a Forest Service administrative site located near the Rowan
Bay logging camp. This site has a bunkhouse/office building and a
separate equipment/generator building. The administrative site is used
by Forest Service employees working in the Rowan Bay area.
3.11.6.5 Rock Quarries
There is a need for a rock source during the construction of the
temporary roads and also for the maintenance of the existing classified
roads on this project. The accessibility of existing rock quarries would
eliminate the need to develop any new rock quarries. Existing rock
quarries would be used and expanded for any new construction or
existing road maintenance as needed.
3.11.7.1 Alternative 1
The maintenance of existing roads would not change. Existing open
roads would not be placed into storage and no new roads are proposed.
3.11.7.2 Alternative 2
Alternative 2 proposes construction of 2.9 miles of temporary road. All
temporary roads would be decommissioned after timber harvest. No
new classified roads designed for long-term use would be built. Three
existing open classified roads, about 8.2 miles, would be closed and
placed in storage after timber harvest is complete. Reconstruction of
4.5 miles on four roads that are currently closed would consist of
filling in trenches and reinstalling culverts across stream crossings.
These structures would be removed after logging operations are done
and drain ditches would be added to move water off the road bed.
3.11.7.3 Alternative 3
Alternative 3 would construct 7.5 miles of temporary roads which
would be decommissioned after timber harvest. No new classified
roads designed for long-term use would be built. Three existing open
classified roads, about 8.4 miles would be closed and placed in storage
after timber harvest is complete. Reconstruction of 3.2 miles on three
existing roads that are currently closed would consist of filling in
trenches and reinstalling culverts across stream crossings. These
structures would be removed after logging operations are done and
drain ditches would be added to move water off the road bed.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-221
Environment and Effects
3.1 1 .7.4 Alternative 4
Alternative 4 would have the most construction, with 19.0 miles of
temporary road. No new classified roads designed for long-term use
would be built. About 1 1 miles on five existing classified roads would
be closed and placed in storage condition after timber harvest is
complete. All of the temporary roads would be decommissioned after
timber harvest. Reconstruction of 6.1 miles on five existing roads that
are currently closed would consist of filling in trenches and reinstalling
culverts across stream crossings. These structures would be removed
after logging operations are done and drain ditches would be added to
move water off the road bed.
3.11.7.5 Alternative 5
Altema ve 5 would construct the second most miles of temporary
roads, with 17.1 miles c nstruction. No new classified roads designed
for long-term use would be built. As with Alternative 4, about 1 1 miles
on five existing classified roads would be closed and placed in storage
after timber harvest is complete. All of the temporary roads would be
decommissioned after timber harvest. Reconstruction of 6.9 miles on
six existing roads that are currently closed would consist of filling in
trenches and reinstalling culverts across stream crossings. These
structures would be removed after logging operations are done and
drain ditches would be added to move water off the road bed.
3.11.8
Cumulative
Effects
None of the action alternatives add new classified roads to the system.
All of the action alternatives would remove varying amounts of
existing open road from the system by placing these roads into storage
after timber harvest.
Closing some existing roads in the project area would have beneficial
effects to water quality, and would reduce the amount of road
maintenance required in the project area. The amount of road use in
the area is not expected to change significantly as a result of these
closures. The roads which are currently open and proposed for closure
receive very little use. The decrease in road density should result in
some effects to other resources, but any eff ts would probably be
beneficial and would continue to increase with time.
A potential effect of LTF use is the accumulation of log debris and
bark in the marine environment. Bark accumulation can affect habitat
for bottom-dwelling creatures, as well as hamper underwater
vegetation used as food and as rearing sites for marine fish and other
The effects of the transportation system on other resources are
considered in ‘ specific resource sections. This section focuses on
the impacts ot i^ad construction as related to length and density of
roads.
3-222 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Transportation
organisms. Please refer to Section 3.8 Fisheries of this chapter for
information regarding the 303(d) status of the LTFs.
Road density is defined as the number of miles of open roads within a
square mile. This is one indicator of environmental impacts. With a
higher road density, there can be a greater risk of impact. These risks
are minimized and mitigated by standards and guidelines, which direct
the road location, design, construction, maintenance and operation.
The Kuiu Timber Sale Area comprises approximately 72 square miles,
and there are currently 56.2 existing open road miles in the project
area. This equates to a road density of 0.78 mi/mi'. This project would
decrease the amount of classified roads left open after timber harvest
in each alternative except the no-action alternative, as shown in Table
3-81.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3
3-223
Environment and Effects
3.12.1 Visual
Character
3.12 Scenery
Scenery is an important aesthetic quality of Tongass National Forest
System lands. The Forest Plan recognizes this and addresses the
degree of acceptable alteration of the landscape by assigning Visual
Quality Objectives to each land use designation. These objectives are
based on the visibility of the landscape from identified Visual Priority
Routes and Use Areas listed in Appendix F of the Forest Plan, and
incorporate the management objectives of the land use designations.
Southeast Alaska scenery encompasses mountains, glaciers, water,
sky, weather, trees, animals, boats, people, and development. While
there are an infinite number of personal interpretations of scenery, the
Forest Plan assumes general preferences based on cultural norms and
predominant social values. The quality of the scenic environment can
be categorized in terms of visual character types.
3.12.1.1 Character and Variety Class
Visual character types provide a framework for defining the quality or
distinctiveness of scenery. Each character type contains unique
features of landform, vegetative patterns, water forms, or geologic
features. The greater the diversity of form, line, texture, and color in a
landscape, the greater the scenic value. There are six distinct visual
character types represented on the Tongass National Forest. North
Kuiu Island lies within the Kupreanof Lowland visual character type.
North Kuiu Island is distinguished in landscape character by rolling
terrain of between 300 and 1,500 feet elevation dissected by an
intricate network of waterways. Scattered block-like mountains, with
rounded hummocky summits 2,000 to 3,500 feet in el . ation rise
above the general level of the lowlands which consist primarily of
muskeg. The natural landscape within character types is described in
terms of scenic value and placed into three variety class designations
(USDA Forest Service 1973). The variety classes are described below
and the acres of each variety class in the project area are displayed in
Table 3-84.
• Variety Class A: Kupreanof Lowland, Distinctive. Diverse blocky
terrain; highly varied vegetative patterns; prominent bays and
inlets and intricate island reef complexes, diverse shorelines with
exposure to high energy seas.
The amount of Variety Class A within the project area is quite
small and confined to an area of shoreline in upper Security Bay.
• Variety Class B: Kupreanof Lowland, Common. Rounded to
occasionally blocky terrain that is often penetrated by major bays
or inlets; secondary peaks, escarpments, wave cut formations, and
small beaches; moderately varied vegetative patterns; and
3-224 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Scenery
somewhat diverse shorelines and associated saltwater features,
small distinctive lakes or pond clusters, secondary streams and
waterfalls. The amount of Variety Class B encompasses
approximately 59 percent of the project area and consists of the
forested mountain slopes.
• Variety Class C: Kupreanof Lowland, Minimal. Uniformly low
rolling to occasionally hummocky terrain indented by minor bays
and coves; insignificant geologic formations, such as minor wave
cut formations and small rock outcrops; minor lakes, ponds, bogs,
and streams.
Variety Class C encompasses approximately 41 percent of the
project area and consists of relatively flat terrain scattered
throughout the project area.
Table 3 - 84. Project area acres by variety class
Variety Class
Acres
Class A - Distinctive
291
Class B - Common
27,336
Class C - Minimal
18,475
Kuiu Project Area Total
46,102
3.12.2 Visual
Priority Travel
Routes and
Use Areas
The Forest Plan has identified specific locations from which scenery is
viewed, reflecting high visitor use and a greater public concern for
scenic quality. Visual Priority Travel Routes and Use Areas are used to
assess scenic condition and the locations from which scenic value is to
be emphasized. Locations visible from priority travel routes and use
areas are described in scenery resource terms as the “seen area.”
“Seldom seen” or “not seen” areas are defined as those locations not
viewed from any position along a Visual Priority Travel Routes and
Use Area.
Sensitive viewing locations from which scenic quality will be
measured include Rowan Bay, Security Bay, Saginaw Bay, Kadake
Bay, and Kadake Creek. A Forest Service cabin is located at the mouth
of Kadake Creek. Kadake Creek has been recommended in the Forest
Plan for designation as a Recreational River under the Wild and Scenic
Rivers Act. The project area is also viewed at a distance (3-5 miles)
from Frederick Sound, but is seen in closer proximity from either
Saginaw Bay or Security Bay where the potential effects would be
greater.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-225
Environment and Effects
All the Visual Priority Travel Routes and Use Area destinations
surrounding the project area receive intermittent to moderate use over
the course of the year, much of which is seasonal in nature. Those
viewing the landscapes are primarily passengers of: the Alaska Marine
Highway System, commercial fishing vessels, fishing and whale
watching charter boats, and small recreational boats involved in
camping, hunting, fis ;ng, or subsistence activities.
3.12.2.1 Visibility and Distance Zones
Visibility, mapped in terms of distance zones, is a measure of how
visual changes are perceived in the landscape. Changes in form, line,
color, and texture become less perceptible with increasing distance.
The Forest Service describes visibility in terms of three distance zones:
foreground, middleground, and background (USDA FS 1974). Each
distance zone listed below describes the level of detail or change that
is typically perceived when viewing the landscape. Project area
visibility from Visual Priority Travel Routes and Use Areas is
displayed in Table 3-85.
Foreground: (0 - Vz mile from the viewer) - The portion of the seen
area in which detail in the landscape becomes noticeable. Foliage and
fine textural details of vegetation are normally perceptible within this
zone. Foreground viewing areas include a portion of :he Securitv and
Saginaw Bay shoreline and areas within the Kadake Creek rivei
corridor.
Middleground: (Vz - 3 to 5 miles from the viewer) - The portion of
the seen area in which details of foliage and fine textures cease to be
perceptible and objects in the landscape are perceived mainly by their
form. Vegetation appears as outlines or patterns. Middleground
viewing of the project area includes most of the prominent forested
ridges visible from saltwater.
Background: (3-5 miles and greater) - The portion of the seen area
where texture and color are weak, and landforms become the most
dominant element. Background views of the mountain ranges frame
the horizon in this landscape. The visual elements of line and form are
dominant. Strong color contrasts of sufficient size may still be
noticeable. There are no background viewing locations inventoried
within the project area.
Not Seen: Those landscapes within the project area that are not visible
from Visual Priority Travel Routes and Use Areas as a result of
topographic relief or other physical attributes are classified as not seen.
Approximately 70 percent of the project area is categorized as not seen
from Visual Priority Travel Routes and Use Areas.
3-226 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Scenery
Table 3 - 85. Acres of harvest in seen areas by alternative
Distance Zone
Alt 2
Alt 3
Alt 4
Alt 5
Foreground
18
0
49
0
Middleground
144
246
500
455
Background
0
0
0
0
Not Seen
329
548
876
776
Total Harvest
Acres
491
794
1,425
1,231
3.12.3 Existing
Condition
• Type I: Landscapes where only ecological change has occurred,
except for trails needed for access. Landscapes appear to be
untouched by human activities.
• Type II: Landscapes where change is not noticed by the average
forest visitor unless pointed out. These landscapes have been
altered but changes are not perceptible.
• Type III: Landscapes where changes are noticeable by the average
forest visitor, but they do not attract attention. Changes appear to
be minor disturbances.
• Type IV: Landscapes where changes are easily noticed by the
average forest visitor and may attract attention. Changes appear as
disturbances but resemble natural patterns in the landscape.
• Type V: Landscapes where changes are very noticeable and would
be obvious to the average forest visitor. Changes tend to stand out,
dominating the view of the landscape, but are shaped to resemble
natural patterns.
3.12.3.1 Existing Visual Condition
Existing Visual Condition (EVC) describes the visual appearance of
the landscape at the time the assessment is conducted. It excludes the
context of whether the landscape is seen or not seen from visual
priority travel routes and use areas and indicates the amount of change
that has occurred in the past, and what level of change may be
acceptable in the future. The EVC is used as a baseline from which to
evaluate the acceptable desired future condition and cumulative effects
outlined in the Forest Plan management prescription criteria. There are
six types of landscapes ranging from pristine to intensively modified:
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-227
Environment and Effects
• Type VI: Landscapes where changes are in strong contrast to the
landscape’s natural appearance. Changes appear as dramatic, large
scale disturbances that strongly affect the average forest visitor.
The majority of the Kuiu Timber Sale Area is in a Type V category
due to the amount of timber harvest that has occurred over the past 20
years. This condition is not nearly as apparent when viewed from
saltwater locations where regeneration of the larger and older logging
units begins to visually recover. The Type V condition is a reflection
of the desired future condition for the Timber Production LUD. Acres
of EVC types within the project area are displayed in Table 3-86.
Table 3 - 86. Project area acres by existing visual
condition
Existing Visual Condition
Acres
Type 1
8,484
Type II
434
Type III
36 |
Type IV
8,023
Type V
25,020
Type VI
4,105
Kuiu Timber Sale Area Total
46,102
3.12.3.2 Visual Absorption Capacity
Visual Absorption Capacity (VAC) is an estimate of the relative ability
of a landscape to absorb change resulting from timber harvest. VAC
incorporates elements of slope, distance zone, visibility, and landscape
complexity in measuring this capacity for change. The Forest Plan
management prescriptions provide direction in determining the
maximum harvest treatment within development areas by utilizing
VAC classes. The classes are low, intermediate, and high, reflecting
the capacity of the landscape to absorb change. The acres of visual
absorption capacity classes within the project area are displayed in
Table 3-87.
3-228 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Scenery
Table 3 - 87. Project area acres by Visual Absorption
Capacity Class
Visual Absorption Capacity Class
Acres
Low
4,249
Intermediate
11,906
High
29,947
Kuiu Timber Sale Area Total
46,102
3.12.3.3 Visual Quality Objectives (VQO)
Visual Quality Objectives (VQOs) provide measurable standards to
assess the scenery resource based on landform characteristics and
levels of public concern. VQOs are established by incorporating the
previously defined visual resource elements of variety class, viewing
sensitivity, and distance zone. Adopted VQOs are established during
the forest planning process. Adopted VQOs help govern the location,
design, scheduling, and level of management activities such as timber
harvest to achieve or maintain the desired future condition. The Forest
Plan adopted the following four VQOs as management direction:
• Retention - Changes in the landscape are not visually evident to
the average forest visitor.
• Partial Retention - Changes in the landscape may be evident to
the casual observer but appear as natural occurrences when
contrasted with the appearance of the surrounding landscape.
• Modification - Changes in the landscape appear very evident but
incorporate natural patterns of form, line, color, and texture when
contrasted with the appearance of the surrounding landscape.
• Maximum Modification - Changes in the landscape appear highly
evident and may visually dominate the surrounding landscape, yet
when viewed in the background distance these activities appear as
natural occurrences.
Adopted VQOs reflect the management objectives of the Forest Plan
land use designations (LUDs) incorporating other resource objectives,
and also represent a future visual condition planned for a particular
landscape. The VQOs within the project area include Maximum
Modification and Modification for the Timber Production LUD,
Retention for the Old-growth Habitat LUD, and Partial Retention
within the Recreational River LUD within the %-mile corridor of
Kadake Creek (Figure 3-10). Management emphasis would reflect
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-229
3 Environment and Effects
activities that may appea ghly evident in those areas maximizing
timber production and maintaining a natural appearance in other
locations. The old-growth habitat reserve would be retained in a
natural condition where the retention VQO is applied and no harvest
would occur. The acres of Forest Plan VQOs within the project area
are displayed in Table 3-88.
Table 3 - 88. Project area acres by Forest Plan adopted
visual quality objective
Adopted Visual Quality Objective
Acres
Retention (Old Growth Habitat LUD)
1,245 |
Partial Retention (Recreational River)
1,595
Maximum Modification (Timber
Production LUD)
39,541
Modification (Timber Production LUD)
3,365
Non-National Forest System Lands
356
Kuiu Timber Sale Area Total
46,102
Timber harvest within a portion of the project area visible from Visual
Priority Travel Routes and Use Areas would be designed and
implemented to meet the Forest Plan adopted VQOs. The future visual
condition of the affected landscape would be predominantly reflective
of the Timber Production LUD, where the primary goal is to manage
land for the sustained long-term yield of wood. The visual effects of
management activities in this land use designation will be more
noticeable than they would be in a land use designation that allows less
development.
The visual effects upon scenery from the development associated with
timber harvest would be greater than that characteristic of a natural
appearing forest environment. Several factors contribute to the degree
of visibility of the proposed activities. These factors include: (1) the
location from where development is visible, (2) the distance from
which the development is observed, (3) the vegetative composition of
the surrounding landscape, and (4) the design outcome of the activity.
Each of the action alternatives would result in some degree of change
in the appearance of the landscape. Green tree retention within some
units would reduce the overall effects. Additionally, all of the
proposed timber harvest of any given alternative would not be seen at
one time from a single location. Impacts to scenery for all alternatives
would remain relatively constant over time as harvested areas
regenerate and new stands are removed. All action alternatives would
3.12.4
Environmental
Consequences
3-230 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
3/12.5 Direct
and Indirect
Effects
Scenery
achieve a higher level of visual quality than the Adopted Visual
Quality Objective of Maximum Modification for the majority of the
project area.
Each of the action alternatives would result in some visual
modification of the landscape in the project area. For all of the action
alternatives, the majority of harvest units would not be visible from
Visual Priority Travel Routes Areas. The visible harvest would be
prominent for viewers entering upper Saginaw Bay under either
Alternative 3 or 5. For Security Bay the most visible change would
occur under Alternatives 4 and 5. Forest visitors also would notice one
harvest unit when entering upper Rowan Bay under implementation of
Alternatives 4 or 5. Under Alternative 2 visitors frequenting Security
Bay, Saginaw Bay, or Rowan Bay would not likely notice much
change beyond existing conditions. Harvest within the Kadake Creek
recreational river corridor would only occur under Alternatives 2 and
4. The visual change under these alternatives would resemble a natural
forest setting.
The overall scenic effect of the alternatives would vary in comparison
to the visible harvest area as seen from sensitive viewing locations.
Alternatives 4 and 5 would create the greatest amount of visible
change to the landscape from development of harvest units.
Alternative 3 would harvest approximately 50 percent fewer acres than
would Alternatives 4 and 5. Alternative 2 would have the least effect
harvesting approximately 1 62 acres potentially visible from priority
viewing areas Table 3-84.
3.12.5.1 Effects Common to all Action Alternatives
Utilization of the existing LTFs either at Rowan Bay or Saginaw Bay
for log transfer, storage, and camp operations would result in the
developed appearance and modification to the scenic environment
associated with these types of activities. The LTFs are visible in the
foreground distance zone along the shoreline near the head of these
bays. For those traveling the inside waters of Rowan Bay or Saginaw
Bay the logging operations would not likely be noticed until within !4
to V2 mile of the locations. The sort yard, area for log storage, and most
equipment at the sites would be partially screened from view by
foreground vegetation and would meet the Forest Plan visual quality
objectives.
Contractors harvesting timber would continue to support their
operations with either a land or floating camp. Visibility of these
activities would be a distraction from the natural scenic environment
but confined to a relatively small area and would be consistent with the
VQOs. Camp operations would be required to obtain and follow the
necessary permitting requirements associated with these activities.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-231
Environment and Effects
3.12.6 Effects
by Alternative
Some of the effects of temporary road construction, borrow pits, and
other ground disturbing activities necessary to implement the Kuiu
project would be visible from Visual Priority Travel Routes Areas.
However, these effects would be far less visible than timber harvest
and would meet the Forest Plan VQOs.
3.12.6.1 Alternative 1
This alternative defers timber harvest in the project area and maintains
the existing visual character of the landscape. Previously harvested
units within the project area would continue to mature and develop the
visual characteristics of a more natural appearing and undeveloped
forest.
3.12.6.2 Alternative 2
Alternative 2 proposes harvest of fourteen units utilizing several
silvicultural treatments: even-aged management (clearcutting), two-
aged management (clearcutting with reserves (CCR) of 50 percent
basal area (BA) retention), and uneven-aged management (50 percent
BA retention by singe tree selection (STS), and 50 percent BA
retention by group selection (GS)). Six of the 14 units are partially
visible from Visual Priority Travel Routes Areas. However, all six are
not visible from the same location. Portions of Units 103c and 111,
which have a Maximum Modification VQO, are in the seen area of
upper Security Bay. The harvest would result in approximately 1 1
acres of clearcut visible in Unit 103c, and the 17 acres of partial
harvest (50 percent CCR) visible in Unit 111. The effects would
achieve a Partial Retention VQO, and meet a higher degree of scenic
quality than required by the Forest Plan. Units 207. 208a, and 208b
propose harvest of approximately 46 combined acres that would be
visible near the head of Saginaw Bay, resulting in a VQO of maximum
modification. The effects of Unit 207 would be lessened by 50 percent
BA retention which would achieve a higher VQO of modification.
Unit 208a would achieve the partial retention VQO with 16 acres of
visible harvest. Unit 208b would result in a Maximum Modification
VQO with 51 visible acres.
Unit 415 is located in the Kadake Creek drainage, and partially within
a Forest Recreational River classification. Approximately 18 acres of
timber would be removed within the seen area of the river corridor
using a 50 percent retention CCR method. Additional trees would be
retained adjacent to Road 6415 to screen the unit from the road.
Visibility of harvest from Kadake Creek itself would not be readily
apparent as a result of the steep stream bank configuration and trees
bordering the edge of creek. The portion of Unit 415 within the
Recreational River corridor would meet the adopted VQO of Partial
3-232 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Scenery
Retention. The remainder of Unit 415 located within the Timber
Production LUD would achieve a modification to maximum
modification VQO.
Alternative 2 proposes harvesting the fewest acres visible from priority
viewing locations. The remaining units in this alternative are not
visible from any Visual Priority Travel Routes Area and achieve a
Maximum Modification or higher degree of scenic quality than
adopted under the Forest Plan.
3.12.6.3 Alternative 3
In Alternative 3, Units 109, 204, 205, 207, and 208 are partially visible
in the middleground distance zone from the waters of Security Bay or
Saginaw Bay. All units in this alternative have a Forest Plan VQO of
Maximum Modification. Units 109 would be only slightly noticeable
and would meet the Partial Retention VQO. The proposed silvicultural
treatment of 50 percent BA retention of CCR for Unit 109 below the
temporary road (52 acres), and even-aged management (clearcut) for
48 acres above the temporary road, would affect approximately 21
acres would be partially visible from the head of Security Bay.
Units 204, 205, 207, and 208 are located in the seen area of upper
Saginaw Bay. Units 204, 205, and 208 are situated on the east side of
the South Fork of Saginaw Creek and are visible on the upper slopes
behind the log transfer facility (LTF) from saltwater locations in the
mid to upper Saginaw Bay. Units 205 and 208 are proposed for
clearcut harvest and Unit 204 is proposed for 50 percent BA retention
CCR. Units 205 and 208 would meet the Maximum Modification
VQO with approximately 39 and 69 acres of visible harvest
respectively. Unit 204 would likely meet the Modification VQO with
approximately 69 acres of partial harvest. Unit 207 would not be
visible to most people visiting Saginaw Bay as it can only be seen
from the extreme upper end of the bay in waters that are usually
unnavigable. The harvest treatment for Unit 207 is 57 acres 50 percent
retention CCR and 3 acres even-aged management (clearcut), resulting
in a Partial Retention to Modification VQO.
The remaining units in this alternative are not visible from any Visual
Priority Travel Routes Area and meet a Maximum Modification or
higher degree of scenic quality than required by the Forest Plan.
3.12.6.4 Alternative 4
In Alternative 4, Units 101, 109, 1 1 1 , 40 1 , and 503 could be
completely or partially visible in the middleground distance from the
waters of Security Bay. Units 207, 208, 302, and 303, could be
completely or partially visible in the middleground from Saginaw Bay,
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-233
Environment and Effects
and Unit 412 would be partially visible in the middleground near the
head of Rowan Bay. Units 414 and 415 are st n in the foreground
distance zone of Kadake Creek.
The most visually dominant harvest unit of this alternative is Unit 101,
a clearcut of 98 acres located at the upper end of Security Bay.
However, about a third of the unit extends over the ridgeline and
would not be in view. Unit 101 would be in high contrast to the
surrounding natural landscape and very evident to forest visitors. Units
109, 111, and 401, also visible within Security Bay, are proposed for
even-aged management clearcut with 21, 17, and 19 acres of harvest
respectively. These units would be considerably less evident in
contrast, and meet the VQO modification, a higher degree of scenic
quality than required by the Forest Plan.
Units 207, 208, 302, and 303 are located in the seen area of upper
Saginaw Bay up the Saginaw Creek drainage. Units 302 and 303 are
situated on the west side, and Unit 208 on the east side of the South
Fork of Saginaw Creek. Unit 207 would not be visible to most people
as it can only be seen from the extreme upper end of the bay in waters
that are usually unnavigable. Units 302 and 303 are proposed for 50
percent BA retention STS with approximately 60 acres of visible
partial harvest, meeting the Modification VQO. Unit 208 would meet
the Maximum Modification VQO with approximately 60 acres of
clearcut harvest visible. The harvest treatment for Unit 207 is 50
percent BA retention CCR, meeting a Partial Retention to
Modification VQO with approximately 49 acres of partial harvest
visible.
The upper half of the 99-acre Unit 412 would become visible to
travelers entering Rowan Bay at a point where the bay turns in a
northerly direction. The reduced visibility of Unit 412 as a result of
screening by foreground vegetation would reduce the contrast
somewhat so the unit does not appear as a dominant feature in the
landscape. As a result, the unit would meet a Modification to
Maximum Modification VQO depending upon the angle and location
of view.
Units 414 and 415 would harvest a combined total of 49 acres within
the Foreground Viewing Distance of the Kadake Creek Recreational
River Corridor. Silvicultural treatment of 50 percent BA retention
CCR would meet the VQO of Partial Retention. The remainder of
Units 414 and 415 located within the Timber Production LUD would
achieve a Modification to Maximum Modification VQO as viewed
from within the corridor.
3-234 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Kuiu Timber Sale
Figure 3-10
Adopted Visual Quality Objectives
Legend
Retention
Partial Retention
Modification
Maximum Modification
Non-National Forest
Recreational River
J Managed Stands
Unit Pool
..... Project Area Boundary
500ft Contour Interval
Stream Value Class I & II
Existing Open Roads
0 Kadake Bay Cabin
0 0.5
3 4
Miles
3.12.7
Cumulative
Effects
Scenery
The remaining units in this alternative are not visible from any Visual
Priority Travel Route and Use Area and achieve a Maximum
Modification or higher degree of scenic quality than required by the
Forest Plan.
3.12.6.5 Alternative 5
All units in Alternative 5 are proposed for even-aged harvest by
clearcut. Ten of the units are completely or partially visible from
Visual Priority Travel Routes or Use Areas. Units 101, 109, 1 1 1, 401,
and 503 are within the seen area of Security Bay and identical in
effects to Alternative 4. The Modification to Maximum Modification
VQOs would be achieved and would meet a slightly higher degree of
scenic quality than required by the Forest Plan.
Units 204, 207, 208a, and 208b are located within the seen area of
Saginaw Bay, and would meet the VQO of Maximum Modification.
Unit 207, located on the backside of a ridge facing Saginaw Bay
would not be visible to most people unless approaching the extreme
upper end of the bay. The unit would include approximately 49 acres
within the seen area. Units 204, 208a, and 208b are located in close
proximity on the east side of the South Fork of Saginaw Creek. The
combined visible harvest is slightly over 100 acres, with a green tree
retention buffer between 208a and 208b, somewhat reducing the
overall effects. The three units 204, 208a, and 208b would also meet
the VQO of Maximum Modification.
The upper half of 99-acre Unit 412 would become visible to travelers
entering Rowan Bay at a point where the bay turns in a northerly
direction. The reduced visibility of Unit 412 as a result of screening by
foreground vegetation would reduce the contrast somewhat so the unit
does not appear as a dominant feature in the landscape. As a result, the
unit would meet a VQO of Modification to Maximum Modification
depending upon the angle and location of view.
The remaining units in this alternative are not visible from any Visual
Priority Travel Route or Use Area and would meet a Maximum
Modification or higher degree of scenic quality than required by the
Forest Plan.
Cumulative effects consider the overall scenic effects expected as a
result of past, present, and foreseeable future development. Previous
development in the project area has been extensive, modifying the
scenic environment from a natural condition to a condition where
landscapes appear highly modified. These effects include timber
harvest, roads, borrow pits, associated construction activities, and
existing effects of adjacent non-National Forest System lands. The
proposed action alternatives for the current project include suitable
timber available for harvest. Implementation of any of the proposed
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-237
Environment and Effects
alternatives at the present time would continue to modify the scenic
environment. Cumulative effects of future conditions would
continually change over time to a greater or lesser extent, and in
genera] ultimately present the appearance of the desired future
condition outlined in the Forest Plan.
3.12.7.1 Allowable Visual Disturbance
Allowable Visual Disturbance expresses how much visual disturbance
is acceptable for a given area during any given time period. The
proposed management activities for the Kuiu Timber Sale Area may
occur adjacent to or near previously harvested locations. Even though
individual harvest units may meet a particular Visual Quality
Objective, cumulatively a greater impact may result.
During the cumulative effects analyses for the Forest Plan, maximum
disturbance thresholds were described (Forest Plan FEIS Appendix B,
pages B-17 through B-19). It was assumed that up to 50 percent of a
viewshed may be under development at any given time for areas
within the Timber Production LUD adopting the Maximum
Modification Visual Quality Objective. Table 3-89 displays the
cumulative visual disturbance by alternative for each VCU in the
project area.
Table 3 - 89. Percent cumulative visual disturbance by VCU
Alt 1
(current
condition)
Alt 2
Alt 3
Alt 4
Alt 5
VCU 399
(Saginaw)
19%
21%
22%
23%
22%
VCU 400
(Security)
27%
28%
28%
29%
30%
VCU 402
(Rowan)
26%
28%
29%
29%
34%
VCU 422
(Kadake)
19%
20%
21%
24%
21%
Previously harvested units within the project area that are visible from
visual priority travel routes or use areas currently range from 19 to 27
percent of the “seen area.” This quantity is well within the maximum
disturbance threshold of 50 percent allowed under the Forest Plan and
represents a higher degree of scenic quality than required for timber
production areas. The cumulative effect of the past harvest and the
proposed alternatives is still well below the maximum disturbance
threshold of 50 percent allowed under the Forest Plan.
3-238 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Scenery
3.12.7.2 Visual Recovery
The visual effects of timber harvest are greatest immediately following
completion of the project. Within five years, vegetation would begin to
grow, transitioning in color from brown to light green. Green tree
retention in the harvested areas would reduce the overall contrast of
new growth with the surrounding forest. From five to 20 years after
tree removal, young trees become established, reaching a height of
approximately 15 feet and further reducing the color contrast with
adjacent forested areas. After 50 years, the emerging forest would
achieve a height of approximately 50 feet. Color contrast at this point
is near that of a mature forest and only textural differences are
apparent. Edge lines forming the boundary of harvested areas become
less apparent, with the appearance further reduced by asymmetrical
unit design. At 80 years after harvest stand vegetation achieves 75
percent of its mature height. At 100 years, the stand would reach
approximately 100 feet in height and the appearance of the past
harvest would no longer be evident.
3.12.7.3 Forest Plan Direction
For the Timber Production LUD, cumulative effects will likely lead to
a visual condition where management activities appear highly evident
and become a dominant feature in the landscape. Assuming
implementation of the Forest Plan through the entire rotation, all
timber designated as suitable for timber production within the Kuiu
Timber Sale Area would be harvested within the next 100 years.
During this period, the forest would be in a continuous state of
transition toward meeting the desired future condition of the Timber
Production LUD. The landscape would be characterized by
regenerating harvested areas of mixed age classes from young stands
to trees of maturing height, typically in 40-acre to 100-acre groups.
The activities associated with timber harvest will present a highly
modified landscape.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3
3-239
Environment and Effects
3.13.1
Introduction
3.13.2
Recreation
Opportunity
Spectrum
(ROS)
3.13 Recreation
Kum Island is almost bisected by two large bays. Bay of Pillars cuts
from east to west and Port Camden cuts from the west toward the east.
These two large bays separate the more heavily managed northern
portion of the island from the less developed southern portion. The
Kuiu Timber Sale Area is in the norther i section. There are three bays
within or beside the project area boundary: Security Bay, Saginaw
Bay, and Kadake Bay. Also, not included in the project boundary but
potentially affected by the project is Rowan Bay. There is an existing
recreation cabin located in Kadake Bay and t small logging camp and
Forest Servic administrative facility located in Rowan Bay.
Access to Kuiu Island is by boat or floatplane. There are no landing
strips or airports for planes without floats. Both Rowan Bay and
Saginaw Bay have LTFs, either of which may be used to transfer logs
from the Kuiu Timber Sale Area to saltwater. The LTFs also provide
access to the area road system for visitors arriving by boat to hunt or
recreate in the area. These visitors may bring ATVs or occasionally
vehicles to use on the road system. The road system does not connect
to any community or ferry terminal.
Black bear hunting is popular in the area during both the spring and
fall seasons. Most of this activity takes place along the shorelines, with
a few people using the road system for bear hunting. Many creeks
provide sport-fishing opportunities, with Kadake Creek the most
popular and most heavily used sport fishing creek in the project area.
Kadake Creek provides excellent steelhead, trout, and salmon fishing.
To describe, identify, and quantify recreation settings, the Forest
Service uses the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS). The ROS
categorizes areas by their activities, remoteness, access, and
experiences in a spectrum ot classes from Primitive to Urban. The
Kuiu Timber Sale Area has three of the seven ROS classes: Roaded
Modified, Semi-primitive Motorized, and Semi-primitive Non-
motorized (Table 3-90).
3.13.2.1 Roaded Modified
In areas classified as Roaded Modified, substantial modifications of
vegetation and landforms typically dominate the landscape. There is
moderate evidence of other users on roads and in dispersed areas
(generally less than 20 encounters a day). A feeling of independence
and freedom exists with little challenge and risk. Recreation users will
likely encounter timber management activities. About 84 percent of
the Kuiu Timber Sale Area is classified as Roaded Modified.
3-240 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Recreation
Table 3 - 90. Existing Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS)
Classes within the Kuiu Timber Sale Area*
ROS Class
Acres
Percent
Roaded Modified (RM)
38,837
84%
Semi-primitive
Motorized (SPM)
3,913
9%
Semi-primitive Non-
motorized (SPNM)
2,996
7%
Total Acres
45,746
100%
* Does not include 356 acres of non-National Forest System lands in
the project area.
3.13.2.2 Semi-primitive Motorized
Semi-primitive Motorized areas are natural or natural-appearing
environments generally greater than 2,500 acres in size. They are
generally located within Vi mile of primitive roads, but not less than Vi
mile from more developed roads and other motorized travel routes.
Concentration of users is low (generally less than ten group encounters
per day), but there is often evidence of other users. There is a moderate
probability of experiencing solitude, closeness to nature, and
tranquility along with a high degree of self-reliance, challenge, and
risk in using motorized equipment. Local roads may be present, and
there may be extensive boat traffic along saltwater shorelines.
Approximately nine percent of the project area is in the Semi-primitive
Motorized class. This area is found along the shoreline on the eastern
shore of Security Bay and around to the north and the northwestern
shore of Saginaw Bay.
3.13.2.3 Semi-primitive Non-motorized
Semi-primitive Non-motorized areas are natural or natural-appearing
environments generally greater that 2,500 acres in size and generally
located at least Vi mile but less than three miles from all roads and
other motorized travel routes. Concentration of users is low (generally
less than ten group encounters per day), but there is often evidence of
other users. There is a high probability of experiencing solitude,
freedom, closeness to nature, tranquility, self-reliance, challenge, and
risk. No roads are present in the area. Within the project area the Semi-
primitive Non-motorized area (seven percent) is an interior area
southeast of Saginaw Bay. It is away from existing harvest units and
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-241
Environment and Effects
3.13.3
Recreation
Places and
Sites
roads and relatively isolated from the sights and sounds of human
activities. Much of this area is within the small Old-growth Habitat
Reserve (OGR) in VCU 399.
Since the majority of the Tongass National Forest is undeveloped, it is
primarily used for dispersed recreation activities. Viewing scenery and
wildlife, boating, fishing, beachcombing, hiking and hunting are the
primary dispersed recreation activities that take place.
In theory, the entire National Forest has the potential of providing
recreation opportunities. However, due to terrain considerations (very
steep, inaccessible areas), user preferences, and presence of certain
amenities (scenery, good fishing), some areas are more highly valued.
These highly valued areas are termed recreation places.
Recreation places are specific areas identifieu oy the Forest Plan that
are used for recreation activities. They are geographical areas having
one or more physical characteristics that are particularly attractive to
people for recreation activities. The ROS setting of a Recreation Place
largely determines its attractiveness and utility. The Forest Plan
direction for recreation places in the Modified Landscape and Scenic
Viewshed LUDs is to maintain the existing ROS setting. The Forest
Plan direction in the Timber Production LUD is seek to minimize
impacts to recreation places through scheduling and location of project
activities. When approved activities nearby may result in a change to
the ROS setting, the impacts should be minimized so that a Roaded
Natural or other more natural ROS setting is maintained.
A recreation site is a specific site and/or facility occurring within a
recreation place. Recreation sites generally refer to specific points like
anchorages or developed facilities such as recreation cabins and
trailheads.
The selection and identification of recreation places and sites was done
by noting what characteristics or qualities of a site attract and
influence visitor use. A knowledge of these key sites aids in the future
evaluation of potential effects within the broader ROS concepts. The
following discussion describes, by VCU, the recreation use and
attractors in each general area. Within these areas there may be one or
more recreation places.
3.13.3.1 Saginaw Bay -VCU 399
Much of the bay’s eastern shoreline provides opportunities for rock
hounding, fossil collecting, and the study of Native culture. Of special
interest is Halleck Harbor. A gently-sloping sand beach and protected
anchorage attract numerous boaters. A log transfer site on the south
side of the bay provides access to the road system on Kuiu Island.
Waterfowl hunting occurs at the head of the bay, and fishing in
3-242 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Recreation
Saginaw Creek. There are three recreation places within this VCU: the
head of Saginaw Bay, Halleck Harbor, and the Cool/Ledge Lake area.
There is also a special use permit for a waterline for a float house in
Saginaw Bay. Saginaw Bay itself is outside the project area, but one
alternative proposes a Log Transfer Facility (LTF) in the bay, which
could affect recreation in the area.
The limestone bedrock adjacent to Saginaw Bay and the Keku Islets
has been identified as having a high potential for cave formations
similar to those found on Prince of Wales Island. Opportunities exist
for future trail development to Cool and Ledge lakes, allowing easier
access for stream and lake fishing. Most of the activities in this VCU
provide semi-primitive motorized experiences.
3.13.3.2 Security Bay - VCU 400
Recreational use is generally water-oriented. There are two recreation
places in this area which include the head of the bay and the shoreline
around the bay. Secure anchorages exist at numerous points along the
bay’s shoreline. Excellent waterfowl and black bear hunting occur at
the head of the bay. The State of Alaska has designated some of the
large islands, and parts of the eastern shoreline in the northeast comer
of the bay, as a State Marine Park. The intent of the 1,324-acre State
Marine Park is to protect marine and dispersed recreation,
waterfowl/shorebird concentrations, anchorages, and community
harvest. The State has no plans at this time to develop facilities at the
Marine Park. While Security Bay is outside the project area, it is being
analyzed because of its proximity to the project area.
3.13.3.3 Rowan Bay - VCU 402
A Log Transfer Facility (LTF) exists on the north shore of Rowan
Bay. An adjacent dock provides access to the internal road system for
boaters and floatplane passengers. A large area that supported a major
logging camp and sort yard is located in the vicinity. There are two
recreation places in this VCU, which include the estuary at the head of
Rowan Bay, and the anchorage on the south shoreline. Hunting and
sport fishing occurs in the estuary. Boaters frequently anchor in a
small cove on the south shoreline near the bay’s mouth. Rowan Bay is
outside the project area boundary, but three alternatives propose using
the Log Transfer Facility (LTF) in Rowan Bay, so it is being analyzed
from a recreation perspective.
3.13.3.4 Kadake Bay - VCU 421
Excellent steelhead, trout, and salmon fishing is possible in the waters
of Kadake Creek. Bear and waterfowl hunting occur throughout the
bay. Much of the use is associated with an existing recreation cabin
located in the bay at the mouth of Kadake Creek. Kadake Bay and the
cabin are outside the project boundary. Boats can anchor near the bay
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-243
Environment and Effects
3.13.4
Outfitters and
Guides
entrance or at Gil Harbor, which also contains an excellent salmon
fishery. An opportunity exists to construct a trail from Forest Road
6415 to the headwaters of Kadake Creek, providing better fishing
access. The three recreation places in this VCU include Kadake Bay, a
portion of Kadake Creek, and Gil Harbor. All three are outside the
project area boundary, but because of their proximity to the area, and
their important recreation values, they are included in this analysis.
Several outfitter/guides do business on Kuiu Island including the north
end where the project area is located. The two main categories for
outfitter/guides are sightseeing and black bear hunting. North Kuiu
Island supports one of the densest black bear populations in Southeast
Alaska (Lowell 2004). It consequently draws many hunters from out-
of-state and also a number of Alaskan hunters. According to the
Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), approximately 80
percent of those who hunt black bear on Kuiu Island are nonresidents.
This means Alaskan businesses derive substantial financial benefits
from hunter-related expenditures on transportation, lodging, groceries,
equipment, and supplies (Lowell 2004).
Each year since 2000, up to seven outfitter/guides have held Special
Use Permits on northern Kuiu Island. These businesses are generally
based out of boats and hunt the shorelines and estuaries. Three
outfitter/guides have had permits for the Kuiu Island road system and
use ATVs or vehicles to hunt farther inland. These businesses depend
on the consistent population level of black bear on northern Kuiu
Island. Any decrease in population would decrease income, and could
possibly put outfitter/guides out of business if populations dropped
low enough.
The number of outfitter/guide user days allowed for northern Kuiu
Island was adjusted with the 2004 review of the 1997 Stikine Area
Outfitter and Guide Environmental Assessment (USDA FS 1997(e),
2004(a), 2004(b)). Some areas were reassessed and added to the home
range of Kake, so the level of outfitter/guide use allowed in those areas
decreased from 25 percent of the total recreation carrying caoacity to
10 percent of the carrying capacity. The review changed the capacity
calculations for eight recreation places on north Kuiu Island to reflect
the Kake home range. Outfitter/guide capacities are determined by
study area as delineated in the Outfitter and Guide Environmental
Assessment. North Kuiu is comprised of three study areas (12A, 12B,
and 14) which all overlap the Kuiu Timber Sale. The recent
outfitter/guide use in these three study areas is still well below the
allocated capacity. Area 12A (Rowan Bay and Washington Bay) was
at 50 percent capacity in 2004; Area 12B (Saginaw Bay) was at 1 7
3-244 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Recreation
3.13.5
Potential
Recreation
Opportunities
3.13.6
Environmental
Consequences
percent capacity in 2004 (35 percent peak in 2001); and Area 14
(Security Bay and Kadake Bay) was at 23 percent capacity in 2004 (27
percent peak in 2000).
Sightseeing on north Kuiu Island includes small cruise ships and tour
boats, as well as private boats and yachts. These boats often visit the
unique fossil bluffs and limestone cliff areas in Halleck Harbor and
Saginaw Bay. If the clients go ashore for hiking or fishing on National
Forest Land, the operators are required to get a Special Use Permit for
that use. There are several outfitter/guides that use Saginaw Bay for
those activities.
As recreation use increases on Kuiu Island, some opportunities exist to
enhance the recreation experience. During this analysis and in previous
scoping efforts, projects have been suggested by the public and Forest
Service personnel for the Kuiu Timber Sale Area and vicinity. The
project ideas listed below are not being analyzed in detail at this time.
They may be considered in the future if public use of the road system
increases enough to warrant more recreation opportunities. Past
outfitter/guide use has included some fishing and sightseeing along the
road system.
• Construct a trail access from Road 6425 to Cool and Ledge lakes
to enhance fishing opportunities.
• Construct a trail from Road 6415 to Kadake Creek to increase
fishing access. This would allow access by foot from the road to
the lower creek area, which is currently accessed by foot from
Kadake Bay.
3.13.6.1 Direct and Indirect Effects to the ROS
The Kuiu Timber Sale Area has already been modified heavily by past
timber harvest and road building. New harvest units in the same area
would not substantially change the recreation settings or experiences
on north Kuiu Island. Very minor changes would occur to the ROS in
any of the proposed alternatives. Less than one percent of the acres
would change from a Semi-primitive Non-motorized setting to a
Roaded Modified setting in Alternatives 3, 4, and 5. No change would
occur in Alternatives 1 and 2 (Table 3-91 ).
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3
3-245
Environment and Effects
Table 3-91. Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) class acres in the Kuiu
Timber Sale Area
ROS Class
Alt. 1
Acres
Alt. 2
Acres
Alt. 3
Acres
Alt. 4
Acres
Alt. 5 Acres
Roaded
Modified (RM)
38,837
38,837
38,858
(+21)
38,900
(+63)
38,900
(+63)
Semi-primitive
Motorized
(SPM)
3,913
3,913
3,913
3,913
3,913
Semi-primitive
Non-motorized
(SPNM)
2,996
2,996
2,975
(-21)
2,933
(-63)
2,933
(-63)
Total Acres
45,746
45,746
45,746
45,746
45,746
* Does not include 356 acres of non-National Forest lands within the project area.
3.13.6.2 Direct and Indirect Effects to Recreation Places
Effects to recreation places can range from proposed timber harvest or
road building within a recreation place, to changes in the scenery as
viewed from a recreation place. None of the alternatives propose
timber harvest or road building within any recreation places. The
effects to scenery are described in detail in the Scenery section. Other
effects to the recreation places (mostly temporary) are:
• Saginaw Bay - a Log Transfer Facility (LTF) in Saginaw Bay
may be used with the action alternatives. If this facility is selected
for log transport it would temporarily change the recreation
experience with increased boat traffic in the bay as well as log
barge traffic. The increased noise and activity at the LTF itself
would also add to the feeling of more development and less
remoteness in the recreation experience. Increased activity and log
barge traffic in Saginaw Bay would be noticeable to the many
sightseers who visit Saginaw Bay on private yachts, small tour
boats and medium-size cruise ships. This effect would be short-
term, lasting only as long as the timber was actually being
harvested. Additional visible effects to the landscape as seen from
Saginaw Bay are described in the Scenery section. All alternatives
would have some visible units from Saginaw Bay, but Alternatives
4 and 5 would have the most visible units (see Scenery section this
chapter).
3-246 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Recreation
• Security Bay - Users in the recreation places in Security Bay may
hear the sounds of logging as it is taking place. Alternatives 4 and
5 would have the greatest effects with the proposed harvest of
Units 101, 503, and 504. This temporary effect would end after
logging was complete. As described in the Scenery section, long-
term effects to scenery may also affect users in Saginaw Bay.
• Rowan Bay - The existing LTF in Rowan Bay may be selected for
log transfer. This LTF would require no reconstruction. The
increased boat traffic and log barge traffic within the bay would be
noticeable to recreationists at the recreation place in the head of
Rowan Bay and the anchorage on the south shore. The increased
noise and activity at the LTF itself would also add to the feeling of
more development and less remoteness in the recreation
experience. These effects would be temporary, and last only as
long as the timber sale was being actively logged. Additional
effects to scenery from the harvest of Unit 412 (in Alternatives 4
and 5) are described in the Scenery section of this chapter. These
effects would be reduced somewhat with foreground vegetation
screening.
• Kadake Bay and Kadake Creek - Kadake Bay is far enough
away from any proposed units to not be subject to the sounds of
logging. The Kadake Creek recreation place, however, is much
closer to proposed units, and is adjacent to Road 6415 at one end.
Users in the western part of the Kadake Creek recreation place
could hear the sounds of logging and hear log truck traffic. This
part of Kadake Creek is within a Roaded Modified setting, so
expectations for a remote experience are not as high as in Kadake
Bay where the setting is Semi-primitive Motorized.
3.13.6.3 Direct and Indirect Effects to the Kuiu Road System
There would be few direct effects to roads and access from the
proposed harvest activities. There would be no classified roads
constructed, but between 2.9 and 19 miles of temporary road would be
constructed, depending on the alternative. All new temporary roads
would be closed after timber harvest is complete. Between 8.4 and 1 1
miles of classified open road is proposed for closure, depending on the
alternative. Some of the proposed road closures could affect some
users if they expect to drive those roads. For more information about
road management objectives for the project area, refer to the
Transportation section of this chapter and the Road Cards in Appendix
B.
3.13.6.4 Direct and Indirect Effects to Outfitters and Guides
Bear Hunting - One of the major recreation activities on north Kuiu
Island is black bear hunting. Black bear densities are not expected to
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-247
Environment and Effects
3.13.7 Effects
by Alternative
change due to timber harvest or road densities from this project (see
Issue 2- Wildlife and Subsistence section this chapter). A short-term
effect may occur if logging activities occur during the black bear
hunting season. The logging activities including increased traffic may
disrupt bear activities along roads. However, State hunting records
show that only approximately six percent of bears harvested on Kuiu
were along roads and any disruption would be small and seasonal.
Sightseeing - Outfitter/gu s who take clients sightseeing along the
Kuiu shoreline and into the oays would notice increased timber
harvest. The amount of proposed landscape change varies by
alternative. Timber harvest is not a new element to the landscapes of
Kuiu Island. Additional harvest could displace some outfitter/guides,
but more likely, the attractions of the shorelines, including limestone
cliffs, would keep most sightseers coming to Kuiu Island.
Fishing - Most outfitter/guides who take clients freshwater fishing on
north Kuiu would probably continue to do so with any of the proposed
alternatives. The main attraction is the fishing, especially in Kadake
Creek. The scenery changes in an already modified landscape would
not be great enough to keep people away.
3.13.7.1 Effects Common to all Action Alternatives
During timber harvest, log truck traffic and other traffic associated
with the timber sale would increase and could negatively affect the
few recreationists along the road system. This would include the two
outfitter/guides that currently use the road system. The use of the LTF
site at either Rowan Bay or Saginaw Bay would affect recreationists in
those areas. These effects were outlined previously where effects to
Recreation Places were discussed for Saginaw Bay and Rowan Bay.
For all action alternatives, the longest length of road proposed for
closure is Road 46096 (4. 1 miles), which has road cracks and slumps
and minor non-catastrophic failures. It is expected to be undrivable in
about five years. Current use of the roads is very low. Two black bear
hunting outfitter/guides are currently permitted to use the Kuiu road
system.
3.13.7.2 Alternative 1
This alternative proposes no new timber harvest or road building on
Kuiu Island. The recreation on the island would remain as it is with no
changes to existing ROS. The existing recreation places and sites
would also remain unchanged with this alternative. New timber
harvest or road building would not affect outfitter/guide use.
3.13.7.3 Alternative 2
This alternative proposes the least amount of timber harvest and road
building of the action alternatives. There would be no change to the
3-248 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Recreation
existing ROS classes since all of the areas proposed for harvest are
already in a Roaded Modified setting. No existing recreation places
would be harvested but a few places could be affected by the
proximity of harvest activity.
Alternative 2 proposes to close 8.2 miles of road that are now open by
removing drainage structures and putting in water bars. About half of
these roads are already overgrown with alder and undrivable or
growing closed and would be undrivable within five years. These
roads would still be accessible by foot.
3.13.7.4 Alternative 3
This alternative proposes the second lowest amount of timber harvest
and road building. There would be very little change to the existing
ROS classes since only 21 acres would change from Semi-primitive
Non-motorized to Roaded Modified. This change amounts to less than
one percent change. None of the proposed harvest units or temporary
roads would actually fall within the existing semi-primitive area, but
the location of Unit 210 would change the conditions and experiences
in a small part of the semi-primitive area.
Alternative 3 proposes to close 8.4 miles of road that are now open by
removing drainage structures and putting in water bars. About half of
these roads are already overgrown with alder and undrivable or
growing closed and would be undrivable within five years. These
roads would still be accessible by foot. The longest length of road
proposed for closure is Road 46096 (4. 1 miles), which has road cracks
and slumps and minor non-catastrophic failures. It is expected to be
undrivable in about five years. Current use of the roads is very low.
3.13.7.5 Alternative 4
This alternative proposes the second highest volume of timber harvest
and proposes the most miles of temporary road construction. Although
63 acres would change from Semi-primitive Non-motorized to Roaded
Modified, this still reflects less than one percent change from the
existing condition. In addition to unit 210 proposed in Alternative 3,
Alternative 4 proposes Units 21 1 and 212 near the existing semi-
primitive area. About a quarter acre of Unit 212 would actually fall in
the existing semi-primitive area. This overlap and the proximity of
Units 210 and 211 account for the change in recreation setting that
would occur.
Alternative 4 proposes to close 1 1 miles of road that are now open by
removing drainage structures and putting in water bars. Some of these
roads are already overgrown with alder and undrivable or growing
closed and would be undrivable within five years. These roads would
still be accessible by foot.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-249
Environment and Effects
3.13.8
Cumulative
Effects
3.13.7.6 Alternative 5
This alternative proposes the highest volume of timber harvest, but
would harvest fewer acres than Alternative 4 because all of the
proposed harvest in Alternative 5 would be clearcut. The effect to ROS
classes would be the same as Alternative 4 since Alternative 5 also
proposes harvest of Units 210, 21 1, and 212.
Alternative 5 proposes to close 1 1 miles of road that are now open by
removing drainage structures and putting in water bars. Some of these
roads are already overgrown with alder and undrivable or they are
growing closed and would be undrivable within five years. These
roads would still be accessible by foot.
The project area is within a larger area on north Kuiu Island that has
been heavily harvested in the past. The proposed timber harvest is
within the Timber Production LUD in the Forest Plan, and is in an area
with an expectation for harvest. The proposed activities for this project
would not significantly change the existing recreation opportunities.
The nature of the current recreation opportunities would remain the
same.
One of the major recreation activities on north Kuiu Island is black
bear hunting. The effects of continued logging on black bear are not
well understood. Changes in habitat and road densities may affect
black bear numbers within the areas of activity. Reductions in black
bear population within the roaded portion of Kaiu Island may affect
the outfitter/guides and local Alaskans who hunt from the roads in
those areas.
Recreation settings on north Kuiu Island have changed drastically
since timber harvest activities began in the 1960s. The area now has
numerous roads and timber in various age classes. It is an area where
people expect to see timber harvest. New harvest would add to the
developed feel of the area, but would not be a significant change from
its current condition.
3-250 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
314.1
Introduction
3.14.2
Community
Profiles
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
3.14 Socioeconomics
About 70,600 people live in towns, communities, and villages located
on islands and coastal lands of Southeast Alaska. The southeast region
accounts for about eleven percent of the State's population and six
percent of the land base, with an average density of two persons for
every square mile. Federal lands comprise about 95 percent of
Southeast Alaska, 80 percent within the Tongass National Forest.
Southeast communities are within or adjacent to the Tongass and are
largely dependent on the Forest to provide natural resources for
commercial fishing, timber harvest, recreation, tourism, mining, and
subsistence.
River and stream systems on the Tongass contribute to a healthy
salmon fishery for commercial and sport fishing. About one third of
the timber harvested in Southeast Alaska is from the Tongass. Federal
policy requires that timber harvested from the Tongass be processed
within Southeast Alaska, supporting wood products jobs and income
throughout the region. Rural residents participate in subsistence
hunting, fishing, and gathering as part of their livelihood and to
continue cultural and historic ways of life. Throughout the Forest, the
residents of southeast and visitors to the region participate in
recreational and tourism activities. The resources of the Tongass
National Forest offer a certain quality of life that many southeast
residents have come to appreciate.
3.14.2.1 Social and Economic Setting
Kake, Point Baker, Port Protection, Petersburg, and Wrangell are the
communities nearest the project area and are most likely to be affected
socially and economically by the project in terms of subsistence,
recreation, tourism, and general local use of the area. The potential
impact to nearby communities with processing facilities that may use
the timber would depend on many elements associated with the
competitiveness and efficiency of individual operations. Such factors
are dependent upon private business decisions as well as market
conditions for forest products. The Forest Service cannot predict which
firms will successfully bid for a timber sale. Therefore, potential
community benefits relating to jobs and incomes associated with a sale
will not be predicted specifically, but in a regional summary.
3.14.2.2 Population and Ethnicity
Kake is on Kupreanof Island and is the nearest community to the
project area. Kake is historically an Alaska Native town occupied
traditionally by the Kake Tlingit who controlled trade routes around
Kuiu and Kupreanof islands. In 1891, a government school and store
were built followed by a post office in 1904 and a cannery in 1912.
Chapter 3 • 3-251
Environment and Effects
Kake’s population continues to be comprised mostly of Alaska Natives
whose lifestyle revolves around fishing, logging, and other subsistence
activities.
Point Baker and Port Protection are located on northwest Prince of
Wales Island. They are about three miles apart and are accessible to
one another by boat. Acco ing to a 2004 state demographer estimate,
24 people live in Point Baker and 47 in Port Protection. There is a
school in Port Protection. The first store was built in 1941, and a post
office opened in 1942. The first floating fish packer came to Point
Baker in 1919, and fish buying continued until the 1930s when the
Forest Service opened the area for home site In Port Protection,
“Wooden Wheel” Johnson became the first resident in the early 1900s.
His store, fuel dock and fish-buying scow enabled trailers to stop for
supplies and safe anchor on their trips north and south.
Both communities rely on commercial fishing as their main industry
and there is at least one charter business. Residents use Kuiu Island for
subsistence and recreation activities.
Petersburg was settled by Norwegians in the late 1890s.
Archaeological evidence indicates that Native Alaskans lived in and
around the area for at least two thousand years prior to European
settlement. The Norwegian founders developed a fishing and fish
packing industry that influenced a steady population increase until the
1960s. Other groups, including Native Alaskans and Asians, were
present in town from the ea years. After Statehood, large-scale
fishing, timber and transpo, „aiion industries influenced population
growth and diversity.
Wrangell was originally a Tlingit village influenced by the Russian
establishment of a fur-trading network beginning around 1811. Later
influences include the Hudson’s Bay Company and the establishment
of a U.S. military post in 1868. A sawmill and canneries continued to
boost population until the 1990s. Today the population is mostly white
with about a quarter of the population being Alaska Native.
Table 3-92 presents population estimates for local communities and
displays a recent trend towards population decline.
3-252 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Socioeconomics
Table 3 - 92. Population estimates for local communities
1990
2000
2004
Kake
700
710
663
Petersburg
3,207
3,224
3,123
Point Baker and
Port Protection
101
98
71
Wrangell
2,479
2,308
2,023 !
Source: Alaska Department of Commerce. Division of Community and Economic
Development 2004 State Demographer’s estimate, ADCED website, available at:
http://www.commerce.state.ak.us/dca/commdb/CF BLOCK.htm
3.14.2.3 Employment and Income
In Kake the City, School District, and Kake Tribal Corporation are the
largest employers. Fishing, seafood processing, and logging contribute
considerably to the economy. Sixty-seven residents hold commercial
fishing permits. The non-profit Gunnuk Creek Hatchery has assisted in
sustaining the salmon fishery. Kake Foods produces smoked and dried
salmon and halibut. Turn Mountain Timber, a joint venture between
Whitestone Logging and Kake Tribal Corporation, employs residents
in logging tribal corporation lands. Southeast Stevedoring, a Sealaska
contractor, also provides employment at the log sort yard and transfer
facility at Point Macartney. Subsistence resources including salmon,
halibut, shellfish, seaweed, deer, bear, waterfowl and berries
supplement income. Kake is currently pursuing tourism income and
opportunities.
The Petersburg economy has been based on commercial fishing and
timber industries. The city is one of the top-ranking ports in the U.S.
for the quality and value of fish landed, with 473 residents holding
commercial fishing permits. Several processors operate cold storage,
canneries, and custom packing services. Petersburg remains, to a lesser
degree, a supply and service center for logging camps, independent
sportsmen, and tourists. There is no deep-water port to accommodate
large cruise ships. Smaller cruise ships stop overnight in Petersburg
with an agenda focused on eco-tourism and the Norwegian culture.
Wrangell's economy is based on commercial fishing and timber.
Fishing and fish processing are an important segment of the economy,
with approximately 250 residents holding commercial fishing permits.
The closure of the Alaska Pulp Corporation sawmill in 1994 saw a
steady decline in the timber industry related economy. The mill was
later sold to Silver Bay Logging and reopened in April 1998 with 33
employees. The mill is currently operating, though the timber sector is
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-253
Environment and Effects
3.14.3 Social
Issues
not considered stable at the present time. Wrangell offers a deep-water
port that caters to the mid-sized cruise ships, and cruise ship related
tourism activities have increased.
Social concerns for the Tongass National Forest and Southeast Alaska
are raised locally, nationally and even globally. Southeast Alaska is a
unique and special place to people who live there, to those who visit,
and to those who enjoy wilderness and remote landscapes.
Communities within the Tongass National Forest depend upon, and
can be directly or indirectly impacted by management of the Tongass
forest resources. Community impacts can be both negative and
positive, depending on the needs of individual communities. For a
complete discussion and description of social issues, refer to the Forest
Plan FEIS, Part 2.
Local social issues associated with this project include employment
and passive use values. These issues have been discussed and analyzed
in other sections of this EIS, and in other resource reports. National
issues are not directly addressed since these larger issues were
considered in the context of the Resource Protection Assessment
(RPA), Forest Plan and other policies. While social issues are often
difficult to quantify and compare, they are no less important to the
management of the national forest and the balance of resource uses
and users.
3.14.3.1 Employment
The economy of Southeast Alaska has been changing significantly
over the last several decades. Currently the region is adjusting to
changes in the wood products industry and an increase in tourism.
Both pulp mills and several of the larger sawmill operations have
closed down in recent years, and timber harvesting from the Tongass
has steadily declined during the same period. Reviews of regional
employment and income data indicate that while manufacturing has
declined, retail and service have steadily increased. While this
accounts for continued growth in terms of employment, the wages
associated with service and retail jobs have not made up for the loss of
higner manufacturing wages. For a complete discussion concerning the
economic trends of Southeast Alaska, refer to the Forest Plan, Final
EIS, Part 2 and the Economic and Social Environment section of
Chapter 3 in the Forest Plan Final SEIS (2003).
3.14.3.2 Passive Use
Passive use values include the values people place on an area or
resource that is not associated with actually using, visiting, extracting,
or even viewing the resource they value. There are two components of
passive use value, existence value and bequest value. Existence value
is the value of benefit someone receives from knowing a place or
resource exists - without intentions of ever using the resource or
3-254 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
3.14.4
Distribution
Analysis
Socioeconomics
visiting the place. Bequest value is the value or benefit someone
receives from knowing a place or resource will be available for use,
active or passive, by others in the future. These values tend to be
associated with longer time frames and are impacted by changes to the
resource that are also long term, like road building, timber harvesting,
mining or other development.
All of the action alternatives would affect the passive use values as
expressed in the public comments. Those alternatives with less timber
harvest and less road construction would maintain passive use values
associated with unroaded areas, and intact landscapes, and current
habitat. Alternatives with higher harvest levels and more road
construction would decrease these passive use values.
Distribution analysis concerns the equity with which resources are
distributed. It is the balancing of local, regional, and national wants,
needs, and values. By identifying local impacts and being aware of
national values, decision makers can balance the benefits and costs
among geographical, political, social, ethnic, and economic sectors of
society. In this project area analysis, the distribution of impacts is
considered from two perspectives: (1) impacts of employment and
income by occupation, and (2) environmental justice.
3.14.4.1 Employment and Income by Occupation
Selecting any action alternative would change the area, possibly the
activities that occur, and the magnitude of the values associated with
the area. The measurable values directly related to the action
alternatives include the employment and income associated with
timber harvest. In general, a stable timber industry would benefit the
local economies of Kake, Petersburg and Wrangell mainly through
support businesses like grocery and fuel. Depending on sale size and
bid awards, small local timber operators might also benefit. Southeast
Alaska as a functional economic region would be affected through
increases in employment opportunities. There is some outfitter/guide
use in and around the project area. This use is described in the
Recreation section of this chapter. New road access might prove
beneficial for outfitter and guide activities as well as subsistence users.
However, the new access would be short term since the new roads
would be closed after harvest. Outfitter and guide employment
opportunities would not likely be affected by implementation of any of
the action alternatives.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-255
Environment and Effects
3.14.5 Effects
to Economic
Activity
3.14.4.2 Environmental Justice and Civil Rights
As required by law Executive Order 12898, all federal actions will
consider potentially disproportionate effects on minority or low-
income communities. Where possible, measures should be taken to
avoid impact to these communities or mitigate the adverse effects.
Potential impacts or changes to low-income or minority communities
in the project area due to the proposed action were considered.
Kake, though not in the project area, is nearby and has a long history
of local use. Kake’s population is about 75 percent Native and has
been considered in the analysis of the proposed alternatives for
disproportional impacts. The Organized Village of Kake was consulted
and encouraged to comment at any point in the process to ensure their
concerns would be addressed. Several public meetings were held in
Kake to assist people in understanding the alternatives and how issues
were addressed. These meetings also gave the public opportunities to
highlight other issues or concerns they had. The Heritage Resource
Report in the project planning record discusses the cultural
environment of the area and addresses the Forest Service
responsibilities according to historic preservation laws and regulations.
There are no known historic properties (cultural resources) within the
area of potential effect. Native traditional values were considered,
particularly those associated with subsistence use of the project area.
Native populations should not be disproportionately impacted under
any alternative.
The proposed action alternatives would affect the social and economic
values of the project area. In general quantitative terms, timber
purchasers may hire locally and provide income to local support
businesses, namely grocery, hardware, and fuel. The alternatives that
offer more timber could provide proportionally more economic
stimulus. Wrangell could benefit economically from the action
alternatives should the logs end up at the local mill. Petersburg and
Kake could benefit from proposed action alternatives through use of
support services.
3.14.5.1 Outfitter / Guide and Recreation Use
Guided and unguided recreation and tourism occurs across the project
area. Outfitter and guide study area data indicate activities that include
black bear and wolf hunting, fishing, sightseeing, hiking, and camping
(Recreation Resource Report Appendix B located in the project
planning record). The existing road system has been used for some of
these activities. Since 1996, one to two outfitter and guides have been
issued yearly special use permits to use the Kuiu Island road system
3-256 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Socioeconomics
for bear hunting, fishing, and sightseeing. These two outfitter and
guides are permitted to use the road system for up to 77 activities a
year and. In 2004, their combined total was 5 1 hunts.
Unguided recreation also occurs in the project area. Saginaw Bay and
Rowan Bay provide good anchorages and access to the existing road
system. During the summer months recreation vessels and commercial
fishing boats frequent the bays. Upland use occurs but is not formally
documented. Visitors also bring ATVs to Kuiu and use the road
system often.
Impacts to recreation and sport activities during logging may prove
negative due to increased traffic and possible noise disturbance. Also,
the planned closure of currently open roads would limit access in the
long term. New temporary road access might prove beneficial for
outfitter and guide activities and subsistence users. Access would be
short term since all new roads would be closed after harvest.
Recreation activities occurring in Saginaw Bay and Security Bay
during logging may be affected by noise disturbance. If the Saginaw
Bay LTF were used, people in Saginaw Bay would be affected by
barge activities.
3.14.5.2 Commercial Fishing
Local economies are largely based on commercial fishing and fish
processing. Fishermen use some of the waters around the project area
but are not specifically dependent on this area. Riparian standards and
guidelines. Best Management Practices and estuary and beach fringe
protection were developed and initiated to protect salmon populations
regardless of the alternative selected. Effects to the fish populations
and anadromous fish habitat would not likely be noticeable. These
effects are discussed in Issue 4- Cumulative Effects on Watersheds and
Essential Fish Habitat sections of this EIS.
3.14.5.3 Tourism, Recreation, Heritage Resources and
Scenery
Tourism is a significant industry that continues to grow throughout
Southeast Alaska and relies on several different resource bases. Some
tourism activities depend upon the wildness of Alaska in attracting and
engaging visitors to participate in outdoor adventures. Other tourism
activities cater to visitors who enjoy the scenery of Alaska while being
provided the comforts associated with development. Currently, the
waters around the Kuiu Timber Sale Area support some tourism
activities in the form of outfitter and guides. Fishing, black bear
hunting, and wildlife viewing are the main activities. Costs and
revenues associated with commercial tourism in the project area have
not been estimated for each alternative, but would not likely vary by
alternative. The analysis of changes in recreation is discussed in the
Recreation section of this chapter.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-257
Environment and Effects
The project area is visible from public travel routes and use areas and
the scenery is subject to change as a result of the proposed activities.
Change results from timber removal, road construction, rock quarry
development, and use of marine access facilities.
Impacts to the scenery are likely to negatively impact tourism. In
general, the alternatives that harvest the least amount of timber have
the least affect on scenery. See the Scenery section of this chapter for
detailed information regarding scenic impacts.
3.14.5.4 Payments to States
In October 2000, the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self
Determination Act of 2000 (commonly referred to as “Payments to
States” legislation) was enacted to stabilize federal payments to states
in response to declining federal receipts. Prior to 2000, in states with
national forests, 25 percent of the returns to the US Treasury from
revenue-producing Forest Service activities such as timber sales, were
returned to each state for distribution back to counties (or in Alaska,
boroughs) having acreage within a national forest. Those payments
were called the 25 percent fund payments and were dedicated by law
to roads and schools.
Under the new legislation for fiscal years 2001 through 2006, affected
Alaska boroughs and communities have elected to receive a full
payment amount rather than 25 percent of receipts. The full payment
amount is the average of the highest three payments made to the state
during the 14 year period between 1986 and 1999. These annual full
payment amounts are primarily dedicated to roads and schools, with
provisions for special project funding under certain conditions. Under
the full payment approach, Forest Service payments to the State of
Alaska from 2001 to 2006 period would not be linked to annual Forest
Service revenue, rather they would be based on the high three year
historic average. The difference in revenues among the alternatives
considered in this EIS would therefore have no effect on the payments
Alaska boroughs and communities receive during the 2001 through
2006 period. Allocation of special project funding is decided through
Resource Advisory Committees (RACs). Potential projects encompass
a broad range of maintenance and improvement work for such items as
roads and trails, watersheds, and fisheries and wildlife habitat on
national forests or non-federal land where the project would benefit
resources on federal land.
3-258 • Chapter 3
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Socioeconomics
3.14.6 Effects
of the
Alternatives
3.14.6.1 Direct and Indirect Effects
Economic Efficiency
Economic efficiency compares the costs and benefits of resources,
whether or not they can be quantified. It is another tool used in the
decision-making process to gain full information, both quantitative and
qualitative, about a project and differences among alternatives.
An economic efficiency analysis highlights non-quantifiable values. It
includes national and global values, carbon sequestration, clean water,
inspiration and beauty, and local values such as scenery, quality of life,
community, and sense of place. Many of these benefits and costs are
not valued through the market or exchange of money and can be
difficult to quantify or summarize. Often, the same effect may be
considered a cost to some and a benefit to others, depending on
individual values. There is a difference between potential impacts
directly associated with sale activity that would be short-lived (3-5
years) and impacts of harvesting that would be long term (50 or more
years).
Alternative 1 , the no-action alternative, would maintain the current
level of opportunities for resource use. Those people interested in
maintaining unroaded areas, primitive recreation opportunities, current
levels of roaded access, and scenery would experience the same
conditions in the project area in the near future as they do now. Those
interested in using or expanding roaded recreation and access or
increasing wood product resource uses would also have the same
opportunities in the near future as they do now. All action alternatives
would cause changes to the current situation. These changes are
described as increases or decreases in opportunities, benefits, or costs.
Many of the benefits and costs are short-term, lasting only as long as a
proposed timber sale would be active. Wood products employment
associated with the sale, temporary road development, noise, logging
camp use, log transfer facility activity, and increased traffic are
examples of short-term impacts. Landscape changes are effects that
would remain after timber harvest is complete. The time frame of
individual impacts should be considered when evaluating the impacts
of each alternative and when looking at cumulative effects.
3.14.6.2 Cumulative Effects
Most socioeconomic issues are not quantifiable because they rely on
individual perceptions and values. Details regarding timber economics
are discussed in the timber economics resource report. In general, a
stable timber industry would benefit the local economy mainly through
support businesses like grocery and fuel. Because Wrangell currently
has an operable mill, the community could see substantial economic
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-259
Environment and Effects
gain if the timber industry regains stability. Depending on sale size and
bid awards, small local timber operators might also benefit.
Conversely the selection of the no-action alternative could result in a
loss of opportunities for the local operators. The no action alternative
would preserve passive values including habitat preservation for
posterity or local use.
Declining population trends in Southeast Alaska affect some aspects of
social economics. New timber-related business opportunities
stimulated by industry stability might help offset socioeconomic
factors relating to population decline. Recreation-based business
opportunities are less likely to be affected by population trends since
visitor arrivals in Alaska grow every year, providing both new and
support-related opportunities. Recreation use in the project area is well
below the recommended carrying capacity and proposed activities
would not pose a significant change to current use.
Selection of any of the alternatives, regardless of the action, would not
likely affect the major local economic base, commercial fishing.
3-260 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
3.15 Heritage Resources
3.15.1
Introduction
3.15.2 Affected
Environment
Heritage resources include an array of historic and prehistoric cultural
sites and traditional cultural properties. The National Historic
Preservation Act (NHPA) sets forth Government policy and
procedures regarding these "historic properties" — that is, districts,
sites, buildings, structures and objects included in or eligible for the
National Register of Historic Places. Section 106 of the NHPA
requires that Federal agencies consider the effects of their actions on
such properties, following regulations issued by the Advisory Council
on Historic Preservation (36 CFR 800).
The Section 106 review process seeks to consider historic preservation
concerns with the needs of federal actions. Review occurs through
consultation with the Alaska State Historic Preservation Officer
(SHPO), the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP),
Federally recognized Tribal Governments, and other parties with an
interest in the effects of the undertaking on historic properties,
commencing at the early stages of project planning. One of the goals
of consultation is to identify historic properties that potentially may be
affected by the undertaking, assess potential effects and seek ways to
avoid, minimize, or mitigate any adverse effects on historic properties.
The Forest Service consulted with the Organized Village of Kake
(OVK), the tribal group that is culturally affiliated with the project
area.
To ensure that the procedural requirements of 36 CFR 800 were met, a
cultural resource investigation of the Kuiu Timber Sale Area was also
conducted. In accordance with the Programmatic Agreement (2002)
among the Forest Service Alaska Region, the ACHP, and the SHPO,
the resource report was submitted under modified 36 CFR 800
regulations implementing Section 106 of the National Historic
Preservation Act. The cultural resource survey did not result in the
identification of any new sites and no known historic properties would
be affected by project activities. The Organized Village of Kake, the
Petersburg Indian Association, Sealaska Corporation, and the Tlingit-
Haida Central Council were provided copies of the Forest Service
Heritage Resource Report for review and comment.
According to oral tradition and various ethnographic accounts, the
Tlingit are the dominant native group of Southeast Alaska. The Kuiu
Timber Sale Area lies within the traditional territory of the Kake
Tlingit, who occupied the north half of Kuiu Island and the western
portion of Kupreanof Island, with some occupation along the mainland
shore of Frederick Sound as well as parts of Baranof Island and Prince
of Wales Island. Prehistoric archaeological site types common to the
region include villages, seasonal camps, gardens, rock art sites, and
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-261
Environment and Effects
both wood and stone fish traps and weirs. The earliest known
archaeological site in Southeast Alaska is on Prince of Wales Island,
where investigations suggest people have been living in the region for
close to 10,000 years.
Trapping, fur farming, fishing, timber harvest, mineral exploration,
and homesteading are some of the historic endeavors that have drawn
people to Southeast Alaska and helped shape it into what it is today.
Many of these activities are represented in the archaeological record in
the form of historic period cabins, mines, fur farms, canneries,
salteries, and culturally modified trees (CMTs).
3.15.2.1 Area of Potential Effect
The project's Area of Potential Effect (APE) is the geographic area
where timber harvest and road construction may cause changes in the
character or use of historic properties, if any such properties exist [36
CFR 800.2(c)]. The APE is defined early in the planning process
before identification of historic properties actually begins so it may not
be known whether any historic properties exist within it. The APE
includes all areas where the undertaking may cause changes to land or
structures, or to their uses, whether the changes would be direct or
indirect, beneficial or adverse. A combination of landscape features,
project area boundaries, and areas where timber harvest and road
building are proposed were used to help define the APE boundaries
(Figure 3-11).
3.15.2.2 Known and Reported Cultural Resources
Previous archaeological investigations have provided insight into some
of the early human activity on Kuiu Island. Many village sites,
prehistoric fish traps and weirs, midden sites, burials, pictographs,
petroglyphs, rock shelters, fort sites, historic trappers’ cabins, CMTs,
and evidence of beach logging illustrate the wide array of cultural
activity that has taken place on Kuiu Island. A review of the Heritage
Program site files and atlases reveals 16 sites that were previously
recorded within the Kuiu Timber Sale Area all of which are on the
coastal terrain of Saginaw Bay or Security Bay and not within the
APE. No activities associated with the planned project have the
potential to impact these sites.
3-262
Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Kaclake
\ ' p v7
\ ') \ Sj J ) C\
: \ \ s*
m wm
/Vvf
p\ o n.
JMnl ^ r J
Kuiu Timber Sale
Figure 3-11
Area of Potential Effect for
Heritage Resources
Legend
Area of Potential Effect
Non-National Forest
Managed Stands
Lakes/Saltwater
Unit Pool
Project Area Boundary
500ft Contour Interval
Stream Value Class I & II
Existing Open Roads
0 0.5 1
3
4
■ Miles
Heritage Resources
3.15.3
Environmental
Consequences
3.15.3.1 Direct and Indirect Effects
Cultural resource surveys identified no new sites and no known
historic properties would be affected with project implementation.
None of the proposed action alternatives would have a direct or
indirect effect upon known sites in the project area and no sites are
located in the APE. All of the nearby archaeological sites and
culturally modified trees are within a protected buffer established
along the beach and estuary fringe defined in the Forest Plan standards
and guidelines (Forest Plan p. 4-4). All of the planned timber harvest
units and proposed roads are inland and on relatively steep terrain,
within the low probability zone for cultural resources. The use of
existing LTFs at Rowan Bay and Saginaw Bay would not affect any
known archaeological sites.
3.15.3.2 Cumulative Effects
Current use of the project area centers on timber harvest, hunting, and
recreation. Logging occurs inland while most of the recreation
activities take place along the beach. Some of the existing logging
roads allow inland hunter access as well. Over the years these
activities have had little known effect on historic properties. This trend
will likely continue unless new use trends develop. Future expanded
use of the beach and estuary fringe could eventually affect historic
properties, but would not be a result of any of the project alternatives.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3
3-265
Environment and Effects
3.16 Non-National Forest System
Lands and Uses
Approximately 45,746 of the land within the Kuiu Timber Sale Area is
National Forest System land. There are two acres of private lands,
seven acres of BLM lands, and 347 acres of State of Alaska land
within the project area boundary. There would be no effects to other
land owners as a result of this project.
There is one water line permit issued for water use from National
Forest lands within the project area.
Up to seven outfitter/guides currently have, or have had permits to
operate in or near the project area. The possible effects on these
activities as a result of this project are discussed in the Recreation,
Scenery, and Socioeconomics sections of this chapter. Effects on other
uses such as wildlife viewing and hunting are discussed in Issue 2:
Wildlife Habitat and Subsistence Use and Issue 4: Cumulative Effects
on Watersheds sections of this chapter. A float house in Saginaw Bay
has a special use permit for a waterline.
3-266
Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
3.17.1 National
Forest
Management
Act
3.17 Findings and Disclosures
3.17.1.1 Tongass National Forest Land and Resource
Management Plan
All project alternatives fully comply with the Tongass Land and
Resource Management Plan (1997, as amended). This project
incorporates all applicable Forest Plan Forest-wide standards and
guidelines and management area prescriptions as they apply to the
Kuiu Timber Sale Area, and complies with Forest Plan goals and
objectives. All required interagency review and coordination has been
accomplished.
3.17.1.2 RIO Supplement 2400-2002-1
The Kuiu project fully complies with Alaska Region Supplement
2400-2002-1 to Forest Service Manual 2400. This supplement became
effective on May 7, 2002, replacing the Alaska Regional Guide, which
was withdrawn on April 16, 2002. Specifically, the Supplement
provides direction for the management standards and guidelines for:
appropriate harvest cutting methods; forest type standards; maximum
size of created openings (a requirement of the National Forest
Management Act, discussed below); dispersal and size variation of tree
openings; management intensity; utilization standards; sale
administration; project monitoring; and competitive bidding and small
business.
The Forest Plan complies with all resource integration and
management requirements of 36 CFR 219 (219.14 through 219.27).
Application of Forest Plan direction for analysis of the Kuiu Timber
Sale Area ensures compliance at the project level.
3.17.1.3 Even-aged management as the Optimal Method of
Harvesting
The Forest Plan gives guidance on when to use even-aged
management. Clearcutting (an even-aged harvest method) is used in
this project to preclude or minimize mistletoe infestation, yellow-cedar
decline, logging damage or other factors affecting forest health.
Specific information for use of this prescription is shown in the
silvicultural prescriptions, which are filed in the project planning
record. Where used, this prescription has been deemed optimal related
to site-specific considerations as described above.
The National Forest Management Act limits the size of even-aged
management harvested openings that may be created based on the
forest type. For the coastal Alaska western hemlock/Sitka spruce forest
type, the maximum created even-aged management opening size
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-267
Environment and Effects
3.17.2
(Roads Rule)
3.17.3
Endangered
Species Act
3.17.4 Bald
Eagle
Protection Act
3.17.5 Tongass
Timber Reform
Act
3.17.6 National
Historic
Preservation
Act
allowed is 100 acres. No proposed even-aged management harvest
units in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area will result in openings greater than
100 acres. During layout of the unit if changes are made to the
boundary a change analysis must be done. The change analysis
includes mapping and documenting the actual layout and rational for
those changes. No change that may lead to units with even-aged
opening sizes over 100 acres would be approved.
3.17.2.1 Forest Service Transportation; Final Administrative
Policy
The Tongass National Forest has prepared the Kuiu Timber Sale Draft
EIS to be consistent with the Forest Service Transportation; Final
Administrative Policy (Roads Rule).
None of the action alternatives is anticipated to have a direct, indirect,
or cumulative effect on any threatened or endangered species in the
Kuiu Timber Sale Area or elsewhere. The National Marine Fisheries
Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have been consulted.
No terrestrial threatened or endangered species are known to occur
within the Kuiu Timber Sale Area. A Biological Evaluation is included
in the project planning record.
Management activities are restricted within 330 feet of an eagle nest
site by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Forest
Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. None of the action
alternatives is anticipated to have a significant direct, indirect, or
cumulative effect on any bald eagle habitat. If any nests are found that
may be affected, the MOU and Forest Plan Standards and Guidelines
will be followed.
Harvest units were designed and located to maintain a minimum 1 00-
foot buffer zone for all Class I streams and Class II streams that flow
directly into Class I streams as required in Section 103 of the TTRA.
As discussed in Appendix B, the actual widths of these buffer strips
will often be greater than the 100-foot minimum. The design and
implementation direction incorporates Best Management Practices
(BMPs) for the protection of all stream classes. If an action alternative
is selected, the timber from this proposed project would provide part of
the timber supply to the Tongass National Forest’s program to seek to
meet market demand.
Heritage resource surveys of various intensities have been conducted
in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area, following inventory protocols approved
by the Alaska State Historic Preservation Officer. These surveys
include background and existing literature searches and fieldwork
complete with subsurface testing. Native communities have been
contacted, and public comment encouraged. During analysis for this
project, the Organized Village of Kake, the tribal group culturally
3-268 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
3.17.7 Federal
Cave
Resource
Protection Act
of 1988
3.17.8 Alaska
National
Interest Lands
Conservation
Act (ANILCA)
3.17.9
Magnuson-
Stevens
Fishery
Conservation
Act of 1 996
Findings and Disclosures
affiliated with the project area, was consulted regarding known or
suspected heritage resources in or near the project area. The State
Historic Preservation Officer has been consulted and concurred with
our finding that no known historic properties are in the area of
potential effects.
Forest Plan Karst and Caves Standards and Guidelines are applied to
areas known or suspected to contain karst resources. Within the project
area there are 6,624 acres of carbonate bedrock and 2,270 acres of
karst. No proposed timber harvest, road construction, or quarry
development will occur on these areas or along the drainages which
flow to them. Therefore the action alternatives are not expected to
affect any significant karst resources.
A subsistence evaluation was conducted for the alternatives considered
in detail, in accordance with ANILCA Section 810. The evaluations in
the Subsistence section of this chapter on abundance and/or
distribution, access and competition for harvested resources in the
Kuiu Timber Sale Area indicate that there will not be a significant
possibility of a significant restriction to the customary and traditional
subsistence uses of wildlife, fish and shellfish, marine mammals, other
foods, or timber resources as a result of this project. However, the
Forest Plan addressed the long-term consequences on subsistence and
concluded that there may be a significant restriction to subsistence use
of deer in the future due to the combined potential effects of projects
implementing the Forest Plan and the predicted human population
growth on the abundance and distribution of deer and on competition
for deer. A subsistence hearing will be held in Petersburg and Kake,
Alaska during the 45-day public comment period for the EIS. The
results of this hearing will be reported in the FEIS for this project.
The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation Act (1996) requires that
all federal agencies consult with NMFS when any project “may
adversely affect” essential fish habitat. The Forest Service’s position is
that harvesting timber near Class I streams and wetlands, and the use
of the Rowan Bay or Saginaw Bay LTFs may have an adverse affect
on Essential Fish Habitat. However, by following the standards and
guidelines in the Forest Plan and implementing the Best Management
Practices (BMPs), the effects on EFH will be minimized.
According to the agreement between the National Marine Fisheries
Service and the USDA Forest Service dated August 25, 2000, this EIS
includes the following:
• A description of the proposed action
• An analysis of individual and cumulative effects of the proposed
action on the essential fish habitat, the managed species, and
associated species such as major prey species, including affected
life histories
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-269
Environment and Effects
3.17.10 Clean
Water Act
• The Forest Service’s views regarding effects on essential fish
habitat
• A discussion of proposed mitigation, if applicable
A copy of this E1S, which includes the specified assessment in this
chapter, will be sent to the National Marine Fisheries Service for
review.
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 address 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 ompliance is to be in line
with “all Federal, State, interstate, and meal 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)
were recognized as the primary control mechanisms for nonpoint
source pollution on National Forest System lands. The Environmental
Protection Agency supports this perspective in their guidance,
"Nonpoint Source Controls and Water Quality Standards" (August 19,
1987).
The Forest Service must apply Best Management Practices that are
consistent with the Alaska Forest Resources and Practices Regulations
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
(October 2000). In 1997, the State approved the BMPs in the Forest
Service’s Soil and Water Conservation FJandbook (FSH 2509.22,
October 1996) as consistent with the Alaska Forest Resources and
Practices Regulations. This Flandbook is incorporated into the Tongass
Land and Resource Management Plan.
A discharge of dredge or fill material from normal silviculture
activities such as harvesting for the production of forest products is
exempt from Section 404 permitting requirements in waters of the
3-270
Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
3.17.11 Clean
Air Act
3.17.12
Coastal Zone
Management
Act and the
Alaska Coastal
Zone
Management
Program
(ACMP)
Findings and Disclosures
United States, including wetlands (404(f)(1)(A)). Forest roads qualify
for this exemption only if they are constructed and maintained in
accordance with Best Management Practices 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 have
been incorporated into the Forest Service’s Soil and Water
Conservation Handbook under BMP 12.5.
The design of harvest units and proposed roads for this project are in
accordance with standards and guidelines, and direction contained in
the Forest Plan, Best Management Practices and applicable Forest
Service manual and handbook direction. The Unit Cards in Appendix
B contain specific practices prescribed to prevent or reduce non-point
sediment sources. Monitoring and evaluation of the implementation
and effectiveness of Forest Plan standards and guidelines and Best
Management Practices will occur. Project activities are expected to
meet all applicable State Water Quality Standards.
All roads, landings, and rock pits for this project will be constructed in
accordance with Best Management Practices listed in 33 CFR
323.4(a). Site specific BMPs will be listed on the Unit Cards in
Appendix B. All roads, landings and rock pits will be designed to
minimum standards to accommodate timber harvesting and
silvicultural activities.
Emissions expected from implementation of any of the action
alternatives would be of short duration and are not expected to exceed
State of Alaska Ambient Air Quality Standards (Alaska Administrative
Code, Title 18, Chapter 50).
The Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (CZMA), while
specifically excluding federal lands from the coastal zone, requires that
a federal agency’s activities be consistent with the enforceable
standards of a state’s coastal management program to the maximum
extent feasible when the agency’s activities affect the coastal zone.
The State of Alaska developed the Alaska Coastal Management Plan
(ACMP) in 1977 to evaluate any projects within the coastal zone.
The enforceable standards for timber harvest activities are found in the
Alaska Forest Resource and Practices Act of 1993. The standards and
guidelines for timber management activities in the Kuiu Timber Sale
Area meet or exceed the standards in the State Forest Resources and
Practices Act.
A Memorandum of Understanding specifies ACMP review procedures
between the Forest Service and the State of Alaska. The State agencies
involved are the Department of Fish and Game, the Department of
Natural Resources, and the Department of Environmental
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 *3-271
Environment and Effects
3.17.13
Executive
Order 11593
3.17.14
Executive
Order 11988
3.17.15
Executive
Order 11990
Conservation. This memorandum serves to describe the process and
expedite the review of whether a proposed project is consistent with
the Alaska Coastal Management Program.
The Forest Service developed the Proposed Action and alternatives to
the Proposed Action to be consistent, to the maximum extent feasible,
with the enforceable policies of approved State management programs.
The Forest Service has determined that all the alternatives for the Kuiu
Timber Sale Area are consistent, to the maximum extent feasible, with
the Alaska Coastal Management Program, as outlined in the
Memorandum of Understanding. A review will be coordinated through
the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Office of Project
Management and Permitting to determine if the State agencies agree
with the Forest Service’s determination.
Executive Order 1 1593 directs federal agencies to provide leadership
in preserving, restoring and maintaining the historic and cultural
environment of the Nation. The work accomplished in accordance with
Section 106 of the National Flistoric Preservation Act for the Kuiu
Timber Sale Area meets the intent of this Executive Order.
Executive Order 1 1988 directs federal agencies to take action to avoid,
to the extent possible, the long and short-term aucerse impacts
associated with the occupancy and modification of floodplains. A
floodplain is defined as the lowland and relatively flat areas adjoining
inland and coastal waters including flood prone areas of offshore
islands, including at a minimum that area subject to a one percent or
greater chance of flooding in any given year.
Forest Plan standards and guidelines for riparian areas exclude most
commercial timber harvesting from floodplains. Roads may be
constructed in or through floodplains subject to the design
requirements of Best Management Practices. Effects on floodplains
from project activities have been avoided or minimized as much as
possible.
Executive Order 1 1990 requires federal agencies to avoid, to the extent
possible, the long-term and short-term adverse impacts associated with
the destruction or modification of wetlands.
This project avoids impacting wetlands whenever practicable, but it is
not feasible to avoid all wetland areas. Effects will be minimized by
avoiding the use of wetlands as sites for overburden disposal, avoiding
temporary road construction through wetlands whenever practicable,
and by decommissioning new temporary roads after timber harvest.
Implementation of BMPs, minimizing ditching, and providing
adequate cross drainage will also help minimize the amount of
wetlands affected.
3-272 • Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
3.17.16
Executive
Order 12898
3.17.17
Executive
Order 12962
Findings and Disclosures
In certain instances, crossing a wetland area can reduce the overall
environmental impacts of a particular road because it facilitates
avoidance of steep slopes and alignment of roads perpendicular to
stream crossings. The Kuiu Timber Sale Area action alternatives
propose up to 2.8 miles of temporary road construction across
wetlands.
To reduce any road impacts to the hydrology at these sites, frequent
road cross-drains would be constructed. To avoid artificial interception
of water by roads, free-draining, coarse-textured rock would be used in
road foundations, and installation of an adequate size and number of
culverts would be required. Drainage structures would be removed on
all temporary roads.
Executive Order 12898 directs federal agencies to identify and address
the issue of environmental justice, which concerns adverse human
health and environmental effects of agency programs that
disproportionately impact minority and low-income populations.
Subsistence use of resources by area residents does not vary
significantly by ethnicity. No known subsistence food or material from
the project area is used primarily by minorities.
Public scoping and open houses were available to residents of
Petersburg and Kake; and advertised through the local media,
newspaper, TV scanner, local radio stations, and posted flyers at
grocery stores and other businesses. See the Public Involvement
section in Chapter 1 .
Implementation of the action alternatives for the Kuiu Timber Sale
Area will not cause adverse health, social, or environmental effects
that disproportionately impact minority and low-income populations.
See also the ANILCA Section 810 findings.
Executive Order 12962 directs Federal agencies to conserve, restore,
and enhance aquatic systems to provide for increased recreational
fishing opportunities nationwide. Section 1 of the Executive Order is
most pertinent to the Kuiu Timber Sale Area. Section 1 directs Federal
agencies to evaluate effects on aquatic ecosystems and recreational
fisheries, develop and encourage partnerships, promote restoration,
provide access, and promote awareness of opportunities for
recreational fishery resources.
The effects of this project on freshwater and marine resources were
evaluated during the analysis. With the application of Forest Plan
standards and guidelines, including those for riparian areas, no
significant adverse effects to freshwater or marine resources are
expected to occur.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 3 • 3-273
Environment and Effects
3.17.18
Executive
Order 13007
3.17.19
Executive
Order 13186
Partnerships continue to be used to leverage federal project funds to
address water quality concerns in areas of the Tongass National Forest,
although none have been proposed for recreational fisheries in
conjunction with this project.
Executive Order 13007 directs federal agencies to accommodate
access to and ceremonial use of American Indian sacred sites by
Indian religious practitioners and to avoid adversely affecting the
physical integrity of such sacred sites. There are no known sacred
Indian sites in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area. Consultation with local
federally recognized tribes, including the Organized Village of Kake,
Petersburg Indian Association, Tlingit/Haida Central Council, and
SeaAlaska Corporation occurred during the analysis of this project.
Executive Order 13186 directs federal agencies to evaluate the effects
of actions and agency plans on migratory birds, with emphasis on
species of concern. The sections on Wildlife and Threatened and
Endangered Species in this chapter provide information on anticipated
effects to selected bird species in the project area. None of the
proposed activities are expected to have a measurable negative effect
on migratory bird populations, although individuals or small groups
and their nests may be affected.
3-274
Chapter 3
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 4
References
and Lists
Chapter 4 Table of Contents
Glossary 4-1
References 4-19
List of Preparers 4-29
List of DEIS Recipients 4-31
Index for Chapters 1-3 4-35
References and Lists
Glossary
Adfluvial fish
Species or populations of fish that do not go to sea. but live in lakes, and enter
streams to spawn.
Alaska Heritage Resource Survey (AHRS)
The official list of cultural resources in the State of Alaska, maintained by the
Office of History and Archaeology, Alaska Division of Parks and Outdoor
Recreation.
Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA)
The Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of December 2, 1980.
Public Law 96-487, 96th Congress, 94 Stat. 2371-2551. Passed by Congress
in 1980, this legislation designated 14 National Forest wilderness areas in
Southeast Alaska. Section 810 requires evaluations of subsistence impacts
before changing the use of these lands.
All-terrain Vehicle (ATV)
A motorized four-wheeled vehicle less than 40 inches wide that is restricted
by law from operating on public roads for general motor vehicle traffic.
Allowable Sale Quantity (ASQ)
The maximum quantity of timber that may be sold each decade from suitable
lands on the Tongass National Forest as identified from the Forest Plan. A
ceiling, not a requirement.
Alluvial Fan
A fan-shaped landform comprised of alluvium deposited at the mouth of a
steep valley, canyon, or ravine.
Alluvium
Mineral material such as boulders, cobbles, gravel, sand, silt and clay
transported or deposited by flowing water.
Alpine/subalpine habitat
Terrain located at elevations too high to support tree growth, such as on
mountain peaks or ridges, generally above 1,500 feet in elevation in southeast
Alaska.
Anadromous Fish
Fish (such as salmon and steelhead) that spend part of their lives in fresh
water and part of their lives in salt water. Anadromous fish ascend from the
sea to spawn in freshwater streams.
Aquifer
A unit of rock or gravel that stores and transmits enough water to be
hydrologically significant.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 4 • 4-1
References and Lists
Background
The distant part of a viewed landscape, located from three or five miles to
infinity from the viewer.
Bark lechates
Soluble organic compounds released into water from bark. Lechates cause the
water to have a yellow to brown color.
Basal Area
Total cross-sectional area of a tree or a stand of trees. This is measured at
brer leight and le expressed in either square feet per acre or square
meters per hectare.
Beach Fringe
The area, typically forested, that is inland from saltwater shorelines.
Best Management Practices (BMPs)
Practices specified in the Soil and Water Conservation Handbook (FSH
2509.22), and used during the planning, design, and implementation of timber
sale projects, for the protection of water quality from non-point source
pollution in accordance with the Clean Water Act.
Biogeographic Provinces
Twenty-one ecological subdivisions of Southeast Alaska tha a^e identified by
generally distinct ecological, physiogeographic, and biogeographic features.
Plant and animal species composition, climate, and geology within each
province are generally more similar within than among adjacent provinces.
Historical events (such as glaciers and uplifting) are important to the nature of
the province and to the barriers that distinguish each province.
Biodiversity
The variability among living organisms, including the variability within and
between species, and within and between ecosystems.
Biological Assessment
A “biological evaluation” conducted for major Federal construction projects
requiring an environmental impact statement, in accordance with legal
requirements under section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C.
1536(c)). The purpose of the assessment and resulting document is to
determine whether the proposed action is likely to affect a species that has
been listed or proposed as an endangered or threatened species.
4-2 • Chapter 4
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
References and Lists
Biological Evaluation
A documented Forest Service review of Forest Service programs or activities
in sufficient detail to determine how an action or proposed action may affect
any species that has been listed or proposed as threatened, endangered, or
sensitive.
Biological Opinion
An official report by the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) or the National
Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) issued in response to a formal Forest
Service request for consultation or conference. It states whether an action is
likely to result in jeopardy to a species or adverse modification of its critical
habitat.
Board foot
A unit of timber measurement equaling the amount of wood contained in an
unfinished board one inch thick, 12 inches long, and 12 inches wide.
Buffer
An area of undisturbed or lightly disturbed forest reserved to isolate activity
areas from sensitive areas.
Carrying Capacity
The estimated maximum number of individuals within a wildlife species that
can be sustained over the long term within a specified area. Carrying capacity
is often used interchangeably with the term habitat capability.
Channel Type
A means of defining stream sections based on landform relief, geology, and
channel characteristics such as width, gradient, and incision. For descriptions,
see “Channel Type Field Guide,” Forest Service publication R10-MB-6.
Classified Road
A road wholly or partially within or adjacent to National Forest System lands
that is determined to be needed for long-term motor vehicle access, including
State roads, county roads, privately owned roads. National Forest System
roads, and other roads authorized by the Forest Service (36 CFR 212.1).
Clearcut
Harvesting method in which all trees are cleared in one cut. It prepares the
area for a new, even-aged stand. The area harvested may be a patch, strip, or
stand large enough to be mapped or recorded as a separate age class in
planning.
Climax Plant Community
An assemblage of plants and that is relatively stable over time and which
represents the late stages of succession under the current climate and soil
conditions.
Coarse Canopy Old-growth forest
Old-growth forest that has lower crown density (number of trees) and non-
uniform crown sizes and heights, including large crowns and many canopy
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 4 • 4-3
4 References and Lists
gaps. Coarse canopies are usually found on aspects where the forest is
protected from winds that result in catastrophic blowdown events.
Colluvium
Mineral material that is weathered in place or transported as a result of
gravity.
Connectivity
A measure of the extent that forest areas between or outside habitat reserves
provide wildlife habitat for breeding, feeding, dispersal, and movement.
Cubic Foot
A cube of wood with 1 -foot sides. The cubic foot volume is a measure of the
total sound wood in a tree and is a more accurate measure of wood volume
than board foot.
Culturally Modified Tree (CMT)
Trees that have been altered by human use, usually for the exploitation of bark
and wood products.
Cumulative Effects
The impacts on the environment resulting from the addition of the incremental
impacts of past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions regardless
of what agency (Federal or non-Federal) or person undertakes such actions.
Cumulative impacts can result from individually minor but collectively
significant actions occurring over time.
Decommissioning
Activities that result in the stabilization and restoration of unneeded roads to a
more natural state (36 CFR 212.1), (FSM 7703).
Deer Winter Habitat
Locations that provide food and shelter for Sitka Black-tailed deer under
moderately severe to severe winter conditions. Usually associated with high
volume old-growth stands at low elevation and with south aspects.
Desired Future Condition
A statement of the ultimate goal for resources and uses of an area.
Developed Recreation
Recreation that requires facilities that, in turn, result in concentrated use of an
area, such as campgrounds and picnic areas. Facilities in these areas might
include roads, parking lots, picnic tables, toilets, drinking water, and
buildings. See also Dispersed Recreation.
Diameter at Breast Height (DBH)
The diameter of a standing tree at a point four feet, six inches from ground
level.
Direct Employment
The jobs that are immediately associated with a given activity.
4-4 • Chapter 4
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
References and Lists
Dispersed Recreation
Recreational activities that are not confined to a specific place and are
generally outside developed recreation sites. This includes activities such as
scenic driving, hiking, backpacking, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, cross-
country skiing, and recreation in primitive environments. See also Developed
Recreation.
Distance Zones
Areas of landscapes visible from priority travel routes and use areas
categorized by distance criteria. (Foreground: 0 to 'A- Vi mile, Middleground:
!4 - Vi to 3-5 miles, or Background: greater than 3-5 miles). Used as a frame
of reference in which to discuss landscape characteristics and management
activities.
Ecological Subsections
Eighty-five terrestrial ecosystems mapped and described for Southeast Alaska
and adjoining areas of Canada in Nowacki et al. 2001. These mid-sized
terrestrial ecosystems (10-1,000 mi2) embody similar ecological
characteristics (e.g., landforms, streams, vegetation, soils, and wetlands) and
provide a practical basis for ecosystem management, planning, and research.
Endangered Species
Any species of animal or plant that is in danger of extinction throughout all or
a significant portion of its range. Plant or animal species are identified by the
Secretary of the Interior as endangered in accordance with the 1973
Endangered Species Act.
Endemic
Peculiar to a particular locality; indigenous.
Estuary
A landform characterized by the presence of, and the mixing of fresh water
and salt water at the mouth of a stream, and where salt marshes and intertidal
mudflats are present. The landward extent of an estuary is the limit of salt-
intolerant vegetation, and the seaward extent is a stream’s delta at mean low
water.
Even-aged Management
The application of a combination of actions that result in the creation of stands
in which trees of essentially the same age grow together. The difference in age
between trees forming the main canopy level of a stand usually does not
exceed 20 percent of the age of the stand at harvest rotation age. Clearcut,
shelterwood, or seed tree cutting methods produce even-aged stands.
Fluvial
Of, or pertaining to, streams and rivers.
Forbs
A category of herbaceous plants that are not included in the grass, shrub or
tree categories; generally smaller flowering plants.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 4 • 4-5
References and Lists
Foreground
A term used to describe the area immediately adjacent to a viewer, typically
located less than % mile in distance.
Forest Plan
Source of management direction for an individual Forest specifying activity
and output levels for a period of 10-15 years. Management direction in the
plan is based on issues identified at the time of the plan’s development.
Forest Land
Land at least 1 0 percent occupied b\ orest trees of any size or formerly
having had such tree cover and not currently developed for non-forest use.
Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines
A set of rules and guidance that directs management activities and establishes
the environmental quality, natural renewable and depletable resource
requirements, conservation potential, and mitigation measures that apply to
several land use designations.
Gap Phase Dynamics
The processes by which the death of one or a few overstory trees acts like a
small minor disturbance and permits a small, single-even-aged stand to grow
from existing vegetation or seed germination.
Geographic Information System (GIS)
A computerized map database that is used to store and evaluate site-specific
information.
Habitat
The sum total of environmental conditions of a specific place that is occupied
by an organism, population, or community of plants or animals.
Habitat Capability
Estimated maximum number of fish or wildlife that can be supported by the
amount and distribution of suitable habitat in an area. Habitat capability is
often used interchangeably with the term carrying capacity.
Habitat Suitability Index (HSI)
A measure of the capability of the habitat to support specific wildlife, based
on a variety of environmental factors such as slope, elevation, aspect, and
forest type.
Heritage Resources
The prehistoric or historic district, site, building, structure, or object included
in, or eligible for inclusion in, the National Register of Historic Places. The
term includes artifacts, records, and remains that are related to and located
within such properties.
High Hazard Soil
Soil that is prone to mass movement. Soil type, geologic bedding, and slope
angle are factors considered when establishing which sites are high hazard.
4-6 • Chapter 4
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
References and Lists
Hydric Soils
Soils that formed under conditions of saturation, flooding, or ponding long
enough during the growing season to develop anaerobic conditions in the
upper part.
Hydrologic Recovery
A return to natural conditions of water collection, storage, and discharge.
Indirect Employment
The jobs in service industries that are associated with or support a given
activity.
Interdisciplinary Team (IDT)
A group of individuals with different training assembled to solve a problem or
perform a task. The team is assembled out of recognition that no one
scientific discipline is sufficiently broad to adequately solve the problem.
Through interaction, participants bring different points of view and a broader
range of expertise to bear on the problem or task.
Intermediate Stand Treatment
A stand management treatment that manipulates stand growth, composition,
structure, or tree quality. Intermediate treatments include thinning, pruning,
release, salvage, and sanitation cutting. These stand treatments do not attempt
to obtain new tree regeneration. Some treatments such as salvage cutting or
commercial thinning result in the harvest of forest products.
Inventoried Roadless Areas
National Forest System lands identified as undeveloped areas typically
exceeding 5,000 acres that meet the minimum criteria for inclusion in the
National Wilderness Preservation System. These areas are identified by the
Roadless Conservation Area Rule.
Irretrievable Commitments
Loss of production or use of renewable natural resources for a period of time.
The production or use lost is irretrievable, but not irreversible.
Irreversible Commitments
Decisions causing changes that cannot be reversed. Often applies to
nonrenewable resources such as minerals and cultural resources.
Karst
A type of topography that develops in areas underlain by soluble rocks,
primarily limestone. Dissolution of the subsurface strata results in areas of
well-developed, surface drainage that are sinkholes, collapsed channels, or
caves.
Land Use Designation (LUD)
A defined area of land, identified by the Forest Plan, to which specific
management direction is applied.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 4 • 4-7
References and Lists
Large Woody Debris (LWD)
Any large piece of relatively stable woody material having a least diameter of
greater than 1 0 centimeters and length greater than one meter than intrudes
into the stream channel.
Log Transfer Facility (LTF)
The site and structures which are used for moving logs and timber products
from land-based transportation forms to water-based transportation forms.
Low-productive Forest Land
Forested land that does not support enough timber volume to meet the criteria
for productive forest land.
Management Indicator Species (MIS)
Vertebrate or invertebrate wildlife species whose response to land
management activities can be used to predict the likely response of other
species with similar habitat requirements. The National Forest Management
Act regulations prescribe the use of management indicator species.
Mass Movement
General term for a variety of processes by which large masses of soil and rock
material are moved down slope by gravity either slowly or quickly. Mass
movement is often used interchangeably with the term landslide.
Mass Movement Index (MMI)
Rating used to group soil map units that have similar properties with respect
to the stability of natural slopes.
Middleground
The visible terrain beyond the foreground where individual trees are still
visible but do not stand out distinctly from the landscape. The area is located
from !4 mile to 3-5 miles from the viewer.
Mitigation
Measure designed to counteract or reduce environmental impacts. These
measures may include: avoiding an impact by not taking a certain action or
part of an action; minimizing an impact by limiting the degree or magnitude
of an action and its implementation; rectifying the impact by repairing,
rehabilitating, or restoring the affected environment; reducing or eliminating
the impact over time by preservation and maintenance operations during the
life of the action; or compensating for the impact by replacing or providing
substitute resources or environments.
Monitoring
A process of collecting information to evaluate whether or not objectives of a
project and its mitigation plan are being realized. Monitoring can occur at
different levels: to confirm whether mitigation measures were carried out in
the matter called for (Implementation Monitoring); to confirm whether
mitigation measures were effective (Effectiveness Monitoring); or, to validate
whether overall goals and objectives were appropriate (Validation
Monitoring).
4-8 • Chapter 4
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References and Lists
Multiple Use
The management of all the various renewable surface resources of the
National Forest System so that they are used in the combination that will best
meet the needs of the American people; harmonious and coordinated
management of the various resources, each with the other, without impairment
of the productivity of the land, with consideration being given to the relative
values of the various resources.
Muskeg
A bog, often dominated by sphagnum moss, frequently with deep
accumulations of organic material, occurring in wet, poorly drained northern
regions. Peatland.
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA)
An act declaring it a national policy to encourage productive harmony
between humans and their environment and to promote efforts to better
understand and prevent damage to ecological systems and natural resources
important to the nation. Requires agencies to prepare detailed environmental
impact statements for any major federal action significantly affecting the
environment.
National Forest Management Act (NFMA)
A law passed in 1976 that amends the Forest and Rangeland Renewable
Resources Planning Act, requires the preparation of Forest plans, requires the
identification of management indicator species, and defines parameters for
timber suitability.
National Forest System Road
A classified forest road under the jurisdiction of the Forest Service. The term
“National Forest System road” is synonymous with the term “forest
development road” as used in 23 U.S.C. 205.
National Register of Historic Places
A register of historic properties of national, state, or local significance,
maintained by the Department of the Interior.
Non-interchangeable Component (NIC)
Non-interchangeable components (NICs) are defined as increments of the
suitable land base and their contribution to the allowable sale quantity (ASQ)
that are established to meet Forest plan objectives. NICs are identified as
parcels of land and the type of timber thereon which are differentiated for the
purpose of Forest plan implementation. The total ASQ is derived from the
sum of the timber volumes from all NICs. The NICs cannot be substituted for
each other in the timber sale program.
Old-growth Forest
Ecosystems distinguished by the later stages of forest stand development that
differ significantly from younger forests in structure, ecological function, and
species composition. Old-growth forests are characterized by a patchy, multi-
layered canopy; trees that represent many age classes; large trees that
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 4 • 4-9
4 References and Lists
dominate the overstory; large standing dead (snags) or decadent trees; and
higher accumulations of large down woody material. The structure and
function of an old-growth ecosystem will be influenced by its stand size and
landscape position and context.
Old-growth Habitat Reserve
A contiguous unit of old-growth forest habitat to be managed to maintain the
integrity of the old-growth forest ecosystem.
Interior Old-growth
Old-growth habitat (high, medium, and low volume strata) excluding a
distance or buffer of two to three tree lengths (an average of 300 feet) around
its inside perimeter.
Open Road Density
The length of classified roads open for public access and use per unit area of
land; usually expressed as miles of open road per square mile of land.
Overstory
The portion of trees in a forest that forms the uppermost layer of foliage.
Canopy.
Palustrine
Non-tidal wetlands dominated by trees, shrubs, persistent emergents,
emergent mosses or lichens, and all such wetlands that occur in tidal areas
where salinity is below 0.50 percent.
Plant Association
Climax forest plant community type representing the endpr nt of succession.
Pole Timber
An immature tree between 5 and 9 inches diameter breast height.
Polychaetes
A class of worms.
Precommercial Thinning
The practice of i loving some of the trees of less than marketable size from a
stand in order to achieve various management objectives.
Practicable
In reference to the Alaska Coastal Management Program, consistent with
enforceable policies of approved management programs unless compliance is
prohibited based upon the requirements of existing law applicable to the
Federal agency’s operations.
Process Group
A combination of similar stream channel types based on major differences in
landform, gradient, and channel geometry.
4-10 • Chapter 4
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References and Lists
Productive Forest Land
Forest land that is capable of producing at least 20 cubic feet of annual tree
growth per acre or contains at least 8,000 board feet of net timber volume per
acre. This includes second-growth stands that have regenerated with conifer
species after natural or human disturbance.
Productive Old-growth
Old-growth stands capable of producing 20 cubic feet per acre per year with
8,000 or more board feet of timber per acre.
Programmed Commercial Timber Harvest
Timber harvest that occurs on suitable forested lands that contributes to the
Tongass National Forest Allowable Sale Quantity.
Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS)
A system for planning and managing resources that categorizes recreation
opportunities into seven classes. Each class is defined in terms of the degree to
which it satisfies certain recreation experience needs based on the extent to
which the natural environment has been modified, the type of facilities
provided, the degree of outdoor skills needed to enjoy the area and the relative
density of recreation use.
Recreation Places
Identified geographical areas having one or more physical characteristics that
are particularly attractive to people in recreation activities. They may be
beaches, streamsides or roadside areas, trail corridors, hunting areas or the
immediate area surrounding a lake, cabin site, or campground.
Recreation Sites
A specific site and/or facility occurring within a Recreation Place. Some
examples of Recreation Sites are: recreation cabins, trailheads, picnic areas,
and wildlife viewing blinds.
Redd
A nest made in gravel, consisting of a depression hydraulically dug by a fish
for egg deposition and then refilled with gravel.
Reserve Trees
Merchantable or submerchantable trees and snags that are left within the
harvest unit to provide biological habitat components over the rotation.
Resident Fish
Fish that are not anadromous and that reside in fresh water on a permanent
basis. Resident fish include cutthroat trout and Dolly Varden char.
Riparian Management Area
The area including land, water, and plants in and adjacent to streams and lakes
that is managed according to specific standards and guidelines prescribed for
each stream process group.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 4*4-11
4 References and Lists
Road Management Objective (RMO)
Defines the intended purpose of an individual road based on Management
Area direction and access management objectives. Road management
objectives contain design criteria, operation criteria and maintenance criteria.
Long-term and short-term roads have RMOs.
Rotation
The planned number of years between the time that a forest stand is
regenerated and its next cutting at a specified stage of maturity.
Sawtimber
Trees that are suitable in size and quality for the produ ction of dimensional
lumber.
Scoping Process
Early and open activities used to determine the scope and significance of a
proposed action, what level of analysis is required, what data is needed, and
what level of public participation is appropriate. Scoping focuses on the
issues surrounding the proposed action and the range of actions, alternatives,
and impacts to be considered in an EA or EIS.
Second Growth
Forest growth that has come up naturally or has been planted after disturbance
(for example, harvest, serious fire, or insect attack).
Seen Landscape
Those areas visible from the most frequently used travelways (boat route,
recreation road, or trail) or use area (recreation cabin or anchorage).
Seldom-seen, or Not-seen, Landscape
Those areas not visible from the most frequently used travelways (boat route,
recreation road, or trail) or use area (recreation cabin or anchorage).
Sensitive Species
Animal and plant species identified by the Regional Forester as potentially
susceptible or vulnerable to activity impacts or habitat alterations and,
therefore, in need of special considerations during land management activity
planning.
Shell Midden
A term referring to shell and bone that have been discarded after harvest and
processing for subsistence use.
Side-slope Break
The abrupt change (usually decreases) in slope gradient defining the upper
limit of stream channel incision.
Silviculture
The theory and practice of managing forest vegetation. Silviculture involves
the appropriate application of ecological, social, and economic principles of
vegetative management to achieve resource management objectives and
desired future forest conditions.
4-12 • Chapter 4
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References and Lists
Silvicultural Prescription
Detailed direction about methods, techniques, timing, and monitoring of
vegetative treatments. A prescription is prepared by a silviculturist who uses
interdisciplinary input to best achieve established objectives, direction, and
requirements for land managed by the Forest Service.
Silvicultural System
A management process whereby forests are tended, harvested, and replaced
resulting in a forest of distinctive form. Systems are classified according to
the method of carrying out the process.
Site Index
A measure of the relative productive capacity of an area for growing wood.
Measurement of site index is based on height of the dominant trees in a stand
at a given age.
Soil Productivity
Capacity of soil to produce plant growth due to the soil’s chemical, physical,
and biological properties.
Sortyard
A location used to sort grades, types, and size of logs.
Stand
A group of trees occupying a specific area and sufficiently uniform in
composition, age arrangement, and condition as to be distinguishable from the
forest in adjoining areas.
State Selection
Application by Alaska Department of Natural Resources to the Bureau of
Land Management for conveyance of a portion of the 400,000-acre State
entitlement from vacant and unappropriated National Forest System lands in
Alaska under the Alaska Statehood Act.
Stex Volume
Net volume generated for the NEPA Economic Analysis Tool (NEAT) and
derived from stand exam plots and the silvicultural prescriptions. Stex
volumes are reported in hundred cubic feet (ccf).
Storage
The process/action of closing a road to vehicle traffic and placing it in a
condition that requires minimum maintenance to protect the environment and
preserve the facility for future use. The maintenance criteria for a road placed
in storage includes removing or bypassing all drainage structures to restore
natural drainage patterns, adding water bars as needed to control runoff, and
revegetating.
Stream Discharge
Flow rate of water in a stream channel.
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Chapter 4*4-13
References and Lists
Stream Value Class
A means to categorize stream channels based on their fish production values.
There are four stream classes defined by the Forest Plan. They are:
Class I. Streams and lakes with anadromous or adfluvial fish habitat; or high
quality resident fish waters listed in Appendix 68.1, Region 10 Aquatic
Habitat Management Handbook (FSH 2609.24), June 1986; or habitat above
fish migration barriers known to b easonable enhancement opportunities for
anadromous fish.
Class II. Streams and lakes with resident fish populations and generally steep
(6-15 percent) gradient (can also include streams from 0-5 percent gradient)
where no anadromous fish occur, and otherwise not meeting Class I criteria.
These populations have limited fisheries values and generally occur upstream
of migration barriers or have other habitat features that preclude anadromous
fish use.
Class III. Perennial and intermittent streams with no fish populations but
which F e sufficient flow or transport sediment and debris to have an
immed. influence on downstream water quality or fish habitat capability.
These sn„ vas generally have bankfull widths greater than five feet and are
highly incised into the surrounding hillslope.
Class IV. Intermittent, ephemeral, and small perennial channels with
insufficient flow or sediment transport capabilities to have an immediate
influence on downstream water quality or fish habitat capability. These
streams generally are shallowly incised into the surrounding hillslope.
Structural Diversity
The diversity of forest structure, both vertically and horizontally, which
provides for variety of forest habitats such as logs and multi-layered forest
canopy for plants and animals.
Subspecies
An aggregate of similar mulations of a species lerally inhabiting a
geographic subdivision he range of the specie^ and differing taxonomi illy
(e.g. different size or coior) from other populations of the species.
Subsurface Flow
Water moving laterally through and beneath the soil mantle.
Succession
The ecological progression of plant community change over time,
characterized by displacements of species leading to a relatively stable climax
community.
Suitable Forest Land
Forest land that is producing or is capable of producing crops of industrial
wood and:
a) has not been withdrawn by Congress, the Secretary of Agriculture, or
the Chief of the Forest Service,
4-14 • Chapter 4
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References and Lists
b) existing technology and knowledge is available to ensure timber
production without irreversible damage to soils productivity, or
watershed conditions,
c) existing technology and knowledge, as reflected in current research
and experience, provides reasonable assurance that it is possible to
restock adequately within five years after final harvest,
d) adequate information is available to project responses to timber
management activities, and
e) where timber harvest is allowed under the Forest Plan.
Sustained Yield
The amount of renewable resources that can be produced continuously at a
given intensity of management.
Temporary Road
Road authorized by contract, permit, lease, other written authorization, or
emergency operation, not intended to be a part of the forest transportation
system and not necessary for long-term resource management (36 CFR
212.1). These roads are to be built to access one or more timber harvest units
and decommissioned after use.
Threatened Species
Any species which is likely to become an endangered species within the
foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range and
which has been designated in the Federal Register by the Secretary of the
Interior as a threatened species.
Tiering
Elimination of repetitive discussions of the same issue by incorporating by
reference the general discussion in an environmental impact statement of
broader scope. For example, this EIS is tiered to the Forest Plan EIS.
Timber Appraisal
Establishing the fair market value of timber by taking the selling value minus
manufacturing cost, the cost of getting logs from the stump to the
manufacturer, and an allowance for profit and risk.
Tongass Resource Use Cooperative Survey (TRUCS)
A study done to gather information on subsistence uses of the Forest.
Tongass Timber Reform Act (TTRA)
This act (1990) requires annual appropriations for timber management on the
Tongass National Forest, with a provision providing for the multiple use and
sustained yield of all renewable forest resources.
Transpiration
Evaporation from within the leaves of plants.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 4 • 4-15
References and Lists
Two-aged Management
A silvicultural method designed to maintain and regenerate a stand with two
age classes. The resulting stand may be two-aged or trend toward the uneven-
aged condition as a consequence of both an extended period of regeneration
establishment and retention of reserve trees that may represent one or more
age classes. The reserve trees provide structural diversity and a biological
legacy. Two-aged management regimes can produce stands of greater
structural diversity than even-aged management.
Unclassified Road
A road on National Forest System lands that is not managed as part of the
forest transportation system, such as an unplanned road, abandoned travelway,
and off-road vehicle tracks that have not been designated and managed as a
trail; and those roads that were once under permit or other authorization and
were not decommissioned upon the termination of the authorization (36 CFR
212.1).
Understory Vegetation
Grass, small trees, shrubs, and other plants found beneath the overstory (the
trees comprising the forest).
Utility Volume
Logs that do not meet minimum requirements for sawtimber but are suitable
for other commercial uses.
V-notch
A deeply cut valley along some waterways, generally in steep, mountainous
terrain, that would look like a “V” from a frontal view.
Value Comparison Unit (VCU)
A distinct geographic area that generally encompasses a drainage basin
containing one or more large stream systems. Boundaries usually follow
easily recognizable watershed divides. These units were established in the
Forest Plan to provide a common set of areas for which resource inventories
could be conducted and resource value interpretations made.
Viable Population
For forest planning purposes a fish or wildlife population which has the
estimated number and distribution of reproductive individuals to ensure its
continued existence is well distributed in the National Forest.
Viewshed
A distinct area of land visible from identified travelways (boat route,
recreation road, or trail) or use areas (recreation cabin or anchorage).
Visual Absorption Capacity (VAC)
An estimate of the relative ability of a landscape to absorb alteration yet retain
its visual integrity.
4-16 • Chapter 4
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References and Lists
Visual Quality Objective
(VQO) A desired level of scenic quality and diversity of natural features based
on physical and sociological characteristics of an area. Refers to the degree of
acceptable alterations of the characteristic landscape.
Adopted VQO. The VQO to be achieved as a result of management direction
identified in the approved Forest Plan. Adopted VQOs represent the visual
resource objective for the planning period, normally 10 years. (FSH 2309.22,
R-10 Landscape Management Handbook.)
Volume Class
Term used to describe the average volume of timber per acre in thousands of
board feet (MBF).
Volume Strata
Divisions of old-growth timber volume derived from the aerial photo
interpreted timber type data (TIMTYP) and the soils data (CLU). Three
volume strata (low, medium, and high) are recognized in the Forest Plan.
Watershed
That area that contributes water to a drainage or stream; portion of a forest in
which all surface water drains to a common point. Can range from a few tens
of acres that drain a single small intermittent stream to many thousands of
acres for a stream that drains hundreds of connected intennittent and perennial
streams.
Water Yield
The total amount of water draining from a watershed within a year.
Wetlands
Areas that are inundated by surface or ground water with a frequency
sufficient, under normal circumstances, to support a prevalence of vegetative
or aquatic life that requires saturated or seasonally saturated soil conditions
for growth and reproduction. Wetlands generally include muskegs, marshes,
bogs, sloughs, potholes, river overflows, mud flats, wet meadows, seeps, and
springs.
Wild and Scenic River
Rivers or sections of rivers designated by congressional action under the 1968
Wild and Scenic Rivers Act or by an act of the Legislature of the state or
states through which they flow.
Wilderness
Areas designated under the 1964 Wilderness Act. Wilderness is defined as
undeveloped federal land retaining its primeval character and influence
without permanent improvements or human habitation. Wilderness areas are
protected and managed to preserve their natural conditions. In Alaska,
wilderness also has been designated by TTRA and ANILCA.
Wildlife Analysis Area (WAA)
A division of land used by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game for
wildlife analysis.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 4 • 4-17
4 References and Lists
Windfirm
Configuration of harvest units so as not to create an opening that exposes the
adjacent stand of timber to the direction of the major prevailing storm wind
(southeast).
Windthrow (Blowdown)
The process by which trees are uprooted, blown down, or broken off by storm
winds. Three types of windthrow include: endemic, where individual trees are
blown over; catastrophic; where a major windstorm can destroy hundreds of
acres of trees; and management related, where the clearing of trees in an area
makes the adjacent anding trees vulnerable to windthrow.
Winter Range
An area, usually at lower elevations, used by big game during the winter
months; usually smaller and better defined than summer ranges.
Yarding
Hauling timber from the stump to a collection point.
4-18 • Chapter 4
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
References
References and Lists
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Succession in Southeast Alaska. Proceedings in: Forest Succession and Stand
Development Research in the Northwest Symposium ; March 26, 1981;
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Chapter 4*4-19
4 References and Lists
Beschta, R.L., Pyles, M.R., Skaugset, A.E., Surfleet, C.G. 2000. Peakflow responses
to forest practices in the western cascades of Oregon, USA. Journal of
Hydrology. 233: 102-120.
Bisson, P.A., Bilby, R.E., Mason, B.D. Dolloff, C.A., Grette, G.B., House, M.M.,
Koski, K.V., Sedell, J.R. 1987. Streamside Management, Forestry and
Fisheries Interactions. Chapter 5: Large woody debris in forested streams in
the pacific northwest: past, present and future. Salo, E. O. and T. W. Cundy
(Editors). Institute of Forest Resources, University of Washington, Seattle
WA, pp. 143-190.
Bormann, B.T. and M.G. Kramer. 1998. Can ecosystem-process studies contribute
to new management strategies in coastal Pacific Northwest and Alaska?
Northwest Sciences , Vol. 72, Special Issue No. 2, 1998, 7 pp.
Brainard, J. D., III. 1996. Letter to Forrest Cole: Deer die-off on Kuiu Island,
Alaska, winter of 1971-72. USDA Forest Service, Stikine Area, Tongass
National Forest. April 15, 1996 3pp.
Brardinoni, F., Hassan, M.A., Slaymaker, H.O. 2002. Complex mass wasting
response of drainage basins to forest management in coastal British Columbia.
Geomorphology. 49: 109-124.
Campbell, T. M. 1979. Short-Term Effects of Timber Harvest on Pine Marten
Ecology. M. S. Thesis. Colorado State University, Ft. Collins. 71pp.
Caouette, J.P and E.J. DeGayner. 2001. Predictive mapping for tree sizes and
densities in Southeast Alaska. Landscape and Urban Planning. 1 5pp.
Caouette, J.P.; M.G. Kramer; and G.J. Nowacki. 2000. Deconstructing the timber
volume paradigm in management of the Tongass National Forest. USDA
Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station. General Technical Report
PNW-GTR-482. March 2000. 28pp.
Caouette, John P., and Eugene J. DeGayner. 2001 . Modeling components of forest
structure in the commercially productive forests of southeast Alaska. Gen.
^ Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture,
Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station.
Caouette, J.P and E.J. DeGayner. In Press. Predictive mapping for tree sizes and
densities in Southeast Alaska. Landscape and Urban Planning. 1 5pp
Code of Federal Regulations. Washington, D.C.: Office of Federal Register National
Archives and Records Administration.
33 CRF 323
36 CFR Subtitle B Protection of Inventoried Roadless Areas
36 CFR 219.1 10 Parks, Forests, and Public Property: Planning
36 CFR 800 Parks, Forests, and Public Property: Protection of Historic and
Cultural Properties
4-20 • Chapter 4
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References and Lists
40 CFR 1501.7 Protection of Environment: NEPA and Agency Planning,
Scoping
40 CFR 1 502.14 Protection of Environment: Environmental Impact Statement ,
Alternatives including the proposed action
40 CFR 1502.22 Protection of Environment: Environmental Impact Statement,
Incomplete or unavailable information
Cole, F. 2005. Timber Harvest Project Environmental Analysis. File Code:
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Deal, R.L. 2001. The effects of partial cutting on forest plant communities of
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USDA Forest Service, Alaska Region, P. O. Box 21628, Juneau, AK 99802.
Doerr, Joe. 1995. Pellet-group counts of Thomas Bay partial cut. File code 2630,
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Erickson A.W., B.M. Hanson and J.J. Brueggeman. 1982. Black bear denning study,
Mitkof Island, Alaska. School of Fisheries, College of Ocean and Fishery
Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195. August 1982. 1 1 1
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Firman, A.S., and R.G. Bosworth. 1990. Harvests and Use of Fish and Wildlife by
Residents of Kake, Alaska. Technical Paper No. 145. Alaska Department of
Fish and Game, Division of Subsistence.
Geiser, L.H. et al. 1998. Lichens and allied fungi of southeast Alaska. In: Glenn,
M.G.; Harris, R.C.; Dirig, R.; Cole, M.S. eds.: Lichenographia Thomsoniana:
North American Lichenology in Honor of John W. Thompson. Mycotaxon
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Harr, R.D., Harper, W.C., Krygier, J.T., Hsieh, F. 1975. Changes in storm
hydrographs after road building and clear-cutting in the Oregon Coast Range.
Water Resources Research 11(3): 436-444.
Harris, A. S. 1989. Wind in the forests of southeast Alaska and guides for reducing
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GTR 244. July 1989.
Hennon, P. E. and C. G. Shaw III. 1997. The Enigma of yellow-cedar decline:
What is killing these long-lived defensive trees? Journal of Forestry
(Reprint) 95(12).
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 4 • 4-21
4 References and Lists
Hicks, B.J., Beschta, R.L., Han*, D.R. 1991(a). Long-term changes in streamflow
following logging in western Oregon and associated fisheries implications.
Water Resources Bulletin. 27(2): 217-226.
Hicks, B.J., Hall, J.D., Bisson, P. A., and Sedell, J.R. 1991(b). Influences of Forest
and Rangeland Management on Salmonid Fishes and Their Habitats -
Responses of Salmonids to Habitat Changes. American Fisheries Society
Special Publication 19, pages 483-518.
Iverson, C. 1996. Northern Goshawk Assessment Panel Summary. Juneau, Alaska:
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Alaska Region, Tongass Land
Management Planning Team.
Johnson, L. 1978. The Black Bear in Alaska. Alaska Department of Fish and Game,
Wildlife Notebook Series. 2 pp.
Johnson, A. C., D. N. Swanston, and K. E. McGee. 2000. Landslide initiation,
runout, and deposition within clearcuts and old-growth forests of Alaska.
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Johnson, J., Weiss, Ed, and Maclean, Scott. 2004. 2004 Catalog of Waters Important
for Spawning, Rearing, or Migration of Anadromous Fishes - Southern
Region. Effective January 15, 2005. ADF&G, November 2004, 465 pp..
Jones, J. A., and G.E. Grant. 1996. Peak flow responses to clear-cutting and roads in
small and large basins, western Cascades, Oregon. Water Resources Research.
32(4): 595-974.
Jones, J.A. 2000. Hydrologic processes and peak discharge response to forest
removal, regrowth, and roads in 10 small experimental b, -s, western
Cascades, Oregon. Water Resources Research 36(9): 2621-2642.
Julin, K. R. and D. V. D’Amore. 2003. Tree growth on forested wetlands of
Southeastern Alaska following clearcutting. Western Journal of Applied
Forestry > 18:30-34.
Kiester A.R. and C. Eckhardt. 1994. Review of Wildlife Management and
Conservation Biology on the Tongass National Forest: A Synthesis with
Recommendations . USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research
Station, Corvallis, OR.
Kirchhoff, M.D. and S.R.G. Thomson. 1998. Effects of se Active logging in deer
habitat in Southeast Alaska. Alaska Department of ish and Game, Division
of Wildlife Conservation. 41 pp.
Kramer, M. 1997. Abiotic Controls on Windthrow and Forest Dynamics in a Coastal
Temperate Rainforest, Kuiu Island, Southeast Alaska. Master’s thesis,
Montana State University, Bozeman, Mt.
Kramer, M.G., A.J. Hansen, M.L. Taper and E.J. Kissinger. 2001. Abiotic controls
on long-term windthrow disturbance and temperate rain forest dynamics in
southeast Alaska. Ecology / 82(10), 2001, PP. 2749-2768.
4-22 • Chapter 4
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
References and Lists
Krosse, P. C. 1993. Preliminary soil resource inventory report. Stikine Area.
Tongass National Forest. USDA Forest Service. Alaska Region.
Kruse, J. and R. Frazier. 1988. Report to the community of i 1 : Tongass resource use
cooperative survey (TRUCS). A report series prepared for 3 1 communities in
southeast Alaska. Institute of Social and Economic research, University of
Alaska in Anchorage in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service and the
Alaska Department of Fish and Game Division of Subsistence, Juneau.
Kruse, J. and R. Muth. 1990. Subsistence Use of Renewable Resources by Rural
Residents of Southeast Alaska. A final report series prepared for the USDA
Forest Service. Institute of Social and Economic Research, University of
Alaska Anchorage.
Landres, P.B., P. Morgan and F.J. Swanson. 1999. Overview of the Use of Natural
Variability Concepts in Managing Ecological Systems. Ecological
Applications 9(4), pp. 1 1 79-1188. November 1999.
Landwehr D. J. 1997. Final Monitoring Report. Soil disturbance on the 89-94 KPC
long-term sale areas, slopes greater than 75 percent gradient. Unpublished
report on file in Kuiu Timber Sale Area planning record, Petersburg, Alaska.
Landwehr D. J. 2000. Floodplain, soil, and wetland resources report for the Stanev
Creek project area. Unpublished report on file in Kuiu Timber Sale Area
planning record, Petersburg, Alaska.
Lowell, Richard E. 2004. Kuiu Scoping Comments. Alaska Department of Fish and
Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation. April 12, 2004.
Lyons, J.K., Beschta, R.L. 1983. Land use, floods, and channel changes: Upper
Middle Fork Willamette River, Oregon (1936-1980). Water Resources
Research. 19(2): 463-471.
MacCarther, R.H. and E.O. Wilson. 1967. The Theory of Island Biogeography.
Princeton University Press. Princeton, New Jersey.
Madej, M.A., 1999. Temporal and Spatial Variability in Thalweg Profiles of a Gravel
Bed River. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms 24: 1153-1169.
Matson, Norm. 2004. Community Population Comparison 1995-2003. Craig, Alaska,
USDA Forest Service, lp. Unpublished table. Document on File in Kuiu
Timber Sale Area planning record, Petersburg, Alaska.
Meucci, M. 2005. Email transmittal of animal harvest data for WAA 5012, Kuiu
Island for the years 1998 to 2005. Alaska Department of Fish and Game, P.O.
Box 667, Petersburg, AK.
Montgomery, D.R., Buffington, J.M., Smith, R.D., Schmidt, K.M., Pess, G. 1995.
Pool spacing in forest channels. Water Resources Research 3 1(4): 1097-1 105.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 4 • 4-23
4 References and Lists
Montgomery, D.R., Buffington, J.M. 1997. Channel-reach morphology in mountain
drainage basins. Bulletin of the Geological Society of America 109(5): 596-
611.
Montgomery, D.R., Buffington, J.M. 1998. Channel Processes, Classification and
Response. In: River Ecology > and Management, Lessons from the Pacific
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Verlag, New York.
Morse, K.S. 2000. Responding to the Market Demand for Tongass Timber. Juneau,
Alaska. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Alaska Region. R10-
MB-413. April 2000.
National Marine Fisheries Service. 2005. Essential Fish Habitat Queriable Database.
http://www.fakr.noaa.gov. Accessed April 19, 2005.
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ground fish of the Gulf of Alaska. Available at
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Noss, R. F. 1990. Indicators for Monitoring Biodiversity: A Hierarchical Approach
Consen>ation Biology > Vol. 4. No. 4.
Nowacki, G., et al. 2001. Ecological Subsections of Southeast Alaska and
Neighboring Areas of Canada. Juneau. Alaska: U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Forest Service, Alaska Region. R10-TP-75
Oliver, C. D. and B. C. Larson 1996. Forest Stand Dynamics: Updated Edition. John
Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Pawuk, W.H., and E.J. Kissinger. 1989. Preliminary Plant Association
Classification. Tongass National Forest, Stikine Area. Juneau, Alaska: U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Alaska Region. R10-TP-72.
Pardini, Renata, Sergio Marques de Souza, Ricard Braga-Neto, and Jean Paul
Metzger. 2005. The role of forest structure, fragment size and corridors in
maintaining small mammal abundance and diversity in an Atlantic forest
landscape. Biological Consei'vation. 124(2005)253-266.
Peacock, E. 2004. Population, Genetic and Behavioral Studies of Black Bears Ursus
americanus in Southeast Alaska. PhD thesis, University of Nevada, Reno.
December 2004, 230pp.
Person, D..K.; M. Kirchhoff, V. Van Ballenberghe, G.C. Iverson and E. Grossman.
1996. The Alexander Archipelago Wolf: A Conservation Assessment. USDA
Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, General Technical Report
PNW-GTR-384. November 1996, 42 pp.
Person, D.; M. Kirchhoff; V. Van Ballenberghe and R. T. Bowyer. 1997. A letter to
Beth Pendleton Leader of the Tongass Land Management Planning Team
4-24 • Chapter 4
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
References and Lists
concerning the basic population ecology relevant to the wolf conservation
assessment. September 19, 1997.
Person, D.K. August 2001. Alexander Archipelago Wolves: Ecology and Population
Viability in a Disturbed, Insular Landscape. Ph.D. Thesis, University of
Alaska Fairbanks. 174 pp.
Roman, G., L. Emerson, and K. Fairweather. 2001. Forest Fragmentation and
Biodiversity Conservation: Case Studies of Costa Rica and Vancouver Island.
Thesis. 69 pp.
Ruth, R.H., and A.S. Harris. 1979. Management of Western Hemlock-Sitka Spruce
Forests for Timber Production. GTR-PNW-88. Portland, OR: U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, PNW Forest and Range
Experimental Research Station.
Satterland, D.R., and P.W. Adams. 1992. Wildland Watershed Management. John
Wiley and Sons, New York.
Spencer, W. D. 1987. Seasonal rest-site preferences of pine martens in the northern
Sierra Nevada. Journal of Mammalogy 51(3): 616-621.
Soutiere, E. C. 1979. Effects of timber harvesting on marten in Maine. Journal of
Wildlife Management. 43:850-860.
Sullivan, K., Lisle, T., Dolloff, C., Grant, G., and Reid, L. 1987. Streamside
Management, Forestry and Fisheries Interactions. Chapter 3: Stream
Channels: The Link Between Forests and Fishes. Salo, E. O. and T. W.
Gundy (Editors). Institute of Forest Resources, University of Washington,
Seattle WA, pp. 39-97.
Suring L. H., R. W. Flynn and E. J. DeGayner. 1992. Habitat Capability Model for
Marten in Southeast Alaska: Winter Habitat. Version 5.0. USDA Forest
Service, Alaska Region, PO Box 21628, Juneau, AK.
Suring, L.H., D.C. Crocker- Bedford, R.W. Flynn, C.S. Hale, G.C. Iverson, M.D.
Kirchhoff, T.E. Schenck, L.C. Shea, and K. Titus. 1993. A proposed strategy
for maintaining well-distributed, viable populations of wildlife associated with
old growth forests in southeast Alaska. Report of an Interagency Committee.
Review Draft, May 1993. Juneau, AK. 278 pp.
Suring, L.H., D.C. Crocker-Bedford; R.W. Flynn, C.S. Hale, G.C. Iverson, M.D.
Kirchhoff, T.E. Schenck, L.C. Shea, and K. Titus. 1994. Response to the
Peer Review of: A Proposed Strategy for Maintaining Well-distributed, Viable
Populations of Wildlife Associated with Old growth Forests in Southeast
Alaska. Report of an Interagency Committee. May 1994. 1 1 pp.
Suring, L.H., E.J. DeGayner, R.W. Flynn, M.D. Kirchhoff, J.W. Schoen, and L.C.
Shea. 1992. Habitat capability model for Sitka black-tailed deer in Southeast
Alaska: Winter habitat. Version 6.5. USDA Forest Service. 85 pp.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 4 • 4-25
4 References and Lists
Swanston D. N., 1995. Overview of controlling stability characteristics of steep
terrain in Southeast Alaska with discussion of needed standardization for mass
movement hazard indexing on fhe Tongass National Forest. Unpublished
paper on file in Kuiu Timber l. de Area planning record, Petersburg, Alaska.
Swanston, D. N. and D. A. Marion, 1991. Landslide Response to Timber Harvest in
Southeast Alaska. In: Proceedings of the Fifth Federal Interagency
Sedimentation Conference , Fan S. S. and Y. H. Kuo (Editors).
Tiscliendorf, Lutz and Lenore Fahrig. 2000. Flow should we measure landscape
c lectivitv? Landscape Ecology Vol. 15: 633-641.
Thomas, J.W.T., E.D. Forsman, J.B. Lint, E.C. Meslow, B.R. Noon, and J. Vemer.
1990. A conservation strategy for the Northern Spotted Owl. Interagency
Committee to Address the Conservation of the Northern Spotted Owl. (USDA
Forest Service, USDI Bureau TLand Management, Fish and Wildlife Service
and National Park Service. 1990-791-171-20026. U.S. Government Printing
Office, Washington, D.C. USA.
United States Bureau of Census. 1990. 1990 Census of population. General
I jpulation Characteristics of Alaska. Washington, D.C. United States
Government Printing Office.
United States Bureau of Census. 2000. 2000 Census of population. General
Population Characteristics of Alaska. Washington, D.C. United States
Government Printing Office.
US Congress, Senate, and House of Representatives, 96th Congress. 1980. Public
Law 96-487. Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. 16 USC 3101.
180 pp.
US Department of the Army Corps of Engine jrs. 1987. Corps of Engineers wetlands
delin on manual. Technical repor ; -878-1, lOOp, Illus. Appendix.
Washington DC.
USDA Forest Service. 1973. Visual Character Types. Series No. R1 0-63. U.S.
Forest Service, Alaska Region, Division of Recreation, Soils, and Watershed,
Juneau, Alaska.
USDA Forest Service. 1974. National Forest Landscape Management, Volume 2.
Agriculture Handbook Number 462. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Forest Service.
USDA Forest Service. 1992. Channel Type User Guide, Tongass National Forest
Southeast Alaska. US Forest Service, Alaska Region R10-TP-26, Juneau,
Alaska. 179 pp.
USDA Forest Service. 1995. Report to Congress: Anadromous Fish Habitat
Assessment. Alaska Region: R10-MB-279.
4-26 • Chapter 4
Kuiu Timber Sale DE
References and Lists
USDA Forest Service. 1996. Altematives-to-clearcutting research study
environmental assessment. Juneau, Alaska: U.S. Department of Agriculture,
Forest Service, Alaska Region. R10-MB-308.
USDA Forest Service. 1997. Tongass National Forest Land and Resource
Management Plan. Juneau, Alaska: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest
Service, Alaska Region, Tongass National Forest. R10-MB-338dd.
USDA Forest Service. 1997. Tongass Land Management Plan Revision: Final
Environmental Impact Statement. Juneau, Alaska: U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Forest Service, Alaska Region, Tongass National Forest. R10-
MB-338b.
USDA Forest Service. 1997(d). Tongass Land Management Plan Revision:
Appendices to Appendix N Juneau, Alaska: U.S. Department of Agriculture,
Forest Service, Alaska Region, Tongass National Forest. R10-MB-338a.
USDA Forest Service. 1997. Stikine Area Outfitter and Guide Environmental
Assessment. Tongass National Forest. R10-MB-346, Juneau. August 1997.
USDA Forest Service. 1998. Tongass Land and Resource Management Plan
Implementation Policy Clarification.
USDA Forest Service. 1998. Crane and Rowan Mountain Timber Sales. Tongass
National Forest. R-10-MB-362. Juneau. July 1998.
USDA Forest Service. 1999. Roads analysis: Informing decisions about managing
the national forest transportation system. Washington. FS-643. p 49.
USDA Forest Service. 2000. Monitoring and Evaluation Guidebook for the Tongass
Land and Resource Management Plan
USDA Forest Service. 2003a. Forest Health Protection: Forest Insect and Disease
Conditions in the United States 2001. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Forest Service.
USDA Forest Service. 2003. Tongass Land Management Plan Revision, Final
Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement. Roadless Area Evaluation for
Wilderness Recommendations . Juneau, Alaska: U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Forest Service, Alaska Region, Tongass National Forest. R10-
MB-481b. February 2003.
USDA Forest Service. 2003. Tongass Land Management Plan Revision, Final
Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement. Roadless Area Evaluation for
Wilderness Recommendations. Record of Decision Juneau, Alaska: U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Alaska Region, Tongass National
Forest. R10-MB-481g. February 2003.
USDA Forest Service. 2004(a). Review of Stikine Area Outfitter and Guide EA
Findings Letter. Tongass National Forest Supervisor's Office, Ketchikan,
Alaska. April 2004.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 4 • 4-27
4 References and Lists
USDA Forest Service. 2004(b). Supplemental Information for the Review of the
Stikine Area Outfitter and Guide EA Findings. Petersburg Ranger District,
Tongass National Forest. April 2004.
USDA Forest Service. 2004. Threemile Timber Harvest FEIS. Tongass National
Forest. Juneau, Alaska. R-10-MB446. April 2004.
USDA Forest Service. 2005. Kuiu Island Landscape Assessment. Petersburg, Alaska:
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Alaska Region, Tongass
National Forest, Petersburg Ranger District. R10-MB-545.
USDA Forest Service. Forest Service Manuals.
FSM 2400 Timber Management
RIO-Supp 2400-2005-1, Region 10 Supplement to FSM 2400, Timber
Management
FSM 2500 Watershed and Air Management
RIO-Supp 2500-92-1, Region 10 Supplement to FSM 2500, Chapter 50, Soil
Management. Region 10 Soil Quality Standards.
USDA Forest Service. Forest Service Handbooks.
FSH 2409.18 Timber Sale Preparation Handbook
FSH 2609.25 Subsistence Management and Use Handbook (1985)
FSH 2090.21 Aquatic Habitat Management Handbook
Wilcove, D.S.; C.H. McLellan and A. P. Dobson. 1986. Habitat Fragmentation in the
Temperate Zone. In: Soule, ed. Conservation Biology. The Science of
Scarcity and Diversity, p. 237-256. Sinauer Associates, Inc. Sounderland,
MA.
Zeimer R.R. and D.N. Swanston. 1977. Root strength changes after logging in
Southeast Alaska. USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station,
PNW-306.
4-28 • Chapter 4
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
References and Lists
List of Preparers
Justin
Position:
Hydrologist
Anderson
Experience:
4 years professional experience (3 years with the Forest
Service)
Education:
BS Forestry Resources Management
MS Forest Science/Water Resources Management
Jim Brainard
Position:
Wildlife Biologist
Experience:
25 years with the Forest Service
Education:
BS Forest Management
Ben Case
Position:
Forester
Experience:
1 1 years with the Forest Service
Education:
BS Forest Management
Mary Clemens
Position:
Recreation Planner
Experience:
23 years with the Forest Service
Education:
BS Forestry
Crystal Harlan
Position:
Fish Biologist
Experience:
3 years professional experience (2 Vi years with the
Forest Service)
Education:
BS Biology with a Concentration in Marine Science
Bob Moniz
Position:
Timber Appraiser
Experience:
30 years with the Forest Service
Alan Murph
Position:
Transportation Planner
Experience:
26 years professional experience (6 years with the
Forest Service)
Education:
BS Civil Engineering
Kent
Position:
Forester
Nicholson
Experience:
20 years professional experience (1 year with the Forest
Service)
Education:
AAS Forestry, Certificate of Forestry, BA Business
Madonna
Position:
Geographic Information Systems Technician
Parks
Experience:
14 years with the Forest Service
R.D. Parks
Position:
Silviculturist
Experience:
25 years professional experience, 1 5 years with the
Forest Service
Education:
BS Forestry
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 4 • 4-29
References and Lists
Gene Primaky
Position:
Experience:
Education:
Geographic Information Systems Technician
15 years with the Forest Service
Certificate of Forestry, AVTC
Kris Rutledge
Position:
Experience:
Education:
Interdisciplinary Planning Team Leader/Writer Editor/
Wildlife Biologist
17 years with the Forest Service
BS Wildlife Biology
Linda Slaght
Position:
Experience:
Education:
Writer/Editor
18 years with the Forest Service
BA Geology
Jane Smith
Position:
Experience:
Education:
Archaeologist
21 years professional experience (13 years with the
Forest Service)
BS Anthropology
Jim Steward
Position:
Experience:
Landscape Architect
20 years with the Forest Service
Kristin
Position.
Writer/Editor assistant
Whisennand
Experience:
Education:
3 years of experience
BA Anthropology, BS Resource Conservation
Management
4-30 • Chapter 4
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
References and Lists
Agencies
List of DEIS Recipients
Agencies, organizations, and individuals to whom the Kuiu
Timber Sale Area Draft Environmental Impact Statement
was sent
Admiralty National Monument
Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation
Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Alaska Department of Natural Resources
Alaska State Office HUD
Craig Ranger District - Tongass National Forest
Federal Aviation Administration (USDOT)
Federal Highway Administration (USDOT)
Hoonah Ranger District - Tongass National Forest
Juneau Ranger District - Tongass National Forest
Ketchikan-Misty Ranger District - Tongass National Forest
Ketchikan Supervisors Office - Tongass National Forest
National Marine Fisheries Service (USDOC)
National Marine Fisheries Service, Habitat Conservation
National Park Service (USDI)
NOAA Office of Policy and Strategic Planning
Petersburg Ranger District - Tongass National Forest
Petersburg Supervisors Office - Tongass National Forest
Sitka Ranger District - Tongass National Forest
Sitka Supervisors Office - Tongass National Forest
Thome Bay Ranger District - Tongass National Forest
US Advisory Council on Historic Preservation
US Army Corps of Engineers
US Coast Guard - Marine Envir. & Prot. Div., G MEP
US Department of Energy
US Department of Transportation
US EPA - Region 10
US Fish and Wildlife Service - Juneau
US Forest Service, Chugach National Forest
US Navy
USDA APHIS PPD/EAD
USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station
USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station
USDA Forest Service, Alaska Region
USDA Forest Service, Washington Office
USDA Nat. Resources Conservation Svc.
USDI Office of Env. Policy & Compliance
USDI Bureau of Land Management
Wrangell Ranger District - Tongass National Forest
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 4 • 4-31
References and Lists
Libraries
Alaska State Library
Petersburg Public Library
Craig Public Library
Quinney Library
Elfin Cove Public Library
Sheldon Jackson Library
Haines Public Library
Skagway Public Library
Hollis Public Library
Sunnyside School Library
Hyder Public Library
Tenakee Springs Public Library
Juneau Public Library
Thome Bay Community
Kake Public Library
Library
Kasaan Community Library
University of Minnesota
Ketchikan Public Library
University of Nevada
Kettleson Memorial Library
Forestry Library
Pelican Public Library
Wrangell Public Library
Media
KFSK Public Radio
Petersburg Pilot
Organizations
Adams Alaskan Safari
Earthjustice Legal Defense
and
Alaska Angling
Fund
Businesses
Alaska Center for the
Family Partnership, Inc.
Environment
Forest Conservation Council
Alaska Charter Service
Forest Dwellers
Alaska Coastal Adventures
FSEEE
Alaska Coastal Hunting
Gateway Forest Products
Alaska Coastal Outfitters
Glacier Guides
Alaska Fibre
Grady Lex, Inc.
Alaska Forest Association
Green Peace, Sitka
Alaska Island Adventures
Greenpeace USA
Alaska Pacific Trading
Inside Passages
Company
Island Excursions
Alaska Passages
Island Voyages, Inc
Alaska Rainforest Campaign
Juneau Group of Sierra Club
Alaska Women in Trees
Kake Area Conservation
Alaska Y acht Adventures
Council
American Safari Cruises, Inc.
Kake Tribal Corporation
Anahootz Alaskan Adventure
Kake Tribal Heritage
Anderson & Associates, Inc.
Foundation
Baranof Expeditions
Laughing Raven Lodge
Baranof Wilderness Lodge
Linblad Expeditions, Inc.
Bluewater Adventures, Ltd.
Monographs Acquisition
Cascade Culvert, Inc.
Services
Cascadia Wildlands Project
National Outdoor Leadership
CEOPA CO-R-E
School
Coastal Island Adventures
Coastal Wilderness Charters
Native Forest Network
4-32 • Chapter 4
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Public
Officials and
Offices
Individuals
Native Subsistence
Commission
Natural Resources Defense
Council
Northern Land Use Research,
Inc.
Paden Timber Services
Patterson River Guide Service
Petersburg Vessel Owners
Association
Raven Guide Service
Robertson, Monagle, &
Eastaugh
Rocky Pass Resort
Sealaska Corporation
Sierra Club
Silver Bay Logging
Sitka Conservation Society
Sound Sailing, Inc.
City of Kake
City of Kupreanof
City of Petersburg
City of Point Baker
City of Port Alexander
Ketchikan Gateway Borough
Office of Environmental Policy
and Compliance
Office of Project Management
and Permitting
References and Lists
Southeast Alaska Conservation
Council
Southeast Alaska Wood
Products
Southeast Exposure
Southeast Guide Service
Southeast Hunts
Southeast Native Subsistence
Commission
The Fishermen's Inn
The Wilderness Society
Tongass Kayak Adventures
Univ. of Alaska Land Mgmt.
Venture Pacific Marine, Inc.
Walt Sheridan & Associates
Washington Wilderness
Coalition
Office of the Secretary
Organized Village of Kake
Petersburg Indian Association
Senator Lisa Murkowski
Tlingit/Haida Central Council
Wrangell Cooperative
Association
US Senate, Juneau Office
US House of Representatives
Manuel Aceveda
David B. Allen
Billy Alsup
Lonnie Anderson
Orlando Bell
Anissa Bery-Frick
Brian Brown
Wilbur Brown, Sr.
Bob & Julie Byers
Paul M. Cadruvi
Dave & Celia Carlson
Chat and Jo Chatham
Emil and Daniel Churchill
Daniel E. Churchill
Mary Ellen Clark
Dick Coose
Nicholas C. Davis
Mr. & Mrs. James L. Denison
Frank Erridge
Gene Feind
Tim Flinchum
Barney Freedman
John Geddie
Fred Goldman
Gretchen Goldstein
Charles Gregory
Kenneth J. Hammons
William Hamner
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Chapter 4 • 4-33
References and Lists
Russell Hansen
Cynthia and Sigurd Mathisen
Lloyd Hartshorn
Harold Medalen
Elinor B. Harvey
Tim Miles
Kim Hastings
Tim Moore
Don Hernandez
Jackie Moore
Bill Hollywood
Lori ...organ
R. Holsinger
Don Muller
Pete Huberth
Richard T. Myren
Raymond and Kani Huffman
Ann Marie Parker
Gordon Jackson
Jay & Carolyn Pritchett
Edna Jackson
Bill Privett
Joel Jackson
David B. Randrup
Magnus Jakobsen
Don Sautner
Charles Johnson, Jr.
Jeff Schively
Bonnie and Ryan Johnston
Fred J. Shaw
Delbert Kadake
Ronald Simpson
David Kensinger
Martha Smith
David King
Richard & Sharon Sprague
Bemie C. Klemanek
Patricia and Seth Stevens
Rebecca Knight
Charley Streuli
Steve Kramer
John R. Swanson
Dan LaCrosse
Patricia Torsen
Erik Lie-Nielsen
Emil Tucker
Leo Luczak
Gary Williams
Stu Mach
Edward F. Wood
Frederick S. Magill
Larry Young
Nancy and Alison Magill
Enid Magill
George Mann
4-34 • Chapter 4
Kuiu Project Area DL j
References and Lists
Index for Chapter 1
A
Alaska Coastal Zone Management
Act (CZMA), 1-23, 1-24, 1-26
Alaska Department of Fish and Game
(ADF&G), 1-16, 1-19
Alaska Department of Natural
Resources, 1-16, 1-23, 1-25
Alaska National Interest Lands
Conservation Act (ANILCA), 1-7,
1-26
Alaska Water Quality Standards, 1-25
Army Corps of Engineers, 1-16, 1-24
4
B
beach and estuary buffers, 1-6, 1-18,
1-22
biodiversity, 1-7
black bear, 1-19
C
Clean Air Act, 1-26
Clean Water Act, 1-24, 1-25, 1-26
clearcut, 1-2, 1-12, 1-15, 1-22
cumulative effects, 1-9, 1-15, 1-18, 1-
20
D
Dean Creek Watershed, 1-10, 1-1 1, 1-
13
deer habitat capability, 1-19
deer winter habitat
high value, 1-19
deer, Sitka black-tailed, 1-14, 1-18, 1-
19
E
ecological subsection, 1-10
Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA), 1-16, 1-25, 1-26
Essential Fish Habitat, 1-24
even-aged management, 1-12, 1-22
F
fish
anadromous
coho salmon, 1-11
pink salmon, 1-11
fish passage, 1-13
fishing, 1-6
Forest Plan SE1S, 1-5, 1-18
Forest Plan standards and guidelines,
1-22, 1-23
Forest Practices Act, I -23
fragmentation, 1-14, 1-19
H
habitat capability, 1-7
heritage resources, 1-24
hunting, 1-6, 1-19
K
Kadake Creek, 1-10, 1-13
Kake, city of, 1-10
Kake, Organized Village of, 1-16
Kake, city of, 1-14, 1-15
karst, 1-5, 1-6
Kuiu Island, 1-1, 1-5, 1-9, 1-10, 1-12,
1-14, 1-16, 1-19, 1-21
L
Land Use Designation (LUD), 1-5, 1-
6, 1-7, 1-8, 1-9, 1-10, 1-21, 1-22
log transfer facility (LTF), 1-1, 1-2,
1-10, 1-25
logging system, 1-12
M
Management Indicator Species
(MIS), 1-19
Marine Mammal Protection Act, 1-26
market demand, 1-2, 1-3
mitigation, 1-3, 1-17
Modified Landscape LUD, 1-9, 1-22
monitoring, 1-3, 1-17
N
National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA), ML 1-26
National Forest Management Act
(NFMA), 1-5, 1-21, 1-26
National Historic Preservation Act
(NHPA), 1-24, 1-25
Notice of Intent (NOI), 1-15
Kuiu Project Area DEIS
Chapter 4 • 4-35
4 References and Lists
o
old-growth forest
productive, 1-7, 1-22
old-growth habitat reserves, 1-2, 1-3,
1-16, 1-18, 1-19, 1-22
P
Petersburg, city of, 1-1, 1-10, 1-15, 1-
16. 1-17
Point Baker, city of, 1-14
productive forest, 1-6
proposed action, 1-1, 1-2, 1-5, 1-14,
1-15, 1-18
pruning, 1-13
public involvement, 1-14, 1-15, 1-17,
1-21
purpose and need, 1-1, 1-2, 1-1, 1-2,
1-15
R
Record of Decision (ROD), 1-6, 1-11,
1-12, 1-21
regeneration, 1-22
riparian area, 1-3, 1-6, 1-13, 1-18, 1-
22
riparian management area (RMA), 1-
6
roadless area, 1-5, 1-18
Roads
classified roads, 1-2, 1-3, 1-12, 1-
13, 1-20
temporary roads, 1-1, 1-2, 1-3, 1-
13, 1-20
Rowan Bay, 1-1, 1-2, 1-10, 1-25
S
Saginaw Bay, 1-1, 1-2, 1-10, 1-25
Scenic Viewshed LUD, 1-22
second-growth, 1-6, 1-13
sediment, 1-20
Semi-remote Recreation LUD, 1-9, 1-
22
Index for Chapter 2
A
Alaska Department of Fish and Game
(ADF&G), 2-5, 2-7
B
beach and estuary buffers, 2-6
Best Management Practices (BMPs),
2-6, 2-7, 2-21,2-23
shellfish, 1-14
small sales, 1-10
Special Interest Area LUD. 1-9
State Historic Preservation Officer
(SHPO), 1-24
subsistence, 1-2, 1-3, 1-7, 1-14, 1-18
T
thinning, 1-6, 1-10, 1-13
Timber Production LUD, 1-5, 1-6, 1-
9, 1-10, 1-21, 1-22
timber sales, 1-11
timber supply, 1-3
Tongass Land and Resource
Management Plan (Forest Plan), 1-
1, 1-2, 1-3, 1-5, 1-6, 1-9, 1-14, 1-
17, 1-18, 1-19, 1-21, 1-22
Tongass Timber Reform Act
(TTRA), 1-26
transportation, 1-2
tribal government, 1-15, 1-16
two-aged management, 1-12
U
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(USFWS), 1-16
V
visual quality, 1-7
W
water quality, 1-14, 1-20
watershed, 1-6, 1-13, 1-20, 1-21
wetlands, 1-24, 1-26
Wild and Scenic Rivers, 1-5, 1-7, 1-9,
1-26
wilderness, 1-5, 1-9, 1-18, 1-21
Wildlife Analysis Area (WAA 5012),
1-19, 1-22
wildlife habitat, 1-6, 1-18
windthrow, 1-22
wolf, Alexander Archipelago, 1-19
biodiversity, 2-5, 2-8, 2-21
C
Clean Water Act, 2-21
clearcut, 2-4, 2-8, 2-10, 2-12, 2-13, 2-
17
clearcut with reserves, 2-10
cumulative effects, 2-12, 2-15, 2-17
4-36 • Chapter 4
Kuiu Project Area DEIS
D
Dean Creek Watershed, 2-18
deer winter habitat, 2-13
high value, 2-13,2-17, 2-21
deer, Sitka black-tailed, 2-9, 2-13, 2-
17
E
Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA), 2-7
even-aged management, 2-4, 2-8
F
fish passage, 2-21, 2-23
Forest Plan SEIS, 2-1 1, 2-12
Forest Plan standards and guidelines,
2-5, 2-6, 2-8,2-21,2-22,2-23
G
ground-based logging, 2-2, 2-3, 2-4
H
habitat capability, 2-13
helicopter logging, 2-3, 2-4, 2-9, 2-
14, 2-16, 2-20, 2-21
heritage resources, 2-8, 2-9, 2-19, 2-
23
hunting, 2-12, 2-17
K
KKadake Creek, 2-18
Kadake Creek Watershed, 2-18
karst, 2-20
Kuiu Island, 2-8
L
Land Use Designation (LUD), 2-2, 2-
4, 2-5, 2-7, 2-9, 2-19
log transfer facility (LTF), 2-2, 2-3,
2-4, 2-6, 2-7, 2-9, 2-14, 2-15, 2-18
logging system, 2-10
M
Mass Movement Index, 2-18, 2-20
mitigation, 2-2, 2-1, 2-9, 2-21, 2-22,
2-23
monitoring, 2-2, 2-1, 2-22, 2-23
moose, 2-9
N
National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA), 2-14
National Forest Management Act
(NFMA), 2-1,2-22
References and Lists
NEPA Economic Analysis Tool
(NEAT), 2-14, 2-16
Northern goshawk, 2-8
O
old-growth forest
coarse canopy, 2-12, 2-13, 2-17, 2-
21
productive, 2-5, 2-8, 2-12, 2-13, 2-
17
old-growth habitat reserves, 2-5, 2-6,
2-8,2-12,2-16
P
planning record, 2-7
public involvement, 2-1
purpose and need, 2-1
R
riparian area, 2-6
riparian management area (RMA), 2-
6
road maintenance, 2-10, 2-21
Road Management Objective (RMO),
2-2, 2-6, 2-23
roadless area, 2-2, 2-11,2-17
Roads
classified roads, 2-2, 2-3, 2-4, 2-5,
2-6, 2-10. 2-21, 2-23
temporary roads, 2-2, 2-3, 2-4, 2-7,
2-10, 2-11,2-12,2-14, 2-17,2-
19, 2-20, 2-21
Rowan Bay, 2-2, 2-3, 2-4, 2-6, 2-7, 2-
8, 2-9, 2-14, 2-18
Rowan Creek Watershed, 2-18
5
Saginaw Bay, 2-2, 2-3, 2-4, 2-6, 2-7,
2-9, 2-14, 2-15,2-18
Saginaw Creek Watershed, 2-18
scenic quality, 2-9
sediment, 2-2 1
Silviculture
silvicultural prescription, 2-1, 2-8
soils, 2-7, 2-20
State Historic Preservation Officer
(SHPO), 2-8, 2-9
stream crossings, 2-2, 2-3, 2-4, 2-5,
2-6, 2-19, 2-20, 2-21
subsistence, 2-12, 2-13, 2-16, 2-17
T
threatened, endangered, and sensitive
species, 2-8
Tongass Land and Resource
Management Plan (Forest Plan), 2-
Kuiu Project Area DEIS
Chapter 4 • 4-37
T" References and Lists
1, 2-5, 2-6, 2-7, 2-8, 2-1 1, 2-12, 2-
15,2-17, 2-21,2-22,2-23
Tongass Timber Reform Act
(TTRA), 2-6
transportation, 2-1
U
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(USFWS), 2-5,2-16
V
visual quality, 2-7, 2-9
W
water quality, 2-6, 2-7, 2-21
watershed, 2-15,2-18, 2-2 1
western hemlock. 2-4, 2-9, 2-2 1
wetlands, 2-7, 2-19
Wild and Scenic Rivers, 2-2, 2-4, 2-9,
2-19
wilderness, 2-11,2-17
Wildlife Analysis Area (WAA 5012),
2-13
wildlife habitat, 2-2, 2-3, 2-4, 2-12, 2-
13,2-21
windthrow, 2-8, 2-20
Index for Chapter 3
Alaska Coastal Zone Management
Act (CZMA), 3-93, 3-272, 3-273
Alaska Department of Fish and Gam3
(ADF&G), 3-2, 3-28, 3-29, 3-49,
3-50, 3-58, 3-63, 3-64, 3-65, 3-66,
3-78, 3-79, 3-81, 3-82, 3-84, 3-85,
3-92, 3-95, 3-116, 3-120, 3-131, 3-
134. 3- 136, 3-138. 3-177, 3-178, 3-
179. 3- 245
Alaska Department of Natural
Resources, 3-273
Alaska Marine Highway, 3-1 1, 3-227
Alaska National Interest Lands
Conservation Act (ANILCA), 3-
76, 3-92, 3-93, 3-95, 3-270, 3-274
Alaska Water Quality Standards, 3-
112.3- 221,3-271
all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), 3-85
anadromous fish, 3-175, 3-177, 3-
181.3- 182,3-258
Army Corps of Engineers, 3-209
Bald and Golden Eagle Protection
Act, 3-269
beach and estuary buffers, 3-26, 3-27,
3-28, 3-35, 3-41, 3-44, 3-45, 3-86,
3-88, 3-90, 3-94, 3-157, 3-174, 3-
214, 3-244, 3-258, 3-263, 3-264
Best Management Practices (BMPs),
3-3, 3-87, 3-123. 3-163. 3-176, 3-
188, 3-189, 3-203, 3-204, 3-205, 3-
206, 3-211, 3-212, 3-220, 3-258, 3-
269, 3-270, 3-271, 3-272, 3-273
biodiversity, 3-4, 3-24, 3-28, 3-38, 3-
39,3-40,3-42,3-43,3-68, 3-161
black bear, 3-10, 3-11, 3-12, 3-23, 3-
42, 3-50, 3-63, 3-64, 3-65, 3-66, 3-
68, 3-69, 3-73, 3-80, 3-84, 3-86, 3-
90, 3-95, 3-241, 3-244, 3-245, 3-
248, 3-249, 3-251, 3-257, 3-258
brown creeper, 3-42
cable logging, 3-104, 3-109, 3-1 10, 3-
135
cedar
Alaska yellow-cedar, 3-106, 3-107, 3-
153.3- 154,3-155,3-170,3-268
Western redcedar, 3-155
channel type, 3-178, 3-182
Clean Air Act, 3-272
Clean Water Act, 3-182, 3-203, 3-
211.3- 221,3-271
clearcut, 3-13, 3-49, 3-50, 3-51, 3-52,
3-67, 3-68, 3-69, 3-70, 3-71, 3-72,
3-73,3-84, 3-91 . 3-95. 3-103, 3-
104.3- 108,3-110,3-123,3-130, 3-
132. 3- 133, 3-136, 3-137, 3-139, 3-
163. 3- 164, 3-165, 3-167, 3-169, 3-
171. 3- 173, 3-199, 3-200, 3-204, 3-
205, 3-206, 3-208, 3-233, 3-234, 3-
235.3- 236,3-251,3-268
clearcut with reserves, 3-103, 3-164,
3-165,3-233
commercial fishing, 3-76, 3-77, 3-79,
3-80, 3-227, 3-252, 3-253, 3-254,
3-258, 3-261
cumulative effects, 3-2, 3-1, 3-3, 3-5,
3-21, 3-72, 3-75, 3-90, 3-91, 3-95,
4-38 • Chapter 4
Kuiu Project Area DEIS
3-110,3-112,3-128,3-130,3-132,
3-134, 3-135, 3-137, 3-139, 3-140,
3-152, 3-173, 3-186, 3-187, 3-192,
3-202, 3-203, 3-207, 3-214, 3-215,
3-223, 3-228, 3-236, 3-237, 3-238,
3-251, 3-258, 3-260, 3-264, 3-267,
3-270
D
Dean Creek Watershed, 3-115,3-116,
3-120, 3-121, 3-124, 3-127, 3-128,
3-129,3-130,3-131,3-132,3-134,
3-135, 3-136, 3-137, 3-138, 3-139,
3-140,3-177,3-179,3-186
deer habitat capability, 3-28, 3-52, 3-
53, 3-54, 3-55, 3-56, 3-57, 3-65, 3-
69, 3-70, 3-71, 3-72, 3-80, 3-82, 3-
83.3- 91,3-92
deer winter habitat, 3-30, 3-36, 3-37,
3-51, 3-52, 3-55, 3-56, 3-57, 3-66,
3-90, 3-94, 3-95
high value, 3-38, 3-56, 3-57, 3-58, 3-
69, 3-72, 3-95
deer, Sitka black-tailed, 3-10, 3-12, 3-
23, 3-24, 3-28, 3-30, 3-36, 3-37, 3-
38. 3- 42, 3-43, 3-49, 3-50, 3-51, 3-
52. 3- 53, 3-54, 3-55, 3-56, 3-57, 3-
58, 3-59, 3-61, 3-65, 3-66, 3-67, 3-
68, 3-69, 3-70, 3-71, 3-72, 3-76, 3-
77. 3- 78, 3-79, 3-80, 3-81, 3-82, 3-
83. 3- 87, 3-90, 3-91, 3-92, 3-93, 3-
94.3- 95,3-167, 3-254, 3-270
E
ecological subsection, 3-2, 3-153, 3-
190
Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA), 3-3, 3-182, 3-183, 3-189, 3-
221.3- 271
erosion, 3-112, 3-129, 3-177, 3-191,
3-192, 3-194, 3-202, 3-203, 3-204,
3-205, 3-206
Essential Fish Habitat, 3-186, 3-187,
3-188, 3-189, 3-258, 3-270, 3-271
even-aged management, 3-91, 3-95,
3-103, 3-148, 3-161, 3-162, 3-163,
3-164, 3-171, 3-172, 3-173, 3-208,
3-233, 3-234, 3-235, 3-268, 3-269
F
Federal Cave Resource Protection
Act, 3-270
financial efficiency analysis, 3-97, 3-
98
fish
anadromous
References and Lists
chinook salmon, 3-78, 3-145, 3-146
churn salmon, 3-10, 3-175, 3-179, 3-
182. 3- 186
coho salmon, 3-78, 3-175, 3-178, 3-
179.3- 180,3-181,3-182,3-186
pink salmon, 3-179, 3-180, 3-181, 3-
182
sockeye salmon, 3-145
steelhead trout, 3-178, 3-179, 3-181,
3-182,3-186,3-241,3-244
Dolly Varden, 3-179, 3-180, 3-181,
3-182, 3-186
fish passage, 3-123, 3-130, 3-180, 3-
183. 3- 184
fishing, 3-77, 3-78, 3-79, 3-87, 3-88,
3-182, 3-227, 3-241, 3-243, 3-244,
3-246, 3-249, 3-252, 3-253, 3-254,
3-257, 3-258, 3-263, 3-274
floodplain, 3-10, 3-177,3-273
forest health, 3-83, 3-171, 3-172, 3-
173.3- 268
Forest Plan SEIS, 3-6, 3-7, 3-9, 3-10,
3-12,3-13,3-14, 3-21
Forest Plan standards and guidelines,
3-2, 3-3, 3-26, 3-29, 3-41. 3-43, 3-
44, 3-75, 3-87, 3-89, 3-90, 3-94, 3-
123. 3- 146, 3-147, 3-148, 3-149, 3-
152. 3- 157, 3-176, 3-188, 3-192, 3-
204, 3-205, 3-206, 3-208, 3-210, 3-
21 1, 3-214, 3-215, 3-224, 3-258, 3-
264, 3-268, 3-269, 3-270, 3-272, 3-
273. 3- 274
Forest Practices Act, 3-93
fragmentation, 3-25, 3-35, 3-42, 3-68,
3-75, 3-152
furbearer, 3-44, 3-84, 3-86
geology, 3-2, 3-39, 3-124, 3-190, 3-
191,3-201,3-203
habitat capability, 3-38, 3-42, 3-44, 3-
45. 3- 46, 3-52, 3-53, 3-54, 3-55, 3-
56, 3-57, 3-65. 3-69, 3-70, 3-71, 3-
72. 3- 73, 3-82, 3-83, 3-91, 3-145,
3-178
harvest treatment, 3-51, 3-67, 3-72, 3-
229. 3- 234, 3-235
helicopter logging, 3-13, 3-97, 3-99,
3-105, 3-108, 3-1 10, 3-135, 3-166,
3-199, 3-200
heritage resources, 3-4, 3-262, 3-265,
3-269
humpback whale, 3-11, 3-145, 3-146
Kuiu Project Area DEIS
Chapter 4 • 4-39
4 References and Lists
hunting, 3-10, 3-12, 3-17, 3-18, 3-19,
3-23, 3-49, 3-50, 3-58, 3-63, 3-64,
3-65, 3-67, 3-68, 3-76, 3-77, 3-79,
3-80, 3-84, 3-86, 3-87, 3-88, 3-91,
3-218, 3-227, 3-241, 3-243, 3-244,
3-245, 3-248, 3-249, 3-251, 3-252,
3-257, 3-258, 3-264, 3-267
A
Kadake Creek, 3-11, 3-115, 3-116, 3-
121, 3-122, 3-126, 3-128, 3-129, 3-
130.3- 131,3-132, 3-134, 3-135, 3-
136. 3- 138, 3-139, 3-178, 3-179, 3-
185, 3-226, 3-227, 3-230, 3-232, 3-
233, 3-235, 3-241, 3-244, 3-246, 3-
248. 3- 249
Kadake Creek Watershed, 3-121, 3-
126.3- 130, 3-132,3-134,3-178
Kake, city of, 3-77, 3-182
Kake, Organized Village of, 3-257,
3-262, 3-269, 3-275
Kake, city of, 3-9, 3-11,3-12, 3-58,
3-76, 3-77, 3-79, 3-80, 3-85, 3-89,
3-95, 3-96, 3-202, 3-245, 3-252, 3-
253, 3-254, 3-256, 3-257, 3-262, 3-
270. 3- 274
karst, 3-12, 3-42, 3-190, 3-270
Kuiu Island, 3-2, 3-7, 3-8, 3-9, 3-11,
3-22, 3-23, 3-24, 3-26, 3-27, 3-28,
3-29, 3-31, 3-35, 3-36, 3-41, 3-42,
3-44, 3-49, 3-50, 3-51, 3-58, 3-63,
3-64, 3-65, 3-66, 3-67. 3-68, 3-72,
3-74, 3-77, 3-78, 3-79, 3-80, 3-81,
3-82, 3-84, 3-85, 3-86, 3-87, 3-91,
3-93,3-108,3-112,3-113,3-114,
3-115,3-116,3-117, 3-118,3-119,
3-120, 3-121, 3-122, 3-123, 3-124,
3-145, 3-147, 3-148, 3-149, 3-150,
3-153,3-173,3-177, 3-178,3-190,
3-192, 3-200, 3-202, 3-206, 3-207,
3-208, 3-209, 3-214, 3-215, 3-218,
3-225, 3-241, 3-243, 3-245, 3-246,
3-248, 3-249, 3-251, 3-253, 3-257,
3-262, 3-263
Kupreanof Island, 3-8, 3-9, 3-76, 3-
89, 3-108, 3-252, 3-262
L
Land Use Designation (LUD), 3-2, 3-
6, 3-7, 3-10, 3-21, 3-22, 3-26, 3-27,
3-28,3-73,3-75,3-94,3-117, 3-
1 18, 3-1 19, 3-120, 3-159, 3-160, 3-
171, 3-173, 3-174, 3-178, 3-214, 3-
225, 3-229, 3-230, 3-231, 3-234, 3-
235, 3-237, 3-238, 3-243, 3-251
landslide, 3-1 14, 3-123, 3-124, 3-193,
3-197, 3-198, 3-199, 3-200, 3-201,
3-202, 3-204, 3-205, 3-206
large woody debris (LWD), 3-116, 3-
?76, 3-177
log transfer facility (LTF), 3-87, 3-
100. 3- 101, 3-102, 3-103, 3-109, 3-
110, 3-181, 3-182. 3-183, 3-187, 3-
188. 3- 189, 3-215, 3-218, 3-220, 3-
221. 3- 222, 3-223, 3-232, 3-234, 3-
241, 3-244, 3-247, 3-248, 3-249, 3-
258, 3-260, 3-264, 3-270
logging system, 3-99, 3-104, 3-105,
3-161,3-163,3-164,3-207
Management Indicator Species
(MIS), 3-42, 3-43, 3-49, 3-85
marbled murrelet, 3-28, 3-30, 3-36, 3-
37. 3- 75
marine mammal, 3-24, 3-89, 3-95, 3-
270
Marine Mammal Protection Act, 3-89
market demand, 3-93, 3-106, 3-111,
3-160,3-171,3-269
marten, 3-23, 3-25, 3-30, 3-36, 3-37,
3-38, 3-42, 3-43, 3-44, 3-45, 3-46,
3-47, 3-49, 3-51, 3-66, 3-69, 3-70,
3-71, 3-72, 3-73, 3-80, 3-81, 3-84,
3-85
Mass Movement Index, 3-39, 3-130,
3-132, 3-133, 3-135, 3-136, 3-137,
3-139, 3-192, 3-193, 3-194, 3-195,
3-197, 3-198, 3-199, 3-200, 3-201,
3-202, 3-203, 3-204, 3-205, 3-206
mass wasting, 3-191, 3-197, 3-202, 3-
207
minerals, 3-190
mitigation, 3-3, 3-87, 3-94, 3-186, 3-
188.3- 189,3-271
Modified Landscape LUD, 3-6, 3-243
monitoring, 3-3, 3-43, 3-67, 3-72, 3-
268.3- 271,3-272
moose, 3-10, 3-51, 3-66, 3-80, 3-81,
3-84,3-87,3-95,3-167
National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA), 3-3, 3-99, 3-108
National Forest Management Act
(NFMA), 3-3, 3-92, 3-94, 3-163, 3-
268
National Historic Preservation Act
(NHPA), 3-262, 3-269, 3-273
4-40 • Chapter 4
Kuiu Project Area DEIS
NEPA Economic Analysis Tool
(NEAT), 3-99, 3-100,3-101,3-
102, 3-106, 3-107, 3-109
Northern goshawk, 3-11, 3-28, 3-30,
3-36, 3-37, 3-38, 3-45, 3-46, 3-51,
3-75,3-146,3-147,3-148, 3-152
old-growth forest
coarse canopy, 3-30, 3-36, 3-37, 3-40,
3-41,3-42,3-69,3-70,3-71
productive, 3-10, 3-11, 3-25, 3-26, 3-
28, 3-29, 3-30, 3-35, 3-36, 3-37, 3-
38, 3-39, 3-42, 3-51, 3-52, 3-57, 3-
69.3- 70,3-72, 3-73,3-152
old-growth habitat reserves, 3-2, 3-
23, 3-25, 3-26. 3-27, 3-28, 3-29, 3-
30, 3-35, 3-36, 3-37, 3-68, 3-90, 3-
94.3- 95,3-147, 3-159, 3-231, 3-
243
outfitter/guides, 3-245, 3-246, 3-249,
3-251,3-256,3-267
Petersburg, city of. 3-1, 3-9, 3-11, 3-
28. 3- 50, 3-51, 3-76, 3-78, 3-79, 3-
80. 3- 89, 3-95, 3-96, 3-97, 3-105,
3-107, 3-108, 3-1 12, 3-149, 3-150,
3-151, 3-160, 3-202, 3-252, 3-253,
3-254, 3-256, 3-257, 3-262, 3-270,
3-274, 3-275
planning record, 3-1, 3-9, 3-29, 3-44,
3-74, 3-147, 3-150, 3-178, 3-201,
3-257, 3-268, 3-269
Point Baker, city of, 3-76, 3-77, 3-78,
3-252, 3-253, 3-254
productive forest, 3-25, 3-155, 3-156,
3-157,3-159,3-160,3-191,3-211
proposed action, 3-7, 3-39, 3-44, 3-
52.3- 93,3-106, 3-123, 3-147, 3-
180. 3-186, 3-190, 3-207, 3-236, 3-
257, 3-263, 3-270
pruning, 3-50, 3-65, 3-69, 3-70, 3-71,
3-72, 3-73, 3-156, 3-161, 3-163, 3-
165.3- 167,3-168,3-169
public involvement, 3-1, 3-5, 3-97, 3-
108, 3-112, 3-191, 3-246, 3-274
purpose and need, 3-94, 3-95
R
Record of Decision (ROD), 3-7, 3-21,
3-90, 3-95, 3-106, 3-130, 3-207, 3-
214, 3-217
Recreation Opportunity Spectrum
(ROS), 3-241, 3-242, 3-243, 3-246,
3-247,3-249,3-250,3-251
References and Lists
regeneration, 3-84, 3-88, 3-155, 3-
161. 3- 162, 3-163, 3-165, 3-166, 3-
167, 3-168, 3-171, 3-173, 3-212, 3-
229
reserve trees, 3-162, 3-163, 3-165, 3-
173
riparian area, 3-26, 3-27, 3-28, 3-41,
3-43, 3-44, 3-45, 3-73, 3-75, 3-87,
3-88, 3-90, 3-94, 3-1 17. 3-1 18, 3-
1 19, 3-120, 3-121, 3-122, 3-123, 3-
149. 3- 151, 3-152, 3-157, 3-174, 3-
175, 3-177, 3-188, 3-258, 3-273, 3-
274
riparian management area (RMA), 3-
27.3- 41,3-87,3-94, 3-177
road maintenance, 3-123, 3-129, 3-
186. 3- 222, 3-223
Road Management Objective (RMO),
3-64, 3-67, 3-86, 3-220, 3-248
roadless area, 3-2, 3-5, 3-6, 3-7, 3-8,
3-9,3-10, 3-11,3-12,3-13,3-14,
3-15,3-17,3-18,3-19,3-20, 3-21,
3-22
Roadless Area Conservation Rule, 3-
6, 3-7
Roads
classified roads, 3-4, 3-22, 3-30, 3-36,
3-37,3-74,3-95,3-99, 3-123,3-
169. 3- 180, 3-182, 3-183, 3-185, 3-
192, 3-207, 3-214, 3-216, 3-217, 3-
218, 3-219, 3-220, 3-221, 3-222, 3-
223, 3-224, 3-248, 3-249, 3-250
temporary roads, 3-14, 3-17, 3-18, 3-
19, 3-20, 3-21, 3-22, 3-64, 3-68, 3-
69, 3-70, 3-71, 3-74, 3-86, 3-87, 3-
95.3- 99,3-105,3-123,3-130, 3-
131, 3-133, 3-134, 3-136, 3-138, 3-
180. 3- 183, 3-184, 3-185, 3-189, 3-
192. 3- 199, 3-200, 3-202, 3-204, 3-
205, 3-206, 3-207, 3-212, 3-213, 3-
214, 3-216, 3-219, 3-222, 3-223, 3-
233, 3-234, 3-248, 3-250, 3-258, 3-
260, 3-273, 3-274
Roads Rule, 3-269
Rowan Bay, 3-9, 3-58, 3-87, 3-88, 3-
100. 3- 101, 3-102, 3-109, 3-110, 3-
112. 3- 147, 3-148, 3-181, 3-182, 3-
187, 3-188, 3-189, 3-215, 3-218. 3-
221. 3- 222, 3-226, 3-232, 3-235, 3-
236, 3-241, 3-244, 3-245, 3-248, 3-
249, 3-258, 3-264, 3-270
Rowan Creek Watershed, 3-122, 3-
130.3- 179,3-186
Kuiu Project Area DEIS
Chapter 4 • 4-41
4 References and Lists
Saginaw Bay, 3-87, 3-99, 3-100, 3-
102. 3- 103, 3-109, 3-1 10, 3-169, 3-
179. 3- 181, 3-182, 3-183, 3-187, 3-
188, 3-191, 3-209, 3-218, 3-221, 3-
226, 3-227, 3-232, 3-233, 3-234, 3-
235, 3-236, 3-241, 3-242, 3-243, 3-
244, 3-245, 3-246, 3-247, 3-248, 3-
249, 3-258, 3-263, 3-264, 3-267, 3-
270
Saginaw Creek Watershed, 3-117, 3-
132.3- 135,3-137,3-140,3-179
scenic quality, 3-167, 3-226, 3-233,
3-234, 3-235, 3-236, 3-237
Scenic Viewshed LUD, 3-6, 3-243
second-growth, 3-10, 3-28, 3-49, 3-
69, 3-72, 3-84, 3-90, 3-112, 3-156,
3-167,3-171,3-174
Security Creek Watershed, 3-1 18, 3-
130.3- 134,3-137, 3-139,3-179
sediment, 3-1 12, 3-113, 3-114, 3-115,
3-117,3-118,3-119,3-120, 3-121,
3-122, 3-123, 3-126, 3-127, 3-128,
3-129, 3-130, 3-132, 3-133, 3-135,
3-136, 3-138, 3-139, 3-140, 3-175,
3-176, 3-178, 3-183, 3-184, 3-188,
3-203, 3-209, 3-210, 3-211, 3-272
Semi-remote Recreation LUD, 3-6
shellfish, 3-76, 3-78, 3-79, 3-87, 3-
88.3- 95,3-112, 3-181, 3-182, 3-
186, 3-254, 3-270
shovel logging, 3-104, 3-105, 3-130,
3-133, 3-135, 3-138, 3-199
Silviculture
silvicultural prescription, 3-105, 3-
148, 3-155, 3-161, 3-163, 3-164, 3-
171.3- 200, 3-268
Silvicultural system, 3-94, 3-160, 3-
161
Sitka spruce, 3-153, 3-154, 3-155, 3-
156.3- 162,3-268
small sales, 3-105, 3-109
soils, 3-3, 3-104, 3-112. 3-1 13, 3-114,
3-153, 3-154, 3-156, 3-161, 3-163,
3-170, 3-190, 3-191, 3-192, 3-193,
3-194, 3-199, 3-200, 3-201, 3-202,
3-203, 3-204, 3-205, 3-206, 3-207,
3-208, 3-209, 3-21 1, 3-212, 3-215,
3-271,3-272
Special Interest Area LUD, 3-6
squirrel. Red, 3-42, 3-43
State Historic Preservation Officer
(SHPO), 3-262, 3-269
Steller sea lion, 3-146
stream class, 3-10, 3-26, 3-180, 3-
188.3- 269
stream crossings, 3-87, 3-1 12, 3-128,
3-132,3-135,3-138,3-140,3-180,
3-183, 3-185, 3-218, 3-222, 3-223,
3-274
subsistence, 3-2, 3-5, 3-10, 3-11, 3-
12. 3- 23, 3-49, 3-63, 3-66, 3-76, 3-
77. 3- 78, 3-79, 3-80, 3-81, 3-82, 3-
84, 3-85, 3-86, 3-87, 3-88, 3-89, 3-
90. 3- 91, 3-92, 3-93, 3-94, 3-95, 3-
96, 3-218, 3-227, 3-249, 3-252, 3-
253, 3-254, 3-256, 3-257, 3-258, 3-
267, 3-270, 3-274
T
thinning, 3-50, 3-56, 3-65, 3-69, 3-70,
3-71, 3-72, 3-73, 3-83, 3-84, 3-90,
3-156,3-161,3-163,3-165,3-167,
3-168,3-169,3-170,3-174
threatened, endangered, and sensitive
species, 3-11,3-1 12, 3-145, 3-146,
3-147,3-150,3-152,3-269
Timber Production LUD, 3-2, 3-6, 3-
10, 3-229, 3-230, 3-231, 3-234, 3-
235.3- 237, 3-238,3-243,3-251
timber sale economics, 3-97, 3-161,
3-163,3-166
timber sales, 3-12, 3-21, 3-97, 3-98,
3-110, 3-159,3-218,3-259
timber supply, 3-93, 3-111, 3-269
Tongass Land and Resource
Management Plan (Forest Plan), 3-
1.3- 2, 3-3, 3-4, 3-6, 3-7, 3-8, 3-9,
3-10,3-12,3-13,3-14, 3-21,3-22,
3-23, 3-24, 3-25, 3-26, 3-27, 3-28,
3-29, 3-30, 3-35, 3-36, 3-37, 3-41,
3-42, 3-43, 3-44, 3-52, 3-57, 3-66,
3-72, 3-73, 3-75, 3-80, 3-83, 3-87,
3-88, 3-89, 3-90, 3-91, 3-92, 3-93,
3-94, 3-95, 3-97, 3-106, 3-108, 3-
109, 3-1 12, 3-1 13, 3-1 15, 3-123, 3-
146. 3- 147, 3-148, 3-149, 3-152, 3-
153. 3- 157, 3-158, 3-159, 3-160, 3-
161. 3- 162, 3-163, 3-173, 3-174, 3-
178. 3- 181. 3-188, 3-191, 3-192, 3-
194. 3- 202, 3-204, 3-205, 3-206, 3-
210, 3-21 1, 3-215, 3-216, 3-225, 3-
226, 3-228, 3-229, 3-230, 3-231, 3-
232. 3- 233, 3-234, 3-235, 3-236, 3
237, 3-238, 3-243, 3-251, 3-255,
263, 3-268, 3-269, 3-270, 3-271, 3-
272, 3-273, 3-274
Tongass Timber Reform Act
(TTRA), 3-92, 3-93, 3-95, 3-177,
3-269
4-42 • Chapter 4
Kuiu Project Area DEIS
tourism, 3-11, 3-78, 3-79, 3-252, 3-
254, 3-255, 3-257, 3-258, 3-259
trails, 3-86, 3-228, 3-259
transportation, 3-2, 3-67, 3-68, 3-76,
3-78. 3-86, 3-91, 3-99, 3-103, 3-
180, 3-181, 3-183, 3-202, 3-207, 3-
216, 3-218, 3-221, 3-223, 3-245, 3-
248, 3-253, 3-269
two-aged management, 3-73, 3-103,
3-161,3-162,3-163,3-165,3-171,
3-172,3-173,3-208,3-233
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(USFWS), 3-28, 3-29, 3-35, 3-74,
3-145,3-147,3-149,3-269
uneven-aged management, 3-103, 3-
148. 3- 161, 3-162, 3-163, 3-164, 3-
165.3- 166,3-174,3-233
visual quality, 3-167, 3-225, 3-226, 3-
230, 3-231, 3-232, 3-233, 3-234, 3-
235,3-236,3-237,3-239
volume class, 3-40, 3-69, 3-70, 3-71,
3-158, 3-159, 3-160
volume strata, 3-30, 3-36, 3-37, 3-38,
3-39,3-46, 3-52,3-158,3-159
water quality, 3-4, 3-87, 3-123, 3-
129, 3-130, 3-133, 3-136, 3-139, 3-
176. 3-178. 3-182, 3-188, 3-189, 3-
223, 3-275
waterfowl, 3-66, 3-76, 3-88, 3-89, 3-
90, 3-95, 3-211, 3-243, 3-244, 3-
254
watershed, 3-10, 3-28, 3-30, 3-36, 3-
37.3- 72, 3-1 12, 3-113, 3-1 14, 3-
115, 3-116, 3-117, 3-118, 3-119, 3-
120, 3-121, 3-122, 3-123, 3-124, 3-
126, 3-127, 3-128, 3-129, 3-130, 3-
131, 3-132, 3-134, 3-135, 3-136, 3-
137, 3-138, 3-139, 3-140, 3-161, 3-
163, 3-177, 3-178, 3-179, 3-180, 3-
182.3- 185,3-186
Watershed #109-44-10370, 3-123, 3-
137.3- 179,3-185
Watershed #109-45-10090, 3-119, 3-
180
western hemlock, 3-39, 3-153, 3-154,
3-155, 3-166,3-268
wetlands, 3-2, 3-4, 3-24, 3-149, 3-
186, 3-188, 3-191, 3-203, 3-209, 3-
210. 3- 21 1, 3-212, 3-213, 3-214, 3-
215.3- 270,3-271,3-273,3-274
References and Lists
Wild and Scenic Rivers, 3-2, 3-6, 3-
10. 3- 11, 3-35, 3-159, 3-178, 3-
226, 3-230, 3-233, 3-235
wilderness, 3-6, 3-7, 3-9, 3-13, 3-21,
3-22, 3-27, 3-150, 3-255
Wildlife Analysis Area (WAA 5012),
3-2, 3-38, 3-46, 3-49, 3-53, 3-54,
3-56, 3-66, 3-67, 3-68, 3-72, 3-73,
3-80, 3-81, 3-82, 3-83, 3-91, 3-92,
3-93
wildlife habitat, 3-23, 3-26, 3-28, 3-
35. 3- 52, 3-69, 3-83, 3-90, 3-91, 3-
94, 3-154, 3-155, 3-160, 3-161, 3-
162. 3- 163, 3-167, 3-170, 3-171, 3-
172.3- 173,3-211,3-259
wind disturbance, 3-169, 3-170
windthrow, 3-24, 3-41, 3-162, 3-165,
3-166, 3-169, 3-170, 3-189, 3-192
wolf, Alexander Archipelago, 3-11,
3-23, 3-24, 3-25, 3-42, 3-43, 3-50,
3-65, 3-66, 3-67, 3-68, 3-69, 3-70,
3-71,3-81, 3-82, 3-83, 3-92, 3-257
woodpecker
hairy, 3-42
red-breasted sapsucker, 3-42
Wrangell, city of, 3-76, 3-78, 3-79, 3-
99. 3- 109, 3-252, 3-253, 3-254, 3-
256, 3-257, 3-260
Kuiu Project Area DEIS
Chapter 4 • 4-43
Appendix A
Reasons for Scheduling
the Environmental
Analysis of the Kuiu
Timber Sale Area
Appendix A
Table of Contents
Introduction A -1
Why is Timber from the Tongass National Forest Being Offered for
Sale? A-2
National Legislation A-2
Alaska-Specific Legislation A-2
Tongass National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan A-3
(Forest Plan, as amended) A-3
Roadless Area Conservation Rule A-6
How DOES THE FOREST SERVICE DEVELOP FORECASTS ABOUT FUTURE
Timber Market Demand? A-6
Annual Market Demand A-6
Market Demand over the Planning Cycle A-7
What Steps Must Be Completed to Prepare a Sale for Offer? A-8
How DOES THE FOREST SERVICE MAINTAIN AN ORDERLY AND PREDICTABLE
Timber Sale Program? A-9
Pools of Timber (Pipeline Volume) A-9
Flow Appeals and Litigation Affect the Timber Sale Program A-13
How Does the Forest Service Decide Where Timber Harvest Projects
should be Located? A-13
Timber Resource Land Suitability A-13
District-Level Planning A- 74
How Does This Project Fit into the Tongass Timber Program? A-7 7
Why is this Project Occurring in this Location? A- 7 7
Conclusion A-18
References A-20
Introduction
Appendix A
Reasons for Scheduling the
Environmental Analysis of the Kuiu
Timber Sale Project
This appendix provides an explanation of the rationale for a specific
timber harvest project and its importance to the multi-year timber
program on the Tongass National Forest. To accomplish this, the
following questions are answered:
• Why is timber from the Tongass National Forest being offered for
sale?
• How does the Forest Service develop forecasts about future timber
market demand?
• What steps must be completed to prepare a sale for offer?
• How does the Forest Service maintain an orderly and predictable
timber sale program?
• How does the Forest Service decide where timber sale projects
should be located?
Coordinated timber sale planning is essential for meeting the goals of
the Tongass Land and Resource Management Plan and to provide an
orderly flow of timber to local industry. To determine the volume of
timber to offer each year, the Forest Service can look to current market
conditions and the level of industry operations. However, the planning
process for timber harvest projects requires the Forest Service to rely
on projections of future harvest levels to decide how many timber sale
projects to begin each year. This document explains how the Forest
Service uses information about future markets and past experience
with timber sale planning to determine the volume of timber that needs
to be started through this process each year. This appendix relies
heavily on the current annual timber demand analysis and the most
recent timber sale schedule.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix A • A-1
Appendix A
National
Legislation
Alaska-
Specific
Legislation
Why is Timber from the Tongass National
Forest Being Offered for Sale?
On a national level, the legislative record is clear about the role of the
timber program in the multiple-use mandate of the national forests. One of
the original objectives for creation of national forests was to provide
natural resources, including timber, for the American public. The Organic
Act of 1897 (partially repealed in 1976) directed the agency to manage the
forests in order to "improve and protect the forest ... [and] for the purpose
of securing favorable conditions of water flows, and to furnish a
continuous supply of timber for the use and necessities of the citizens of
the United States" (emphasis added). The Multiple-Use Sustained Yield
Act of 1960 directs the Forest Service to administer federal lands for
“outdoor recreation, range, timber, watershed, and wildlife and fish
purposes.”
The National Forest Management Act (NFMA) of 1976 states that “the
Secretary of Agriculture... [may sell, at not less than appraised value, trees,
portions of trees, or forest products located on National Forest System
Lands].” Although the heart of the Act is the land management planning
process for national forests, the Act also sets policy direction for timber
management and public participation in Forest Service decision-making.
Under NFMA, the Forest Service was directed to “limit the sale of timber
from each national forest to a quantity equal to or less than a quantity
which can be removed from such forest annually in perpetuity on a
sustained-yield basis.”
The NFMA directs the Forest Service to complete land management plans
for all units of the National Forest System. Forest Plans are developed by
an interdisciplinary team to provide for the coordination of outdoor
recreation, range, timber, watershed, wildlife and fish, and wilderness.
Forest plans designate areas of national forest where different
management activities and uses are considered appropriate including those
areas suitable for timber harvest.
Timber from the Tongass National Forest is being offered for sale as part
of the multiple-use mission of the Forest Service identified in the public
laws guiding the agency. In addition, Alaska-specific legislation and the
Tongass Forest Plan direct the Forest Service to seek to provide timber to
meet market demand, subject to the budget appropriations process.
Legislation unique to Alaska directs the Forest Service to maintain a
commercial timber progra;.i. The Alaska National Interest Lands
Conservation Act (ANILCA) and the Tongass Timber Reform Act
(TTRA) provide direction on the issue of Tongass timber supply. Section
101 of TTRA amended the ANILCA timber supply mandate and fixed
A-2 • Appendix A
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix A
Tongass
National
Forest Land
and Resource
Management
Plan
(Forest Plan,
as amended)
budget appropriations and replaced them with the following text in Section
705 (a):
Sec. 705. (a) Subject to appropriations, other applicable law, and the
requirements of the National Forest Management Act of 1976 (P.L.
94-588); except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, the
Secretary shall, to the extent consistent with providing for the multiple
use and sustained yield 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 from such forest and (2)
meets the annual market demand from such forest for each planning
cycle.”
The Record of Decision for the Tongass Land and Resource Management
Plan Revision (Forest Plan) was signed by the Alaska Regional Forester in
1997. The Forest Plan incorporated new resource information and
scientific studies and reflected an extensive public involvement process.
There was direction to supplement the 1997 Final EIS to evaluate and
consider roadless areas within the Tongass for recommendation as
potential wilderness areas as part of the March 2001 US District Court
decision on litigation on the 1997 Forest Plan. The Record of Decision for
the Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement was signed in February
2003. The No-action Alternative was selected; no additional lands were
recommended for Wilderness designation and no changes were made to
the land use designations (LUDs) from the 1997 Record of Decision. The
1997 Forest Plan defines appropriate activities within each LUD.
Approximately 74 percent of the Tongass is allocated to LUDs where
commercial timber harvest is not allowed.
Amendments have been made to the 1997 Forest Plan, primarily to modify
small old-growth habitat reserves to meet Forest Plan criteria. These
amendments have been accomplished with environmental analysis and are
documented in decision documents. Due to those modifications, land use
designations (LUDs) in certain areas have changed from development
LUDs that allow timber harvest to Old-growth Habitat LUD or changed
from the Old-growth Habitat LUD to development LUDs. Since the plan
was signed in 1997, these amendments have affected approximately two
percent of the acres designated as suitable commercial timber by re-
designating them as Old-growth Habitat LUD where timber harvest is not
allowed.
The effects to resources in the Final EIS for the 1997 Forest Plan were
analyzed as if the full timber harvest allowed under each alternative would
occur over the next decade and into the future. In that way the Forest Plan
analysis displayed the maximum environmental effects that could be
reasonably foreseen. Since substantially less timber volume and acres have
been harvested in the first eight years of Forest Plan implementation than
was analyzed, the effects on resources are expected to be less than
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix A • A-3
Appendix A
projected in the 1997 Final EIS. The environmental effects analysis in the
Forest Plan estimated 267 MMBF and 10,200 acres would be harvested
per year. Forest Plan monitoring indicates that average annual harvest has
been less than that amount (Table A-l).
Table A-1
Projected and Actual Tonqass Harvest (MMBF)
Projected Harvest 1
Actual
Harvest
Fiscal
Year
Low
Medium
High
1998
77.3
86.0
112.2
119.8
1999
86.4
99.3
127.9
145.8
2000
95.5
1 1 5.9
142.7
146.8
2001
104.6
129.0
157.7
47. 82
2002
113.7
134.9
173.1
33.8
2003
122.8
140.8
188.9
50.8
2004
131.9
146.5
205.0
46.0
2005
131.9
152.2
221.4
49.6
2006
131.9
157.8
238.2
2007
132.0
163.4
255.3
Average
112.8
132.6
182.2
1 From Morse (April 2000) and Brooks and Haynes 1997.
2 Truncated logging season due to litigation.
On August 5, 2005, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that a
misinterpretation of the Brooks and Haynes 1997 draft timber demand
projections rendered the 1997 Record of Decision for the Tongass Land
Management Plan Revision arbitrary and capricious. The court of appeals
remanded the matter for further proceedings consistent with the court's
opinion ( Natural Resources Defense Council v. U.S. Forest Service). The
process of remedying the defects identified by the court of appeals will be
time-consuming. Delaying the completion of this and other site-specific
projects should be avoided because it would result in substantially
undermining the Forest Service’s ability to respond to timber demand.
A-4 • Appendix A
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix A
Allowable Sale Quantity (ASQ)
The ASQ serves as an upper limit on the amount of timber that may be
offered for sale each year as part of the regularly scheduled timber sale
program. The Record of Decision for the 1997 Forest Plan states:
The maximum amount of timber that could be harvested (Allowable
Sale Quantity or ASQ) during the first decade of the Forest Plan
implementation is an average of 267 MMBF per year. A timber
volume level less than the ASQ is likely to be offered over the next
few years, given current market conditions, the transition that both the
timber industry and the Forest Service are experiencing, and the
current amount of appeals and litigation.
The ASQ is the amount of sustainable timber that can be harvested from
suitable forested lands allocated to development by the Forest Plan, in
accordance with standards and guidelines and other limitations set out in
the plan. It consists of two separate Non-Interchangeable Components
(NICs) called NIC I and NIC II. The NIC I component includes lands that
can be harvested with normal logging systems including helicopter
logging with less than 3A mile yarding distance. The NIC II component
includes land that has high logging costs due to isolation or special
equipment requirements. Most of these NIC II lands are presently
considered economically and technically marginal.
There are two purposes of partitioning the ASQ into two components: (1)
to maintain the economic sustainability of the timber resource by
preventing the over-harvest of the best operable ground and, (2) to identify
that portion of the timber supply that may not be harvested because of
marginal economic conditions.
With regard to timber production sustainability, the decision for the 1997
Forest Plan further states:
The timber resource will be managed for production of sawtimber and
other wood products from timberlands available for sustainable timber
harvest, on an even-flow, sustained-yield basis and in an economically
efficient manner. The Tongass National Forest will seek to provide a
timber supply sufficient to meet the annual market demand for
Tongass National Forest timber and the market demand for the
planning cycle.
The Tongass National Forest will continue to allow timber harvest
while maintaining sustained yield and multiple-use goals. The forest-
wide standards and guidelines for timber include general direction to
“[ejnsure that silvicultural systems other than clearcutting are
considered through an appropriate project level analysis process.”
However, uneven-aged management systems will be limited to areas
where yarding equipment suited to selective logging can be used.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix A • A-5
Appendix A
Roadless
Area
Conservation
Rule
The January 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule prohibited most
timber harvest and road construction in inventoried roadless areas on
National Forest System lands. In July 2003, the US District Court for the
District of Wyoming set aside the roadless rule and permanently enjoined
its implementation. Effective January 2004, after analysis of current
conditions and public comment, the Department of Agriculture amended
the roadless rule so that actions on the Tongass are not subject to the
prohibitions against commercial harvest and road building in the roadless
rule. Management of inventoried roadless areas on the Tongass is now
governed by the 1997 Forest Plan.
In May 2005, the Forest Service adopted a new rule that established a
petitioning process that provides Governors the ability to request
adjustments to management of inventoried roadless areas on national
forests within their states. Submission of a petition is strictly voluntary,
and management requirements for inventoried roadless areas are guided
by the Tongass Forest Plan until and unless these management
requirements are changed through a State-specific rulemaking. If the
Secretary of Agriculture accepts a petition, the Forest Service shall be
directed to initiate notice and comment rulemaking to address the petition.
This 2005 rule negates the need for further Tongass-specific rulemaking
anticipated in the 2003 temporary withdrawal.
An analysis of the effects to roadless areas within the project area has been
included as part of the analysis for this project. This project is consistent
with agency policy and procedures and has been designed to meet the
management direction, goals and objectives, and standards and guidelines
in the Forest Plan.
Annual
Market
Demand
How does the Forest Service Develop
Forecasts about Future Timber Market
Demand?
Consistent with the provisions of the Tongass Timber Reform Act, the
Tongass National Forest makes two determinations on volume to be
offered. The first is an estimate on volume to be offered for the current
year, based on a forecast of annual timber market demand. Annual market
demand is analogous to assessing industry performance in the short-term.
The general approach is to consider the timber requirements of the
region’s sawmills at different levels of operation and under different
assumptions about market conditions and technical processing capability.
Timber inventory requirements are acknowledged and included in the
timber demand forecast. These assumptions provide a basis for estimating
the volume of timber likely to be processed by the industry as a whole in
any given year. The volume of timber likely to be purchased is equal to
A-6 • Appendix A
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix A
Market
Demand over
the Planning
Cycle
the volume needed to make up any inventory shortfall in addition to the
volume likely to be harvested in the coming year.
The annual market demand forecast is a methodology used to set the short
term goals for the Tongass timber sale program - it is the projected
volume of Tongass timber needed to meet annual market demand. The
estimated annual market demand is the volume the Forest plans to offer
for sale in the current year, pending sufficient funding.
The reports Responding to the Market Demand for Tongass Timber
(Morse, April 2000) and Tongass National Forest Timber Sale Procedures
(Morse, October 2000) document the formulas and procedures used in
forecasting annual market demand. The procedures are designed to be
flexible given the uncertainty associated with forecasting market
conditions. This is especially difficult in Southeast Alaska because of the
structural transformation underway in the timber industry. The
methodology accounts for the fact the Forest Service timber sale program
cannot quickly respond to market fluctuations and allows the industry to
accumulate adequate volume under contract. The methodology includes
provisions to monitor industry behavior and includes ways to adjust timber
sale program levels to reflect harvest activity.
The methodology used by Morse documents the formulas and procedures
used in forecasting annual market demand, and uses the correct demand
numbers from the 1997 Brooks and Haynes report. In addition, the
methodology is self-correcting based on actual experience and considers
such factors as mill capacity, utilization, and volume under contract. To
the extent that actual harvest is lower than projected harvest, the inventory
of timber under contract builds up and the demand for new timber
decreases, as long as economic volume is available. The annual demand
for FY 06 is projected to be 153 mmbf. The spreadsheet displaying how
this demand is calculated and a summary of the factors use in these
calculations are in the project record.
The planned offer could include a combination of new, previously offered,
and reconfigured timber sales. Both green timber and salvage will be
components of the program. Offerings will consist of those targeted for
Small Business qualified firms, as well as a portion of the volume being
made available for the open market.
The second level of market demand is for the volume needed over a
planning cycle. To keep the planning cycle demand current, each fiscal
year the timber sale plan is updated for each Ranger District, whereby the
current year is dropped at the end of the fiscal year and a new year is
added. These plans from the Ranger Districts are then consolidated into
the Tongass Timber Sale Plan. In the past, the Tongass prepared a 10-year
timber sale plan. For several reasons, in FY 06, a 5-year timber sale plan
was prepared, which is consistent with Forest Service Manual 2430. The
reasons for using a 5-year timber sale plan include: (1) the difficulty of
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix A • A-7
Appendix A
projecting changing market conditions, (2) the outcome of timber harvest
decisions affected by litigation, and (3) the time it will take to remedy the
Forest Plan to be consistent with the court’s opinion ( Natural Resources
Defense Council v. U.S. Forest Service). This shorter plan will contain
more accurate information for potential purchasers based on completed
and ongoing environmental analyses and provide a plan that is easier to
adjust as market conditions fluctuate.
Demand projections are important for timber sale program planning. They
provide guidance to the Forest Service to request budgets, to make
decisions about workforce and facilities, and to indicate the need to begin
new environmental analysis for future pro: '>m offerings. They also
provide a basis for expectations regarding re harvest, and thus provide
an important source of information for es liing the schedule of
probable future sale offerings. The weight given to the projections will
vary depending on a number of factors, such as how recently they were
done and how well they appear to have accounted for recent, site-specific
events in the timber market.
What Steps Must Be Completed to
Prepare a Sale for Offer?
The Tongass National Forest’s timber sale program is complex. A number
of projects are underway at any given point in time, each of which may be
in a different stage of planning and preparation. A system of checkpoints,
or “gates” (Forest Service Flandbook 2409.18, Chapter 10), helps the
Forest Service track the accomplishments of each stage of a project from
inception to contract termination.
Gate 1 - Initial Planning of Timber Sale Project
A Timber Sale Project Plan, often referred to as a Position Statement, is a
brief analysis of the project area with the intent of determining the
feasibility of a potential timber sale. After the Position Statement is
developed, the Forest Service decides whether the project area merits
continued investment of time and funds in sale planning.
Gate 2 - Project Analysis, Sale Area Design, and Decision
This step is commonly referred to as the “NEPA” phase and includes field
work, public scoping, analysis, draft disclosure of the effects of the project
on the environment, public comment, final analysis and disclosure,
decision, and potentially administrative appeals and litigation. Gate 2
activities are generally completed two to three years before a sale is
offered. Legislation, policy changes, and appeals and litigation have
recently extended completion of some projects for a much longer
timeframe, often doubling the desired time frame.
A-8 • Appendix A
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix A
Gate 3 - Preparation of a Timber Sale
During this step, the information and direction included in the decision
document from Gate 2 is used to layout units and design roads on the
ground. Additional site-specific information is collected at this time. In
order to maintain an orderly flow of sales. Gate 3 activities should be
completed one to three years before a sale is offered.
Gate 4 - Advertise a Timber Sale
The costs and value associated with the timber sale designed in Gate 3 are
appraised and packaged in a timber sale contract. The contract is a legally
binding document that tells a prospective timber sale purchaser how the
sale must be harvested to conform to the project decision document. This
step occurs during the final year of the project development and
culminates with the advertisement of the project for sale.
Gate 5 - Bid Opening
Gate 5 is completed with the opening of bids for the project. If a bid is
submitted, contractual provisions govern when the award of the sale takes
place, when the sale will be completed (contract length and operation
season), and how timber removal is to occur.
Gate 6 - Award a Timber Sale Contract
Gate 6 is the formal designation of a contract between a bidder and the
Forest Service.
Pools of
Timber
(Pipeline
Volume)
How does the Forest Service Maintain an
Orderly and Predictable Timber Sale
Program?
As discussed earlier, the Forest Service tracks the accomplishment of the
different steps of development of each timber sale with the Gate System
process. From a timber sale program standpoint, it is also necessary to
track and manage multiple projects through a “pipeline” of time as
projects collectively move through the Gate System. Because of the
timeframes needed to accomplish a given timber sale and the complexities
inherent in timber sale project and program development, it is necessary to
track various timber sale program volumes from Gate 1 through Gate 6.
The goal of the Tongass National Forest is to provide an even flow of
timber sale offerings on a sustained yield basis to meet market demand. In
recent years, this has been difficult to accomplish due to a combination of
uncertainties such as delays related to appeals and litigation; changing
economic factors, such as rapid market fluctuations; and industry related
factors, such as changes in timber industry processing capabilities. To
achieve an even flow of timber sale offerings, ‘pools’ of volume in various
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix A • A-9
Appendix A
stages of the Gate System are maintained so volume offered can be
balanced against current year demand and market cycle projections.
Today, upward trends in demand are resolved by moving out-year timber
projects forward, which may leave later years not capable of meeting the
needs of the industry. In other instances, a number of new projects are
started based on today’s market but will not be available for a number of
years. By the time the added projects are ready for offer, the market and
demand for this volume may have changed. Three pools of timber volume
are tracked to achieve an even flow of timber sale offerings.
The objective of the timber pools concept is to maintain sufficient volume
in preparation and under contract to be able to respond to yearly
fluctuations in a timely manner. Refer to Table A ■?.. which displays the
projected volume in each pool, as well as the gor or volume. Based on
historic patterns, the Tongass has established a gu^i for the volume to be
maintained in each of the timber pools. Appeals and litigation can cause
timber sale projects to be reevaluated to ensure they meet current
standards and direction, which can cause delays in making projects
available to move through the pools, thereby not fully meeting the goals
for volumes in each pool.
Pool 1 - Timber Volume Under Analysis (Gate 1 and Gate 2)
Volume in Gate 1 , the initial planning step, represents a large amount of
volume, but represents a relatively low investment in each project. This
relatively low investment level offers the timber program manager a
higher degree of flexibility and thus, does not greatly influence the flow of
volume through the pipeline.
Gate 2, Timber volume under environmental analysis, includes sales being
analyzed and undergoing public comment through the NEPA process. This
pool includes any project that has started the scoping process through
those projects ready to have a decision issued. In addition, tracking how
much volume is involved in appeals or litigation may be necessary to
determine possible effects on the flow of potential timber sales. Volume in
appeals and litigation is tracked as a subset of this pool as necessary
(Table A-3).
Based on historic patterns, the Tongass has established a goal for the
pipeline volume to be maintained in each of the timber pools. The goal for
Pool 1 is to be maintained at approximately 4.5 times the amount of the
projected harvest to account for projects at various stages of analysis. That
goal reflects a number of factors which can lead to a decrease in volume
available, such as a decision in Gate 1 to drop further analysis in a
particular planning area (called the “no go” decision), a falldown in
estimated volume between Gate 1 and Gate 2, and volume not available
for harvest due to appeals or litigation.
A-10 • Appendix A
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix A
Table A-2: Accomplishments in gate system and timber pools
(MMBF)
Pipeline Pool Volume
Goal
FY05 As of
11/10/05
Pool 1
Volume Under Analysis
(Gate 1 and 2)
5941
309
Pool 2
Volume Available for Sale
(Gate 3, Gate 4 and Gate 5)
172 2
2393
Pool 3
Volume Under Contract
(Gate 6)
3964
745
The goal for volume under analysis is approximately 4.5 times the projected harvest
for the current year (132 MMBF for 2006 based on PNW estimates). Volume under
analysis includes all volume in projects from the Notice of Intent through completion
of the environmental analysis for sales planned.
The goal for volume available for sale is to have at least 1.3 times the projected
harvest for the current year ( 132 MMBF) in sales that have approved NEPA and
completion of timber sale preparation.
3 Includes volume from sales mutually cancelled under the provision of the 2004
Appropriations Act (Sec. 339). However, much of this volume appraises deficit and
could not be offered for sale under Congressional direction in the 2006 Appropriations
Act (Public Law 109-54, Sec. 416). Does not include volume under litigation - see
Table A-3.
4
The goal for volume under contract is for purchasers to have 3 times the volume
under contract as projected for harvest for the current year (132 MMBF). Does not
include volume for FY 05 offerings (58 mmbf) that have received bids but have not
been awarded or sales that have had mutual cancellation requests granted.
" Estimated volume under contract available for harvest (not including timber enjoined
from harvest).
Pool 2 - Timber Volume Available for Sale (Gates 3, 4 and 5)
Timber volume available for sale includes sales for which environmental
analysis has been completed, and have had any administrative appeals and
litigation resolved. Enough volume in this pool is needed to be maintained
to be able to schedule future sale offerings of the size and configuration
that best meets market needs in an orderly manner.
As a matter of policy and sound business practice, the Forest Service
announces probable future sale offerings through the Periodic Timber Sale
Announcement. Recent delays at Gate 2 have affected sale preparation and
have made scheduling uncertain. At Gate 4, sales have been fully prepared
and appraised, and are available to managers to advertise for sale. This
allows potential purchasers an opportunity to do their own evaluations of
these offerings to determine whether to bid, and if so, at what level.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix A • A-1 1
Appendix A
Timber in this pool can include a combination of new sales, previously
offered unsold sales, and remaining volume from cancelled sales. The goal
is to maintain Pool 2 at approximately 1 .3 times the amount of the
projected harvest to allow flexibility in offering sales.
Table A-3: Timber volume involved in appeals and/or litigation1
Timber volume remanded on appeals2
35 MMBF
Timber volume involved with litigation
215 MMBF
Timber volume under contract enjoined
from implementation
12 MMBF
As of November 10, 2005
' Remanded - Decision overturned during internal review. Does not include that volume
in decisions currently in the appeal period or undergoing an appeal.
Pool 3 - Timber Volume under Contract (Gate 6)
Timber volume under contract contains sales that have been sold and a
contract awarded to a purchaser, but which have not yet been fully
harvested. Contract length is based on the amount of timber in the sale, the
current timber demand, and takes into account the accessibility of the area
for mobilization. The longer the contract period, the more flexibility the
operator has to remove the timber based on market fluctuations. Timber
contracts typically initially give the purchaser three years to harvest and
remove the timber purchased. Analysis of recent Tongass timber sales
indicates an average sale length of about six years.
The Tongass attempts to maintain roughly three years of unharvested
volume under contract to the industry as a whole. This volume of timber is
the industry’s dependable timber supply, which allows adaptability for
business decisions. This practice is not limited to the Alaska Region, but is
particularly pertinent to Alaska because of the nature of the land base. The
relative absence of roads, the island geography, the steep terrain, and the
consequent isolation of much of the timber land means that timber
purchasers need longer-than-average lead times to plan operations, stage
equipment, set up camps, and construct roads prior to beginning harvest.
A combination of projected harvest and projected demand is used to
estimate the volume needed to maintain an even flow timber sale program.
As purchasers harvest timber, they deplete the volume under contract.
Timber harvest is then planned and offered by the agency as sales that
give the industry the opportunity to replace this volume and build or
maintain their working inventory. Although there will be variation for
practical reasons from year to year, in the long-run over both the high
points and low points of the market cycle, the volume harvested will equal
the timber volume sold.
The goal for Pool 3, volume under contract, is to maintain at
approximately three times the amount of projected harvest to allow the
A-12 • Appendix A
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix A
How Appeals
and Litigation
Affect the
Timber Sale
Program
purchasers to have a continuous supply of timber volume available for
harvest so they can plan their operations.
Timber harvest projects require site-specific environmental analysis that
usually is documented in an environmental assessment (EA) or an
environmental impact statement (EIS). The public is notified of the
analysis and is provided the opportunity to comment on proposals and file
an appeal on decisions. The appeal process for most timber harvest
projects takes up to 105 days before implementation to occur.
When decisions are appealed and affirmed through the appeal process, the
project can still be litigated. Litigation can be a lengthy process. Although
litigation does not preclude offering timber for sale, the Forest Service and
potential purchasers are often reluctant to enter into a contract where the
outcome is uncertain. Two sales within the last year were enjoined from
harvest after the contracts were awarded. The outcome of litigation affects
the Forest’s ability to provide a reliable timber supply.
Timber
Resource
Land
Suitability
v».
How Does the Forest Service Decide
Where Timber Harvest Projects should be
Located?
The location of timber sale projects is based first on the land allocation
decisions in the Forest Plan. Under the 1997 Forest Plan, lands designated
for possible timber harvest are in the development land use designations
(LUDs), primarily the Timber Production, Modified Landscape, and
Scenic Viewshed Land Use Designations.
The second consideration is the suitability of the land for timber
production. Many acres within the development LUDs are not suitable for
timber production due to poor soils or steep slopes. The process for
determining the suitability of the land is found in the Forest Plan,
Appendix A. Figure A-l depicts the classification of all the lands within
the Tongass National Forest. Four percent of the Tongass land base, the
suitable, available and scheduled forest land, provides the land base for the
Allowable Sale Quantity of 267 MMBF per year. Under the 1997 Forest
Plan, the remainder of the land, approximately 96 percent, does not allow,
is not scheduled, or is not physically suitable.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix A • A-13
Appendix A
Figure A-1. 1997 Forest Plan Timber Resource Suitability Analysis
Productive Forest
Suitable and Available - Productive Forest Non-
Withdrawn lands
Non-Productive Forest
14°. .
Development FIT)
8%
Productive Foresi-
Noi suitable
6"«
Non-Forest land
4 1 n «
scheduled 4%
Productive Forest Suitable
ant! Available -
Unscheduled 2%
25%
Non-Forest land - Land that has never supported forests, e.g. muskeg, rock, ice
Withdrawn Lands - Lands designated by Congress, ihe Secretary of Agriculture, or Chief
for purposes that preclude timber harvest, e.g. Wilderness Areas.
Non-productive Forest - Forest land not capable of producing commercial wood on a
sustained yield basis.
Productive Forest, Not suitable. Physical Attributes - Forest land unsuitable for timber
production due to physical attributes (steep slopes, soils, etc) and/or inadequate
information to ensure restocking of trees within 5 years of final harvest.
Productive Forest. Not suitable. Non-development LUD - Productive forest lands where
timber production is not allowed due to Forest Plan land use designation e.g. Semi-
Remote Recreation, Old-growth Habitat, etc.
Productive Forest, Suitable and Available, Scheduled - Forest land that meets all the
criteria for timber production suitability and is available and is scheduled by the Forest
Plan over the planning horizon.
Productive Forest Suitable and Available. Unscheduled - Forest land that meets all the
criteria for timber production suitability, is available for harvest, however was not
scheduled in the Forest Plan model for harvest.
District-Level
Planning
The Tongass National Forest is divided into ten ranger districts. For
planning and scheduling purposes, the allowable sale quantity has been
allocated to the ranger districts based on the Forest Plan modeling
(FORPLAN) results of suitable and available acreage. The average annual
distribution of the full Forest Plan allowable sale quantity by ranger
districts is displayed in Table A-4 (all volumes are identified as sawlog
plus utility).
A-14 • Appendix A
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix A
Table A-4: Annual projected distribution of Forest Plan allowable sale
quantity (MMBF)
Ranger District
Non-Interchangeable
Component (NIC) 1
NIC I
NIC II
Ketchikan/Misty Fiords
32
7
Thome Bay
42
9
Craig
33
7
Wrangell
28
6
Petersburg
50
9
Sitka
17
4
Hoonah
7
2
Juneau
7
2
Y akutat
4
1
Admiralty National Monument
0
0
NIC Totals
220
47
ASQ Total
267
1 NIC I component - lands that can be harvested with normal logging systems including
helicopter logging with less than % mile yarding distance. NIC II component includes
land that has higher logging costs due to isolation or special equipment requirements.
The Forest Supervisor for the Tongass National Forest is responsible for
the overall management of the Forest’s timber sale program. Included
within these responsibilities is making the determination on the amount of
timber volume to be made available to industry. Whether or not sufficient
funding is appropriated to attain the program is the responsibility of the
Congress and the President.
While the Congressional appropriation process is taking place, the
Tongass Forest Supervisor directs the District Rangers to develop a timber
sale plan that is the best estimation of the potential timber harvest projects
to attain the prescribed offer level for the current year based on annual
market demand, as well as developing a timber program for the planning
cycle, based on the NIC I average for the ranger districts. The offer level
for the current year in this plan is based, to the extent possible, on the
forecasted annual market demand. Demand may fluctuate from year to
year but recent years have shown little change in the annual demand
projection. Offerings may vary from year to year but recently they have
been in the low market scenario range, as determined by the projected
annual demand.
The District Ranger is responsible for identifying and recommending the
project areas for the timber sale plan. The Ranger’s role is to develop and
recommend to the Forest Supervisor timber harvest projects that meet
Forest Plan goals and objectives. Districts work on various timber sale
projects simultaneously, resulting in continual movement of projects
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix A • A-15
Appendix A
through the stages of the timber program pipeline. This schedule allows
the necessary time to complete preliminary analysis, resource inventories,
environmental documentation, field layout preparations and permit
acquisition, appraisal of timber resource values, advertisement of sale
characteristics for potential bidders, bid opening, and physical award of
the timber sale. Project delays through the com letion of Gate 2
attributable to legal injunctions and litigation has affected the offer level in
recent years. Once all of the Rangers’ recommendations are made and
compiled into a consolidated schedule, the Forest Supervisor is
responsible for the review and approval of the final timber sale plan.
Some of the considerations the District Ranger takes into account for each
project include:
• The project area contains a sufficient number of suitable timber
production acres allocated to development land use designations.
Available information si aid indicate that the timber volume being
considered for harvest can be achieved while meeting Forest Plan
goals, objectives, and standards and guidelines
• Other resource use and potential future uses of the area and of adjacent
areas and of non-National Forest System lands.
• Areas where the investment necessary for project infrastructure (roads,
bridges, etc.) is achievable with the estimated value of timber ir le
project area. Where infrastructure already exists, the project woujd
allow any maintenance and upgrade of the facilities necessary for
removal of timber volume.
• Areas where investments for the project coincide with long-term
management based on Forest Plan Direction.
The implementation of the sales on the timber sale plan depends in part on
the final budget appropriation to the agency. In the event insufficient
budget is allocated, or resolution of pending litigation or other factors
delay planned sales, timber sale projects are selected and implemented on
a priority basis. Generally, the higher priority projects include sales where
investments such as road networks, camps or log transfer facilities have
already been established ^r where land management status is not under
dispute. The distributic- af sales across the Tongass is also taken into
account to distribute the effects of sales and to provide sales in proximity
to timber processing facilities. Timber sale projects, scheduled for the
current year that are not implemented or the remaining volume of sales
that are only partially implemented are shifted to future years in the plan.
The sale plan becomes very dynamic in nature due to the number of
influences on each district.
The Kuiu Timber Sale project meets all laws and regulations governing
the removal of timber from National Forest System lands, including Forest
Service policies as described in Forest Service manuals and handbooks
A-16 • Appendix A
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix A
How Does This
Project Fit into
the Tongass
Timber
Program?
Why is this
Project
Occurring in
this Location?
and the 1997 Forest Plan and ROD. Based on current year and anticipated
future timber volume demand and the timber supply provisions of the
Tongass Timber Reform Act, the analysis of the Kuiu Timber Sale project
is prudent at this time to meet timber sale needs as included on the 5-year
Timber Sale Plan. The anticipated budget allocations and the availability
of resources are sufficient to prepare and offer this project for sale as
scheduled.
The Kuiu Timber Sale project is currently in Gate 2, project analysis. The
amount of volume considered for harvest under the action alternatives
ranges from 14.6 MMBF to 42.6 MMBF which would contribute to the
Tongass timber sale program. A no-action alternative is also analyzed in
this EIS. If an action alternative is selected in the decision for the Kuiu
Timber Sale project, this volume will be added to the volume available for
sale.
As described in the Pools of Timber section of this appendix, the volume
of timber needed to maintain Pool 1 is 4.5 times the amount of the
projected harvest to account for projects at varying stages of analysis for
that year. As displayed in Table A-2, the goal for volume under analysis is
594 mmbf. Currently, forest-wide, the volume under analysis (Pool 1) is
about 309 MMBF and includes the volume for this project. The Kuiu
Timber Sale project contributes to timber sale program planning
objectives and is necessary to meet the goal of providing an orderly flow
of timber from the Tongass on a sustained yield basis to meet timber
supply requirements. It is reasonable to be conducting the environmental
analysis for this project at this time. The Kuiu Timber Sale project is
currently proposed for offer in Fiscal Year 2006.
As explained above, timber harvest project areas are selected for
environmental analysis for a variety of reasons. The reasons this project is
being considered in this area include:
As displayed in the 1997 Tongass Forest Plan, the suitable and scheduled
land base on the Tongass National Forest is capable of supporting an
Allowable Sale Quantity of 267 MMBF annually, 220 MMBF of which is
considered economical (i.e. the NIC I component) under average market
conditions. The Forest Plan analysis assumed all suitable, scheduled
timberlands would eventually be planned for harvest to meet the current
and projected demand for timber in Southeast Alaska. The relocation of
this project to another area is inefficient and potentially contrary to the
standards and guidelines of the Forest Plan. This decision is based on the
consideration of cumulative effects on other resources from past harvest
activities, the location of timber sales under contract, and the eventual use
of all suitable and scheduled lands for timber sale projects.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix A • A-17
Appendix A
The reasons this project is being considered in this area include:
• The area is identified in the Forest Plan as Timber Production
LUD.
• The Kuiu Timber Sale Area contains sufficient acres of suitable
and available forest land to make this timber harvest proposal
reasonable. Areas with available timber need to be considered for
harvest in order to seek to provide a supply of timber from the
Tongass National Forest which ( 1 ) meets the annual market
demand from such forest, and (2) meets the market demand from
such forest for each planning cycle, pursuant to Section 101 of the
Tongass Timber Reform Act (TTRA).
• Providing substantially less timber volume than required to meet
Forest Plan and TTRA Section 101 timber supply and employment
objectives in order to avoid harvest in the project area is not
necessary or reasonable.
• There is an existing road system and only temporary roads are
required to access the timber.
• There are two LTFs with the associated sort yards available for log
transfer. The Rowan Bay LTF would require no upgrading and the
Saginaw Bay LTF would require some reconstruction, including
the development of a low angle barge ramp.
Effects on subsistence resources from timber harvest are projected to have
few differences based on the sequence in which areas are harvested.
Harvesting other areas with available timber on the Tongass National
Forest is expected to have similar potential effects on re arces, including
subsistence resources, because of widespread distribution of subsistence
use and other factors. Harvest within other areas is foreseeable under the
Forest Plan.
Conclusion
There is a long legislative recognition that timber harvest is one of the
appropriate activities on national forests, starting with the founding
legislation for national forests in 1897. The National Forest Organic
Act provides that national forests may be established “/o improve and
protect the forest within the boundaries of or for the purposes of
securing favorable conditions of water flows and to furnish a
continuous supply of timber for the use and necessities of the citizens
of the United States .”
Congress’ policy for national forests, as stated in the Multiple Use
Sustained Yield Act of 1960, is as follows: “The national forests are
A-18 • Appendix A
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix A
established and shall be administered for outdoor recreation, range,
timber, watershed, and wildlife and fish purposes.” Accordingly,
Congress has authorized the Secretary of Agriculture to sell trees and
forest products from the national forests “at no less than appraised
value.” The National Forest Management Act directs that forest plans
shall “provide for multiple use and sustained yield, and in particular,
include coordination of “outdoor recreation, range, timber, watershed,
wildlife, fish and wilderness.
In addition to nationwide statutes, section 101 of the Tongass Timber
Reform Act directs the Forest Service to seek to meet market demand
for timber from the Tongass. It is the goal of the Tongass National
Forest to provide an even flow of timber on a sustained yield basis and
in an economically efficient manner. The amount of timber offered for
sale each year is based on the objective of offering enough volume for
sale to meet the projected annual demand. That annual demand
projection starts with installed mill capacity, and then looks to industry
rate of capacity utilization under different market scenarios, the
volume under contract, and a number of other factors, including
anticipated harvest and the range of expected timber purchases.
As described by Morse (April 2000), in terms of short term economic
consequences, oversupplying the market is less damaging than
undersupplying it. If more timber is offered than purchased in a given
year, the unsold volume is still available for re-offer in future years.
The unsold volume would have no environmental effects because it
would not be harvested. Conversely, a shortfall in the supply of timber
can be financially devastating to the industry. The Kuiu Timber Sale
project could supply from 14.6 MMBF to 42.6 MMBF of volume for
sale, with harvest potentially beginning in 2006.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix A • A-19
Appendix A
References
David Brooks and Richard Haynes, September 1997, Timber Products
Output and Timber Harvest in Alaska: Projections for 1997-2010,
USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, General
Technical Report PNW-GTR-409.
Kathleen Morse, April 2000, Responding to the Market Demand for
Timber, Using Adaptive Management to Implement Sec. 101 of the
1990 Tongass Timber Reform Act, USDA Forest Service, Alaska
Region, R10-MB-413.
Kathleen Morse, October 2000, Tongass National Forest Timber Sale
Procedures, Using Information about Market Demand to Schedule FY
2001 Timber Offerings , USDA Forest Service, Region 10.
Organic Act of 1897, 16 USC 473-481
Multiple-Use Sustained Yield Act of 1960, 16 U.S.C. 528-531
National Forest Management Act (NFMA) of 1976 (16 U.S.C. 472a)
Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA; P.L. 96-
487, 1980)
Tongass Timber Reform Act (TTRA; P.L. 101-625, 1990)
A-20 • Appendix A
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix B
Activity Cards
Appendix B Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION TO APPENDIX B B-1
UNIT CARD HEADER INFORMATION B-1
HARVEST TREATMENTS B-2
RESOURCE CONCERNS AND RESPONSES B-4
UNIT CARDS B-15
ROAD CARDS B-97
ROAD MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES B-98
Activity Cards, Appendix B
Introduction to Appendix B
Activity cards are used to explain site-specific proposed activities and
any resource concerns and responses. These activities include timber
harvest units and proposed and existing roads needed for timber
harvest. Both narratives and maps showing site-specific information
are provided.
The first section of this introduction explains the harvest treatments
proposed for this entry. The next section provides a summary of
resource concerns and design elements used in response to those
concerns. These actions can be either from the Forest Plan or project-
specific.
The introduction to Appendix B is followed by a narrative card and a
map for each proposed harvest unit. These units are in numerical
order. Not every unit is in each alternative. The alternatives are listed
both on the narrative card and on the map. The maps show all
proposed adjacent units whether or not they are in the same
alternatives. Figure B-l shows all the units as they lie in the project
area.
The last section of this Appendix lists existing classified roads used for
the alternatives. It describes the current conditions and management
objectives, and proposed road management objective changes. The
Introduction to the Road Cards explains the terminology used for the
Road Management Objective narrative. A map is included that shows
all the roads and their desired future management.
Unit Card Header Information
Each unit card has a header block with information used to generally
describe 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 acres within the unit using
aerial photos and GIS information.
Alternatives: This identifies the altemative(s) in which the unit is
proposed.
Aerial Photo: This is the identification number of the most recent
aerial photograph taken during 1998-99.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix B • B-1
Appendix B, Activity Cards
Silvicultural
Systems
Land Use Designation (LUD): La^d Use Designation is a defined
area of land, identified by the Foret Plan, to which specific
management direction is applied. All proposed units are in the Timber
Production LUD.
Net Timber Volume: This is an estimated volume in thousand board
feet to be harvested. This was derived from field estimates and the
stand exam program. A cruise will be done during implementation to
determine an accurate volume before the timber is sold.
TM Compartment and Stand: This identifier is used for tracking
purposes from planning through implementation and future treatments.
Volume Strata Acres: This is the approximate number of acres
broken out by volume strata. Three volume strata (high, medium, and
low) are recognized in the Forest Plan and explained in the Timber and
Vegetation section of Chapter 3.
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 information about the
methou.>. ’ echniques, timing, and monitoring of vegetative treatments.
The detailed silvicultural prescription is in the planning record.
Logging Method: This identifies the method of logging in the unit.
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 diagnosis has been written for each unit and a complete silvicultural
prescription will be written for each unit selected for harvest in the
Record of Decision. These prescriptions provide guidance for
treatments following this proposed timber harvest, including
subsequent entries, cedar interplanting, thinning, pruning, and
fertilization through the entire rotation.
Silvicultural prescriptions include these unit cards plus the sale layout
and marking guidelines that would be completed for each of the timber
harvest units that are included in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area Record of
B-2 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Activity Cards, Appendix B
Even-aged
Management,
Clearcut
Two-aged
Management
Decision. Minor changes can be 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.
The harvest treatments found on the unit cards are descriptions of what
will occur under various silvicultural systems. Even-aged management
will result in the conversion of mature stands to faster growing stands
of a single age. Uneven-aged management will result in a stand with
younger trees interspersed with older trees, either in clumps or
distributed across the stand. 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.
Species composition will be monitored to ensure that the mix of
species is roughly the same as expected on the existing site.
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 optimal for the site and the created openings would not
exceed 100 acres, to be in compliance with the National Forest
Management Act. The harvest method chosen to achieve this treatment
is clearcutting. During layout of the unit if changes are made to the
boundary, a change analysis must be completed. The change analysis
includes mapping and documenting the actual layout and rationale for
those changes. No change that may lead to units with opening sizes
over 100 acres would be approved.
This system regenerates and maintains a stand with two age classes.
Removing trees in clumps or as individual trees. Reserves or clumps
would be distrubuted somewhat evenly across the harvest unit or
stand, and away from the unit boundary. The resulting stand may be
two-aged or trend toward the uneven-aged condition as a consequence
of both an extended period of regeneration establishment and retention
of reserve trees that may represent one or more age classes. Two-aged
management regimes can produce stands of greater structural diversity
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix B • B-3
Appendix B, Activity Cards
Uneven-aged
Management
than even-aged management. These stands would not be reentered for
harvest until the next rotation in approximately 100 years.
This system regenerates and maintains a multi-aged structure by
removing some trees in all size classes either singly, in small groups,
or in strips. Uneven-aged management maintains or creates a stand
with trees of three or more distinct age (size) classes, either intimately
mixed or in small groups. This remaining structure provides wildlife
habitat and reduces visual impacts. The next entry into these stands
would be in approximately 75 years, when approximately 25 percent
of the stand’s pre-harvest basal area would be removed in patches or in
single trees.
Group Selection
Stands proposed for this system would have approximately 50 percent
of the basal of the trees remaining after harvest. Merchantable trees
(trees greater than 9 inches in diameter) would be harvested in small
patches to form a mosaic of irregularly shaped openings within the
stand. Smaller trees may be left in this area if the larger trees can be
safely removed. Each group harvested would consist of a mixture of
tree sizes. Each harvested opening will regenerate, creating a patch of
trees with a uniform age and height. These openings may be thinned.
This will create a stand of three or more distinct size classes in small
groups, resulting in an uneven-aged stand.
Single Tree Selection
Stands proposed for this system would have approximately 50 percent
of the basal area of the trees remaining after harvest. This will
regenerate and maintain a multi-aged structure by removing some trees
in various size classes distributed across the stand. Trees to be
harvested would be selected using a criterion such as species, diameter
limits or spacing. A range of diameters, or everything above or below
a certain diameter limit, may define the trees selected for harvest.
Different diameters may be used for different species. The resulting
stand may have small openings plus individual trees harvested
throughout the stand. This will maintain or create a stand of three or
more distinct size classes distributed throughout the stand, resulting in
an uneven-aged stand.
Resource Concerns and Responses
In the Kuiu Timber Sale Area, most of the economic, wildlife, and
watershed concerns are mitigated with the silvicultural system. Other
resource concerns, such as soils, scenery, and fisheries, are mitigated
by unit design and adherence to Forest Plan standards and guidelines
and Best Management Practices (BMPs).
B-4 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Activity Cards, Appendix B
Wildlife and
Biological
Diversity
Threatened,
Endangered,
and Sensitive
Species
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Old Growth Habitat
Loss of old-growth habitat is a wildlife concern for most of the
proposed harvest units. The use of 50 percent retention of the basal
area with the retention of trees of various sizes, and an emphasis on
snags and dying trees, helps mitigate this concern. Other areas of
concern are mitigated through unit selection by alternative and old-
growth habitat reserve selection. Depending upon which alternative
and old-growth habitat reserve are chosen, differing prescriptions and
corridor retentions will mitigate many of the concerns for the species
selected as Management Indicator Species (MIS) for this project.
Three alternative small old-growth habitat reserve (OGR) options are
presented in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area DEIS. The options were
designed through an interdisciplinary process with the input of the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Alaska Department of Fish and
Game. The options meet the intent of the Forest Plan.
The Issue 2- Wildlife Habitat and Subsistence section of Chapter 3
describes and compares the old-growth habitat reserve options. Each
OGR option would retain portions of the remaining patches of old-
growth timber within the project area. These patches are connected to
other patches of habitat by means of Estuary, Beach, Riparian and
Old-growth Habitat Land Use Designations.
Sitka Black-tailed Deer
Changes in deer habitat due to timber harvest may increase
populations in the short-run. However, if stands are allowed to mature
in a natural fashion, the habitat will, over time, decrease in habitat
value through plant succession. Several silvicultural treatments are
available to maintain the habitat value to deer and other species. Pre-
commercial thinning, commercial thinning, and pruning help maintain
the understory in these stands while allowing the trees to grow faster
and straighter.
Reduction of fragmentation is also an important component of
maintaining deer habitat. Low-elevation high value deer habitat occurs
on southern slopes with a coarse canopy of older trees. Where
practical, corridors will be maintained to allow movement of deer from
lower elevation stands to high elevation stands. As mentioned above,
the selection of an old-growth habitat reserve will help mitigate this
concern.
No threatened, endangered, or sensitive species have been located
within the project area. Any nests that may be discovered in the future
would be protected.
Appendix B • B-5
Appendix B, Activity Cards
Water Quality
and Fisheries
Riparian Management Areas
Forecf Plan Standards and Guidelines direct the design of Riparian
Man *ment Areas (RMAs) associated with each stream in the project
area. i he Standards and Guidelines prombit programmed commercial
timber harvest in RMAs associated with all Class I, Class II, and most
Class III streams, except for right-of-way clearing for road
construction. Site-specific adjustments to guidelines may be made only
after a detailed watershed analysis and a determination that
adjustments are consistent with the Forest Plan objectives for each
stream channel type.
RMAs vary in width from the edge of the stream channel according to
channel type (Table B-l) and stream value class (Table B-2). All Class
I and Class II streams are protected fn n commercial timber harvest
within a minimum horizontal distance of 100 feet from the bankfull
margins. Depending on the channel type, RMA widths can be up to
140 feet wide on either side of some Class I, Class II, and Class III
streams. RMAs adjacent to Class III streams are protected from
commercial timber harvest, except along palustrine channel types.
RMA widths on Class III streams are topographically delineated along
channel types with steep side-slopes and are measured to set distances
along other channel types.
Unit card maps show the location of all streams, numbered for
reference, and the associated RMAs. RMA widths for each Class I,
Class II, and Class III stream are prescribed in the unit card narratives.
Unit card narratives also prescribe the location and width of windfirm
buffers for protecting RMAs, except where windthrow potential is
low.
Logging System Controls
Log yarding practices are based on slope stability, soil disturbance,
channel type, and stream class. Additional measures are taken to
protect RMAs from possible disturbance associated with tree felling
and yarding. Harvest activities near Class I, Class II, and Class III
streams require that trees be felled away from the stream and that trees
yarded across or along stream courses be fully suspended to minimize
the exposure of mineral soil. Trees near Class IV streams are felled
away from the stream whenever feasible and logging debris introduced
into Class IV streams is removed. Class IV streams are treated as part
of the hillside, under slope stability standards and guidelines. The
objective is to minimize soil erosion, mass movement, and formation
of new channels.
B-6 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Activity Cards, Appendix B
Best Management Practices
The following Best Management Practices (BMPs) would be applied
in order to protect water quality in the project area as specified in the
Forest Plan (pages C-l to C-3). The BMPs are cited on the Unit Cards
where appropriate. Not all BMPs apply to every situation.
BMP 12.6 (Riparian Area Designation and Protection) - To
identify riparian areas and their associated management activities.
BMP 12.6a (Buffer Design and Layout) - To design streamside
buffers to meet objectives defined during the implementation of BMP
12.6.
BMP 12.17 (Revegetation of Disturbed Areas) - To provide ground
cover to minimize soil erosion.
BMP 13.5 (Identification and Avoidance of Unstable Areas) - To
avoid triggering mass movements and resultant erosion and
sedimentation by excluding unstable areas from timber harvest.
BMP 13.9 (Determining Guidelines for Yarding Operations) - To
select appropriate yarding systems and guidelines for protecting soil
and water resources.
BMP 13.16 (Stream Channel Protection - Implementation and
Enforcement) - To provide the site-specific stream protection
prescriptions consistent with objectives identified under BMPs 12.6
and 12.6a. Objectives may include the following:
• Maintain the natural flow regime.
• Provide for unobstructed passage of storm flows.
• Maintain integrity of the riparian buffer to filter sediment and
other pollutants.
• Restore the natural course of any stream that has been diverted
as soon as practicable.
• Maintain natural channel integrity to protect aquatic habitat and
other beneficial uses.
• Prevent adverse changes to the natural stream temperature
regime.
BMP 14.1 (Transportation Planning) - To assure soil and water
resources are considered in transportation planning activities.
BMP 14.2 (Location of Transportation Facilities) - To assure water
resources protection measures are considered when locating roads and
trails.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix B • B-7
Appendix B, Activity Cards
BMP 14.3 (Design of Transportation Facilities) - To incorporate
site-specific soil and water resource protection measures into the
design of roads and trails.
BMP 14.5 (Road and Trail Erosion Control Plan) - Develop
erosion control plans for road or trail projects to minimize or mitigate
erosion sedimentation and resulting water quality degradation prior to
the initiation of construction and maintenance activities. Ensure
compliance through effective contract administration and timely
implementation of erosion control measures.
BMP 14.6 (Timing Restrictions for Construction Activities) -
Minimize erosion potential by restricting the operating schedule and
conducting operations during lower risk periods.
BMP 14.7 (Measures to Minimize Mass Failures) - Minimize the
chance and extent of road-related mass failures, including landslides
and embankment slumps.
BMP 14.8 (Measures to Minimize Surface Erosion) - Minimize the
erosion from cutslopes, fillslopes, and the road surface, and
consequently reduce the risk of sediment production.
BMP 14.9 (Drainage Control to Minimize Erosion and
Sedimentation) - Minimize the erosive effects of concentrated water
flows from transportation facilities and the resulting degradation of
water quality through proper design and construction of drainage
control systems.
BMP 14.10 (Pioneer Road Construction) - Minimize sediment
production associated with pioneer road construction.
BMP 14.11 (Timely Erosion Control Measures for Incomplete
Projects) - Minimize erosion of and sedimentation from disturbed
ground on incomplete projects by completing erosion control work
prior to seasonal or extended shutdowns.
BMP 14.12 (Control of Excavation and Sidecast Material) -
Minimize sedimentation from unconsolidated excavated and sidecast
material caused by road construction, reconstruction, or maintenance.
BMP 14.14 (Control of In-channel Operations) - Minimize stream
channel disturbances and related sediment production.
BMP 14.15 (Diversion of Flows Around Construction Sites) -
Identify and implement diversion and de-watering requirements at
construction sites to protect water quality and downstream uses.
B-8 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Activity Cards, Appendix B
BMP 14.17 (Bridge and Culvert Design and Installation) -
Minimize adverse impacts on water quality, stream courses, and
fisheries resources from the installation of bridges, culverts, or other
stream crossings.
BMP 14.20 (Road Maintenance) - Maintain all roads in a manner
which provides for soil and water resources protection by minimizing
rutting, road prism failures, sidecasting, and blockage of drainage
facilities.
BMP 14.22 (Access and Travel Management) - Control access and
manage road use to reduce the risk of erosion and sedimentation from
road surface disturbance especially during the higher risk periods
associated with high runoff and spring thaw conditions.
Process Groups and Channel Types
(Forest Plan, page D-3)
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. Channel types are defined within the context of fluvial
process groups that describe the interrelationship between watershed
runoff, landform relief, geology, and glacial or tidal influences on
fluvial erosion and deposition processes. Individual channel type
classifications are defined by physical attributes such as channel
gradient, channel width, channel pattern, stream bank incision and
containment. Table B-l shows the Forest Plan codes used on the unit
card narratives. See the Forest Plan, Figure D-l (page D-4) for a visual
representation of the typical distribution of channel process groups.
Each unit card summarizes the protection for a particular unit. Only
the channel types found in proposed timber harvest units are listed.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix B • B-9
Appendix B, Activity Cards
Table B-1. Channel Types in or adjacent to proposed harvest
units
Process Group
Channel
Type Code
Channel Type Description
High Gradient
Contained
HC2
Shallowly to Moderately
Incised Footslope Channel
HC3
Deeply Incised Upper Valley
Channel
HC5
Shallowly Incised Very High
Gradient Channel
HC6
Deeply Incised Mountain
Slope Channel
Moderate Gradient
Contained
MC2
Moderate Width and Incision
Contained Channel
Moderate Gradient
Mixed Control
MM1
Narrow Mixed Control
Channel
MM2
Moderate Width Mixed
Control Channel
Table B-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 I\ 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).
B-10 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Activity Cards, Appendix B
Scenery
Heritage
Resources
Karst
Lands and
Special Uses
The following Visual Quality Objectives from the Forest Plan provide
standards for management based on the landscape’s scenic
characteristics and public viewing concern.
Retention: Changes in the landscape are not visually evident to the
average forest visitor.
Partial Retention: Changes in the landscape may be evident to the
casual observer but appear as natural occurrences when contrasted
with the appearance to the surrounding landscape.
Modification: Changes in the landscape appear very evident but
incorporate natural patterns of form, line, color, and texture when
contrasted with the appearance of the surrounding landscape.
Maximum Modification: Changes in the landscape appear highly
evident and may visually dominate the surrounding landscape, yet
when viewed in the background distance these activities appear as
natural occurrences.
Scenery Standards and Guidelines
The VQOs within the Kuiu Timber Sale Area include Maximum
Modification and Modification for the Timber Production LUD,
Retention for the Old-growth Habitat LUD, and Partial Retention
within the Recreational River LUD within the !4-mile corridor of
Kadake Creek (see the Scenery section of Chapter 3).
Measures taken to minimize the potential effects on scenery from
timber harvest for this project were limited to the design of Units 414
and 415 within the Kadake Creek Recreational River corridor using a
harvest method of 50 percent basal area retention.
Archaeologists have intensively surveyed areas considered to have a
high probability of containing heritage resources. Some areas outside
the high probability zone and within the area of influence were
surveyed to test the heritage resources predictive model. All identified
heritage resources are not in the vicinity of the proposed timber
harvest and temporary roads. The Forest Service has made a
determination of no effect and has received concurrence from the
Alaska State Historic Preservation Officer for all proposed activities.
There is karst found within the project area. There are no units nor any
road building proposed within the known karst areas. There are no
active mining claims found in the project area.
Lands within the project area include 45,746 acres of National Forest
system lands and 356 acres of lands of non-National Forest System
lands. Special use permit outfitter/guide operations have been
authorized to conduct activities in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix B • B-1 1
Appendix B, Activity Cards
Wetlands
Logging
Economics
There are some areas of forested wetlands and muskeg/forested
wetland mosaics within the proposed harvest units. Both wetland types
are classed as suitable for timber production in the Forest Plan. There
are no other wetland types within harvest unit boundaries.
Helicopter logging cos .re higher for smaller diameter trees
compared to larger diameter trees since it takes more helicopter time to
log the equivalent volume of smaller trees. Due to current market
conditions, the cost of removing this lower value material frequently
exceeds its selling value. In all helicopter units, trees that are 16” DBH
or less and hem'ock greater than 36 inches DBH will be left standing
where they would not create safety concerns during logging.
Yarding costs could increase as much as 60 percent in cable units
where retained trees are left scattered throughout the unit instead of in
clumps along split lines and boundaries. This increased cost associated
with the need to utilize lateral yarding to protect residual trees, results
in increased set-up times.
B-12 • Appendix B
Kjiu Timber Sale DEIS
Kuiu Timber Sale
Figure B-1
Unit Pool
Legend
Unit Pool
Non-National Forest
Lakes/Saltwater
Project Area Boundary
Existing Open Roads
Stream Value Class I & II
t
i
N
I
,!
I
\ 0 0.25 0.5 1 1 5 2
— — ^ — MMih"
Unit Cards
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix B • B-15
Kuiu Timber Sale Unit Card
Unit Number: 101
Unit Acres: 98
Alternatives: 4, 5
1999 Aerial 198 106,
Photo: 198 107
Land Use Timber Production
Designation:
Net Timber 2,633 MBF
Volume:
TM-
Compartment
and Stand: 2-121
Volume Hl§h 86
Strata M'T“ra 5
Low
Acres. Non-forest
Existing Stand Condition: Understory reinitiation
Silvicultural Prescription: Even-aged management, clearcut
Logging Method/ Transportation: Cable / One temporary road
Resource Concerns & Responses
Fish Habitat / Watershed
Streams 1 and 4 are Class III, channel type HC5.
Streams 2, 3, and 5-7 are Class IV, channel type HC5.
Streams 1 and 4: No programmed commercial timber harvest within the RMA, which is
defined as the V-notch. Provide reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the riparian
management area. Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a., 13.9, and 13.16.
Streams 2, 3, and 5-7: Split yard away from class IV streams whenever possible. Buck,
limb, and top felled trees clear of streamcourses. Remove any slash deposited in
streamcourse as a result of timber harvest activities. Implement BMPs 12.6, 13.9, and
13.16.
Steep areas along majority of western boundary of the unit and at the bottom southeast
section of unit. 1 1 Acres MMI- 4, soil investigation found no signs of windthrow or
landslide instability.
Western boundary and temporary road relocated to exclude areas of greatest concern.
Require partial suspension of logs. Avoid harvest in the southeast section where MMI-4
slopes exist. Do not yard across streams 7 and 8.
Wildlife/Biological Diversity
Concern: Large amount of high Volstrata present in unit. Red squirrel and black bear use reported
in unit. 35 acres of medium (HSI 0.40 to 0.50) deer habitat value occurs in this unit. 78
acres of high value marten (HSI >0.89) habitat occurs within unit.
Response: Harvest would not isolate habitat by removing corridors linking low elevation habitat to
high elevations.
Vegetation/Timber
Concern: Even-aged opening size is close to 100 acres.
Response: During layout ensure harvest unit does not exceed 100 acres.
No resource concerns for: Scenery, Karst, Wetlands, Heritage
Concern:
Response:
Soils
Concern:
Response:
B-16 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Kuiu Unit 101 Alternative 4,5
Existing Managed Stands
Riparian Management Area
Forest Plan Old-Growth Reserve
Extreme Hazard Soils
High Hazard Soils
Proposed Unit 101 Boundary
Adjacent Proposed Units
Stream Value Class I
Stream Value Class I!
Stream Value Class III
Stream Value Class IV
Existing Open Roads
Closed Roads (Storage)
Decomissioned Roads
Proposed Roads
100-ft. Contour Interval
660
1320
Scale is 1 inch = 660 feet
-•90&F-
Kuiu Timber Sale Unit Card
Unit Number:
103c
Unit Acres:
20
Alternatives: 2
1999 Aerial
198 106,
Land Use
Timber
Net Timber 503 MBF
Photo:
198 107
Designation:
Production
Volume:
TM-
Compartment
and Stand:
2-133
Volume
Strata
Acres:
High 17
Medium 1
Low 0
Nonforest 2
Existing Stand Condition: Understory reinitiation
Silvicultural Prescription: Even-aged management, clearcut
Logging Method/ Transportation: Cable /Use existing Road 46021
Resource Concerns & Responses
Fish Habitat / Watershed
Concern:
Stream 1 is Class III, Channel Type HC5.
Stream 2 is Class III, Channel Type HC2.
Response:
Streams 1 and 2: No programmed commercial timber harvest within the RMA, which is
defined as the V-notch. Provide reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the riparian
management area. Implement BMPs 12.6, I2.6a„ 13.9, and 13.16.
Wildlife/Biological Diversity
Concern:
Small unit size but large amount of high Volstrata within the unit. Less tl n one acre of
high (HSI > 0.60), 15 acres of medium (HSI 0.40 to 0.50) deer habitat value occurs within
this unit. 17 acres of high value marten (HSI >0.89) habitat occurs within this unit.
Response:
Clearcut prescription would remove all high Volstrata when unit is harvested. Harvest
would not isolate habitat and no corridors linking low to high elevations would be
harvested.
No resource concerns for: Scenery, Soils, Karst, Wetlands, Heritage. Vegetation
B-18 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Kuiu Unit 103c Alternative 2
Existing Managed Stands
Riparian Management Area
Forest Plan Old-Growth Reserve
Extreme Hazard Soils
High Hazard Soils
Proposed Unit 103c Boundary
Adjacent Proposed Units
Stream Value Class I
Stream Value Class II
Stream Value Class III
Stream Value Class IV
Existing Open Roads
Closed Roads (Storage)
Decomissioned Roads
Proposed Roads
100-ft. Contour Interval
660
Scale is 1 inch = 660 feet
1320
Kuiu Timber Sale Unit Card
Unit Number: 103d
Unit Acres: 5
Alternatives: 2
1999 Aerial 198 106,
Photo: 198 107
Land Use Timber
Designation: Production
Net Timber 141 MBF
Volume:
TM-
Compartment
and Stand: 2-123
Volume Hlgh 5
Strata Mef,m
Low
Acres. Non-forest
Existing Stand Condition: Understory reinitiation
Silvicultural Prescription: Even-aged management, clearcut
Logging Method/ Transportation: Cable / Use existing Road 46021
Resource Concerns & Responses
Fish Habitat / Watershed
Concern: Stream 1 is Class III, Channel Type HC5.
Response: Stream 1 : No programmed commercial timber harvest within the RMA, which is defined
as the V-notch. Provide reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the riparian
management area. Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a., 13.9, and 13.16.
Wildlife/Biological Diversity
Concern: Small unit, large amount of high Volstrata within unit. One acre of high (HSI > 0.60), 4
acres of medium (HSI 0.40 to 0.50) deer habitat value occurs within this unit. 5 acres of
high value marten (HSI >0.89) habitat value occurs within this unit.
Response: Clearcut prescription would remove all high Volstrata when unit is harvested. Harvest
would not isolate habitat and no corridors will be removed linking low to high elevations.
No resource concerns for: Scenery, Soils, Karst, Wetlands, Heritage, Vegetation
B-20 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Kuiu Unit 103d Alternative 2
Existing Managed Stands
Riparian Management Area
Forest Plan Old-Growth Reserve
Extreme Hazard Soils
High Hazard Soils
Proposed Unit 103d Boundary
Adjacent Proposed Units
Stream Value Class I
Stream Value Class II
Stream Value Class III
Stream Value Class IV
Existing Open Roads
Closed Roads (Storage)
Decomissioned Roads
Proposed Roads
100-ft. Contour Interval
Pd
660
Scale is 1 inch = 660 feet
1320
Kuiu Timber Sale Unit Card
Unit Number: L
Unit Acres: 100
Alternatives 3, 4, 5
1999 Aerial i 74,
Photo: 19* 75
Land Use Timber
Designation: Production
Net Timber 1,379 MBF Alt 3
Volume: 2,766 MBF Alt 4 & 5
TM-
Compartment
and Stand: 9_p5
Volume High 79
0, . Medium 14
Strata T _
Low 7
Acres: Nonforest 0
Existing Stand Condition: Understory reinitiation
Silvicultural Prescription: Alt. 3 Two-aged management, 50% BA retention, clearcut with reserves, 52
acres and even-aged management, clearcut, 48 acres.
Alt. 4 and 5 Even-aged management, clearcut, 100 acres.
Logging Method/ Transportation: Cable / One temporary road
Resource Concerns & Responses
Fish Habitat / Watershed
Concern: Stream 1 is Class I, Channel Type MM2.
Stream 2 is Class II, Channel Type HC3.
Stream 3 is Class III, Channel Type HC3
Streams 4 and 5 are Class IV, Channel Type HC5.
Stream 6 is Class III, Channel Type HC5.
Response: Stream 1 : No programmed commercial timber harvest in the RMA, which is defined as the
greatest of the flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, riparian associated wetland fens, or 120
feet. Provide reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the riparian management area.
Stream 2: No programmed commercial timber harvest within the RMA, which is defined as
within 100 feet of the stream or to the top of the V-notch, whichever is greater. Provide
reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the riparian management area.
Streams 3 and 6: No programmed commercial timber harvest within the RMA, which is defined
as the V-notch. Provide reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the riparian management area.
Streams 4 and 5: Split yard away from Class IV streams whenever possible. Buck, limb, and top
felled trees clear of streamcourses. Remove any slash deposited in streamcourse as a result of
timber harvest activities.
All Streams: Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Wildlife/Biological Diversity
Large amount of high and medium Volstrata present in unit. 39 acres of high value deer (HSI
>0.60), 53 acres of medium value (HSI 0.40 to 0.50) deer habitat and 79 acres of high value
marten (HSI >0.89) habitat occurs within this unit. Unit is potentially a travel corridor for animals
from high elevation to low elevation.
Alternatives 4 and 5 prescribe clearcut harvest. This prescription would reduce habitat value and
create large area of second growth. It would remove travel corridor between high elevation and
low elevation and would isolate some higher elevation habitat. Alternative 3 prescribes uneven-
aged management, which would mitigate removal of travel corridor for all but 48 acres within this
unit.
Vegetation/Timber
Concern: Even-aged opening size is close to 100 acres.
Response: During layout ensure harvest unit does not exceed 100 acres.
No resource concerns for: Scenery, Soils, Karst, Wetlands, Heritage
Concern:
Response:
B-22 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Kuiu Unit 109 Alternative 3,4,5
EA ■ ■ A 1 A ■ J
V 4^
Existing Managed Stands
Riparian Management Area
Forest Plan Old-Growth Reserve
Extreme Hazard Soils
High Hazard Soils
Proposed Unit 109 Boundary
Adjacent Proposed Units
Stream Value Class I
Stream Value Class I!
Stream Value Class III
Stream Value Class IV
Existing Open Roads
Closed Roads (Storage)
Decomissioned Roads
Proposed Roads
100-ft. Contour Interval
fjd
660
1320
Scale is 1 inch — 660 feet
Kuiu Timber Sale Unit Card
Unit Number: 109b
Unit Acres: 17
Alternatives: 2
1999 Aerial 198 74,
Photo: 198 75
Land Use Timber
Designation: Production
Net Timber 200 MBF
Volume:
TM-
Compartment
and Stand: -,_ps
Volume „ I,ll*h «
Strata Me7um l
Low 4
Acres. Non-forest 0
Existing Stand Condition: Understory reinitiation
Silvicultural Prescription: Two-Aged management clearcut with reserves-50% BA retention above road.
Uneven-aged management - Single Tree Selection -50% BA retention below the road.
Logging Method/ Transportation: Cable / One temporary road
Resource Cone ns & Responses
Fish Habitat / Watershed
Concern: Stream 1 is Class I, Channel Type MM2.
Stream 2 is Class II, Channel Type HC3.
Stream 3 is Class III, Channel Type HC3
Streams 4 and 5 are Class IV, Channel Type HC5.
Response: Stream 1 : No programmed commercial timber harvest in the RMA, which is defined as the
greatest of the flood plain, riparu. egetation or soils, riparian associated wetland fens, or 120
feet. Provide reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the riparian management area. Implement
BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Stream 2: No programmed commercial timber harvest within the RMA, which is defined as
within 100 feet of the stream or to the top of the V-notch, whichever is greater. Provide
reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the riparian management area. Implement BMPs 12.6,
12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Stream 3: No programmed commercial timber harvest within the RMA, which is defined as the
V-notch. Provide reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the riparian management area.
Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Streams 4 and 5: Split yard away from Class IV streams whenever possible. Buck, limb, and top
felled trees clear of streamcourses. Remove any slash deposited in streamcourse as a result of
timber harvest activities. Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Wildlife/Biological Diversity
Concern: High Volstrata present in unit. 5 acres high value (HSI >0.60), 7 acres of medium value (HSI 0.4
to 0.5) deer habitat occurs within this unit. 5 acres high value marten (HSI >0.89) habitat occurs
within this unit. Area is a potential travel corridor from high elevation habitat to low elevation
Response: habitat.
50% basal area retention and small size of the unit would mitigate impacts to potential animal use.
This treatment would reduce travel corridor between high elevation and low elevation but would
not isolate higher elevation habitat because of prescription.
No resource concerns for: Scenery, Soils, Karst, Wetlands, Heritage, Vegetation
B-24 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Kuiu Unit 109b Alternative 2
E5
Existing Managed Stands
Riparian Management Area
Forest Plan Oid-Growth Reserve
Extreme Hazard Soils
High Hazard Soils
Proposed Unit 109b Boundary
Adjacent Proposed Units
Stream Value Class I
Stream Value Class II
Stream Value Class ill
Stream Value Class IV
Existing Open Roads
Closed Roads (Storage)
Decomissioned Roads
Proposed Roads
100 ft. Contour Interval
660
Scale is 1 inch = 660 feet
1320
Kuiu Timber Sale Unit Card
Unit Number: ill
Unit Acres: 24
Alternatives: 2,4,5
1999 Aerial 1 98 74,
Photo: 298 127
Land Use Timber Production
Designation:
Net Timber 3l5MBFAlt2
Volume: 631MBFAlt4&5
TM-
Compartment
and Stand: o p6
Volume w ^igh *
Strata Medrlum '6
Low 0
cres. Non-forest 0
Existing Stand Condition: Understory reinitiation
Silvicultural Prescription: Alt. 2 Two Aged Management-50% BA retention, clearcut with reserves
Alt. 4 and Alt 5 Even-aged management, clearcut, 24 acres
Logging Method/ Transportation: Cable / One temporary road and existing Road 6443
Resource Concerns & Responses
Fish Habitat/Watershed
Concern:
Stream 1 is Class I, Channel Type MC2/MM1.
Response:
Stream 1, MC2 section: No programmed commercial timber harvest within the RMA, which is
defined as within 100 feet of the channel, or to the top of the side-slope break, whichever is
greater. Provide reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the riparian management area.
Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a., 13.9, and 13.16.
Stream 1 MM1 section: No programmed commercial timber harvest in the RMA, which is defined
as the greatest of the flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, riparian associated wetland fens, or
120 feet. Provide reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the riparian management area.
Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a., 13.9, and 13.16.
Wildlife/Biological Diversity
Concern:
Only high and medium Volstrata present. This area was identified as a wildlife corridor by the
IDT. 8 acres of medium value (HSI 0.40 to 0.50) deer habitat and 8 acres of high value marten
(HSI >0.89) habitat are within this unit.
Response:
Uneven-aged management and small size of the unit in Alt 2 would mitigate potential impacts to
animal habitat. Alts 4 & 5 would reduce habitat value and create a large area of second growth.
Alternative 2 would maintain travel corridor between high elevation and low elevation.
Alternatives 4 and 5 would remove this corridor link between high and low elevations.
No resource concerns for: Scenery, Soils, Karst, Wetlands, Heritage, Vegetation
B-26 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Kuiu Unit 111 Alternative 2,4,5
Existing Managed Stands
Riparian Management Area
Forest Plan Old-Growth Reserve
Extreme Hazard Soils
High Hazard Soils
Proposed Unit 111 Boundary
Adjacent Proposed Units
Stream Value Class I
Stream Value Class II
Stream Value Class III
Stream Value Class IV
Existing Open Roads
Closed Roads (Storage)
Decomissioned Roads
Proposed Roads
100-ft. Contour Interval
\
660
1320
Scale is 1 inch = 660 feet
Kuiu Timber Sale Unit Card
Unit Number: 112
Unit Acres: 22
Alternatives: 3,4,5
1999 Aerial 198 77,
Photo: 298 124
Land Use Timber Production
Designation:
Net Timber 316 MBF Alt 3
Volume: 632 AU4&5
TM-
Compartment
and Stand: 3_126
Volume ~~
0. . Medium 0
Strata T A
Low 0
cres. Non-forest 0
Existing Stand Condition: Understory reinitiation
Silvicultural Prescription: Alt. 3 Two-aged management-50% BA retention, clearcut with reserves
Alt. 4, 5 Even-aged management, clearcut.
Logging Method/ Transportation: Cable /Use existing Road 6418
Resource Concerns & Responses
Fish Habitat/Watershed
Concern:
Stream 1 is Class III, Channel Type HC3.
Streams 2 and 3 are Class IV, Channel Type HC5.
Response:
Stream 1 : No programmed commercial timber harvest within the RMA, which is defined as the
V-notch. Provide reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the riparian management area.
Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Streams 2 and 3: Split yard away from Class IV streams whenever possible. Buck, limb, and top
felled trees clear of streamcourses. Remove any slash deposited in streamcourse as a result of
timber harvest activities. Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Wildlife/Biological Diversity
Concern:
Deer, bear and cavity nesting use, only high Volstrata present in unit. 14 acres of medium value
(HSI 0.40 to 0.50) deer habitat and 22 acres of high value marten (HSI >0.89) habitat are within
this unit.
Response:
Two-aged management in Alt 3 and small size of unit would mitigate impacts. Alts 4 & 5 would
reduce habitat value and created large area of second growth. Alternative 3 would maintain a
travel corridor between high elevation and low elevation. Alternatives 4 and 5 would remove the
corridor.
No resource concerns for: Scenery, Soils, Wetlands, Karst, Heritage, Vegetation
B-28 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Kui u Unit 112 Alternative 3,4,5
E52223 Existing Managed Stands
I i Riparian Management Area
Forest Plan Old-Growth Reserve
Extreme Hazard Soils
High Hazard Soils
Proposed Unit 112 Boundary
Adjacent Proposed Units
Stream Value Class I
Stream Value Class II
Stream Value Class III
Stream Value Class IV
Existing Open Roads
Closed Roads (Storage)
Decomissioned Roads
Proposed Roads
100-ft. Contour Interval
Pd
660
Scale is 1 inch = 660 feet
1320
Kuiu Timber Sale Unit Card
Unit Number: 204
Unit Acres: 69
Alternatives: 3, 5
1999 Aerial 598 130,
Photo: 598 131
Land Use Timber Production
Designation:
Net Timber 856 MBFAU3
Volume: 1,717 MBF Alt 5
TM-
Compartment
and Stand: 3_p7
Volume High 35
e. . Medium 29
Strata T A
Low 0
Acres: Non-forest 5
Existing Stand Condition: Understory reinitiation
Silvicultural Prescription: Alt. 3 Two-aged management-50% retention BA, clearcut with reserves
Alt. 5 Even-aged Management, clearcut.
Logging Method/ Transportation: Cable / Two temporary roads
Resource Concerns & Responses
Fish Habitat/Watershed
Concern:
Stream 1 is Class III, Channel Type HC6
Stream 2 is Class IV, Channel Type HC5
Stream 3 is Class IV, Channel Type HC5
Response:
Stream 1 : No programmed commercial timber harvest within the P' I A, which is defined as the
V-notch. Provide reasonable assurance of windfirmne f the rip an management area.
Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Streams 2 and 3: Split yard away from Class IV streams whenever possible. Buck, limb, and top
felled trees clear of streamcourses. Remove any slash deposited in streamcourse as a result of
timber harvest activities. Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Wildlife/Biological Diversity
Concern:
Large amount of high and medium Volstrata reported in this unit. 14 acres of high value (HSI
>0.60), 24 acres of medium value (HSI 0.40 to 0.50) deer habitat and 35 acres of high value
marten (HSI >0.89) habitat are located within this unit.
Response:
Two-aged management prescriptions in Alternative 3 would mitigate the harvest of high and
medium Volstrata and deer and marten habitat values within the unit. Clearcut harvest in Alt 5
would remove all old-growth habitat and reduce deer and marten habitat values. Unit is high
elevation, and harvest would not isolate habitat and no corridors would be removed.
No resource concerns for: Soils, Karst, Wetlands, Scenery, Heritage, Vegetation
B-30 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Kuiu Unit 204 Alternative 3,5
Existing Managed Stands
Riparian Management Area
Forest Plan Old-Growth Reserve
Extreme Hazard Soils
High Hazard Soils
Proposed Unit 204 Boundary
Adjacent Proposed Units
Stream Value Class I
Stream Value Class II
Stream Value Class III
Stream Value Class IV
Existing Open Roads
Closed Roads (Storage)
Decomissioned Roads
Proposed Roads
100-ft. Contour Interval
N
660
1320
Scale is 1 inch = 660 feet
Kuiu Timber Sale Unit Card
Unit Number: 205
Unit Acres: 39
Alternatives: 3
1999 Aerial 598 130,
Photo: 598 131
Land Use Timber Production
Designation:
Net Timber 833 MBF
Volume:
TM-
Compartment
and Stand: 3_128
Volume w ?.
Strata Mefum *
. Low 12
Acres: Non-forest 3
Existing Stand Condition: Understory reinitiation
Silvicultural Prescription: Even-aged management, clearcut
Logging Method/ Transportation: Cable / One temporary road
Resource Concerns & Responses
Fish Habitat/Watershed
Concern:
Stream 1 is Class III, Channel Type HC6
Response:
Stream 1 : No programmed commercial timber harvest within the RMA, which is defined as the
V-notch. Provide reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the riparian management area.
Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Wildlife/Biological Diversity
Concern:
High, medium and low Volstrata located within unit. 1 acre of high value (HSI >0.60), 4 acres of
medium value (HSI 0.40 to 0.50) deer habitat and 9 acres of high value marten (HSI >0.89)
habitat are located within the unit.
Response:
Clearcut harvest would remove all old-growth habitat and reduce marten and deer habitat values.
Unit is in high elevation habitat and harvest would not isolate habitat and no corridors would be
removed.
No resource concerns for: Soils, Karst, Wetlands, Scenery, Heritage, Vegetation
B-32 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Kuiu Unit 205 Alternative 3
L
Existing Managed Stands
Riparian Management Area
Forest Plan Old Growth Reserve
Extreme Hazard Soils
High Hazard Soils
Proposed Unit 205 Boundary
Adjacent Proposed Units
Stream Value Class I
Stream Value Class II
Stream Value Class III
Stream Value Class IV
Existing Open Roads
Closed Roads (Storage)
Decomissioned Roads
Proposed Roads
100-ft. Contour interval
N
660
1320
Scale is 1 inch = 660 feet
Kuiu Timber Sale Unit Card
Unit Number: 207
Unit Acres: 75
Alternatives: 2,4
1999 Aerial 598 100,
Photo: 598 101
Land Use Timber Production
Designation:
Net Timber 239MBF
Volume:
TM-
Compartment
and Stand: vpc)
Volume p
Strata Medtlum l
. Low 0
cres. Non-forest 0
Existing Stand Condition: Understory reinitiation
Silvicultural Prescription: Alt. 2 Two-aged management - 50% BA retention, clearcut with reserves 65 acres,
even-aged management clearcut 10 acres.
Alt. 4 Uneven-aged Management, 50% BA retention, clearcut with reserves, 65 acres and even-aged management,
clearcut, 10 acres.
Logging Method/ Transportation: Cable and Shovel logging / Existing Road 46096
Resource Concerns & Responses
Fish Habitat/Watershed
Concern:
Streams 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 are Class IV, Channel Type HC5.
Stream 3 is Class III, Channel Type HC6.
Response:
Soils
Streams 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6: Split yard away from Class IV streams whenever possible. Buck, limb,
and top felled trees clear of streamcourses. Remove any slash deposited in streamcourse as a
result of timber harvest activities. Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Stream 3: No programmed commercial timber harvest within the RMA, which is defined as the
V-notch. Provide reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the riparian management area.
Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Concern:
13.7 acres of MMI-4 soils at bottom of unit. Soils investigation found no past evidence of
landslides or windthrow. However, if a landslide occurs within hazardous soil areas (at bottom
southeast section of unit), displaced sediment could impact high value Sedge Fen Wetland located
below.
Response:
Recommend partial harvest and partial suspension for unit.
Wildlife/Biological Diversity
Concern:
This prescription was designed to retain a wildlife travel corridor. A large amount of high
Volstrata is located in this unit. 1 acre of high value (HSI >0.60), 12 acres of medium value (HSI
0.40 to 0.50) deer habitat and 58 acres of high value marten (HSI >0.89) habitat are within the
Response:
unit.
50% BA retention prescriptions would mitigate the harvest of high Volstrata and marten habitat
values within the unit. Harvest would not isolate habitat and no corridors would be removed from
low to high elevations.
No resource concerns for: Karst, Wetlands, Scenery, Heritage, Vegetation
B-34 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
\m\\
Kuiu Unit 207 Alternative 2,4
/
Existing Managed Stands
Riparian Management Area
Forest Plan Old-Growth Reserve
Extreme Hazard Soils
High Hazard Soils
Proposed Unit 207 Boundary
Adjacent Proposed Units
Stream Value Class I
Stream Value Class II
Stream Value Class III
Stream Value Class IV
Existing Open Roads
Closed Roads (Storage)
Decomissioned Roads
Proposed Roads
100-ft. Contour Interval
\
660
1320
Scale is 1 inch = 660 feet
Kuiu Timber Sale Unit Card
Unit Number: 207
Unit Acres: 60
Alternatives: 3
1999 Aerial J9g |(|(|
Photo. 59g ]0]
Land Use Timber Production
Designation:
Net Timber 9|gMBF
Volume:
TM-
Compartment
and Stand: 3_p9
Volume lllgh 7
Strata Mecmm l
Low 0
Acres: Non-forest 0
Existing Stand Condition: Understory reinitiation
Silvicultural Prescription: Two-aged management, 50% BA retention, clearcut with reserves, 57 acres and
even-aged management, clearcut, 3 acres.
Logging Method/ Transportation: Cable and Shovel logging / Existing Road 46096
Resource Concerns & Responses
Fish Habitat/Watershed
Concern:
Streams 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 are Class IV, Channel Type HC5.
Stream 3 is Class III, Channel Type HC6.
Response:
Streams 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6: Split yard away from Class IV streams whenever possible. Buck, limb,
and top felled trees clear of streamcourses. Remove any slash deposited in streamcourse as a
result of timber harvest activities. Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Stream 3: No programmed commercial timber harvest within the RMA, which is defined as the
V-notch. Provide reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the riparian management area.
Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Soils
Concern:
MMI-4 soils at bottom of unit. Soils investigation found no past evidence of landslides or
windthrow. However, if a landslide occurs within hazardous soil areas (at bottom southeast
section of unit), displaced sediment could impact high value Sedge Fen Wetland located below.
Response:
Recommend partial harvest and partial suspension for unit.
Wildlife/Biological Diversity
Concern:
This prescription was designed to retain a wildlife travel corridor. A large amount of high
Volstrata is located in this unit. 1 acre of high value (HSI >0.60), 12 acres of medium value (HSI
0.40 to 0.50) deer habitat and 58 acres of high value marten (HSI >0.89) habitat are within the
Response:
unit.
50% BA retention prescriptions would mitigate the harvest of high Volstrata and marten habitat
values within the unit. Harvest is not expected to isolate habitat and no corridors would be
removed.
No resource concerns for: Karst, Wetlands, Scenery, Heritage, Vegetation
B-36 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Kuiu Unit 207 Alternative 3
Existing Managed Stands
Riparian Management Area
I-:' Forest Plan Old-Growth Reserve
Extreme Hazard Soils
/ High Hazard Soils
Proposed Unit 207 Boundary
Adjacent Proposed Units
Stream Value Class I
Stream Value Class I!
Stream Value Class III
Stream Value Class IV
Existing Open Roads
Closed Roads (Storage)
Decomissioned Roads
Proposed Roads
100-ft. Contour Interval
Ffd
660
Scale is 1 inch = 660 feet
1320
Kuiu Timber Sale Unit Card
Unit Number: 207
Unit Acres: 62
Alternatives: 5
1999 Aerial 598 loo.
Photo: 598 lOi
Land Use Timber Production
Designation:
Net Timber 1789MBF
Volume:
TM-
Compartment
and Stand: 3.129
Volume , 'Uh 7
Strata Me'Um 1
Low 0
Acres: Non-forest 0
Existing Stand Condition: Understory reinitiation
Silvicultural Prescription: Even-aged management, clearcut.
Logging Method/ Transportation: Cable and Shovel logging / Existing Road 46096
Resource Concerns & Responses
Fish Habitat/Watershed
Concern:
Response:
Soils
Concern:
Response:
Streams 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 are Class IV, Channel Type HC5.
Stream 3 is Class III, Channel Type HC6.
Streams 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6: Split yard away from Class IV streams whenever possible. Buck, limb,
and top felled trees clear of streamcourses. Remove any slash deposited in streamcourse as a
result of timber harvest activities. Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Stream 3: No programmed commercial timber harvest within the RMA, which is defined as the
V-notch. Provide reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the riparian management area.
Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
MMI-4 soils adjacent to SE section of unit. Soils investigation found no past evidence of
landslides or windthrow. However, if a landslide occurs within hazardous soil areas (at bottom
southeast section of unit), displaced sediment could impact high value Sedge Fen Wetland located
below and with clearcut sediment would be more likely to reach wetland below.
Unit boundary was moved to exclude MMI-4 soils.
Wildlife/Biological Diversity
^oncem: There is 59 acres high Volstrata is located in this unit. 12 acres of medium value (HSI 0.40-0.50)
deer habitat and 58 acres of high value marten (HSI>0.89) habitat are within the unit.
Response. Clearcut harvest would remove all old-growth habitat within the unit. Alternative 5 would isolate
and re: /e travel corridors between high and low elevations.
No resource concerns for: Karst, Wetlands, Scenery, Heritage, Vegetation
B-38 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Kuiu Unit 207 Alternative 5
Existing Managed Stands
Riparian Management Area
Forest Plan Old-Growth Reserve
Extreme Hazard Soils
High Hazard Soils
Proposed Unit 207 Boundary
Adjacent Proposed Units
Stream Value Class I
Stream Value Class II
Stream Value Class III
Stream Value Class IV
Existing Open Roads
Closed Roads (Storage)
Decomissioned Roads
Proposed Roads
100-ft. Contour Interval
N
660
1320
Scale is 1 inch = 660 feet
Kuiu Timber Sale Unit Card
Unit Number: 208
Unit Acres: 97
Alternatives: 3
1999 Aerial 598 99,
Photo: 598 100
Land Use Timber Production
Designation:
Net Timber
Volume: ’
TM-
Compartment
and Stand: 3_130
Volume w fgh
Strata Medlum '
Low 0
cres. Non-forest 0
Existing Stand Condition: Understory reinitiation
Silvicultural Prescription: Even-aged management, clearcut.
Logging Method/ Transportation: Cable / One temporary road
Resource Concerns & Responses
Fish Habitat/Watershed
Concern:
Stream 1 is Class IV, Channel Type HC5.
Stream 2 is Class III, Channel Type HC5.
Stream 3 is Class III, Channel Type HC5.
Stream 4 is Class III, Channel Type HC6.
Response:
Stream 1 : Split yard away from Class IV streams whenever possible. Buck, limb, and top felled
trees clear of streamcourses. Remove any slash deposited in streamcourse as a result of timber
harvest activities. Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Stream 2: No programmed commercial timber harvest within the RMA, which is defined as
within 100 feet of the stream or to the top of the V-notch, whichever is greater. Provide
reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the riparian management area. Implement BMPs 12.6,
12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Streams 3 and 4: No programmed commercial timber harvest within the RMA, which is defined
as the V-notch. Provide reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the riparian management area.
Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Wildlife/Biological Diversity
Concern:
Wolf den found in unit in 2003 monitored 2003 - 2005. No activity noted 2004 or 2005. Large
amount of high Volstrata reported in this unit. 5 acres of high value (HI >0.60), 78 acres of
medium value (HSI 0.40 to 0.50) deer habitat and 96 acres of high value marten (HSI >0.89)
habitat are within the unit.
Response:
Buffer was placed around den, eastern edge of unit boundary moved to exclude den and buffer.
Clearcut harvest would remove all old-growth habitat and reduce deer and marten habitat values.
Unit is high elevation and harvest would not isolate habitat and no corridors would be removed.
Vegetation/Timber
Concern:
Even-aged opening size is close to 100 acres.
Response:
During layout ensure harvest unit does not exceed 100 acres.
No resource concerns for: Soils, Karst, Wetlands, Scenery, Heritage
B-40 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Kuiu Unit 208 Alternative 3
I,'*' A_X« * -4 < /«,
JX Xs A <,/\ ^ l/'S V
\ v < X/V <
• Z V//'' ''V >X X y' \ ^ Y <"N /N>
> V X.V < H x /
<§>^\ </sxx><v^^V
or y v v v a> <y » <
Existing Managed Stands
Riparian Management Area
Forest Plan Old-Growth Reserve
Extreme Hazard Soils
High Hazard Soils
Proposed Unit 208 Boundary
Adjacent Proposed Units
Stream Value Class I
Stream Value Class II
Stream Value Class III
Stream Value Class IV
Existing Open Roads
Closed Roads (Storage)
Decomissioned Roads
Proposed Roads
100 ft. Contour Interval
660
Scale is 1 inch = 660 feet
1320
Kuiu Timber Sale Unit Card
Unit Number: 208
Unit Acres: 98
Alternatives: 4
1999 Aerial 598 99,
Photo: 598 100
Land Use
_ . Timber Production
Designation:
Net Timber 2,847MBF
Volume:
TM-
Compartment
and Stand: 3130
Volume w “S*1 f
Strata Me?um 1
Low 0
Acres: Non-forest 0
Existing Stand Condition: Understory reinitiation
Silvicultural Prescription: Alt. 4, Even-aged management, clearcut, 98 acres
Logging Method/ Transportation: Cable / One temporary road
Resource Concerns & Responses
Fish Habitat/Watershed
Concern:
Stream 1 is Class IV, Channel Type HC5.
Stream 2 is Class III, Channel Type HC5.
Stream 3 is Class III, Channel Type HC5.
Response:
Stream 1: Split yard away from Class IV streams whenever possible. Buck, limb, and top felled
trees clear of stream courses. Remove any slash deposited in stream course as a result of timber
harvest activities. Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Stream 2: No programmed commercial timber harvest within the RMA, which is defined as
within 100 feet of the stream or to the top of the V-notch, whichever is greater. Provide
reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the riparian management area. Implement BMPs 12.6,
12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Stream 3: No programmed commercial timber harvest within the RMA, which is defined as the
V-notch. Provide reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the riparian management area.
Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Wildlife/Biological Diversity
Concern:
Wolf den found in unit in 2003 monitored 2003 - 2005. No activity noted 2004 or 2005. Large
amount of high Volstrata reported in this unit. 5 acres of high value (HI >0.60), 78 acres of
medium value (HSI 0.40 to 0.50) deer habitat and 96 acres of high value marten (HSI >0.89)
habitat are within the unit.
Response:
Buffer was placed around den, eastern edge of unit boundary moved to exclude den and buffer.
Clearcut harvest would remove all old-growth habitat and reduce deer and marten habit. . values.
Unit is high elevation and harvest would not isolate habitat and no corridors would be removed.
Vegetation/Timber
Concern:
Even-aged opening size is close to 100 acres.
Response:
During layout ensure harvest unit does not exceed 100 acres.
No resource concerns for: Soils, Karst, Wetlands, Scenery, Heritage
B-42 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Kuiu Unit 208 Alternative 4
r*r — a/ ’ ■ >
Existing Managed Stands
! i Riparian Management Area
l:-:- Forest Plan Oid-Growth Reserve
Extreme Hazard Soils
/ High Hazard Soils
Proposed Unit 208 Boundary
Adjacent Proposed Units
Stream Value Class I
Stream Value Class II
Stream Value Class III
Stream Value Class IV
Existing Open Roads
Closed Roads (Storage)
Decomissioned Roads
Proposed Roads
100-ft. Contour Interval
660
Scale is 1 inch = 660 feet
1320
Kuiu Timber Sale Unit Card
Unit Number: 208a
Unit Acres: 43
Alternatives: 2, 5
1999 Aerial 598 99,
Photo: 598 100
Land Use Timber Production
Designation:
Net Timber , 17t..Dr
w . 1,175 MBF
Volume:
TM-
Compartment
and Stand: vn()
Volume 25
, Medium 18
Strata T n
Low 0
Acres: Non-forest 0
Existing Stand Condition: Understory reinitiation
Silvicultural Prescription: Even-aged management, clearcut
Logging Method/ Transportation: Cable / One temporary road
Resource Concerns & Responses
Fish Habitat/Watershed
Concern:
Stream 1 is Class IV, Channel Type HC5.
Stream 2 is Class II, Channel Type HC5.
Stream 3 is Class III, Channel Type HC5.
Response:
Stream 1 : Split yard away from Class IV streams whenever possible. Buck, limb, and top felled
trees clear of streamcourses. Remove any slash deposited in streamcourse as a result of timber
harvest activities. Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Stream 2: No programmed commercial timber harvest within the RMA, which is defined as
within 100 feet of the stream or to the top of the V-notch, whichever is greater. Provide
reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the riparian management area. Implement BMPs 12.6,
12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Stream 3: No programmed commercial timber harvest within the RMA, which is defined as the
V-notch. Provide reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the riparian management area.
Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Wildlife/Biological Diversity
Concern:
Wolf den found in 2003 and monitored 2003-2005. No activity noted 2004-2005. Large amount
of high and medium Volstrata reported in this unit. 9 acres of high value (HSI >0.60), 15 acres of
medium value (HSI 0.40 to 0.50) deer habitat and 24 acres of high value marten (HSI >0.89)
habitat are within the unit.
Response:
Wolf den buffer prescribed for site. Unit split on both sides of den and buffer area. Clearcut
prescription will remove all old-growth habitat and reduce the deer and marten habitat values
when unit is harvested. Unit is in high elevation harvest would not isolate habitat and no corridors
would be removed.
No resource concerns for: Karst, Wetlands, Soils, Scenery, Heritage, Vegetation
B-44 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Kuiu Unit 208a Alternative 2,5
r-X A 1 A ' ]
h 'v' m
/A Aw I
1
j
Existing Managed Stands
Riparian Management Area
Forest Plan Old-Growth Reserve
Extreme Hazard Soils
High Hazard Soils
Proposed Unit 208a Boundary
Adjacent Proposed Units
Stream Value Class I
Stream Value Class II
Stream Value Class III
Stream Value Class IV
Existing Open Roads
Closed Roads (Storage)
Decomissioned Roads
Proposed Roads
100-ft. Contour Interval
FjjJ
0 660 1320
Scale is 1 inch = 660 feet
Kuiu Timber Sale Unit Card
Unit Number: 208b
Unit Acres: 51
Alternatives: 2, 5
1999 Aerial 598 100,
Photo: 598 101
Land Use Timber Production
Designation:
Net Timber i,49i MBF
Volume:
TM-
Compartment
and Stand: 313l
Volume “igh ^
Strata Me?um l
Low 0
Acres: Non-forest 0
Existing Stand Condition: Understory reinitiation
Silvicultural Prescription: Even-aged management, clearcut
Logging Method/ Transportation: Cable / One temporary road
Resource Concerns & Responses
Fish Habitat/Watershed
Concern:
Stream 1 is Class III, Channel Type HC5.
Stream 2 is Class III, Channel Type HC5.
Response:
Stream 1 : Split yard away from Class IV streams whenever possible. Buck, limb, and top felled
trees clear of streamcourses. Remove any slash deposited in streamcourse as a result of timber
harvest activities. Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Stream 2: No programmed commercial timber harvest within the RMA, which is defined as
within 100 feet of the stream or to the top of the V-notch, whichever is greater. Provide
reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the riparian management area. Implement BMPs 12.6,
12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Stream 3: No programmed commercial timber harvest within the RMA, which is defined as the
V-notch. Provide reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the riparian management area.
Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Wildlife/Biologica! Diversity
Concern:
Wolf den found 2003 and monitored 2003-2005. No activity noted 2004-2005. Large amount of
high Volstrata reported in this unit. 21 acres of high value (HSI >0.60), 20 acres of medium value
(HSI 0.40 to 0.50) deer habitat and 50 acres of high value marten (HSI >0.89) habitat are within
Response: -■»
the unit.
Wolf den buffer prescribed for site. Unit split on both sides of den and buffer area. Clearcut
prescription will remove all old-growth habitat and reduce the deer and marten habitat values
when unit is harvested. Unit is high elevation and would not isolate habitat and no corridors
would be removed.
No resource concerns for: Karst, Wetlands, Soils, Scenery, Heritage, Vegetation
B-46 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Kuiu Unit 208b Alternative 2,5
r
L
Existing Managed Stands
Riparian Management Area
Forest Plan Old-Growth Reserve
Extreme Hazard Soils
High Hazard Soils
Proposed Unit 208b Boundary
Adjacent Proposed Units
Stream Value Class I
Stream Value Class II
Stream Value Class ill
Stream Value Class IV
Existing Open Roads
Closed Roads (Storage)
Decomissioned Roads
Proposed Roads
100-ft. Contour Interval
Pp
660
1320
Scale is 1 inch = 660 feet
Kuiu Timber Sale Unit Card
Unit Number: 209
Unit Acres: 64
Alternatives: 2, 3,4, 5
1999 Aerial 598 100,
Photo: 598 101
Land Use Timber Production
Designation:
Net Timber 93 1 MBF Alt 2, 3, 4
Volume: 1,861 MBF Alt 5
TM-
Compartment
and Stand: 3_130
Volume w »'8h II4
Strata Me*um °
Low 0
Acres: Non-forest 0
Existing Stand Condition: Understory reinitiation
Silvicultural Prescription: Alt. 2, 3, 4 Uneven-aged management, 50% BA retention, Group Selection, 19
acres, Uneven-aged Management, 50% BA retention. Single Tree Selection, 45 acres.
Alt. 5 Even-aged management, clearcut.
Logging Method/ Transportation: Cable / Use existing Road 46096
Resource Concerns & Responses
Fish Habitat/Watershed
Concern:
Response:
Soils
Concern:
Response:
Wildlife/Biological Diversity
Concern:
Stream 1 is Class III, Channel Type HC5.
Stream 2 is Class IV, Channel Type HC5.
Stream 1 : No programmed commercial timber harvest within the RMA, which is defined as the
V-notch. Provide reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the riparian management area.
Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Stream 2: Split yard away from Class IV streams whenever possible. Buck, limb, and top felled
trees clear of streamcourses. Remove any slash deposited in streamcourse as a result of timber
harvest activities.
2 acres MMI-4 soils above Class III stream in V-notch.
Area excluded from unit in all alternatives.
Response:
Black bear, red-breasted sapsucker activity and game trails were noted in the unit. Entire unit is
comprised of high Volstrata. 1 1 acres of high value (HSI >0.60), 19 acres of medium value (HSI
0.40 to 0.50) deer habitat and 65 acres of high value marten (HSI >0.89) habitat are located with
the unit.
50% BA retention would mitigate the harvest of old-growth and deer and marten habitat values
within the unit in Alternatives 2, 3, and 4. Clearcut harvest would remove all old-growth and
reduce deer and marten habitat values in Alternative 5. Harvest would not isolate habitat and
corridors in Alternatives 2, 3 and 4. Alternative 5 would isolate high elevation habitat and remove
the travel corridors.
No resource concerns for: Karst, Wetlands, Scenery, Heritage, Vegetation
B-48 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Kuiu Unit 209 Alternative” 2, 3,4,5
Existing Managed Stands
Riparian Management Area
Forest Plan Old-Growth Reserve
Extreme Hazard Soils
High Hazard Soils
Proposed Unit 209 Boundary
Adjacent Proposed Units
Stream Value Class I
Stream Value Class II
Stream Value Class III
Stream Value Class IV
Existing Open Roads
Closed Roads (Storage)
Decomissioned Roads
Proposed Roads
100-ft. Contour Interval
660
1320
Scale is 1 inch = 660 feet
Kuiu Timber Sale Unit Card
Unit Number: 210
Unit Acres: 48
Alternatives: 3, 4, 5
1999 Aerial 598 97,
Photo: 98,99
Land Use Timber Production
Designation:
Net Timber U74MBF
Volume:
TM-
Compartment
and Stand: 3133
Volume w f
, Medium 4
Strata , n
Low 0
Acres: Non-forest 0
Existing Stand Condition: Understory reinitiation
Silvicultural Prescription: Even-aged management, clearcut
Logging Method/ Transportation: Cable / One temporary road
Resource Concerns & Responses
Fish Habitat/Watershed
Concern:
Stream 1 is Class III Channel Type E1C2.
Streams 2, 3, 4, and 5 are Class IV, Channel Type HC2.
Response:
Stream 1: No programmed commercial timber harvest within the RMA, which is defined as the
V-notch. Provide reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the riparian management area.
Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Streams 2, 3, 4, and 5: Split yard away from Class IV streams whenever possible. Buck, limb, and
top felled trees clear of streamcourses. Remove any slash deposited in streamcourse as a result of
timber harvest activities. Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Soils
Concern:
Steep cliff area just southwest of unit
Response:
Place backline just below steep area.
Wildlife/Biological Diversity
Concern:
Large amount of high Volstrata reported in this unit. 5 acres of medium value (HSI 0.40 to 0.50)
deer habitat and 42 acres of high value marten (HSI >0.89) habitat locate within unit.
Clearcut harvest would remove all old-growth habitat and reduce deer and marten habitat values.
Response:
Harvest would not isolate habitat and no corridors will be removed.
No resource concerns for: Scenery, Heritage, Vegetation, Karst, Wetlands
B-50 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Kuiu Unit 210 Alternative 3,4,5
./.V J \/ .
Existing Managed Stands
Riparian Management Area
Forest Plan Old-Growth Reserve
Extreme Hazard Soils
High Hazard Soils
Proposed Unit 210 Boundary
Adjacent Proposed Units
Stream Value Class I
Stream Value Class II
Stream Value Class III
Stream Value Class IV
Existing Open Roads
Closed Roads (Storage)
Decomissioned Roads
Proposed Roads
100-ft. Contour interval
Pd
660
1320
Scale is 1 inch = 660 feet
Kuiu Timber Sale Unit Card
Unit Number: 21 1
Unit Acres: 36
Alternatives: 4, 5
1999 Aerial 598 97,
Photo: 98, 99
Land Use Timber Production
Designation:
Net Timber 7% MBF
Volume:
TM-
Compartment
and Stand: 3_134
Volume ,, High 20
Strata Medrlum 5.
Low 5
cres. Non-forest 6
Existing Stand Condition: Understory reinitiation
Silvicultural Prescription: Even-aged management, clearcut
Logging Method/ Transportation: Cable / One temporary road and existing Road 46096
Resource Concerns & Responses
Fish Habitat/Watershed
Concern:
Stream 1 is Class IV, Channel Type HC5.
Stream 2 is Class IV, Channel Type HC2.
Response:
Streams 1 and 2: Split yard away from Class IV streams whenever possible. Buck, limb, and top
felled trees clear of streamcourses. Remove any slash deposited in streamcourse as a result of
timber harvest activities. Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Wildlife/Biological Diversity
Concern:
Large amount of high Volstrata reported in this unit. 2 acres of high value (HSI >0.60), 6 acres of
medium value (HSI 0.40 to 0.50) deer habitat and 20 acres of high value marten (HSI >0.89)
habitat are located within unit.
Response:
Clearcut harvest would remove all old-growth habitat and reduce deer and marten habitat values.
Harvest would not isolate habitat and no corridors would be removed.
No resource concerns for: Soils, Karst, Wetlands, Scenery, Heritage, Vegetation
B-52 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Kuiu Unit 211 Alternative 4,5
Existing Managed Stands
Riparian Management Area
Forest Plan Old-Growth Reserve
Extreme Hazard Soils
High Hazard Soils
Proposed Unit 211 Boundary
Adjacent Proposed Units
Stream Value Class I
Stream Value Class II
Stream Value Class III
Stream Value Class IV
Existing Open Roads
Closed Roads (Storage)
Decomissioned Roads
Proposed Roads
100-ft. Contour Interval
\
660
1320
Scale is 1 inch = 660 feet
Kuiu Timber Sale Unit Card
Unit Number: 212
Unit Acres: 9
Alternatives: 4, 5
1999 Aerial 598 97,
Photo: 98, 99
Land Use Timber
Designation: Production
Net Timber 217MBF
Volume:
TM-
Compartment
and Stand: 3_135
Volume w “Sh :
Strata Mefum '
Low 0
Acres: Non-forest 1
Existing Stand Condition: Understory reinitiation
Silvicultural Prescription: Even-aged management, clearcut
Logging Method/ Transportation: Shovel / One temporary road
Resource Concerns & Responses
Fish Habitat/Watershed
Concern: Streams 1 and 2 are Class IV, Channel Type HC5.
Response: Streams 1 and 2: Split yard away from class IV streams whenever possible. Buck, limb, and top
felled trees clear of streamcourses. Remove any slash deposited in streamcourse as a result of
timber harvest activities. Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Wildlife/Biological Diversity
Concern: 6 acres of medium value (HSI 0.40 to 0.50) deer habitat and 7 acres of high value marten (HSI
>0.89) habitat are within the unit.
Response: Clearcut harvest would remove old-growth habitat and reduce the marten habitat values when unit
is harvested. Harvest would not isolate habitat and no corrida would be removed.
No resource concerns for: Soils, Karst, Wetlands, Scenery, Heritage, Vegetation
B-54 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Kuiu Unit 212 Alternative 4,5
Existing Managed Stands
Riparian Management Area
Forest Plan Old-Growth Reserve
Extreme Hazard Soils
High Hazard Soils
Proposed Unit 212 Boundary
Adjacent Proposed Units
Stream Value Class I
Stream Value Class II
Stream Value Class III
Stream Value Class IV
Existing Open Roads
Closed Roads (Storage)
Decomissioned Roads
Proposed Roads
100-ft. Contour Interval
660
1320
Scale is 1 inch = 660 feet
Kuiu Timber Sale Unit Card
Unit Number: 302
Unit Acres: 66
Alternatives: 4
1999 Aerial 298 123,
Photo: 298 124
Land Use Timber Production
Designation:
Net Timber MBF
Volume:
TM-
Compartment
and Stand: V136
Volume w ”‘8h f
Strata Medlum ®
Low 0
Cres. Non-forest 0
Existing Stand Condition: Understory reinitiation
Silvicultural Prescription: Uneven-aged management, 50% BA retention, Single Tree Selection
Logging Method/ Transportation: Helicopter /Use landing on existing Road 6413
Resource Concerns & Responses
Fish Habitat/Watershed
Concern:
Streams 1, 4, and 7 are Class III, Channel Type HC5
Streams 2, 3, 5, and 6 are Class IV, Channel Type HC5.
Response:
Streams 1, 4, and 7: No programmed commercial timber harvest within the RMA, which is
defined as the V-notch. Provide reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the riparian
management area. Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Streams 2, 3, 5, and 6: Split yard away from Class IV streams whenever possible. Buck, limb, and
top felled trees clear of streamcourses. Remove any slash deposited in streamcourse as a result of
timber harvest activities. Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Soils
Concern:
Steep soils exist in patches in unit
Response:
Helicopter harvest with full suspension
Wildlife/Biological Diversity
Concern:
Large amount of high Volstrata in unit. Less than one acre of high value (HSI >0.60), 30 acres of
medium value (HSI 0.40 to 0.50) deer habitat and 66 acres of high value marten (HSI >0.89)
habitat are within the unit.
Response:
50% BA retention would help maintain old-growth characteristics and values and retain high
value marten habitat. Harvest would not isolate habitat and no corridors would be removed.
No resource concerns for: Scenery, Heritage, Vegetation, Wetlands, Karst
B-56 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Kuiu Unit 302 Alternative 4
[
Existing Managed Stands
Riparian Management Area
Forest Plan Old-Growth Reserve
Extreme Hazard Soils
High Hazard Soils
Proposed Unit 302 Boundary
Adjacent Proposed Units
Stream Value Class I
Stream Value Class M
Stream Value Class III
Stream Value Class IV
Existing Open Roads
Closed Roads (Storage)
Decomissioned Roads
Proposed Roads
100-ft. Contour Interval
N
660
1320
Scale is 1 inch = 660 feet
Kuiu Timber Sale Unit Card
Unit Number: 303
Unit Acres: 68
Alternatives: 4
1999 Aerial 598 130,
Photo: 598 131
Land Use Timber Production
Designation:
Net Timber
994 MBF
Volume:
TM-
Compartment
and Stand: 3_137
Volume H,gh 68
e, , Medium 0
Strata T A
Low 0
Acres: Non-forest 0
Existing Stand Condition: Understory reinitiation
Silvicultural Prescription: Uneven-aged management, 50% BA retention. Single Tree Selection.
Logging Method/ Transportation: Helieoptc / Use landings on existing Road 6413
Resource Concerns & Responses
Watershed/Fisheries
Concern: Streams 1, 2, 3, and 4 are Class III, Channel Type HC6.
Response: Streams 1, 2, 3, and 4: No programmed commercial timber harvest within the RMA, which is
defined as the V-notch. Provide reasonable assurance of windfinnness of the riparian management
area. Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Soils
Concern: Evidence of windthrow in unit. 10 acres MMI-4 soils.
Response: Partial cut with helicopter harvest (full suspension), avoiding steepest areas.
Wildlife/Biological Diversity
Concern: Large amount of high Volstrata in unit. 22 acres of high value (HSI >0.60) deer habitat and 66
acres of high value marten (HSI >0.89) habitat within the unit.
Response: 50% BA retention would mitigate harvest by retaining old-growth characteristics and values and
retain marten and deer habitat. Harvest would not isolate habitat and no corridors would be
removed.
No resource concerns for: Scenery, Heritage, Vegetation, Karst, Wetlands
B-58 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
mm
Kuiu Unit 303 Alternative 4
Existing Open Roads
Closed Roads (Storage)
Decomissioned Roads
Proposed Roads
100-ft. Contour Interval
Adjacent Proposed Units
Stream Value Class I
Stream Value Class II
Stream Value Class III
Stream Value Class IV
Existing Managed Stands
Riparian Management Area
Forest Plan Old-Growth Reserve
Extreme Hazard Soils
High Hazard Soils
Proposed Unit 303 Boundary
660
1320
Scale is 1 inch = 660 feet
Kuiu Timber Sale Unit Card
Unit Number: 305
Unit Acres: 36
Alternatives: 4
1999 Aerial 598 131,
Photo: 598 132
Land Use Timber Production
Designation:
Net Timber c_0 _ -
w . 528 M
Volume:
TM-
Compartment
and Stand: 3_138
High 36
Volume Medium 0
Strata Acres: Low 0
Non-forest 0
Existing Stand Condition: Understory reinitiation
Silvicultural Prescription: Uneven-aged management, 50% BA retention. Single Tree Selection.
Logging Method/ Transportation: Helicopter / Use landing on existing Road 6413
Resource Concerns & Responses
Fish Habitat/Watershed
Concern: Stream 1 is Class III, Channel Type HC5.
Stream 2 is Class IV, Channel Type HC5.
Stream 3 is Class III, Channel Type HC6.
Response: Streams 1 and 3: No programmed commercial timber harvest within the RMA, which is defined
as the V-notch. Provide reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the riparian management area.
Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16
Stream 2: Split yard away from Class IV streams whenever possible. Buck, limb, and top felled
trees clear of streamcourses. Remove any slash deposited in streamcourse as a result of timber
harvest activities. Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Soils
Concern: Steep soils exist in patches in unit, 12.5 acres MMI-4
Response: Helicopter harvest with full suspension, avoid steepest areas by selective harvest.
Wildiife/Biological Diversity
Concern: Large amount of high Volstrata in unit. 5 acres of high value (HSI >0.60) deer habitat and 32
acres of high value marten (HSI >0.89) habitat are within unit.
Response: 50% BA retention would mitigate harvest by retaining old-growth characteristics and values and
retain marten and deer habitat. Harvest would not isolate habitat and no corridors would be
removed.
No resource concerns for: Scenery, Heritage, Vegetation, Wetlands, Karst
B-60 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Kuiu Unit 305 Alternative 4
Existing Managed Stands
Riparian Management Area
Forest Plan Old-Growth Reserve
Extreme Hazard Soils
High Hazard Soils
Proposed Unit 305 Boundary
Adjacent Proposed Units
Stream Value Class I
Stream Value Class II
Stream Value Class III
Stream Value Class IV
Existing Open Roads
Closed Roads (Storage)
Decomissioned Roads
Proposed Roads
100-ft. Contour Interval
Fjd
660
1320
Scale is 1 inch = 660 feet
Kuiu Timber Sale Unit Card
Unit Number: 307
Unit Acres: 17
Alternatives: 3, 4, 5
1999 Aerial 598 132,
Photo: 598 133
Land Use Timber
Designation: Production
Net Timber
.. . 444 MBF
Volume:
TM-
Compartment
and Stand: 3_139
Volume ^
e, , Medium 9
Strata T n
Low 0
Acres: Non-forest 0
Existing Stand Condition: Understory reinitiation
Silvicultural Prescription: Even-aged management, clearcut
Logging Method/ Transportation: Cable / One temporary road
Resource Concerns & Responses
Watershed/Fisheries
Concern:
Stream 1 is Class III, Channel Type HC6.
Stream 2 is Class I MM2.
Response:
Stream 1 : No programmed commercial timber harvest within the RMA, which is defined as the
V-notch. Provide reasonable assurance of windfinnness of the riparian management area.
Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16
Stream 2: No programmed com’ ial timber harvest in the RMA, which is defined as the
greatest of the floodplain, riparia. egetation or soils, riparian associated wetland fens, or 120
feet. Provide reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the riparian management area. Implement
BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Wildlife/Biological Diversity
Concern:
Large amount of high and medium Volstrata in unit. 8 acres of high value (HSI >0.60) deer
habitat and 8 acres of high value marten (HSI >0.89) habitat are within the unit.
Response:
Clearcut harvest would remove all old-growth habitat and reduce deer and marten habitat values.
Harvest would not isolate habitat and no corridors will be removed.
No resource concerns for: Soils, Wetlands, Karst, Scenery, Heritage, Vegetation
B-62 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
MM
Kuiu Unit 307 Alternative 3,4,5
Existing Managed Stands
Riparian Management Area
Forest Plan Old-Growth Reserve
Extreme Hazard Soils
High Hazard Soils
Proposed Unit 307 Boundary
Adjacent Proposed Units
Stream Value Class I
Stream Value Class II
Stream Value Class III
Stream Value Class IV
Existing Open Roads
Closed Roads (Storage)
Decomissioned Roads
Proposed Roads
100-ft. Contour Interval
660
1320
Scale is 1 inch = 660 feet
Kuiu Timber Sale Unit Card
Unit Number: 308
Unit Acres: 39
Alternatives: 3, 4, 5
1999 Aerial 298 126,
Photo: 298 127
Land Use Timber Production
Designation:
Net Timber 977 MBF
Volume:
TM-
Compartment
and Stand: V]40
Volume High 6
. Medium 33
Strata T n
Low 0
cres. Non-forest 0
Existing Stand Condition: Understory reinitiation
Silvicultural Prescription: Even-aged management, clearcut
Logging Method/ Transportation: Cable and Shovel / One temporary road
Resource Concerns & Responses
Fish Habitat/Watershed
Concern: Streams 1, 2, and 4 are Class III, Channel Type HC6.
Stream 3 is Class IV Channel Type HC5.
Stream 5 is Class II Channel Type HC6.
Stream 6 is Class I Channel Type MM2.
Response: Streams 1, 2, and 4: No programmed commercial timber harvest within the RMA, which is
defined as the V-notch. Provide reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the RMA. Implement
BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Stream 3: Split yard away from Class IV streams whenever possible. Buck, limb, and top felled
trees clear of streamcourses. Remove any slash deposited in streamcourse as a result of timber
harvest activities. Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Stream 5: No programmed commercial timber harvest within the RMA, which is defined as
within 100 feet of the stream or to the top of the V-notch, whichever is greater. Provide
reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the RMA. Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and
13.16.
Stream 6: No programmed commercial timber harvest in the RMA, which is defined as the
greatest of the flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, riparian associated wetland fens, or 120
feet. Provide reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the RMA. Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a.
13.9, and 13.16.
Wildlife/Biological Diversity
Concern: Large amount of medium Volstrata in unit. 5 acres of high value (HSI >0.60) deer habitat and 5
acres of high value marten (HSI >0.89) habitat are within the unit.
Response: Clearcut harvest would remove all old-growth habitat and reduce deer and marten habitat values.
Harvest would not isolate habitat and no corridors would be removed.
No resource concerns for: Soils, Wetlands, Karst, Scenery, Heritage, Vegetation
B-64 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
1600
Kuiu Unit 308 Alternative 3,4,5
Existing Open Roads
Closed Roads (Storage)
Decomissioned Roads
Proposed Roads
100-ft. Contour Interval
Adjacent Proposed Units
Stream Value Class I
Stream Value Class II
Stream Value Class III
Stream Value Class IV
Existing Managed Stands
Riparian Management Area
Forest Plan Old-Growth Reserve
Extreme Hazard Soils
High Hazard Soils
Proposed Unit 308 Boundary
Fjd
660
1320
Scale is 1 inch = 660 feet
Kuiu Timber Sale Unit Card
Unit Number: 401
Unit Acres: 20
Alterr f;ves: 4,5
1999 Aerial 198 72,
Photo: 198 73
Land Use Timber Production
Designation:
Net T ik>.oer
i, , 586 MBF
Volume:
TM-
Compartment
and Stand: p7
Volume High 20
e. . Medium 0
Strata T A
Low 0
Acres: Non-forest 0
Existing Stand Condition: Understory reinitiation
Silvicultural Prescription: Even-aged management, clearcut
Logging Method/ Transportation: Cable / One temporary road
Resource Concerns & Responses
Watershed/Fisheries
Concern: Stream 1 is Class I, Channel Type MM1.
Stream 2 is Class II, Channel Type HC3.
Stream 3 is Class III, Channel Type HC6.
Response: Stream 1 : No programmed commercial timber harvest in the RMA, which is defined as the
greatest of the flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, riparian associated wetland fens, or 120
feet. Provide reasonable assurance of windftrmness of the riparian management area. Implement
BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Stream 2: No programmed commercial timber harvest within the RMA, which is defined as
within 1 00 feet of the stream or to the top of the V-notch, which ver is greater. Provide
reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the riparian management area. Implement BMPs 12.6,
12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Stream 3 : No programmed commercial timber harvest within the RMA, which is defined as the
V-notch. Provide reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the riparian management area.
Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Wildlife/Biological Diversity
Concern: IDT recommended dropping this unit from alternatives 2 and 3 because it was a wildlife corridor
between two existing clearcuts. Large amount of high Volstrata would be harvested in this unit.
17 acres of high value (HSI >0.60), 3 acres of medium value (HSI 4.0 to 5.0) deer habitat and 20
acres of high value marten (HSI >0.89) habitat are within the unit.
Response: Clearcut harvest would remove all old-growth habitat and reduce deer and marten habitat values.
Harvest would remove wildlife corridor.
No resource concerns for: Soils, Scenery, Heritage, Vegetation, Karst, Wetlands
B-66 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Kuiu Unit 401 Alternative 4,5
Existing Managed Stands
Riparian Management Area
Forest Plan Old-Growth Reserve
Extreme Hazard Soils
High Hazard Soils
Proposed Unit 401 Boundary
Adjacent Proposed Units
Stream Value Class I
Stream Value Class II
Stream Value Class III
Stream Value Class IV
Existing Open Roads
Closed Roads (Storage)
Decomissioned Roads
Proposed Roads
100-ft. Contour Interval
Scale is 1 inch — 660 feet
Kuiu Timber Sale Unit Card
Unit Number: 402
Unit Acres: 24
Alternatives: 4, 5
1999 Aerial 298 129,
Photo: 298 130
Land Use Timber Production
Designation:
Net Timber
w . 678 MBF
Volume:
TM-
Compartment
and Stand: 6 36
Volume w “S'1 l9
Strata Me7um l
Low 2
Acres: Non-forest 0
Existing Stand Condition: Understory reinitiation
Silvicultural Prescription: Even-aged management, clearcut
Logging Method/ Transportation: Cable / One temporary road
Resource Concerns & Responses
Fish Habitat/Watershed
Concern:
Streams 1,2, and 4 are Class IV, Channel Type HC5.
Stream 3 is Class IV, Channel Type HC2.
Stream 5 is Class II, Channel Type HC2.
Stream 6 is Class III, Channel Type HC2.
Response:
Streams 1, 2, 3, and 4: Split yard away from Class IV streams whenever possible. Buck, limb, and
top felled trees clear of streamcourses. Remove any slash deposited in streamcourse as a result of
timber harvest activities. Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Stream 5: No programmed commercial timber harvest within the RMA, which is defined as
within 100 feet of the stream or to the top of the V-notch, whichever is greater. Provide
reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the riparian management area. Implement BMPs 12.6,
12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Stream 6: No programmed commercial timber harvest within the RMA, which is defined as the
V-notch. Provide reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the riparian management area.
Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Concern:
Access road would cross a Class II stream.
Response:
Install a log stringer bridge. Designate location of stream crossing and minimize stream channel
disturbance from construction/decommissioning (BMPs 14.14; 14.17).
Wetlands
Concern:
Forested wetland exists in the unit.
Response:
Suitable for cable harvest with partial suspension, too wet for shovel.
Wildlife/Biological Diversity
Concern:
Unit is potential wildlife travel corridor. Large amount of high Volstrata would be harvested in
this unit. 1 acre of high value (HS1 >0.60) deer and 19 acres of high value marten (HSI >0.89)
habitat are within the unit.
Response:
Clearcut harvest would remove all old-growth and reduce the deer and marten habitat values.
Harvest would remove travel corridor.
No resource concerns for: Scenery, Heritage, Vegetation, Soils, Wetlands, Karst
B-68 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Kuiu Unit 402 Alternative 4,5
/V s\ s\
•r\ y^\ /^\ /s
>y \.
Existing Managed Stands
Riparian Management Area
Forest Plan Old-Growth Reserve
Extreme Hazard Soils
/ High Hazard Soils
Proposed Unit 402 Boundary
Adjacent Proposed Units
Stream Value Class I
Stream Value Class II
Stream Value Class III
Stream Value Class IV
Existing Open Roads
Closed Roads (Storage)
Decomissioned Roads
Proposed Roads
100-ft. Contour Interval
660
Scale is 1 inch = 660 feet
1320
Kuiu Timber Sale Unit Card
Unit Number: 403
Unit Acres: 29
Alternatives: 3, 4, 5
1999 Aerial 298 129,
Photo: 130,131
Land Use Timber Production
Designation:
Net Timber 825 MBp
Volume:
TM-
Compartment
and Stand: 6137
Volume ,, n,s" ;6
Strata Me?um 1
Low 0
Acres: Non forest 0
Existing Stand Condition: Understory reinitiation
Silvicultural Prescription: Even-aged management, clearcut
Logging Method/ Transportation: Cable / One temporary road
Resource Concerns & Responses
Fish Habitat/Watershed
Concern:
Streams 1 and 5 are Class IV, Channel Type HC5.
Stream 2 is Class III, Channel Type HC2.
Stream 4 is Class IV, Channel Type HC2.
Stream 3 is Class II, Channel Type HC2.
Response:
Streams 1, 4, and 5: Split yard away from class IV streams whenever possible. Buck, limb, and
top felled trees clear of streamcourses. Remove any slash deposited in streamcourse as a result of
timber harvest activities. Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Stream 2: No programmed commercial timber harvest within the RMA, which is defined as the
V-notch. Provide reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the riparian management area.
Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Stream 3: No programmed commercial timber harvest within the RMA, which is defined as
within 100 feet of the stream or to the top of the V-notch, whichever is greater. Provide
reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the riparian management area. Implement BMPs 12.6,
12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Concern:
Access road would cross a Class II stream.
Response:
Install a log stringer bridge. Designate location of stream crossing and minimize stream channel
disturbance from construction/decommissioning (BMPs 14.14, 14.17).
Wetlands
Concern:
Forested wetland exists in the unit
Response:
Suitable for cable harvest with partial suspension, too wet for shovel.
Concern:
Road crosses wetlands.
Response:
Follow BMPs when constructing road in wetland (examples include, minimizing road width and
deep placement of culverts).
Wildlife/Biological Diversity
Concern:
Large amount of high Volstrata would be harvested in this unit. 6 acres of high value (HSI
>0.60) deer habitat and 26 acres of high value marten (HSI >0.89) habitat are within the unit.
Response:
Clearcut harvest would remove all old-growth habitat and reduce deer and marten habitat values.
No resource concerns for: Scenery, Heritage, Vegetation, Soils, Karst
B-70 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
mm
Kuiu Unit 403 Alternative 3,4,5
r
L
Existing Managed Stands
Riparian Management Area
Forest Plan Old-Growth Reserve
Extreme Hazard Soils
High Hazard Soils
Proposed Unit 403 Boundary
Adjacent Proposed Units
Stream Value Class I
Stream Value Class II
Stream Value Class III
Stream Value Class IV
Existing Open Roads
Closed Roads (Storage)
Decomissioned Roads
Proposed Roads
100-ft. Contour Interval
N
0 660 1320
Scale is 1 inch = 660 feet
Kuiu Timber Sale Unit Card
Unit Number: 404
Unit Acres: 28
Alternatives: 2, 3, 4, 5
1999 Aerial 598 136,
Photo: 598 137
Land Use Timber
Designation: Production
Net Timber 394 MBF Alt 2, & 3
Volume: 787 MBFAlt4&5
TM-
Compartment
and Stand: 6 38
High 23
Volume Medium 4
Strata Acres: Low 1
Non-forest 0
Existing Stand Condition: Understory reinitiation
Silvicultural Prescription: Alt. 2, 3 Uneven-aged management, 50% BA retention. Single Tree Selection.
Alt. 4, 5 Even-aged management.
Logging Method/ Transportation: Cable / One temporary road
Resource Concerns & Responses
Fish Habitat/Watershed
Concern:
Stream 1 is Class IV, Channel Type HC5.
Stream 2 is Class III, Channel Type HC2.
Stream 3 is Class I, Channel Type MC2.
Stream 4 is Class IV, Channel Type HC5.
Response:
Stream 1 and 4: Split yard away from Class IV streams whenever possible. Buck, limb, and
top felled trees clear of streamcourses. Remove any slash deposited in streamcourse as a
result of timber harvest activities. Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Stream 2: No programmed commercial timber harvest within the RMA, which is defined as
the V-notch. Provide reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the riparian management
area. Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Stream 3: No programmed commercial timber harvest within the RMA, which is defined as
within 1 00 feet of the channel, or to the top of the side-slope break, whichever is greater.
Provide reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the riparian management area. Implement
BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Wetlands
Concern:
Forested wetland exists in the unit.
Response:
Suitable for cable harvest with partial suspension, too wet for shovel.
Wildlife/Brblogical Diversity
Concern:
Unit includes portion of a corridor between two existing managed stands. High and medium
Volstrata are within the unit. 21 acres of high value (HSI >0.60), 4 acres of medium value
(HS1 4. 0-5.0) deer habitat and 23 acres of high value marten (HSI >0.89) habitat are within
Response:
the unit.
Partial harvest with 50% BA retention would mitigate impacts to old-growth, help retain
marten and deer habitat, and maintain corridor in Alternatives 2 and 3.. Clearcut harvest
systems would remove all old-growth, reduce deer and marten habitat values, and remove
corridor in Alternatives 4 and 5.
No resource concerns for: Scenery, Heritage, Vegetation, Soils, Karst
B-72 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Kuiu Unit 404 Alternative 2, 3,4, 5
rTT-y a
h M
Existing Managed Stands
Riparian Management Area
Forest Plan Old-Growth Reserve
Extreme Hazard Soils
High Hazard Soils
Proposed Unit 404 Boundary
Adjacent Proposed Units
Stream Value Class I
Stream Value Class II
Stream Value Class III
Stream Value Class IV
Existing Open Roads
Closed Roads (Storage)
Decomissioned Roads
Proposed Roads
100-ft. Contour Interval
N
660
1320
Scale is 1 inch — 660 feet
Kuiu Timber Sale Unit Card
Unit Number:
405
Unit Acres:
25
Alternatives:
2, 3, 4, 5
1999 Ac. tal
Photo:
598 136,
598 137
Land Use
Designation:
Timber Production
Net Timber
Volume:
365 MBF Alt 2 & 3
729 MBF Alt 4 & 5
TM-
Compartment
and Stand:
6-39
Volume
Strata
Acres:
High 25
Medium
Low
Non-forest
Existing Stand Condition: Understory reinitiation
Silvicultural Prescription: Alt. 2, 3 Two-aged management, 50% BA retention, clearcut with reserves.
Alt. 4, 5 Even-aged management.
Logging Method/ Transportation: Cable / One temporary road
Resource Concerns & Responses
Fish Habitat/Watershed
Concen
Stream 1 is Class III, Channel Type HC2.
Stream 2 is Class IV, Channel Type HC5.
Response:
Stream 1: No programmed commercial timber harvest within the RMA, which is defined as the
V-notch. Provide reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the riparian management area.
Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Stream 2: Split yard away from Class IV streams whenever possible. Buck, limb, and top felled
trees clear of streamcourses. Remove any slash deposited in streamcourse as a result of timber
harvest activities. Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Wetlands
Concern:
Forested wetland exists in the unit.
Response:
Suitable for cable harvest with partial suspension, too wet for shovel.
Wildlife/Biological Diversity
Concern:
This unit linked with unit 404 is a wildlife corridor between two previously harvested units. High
Volstrata would be harvested in this unit. Less than one acre of high value (HSI >0.60), 25 acres
of medium value (HSI 4. 0-5.0) deer habitat and 25 acres of high value marten (HSI >0.89) habitat
would be harvested within this unit.
Response:
Partial harvest with 50% BA retention would mitigate impacts to old-growth habitat, retain
marten and deer habitat, and retain the corridor. Clearcut harvest would remove old-growth,
reduce deer and marten habitat values, and remove the corridor.
No resource concerns for: Soils, Karst, Scenery, Heritage, Vegetation
B-74 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Kuiu Unit 405 Alternative 2,3,4, 5
Existing Managed Stands
Riparian Management Area
Forest Plan Oid-Growth Reserve
Extreme Hazard Soils
High Hazard Soils
Proposed Unit 405 Boundary
Adjacent Proposed Units
Stream Value Class I
Stream Value Class II
Stream Value Class III
Stream Value Class IV
Existing Open Roads
Closed Roads (Storage)
Decomissioned Roads
Proposed Roads
100-ft. Contour Interval
1
0
660
Scale is 1 inch = 660 feet
1320
Kuiu Timber Sale Unit Card
Unit Number: 409
Unit Acres: 46
Alternatives: 3, 4, 5
1999 Aerial 298 130,
Photo: 131, 132
Land Use Timber
Designation: Production
Net Timber 647 MBF Alt 3
Volume: 1,294 MBF Alt 4 & 5
TM-
Compartment , An „
and Stand:
Volume w f
Strata Med.,um *
Low 0
cres. Non-forest 1
Existing Stand Condition: Understory Reinitiation
Silvicultural Prescription: Alt. 3 Two-aged management, 50% BA retention, clearcut with reserves.
Alt. 4 and 5 Even-aged management, clearcut.
Logging Method/ Transportation: Shovel / Two temporary roads
Resource Concerns & Responses
Fish Habitat/Watershed
Concern:
Stream 1 is Class III, Channel Type HC5.
S' m 2 is Class IV, Channel Type HC5.
St an 3 is Class III, Channel Type HC6.
Response:
Streams 1 and 3: No programmed commercial timber harvest within the RMA, which is defined
as the V-notch. Provide reasonable assurance of windflrmness of the riparian management area.
Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Stream 2: Split yard away from Class IV streams whenever possible. Buck, limb, and top felled
trees clear of streamcourses. Remove any slash deposited in streamcourse as a result of timber
harvest activities. Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Concern:
Access road would cross a Class II stream.
Response:
Install a log stringer bridge. Designate location of stream crossing and minimize stream channel
disturbance from construction/decommissioning (BMPs 14.14; 14.17).
Wildlife/Biological Diversity
Concern:
Wildlife corridor between two previously harvested units. High and medium Volstrata occur
within this unit. 27 acres of medium value (HSI 4. 0-5.0) deer habitat and 40 acres of high value
marten (HSI >0.89) habitat occur within this unit.
Response:
Travel corridor mitigated by 50% BA retention in Alternative 3. Alternatives 4 and 5 would
remove travel corridor and harvest Volstrata and reduce deer and marten habitat values.
No resource concerns for: Soils, Wetlands, Karst, Scenery, Heritage, Vegetation
B-76 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
mm
Kuiu Unit 409 Alternative 3,4,5
Existing Managed Stands
Riparian Management Area
Forest Plan Old-Growth Reserve
Extreme Hazard Soils
High Hazard Soils
Proposed Unit 409 Boundary
Adjacent Proposed Units
Stream Value Class I
Stream Value Class II
Stream Value Class III
Stream Value Class IV
Existing Open Roads
Closed Roads (Storage)
Decomissioned Roads
Proposed Roads
100-ft. Contour Interval
N
o
660
Scale is 1 inch = 660 feet
1320
Kuiu Timber Sale Unit Card
Unit Number: 410
Unit Acres: 45
Alternatives: 3, 4, 5
1999 Aerial 298 130,
Photo: 131,132
Land Use x. , D
_ . .. Timber Production
Designation:
Net Timber . lnA,.DC
w . 1,200 MBF
Volume:
TM-
Compartment , , , „
and Stand: -
Volume Hlgh 29
e, , Medium 14
Strata T .
Low 1
Acres: Non-forest 1
Existing Stand Condition: Understory reinitiation
Silvicultural Prescription: Even-aged management, clearcut
Logging Method/ Transportation: Cable / Two temporary roads
Resource Concerns & Responses
Fish Habitat/Watershed
Concern: Stream 1 is Class III, Channel Type HC6.
Response: No programmed commercial timber harvest within the RMA, which is defined as the V-notch.
Provide reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the riparian management area. Implement BMPs
12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Concern: Access road would cross a Class II stream.
Response: Install a log stringer bridge. Designate location of stream crossing and minimize stream channel
disturbance from construction/decommissioning (BMPs 14.14; 14.17).
Wildlife/Biological Diversity
Concern: High amount of animal use was reported. Field crews noted red squirrel, black bear, deer, red-
breasted sapsucker, and many neo-tropical migrant birds. Large amount of high and medium
Volstrata in unit. 2 acres of high value (HSI >0.60), 21 acres of medium value (HSI 4. 0-5.0) deer
habitat along with 29 acres of high value marten (HSI >0.89) habitat occur within the unit.
Response: Clearcut harvest would remove all old-growth habitat and reduce the marten and deer habitat
values. Clearcut harvest would not isolate habitat or eliminate corridor.
No resource concerns for: Soils, Wetlands, Scenery, Heritage, Vegetation, Karst
B-78 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
MW
Kuiu Unit 410 Alternative 3,4,5
EA 1 A ’ A
/V'N V /
3
Existing Managed Stands
Riparian Management Area
Forest Plan Old-Growth Reserve
Extreme Hazard Soils
High Hazard Soils
Proposed Unit 410 Boundary
Adjacent Proposed Units
Stream Value Class I
Stream Value Class II
Stream Value Class III
Stream Value Class IV
Existing Open Roads
Closed Roads (Storage)
Decomissioned Roads
Proposed Roads
100-ft. Contour Interval
0 660 1320
Scale is 1 inch = 660 feet
Kuiu Timber Sale Unit Card
Unit Number: 412
Unit Acres: 99
Alternatives: 4, 5
1999 Aerial 298 132,
Photo: 133, 134
Land Use D
_ . .. Timber Production
Designation:
Net Timber
w . 2,874 MBF
Volume:
TM-
Compartment
and Stand: 7_p3
Volume t!1®1' g’
Strata Mefum 6
Low
Acres: Non-forest
Existing Stand Condition: Understory reinitiation
Silvicultural Prescription: Even-aged management, clearcut
Logging Method/ Transportation: Cable / One temporary road
Resource Concerns & Responses
Fish Habitat/Watershed
Concern: Stream 1 is Class IV, Channel Type HC2.
Stream reach 2 is Class II, Channel Type HC2.
Stream 3 is Rowan Creek, and is Class II, Channel Type MC2.
Stream reach 4 is Class II, Channel Type HC2.
Stream reach 5 is Class IV, Channel Type HC2.
Stream 6 is Class III, Channel Type HC5.
Stream 7 is Class III, Channel Type HC6.
Response: Streams 1 and 5: Split yard away from Class IV streams whenever possible. Buck, limb, and top
felled trees clear of streamcourses. Remove any slash deposited in streamcourse as a result of
timber harvest activities. Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Streams 2, 3, and 4: No programmed commercial timber harvest within the RMA, which is
defined as within 100 feet of the stream or to the top of the V-notch, whichever is greater. Provide
reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the riparian management area. Implement BMPs 12.6,
12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Streams 6 and 7: No programmed commercial timber harvest within the RMA, which is defined
as the V-notch. Provide reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the RMA. Implement BMPs
12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Wildlife/Biological Diversity
Black bear, red squirrel, deer, red-breasted sapsucker use and game trails were reported by field
personnel. Brown Creepers were present and vocalizations were heard within the unit. Large
amount of high Volstrata in unit. 50 acres of high value (HSI >0.60), 26 acres of medium value
(HS1 4. 0-5.0) deer habitat along with 93 acres of high value marten (HSI >0.89) habitat occur
within the unit.
Clearcut harvest would remove old-growth habitat and reduce deer and marten habitat values.
Clearcut harvest would not isolate habitat and area is not an isolated corridor.
Vegetation/Timber
Concern: Even-aged opening size is close to 100 acres.
Response: During layout ensure harvest unit does not exceed 100 acres.
No resource concerns for: Soils, Karst, Wetlands, Scenery, Heritage
Concern:
Response:
B-80 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Kuiu Unit 412 Alternative 4,5
Existing Open Roads
Closed Roads (Storage)
Decomissioned Roads
Proposed Roads
100-ft. Contour Interval
Proposed Unit 412 Boundary
Adjacent Proposed Units
Stream Value Class I
Stream Value Class li
Stream Value Class IN
Stream Value Class IV
Existing Managed Stands
Riparian Management Area
Forest Plan Old-Growth Reserve
Extreme Hazard Soils
High Hazard Soiis
\
660
1320
Scale is 1 inch = 660 feet
Kuiu Timber Sale Unit Card
Unit Number: 414
Unit Acres: 72
Alternatives: 4
1999 Aerial 598 136,
Photo: 598 137
Land Use Timber Production
Designation:
Net Timber . . 1DC
w . 1,053 MBF
Volume:
TM-
Compartment
and Stand: 6 40
Volume %h 72
Strata Me*um
Low-
Acres. Non-forest
Existing Stand Condition: Understory reinitiation
Silvicultural Prescription: Tv -aged management, 50% BA retention, clearcut with reserves, 49 acres and
uneven-aged management, 50% BA retention, group selection, 23 acres.
Logging Method/ Transportation: Cable / Three temporary roads
Resource Concerns & Responses
Fish Habitat/Watershed
Concern: Streams 1 and 4 are Class II Channel Type HC3, and Class II Channel Type HC5.
Streams 2 and 3 are Class III Channel Type HC3, and Class III Channel Type HC5.
Streams 5, 6, and 7 are Class IV, Channel Type HC5.
Response: Streams 1 and 4: No programmed commercial timber harvest within the RMA, which is defined
as within 100 feet of the stream or to the top of the V-notch, whichever is greater.
Streams 2 and 3: No programmed commercial timber harvest within the RMA, which is defined
as the V-notch.
Streams 5, 6, and 7: Split yard away from Class IV streams whenever possible. Buck, limb, and
top felled trees clear of streamcourses. Remove any slash deposited in streamcourse as a result of
timber harvest activities. Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Streams 1, 2, 3, and 4: Provide reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the riparian management
area. Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Soils
Concern: Soil above, but outside of unit, is steep with evidence of past landslides.
Response: Locate Backline below steep areas and avoid unstable soil in V-notches.
Wildlife/Biological Diversity
Concern: Unit is a wildlife travel corridor between high and low elevations. Large amount of high Volstrata
in unit. 51 acres of high value (HSI >0.60), 10 acres of medium value (HSI 4. 0-5.0) deer habitat
along with 69 acres of high value marten (HSI >0.89) habitat occur within the unit.
Response: 50% BA retention would mitigate harvest and help retain corridor and some old-growth
characteristics as well as marten and deer habitat.
Recreation/Scenery
Concern: Lower portion of unit (3 1 acres) located within Forest Plan Recreational River land use
designation.
Response: Landscape Architect would assist in marking and layout.
No resource concerns for: Heritage, Vegetation, Karst, Wetlands
B-82 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Kuiu Unit 414 Alternative 4
jgZ3
Existing Managed Stands
Riparian Management Area
Forest Plan Old-Growth Reserve
Extreme Hazard Soils
High Hazard Soils
Recreational River Corridor
Proposed Unit 414 Boundary
Adjacent Proposed Units
Stream Value Class I
Stream Value Class II
Stream Value Class III
Stream Value Class IV
Existing Open Roads
Closed Roads (Storage)
Decomissioned Roads
Proposed Roads
100 ft. Contour Interval
N
660
1320
Scale is 1 inch = 660 feet
Kuiu Timber Sale Unit Card
Unit Number: 415
Unit Acres: 27
Alternatives: 2, 4
1999 Aerial 598 95,
Photo: 598 94
Land Use Timber Production
Designation:
Net Timber
, 360 MBF
Volume:
TM-
Compartment
and Stand: 6 43
Volume „ »'«h T
Strata MedImm °
. Low 3
cres. Non-forest
Existing Stand Condition: Understory reinitiation
Silvicultural Prescription: Two-aged management, 50% BA retention, clearcut with reserves
Logging Method/ Transportation: Cable and Shovel / One temporary road and existing Road 6415
Resource Concerns & Responses
Fish Habitat/Watershed
Concern:
Stream 1 is Class I, Channel Type MC2 for the lower section and Class II, Channel Type MC2 for
the upper section.
Response:
Stream 1 : No programmed commercial timber harvest within the RMA, which is defined as
within 100 feet of the channel, or to the top of the side-slope break, whichever is greater. Provide
reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the riparian management area. Implement BMPs 12.6,
12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Wildlife/Biological Diversity
Concern:
Unit is wildlife travel corridor between high and low elevations. Large amount of high Volstrata
in unit. 25 acres of high value (HSI >0.60) deer habitat and 25 acres marten value (HSI >0.89)
habitat values occur within the unit.
Response:
Retention of 50% BA would mitigate harvest by retaining some old-growth characteristics and
maintain travel corridor as well as retain marten and deer habitat.
Recreation/Scenery
Concern:
Lower portion of unit (18 acres) located within Forest Plan Recreational River land use
designation.
Response:
Landscape Architect would assist in marking and layout.
No resource concerns for: Soils, Karst, Wetlands, Heritage, Vegetation
B-84 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Kuiu Unit 415 Alternative 2,4
ZZZj
Existing Managed Stands
Riparian Management Area
Forest Plan Old-Growth Reserve
Extreme Hazard Soils
High Hazard Soils
Recreational River Corridor
Proposed Unit 415 Boundary
Adjacent Proposed Units
Stream Value Class I
Stream Value Class II
Stream Value Class ill
Stream Value Class IV
Existing Open Roads
Closed Roads (Storage)
Decomissioned Roads
Proposed Roads
100-ft. Contour Interval
Ffd
660
Scale is 1 inch = 660 feet
1320
Kuiu Timber Sale Unit Card
Unit Number: 416
Unit Acres: 44
Alternatives: 2, 3, 4, 5
1999Aerial 598 95,
Photo: 598 94
Land Use Timber Production
Designation:
Net Timber
Volume: ’
TM-
Compartment
and Stand: 6 44
Vo ume Hlgh 4
e, , Medium 0
Strata T A
Low 0
Acres: Non-forest 1
Existing Stand Condition: Understory reinitiation
Siivicultural Prescription: Even-aged management, clearcut
Logging Method/ Transportation: Cable / One temporary road and existing Road 46091
Resource Concerns & Responses
Fish Habitat/Watershed
Concern:
Stream 1 is Class II, Channel Type MC2.
Stream 2 is Class IV, Channel Type HC5.
Stream 3 is Class IV, Channel Type HC5.
Response:
Stream 1: No programmed commercial timber harvest within the RMA, which is defined as
within 100 feet of the channel, or to the top of the side-slope break, whichever is greater. Provide
reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the riparian management area. Implement BMPs 12.6,
12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Streams 2 and 3: Split yard away from Class IV streams whenever possible. Buck, limb, and top
felled trees clear of streamcourses. Remove any slash deposited in streamcourse as a result of
timber harvest activities. Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Wildlife/Biological Diversity
Concern:
Unit has high Volstrata. 13 acres of high value (HSI >0.60) acres of medium value (HSI 4.0 to
5.0) deer habitat along with 25 acres of high value marten (liSI >0.89) habitat occur within the
unit.
Response:
Clearcut harvest would remove old-growth habitat and reduce deer and marten habitat.
No resource concerns for: Soils, Scenery, Heritage, Vegetation, Karst, Wetlands
B-86 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Kuiu Unit 416 Alternative 2,3,4, 5
Existing Managed Stands
Riparian Management Area
Forest Plan Old Growth Reserve
Extreme Hazard Soils
High Hazard Soils
Proposed Unit 416 Boundary
Adjacent Proposed Units
Stream Value Class I
Stream Value Class II
Stream Value Class Mi
Stream Value Class IV
Existing Open Roads
Closed Roads (Storage)
Decomissioned Roads
Proposed Roads
100-ft. Contour Interval
660
1320
Scale is 1 inch = 660 feet
Kuiu Timber Sale Unit Card
Unit Number: 417
Unit Acres: 24
Alternatives: 2, 3, 5
1999 Aerial 1 98 70,
Photo: 198 71
Land Use Timber Production
Designation:
Net Timber 347 MBF Alt 3
Volume: 695 MBFAlt2&5
TM-
Compartment
and Stand: 7_1?4
Volume
0. . Medium 0
Strata T A
Low 0
Acres: Non-forest 0
Existing Stand Condition: Understory reinitiation
Silvicultural Prescription: Alt. 2, 5 Even-aged management, clearcut.
Alt. 3 Two-aged management, 50% BA retention, clearcut with reserves.
Logging Method/ Transportation: Cable / Existing Road 46094
Resource Concerns & Responses
Fish Habitat/Watershed
Concern:
Stream 1 is Class III, Channel Type HC3
Streams 2, 3, and 4 are Class IV, Channel Type HC5.
Response:
Stream 1: No programmed commercial timber harvest within the RMA, which is defined as the
V-notch. Provide reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the riparian management area.
Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Stream 2, 3, and 4: Split yard away from Class IV streams whenever possible. Buck, limb, and top
felled trees clear of streamcourses. Remove any slash deposited in streamcourse as a result of
timber harvest activities. Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Wildlife/Biological Diversity
Concern:
High amount of animal use was reported. High Volstrata exists within the unit. Area is wildlife
travel corridor between high and low elevations. 3 acres of high value (HSI >0.60), 15 acres of
medium value (HSI 4.0 to 5.0) deer habitat along with 24 acres of high value marten (HSI >0.89)
habitat occur within the unit.
Response:
50% BA retention in Alternative 3 would mitigate the harvest of old-growth habitat by retaining
corridor function and retaining some old-growth characteristics. Additionally, it would reduce the
impacts to deer and marten habitat values. Even-aged prescriptions in alternative 2 and 5 would
remove the travel corridor and all old-growth habitat reducing the marten and deer habitat values.
No resource concerns for: Soils, Wetlands, Karst, Scenery, Heritage, Vegetation
B-88 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
mm
Kuiu Unit 417 Alternative 2,3,5
I A ■ A ' A 'J
K V
Lc-k.m.'w'vA/' j
Existing Managed Stands
Riparian Management Area
Forest Plan Old-Growth Reserve
Extreme Hazard Soils
High Hazard Soils
Proposed Unit 417 Boundary
Adjacent Proposed Units
Stream Value Class I
Stream Value Class II
Stream Value Class III
Stream Value Class IV
Existing Open Roads
Closed Roads (Storage)
Decomissioned Roads
Proposed Roads
100-ft. Contour Interval
Fjd
660
Scale is 1 inch = 660 feet
1320
Kuiu Timber Sale Unit Card
Unit Number: 418
Unit Acres: 45
Alternatives: 2, 4, 5
1999 Aerial 1 98 70,
Photo: 198 71
Land Use Timber Production
Designation:
Net Timber 513MBFAlt2
Volume: 1,028 MBF Alt 4, 5
TM-
Compartment
and Stand: 7_125
Voume Hlgh 17
. Medium 12
Strata T , .
Low 14
Acres: Non-forest 2
Existing Stand Condition: Understory reinitiation
Silvicultural Prescription: Alt. 2 Two-aged management, 50% BA retention, clearcut with reserves.
Alt. 4, 5 Even-aged management, clearcut.
Logging Method/ Transportation: Shovel / One temporary road and existing Road 6402
Resource Concerns & Responses
Fish Habitat/Watershed
Concern:
Stream 1 is Class II, Channel Type MC2.
Stream 2 is Class IV, Channel Type HC5.
Stream 3 is Class IV, Channel Type HC5.
Stream 4 is Class III, Channel Type HC5.
Response:
Stream 1 : No programmed commercial timber harvest within the RMA, which is defined as
within 100 feet of the channel, or to the top of the side-slope break, whichever is greater. Provide
reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the riparian management area. Implement BMPs 12.6,
12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Streams 2 and 3: Split yard away from Class IV streams whenever possible. Buck, limb, and top
felled trees clear of streamcourses. Remove any slash deposited in streamcourse as a result of
timber harvest activities. Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Stream 4: No programmed commercial timber harvest within the RMA, which is defined as the
V-notch. Provide reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the riparian management area..
Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Wiidlife/Biological Diversity
Concern:
High ar 'unt of animal use was reported. High, medium and low Volstrata exists within the unit.
Wildlife corridor e ists between high and low elevations. 17 acres of high value (HSI >0.60), 1 1
acres of medium value (HSI 4.0 to 5.0) deer habitat along with 17 acres of high value marten (HSI
>0.89) habitat occur within the unit.
Response:
50% BS retention in Alternative 2 would mitigate the harvest by retaining function of the travel
corridor. Additionally, it would reduce the impacts to high volume old-growth by retaining some
of the characteristics. Deer and marten habitat values would be retained.
Clearcut harvest in Alternatives 4 and 5 would remove all old-growth and remove the travel
corridor. Marten and deer habitat would be reduced.
No resource concerns for: Scenery, Heritage, Soils, Vegetation, Karst, Wetlands
B-90 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
\-
Kuiu Unit 418 Alternative 2,4, 5
Existing Managed Stands
Riparian Management Area
Forest Plan Old-Growth Reserve
Extreme Hazard Soils
High Hazard Soils
Proposed Unit 418 Boundary
Adjacent Proposed Units
Stream Value Class I
Stream Value Class II
Stream Value Class III
Stream Value Class IV
Existing Open Roads
Closed Roads (Storage)
Decomissioned Roads
Proposed Roads
100-ft. Contour Interval
F)d
660
Scale is 1 inch = 660 feet
1320
Kuiu Timber Sale Unit Card
Unit Number: 503
Unit Acres: 95
Alternatives: 4, 5
1999 Aerial 198 102,
Photo: 103, 104
Land Use
_ . .. Timber Production
Designation:
Net Timber
. . . 2,637 MBF
Volume:
TM-
Compartment
and Stand: p8
Volume 65
. Medium 30
Strata , n
Low 0
Acres: Non-forest 0
Existing Stand Condition: Understory reinitiation
Silvicultural Prescription: Even-aged management, clearcut
Logging Method/ Transportation: Cable / Two temporary roads
Resource Concerns & Responses
Fish Habitat/Watershed
Concern:
Stream reach 1 is Class III, Channel Type HC6.
Stream reach 2 is Class II, Channel Type HC6.
Stream 3 is Dean Creek and is Class II, Channel Type HC3.
Stream 4 is Dean Creek and is Class III, Channel Type HC3.
Stream 5 is Class III, Channel Type HC5.
Response:
Streams 1, 4, and 5: No programmed commercial timber harvest within the RMA, which is
defined as within 100 feet of the stream or to the top of the V-notch, whichever is greater. Provide
reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the riparian management area. Implement BMPs 12.6,
12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Streams 2 and 3: No timber harvest within 100 feet of stream, or within the v-notch (side slope
breaks). Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Wildlife/Biological Diversity
Concern:
High animal use. High use of the game trails as a wildlife travel corridor exists between high and
low elevations. Large amount of high and medium Volstrata would be harvested in this unit. 5
acres of high value (HSI >0.60), 67 acres of medium value (HSI 4.0 to 5.0) deer habitat along
with 63 acres of high value marten (HSI >0.89) habitat within unit.
Response:
Clearcut harvest would remove all old-growth habitat and reduce marten and deer habitat values.
Travel corridors between low and high elevations will be eliminated by harvest of this unit.
Vegetation/Timber
Concern:
Even-aged opening size is close to 100 acres.
Response:
During layout ensure harvest unit does not exceed 100 acres.
No resource concerns for: Soils, Wetlands, Karst, Scenery, Heritage
B-92 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Kuiu Unit 503 Alternative 4,5
T
J
Existing Managed Stands
Riparian Management Area
Forest Plan Oid-Growth Reserve
Extreme Hazard Soils
High Hazard Soils
Proposed Unit 503 Boundary
Adjacent Proposed Units
Stream Value Class I
Stream Value Class II
Stream Value Class III
Stream Value Class IV
Existing Open Roads
Closed Roads (Storage)
Decomissioned Roads
Proposed Roads
100-ft. Contour Interval
1
660
1320
Scale is 1 inch = 660 feet
Kuiu Timber Sale Unit Card
Unit Number: 504
Unit Acres: 25
Alternatives: 4, 5
1999 Aerial 198 102,
Photo: 198 103
Land Use Timber Production
Designation:
Net Timber 6?, MBF
Volume:
TM-
Compartment
and Stand: 9_p9
Volume fl ^
Strata Me?um i1
Low 0
Acres: Non-forest 0
Existing Stand Condition: Understory reinitiation
Silvicultural Prescription: Even-aged management, clearcut
Logging Method/ Transportation: Cable/Existing Road 6427
Resource Concerns & Responses
Fish Habitat/Watershed
Concern:
Stream 1 is Class III, Channel Type HC6
Stream 2 is Class III, Channel Type HC5
Stream 3 is Class III, Channel Type HC2
Response:
All Streams: No programmed commercial timber harvest within the RMA, which is defined as the
V-notch. Provide reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the riparian management area.
Implement BMPs 12.6, 12.6a. 13.9, and 13.16.
Wildlife/Biological Diversity
Concern:
High animal use. High use of the game trails as a wildlife travel corridor between high and low
elevation exists within this unit. Large amount of high and medium Volstrata would be harvested
in this unit. 1 1 acres of medium value (HSI 4.0 to 5.0) deer habitat and 13 acres of high value
marten (HSI >0.89) habitat occur within the unit.
Response:
Clearcut harvest would remove all old-growth habitat and reduce the deer and marten habitat
values. Travel corridors between low and high elevations would be eliminated by harvest of this
unit.
No resource concerns for: Soils, Wetlands, Karst, Scenery, Heritage, Vegetation
B-94 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Kuiu Unit 504 Alternative 4,5
Existing Managed Stands
Riparian Management Area
Forest Plan Old-Growth Reserve
Extreme Hazard Soils
High Hazard Soils
Proposed Unit 504 Boundary
Adjacent Proposed Units
Stream Value Class I
Stream Value Class II
Stream Value Class III
Stream Value Class IV
Existing Open Roads
Closed Roads (Storage)
Decomissioned Roads
Proposed Roads
100-ft. Contour Interval
Ffd
660
1320
Scale is 1 inch = 660 feet
Road Cards
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix B • B-97
Appendix B, Road Cards
Purpose and
Use
General
Design Criteria
Maintenance
Criteria
Road Management Objectives
The road management objectives (RMOs) presented in this appendix
establishes the intended purpose and display design maintenance and
operation criteria (as per FSH 7709.55) for each National Forest
System road in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area. The information on the
RMO form is part of a permanent database that can be updated
periodically as access needs, issues, and budgets change. Proposed
new roads and existing roads with planned reconstruction or
maintenance have a second section with site specific design criteria
that will be used during design, construction, and initial monitoring of
any road work proposed in this document. See Figure B-2 for a map of
the Kuiu Timber Sale Area showing existing road locations.
The general design criteria provide various descriptions of the type of
road and the intended purpose and future use of the road. From this
information, the maintenance and operation criteria can be developed.
This information is critical for determining whether a Corps of
Engineer’s permit will be required for segments of road crossing
wetlands. Roads built solely for silvicultural purposes do not require
these permits.
The maintenance criteria include a discussion of how the road is to be
maintained, centering on three strategies:
• Active: provide frequent cleanout of ditches and catch basins to
assure controlled drainage. Control roadside brush to maintain
sight distance. Grade as needed to maintain crown and running
surface.
• Storm Proof: provide water bars, rolling dips, out sloping, etc., to
assure controlled runoff until any needed maintenance can be
performed on the primary drainage system. Control roadside brush
to maintain passage.
• Storage: remove or bypass all drainage structures to restore
natural drainage patterns, add water bars as needed to control
runoff, revegetate.
The active maintenance strategy is applied to roads open and
maintained for travel by a prudent driver in a standard passenger car.
User comfort and convenience are not considered priorities. These
roads are assigned Maintenance Level 3. The active maintenance
strategy will also at times be applied to roads intended only for use by
high clearance vehicles, or Maintenance Level 2 roads. This will
usually be the case when log haul is expected in the near future.
An intermediate maintenance strategy is to storm proof, or stabilize
the road by providing roadway features such as drivable water bars
and out sloping to control runoff in case the primary drainage system
B-98 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Road Cards, Appendix B
Operations
Criteria
Site-specific
Design Criteria
of culverts and ditches is overwhelmed during a storm event. Each
culvert will be evaluated as to where the water would go if the culvert
were to fail to carry the high flow. A water bar or out slope at this
location will minimize the potential for erosion of long stretches of
ditch line or roadway. This is intended to be the primary maintenance
strategy applied to roads assigned Maintenance Level 2.
Storage is intended to be the primary maintenance strategy on
intermittent use roads during their closure cycle. Road storage is
defined in FSH 5409.17 as “the process/action of closing a road to
vehicle traffic and placing it in a condition that requires minimum
maintenance to protect the environment and preserve the facility for
future use.” In this strategy, the bridges and culverts on live streams
are completely removed to restore natural drainage patterns. Cross
drains and ditch relief culverts will be bypassed with deep water bars
but may be left in place to minimize the cost of re-using these roads in
the future. Roads in storage are left in a self-maintaining state in order
to use more road maintenance funds on the open drivable roads on the
island. Maintenance Level 1, closure and basic custodial maintenance,
is assigned.
The interdisciplinary team went through a process to define road
management considerations, leading to a maintenance strategy to be
applied to each road in the Kuiu Timber Sale Area. Figure B-2 shows
the desired future condition of each road in the project area as a result
of the process. The work needed to meet the objectives can be
accomplished on the roads along the haul route in these timber sales.
Work needed on other roads to meet the desired objective will be
scheduled as funding allows.
The operations criteria include a presentation of each of the five traffic
management strategies identified in FSM 7731 (encourage, accept,
discourage, prohibit, and eliminate) to be applied to different traffic
classes on each road. The traffic management narrative describes what
actions will be taken in order to apply each strategy. For example, if
the strategy “eliminate” is prescribed for standard passenger and high
clearance vehicles, the narrative describes the method to accomplish
this, such as removal of stream crossing structures, gating, etc.
The site-specific design criteria include road location objectives,
wetland information, erosion control, proposed rock borrow sources,
and all streams within the project area with proposed construction or
rehabilitation of stream crossing structures. Site-specific design criteria
for the proposed reconstruction of classified roads for this project
include timing restrictions for construction activities (Table B-3).
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix B • B-99
Appendix B, Road Cards
Table B-3. Stream classes, species of concern, and construction timing
windows for stream crossings on classified roads proposed for
reconstruction
ROAD#
MILE POST
STREAM
CLASS
SPECIES OF
CONCERN
CONSTRUCTION
TIMING WINDOW
6417
0.119
II
CT
July 18 -- Aug 15
6417
0.789
II
DV
No restriction
6417
0.793
II
DV
No restriction
6417
0.925
i
SS, DV
June 1 -- Sept 1
6417
1.209
i
SS, CT, DV
July 18 - Aug 15
6417
1.456
i
SH, PS, DV
July 18 - Aug 1
6427
NONE
NONE
NONE
No restriction
46091
NONE
NONE
NONE
No restriction
46094
NONE
NONE
NONE
No restriction
6422
NONE
NONE
NONE
No restriction
6443
0.125
1
SS
June 1 -- Sept 1
CT = cutthroat, DV = Dolly Varden, SS = silver salmon, SH = steelhead,
PS = Pink Salmon
B-100 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Kuiu Timber Sale
Figure B-2
Proposed Road Maintenance Levels
Legend
Productive Old-Growth
Managed Stands
Non-National Forest
Lakes/Saltwater
...... Project Area Boundary
Suitable for Passenger Vehicles
===== High Clearence Vehicles
Basic Custodial Care (Closed)
500ft Contour Interval
Stream Value Class I & II
0 0.5 1
l Miles
Road Management Objective
Project System Land Use Designation
| Kuiu
| | Kuiu
| I TM |
Route No
Route Name
Begin Terminus
End Terminus
I 6401 !j
| Bull Buck
li | 6402 MP 10
“11 1
Begin MP
Length
Status
Map Quarter Quad
Photo year, roll, photos
1 0.00 i!
1 '-03 1
| Existing
| PA 1)1 SW
| | ’98 198-109.73
General Design Criteria and Elements
Functional
Class
Service
Life
Surface Width
Design
Speed
Critical Vehicle
Design Vehicle
| Local I
11 1
| Shot rock | | 14'
1 10 1
1 Logging truck
| | Logging Truck !!
Intended Purpose/Future Use
Access for silvicultural activities.
Maintenance Criteria
Bmp
Emp
Operational Maintenance Level
(Planned Initial Condition)
Objective Maintenance Level
(Desired FutureCondition)
Alaska Forest Practices Act Class
0.00
1.03
2
Active
0.00
1.03
1
Closed
Maintenance Narrative
AFR&P Reg's, "active" status: Keep culverts, catchbasins. ditches and road blocks functional. Grade as needed
to maintain crown and running surface.
AFR&P Reg's, "closed" status: Place road in storage. Remove culverts from streams, bypass ditch relief
culverts with waterbars, add extra waterbars as needed to control runoff.
Operation Criteria
Highway Safety Act: No Jurisdiction: National Forest ownership
Traffic
Management
Encourage:
Hikers, bicycles
Strategies
Accept:
N/A
Discourage:
N/A
Prohibit:
N/A
Eliminate:
Motorized vehicles
Travel Management Narrative
By removing stream crossing structures, most motorized vehicle use will be eliminated. Determined individuals
may find a way to use off-road vehicles, but will be discouraged by the difficulty. Restore stream crossings and
re-use ditch relief culverts when the road is needed in the future.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix B • B-103
Road Management Objective
Project
System
Land Use Designation
S Kuiu
Kuiu
| ML OG RM SM TM
Route No
Route Name
Begin Terminus
End Terminus
i 6402
| Kuiu Mainline
1
| Saginaw Bay LTF
1
| Apricot Creek
Begin MP
Length
Status
Map Quarter Quad
Photo year, roll, photos
’98 598-127-128, 298-123, 198-78,
0.00
31.92
Existing
PA D1,C1, PB C6
105 to 1 12, 198-64 to 70, 298-138,
598-145 to 147, 83, 698-4, 69,798-
196, 133, 13,498-140, 139,29, 30
General Design
Criteria and Elements
Functional
Service
Design
Class
Life
Surface Width
Speed Critical Vehicle Design Vehicle
| Local
i li i r
Shot rock | | 16'
]
S 30 I| Lowboy
; | Lowboy '
Intended Purpose/Future Use
Serves as main arterial road from Saginaw Bay to Threemile Ann, will remain open to all traffic to junction with
6434.
Maintenance Criteria
Bmp Emp Operational Maintenance Level
(Planned Initial Condition)
0.00 28.75 3
28.75 31.92 3
Maintenance Narrative
AFR&P Reg's, "active" status: Keep culverts, catchbasins, ditches and road blocks functional. Grade as needed
to maintain crown and running surface.
AFR&P Reg's, "closed" status: Place road in storage. Remove culverts from streams, bypass ditch relief
culverts with waterbars, add extra waterbars as needed to control runoff.
Operation Criteria
Highway Safety Act:
Yes
Jurisdiction: National Forest ownership
T raffic
Management
Encourage:
Hikers, bicycles
Strategies
Accept:
All motorized vehicles on open segment
Discourage:
N/A
Prohibit:
N/A
Eliminate:
Motorized vehicles on closed segment
Objective Maintenance Level Alaska Forest Practices Act Class
(Desired FutureCondition)
3 Active
1 Closed
Travel Management Narrative
Road will remain open to all traffic except for last 3 miles beyond road 6434. By removing stream crossing
structures on closed segment, most motorized vehicle use will be eliminated. Determined individuals may find a
way to use off-road vehicles, but will be discouraged by the difficulty. Restore stream crossings and re-use ditch
relief culverts when the road is needed in the future.
B-104 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Road Management Objective
Project
System
Land Use Designation
| Kuiu
ll
Kuiu
i r™ i
Route No
Route Name
Begin Terminus
End Terminus
| 6403
| Ledge Lake
II
6425 MP 5
ill 1
Begin MP
Length
Status
Map Quarter Quad
Photo year, roll, photos
| 0.00
1 1 0.37 ^ !!
Existing 1
PAD1SW ;
| ’98 198-223 ;!
Functional
Class
General Design Criteria and Elements
Service Design
Life Surface Width Speed Critical Vehicle Design Vehicle
| Local
| LI || Shot rock | | 14'
10 | | Logging truck
| | Logging Truck j
Intended Purpose/Future Use
Access for silvicultural activities, road will be closed during times of inactivity.
Maintenance Criteria
Bmp
Emp
Operational Maintenance Level
(Planned Initial Condition)
Objective Maintenance Level
(Desired FutureCondition)
Alaska Forest Practices Act Class
0.00
0.37
2
Inactive
0.00
0.37
1
Closed
Maintenance Narrative
AFR&P Reg's, "active" status: Keep culverts, catchbasins, ditches and road blocks functional. Grade as needed
to maintain crown and running surface.
AFR&P Reg's, "closed" status: Place road in storage. Remove culverts from streams, bypass ditch relief
culverts with waterbars, add extra waterbars as needed to control runoff.
Highway Safety Act: No
Operation Criteria
Jurisdiction:
Traffic
Management
Encourage:
Hikers
Strategies
Accept:
N/A
Discourage:
N/A
Prohibit:
N/A
Eliminate:
Motorized vehicles
National Forest ownership
Travel Management Narrative
By removing stream crossing structures, motorized vehicle use will be eliminated. Restore stream crossings and
re-use ditch relief culverts when the road is needed in the future..
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix B • B-105
Road Management Objective
Project
System
Land Use Designation
| Kuiu
!
| Kuiu j
| OG TM 1
Route No
Route Name
Begin Terminus
End Terminus
| 6404
j Rowan
Bay
i
| Rowan Bay Sortyard !
| | 6402 MP 14
Begin MP
Length
Status
Map Quarter Quad
Photo year, roll, photos
| 0.00
1 1 4.43
; | Existing
i
| PA Cl NW
| ’98 198-66, 118 to 122
General Design
Criteria and Elements
Functional
Class
Service
Life
Surface
Width
Design
Speed Critical Vehicle
Design Vehicle
| Local
U_1
| Shot rock ;
nsn
| 30 || Lowboy
| | Lowboy ii
Intended Purpose/Future Use
Serves as main collector road from all roaded portions of Kuiu Island to Rowan Bay administration site.
Maintenance Criteria
Bmp
Emp
Operational Maintenance Level
(Planned Initial Condition)
Objective Maintenance Level
(Desired FutureCondition)
Alaska Forest Practices Act Class
0.00
4.43
3
3
Active
Maintenance Narrative
AFR&P Reg's, "active" status: Keep culverts, catchbasins, ditches and road blocks functional. Grade as needed
to maintain crown and running surface.
Operation Criteria
Highway Safety Act: Yes Jurisdiction: National Forest ownership
Traffic
Encourage:
Hikers, bicycles
Management
Strategies
Accept:
All motorized vehicles
Discourage:
N/A
Prohibit:
N/A
Eliminate:
N/A
Travel Management Narrative
Road will remain open to all traffic.
B-106 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Road Management Objective
Project
System
Land Use Designation
| Kuiu
| | Kuiu
|| OG TM
|
Route No
Route Name
Begin Terminus
End Terminus
| 6411
| | Ridge Top
1 6415 MP 15
HI "
|
Begin MP
Length Status
Map Quarter Quad
Photo year, roll, photos
| 0.00 ~| I 0,80 | 1 Existing | | PAD1 SE | | 1 98 698-24
General Design Criteria and
Elements
Functional
Class
Service
Life
Surface Width
Design
Speed
Critical Vehicle
Design Vehicle
| Local !|
1 U 1
| Shot rock | | 14' ,
I 10 I
| Logtruck
| Logtruck ;
Intended Purpose/Future Use
Access for silvicultural activities. Close road until needed in the future.
Maintenance Criteria
Bmp
Emp
Operational Maintenance Level
(Planned Initial Condition)
Objective Maintenance Level
(Desired FutureCondition)
Alaska Forest Practices Act Class
0.00
0.80
2
Active
0.00
0.80
1
Closed
Maintenance Narrative
AFR&P Reg's, "active" status: Keep culverts, catchbasins, ditches and road blocks functional. Grade as needed
to maintain crown and running surface.
AFR&P Reg's, "closed" status: Place road in storage. Remove culverts from streams, bypass ditch relief
culverts with waterbars, add extra waterbars as needed to control runoff.
Operation Criteria
Highway Safety Act:
No
Jurisdiction: National Forest ownership
Traffic
Encourage:
Hikers, bicycles
Management
Strategies
Accept:
High clearance vehicles when open
Discourage:
N/A
Prohibit:
N/A
Eliminate:
Motorized vehicles on closed segment
Travel Management Narrative
By removing stream crossing structures on closed segment, most motorized vehicle use will be eliminated.
Restore stream crossings and re-use ditch relief culverts when the road is needed in the future.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix B • B-107
Road Management Objective
Project
System
Land Use Designation
| Kuiu
II
| Kuiu ||
1 tm |
Route No
Route Name
Begin Terminus
End Terminus
| 6413 i
1 South Fork Saginaw i
| 6402 MP 2
1 1
Begin MP
Length Status
Map Quarter Quad
Photo year, roll, photos
I 0.00
1 2.84 | | Existing :i
PA 1)1 SE ;
| ’98 598-128 to 132 i'
Functional
Class
General Design Criteria and Elements
Service Design
Life Surface Width Speed Critical Vehicle Design Vehicle
[ Local
| LI || Shot rock I I 14’
1 1 0 || Log truck
; | Log truck
Intended P^oose/Future Use
Access for cultural activities.
Maintenance Criteria
Bmp
Enip
Operational Maintenance Level
(Planned Initial Condition)
Objective Maintenance Level
(Desired FutureCondition)
Alaska Forest Practices Act Class
0.00
2.84
2
Active
0.00
2.84
1
Closed
Maintenance Narrative
AFR&P Reg's, "active" status: Keep adverts, catchbasins, ditches and road blocks functional. Grade as needed
to maintain crown and running surface.
AFR&P Reg's, "closed" status: Place road in storage. Remove culverts from streams, bypass ditch relief
culverts with waterbars, add extra waterbars as needed to control runoff.
Operation Criteria
Highway Safety Act:
No
Jurisdiction: National Forest ownership
Traffic
Encourage:
Hikers, bicycles
Management
Strategies
Accept:
All motorized vehicles on open segment
Discourage:
N/A
Prohibit:
N/A
Eliminate:
Motorized vehicles on closed segment
Travel Management Narrative
Close road after timber harvest. By removing stream crossing structures on closed segment, most motorized
vehicle use will be eliminated. Restore stream crossings and re-use ditch relief culverts when the road is needed
in the future.
B-108 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Road Management Objective
Project
System
Land Use Designation
| Kuiu i
| Kuiu !|
OG RR TM |
Route No
Route Name
Begin Terminus
End Terminus
ii 6415 |
Kuiu Connection |
| 6402 MP 13
| 6402 MP 2 i|
Begin MP
Length
Status
Map Quarter Quad
Photo year, roll, photos
0.00
18.51
Existing
PA Cl NW, PA D1 SE. SW
’98 598-128, 103, 698-24, 50, 798-
178 to 183, 698-57,16, 598-94,
137, 298-132 to 135
General Design
Criteria and Elements
Functional
Class
Service
Life
Surface Width
Design
Speed Critical Vehicle
Design Vehicle
| Local !
li i r
Shot rock | 9 16'
| 30 || Lowboy
, J Lowboy
Intended Purpose/Future Use
Serves as part of loop road on north Kuiu between Rowan and Saginaw bays.
Maintenance Criteria
Bmp Emp Operational Maintenance Level Objective Maintenance Level Alaska Forest Practices Act Class
(Planned Initial Condition) (Desired FutureCondition)
0.00 18.51 3 3 Active
Maintenance Narrative
AFR&P Reg's, "active" status: Keep culverts, catchbasins, ditches and road blocks functional. Grade as needed
to maintain crown and running surface.
Highway Safety Act:
Yes
Operation Criteria
Jurisdiction: National Forest ownership
Traffic
Encourage:
Hikers, bicycles
Management
Strategies
Accept:
All motorized vehicles
Discourage:
N/A
Prohibit:
N/A
Eliminate:
Motorized vehicles on closed segment
Travel Management Narrative
Keep road open to all traffic
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix B • B-109
Road Management Objective
Project
System Land Use Designation
| Kuiu '
| Kuiu !|
| TM
Route No Route Name
Begin Terminus End Terminus
6417 .!
| Security Bay Connection ,
| 6402 MP 7 j! !|
Begin MP
Length Status
Map Quarter Quad Photo year, roll, photos
0.00
3.67 Existing
PA D1 SW
’98 198-107, 108, 74, 298-127 to
I 129
Functional
Class
General Design
Service
Life Surface Width
Criteria and Elements
Design
Speed Critical Vehicle Design Vehicle
| Local
LI | | Shot rock | j 14'
| 10 3 1 Log truck | | Log truck
Intended Purpose/Future Use
Access for silvicultural activities. Close road until needed in the future.
Maintenance Criteria
Bmp
Emp
Operational Maintenance Level
(Planned Initial Condition)
Objective Maintenance Level
(Desired FutureCondition)
Alaska Forest Practices Act Class
0.000.
3.67
1
Closed
0.00
3.67
2
Active
0.00
3.67
1
Closed
Maintenance Narrative
AFR&P Reg's, "active" status: Keep culverts, catch ns, ditches and road blocks functional. Grade as needed
to maintain crown and running surface.
AFR&P Reg's, "closed" status: Place road in storage. Remove culverts from streams, bypass ditch relief
culverts with waterbars, add extra waterbars as needed to control runoff.
Operation Criteria
Highway Safety Act:
No
Jurisdiction: National Forest ownership
Traffic
Encourage:
Hikers, bicycles
Management
Strategies
Accept:
High clearance vehicles when open
Discourage:
N/A
Prohibit:
N/A
Eliminate:
Motorized vehicles on closed segment
Travel Management Narrative
Close road after timber harvest. By removing stream crossing structures on closed segment, most motorized
vehicle use will be eliminated. Restore stream crossings and re-use ditch relief culverts when the road is needed
in the future.
B-1 10 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Road Management Objective
Project
System
Land Use Designation
! Ju
1
| Kuiu
i r™ i
■; met No
Route Name
Begin Terminus
End Terminus
r— i
| Upper Sag
inaw Bay
1
| 6402 MP 3
11 1
Begin MP
Length
Status
Map Quarter Quad
Photo year, roll, photos
I o.oo !
1 1 L70
■ j Existing
I
| PAD1 SW
'} 1 ’98 298-123, 124. 198-77 '!
General Design
Criteria and Elements
Functional
Class
Service
Life
Surface
Width
Design
Speed Critical Vehicle Design Vehicle
| Local !
1 " if
Shot rock |
jZj
| 10 || Log truck
| Log truck
Intended Purpose/Future Use
Access for silvicultural activities. Close road until needed in the future.
Maintenance Criteria
Bmp
Emp
Operational Maintenance Level
(Planned Initial Condition)
Objective Maintenance Level
(Desired FutureCondition)
Alaska Forest Practices Act Class
0.00
1.70
2
Active
0.00
1.70
1
Closed
Maintenance Narrative
AFR&P Reg's, "active" status: Keep culverts, catch basins, ditches and road blocks functional. Grade as
needed to maintain crown and running surface.
AFR&P Reg's, "closed" status: Place road in storage. Remove culverts from streams, bypass ditch relief
culverts with waterbars, add extra waterbars as needed to control runoff.
Operation Criteria
Highway Safety Act:
No
Jurisdiction: National Forest ownership
Traffic
Encourage:
Hikers, bicycles
Management
Strategies
Accept:
High clearance vehicles when open
Discourage:
N/A
Prohibit:
N/A
Eliminate:
Motorized vehicles on closed segment
Travel Management Narrative
Close road after timber harvest. By removing stream crossing structures on closed segment, most motorized
vehicle use will be eliminated. Restore stream crossings and re-use ditch relief culverts when the road is needed
in the future.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix B • B-1 1 1
Road Management Objective
Project
System
Land Use Designation
| Kuiu j!
| Kuiu
— 1 I"rr 1
Route No
Route Name
Begin Terminus
End Terminus
| 6419
| Long Muskeg i
| 6415 MP 9
“II 1
Begin MP
Length
Status
Map Quarter Quad
Photo year, roil, photos
| 0.00
, | 0.39
| Existing !'
| PAD1 SE
i! | ’98 798-181 i;
General Design Criteria and Elements
Functional
Class
Service
Life
Surface
Width
Design
Speed Critical Vehicle
Design Vehicle
| Local
1 L1 I
| Shot rock
1 14'
10 | | Log truck
| | Log truck !
Intended Purpose/Future Use
Access for silvicultural activities. Close road until needed in the future.
Maintenance Criteria
Bmp
limp
Operational Maintenance Level
(Planned Initial Condition)
Objective Maintenance Level
(Desired FutureCondition)
Alaska Forest Practices Act Class
0.00
0.39
2
Active
0.00
0.39
1
Closed
Maintenance Narrative
AFR&P Reg's, "active" status: Keep culverts, catch basins, ditches and road blocks functional. Grade as
needed to maintain crown and running surface.
AFR&P Reg's, "closed" status: Place road in storage. Remove culverts from streams, bypass ditch relief
culverts with waterbars, add extra waterbars as needed to control runoff.
Operation Criteria
Highway Safety Act:
No
Jurisdiction: National Forest ownership
Traffic
Encourage:
Hikers, bicycles
Management
Strategies
Accept:
High clearance vehicles when open
Discourage:
N/A
Prohibit:
N/A
Eliminate:
Motorized vehicles on closed segment
Travel Management Narrative
By removing stream crossing structures on closed segment, most motorized vehicle use will be eliminated.
Restore stream crossings and re-use ditch relief culverts when the road is needed in the future.
B-1 12 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Road Management Objective
Project
System
Land Use Designation
1 Kuiu j; i
| Kuiu j
| I OG RR |
Route No
Route Name
Begin Terminus
End Terminus
i; 6421 i!
| Hoot Owl j
| 6415 MP 7
II 1
Begin MP
Fength Status
Map Quarter Quad
Photo year, roll, photos
| 0.00 ~| | 0.46 j | Existing | | PA D1 SE | | '98 798-148 ]
General Design Criteria and Elements
Functional
Class
Service
Life
Surface
Width
Design
Speed
Critical Vehicle
Design Vehicle
| Local
I Ll I
!| Shot rock [I
1 I* 1
ll 10
- | Log truck
| Log truck
Intended Purpose/Future Use
Access for silvicultural activities. Close road until needed in the future.
Maintenance Criteria
Bmp
Emp
Operational Maintenance Level
(Planned Initial Condition)
Objective Maintenance Level
(Desired FutureCondition)
Alaska Forest Practices Act Class
0.00
0.46
2
Active
0.00
0.46
1
Closed
Maintenance Narrative
AFR&P Reg's, "active" status: Keep culverts, catch basins, ditches and road blocks functional. Grade as
needed to maintain crown and running surface.
AFR&P Reg's, "closed" status: Place road in storage. Remove culverts from streams, bypass ditch relief
culverts with waterbars, add extra waterbars as needed to control runoff.
Operation Criteria
Highway Safety Act:
No
Jurisdiction: National Forest ownership
Traffic
Encourage:
Hikers, bicycles
Management
Strategies
Accept:
High clearance vehicles when open
Discourage:
N/A
Prohibit:
N/A
Eliminate:
Motorized vehicles on closed segment
Travel Management Narrative
By removing stream crossing structures on closed segment, most motorized vehicle use will be eliminated.
Restore stream crossings and re-use ditch relief culverts when the road is needed in the future.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix B • B-1 13
Road Management Objective
Project
System
Land Use Designation
1 Kuiu
i
| Kuiu iS
| TM
Route No
Route Name
Begin Terminus
End Terminus
I 6422
| Saginaw Bay !|
| 6417 MP 2
1 1
Begin MP
Length
Status
Map Quarter Quad
Photo year, roll, photos
S o.oo
| 0.24
| | Existing !
| PAD1 SW i!
| ’98 198-73 j;
General Design
Criteria and Elements
Functional
Service
Design
Class
Life
Surface Width
Speed Critical Vehicle Design Vehicle
| Local
1 Ll li
| Shot rock ] | 14'
|| 10 1 | Log truck
! | Log truck i
Intended Purpose/Future Use
Access for silvicultural activities. Close road until needed in the future.
Maintenance Criteria
Bmp
Emp
Operational Maintenance Level
(Planned Initial Condition)
Objective Maintenance Level
(Desired FutureCondition)
Alaska Forest Practices Act Class
0.00
0.24
1
Closed
0.00
0.24
2
Active
0.00
0.24
1
Closed
Maintenance Narrative
AFR&P Reg's, "active" status: Keep culverts, catch basins, ditches and road blocks functional. Grade as
needed to maintain crown and running surface.
AFR&P Reg's, "closed" status: Place road in storage. Remove culverts from streams, bypass ditch relief
culverts with waterbars, add extra waterbars as needed to control runoff.
Highway Safety Act:
No
Operation Criteria
Jurisdiction: National Forest ownership
T raffic
Encourage:
Hikers, bicycles
Management
Strategies
Accept:
High clearance vehicles when open
Discourage:
N/A
Prohibit:
N/A
Eliminate:
Motorized vehicles on closed segment
Travel Management Narrative
Close road after timber harvest. By removing stream crossing structures on closed segment, most motorized
vehicle use will be eliminated. Restore stream crossings and re-use ditch relief culverts when the road is needed
in the future.
B-1 14 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Road Management Objective
Project
System
Land Use Designation
| Kuiu j
| Kuiu
[Tm |
Route No
Route Name
Begin Terminus
End Terminus
!! 6425 !
Dean Creek
I
| 6402 MP 5 j
1 1
Begin MP
Length
Status
Map Quarter Quad
Photo year, roll, photos
0.00 1
6.47
Existing
PA D1 SW, NW
’98 198-105, 104, 198-219 to 222,
198-100
General Design
Criteria and Elements
Functional
Class
Service
Life Surface
Width
Design
Speed Critical Vehicle Design Vehicle
| Local i
| LI |[ Shot rock i
| 20 || Lowboy
| Lowboy i!
Intended Purpose/Future Use
Access for silvicultural activities. Close road at junction with road 46251 until needed in the future.
Maintenance Criteria
Bmp
Emp
Operational Maintenance Level
(Planned Initial Condition)
Objective Maintenance Level
(Desired FutureCondition)
Alaska Forest Practices Act Class
0.00
4.76
2
2
Active
4.76
6.47
2
1
Closed
Maintenance Narrative
AFR&P Reg's, "active" status: Keep culverts, catch basins, ditches and road blocks functional. Grade as
needed to maintain crown and running surface.
AFR&P Reg's, "closed" status: Place road in storage. Remove culverts from streams, bypass ditch relief
culverts with waterbars, add extra waterbars as needed to control runoff.
Operation Criteria
Highway Safety Act:
Yes
Jurisdiction: National Forest ownership
Traffic
Management
Strategies
Encourage:
Accept:
Hikers, bicycles
All motorized vehicles on open segment
Discourage:
N/A
Prohibit:
N/A
Eliminate:
Motorized vehicles on closed segment
Travel Management Narrative
By removing stream crossing structures on closed segment, most motorized vehicle use will be eliminated.
Restore stream crossings and re-use ditch relief culverts when the road is needed in the future.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix B • B-1 15
Road Management Objective
System Land Use Designation
| Kuiu ;
| Kuiu '!
1 tm |
Route No
ivoute Name
Begin Terminus
End Terminus
1 6427 | |
| Security Bay
I
| 6425 MP 2 I:
1 1
Begin MP
Length
Status
Map Quarter Quad
Photo year, roll, photos
1 0.00 ;!
[ 3.44
II
Existing !
| PAD1 SW |!
| ’98 198-103.104,81 |i
General Design Criteria and Elements
Functional
Class
Service
Life
Surface Width
Design
Speed Critical Vehicle Design Vehicle
I Local '
U II
Shot rock | | 14'
| 10 | | Log truck
1 Log truck !
Intended Purpose/Future Use
Access for silvicultural activities. Close road until needed in the future.
Maintenance Criteria
Bmp
Emp
Operational Maintenance Level
(Planned Initial Condition)
Objective Maintenance Level
(Desired FutureCondition)
Alaska Forest Practices Act Class
0.00
3.44
1
Closed
0.00
3.44
2
Active
0.00
3.44
1
Closed
Maintenance Narrative
AFR&P Reg's, "active" status: Keep culverts, catch basins, ditches and roa blocks functional. Grade as
needed to maintain crown and running surface.
AFR&P Reg's, "closed" status: Place road in storage. Remove culverts from streams, bypass ditch relief
culverts with waterbars, add extra waterbars as needed to control runoff.
Operation Criteria
/ay Safety Act:
No
Jurisdiction: National Forest ownership
Traffic
Management
Encourage:
Hikers, bicycles
Strategies
Accept:
High clearance vehicles on open segment
Discourage:
N/A
Prohibit:
N/A
Eliminate:
Motorized vehicles on closed segment
Travel Management Narrative
Close road after timber harvest. By removing stream crossing structures on closed segment, most motorized
vehicle use will be eliminated. Restore stream crossings and re-use ditch relief culverts when the road is needed
in the future.
B-1 16 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Road Management Objective
Project
System
Land Use Designation
| Kuiu
II
Kuiu |!
1 tm |
Route No
Route Name
Begin Terminus
End Terminus
jl 6441
| Cedar Bight
II
6425 MP 3 |!
1 1
Begin MP
Length
Status
Map Quarter Quad
Photo year, roll, photos
1 o.oo !
1 1 173 ‘
' | Existing
11
PA 1)1 SW |;
| ’98 198-220,298-6 j!
General Design Criteria and Elements
Functional
Service
Design
Class
Life
Surface
Width
Speed Critical Vehicle
• Design Vehicle
| Local ;
1 U 1 1
| Shot rock j
14' |
| 10 | | Log truck
1 J Log truck
Intended Purpose/Future Use
Local road used for silvicultural activities, will be opened periodically, closed during times of inactivity.
Maintenance Criteria
Bmp
Emp
Operational Maintenance Level
(Planned Initial Condition)
Objective Maintenance Level
(Desired FutureCondition)
Alaska Forest Practices Act Class
0.00
1.73
2
Active
0
1.73
1
Closed
Maintenance Narrative
AFR&P Reg's, "active" status: Keep culverts, catch basins, ditches and road blocks functional. Grade as
needed to maintain crown and running surface.
AFR&P Reg's, "closed" status: Place road in storage. Remove culverts from streams, bypass ditch relief
culverts with waterbars, add extra waterbars as needed to control runoff.
Highway Safety Act:
Yes
Operation Criteria
Jurisdiction: National Forest ownership
Traffic
Encourage:
Hikers, bicycles
Management
Strategies
Accept:
High clearance vehicles when open
Discourage:
N/A
Prohibit:
N/A
Eliminate:
Motorized vehicles on closed segment
Travel Management Narrative
Local road used for silvicultural activities, will be opened periodically, closed during times of inactivity.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix B • B-1 17
Road Management Objective
Project
System
Land Use Designation
I Kuiu
II
| Kuiu ;
|“tm |
Route No
Route Name
Begin Terminus
End Terminus
| 6442
| Hernandez
II
| 6441 MP 0.5 !
1 1
Begin MP
Length
Status
Map Quarter Quad
Photo year, roll, photos
| 0.00
1 0.75 |
, | Existing
II
PAD1 SW |!
| ’98 198-219
General Design Criteria and Elements
Functional
Class
Service
Life
Surface
Width
Design
Speed Critical Vehicle Design Vehicle
| Local ! 1
Li 1 :!
Shot rock j
hth
! 10 | | Log truck
| | Log truck
Intended Purpose/Future Use
Local road used for silvicultural activities, will be opened periodically, closed during times of inactivity.
Maintenance Criteria
Bmp
Emp
Operational Maintenance Level
(Planned Initial Condition)
Objective Maintenance Level
(Desired FutureCondition)
Alaska Forest Practices Act Class
0.00
0.75
2
Active
0.00
0.75
1
Closed
Maintenance Narrative
AFR&P Reg's, "active" status: Keep culverts, catch basins, ditches and road blocks functional. Grade as
needed to maintain crown and running surface.
AFR&P Reg's, "closed" status: Place road in storage. Remove culverts from streams, bypass ditch relief
culverts with waterbars, add extra waterbars as needed to control runoff.
Operation Criteria
Highway Safety Act: No
Jurisdiction:
National Forest ownership
Traffic Encourage:
Management
Strategies Accept:
Hikers, bicycles
High clearance vehicles when open
Discourage: N/A
Prohibit: N/A
Eliminate: Motorized vehicles on closed segment
Travel Management Narrative
Local road used for silvicultural activities, will be opened periodically, closed during times of inactivity.
B-1 18 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Road Management Objective
Project
System
Land Use Designation
| Kuiu
II
| Kuiu |
1 PTM 1
Route No
Route Name
Begin Terminus
End Terminus
ii 6443 |
Tangle Foot
II
| 6417 MP 2
II 1
Begin MP
Length
Status
Map Quarter Quad
Photo year, roll, photos
1 0.00 I
| 1.30
j | Existing
II
PAD1 SW !
| ’98 198-74,298-127
General Design Criteria and Elements
Functional
Class
Service
Life
Surface
Width
Design
Speed Critical Vehicle Design Vehicle
I Local
1 LI 1 1
| Shot rock :
r^n
10 | | Log truck
j Log truck ;
Intended Purpose/Future Use
Local road used for silvicultural activities, will be opened periodically, closed during times of inactivity.
Maintenance Criteria
Bmp
Emp
Operational Maintenance Level
(Planned Initial Condition)
Objective Maintenance Level
(Desired FutureCondition)
Alaska Forest Practices Act Class
0.00
1.30
1
Closed
0.00
1.30
2
Active
0.00
1.30
1
Closed
Maintenance Narrative
AFR&P Reg's, "active" status: Keep culverts, catch basins, ditches and road blocks functional. Grade as
needed to maintain crown and running surface.
AFR&P Reg's, "closed" status: Place road in storage. Remove culverts from streams, bypass ditch relief
culverts with waterbars. add extra waterbars as needed to control runoff.
Operation Criteria
Highway Safety Act:
Yes
Jurisdiction: National Forest ownership
Traffic
Encourage:
Hikers, bicycles
Management
Strategies
Accept:
High clearance vehicles when open
Discourage:
N/A
Prohibit:
N/A
Eliminate:
Motorized vehicles on closed segment
Travel Management Narrative
Close road after timber harvest. By removing stream crossing structures on closed segment, most motorized
vehicle use will be eliminated. Restore stream crossings and re-use ditch relief culverts when the road is needed
in the future.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix B • B-1 19
Road Management Objective
System Land Use Designation
■ a ■ g
S Kuiu
1
| Kuiu
1 1 tm |
Route No
Route Name
Begin Terminus
End Terminus
6448
| Saginaw Camp
| Saginaw Bay LTF
|! | Pentilla’s Camp 1
Begin MP
Length Status
Map Quarter Quad
Photo year, roll, photos
| 0.00 |
| 0.81 || Existing ,
| PAD1 SW
a | ’98 598-126,298-119
Functional
Class
General Design
Service
Life Surface Width
Criteria and Elements
Design
Speed Critical Vehicle Design Vehicle
| Local
LI | | Shot rock | | 16'
| Lowboy
1 | Lowboy ;i
Intended Purpose/Future Use
Local road used for silvicultural activities, will be opened periodically, closed during times of inactivity.
Maintenance Criteria
Bmp
Emp
Operational Maintenance Level
(Planned Initial Condition)
Objective Maintenance Level
(Desired LutureCondition)
Alaska Forest Practices Act Class
0.00
0.81
2
2
Active
Maintenance Narrative
AFR&P Reg's, "active" status: Keep culverts, catch basins, ditches and road blocks functional. Grade as
needed to maintain crown and running surface.
Operation Criteria
Highway Safety Act:
No
Jurisdiction: National Forest ownership
Traffic
Encourage:
Hikers, bicycles
Management
Strategies
Accept:
All motorized vehicles when open
Discourage:
N/A
Prohibit:
N/A
Eliminate:
N/A
Travel Management Narrative
Road will remain open to all traffic
B-120 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Road Management Objective
Project
System
Land Use Designation
| Kuiu j
! S Kuiu
“i r™ i
Route No
Route Name
Begin Terminus
End Terminus
| 46021 !!
| Security Ridge
I | 6402 MP 4.59 !i !! jj
Begin MP
Length Status
Map Quarter Quad
Photo year, roll, photos
1 0.00 ~1 I 1.38 | | Existing | | PA D1 SW | | 798 198-78, 106
General Design Criteria and Elements
Functional
Class
Service
Life
Surface
Width
Design
Speed
Critical Vehicle
Design Vehicle
| Local i
rrr i
| Shot rock
] nn
1 '« 1
| Log truck
. | Log truck
Intended Purpose/Future Use
Local road used for silvicultural activities, will be opened periodically, closed during times of inactivity. Serves
as telephone receiving area.
Maintenance Criteria
Bmp
Emp
Operational Maintenance Level
(Planned Initial Condition)
Objective Maintenance Level
(Desired FutureCondition)
Alaska Forest Practices Act Class
0.00
1.38
2
Active
0.00
1.38
1
Closed
Maintenance Narrative
AFR&P Reg's, "active" status: Keep culverts, catch basins, ditches and road blocks functional. Grade as
needed to maintain crown and running surface.
AFR&P Reg's, "closed" status: Place road in storage. Remove culverts from streams, bypass ditch relief
culverts with waterbars, add extra waterbars as needed to control runoff.
Operation Criteria
Highway Safety Act:
No
Jurisdiction: National Forest ownership
Traffic
Encourage:
Hikers, bicycles
Management
Strategies
Accept:
High clearance vehicles
Discourage:
N/A
Prohibit:
N/A
Eliminate:
Motorized vehicles on closed segment
Travel Management Narrative
Close road after timber harvest. By removing stream crossing structures on closed segment, most motorized
vehicle use will be eliminated. Restore stream crossings and re-use ditch relief culverts when the road is needed
in the future.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix B • B-121
Road Management Objective
Project
System
Land Use Designation
| Kuiu
~ ■ 1
| Kuiu
i! | RR TM
|
Route No
Route Name
Begin Terminus
End Terminus
| 46091 :!
| Wilder
| 6415 MP 5
“11
|
Begin MP
Length Status
Map Quarter Quad
Photo year, roll, photos
| 0.00
1.58 || Existing
1
| PAD1 SE
: | ’98 598-94, 95
|
General Design Criteria and Elements
Functional
Class
Service
Life Surface
Design
Width Speed
Critical Vehicle
Design Vehicle
| Local .1
| LI || Shot rock !
1 14* 1 1 10 j
| Log truck
j | Log truck
Intended Purpose/Future Use
Local road used for silvicultural activities, will be opened periodically, closed during times of inactivity.
Maintenance Criteria
Bmp
Emp
Operational Maintenance Level
(Planned Initial Condition)
Objective Maintenance Level
(Desired FutureCondition)
Alaska Forest Practices Act Class
0.00
1.58
1
Closed
0.00
1.58
2
Active
0.00
1.58
1
Closed
Maintenance Narrative
AFR&P Reg's, "active" status: Keep culverts, catch basins, ditches and road blocks functional. Grade as
needed to maintain crown and running surface.
AFR&P Reg's, "closed" status: Place road in storage. Remove culverts from streams, bypass ditch relief
culverts with waterbars, add extra waterbars as needed to control runoff.
Highway Safety Act: No
Operation Criteria
Jurisdiction: National Forest ownership
Traffic
Encourage:
Hikers, bicycles
Management
Strategies
Accept:
High clearance vehicles when open
Discourage:
N/A
Prohibit:
N/A
Eliminate:
Motorized vehicles on closed segment
Travel Management Narrative
Close road after timber harvest. By removing stream crossing structures on closed segment, most motorized
vehicle use will be eliminated. Restore stream crossings and re-use ditch relief culverts when the road is needed
in the future.
B-122 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Road Management Objective
Project
System Land Use Designation
| Kuiu f
| Kuiu | | TM
Route No Route Name
Begin Terminus End Terminus
| 46094 | | Burke Wind f
| 6402 MP 13 !i i ;j
Begin MP Length Status
Map Quarter Quad Photo year, roll, photos
f 0.00 | | 1.58 || Existing i
| PA Cl NW, PAD1 SW || ’98 198-69,70,71
General Design Criteria and Elements
Functional Service Design
Class Life Surface Width Speed Critical Vehicle Design Vehicle
| Local | | LI || Shot rock | | 14'
| 10 || Log track | | Log truck |
Intended Purpose/Future Use
Local road used for silvicultural activities, will be opened periodically, closed during times of inactivity.
Maintenance Criteria
Bmp
Emp
Operational Maintenance Level
(Planned Initial Condition)
Objective Maintenance Level
(Desired FutureCondition)
Alaska Forest Practices Act Class
0.00
4.58
1
Closed
0.00
4.58
2
Active
0.00
4.58
1
Closed
Maintenance Narrative
AFR&P Reg's, "active" status: Keep culverts, catch basins, ditches and road blocks functional. Grade as
needed to maintain crown and running surface.
AFR&P Reg's, "closed" status: Place road in storage. Remove culverts from streams, bypass ditch relief
culverts with waterbars, add extra waterbars as needed to control runoff.
Operation Criteria
vay Safety Act:
No
Jurisdiction: National Forest ownership
Traffic
Encourage:
Hikers, bicycles
Management
Strategies
Accept:
High clearance vehicles when open
Discourage:
N/A
Prohibit:
N/A
Eliminate:
Motorized vehicles on closed segment
Travel Management Narrative
Close road after timber harvest. By removing stream crossing structures on closed segment, most motorized
vehicle use will be eliminated. Restore stream crossings and re-use ditch relief culverts when the road is needed
in the future.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix B • B-123
Road Management Objective
Project
System
Land Use Designation
| Kuiu
1
| Kuiu ;i
| TM
Route No
Route Name
Begin Terminus
End Terminus
I 46096
| | Shorty
1
| 6413 MP 2
1 1
Begin MP
Length
Status
Map Quarter Quad
Photo year, roll, photos
| 0.00
| | 3.80
| Existing
1
| PA 1)1 SW, SE ;;
| ’98 598-132, 198 to 102
General Design
Criteria and Elements
Functional
Class
Service
Li;
Surface
Width
Design
Speed Critical Vehicle Design Vehicle
| Local
1 LI
Shot rock ;
DO
| 10 || Log truck
| Log truck
Intended Purpose/Future Use
Local road used for silvicultural activities, will be opened periodically, closed during times of inactivity.
Maintenance Criteria
Bmp
Emp
Operational Maintenance Level
(Planned Initial Condition)
Objective Maintenance Level
(Desired FutureCondition)
Alaska Forest Practices Act Class
0.00
3.80
2
Active
0.00
3.80
1
Closed
Maintenance Narrative
AFR&P Reg's, "active" status: Keep culverts, catch basins, ditches and road blocks functional. Grade as
needed to maintain crown and running surface.
AFR&P Reg's, "closed" status: Place road in storage. Remove culverts from streams, bypass ditch relief
ciuverts with waterbars, add extra waterbars as needed to control runoff.
Highway Safety Act. No
Traffic Encourage:
Management
Strategies Accept:
Operation Criteria
Jurisdiction: National Forest ownership
Hikers, bicycles
High clearance vehicles when open
Discourage: N/A
Prohibit: N/A
Eliminate: Motorized vehicles on closed segment
Travel Management Narrative
Close road after timber harvest. By removing stream crossing structures on closed segment, most motorized
vehicle use will be eliminated. Restore stream crossings and re-use ditch relief culverts when the road is needed
in the future.
B-124 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Road Management Objective
Project
System
Land Use Designation
| Kuiu
i; | Kuiu
— 1 f™ |
Route No
Route Name
Begin Terminus
End Terminus
J 46098 I'
] Bulk Head
|| | 6425 MP 2
H 1
Begin MP
Length Status
Map Quarter Quad
Photo year, roll, photos
| 0.00 ii
| 0.42 | | Existing
|| PADI SW
| ’98 198-218
General Design Criteria and Elements
Functional Service Design
Class
Life
Surface
Width Speed
Critical Vehicle
Design Vehicle
j Local
1 Ili
| Shot rock j
mnTi
■ | Log truck
I Log truck
Intended Purpose/Future Use
Local road used for silvicultural activities, will be opened periodically, closed during times of inactivity.
Maintenance Criteria
Bmp
Emp
Operational Maintenance Level
(Planned Initial Condition)
Objective Maintenance Level
(Desired FutureCondition)
Alaska Forest Practices Act Class
0.00
0.42
2
Active
0.00
0.42
1
Closed
Maintenance Narrative
AFR&P Reg's, "active" status: Keep culverts, catch basins, ditches and road blocks functional. Grade as
needed to maintain crown and running surface.
AFR&P Reg's, "closed" status: Place road in storage. Remove culverts from streams, bypass ditch relief
culverts with waterbars, add extra waterbars as needed to control runoff.
Operation Criteria
Highway Safety Act:
No
Jurisdiction: National Forest ownership
Traffic
Encourage:
Hikers, bicycles
Management
Strategies
Accept:
High clearance vehicles when open
Discourage:
N/A
Prohibit:
N/A
Eliminate:
Motorized vehicles on closed segment
Travel Management Narrative
Local road used for silvicultural activities, will be opened periodically, closed during times of inactivity.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix B • B-125
Road Management Objective
Project
System
Land Use Designation
| Kuiu j!
| Kuiu J
pTM |
Route No Route Name
Begin Terminus
End Terminus
1 O.oo s S 1.43 !
i Existing
II 1
Begin MP Length Status
Map Quarter Quad
Photo year, roll, photos
| 46127 S 1 Saginaw || 6415 MP 10 h
| PAD1 SE !|
| ’98 698-51 i;
General Design Criteria and Elements
Functional Service
Design
Critical Vehicle
HE truck
Design Vehicle
|! | Log truck
Intended Purpose/Future Use
Local road used for silvicultural activities, will be opened periodically, closed during times of inactivity.
Maintenance Criteria
Bmp
Emp
Operational Maintenance Level
(Planned Initial Condition)
Objective Maintenance Level
(Desired FutureCondition)
Alaska Forest Practices Act Class
0.00
1.43
2
Active
0.00
1.43
1
Closed
Maintenance Narrative
AFR&P Reg's, "active" status: Keep culverts, catch basins, ditches and road blocks functional. Grade as
needed to maintain crown and running surface.
AFR&P Reg's, "closed" status: Place road in storage. Remove culverts from streams, bypass ditch relief
culverts with waterbars, add extra waterbars as needed to control runoff.
Highway Safety Act: No
Traffic Encourage:
Management
Strategies Accept:
Operation Criteria
Jurisdiction: National Forest ownership
Hikers, bicycles
High clearance vehicles when open
Discourage: N/A
Prohibit: N/A
Eliminate: Motorized vehicles on closed segment
Travel Management Narrative
Local road used for silvicultural activities, will be opened periodically, closed during times of inactivity.
B-126 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Road Management Objective
Project
System
Land Use Designation
1 Kuiu
| Kuiu
| | RRTM |
Route No
Route Name
Begin Terminus
End Terminus
I 46152
; | North West Kadake Slope f
| 6415 MP 6
II 1
Begin MP
Length Status
Map Quarter Quad
Photo year, roll, photos
| 0.00
| 2.05 | | Existing
| PAD1 SE
| ’98 698-16.17,56
General Design Criteria and Elements
Functional
Class
Service
Life
Surface
Width
Design
Speed
Critical Vehicle
Design Vehicle
| Local
1 LI 1
| Shot rock
Li£ 1
| Log truck
; | Log truck ;
Intended Purpose/Future Use
Local road used for silvicultural activities, will be opened periodically, closed during times of inactivity.
Maintenance Criteria
Bmp
Emp
Operational Maintenance Level
(Planned Initial Condition)
Objective Maintenance Level
(Desired FutureCondition)
Alaska Forest Practices Act Class
0.00
2.05
2
Active
0.00
2.05
1
Closed
Maintenance Narrative
AFR&P Reg's, "active" status: Keep culverts, catch basins, ditches and road blocks functional. Grade as
needed to maintain crown and running surface.
AFR&P Reg's, "closed" status: Place road in storage. Remove culverts from streams, bypass ditch relief
culverts with waterbars, add extra waterbars as needed to control runoff.
Operation Criteria
Highway Safety Act:
No
Jurisdiction: National Forest ownership
Traffic
Encourage:
Hikers, bicycles
Management
Strategies
Accept:
High clearance vehicles when open
Discourage:
N/A
Prohibit:
N/A
Eliminate:
Motorized vehicles on closed segment
Travel Management Narrative
Local road used for silvicultural activities, will be opened periodically, closed during times of inactivity.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix B • B-127
Road Management Objective
Project
System
Land Use Designation
| Kuiu
II
Kuiu ;■
pTM |
Route No
Route Name
Begin Terminus
End Terminus
| 46154
| North West Kadake Ridge
II
46152 MP 1 ;
II 1
Begin MP
length
Status
Map Quarter Quad
Photo year, roll, photos
| 0.00 1
| 0.54
! | Existing
11
PAD1SE
| ’98 698-17
General Design Criteria and Elements
Functional
Class
Service
Life
Surface
Width
Design
Speed Critical Vehicle Design Vehicle
| Lo'.al
'Ll II
Shot rock !i
14' I
J 1 0 || Log truck
| | Log truck
Intended Purpose/Future Use
Local road used for silvicultural activities, will be opened periodically, closed during times of inactivity.
Maintenance Criteria
Bmp
Emp
Operational Maintenance Level
(Planned Initial Condition)
Objective Maintenance Level
(Desired FutureCondition)
Alaska Forest Practices Act Class
0.00
0.54
2
Active
0.00
0.54
1
Closed
Maintenance Narrative
AFR&P Reg's, "active" status: Keep culverts, catch basins, ditches and road blocks functional. Grade as
needed to maintain crown and running surface.
AFR&P Reg's, "closed" status: Place road in storage. Remove culverts from streams, bypass ditch relief
culverts with waterbars, add extra waterbars as needed to control runoff.
Highway Safety Act:
No
Operation Criteria
Jurisdiction: National Forest ownership
Traffic
Encourage:
Hikers, bicycles
Management
Strategies
Accept:
High clearance vehicles when open
Discourage:
N/A
Prohibit:
N/A
Eliminate:
Motorized vehicles on closed segment
Travel Management Narrative
Local road used for silvicultural activities, will be opened periodically, closed during times of inactivity.
B-128 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Road Management Objective
Project
System
Land Use Designation
| Kuiu
i
| Kuiu
nr™ i
Route No
Route Name
Begin Terminus
End Terminus
1 4625 1
| Cool Lake
1
| 6425 MP 5
11 1
Begin MP
Length
Status
Map Quarter Quad
Photo year, roll, photos
| 0.00 |
| 2.13
1 | Existing !
| PAD1NW, SW
|| '98 198-222,99,83 ;!
General Design
Criteria and Elements
Functional
Class
Service
Life
Surface Width
Design
Speed Critical Vehicle Design Vehicle
| Local
1 1" i r
Shot rock | | 14'
| 1 0 | | Log truck
; | Log truck i
Intended Purpose/Future Use
Local road used for silvicultural activities, will be opened periodically, closed during times of inactivity.
Maintenance Criteria
Bmp
Emp
Operational Maintenance Level
(Planned Initial Condition)
Objective Maintenance Level
(Desired FutureCondition)
Alaska Forest Practices Act Class
0.00
1.02
2
2
Active
1.02
2.13
2
1
Closed
Maintenance Narrative
AFR&P Reg's, "active" status: Keep culverts, catch basins, ditches and road blocks functional. Grade as
needed to maintain crown and running surface.
AFR&P Reg's, "closed" status: Place road in storage. Remove culverts from streams, bypass ditch relief
culverts with waterbars, add extra waterbars as needed to control runoff.
Operation Criteria
Highway Safety Act:
No
Jurisdiction: National Forest ownership
Traffic
Encourage:
Hikers, bicycles
Management
Strategies
Accept:
High clearance vehicles
Discourage:
N/A
Prohibit:
N/A
Eliminate:
Motorized vehicles on closed segment
Travel Management Narrative
Local road used for silvicultural activities, will be opened periodically, closed during times of inactivity.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix B • B-129
Road Management Objective
Project
System
Land Use Designation
| Kuiu
| | Kuiu
1 pTM |
Route No
Route Name
Begin Terminus
End Terminus
| 46252
| North Cool Lake
■ | 46251 MP 1
"11 1
Begin MP
Length Status
Map Quarter Quad
Photo year, roll, photos
1 0.00
| 1.10 || Existing
| PAD1 SW, NW
;! | '98 198-84. 99
General Design Criteria and Elements
Functional
Class
Service
Life
Surface Width
Design
Speed
Critical Vehicle
Design Vehicle
| Local
i ii ii
| Shot rock | | 14' |
1 io !i
| Log truck
j | Log truck
Intended Purpose/Future Use
Local road used for silvicultural activities, will be opened periodically, closed during times of inactivity.
Maintenance Criteria
Bmp
Emp
Operational Maintenance Level
(Planned Initial Condition)
Objective Maintenance Level
(Desired FutureCondition)
Alaska Forest Practices Act Class
0.00
1.10
2
Active
0.00
1.10
1
Closed
Maintenance Narrative
AFR&P Reg's, "active" status: Keep culverts, catch basins, ditches and road blocks functional. Grade as
needed to maintain crown and running surface.
AFR&P Reg's, "closed" status: Place road in storage. Remove culverts from streams, bypass ditch relief
culverts with waterbars, add extra waterbars as needed to control runoff.
Operation Criteria
Highway Safety Act:
No
Jurisdiction: National Forest ownership
Traffic
Encourage:
Hikers, bicycles
Management
Strategies
Accept:
High clearance vehicles when open
Discourage:
N/A
Prohibit:
N/A
Eliminate:
Motorized vehicles on closed segment
Travel Management Narrative
Local road used for silvicultural activities, will be opened periodically, closed during times of inactivity.
B-1 30 • Appendix B
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Road Management Objective
Project
System
Land Use Designation
| Kuiu
|
| Kuiu ;!
| OG TM j
Route No
Route Name
Begin Terminus
End Terminus
| 46420 !!
| Contraversy
|
| 6415 MP 16
1 1
Begin MP
Length
Status
Map Quarter Quad
Photo year, roll, photos
I o.oo f.
| 2.27
II
Existing
1
| PAD1 SE I!
| ’98 698-22, 23, 24
General Design
Criteria and Elements
Functional
Class
Service
Life
Surface
Width
Design
Speed Critical Vehicle Design Vehicle
| Local i
U II
Shot rock
!| 14' 1
10 || Log truck
' | Log truck
Intended Purpose/Future Use
Local road used for silvicultural activities, will be opened periodically, closed during times of inactivity.
Maintenance Criteria
Bmp
Emp
Operational Maintenance Level
(Planned Initial Condition)
Objective Maintenance Level
(Desired FutureCondition)
Alaska Forest Practices Act Class
0.00
1.88
2
2
Active
1.88
2.27
2
1
Closed
Maintenance Narrative
AFR&P Reg’s, "active" status: Keep culverts, catch basins, ditches and road blocks functional. Grade as
needed to maintain crown and running surface.
AFR&P Reg's, "closed" status: Place road in storage. Remove culverts from streams, bypass ditch relief
culverts with waterbars, add extra waterbars as needed to control runoff.
Operation Criteria
t'ay Safety Act:
No
Jurisdiction: National Forest ownership
Traffic
Encourage:
Hikers, bicycles
Management
Strategies
Accept:
High clearance vehicles on open segment
Discourage:
N/A
Prohibit:
N/A
Eliminate:
Motorized vehicles on closed segment
Travel Management Narrative
Local road used for silvicultural activities, will be opened periodically, closed during times of inactivity.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix B • B-131
Appendix C
Watershed Analysis
for the
Kuiu Landscape
Assessment
APPENDIX C
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.1 Introduction 1
1 .2 Watershed Delineation and Identification 2
1 .3 Watershed Characterization 3
1 .4 Stream Channel Classification 3
1 .5 Watershed Processes and Forest Management 5
Collection 5
Storage 5
Discharge 6
Disturbance regimes 7
Sediment transport in streams 7
1 .6 Watershed Analysis Tools and Techniques 8
Intensity of watershed analysis 8
Sediment Risk Assessment 9
Tongass Fish Habitat objectives 9
1.7 Analysis Area 10
Location 10
Climate and hydrology 10
Land Use Designations 10
1.8 Watersheds 10
All Kuiu Watersheds 10
Water quality on Kuiu Island 19
Watersheds in non-development LUDs 20
Watersheds in development LUDs 20
Watersheds with greater than 20 percent cumulative harvest 21
1 .9 Watersheds Analyzed in Detail 23
Selection of watersheds for detailed analysis 23
Methods 23
Saginaw Creek Watershed 25
Security Creek Watershed 3 1
Watershed #109-45-10090 37
Dean Creek Watershed 42
Kadake Creek Watershed 46
1.10 Literature Cited 52
Appfndix C-l: The Sediment Risk Assessment 55
Sediment Risk Index 56
Appendix C-2: Ecological Subsections 58
Watershed Analysis, Appendix C
1.1 Introduction
The Tongass Land and Resource Management Plan (USD A Forest
Service, 1997) guides the management of soil and water resources on
the Tongass National Forest. Specific Standards and Guidelines direct
the inventory, analysis, protection, and improvement of soil, water,
and riparian resources. These Standards and Guidelines prescribe
general and specific procedures for the protection of stream channels
during planning and implementation of timber sales, road building,
mining, recreation, and special uses projects.
General direction for soil and water resources includes:
• Avoiding irreversible or serious and adverse effects on soil and
water resources
• Maintaining water quality and quantity to protect the state-
designated beneficial uses
• Applying Best Management Practices (BMPs) to all land-
disturbing activities
• Reserving both ground and surface water rights (including for in-
stream flow needs, and developed recreation sites)
General direction for riparian resources and associated stream channels
includes:
• Maintaining riparian areas in mostly natural conditions
• Defining Riparian Management Areas and management
prescriptions based on stream value classes for fish habitat and
stream channel types
Refer to the Tongass Land and Resource Management Plan (USD A
Forest Service, 1997) for specific Standards and Guidelines for soil
and water (pp 4-83 - 4-85) and riparian resources (pp 4-53 - 4-73).
The Tongass Land and Resource Management Plan, Appendix J,
defines the purpose and intent of watershed analyses on the Tongass
National Forest. Watershed analysis is a procedure for assessing
important riparian and aquatic habitat values and geomorphic
processes within a watershed. It describes key aquatic and riparian
resources, along with their habitat conditions and trends, and is
designed to: (1) help set the stage for project planning, (2) strengthen
the project NEPA analysis, and (3) focus interdisciplinary discussion
on key watershed-level resources, habitat relationships and
management issues.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix C • C-1
Appendix C, Watershed Analysis
1.2 Watershed Delineation and
Identification
Watersheds are topographically delineated catchments drained by a
single stream or river. Watersheds located on the islands of the
Alexander Archipelago of Southeast Alaska are often small relative to
watersheds draining continental land masses. Sea level often defines
an appropriate downstream boundary to the small watersheds draining
the many islands of the Alexander Archipelago. Larger watersheds
may be divided into sub-watersheds either to achieve consistency in
sizing analysis areas, or to acknowledge differences in the abiotic and
biotic characteristics of these smaller catchments.
The Tongass National Forest recognizes the US Geological Survey
(USGS) hierarchical watershed mapping and numbering system, and
the numbering system used in the Catalog of Waters Important for
Spawning , Rearing, or Migration of Anadromous Fish , which is
maintained by Alaska Department of Fish and Game (State of Alaska,
1998). Under the USGS system watersheds are grouped and numbered
according to successively smaller levels including regions, sub-
regions, basins, sub-basins, watershed associations, and watersheds.
Watershed numbers are called Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUC). The
ADF&G Catalog of Waters is a hierarchical system of numbering
streams and watersheds according to the saltwater bodies they drain
into. These numbers are useful for categorizing watersheds which have
known anadromous fish populations.
The Tongass National Forest maintains a Geographical Information
System (GIS) that maps and identifies every major watershed on the
Forest. The HUC system is used primarily as a tool for mapping
watersheds and accomplishing GIS queries, whereas the ADF&G
Catalog of Waters is often used as a labeling system for major
watersheds that are drained by an unnamed stream.
For the following analysis, 6Ih level HUC watersheds were queried
from the Tongass GIS library. Each watershed was given a new
number between 1 and 163 (Figure C-l). The renumbering of
watersheds for this analysis was necessary because Hydrologic Unit
Codes and ADF&G stream numbers are too long to be displayed on a
map scaled to fit the entire Kuiu Island. This document also refers to
watersheds by the names of major streams in cases where watersheds
are drained by named major streams.
C-2 • Appendix C
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Watershed Analysis, Appendix C
1 .3 Watershed Characterization
Watersheds are characterized by a host of physical factors, including:
• Location
• Climate
• Geology
• Hydrology
• Stream channel morphology
• Disturbance regimes
• Protected beneficial uses and water rights
• Water quality
• Erosion and mass movement hazard
• Landslide inventory
• Harvest history
• Roads
• Sediment Risk
• Stream channel condition
• Fish habitat condition
The Tongass GIS library was used extensively for summarizing the
large amounts of information that were required for this report.
Watersheds were delineated, identified, and characterized using
information queried from the Tongass GIS library. The GIS was
particularly useful in characterizing watersheds according to geology,
stream channel morphology, harvest history, roads, and landslide
potential. The Tongass GIS library is constantly improving as field
going personnel update information based on field observations.
1.4 Stream Channel Classification
The Tongass National Forest defines stream channels according to the
Channel Type User Guide (USDA Forest Service, 1992), the
foundation upon which aquatic habitat management prescriptions are
developed. Channel types are defined within the context of fluvial
process groups that describe the interrelationship between watershed
runoff, landform relief, geology, and glacial or tidal influences on
fluvial erosion and deposition processes. Individual channel type
classifications are defined by physical attributes, such as channel
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix C • C-3
Appendix C, Watershed Analysis
gradient, channel width, channel pattern, stream bank incision and
containment, and riparian plant community composition (Table C - 1).
Table C - 1: Stream process groups and channel types recognized on
the Tongass National Forest
Process Group
Process
group
abbreviation
Defining characteristic of group
Alluvial Fan
AF
Channels occurring on alluvial fan
landforms
Estuarine
ES
Channels that are influenced by
tides
Floodplain
FP
Low-gradient channels on broad
flood plains
High-gradient
Contained
HC
High-gradient channels contained
by steep valley walls
Moderate
Gradient
Contained
MC
Moderate-gradient channels
contained by steep valley walls
Moderate-
gradient, Mixed-
control
MM
Moderate-gradient channels with
some flood plain development
Large Contained
LC
Large, low-gradient channels
contained by steep valley walls
Glacial Outwash
GO
Channels associated with glaciers or
recently glaciated terrain
Palustrine
PA
Very low-gradient, placid channels
draining wetlands
Streams on the Tongass National Forest are also classified by stream
value classes. Stream value classes are mapping units that indicate
levels of habitat use by fish populations according to the following
criteria described in the Aquatic Habitat Management Handbook
(USDA Forest Service, 2001a).
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.
C-4 • Appendix C
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Watershed Analysis, Appendix C
Collection
Storage
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
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 meters (1
foot).
Non-streams: Rills and other watercourses, generally intermittent and
less than 1 foot in bankfull width, little or no incision into the
surrounding hillslope, and with little or no evidence of scour.
1 .5 Watershed Processes and Forest
Management
Watersheds function to collect and store precipitation, and deliver
water to stream systems (Black, 1997). Natural factors that affect the
collection of water by a watershed include storm characteristics such
as size, position within the watershed, and the precipitation type and
frequency.
Forest management activities have the potential to change patterns of
water collection by changing patterns in canopy interception.
Interception loss is the process by which precipitation is collected on
the leaves and stems of vegetation and evaporates before reaching the
soil surface (Dingman 2002). Interception loss is decreased following
the removal of trees, and this increases the amount of water collected
in the soil. Forest clearings associated with timber harvest interact with
wind velocity patterns to cause increased snow deposition in small
clearings, although this effect can be reversed in large openings.
Watershed-scale experiments have shown that both selective logging
and clearcutting tend to increase snow collection (Dingman 2002).
Watersheds function to store water in a variety of reservoirs, including
soil-water, groundwater, lakes, ponds, wetlands, stream channels, and
snowpack (Black, 1997). The soil mantle, in particular, constitutes the
chief aquifer for water storage (Hewlett and Hibbert, 1963).
Appendix C • C-5
Appendix C, Watershed Analysis
Discharge
Roads can potentially reduce the storage capacity of a watershed by
compacting the soil, and by increasing the stream drainage network
into road ditches, allowing the soil water to be drained more quickly
(Harr et al., 1975; Jones and Grant, 1996; Jones et al., 1999; Jones
2000).
Stream discharge, or runoff, arises from four primary sources: direct
precipitation into stream channels, interflow occurring within the soil
mantle, base flow occurring within groundwater reservoirs, and
overland flow (Hewlett and Hibbert, 1967). Overland flow is quickly
routed towards stream channels, whereas interflow and base flow can
have long or very long residence times in the soil mantle and in
underground aquifers. Overland flow is rare in undisturbed forest soils
where infiltration capacity exceeds precipitation rates, but more
common where soil is compacted (Swanston and Marion, 1991).
Typically, subsurface flows (interflow and base flow) account for the
majority of stream flows (Hewlett and Hibbert, 1967).
Changes in the collection and storage of water in watersheds can affect
the timing of stream discharge (Jones, 2000). Soil compaction in areas
adjacent to streams or along roads with ditches leading to streams can
increase the occurrence of overland flow. The resulting increase in the
proportion of water delivered *o streams by overland flow can cause
streams to rise in response to .^n fall or snow melt more quickly than
would occur under natural conditions (Jones, 2000).
Changes in collection and storage of water in watersheds can also
affect the amount of stream discharge (Jones, 2000). Increased snow
loading primarily affects stream discharge during rain on snow
precipitation events, or during spring thaw (Jones, 2000). During the
growing season transpiration by plants (primarily trees) removes water
stored in the soil mantle. Extensive reductions in plant transpiration
rates by vegetation removal can increase annual water yield as well as
peak flows in small streams, particularly during the driest part of the
growing season (Harr et al., 1975; Jones and Grant, 1996). Peak flow
increases have been demonstrated in small watersheds where as little
as 25 percent of vegetation has been completely removed in a single
entry (Jones and Grant, 1996), however, increases may be undetectable
when harvest levels are below 25 percent (Jones and Grant, 1996;
Beschta et al., 2000). Hydrologic recovery due to regrowth of
vegetation in harvested areas offsets changes to peak flow increases
over time. Full hydrologic recovery in the absence of roads is
dependent upon regrowth following harvest, and is expected to require
between 10 and 30 years in the Pacific Northwest (Hicks et al., 1991;
Jones 2000).
Increased drainage density in road ditches, and subsurface flow
interception in road cuts can potentially increase peak flows, including
large flow events with recurrence intervals of one year or greater, and
C-6 • Appendix C
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Watershed Analysis, Appendix C
Disturbance
regimes
Sediment
transport in
streams
change the timing of runoff (Harr et al., 1975, Jones 2000). The effects
of subsurface flow interception by roads increase as the percentage of
area in roads and road density within the watershed, particularly on
mid-slopes, increases (Harr et al. , 1975, Jones 2000). A study
conducted in the Oregon Coast Range indicates that increases in peak
flows occur when at least 12 percent of the watershed area is cleared
for roads (Harr et al., 1975). Hydrologic changes caused by roads may
require several decades to recover (Jones, 2000).
The most important natural disturbances in watersheds of the Tongass
are soil mass movement, flooding, and windthrow. Forest pathogens
and fire also affect forest dynamics to a lesser extent. Soil mass
movement shapes the steep slopes and upper valleys of these
watersheds, and provides a sediment source for streams. Flooding
shapes the valley bottoms and deposits alluvium on floodplains. The
uprooting of trees by wind stirs soil and determines the structure of the
forest canopy.
Mass movement events such as landslides and debris torrents are
primary sources of sediment input for streams in the Pacific
Northwest, including Southeast Alaska (Swanston and Marion 1991;
Swanson et al, 1987). However, increased rates of mass movement
can alter stream morphology and adversely affect fish populations
(Sullivan et al., 1987; Swanson et al., 1987). Natural landslides are
linked to initiation by temporary water table development during high
intensity storms. Forest harvest operations in southeast Alaska have
increased the frequency of landslide events (Swanston and Marion,
1991). Increased landslide activity is linked to alterations in ground
water/surface water flow regimes and the destruction of stabilizing
root systems due to timber harvest. Activities that increase the
availability of soil water (such as increased snow loading and
decreased transpiration loss), can potentially increase the frequency
and duration of soil saturation (Satterlund and Adams, 1992), thereby
increasing the susceptibility of a slope to failure. In a study in
southeast Alaska, logging substantially increased the number of
landslides initiating from gullies (v-notches) present before logging,
possibly reflecting the increased disturbance of gully walls and loading
of the gully floor with soil and organic debris during yarding
operations (Swanston and Marion, 1991). Research concerning
landslides in Southeast Alaska provided information that was used in
the development of the standards and guidelines in the Forest Plan.
For a stream channel to maintain a stable form, there must be a
balance, at a given location, between the amount of sediment supplied
and the capacity of the stream to transport sediment, otherwise
aggradation or degradation occurs (Montgomery and Buffington,
1998). Hill slopes and headwater streams act as sediment sources,
intermittently delivering pulses of sediments to streams through debris
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix C • C-7
Appendix C, Watershed Analysis
Intensity of
watershed
analysis
flow events. Steep, narrow stream channels immediately downstream
from source areas readily transport sediment inputs through the stream
network to larger, lower-gradient streams, where the response to
sediment input is governed by the transport capacity of the stream at a
given location (USDA Forest Service, 1992; Montgomery and
Buffington, 1997). The transport capacity of a stream is affected by
stream discharge, gradient, bed roughness, channel geometry, and
sediment size.
Stream flow directly influences sediment transport and bed stability,
and controls the depth of bed scouring (Montgomery and Buffington,
1998) . Due to the relationship between stream flow event frequency
and magnitude, the largest portion of the total load is carried by flows
which occur on the average once or twice a year (Wolman and Miller,
1960).
Where transport capacity is limited, stream reaches are particularly
susceptible to impacts from accelerated sediment supply (USDA
Forest Service, 1992; Montgomery and Buffington, 1997). Increased
rates of sediment supply can lead to bed surface fining, smoothing of
stream channels, and filling of pools (Sullivan et a/., 1987; Madej,
1999) . The most susceptible stream reaches tend to be in valley
bottoms (USDA Forest Service, 1992; Montgomery and Bufmgton,
1997), areas that are commonly of the greatest importance to fish as
spawning habitat.
1.6 Watershed Analysis Tools and
Techniques
The Forest Plan (USDA Forest Service, 1997), in Appendix J, defines
the core topics of the watershed analysis, and guides the scale and
intensity of the analysis. The scale, intensity, and complexity of
watershed analysis are to be commensurate with the level of
cumulative risk. More intensive, complex, and field-based watershed
analyses are conducted in watersheds with:
• high value fish habitat,
• high sediment yield risks or erosion potential,
• extensive very high and high hazard soils,
• presence of threatened, endangered or sensitive species,
• more than 20 percent of the watershed acres with trees in second
growth younger than 30 years, or
• high density of roads and stream crossings.
C-8 • Appendix C
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Watershed Analysis, Appendix C
Sediment Risk
Assessment
Tongass Fish
Habitat
objectives
The intensity of the analysis of the different watersheds on Kuiu Island
is organized according to the guidelines of the Forest Plan. Areas with
a higher risk of future impacts or greater levels of cumulative harvest
receive a more detailed analysis, whereas the analysis of watersheds in
non-development land use designations is less detailed. All major
watersheds on Kuiu Island were identified and described according to
general watershed characteristics. In addition, all major watersheds
were evaluated using a Sediment Risk Analysis tool. The Sediment
Risk Analysis is a GIS-based comparison of watersheds that accounts
for the morphological characteristics of watersheds and their stream
networks. Finally, some watersheds were evaluated based on a
comparison of physical stream characteristics to the Tongass
objectives for fish habitat. These are watersheds in which cumulative
harvest levels exceed 20 percent, and in which timber harvest may
occur in a proposed timber sale — the Kuiu Timber Sale.
The sediment risk assessment is a tool that integrates stream, soil, and
watershed characteristics to facilitate an evaluation of the relative
potential for sediment-related changes in stream channels to occur
within a group of watersheds. Because the assessment tool is designed
to compare the relative sediment risk among groups of watersheds, it is
most appropriately used at the landscape level where there are many
watersheds with varying morphology. The details of the Sediment Risk
Assessment and the interpretation of the results are described in the
All Kuiu Watersheds subsection of this appendix.
The Forest Plan calls for using baseline fish habitat objectives, as
described in the Anadromous Fish Habitat Assessment (USDA Forest
Service, 1995) and below, for evaluating the condition of aquatic
habitat in stream channels. The Tongass maintains an inventory of
stream channel measurements obtained in streams draining
unharvested basins. This inventory allows percentile ranges to be
defined for a set of physical habitat characteristics that are considered
important to fish populations. This provides criteria for evaluating the
physical habitat characteristics of streams draining harvested basins.
The criteria used for assessing the condition of physical habitat
characteristics in this analysis include:
• pools per kilometer,
• percent of stream channel area in pools,
• pieces of large wood per kilometer of stream channel, and
• stream width-to-depth ratio.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix C • C-9
Appendix C, Watershed Analysis
Location
Climate and
hydrology
Land Use
Designations
All Kuiu
Watersheds
1.7 Analysis Area
Kuiu Island, part of the Alexander Archipelago, is located between
Kupreanof and Baranof Islands. The nearest town is Kake, which lies
on Kupreanof Island to the northeast of the analysis area.
Climate in the analysis area is strongly influenced by a nearly constant
procession of storms originating from a semi-permanent low pressure
system called the Aleutian Low (USDA Forest Service, 2001b).
Maritime air masses originate over the warm waters t the Pacific
Ocean where heat and moisture are transferred to the atmosphere. The
northward movement of warm ocean currents and air masses
transports warm moist air into the coastal mountain ranges of the
Alexander Archipelago. The movement of moist air masses over
topographic boundaries results in heavy precipitation and strong
winds. Precipitation within the analysis area ranges from about 60
inches to 200 inches annually. Stream discharge within Southeast
Alaska is predominantly controlled by rainfall events, with peak
discharges occurring during fall and winter storms (Jones and Fahl,
1994). Snowmelt augments stream runoff in the winter, spring and
early summer, especially in watersheds with terrain above 1,500 feet
elevation where a seasonal snowpack develops.
Watersheds on Kuiu were grouped by land use designation (LUD) to
facilitate analyzing groups of watersheds that have similar likelihood
of management impacts. This analysis includes a general
characterization of watersheds that lie in LUDs that do not allow forest
management, whereas watersheds that lie in LUDs that allow forest
management were analyzed in greater detail.
1.8 Watersheds
This analysis considers 163 major watersheds on Kuiu Island (Figure
C - 1). Watersheds were numbered between 1 and 163 so that each
would have a unique identifier that could be displayed on a map. The
watershed boundaries correspond to the 6th level Hydrologic Unit
Code (HUC). Most of the watersheds identified are true watersheds,
meaning that the watershed is well-defined by topographic boundaries
and all surface water within the watershed drains to a single stream or
river. Some of the numbered watersheds are actually groups of very
small or poorly-defined watersheds with limited stream networks that
drain the hill slopes along the shore of Kuiu Island. The grouping of
these small watersheds facilitates their characterization and
comparison to larger watersheds on Kuiu Island.
C-10 • Appendix C
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Dean Creek
Watershed\
s Saginaw Creejc
Watershed
s Watershed
'.109,45^0090
Watershed I
109-44-10370
Kcic/ake
Bay ;
Kadake Creek
Watershed'--
Security Creek
Watershed \
'Rowan Creek
Watershed \v.
Kuiu Timber Sale
Figure C-1
Watersheds and Streams
Legend
Non-National Forest
Stream Value Class I
Stream Value Class II
Stream Value Class III
Stream Value Class IV
..... Project Area Boundary
Existing Roads
Watershed Boundary
0.5 1
4
■ Miles
3
Watershed Analysis, Appendix C
Harvest History
Kuiu Island has a documented harvest history dating to 1911. Early
harvest focused on productive areas easily accessible from saltwater,
but harvest rates were low until the late 1960s when the Kuiu road
system was built. Later harvest focused on productive valley bottoms
and toe slopes easily accessible from the road system. More recently
harvest has occurred higher on slopes and ridgetops. Harvest totaling
27,856 acres has occurred in 78 major watersheds on Kuiu Island.
Cumulative harvest levels in individual watersheds vary up to a
maximum of 59 percent of the total watershed area, after accounting
for all harvest units and road clearings.
Sediment Risk Assessment details and results
The Sediment Risk Assessment produces a Sediment Risk Index for
each watershed by integrating two indexes: 1 ) a sediment input
potential index that accounts for potential sediment sources in a
watershed and the drainage efficiency of the stream network, and 2) a
sediment storage potential index that accounts for the density of low-
gradient streams in a watershed that would be sensitive to increased
sediment loading. The sediment risk index (SRI) is the geometric
mean of the sediment input potential index and the sediment storage
potential index. The interpretation of the SRI is based on the
assumption that watersheds with the higher combinations of input
potential and storage potential have higher levels of management
concern because material transported from steep, unstable areas can
remain in low-gradient valley-bottom streams, resulting in pool filling
and other undesirable channel adjustments. Comparison of relative
SRI values is facilitated by scaling each value as a proportion of the
highest value, yielding an SRI value between 0 and 100 for every
watershed considered.
The value of the Sediment Risk Assessment is its usefulness for
comparing groups of watersheds encompassing large geographic areas
where intensive field data cannot be practically obtained: it is neither a
physical model nor a statistical model. As such it does not model
physical processes or empirical relationships occurring in nature.
However, the assessment tool is based on assumptions about natural
processes that are supported by field studies. The assumptions implicit
in the assessment, and the mechanics of the SRI calculation are
described in Appendix A.
The Sediment Risk Assessment was completed for all 163 major
watersheds on Kuiu Island. The output from the assessment is a
Sediment Risk Index for each watershed. To summarize the results of
the assessment, watersheds were grouped into categories based on
their SRI. Categories for very low, low, moderate, high and very high
risk corresponds to the 25lh, 50th, 75th, and 90th percentile rankings
(Table C - 2). It is important to remember that the SRI ranking is a
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix C • C-13
Appendix C, Watershed Analysis
relative comparison of sediment risk rather than an absolute ranking.
That is, the reported risk level is only relevant when compared to other
watersheds on Kuiu Island.
Table C - 2 Interpretation of the Sediment Risk Index (SRI)
SRI Percentile
SRI Ranking
Greater than 90th
Very High
Between 75th and 90th
High
Between 50th and 75th
Moderate
Between 25th and 50th
Low
Less than 25th
Very low
The Sediment Risk Assessment was run twice. The first run did not
account for timber harvest and road building. This provides an
assessment of the inherent risk of sediment effects to streams based
solely on the natural characteristics of the watershed and the stream
network (Figure C-2). The second run of the SRA accounted for all
roads, and timber harvest occurring within the past 30 years (Figure C-
3). Timber harvest occurring more than 30 years ago was not
accounted for, because harvested slopes are expected to recover
rooting strength in the soil and stabilize after a 30 year period
(Brardinoni et a /., 2002). The information summarized in Figure C-3
was used to assess the current risk of sediment effects to streams.
Future risk of sediment-related change in stream channels will depend
on the inherent risk, the rate at which new harvest and road building
occurs, and the rate at which harvested slopes and roads re-vegetate.
When compared to the SRI values calculated for each watershed, the
density of landslides that have occurred in watersheds on Kuiu Island
is a useful indicator for the validity of the Sediment Risk Assessment.
The SRI is used to assess the risk of sediment related impacts to
streams — not just the risk of landslides — -however, the occurrence of
landslides is considered the major source for sediment related impacts
to streams, so landslide density is an important factor to consider. The
landslide density for a watershed is not used in calculating the SRI, so
it provides a cross check of the SRI that is based on real observations.
There is a positive trend describing the relationship between SRI and
landslide density in watersheds on Kuiu Island (Chart C-l). This
supports using the Sediment Risk Assessment for assessing the risk of
sediment-related changes to stream channels in watersheds on Kuiu
Island.
C-14 • Appendix C
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
c /workspace/kuiu_roaded/plots/arcmap/c2Jnh_sed. risk.mxd 1-5-06 EP
Figure C-2
Kuiu Island
Inherent Sediment Risk
c./workspace/Kuiu_roaded/plots/arcmapfc3_fs_curr_sed_rlsk.mxd 1-5-06 EP
Figure C-3
Kuiu Island
Current Sediment Risk
Miles
Watershed Analysis, Appendix C
Chart C-1 Relationship between the Inherent SRI for Kuiu
watersheds and the percent of watershed area in landslides
“D
0
_C
0
5_
0
£
4—
o
-t— *
c
0
O
v_
0
Q_
0 3.5
0
5 3
2.5
2
1.5
1
03 0.5
0
0
"O
c
03
03
0
0.0 20.0 40.0 60.0 80.0 100.0
Inherent SRI
Water quality
on Kuiu Island
Little has been done to assess water quality on Kuiu Island. Water
quality parameters are not routinely monitored on Kuiu Island. The
primary water quality parameters that can be affected by timber
harvest activities are suspended sediment loads, turbidity, and stream
temperature. Fuel storage on Kuiu Island also presents a potential
water quality concern. All of these water quality concerns are
addressed through the application of Best Management Practices
(BMPs). A Memorandum of Agreement between Alaska Department
of Environmental Conservation and USDA Forest Service documents
the Forest Service’s role in the Alaska Nonpoint Source Pollution
Control Strategy. State Approved BMPs are the mechanism through
which the Forest Service protects water quality from nonpoint source
pollution. The Forest Service’s implementation and monitoring of
BMPs satisfies the requirements of the Alaska Nonpoint Source
Pollution Control Strategy, and is approved by the US EPA, thereby
ensuring that Forest Service activities are consistent with the Clean
Water Act.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix C • C-1 9
Appendix C, Watershed Analysis
Watersheds in
non-
development
LUDs
Watersheds in
development
LUDs
Impaired Waters
In 1996 Saginaw C 'ek was placed on the Section 303(d) list of
impaired waters due to bark accumulation from the log transfer facility
(LTF). However, dive survey reports from May 2002 showed that the
water body was compliant with the water quality standard for residues,
so Saginaw Bay was removed from the Section 303(d) list of impaired
waters in 2003
(http://www.state.ak.us/dec/water/wqsar/pdfs/finali%20mtegrated%20
2002-2003%20report.pdf ; site visited on 3/3/05).
In 1996 Rowan Bay was placed on the Section 303(d) list of impaired
waters due to bark accumulation from the log transfer facility (LTF).
However, dive survey reports from June 2001 and May 2002 showed
that the water body was compliant with the water quality standard for
residues so Rowan Bay was removed from the Section 303(d) list of
impaired waters in 2003
(http://www.state.ak.us/dec/water/wqsar/pdfs/finali%20integrated%20
2002-2003%20report.pdf ; site visited on 3/3/05).
Protected beneficial uses and water rights
The State of Alaska Water Quality Standards (18 AAC 70) set water
quality standards according to protected water use classes and
subclasses. Protected water use classes for freshwater include 1) water
supply, 2) water recreation, and 3) growth and propagation of fish,
shellfish, other aquatic life, and wildlife. The fresh waters of Kuiu
Island are used primarily for water recreation, and growth and
propagation of fish, shellfish, other aquatic life, and wildlife. There is
also some use of water for water supply at Forest Service camps.
This analysis identified 73 major watersheds that lie completely in
non-development land use designations (LUDs). LUDs in these
watersheds include Old-growth Habitat (OG), Remote Recreation
(RM), Special Interest Area (SA), Semi-remote Recreation (SM), Wild
River (WR), and Wilderness (WW). SRI ranking for these watersheds
ranges from very low to very high (Table C-3). Watersheds in non-
development LUDs are influenced by natural processes, including
flooding, landslides, and windthrow, however timber harvest and road
building do not occur under the direction of the current Forest Plan.
Timber harvest, mostly beach logging, occurred in 24 watersheds lying
in non-development LUDs before the current land use designation was
determined.
This analysis identified 90 watersh that lie partially or completely
within LUDs in which timber harv id road building are currently
allowed: timber harvest has occur 54 of these. SRI ranking for
watersheds in development LUDs ges from very low to very high.
Twenty-three of these watersheds w ere ranked as high or very high for
inherent risk of sediment-related changes to stream channels, based on
C-20 • Appendix C
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Watershed Analysis, Appendix C
the sediment risk analysis described above (Figure C - 2). It is
important to remember that these rankings are meant to provide a
means of comparison between watersheds on Kuiu Island, rather than
an absolute assessment of sediment risk.
Table C - 3: Sediment Risk Index ratings for watersheds on Kuiu
Island, by LUD type
Sediment
Risk Index
ranking
Number of watersheds
lying completely within
non-development LllDs
Number of watersheds
lying completely or
partially in development
LUDs
Very High
6
11
High
12
12
Moderate
18
22
Low
18
22
Very Low
19
23
Watersheds
with greater
than 20
percent
cumulative
harvest
This analysis identified eight watersheds in which cumulative timber
harvest acreage, including road clearings, exceeds 20 percent (Table
C-4). These are the most extensively harvested watersheds on the
island. This group of watersheds also includes those with the highest
cumulative road densities (including open and closed roads). SRI
rankings in these watersheds range from very low to high both before
and after accounting for recent harvest (Table C - 5).
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix C • C-21
Appendix C, Watershed Analysis
Table C - 4 Watersheds in which cumulative harvest levels (including road clearings)
exceed 20 percent
Kuiu
Watershed
number
(Figure C-1)
Watershed
name
ADF&G number
Cumulative
harvest level
(% of WS
area)
Cumulative
road density
(mi/sq. mi)
10
None
109-45-10090
59%
3.5
78
None
None
40%
0
9
Straight
Creek
109-44-10350
33%
2.5
3
Dean Creek
109-50-10070
33%
2.2
31
Browns
Creek
109-52-10080
30%
2.2
8
Saginaw
Creek
109-44-10390
29%
1.6
21
Security
Creek
109-45-10100
26%
1.7
4
None
109-50-10050
21%
1.4
17
None
None
20%
2.1
142
Kadake
Creek
109-42-10300
20%
1.6
C-22 • Appendix C
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Watershed Analysis, Appendix C
Table C - 5 Sediment Risk Index ranking in watersheds with greater
than 20 percent cumulative harvest levels3
Kuiu Watershed
number (Map 4)
Inherent SRI
ranking
(Figure C-2)
SRI ranking (after
recent harvest)
(Figure C-3)
3
Low
Moderate
4
Low
Moderate
8
Moderate
High
9
High
Very High
10
Very low
Moderate
17
Low
Moderate
21
Moderate
High
31
Moderate
High
78
Very low
Very low
142
High
Very High
a Inherent SRI ranking was determined by performing the Sediment Risk
Assessment without accounting for timber harvest or road building.
1.9 Watersheds Analyzed in Detail
Selection of
watersheds for
detailed
analysis
Methods
Watersheds discussed in the following sections were analyzed in
greater detail. The Forest Plan guides the intensity of watershed
analysis, and states that the scale, intensity, and complexity of
watershed analysis are to be commensurate with the level of
cumulative risk. Planning for future timber sales on Kuiu Island is
ongoing. The Kuiu Timber Sale, which is currently in the planning
stage, may propose additional timber harvest in watersheds on the
northern portion of Kuiu Island, including the Dean Creek, Saginaw
Creek, Security Creek, and Kadake Creek watersheds, and the
watershed drained by ADF&G stream # 109-45-10090. Each of these
watersheds has cumulative harvest levels of 20 percent or greater
(Table C-4), and each is analyzed separately in the following sections.
Dean Creek, Security Creek, and Kadake Creek have been the focus of
watershed analyses dated 1997, 1997, and 1994, respectively. The
current analysis is similar in content but reflects current conditions.
Data collection
Field data to support the following analyses came from three different
sources. Stream reaches in Saginaw Creek, Security Creek, and
ADF&G stream #109-45-10090 were randomly selected and surveyed
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix C • C-23
Appendix C, Watershed Analysis
in the summer of 2004 according to Tier 3 Methods described in the
Aquatic Habitat Management Handbook (USDA Forest Service,
2001a). Tier 3 stream channel data for Dean Creek were gathered in
the spring of 2003 as part of the Tongass-wide stream channel buffer
effectiveness monitoring program. Data for Kadake Creek were
excerpted from an unpublished report prepared in 1994 by the Forestry
Sciences Laboratory in Juneau.
Tongass Fish Habitat objectives
The Forest Plan calls for using baseline fish habitat objectives, as
dt. .ribed in the Anadromous Fish Habitat Assessment (USDA Forest
Service, 1995) and below, for evaluating the condition of aquatic
habitat in stream channels. The Tongass maintains an inventory of
stream channel measurements obtained in streams draining
unharvested basins. This inventory allows percentile ranges to be
defined for a set of physical habitat characteristics that are considered
important to fish populations (Table C - 6). This provides criteria for
evaluating the physical habitat characteristics of streams draining
harvested basins. ror this report, stream channel condition is rated as
poor, fair, good, or excellent, depending on where the stream lies in
comparison to the Tongass fish habitat objectives (Table C - 7).
Table C - 6 Tongass fish habitat objectives for Flood Plain channel
types
Channel
type
Percentile
25th
50th
75th
Number of
pools per
kilometer
All FP
25
41
53
Percent pool
area
All FP
27%
49%
61%
Pieces of
wood per
1000 m2
FP4
8
24
34
FP5
4
5
6
Width-to-
depth ratio
FP4
16
25
35
FP5
30
45
70
FP4 and FP5 are similar, except that FP5 channels are larger. Percentiles
are used as a baseline for comparisons.
C-24 • Appendix C
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Watershed Analysis, Appendix C
Saginaw Creek
Watershed
Table C - 7 Interpretation of percentile ranking for stream channel
characteristics
Parameter
Percentile ranking and
interpretation
25th
50th
75th
Pools per reach, percent
pool area, LWD per 1000m2
Poor
Fair
Good
Excellent
W:D ratio
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
General
Saginaw Creek (ADF&G # 109-44-10390, Kuiu Watershed # 8) drains
an 8,302-acre watershed. Two major forks, the East Fork and the West
Fork, converge and flow into Saginaw Bay. Annual precipitation
ranges from near 90 inches at the mouth of Saginaw Creek to around
120 inches in the headwaters of the watershed (USDA Forest Service,
1979). The Saginaw watershed lies in the Rowan Sediments
Ecological Subsection (USDA Forest Service, 2001b).
Stream channels
Though the majority of stream channels in the Saginaw Watershed are
in the High-gradient-Contained process group, mile per mile, there is a
relatively large proportion of streams in the Moderate-gradient Mixed-
control and Flood Plain process groups, when compared to other Kuiu
watersheds (Chart C-2). The Saginaw Creek Watershed lies between
the 75th and 90th percentile for the density — calculated as length of
stream per unit of watershed area — of these types of streams. This
means that there is a high proportion of stream channels that are of
high value for anadromous and resident fish habitat (Chart C-3).
Because these streams have moderate to low gradient they may be
susceptible to sediment-related changes in channel morphology, such
as pool filling and widening. The Saginaw Creek Watershed lies above
the 90th percentile for drainage density — total stream length per unit of
watershed area — amongst Kuiu watersheds, which indicates that the
watershed is highly efficient at routing water and sediment from
headwater areas to low gradient streams in valley bottoms.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix C • C-25
Appendix C, Watershed Analysis
Chart C-2: Saginaw Creek Watershed stream channel process groups
AF = Alluvial Fan; FP =Flood Plain; HC = High-gradient Contained;
MM = Moderate-gradient Mixed-control; PA = Palustrine.
C-26 • Appendix C
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Watershed Analysis, Appendix C
Stream class
Chart C-3: Saginaw Creek Watershed stream classes:
1 = stream habitat that supports anadromous fish populations; 2 =
stream habitat that supports resident fish populations; 3 = streams
that do not support fish populations, but that deliver sufficient
sediment and water to directly affect downstream fish habitat; 4 =
streams that do not support fish or transport enough water and
sediment to directly affect downstream fish habitat.
Harvest history
The Saginaw Watershed has a harvest history dating to 1968 (Chart C-
4). Twenty nine percent (2440 acres) of this watershed has been
harvested (after accounting for road clearings), but only eight percent
of the watershed has been harvested within the last 30 years. Early
harvest was concentrated in valley bottoms and toe slopes, whereas
more recent harvest has occurred on mid-slopes and ridge tops.
Harvest in riparian areas totaled 450 acres, or five percent of the
watershed area. Comparison of the 1977 and 1997 aerial photography
indicates that many harvested areas have regenerated with alder, or a
matrix of alder and conifers, and that alder currently comprises a much
larger component of the canopy cover than it did in 1977. Alder are
visible in disturbed areas along stream channels, temporary roads, and
within harvest units.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix C • C-27
Appendix C, Watershed Analysis
Year
□ Annual harvest (% of watershed area) □Cumulative harvest (% of watershed area)
Chart C - 4: Harvest history in the Saginaw Creek Watershed. This
figure does not account for timber harvested for road clearings.
Roads
There are a total of 20.4 miles of cataloged roads in the Saginaw
Watershed (Table C - 8). Road building in the Saginaw Watershed
dates back to the 1960s. Maintenance needs are increasing as the road
system and drainage structures age.
Table C - 8: Miles of Road in the Saginaw Creek Watershed
Road classification
Miles
Classified
10.6
Temporary
9.8
Total
20.4
Landslide inventory
The landslide inventory identified 19 landslides in the Saginaw
Watershed (Figure C - 4) totaling 1 18 acres or approximately 1.4
percent of the watershed. This puts the Saginaw Watershed above the
90th percentile for landslide density compared to other Kuiu
watersheds. The majority of slides in the Saginaw Watershed occurred
in 1988. Aerial photographs and field reconnaissance indicate that
some of the landslides either initiated within stream channels or
deposited material in stream channels. The Saginaw Creek watershed
is between the 25th and 50th percentile for the proportion of the
watershed lying on slopes in the high or very high Mass Movement
Flazard (MMH) category.
C-28 • Appendix C
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Watershed Analysis, Appendix C
Sediment risk assessment
The sediment risk assessment for Kuiu Island identified the Saginaw
Creek Watershed as having a moderate inherent risk for sediment
related changes in stream channel characteristics, compared to other
Kuiu watersheds (Figure C - 2). The risk rating increased to high after
accounting for harvest and road-building (Figure C - 3). This increase
indicates: 1 ) that the inherent characteristics of the stream channel
network may make it susceptible to changes in stream channel
condition if sediment supply is increased, and 2) that timber harvest
and road building have increased the area of potential sediment
sources within the watershed. This does not mean that sediment-
related changes to stream channels are expected, only that their
likelihood has increased. The high occurrence of landslides in the
Saginaw Creek watershed suggests that the high sediment risk rating is
appropriate.
Stream channel condition
Stream channel characteristics were measured in randomly selected
FP3 stream reaches in the East and West Forks of Saginaw Creek. The
East Fork of Saginaw Creek was in fair condition both for the number
of pools and the percentage of channel area in pools; in good condition
concerning the width-to-depth ratio; and in excellent condition for
wood loading (Table C-7). The West Fork of Saginaw Creek was in
good condition for number of pools; in fair condition for pool area; in
excellent condition for wood loading, and in good condition
considering the width-to-depth ratio (Table C-9). Because the
available stream channel condition data represent only a snapshot in
time, it cannot be determined whether the below-average pool area in
the East and West Forks of Saginaw Creek, and below-average pools
per kilometer in East Fork Saginaw represent a decrease in pools over
time, or simply natural variability in stream channel conditions.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix C • C-29
Appendix C, Watershed Analysis
Table C - 9 Stream char nel condition: East Fork Saginaw Creek
Channel characteristic
Value
Percentile ranking
Condition
Number of pools / kilometer
37.1
Between 25th and 50th
Fair
% channel area in pools
37.9
Between 25lh and 50th
Fair
Pieces of wood per 1000 m2
56.3
Greater than 75th
Excellent
Width-to-depth ratio
20.0
Between 25th and 50th
Good
Table C - 10 Stream channel condition: West Fork Saginaw Creek
Channel characteristic
Value
Percentile ranking
Condition
Number of pools / kilometer
48.9
Between 50th and 75th
Good
% channel area in pools
31.8
Between 25th and 50th
Fair
Pieces of wood per 1000 m2
54.7
Greater than 75 th
Excellent
Width-to-depth ratio
20.0
Between 25th and 50th
Good
Management Implications
The Saginaw Creek watershed lies almost entirely within the Timber
Management LUD. In addition to providing timber, the Saginaw Creek
watershed is also an important producer of coho salmon ( O . kisutch)
and pink salmon ( O . gorbuschci ), both of which support commercial
fisheries in Southeast Alaska.
The high current sediment risk rating, and the high occurrence of
landslides suggests that appropriate management in the Saginaw Creek
Watershed would include strict avoidance of potentially unstable
slopes when planning road locations and timber harvest units, diligent
maintenance of open roads, and placing roads in storage when not
needed for specific planned activities. With cumulative harvest levels
approaching 30 percent of the area in the Saginaw Creek watershed it
can be expected that harvesting additional acreage within the
watershed will require accessing steeper, more difficult terrain, thereby
assuming a greater risk of landslides. This further underscores the need
for careful planning and maintenance. It is not possible to say whether
below-average pool area in East and West forks of Saginaw Creek, and
below-average pools per kilometer in East Fork Saginaw are due to
management activities, or simply a natural characteristic of these
streams. Still, these stream channel characteristics indicate that careful
management of sediment sources is important.
C-30 • Appendix C
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Watershed Analysis, Appendix C
Security Creek
Watershed
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Watershed Improvement opportunities
Within the Saginaw Creek watershed, 1 .6 miles of Road 6418, 2.7
miles of Road 6413, and 1 .9 miles of Road 46096 are recommended to
be placed in storage when no longer needed for planned timber harvest
activities. Placing roads in storage involves removing all culverts,
excavating additional waterbars in the road surface, and allowing
natural revegetation on the road and in the road ditch. This restores
more natural drainage patterns and eliminates the risk of road failures
at stream crossings, culvert plugging, and stream diversion. Natural
revegetation further reduces the risk of sediment delivery to streams.
The high occurrence of wood in both forks of Saginaw Creek reflect
the high productivity of riparian stands in this watershed. Though the
stream channels are not lacking wood, the high percentage of riparian
stands that have been harvested and the high productivity of the
riparian stands, suggest that opportunities exist for thinning of riparian
stands, and that these stands would respond well to thinning. Thinning
treatments would be an appropriate way to promote the development
of large conifers that would eventually be recruited into the stream
channel. Thinning of riparian stands would also have other benefits,
particularly for wildlife. There are 450 acres of harvested riparian
areas in the Saginaw Creek watershed that need to be evaluated for
thinning opportunities.
General
Security Creek (ADF&G # 109-45-10100, Kuiu watershed #21)
drains a 5,931 acre watershed on North Kuiu Island. Two major forks,
the East Fork and the West fork, converge and flow into Security Bay.
Annual precipitation ranges from near 90 inches at the mouth of
Security Creek to around 130 inches in the headwaters of the
watershed (USDA Forest Service, 1979). The Security Creek
Watershed lies in the Rowan Sediments ecological subsection (USDA
Forest Service, 2001b).
Stream channels
Mile per mile, the Security Creek Watershed also has a relatively large
proportion of streams in the Moderate-gradient Mixed-control and
Flood Plain process groups (Chart C-5). The Security Creek
Watershed lies between the 50th and 75th percentile for the density —
calculated as length of stream per unit of watershed area — of these
types of streams. This means that there is a high proportion of stream
channels that are of high value for anadromous and resident fish
habitat (Chart C-6). Because these streams have moderate to low
gradient they may be susceptible to sediment-related changes in
channel morphology, such as pool filling and widening. The Security
Creek Watershed lies between the 75th and the 90th percentile for
drainage density amongst Kuiu watersheds, which indicates that the
Appendix C • C-31
Appendix C, Watershed Analysis
watershed is efficient at routing water and sediment from headwater
areas to low gradient streams in valley bottoms.
Stream channel process groups
□
ES
■
FP
□
HC
□
LC
■
MC
□
MM
a
PA
Chart C-5: Stream channel process groups in the Security Creek
Watershed. ES = Estuary; FP =Flood Plain; HC = High-gradient
Contained; LC = Large contained; MC = Moderate-gradient
Contained; MM = Moderate-gradient Mixed-control; PA = Palustrine.
C-32 • Appendix C
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Watershed Analysis, Appendix C
Chart C-6: Stream classes in the Security Creek Watershed: 1 =
stream habitat that supports anadromous fish populations; 2 = stream
habitat that supports resident fish populations; 3 = streams that do not
support fish populations, but that deliver sufficient sediment and water
to directly affect downstream fish habitat; 4 = streams that do not
support fish or transport enough water and sediment to directly affect
downstream fish habitat.
Harvest history
The Security Creek watershed has a harvest history dating to 1974
(Chart C-7). Twenty six percent (1,546 acres) of this watershed has
been harvested (after accounting for road clearings). Harvest in
riparian areas totaled 78 acres, or 1.3 percent of the watershed area.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix C • C-33
Appendix C, Watershed Analysis
1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1982 1988 1989 1992 1994 1999
Year
□ Annual harvest (% of watershed) ^Cumulative harvest (% of watershed)
Chart C-7: Harvest history in the Security Creek Watershed. This figure does not account for
timber harvested for road clearings.
Roads
There are a total of 16.1 miles of cataloged roads in the Security Creek
Watershed (Table C - 11). Road building in the Security Creek
Watershed dates back to the 1960s.
Table C - 11 Road miles in the Security Creek Watershed
Road classification
Miles
Classified
9.9
Temporary
6.2
Total
16.1
Landslide inventory
The landslide inventory identifies 12 landslides in the Security Creek
Watershed (Figure C - 4) totaling 19 acres or approximately 0.3
percent of the watershed. This puts the Security Creek Watershed
between the 50th and 75th percentile for landslide density compared to
other Kuiu Watersheds. The Security Creek watershed lies between the
25lh and 50th percentile for proportion of the watershed lying on slopes
in the high or very high Mass Movement Hazard (MMH) categories.
Sediment risk assessment
The sediment risk assessment for Kuiu Island identified the Security
Creek Watershed as having a moderate inherent risk for sediment
C-34 • Appendix C
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Watershed Analysis, Appendix C
related changes in stream channel characteristics, compared to other
Kuiu watersheds (Figure C-2). After accounting for harvest and road-
building, the risk rating for sediment related changes in stream channel
characteristics was high (Figure C-3). This increase indicates: 1) that
the inherent characteristics of the stream channel network may make it
susceptible to changes in stream channel condition if sediment supply
is increased, and 2) that timber harvest and road building have
increased the area of potential sediment sources within the watershed.
This does not mean that sediment-related changes to stream channels
are expected, only that their likelihood has increased. The above-
average occurrence of landslides in the Security Creek watershed
suggests that the high sediment risk rating is appropriate.
Stream channel condition
Stream channel characteristics were measured in a randomly selected
FP5 stream reach in Security Creek. Security Creek was in poor
condition for the number of pools; in fair condition for the percentage
of channel area in pools; and in excellent condition concerning the
width-to-depth ratio (Table C-12). Data for wood loading in Security
Creek are not available. Because the available stream channel
condition data represent only a snapshot in time, it cannot be
determined whether the number of pools and below-average pool area
in Security Creek represent a decrease in channel condition over time,
or simply natural variability in stream channel conditions. The
excellent rating for the width-to-depth ratio suggests that sediment
loading within the stream channel is not the cause of the below-
average number of pools and pool area.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix C • C-35
Appendix C, Watershed Analysis
Table C-12 Stream channel condition: Security Creek
Channel characteristic
Value
Percentile ranking
Condition
Number of pools /
kilometer
7.1
Less than 25th
Poor
% channel area in
pools
39.0
Between 25th and 50th
Fair
Pieces of wood per
No
No data
No data
1000 m2
data
Width-to-depth ratio
27.5
Less than 25th
Excellent
Management Implications
The Security Creek watershed lies almost entirely within the Timber
Management LUD. In addition to providing timber, the Security Creek
watershed is also an important producer of coho salmon ( O . kisutch )
and pink salmon (O. gorbuscha ), both of which support commercial
fisheries in Southeast Alaska.
The high current sediment risk rating and the above-average
occurrence of landslides suggests that appropriate management in the
Security Creek Watershed would include avoidance of potentially
unstable slopes when planning road locations and timber harvest units,
diligent maintenance of open roads, and placing roads in storage when
not needed for specific planned activities. With cumulative harvest
levels reaching 26 percent of the area in the Security Creek watershed
it can be expected that harvesting additional acreage within the
watershed will require accessing steeper, more difficult terrain, thereby
assuming a greater risk of landslides. This further underscores the need
for careful planning and maintenance. It is not possible to say whether
the below-average number of pools and percentage of stream channel
in pools in Security Creek are due to management activities, or simply
a natural characteristic of these streams. Still, these stream channel
characteristics indicate that careful management of sediment sources is
important, and that measures to protect or enhance wood recruitment
into streams would be appropriate.
Watershed Improvement Opportunities
There are 78 acres of harvested riparian areas in the Security Creek
watershed that need to be evaluated for thinning opportunities.
Thinning treatments would promote the development of large conifers
that would eventually be recruited into the stream channel. This may
be an appropriate way to improve the number of pools and the
percentage of channel area in pools in Security Creek in the future.
C-36 • Appendix C
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Watershed
#109-45-10090
Watershed Analysis, Appendix C
Thinning of riparian stands may also have other benefits, particularly
for wildlife.
General
ADF&G stream # 109-45-10090 is an unnamed creek that drains a
2,1 40-acre watershed (Kuiu Watershed #10) on North Kuiu Island and
flows into Security Bay. Amiual precipitation in this watershed ranges
from near 90 inches at the mouth of the watershed to around 1 20
inches in the headwaters of the watershed (USD A Forest Service,
1979). This watershed lies entirely within the Rowan Sediments
Ecological Subsection (USDA Forest Service, 2001b).
Stream channels
The stream network in Watershed #109-45-10090 is more typical of
medium-sized or smaller watersheds on Kuiu Island, which may have
a large proportion of Moderate-gradient Mixed-control stream
channels, but a smaller proportion of Flood Plain stream channels
(Chart C-8). This watershed lies below the 25th percentile for the
density — calculated as length of stream per unit of watershed area — of
these types of streams. This means that there is a lower proportion of
stream channels that are of high value for anadromous fish habitat
(Chart C-9), compared to larger watersheds on Kuiu. Still, this
watershed does support anadromous fish populations. Because there is
only a small proportion of streams that have moderate to low
gradients, any sediment related changes in channel morphology that do
occur are likely to be concentrated. This watershed lies between the
75th and the 90lh percentile for drainage density amongst Kuiu
watersheds, which indicates that the watershed is efficient at routing
water and sediment from headwater areas to the low gradient streams
near the mouth of the watershed.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix C • C-37
Appendix C, Watershed Analysis
Stream channel process groups
Chart C -8: Stream channel process groups in Watershed #109-45-
10090. ES = Estuary; FP =Flood Plain; HC = High-gradient
Contained; MM = Moderate-gradient Mixed-control.
Stream class
4 1
H 1
□ 3
□ 4
Chart C-9: Stream classes in Watershed #109-45-10090: 1 = stream
habitat that supports anadromous fish populations; 2 = stream habitat
that supports resident fish populations; 3 = streams that do not
support fish populations, but that deliver sufficient sediment and water
to directly affect downstream fish habitat; 4 = streams that do not
support fish or transport enough water and sediment to directly affect
downstream fish habitat.
C-38 • Appendix C
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Watershed Analysis, Appendix C
Harvest history
Watershed #109-45-10090 has a harvest history dating to 1972 (Chart
C-10). Fifty-nine percent (1,266 acres) of this watershed has been
harvested (after accounting for road clearings), but only 28 percent of
the watershed has been harvested within the last 30 years. Harvest in
riparian areas totaled 85 acres or four percent of the watershed area.
60
1972 1973 1974 1976 1979 1982 1985 1988 1991 1994 1999
Year
13 Annual harvest (% of watershed) ^Cumulative harvest (% of watershed)
Chart C -10: Harvest history for watershed # 109-45-10090. This
figure does not account for timber harvested for road clearings.
Roads
There are a total of 1 1 .6 miles of cataloged roads in Watershed # 109-
45-10090 (Table C - 13). Road building in this watershed dates back to
the 1960s.
Table C - 13 Road miles in watershed #109-45-10090
Road classification
Miles
Classified
4.4
Temporary
7.2
Total
1 1.6
Landslide inventory
The landslide inventory identified five landslides in Watershed #109-
45-10090 (Figure C-4), totaling 4.4 acres, or 0.2 percent of the
watershed. This puts this watershed between the 50th and 75th
percentile for landslide density compared to other watersheds on Kuiu
Island. Aerial photographs and field reconnaissance indicate that some
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix C • C-39
Appendix C, Watershed Analysis
of the landslides either initiated within stream channels or deposited
material in stream channels. This watershed lies below the 25th
percentile for proportion of the watershed lying on slopes in the high
or very high Mass Movement Index (MMI) categories.
Sediment risk assessment
The sediment risk assessment for Kuiu Island identified Watershed
#109-45-10090 as having a very low inherent risk for sediment related
changes in stream channel characteristics, compared to other Kuiu
watersheds (Figure C-2). After accounting for harvest and road-
building, the risk rating for sediment related changes in stream channel
characteristics was moderate (Figure C-3). This increase indicates: 1)
that the inherent characteristics of the watershed may make it
susceptible to changes in stream channel condition if sediment supply
is increased, and 2) that timber harvest and road building have
increased the area of potential sediment sources within the watershed.
This does not mean that sediment-related changes to stream channels
are expected, only that their likelihood has increased. Landslide
occurrence in this watershed is greater than average for Kuiu Island
(but not much greater), indicating that the moderate sediment risk
rating is appropriate.
Stream channel condition
Stream channel characteristics were measured in a randomly selected
FP3 stream reach in Stream #109-45-10090. This creek was in good
condition for the number of pools; in fair condition for the percentage
of channel area in pools; in excellent condition for wood loading, and
in poor condition concerning the width-to-depth ratio (Table C - 14).
The good rating for number of pools, and fair rating for percent of
channel area in pools indicates that there are many pools, but that they
are smaller than average for a stream of this size. This is not likely due
to a lack of wood loading in the channel, because wood loading was
rated as excellent. Below average pool area and the poor width-to-
deoth ratio may be related to high sediment loading. While these could
be natural characteristics of the stream channel, they may also reflect
channel adjustments resulting from landslides — visible on aerial
photographs — that likely increased sediment loading in channels
upstream.
C-40 • Appendix C
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Watershed Analysis, Appendix C
Table C - 14 Stream channel condition: ADF&G stream # 109-45-
10090
Channel
characteristic
Value
Percentile ranking
Condition
Number of pools /
kilometer
49.1
Between 50th and 75th
Good
% channel area in
pools
48.1
Between 25th and 50th
Fair
Pieces of wood per
1000 m2
89.2
Greater than 75th
Excellent
Width-to-depth ratio
35.6
Greater than 75 th
Poor
Management Implications
This watershed lies entirely within the Timber Management LUD. In
addition to providing timber, this watershed is also a producer of coho
salmon ( O . kisutch ) and pink salmon ( O . gorbuscha), both of which
support commercial fisheries in Southeast Alaska.
The very low inherent sediment risk rating and the moderate current
sediment risk rating suggest that this watershed is well-suited to timber
harvest. However, the extensive harvest history, the landslide history,
and the stream channel conditions indicate the possibility that
sediment loading within streams in this watershed has been increased
above natural levels. The below-average percentage of pools and poor
width-to-depth ratio indicate the need for careful management
including avoidance of potentially unstable slopes when planning road
locations and timber harvest units, diligent maintenance of open roads,
and placing roads in storage when not needed for specific planned
activities. With cumulative harvest levels approaching 60 percent of
the area in this watershed it can be expected that harvesting additional
acreage within the watershed will require accessing steeper, more
difficult terrain, thereby assuming a greater risk of landslides. This
further underscores the need for careful planning and maintenance.
Watershed Improvement Opportunities
Within this watershed, 1.4 miles of Road 46021 are recommended to
be placed in storage when no longer needed for planned timber harvest
activities. Placing roads in storage involves removing all culverts,
excavating additional waterbars in the road surface, and allowing
natural revegetation on the road and in the road ditch. This restores
more natural drainage patterns and eliminates the risk of road failures
at stream crossings, culvert plugging, and stream diversion. Natural
revegetation further reduces the risk of sediment delivery to streams.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix C • C-41
Appendix C, Watershed Analysis
Dean Creek
Watershed
General
Dean Creek (ADF&G # 109-50-10070, Kuiu Watershed #3) drains a
4,690-acre watershed on North Kuiu Island and flows into Frederick
Sound. Annual precipitation ranges from near 60 inches at the mouth
of Dean Creek to around 1 1 0 inches in the headwaters of the
watershed (USDA Forest Service, 1979). The Dean Creek watershed
lies in the Rowan Sediments Ecological Subsection (USDA Forest
Service, 2001b). The Forest Service constructed a fishpass on Dean
Creek in 1984 to provide coho salmon passage over a 13-foot
waterfall. The fishpass was modified in 1994 to allow for the
migration of pink salmon.
Stream channels
The Dean Creek Watershed has an exceptionally large proportion of
streams in the Moderate-gradient Mixed-control and Flood Plain
process (Chart C-l 1). This watershed lies above the 90th percentile for
the density — calculated as length of stream per unit of watershed
area — of these types of streams. This means that there is a high
proportion of stream channels that are of high value for anadromous
and resident fish habitat (Chart C-l 2). Because these streams have
moderate to low gradient they may be susceptible to sediment-related
changes in channel morphology, such as pool filling and widening.
The Dean Creek Watershed lies between the 75th and the 90th
percentile for drainage density amongst Kuiu watersheds, which
indicates that the watershed is efficient at routing water and sediment
from headwater areas to low gradient streams in valley bottoms.
Stream channel process groups
FP
□ ES
■ FP
□ HC
□ LC
■ MM
□ PA
Chart C - 11: Stream channel process groups in the Dean Creek
Watershed. ES = Estuary; FP =Flood Plain; HC = High-gradient
Contained; LC = Large contained; MM = Moderate-gradient Mixed-
control; PA = Palustrine.
C-42 • Appendix C
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Watershed Analysis, Appendix C
Chart C - 12: Stream classes in the Dean Creek Watershed: 1 =
stream habitat that supports anadromous fish populations; 2 = stream
habitat that supports resident fish populations; 3 = streams that do not
support fish populations, but that deliver sufficient sediment and water
to directly affect downstream fish habitat; 4 = streams that do not
support fish or transport enough water and sediment to directly affect
downstream fish habitat.
Harvest history
The Dean Creek Watershed has a harvest history dating to 1975 (Chart
C-13). Thirty-three percent (1,538 acres) of this watershed has been
harvested (after accounting for road clearings), with 30 percent of the
watershed having been harvested within the last 30 years (as of 2004).
Harvest of riparian areas totaled 105 acres or 2.2 percent of the
watershed area.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix C • C-43
Appendix C, Watershed Analysis
ro
o
CO
~Q
0
.c
(/>
u
0
+->
TO
5
C
0
o
v-
0
Cl
35
30
25
•a
0
20
(/)
0
£
re
15
10
5
0
1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1982 1988 1989 1991 1994 2000
Year
□ Annual harvest (% of watershed) □ Cumulative harvest (% of watershed)
Chart C-13: Harvest history for the Dean Creek Watershed. This figure
does not account for timber harvested for road clearings.
Roads
There are a total of 16.3 miles of cataloged roads in the Dean Creek
Watershed (Table C - 15). Road building in the Dean Creek Watershed
dates back to the 1970s.
Table C-15. Road miles in the Dean Creek Watershed
Road classifi ation
Miles
Classified
10.1
Temporary
6.2
Total
16.3
Landslide inventory
The landslide inventory identified one landslide in the Dean Creek
Watershed (Figure C-4) totaling 30 acres or approximately 0.6 percent
of the watershed. This landslide occurred in 1980. Though there was
only one landslide identified for this watershed, it was large enough to
put the Dean Creek watershed above the 75th percentile for percent of
watershed area in landslides. The watershed lies below the 25th
percentile for the proportion of the watershed lying on slopes in the
high or very high Mass Movement Hazard (MMH) categories.
C-44 • Appendix C
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Watershed Analysis, Appendix C
Sediment risk assessment
The sediment risk assessment for Kuiu Island identified the Dean
Creek Watershed as having a low inherent risk for sediment related
changes in stream channel characteristics, compared to other Kuiu
watersheds (Figure C-2). After accounting for harvest and road-
building, the risk rating for sediment related changes in stream channel
characteristics was moderate (Figure C-3). This increase indicates: 1)
that the inherent characteristics of the watershed may make it
susceptible to changes in stream channel condition if sediment supply
is increased, and 2) that timber harvest and road building have
increased the area of potential sediment sources within the watershed.
This does not mean that sediment-related changes to stream channels
are expected, only that their likelihood has increased. Although there
was only one landslide identified in this watershed it was very large,
indicating that the moderate sediment risk rating is appropriate.
Stream channel condition
Stream channel characteristics were measured in an FP4 stream reach
in Dean Creek. Dean Creek was in excellent condition for the number
of pools and in fair condition for the percentage of channel area in
pools; in good condition for wood loading, and in fair condition
concerning the width-to-depth ratio (Table C-16). The excellent rating
for number of pools, and fair rating for percent of channel area in
pools indicates that there are many pools, but that they are smaller than
average for a stream of this size. Because the available stream channel
condition data represent only a snapshot in time, it cannot be
determined whether the below average percent area in pools and
width-to-depth ratio represent a decrease in channel condition over
time — possibly due to increased sediment loading — or simply natural
variability in stream channel conditions.
Table C-16. Stream channel condition: Dean Creek
Channel
characteristic
Value
Percentile ranking
Condition
Number of pools /
kilometer
57.0
Greater than 75 th
Excellent
% channel area in
pools
37.6
Between 25th and 50th
Fair
Pieces of wood per
1000 m2
27.1
Between 50th and 75th
Good
Width-to-depth ratio
27.32
Between 50lh and 75th
Fair
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix C • C-45
Appendix C, Watershed Analysis
Kadake Creek
Watershed
Management implications
The Dean Creek watershed lies entirely within a Timber Management
LUD, and has been managed extensively for timber harvest, but
fishpass construction in Dean Creek also represents a major
investment in fisheries production. In addition to providing timber, this
watershed is also a producer of coho salmon ( O . kisutch ) and pink
salmon (O. gorbuscha), both of which support commercial fisheries in
Southeast Alaska.
The low inherent sediment risk rating and the moderate current
sediment risk rating suggest that this watershed is well-suited to timber
harvest. However, with cumulative harvest levels reaching 33 percent
of the area in the Dean Creek watershed it can be expected that
harvesting additional acreage within the watershed will require
accessing steeper, more difficult terrain, thereby assuming a greater
risk of landslides. This underscores the need for avoidance of
potentially unstable slopes when planning road locations and timber
harvest units, diligent maintenance of open roads, and placing roads in
storage when not needed for specific planned activities. It is not
possible to say whether the below-average percentage of channel area
in pools and the fair width-to-depth ratio are due to management
activities, or simply a natural characteristic of these streams. Still,
these stream channel characteristics indicate that careful management
of sediment sources is important.
Opportunities for watershed improvement
Currently, 1.2 miles of Road 6427 are recommended for placing in
storage when no longer needed for planned timber harvest activities.
Placing roads in storage involves removing all culverts, excavating
additional waterbars in the road surface, and allowing natural
revegetation on the road and in the road ditch. This restores more
natural drainage patterns and eliminates the risk of road failures at
stream crossings, culvert plugging, and stream diversion. Natural
revegetation further reduces the risk of sediment delivery to streams.
General
Kadake Creek (ADF&G #109-42-10300, Kuiu Watershed #142) drains
a 32,270 acre watershed on North Kuiu Island. Two major forks, the
South Fork and the North fork, converge and flow into Kadake Bay.
Annual precipitation ranges from near 1 00 inches at the mouth of
Kadake Creek to around 130 inches in the headwaters of the watershed
(USDA Forest Service, 1979). The Kadake watershed lies partially in
three different ecological subsections including the Rowan Sediments,
Sumner Strait Volcanics, and the North POW-Kuiu Carbonates
subsections (USDA Forest Service, 2001b).
C-46 • Appendix C
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Watershed Analysis, Appendix C
Stream channels
The Kadake Creek Watershed is another that has a relatively large
proportion, mile per mile, of streams in the Moderate-gradient Mixed-
control and Flood Plain process groups (Chart C-14). The Kadake
Creek Watershed lies between the 75th and 90th percentile for the
density — calculated as length of stream per unit of watershed area — of
these types of streams. This means that there is a high proportion of
stream channels that are of high value for anadromous and resident
fish habitat (Chart C-15). Because these streams have moderate to low
gradient they may be susceptible to sediment-related changes in
channel morphology, such as pool filling and widening. The Kadake
Creek Watershed lies between the 75th and the 90th percentile for
drainage density amongst Kuiu watersheds, which indicates that the
watershed is efficient at routing water and sediment from headwater
areas to low gradient streams in valley bottoms.
Stream channel process groups
Chart C -14: Stream channel process groups in the Kadake Creek
Watershed. AF = Alluvial Fan; ES = Estuary; FP =Flood Plain; HC =
High-gradient Contained; LC = Large contained; MC = Moderate-
gradient Contained; MM = Moderate-gradient Mixed-control; PA =
Palustrine.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix C • C-47
Appendix C, Watershed Analysis
Chart C-15: Stream classes in the Kadake Creek Watershed: 1 =
stream habitat that supports anadromous fish populations; 2 = stream
habitat that supports resident fish populations; 3 = streams that do not
support fish populations, but that deliver sufficient sediment and water
to directly affect downstream fish habitat; 4 = streams that do not
support fish or transport enough water and sediment to directly affect
downstream fish habitat.
Harvest history
The Kadake Creek Watershed has a harvest history dating to 1915
(Chart C-16). Nineteen percent (6,151 acres) of this watershed has
been harvested (after accounting for road clearings), but only 1 7
percent of the watershed has been harvested within the last 30 years.
Riparian harvest totaled 410 acres or 1.3 percent of the watershed area.
C-48 • Appendix C
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Watershed Analysis, Appendix C
Chart C-16 Harvest history for the Kadake Creek Watershed. This
figure does not account for timber harvested for road clearings.
Roads
There are a total of 78.4 miles of cataloged roads in the Kadake Creek
Watershed. Road building in the Kadake Creek Watershed dates back
to the 1960s.
Landslide inventory
The landslide inventory identifies 1 8 landslides in the Kadake Creek
Watershed (Figure C-4) totaling 27.5 acres or less than one percent of
the watershed. This puts the Kadake Creek Watershed between the 50th
and 75lh percentile for landslide density compared to other Kuiu
Watersheds. The Kadake Creek watershed is between the 25th and 50th
percentile for the proportion of the watershed lying on slopes in the
high or very high Mass Movement Hazard (MMH) categories.
Sediment risk assessment
The sediment risk assessment for Kuiu Island identified the Kadake
Creek Watershed as having a high inherent risk for sediment related
changes in stream channel characteristics, compared to other Kuiu
watersheds (Figure C-2). The risk rating increased to very high after
accounting for harvest and road-building (Figure C-3). This increase
indicates: 1) that the inherent characteristics of the watershed may
make it susceptible to changes in stream channel condition if sediment
supply is increased, and 2) that timber harvest and road building have
increased the area of potential sediment sources within the watershed.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix C • C-49
Appendix C, Watershed Analysis
This does not mean that sediment-related changes to stream channels
are expected, only that their likelihood has increased. The above
average occurrence of landslides in the Kadake Creek watershed
indicates that the high sediment risk rating is appropriate.
Stream channel condition
Stream channel characteristics were measured in an extensive survey
of the main stream and its tributaries. Data reported here were taken in
a four mile long reach of FP5 stream in the main stem of Kadake
Creek. Kadake Creek was in poor condition for the number of pools;
in excellent condition for the percentage of channel area in pools; and
between fair and good condition for wood loading and width-to-depth
ratio (Table C-17). The poor rating for number of pools, and excellent
rating for percent of channel area in pools indicates that there are few
pools, but that they are larger than average for a stream of this size.
Both wood loading and width-to-depth ratio are average. Because the
available stream channel condition data represent only a snapshot in
time, it cannot be determined whether the poor number of pools
represents a decrease in pools over time, or simply natural variability
in stream channel conditions.
Table C-17 Stream channel condition: Main stem Kadake Creek
Channel characteristic
Value
Percentile ranking
Condition
Number of pools /
kilometer
11
Less than 25th
Poor
% channel area in
pools
69
Greater than 75th
Excellent
Pieces of wood per
1000 m2
5
= 50th percentile
Fair / good
Width-to-depth ratio
45
= 50th percentile
Fair / good
Management implications
In addition to providing timber, the Kadake Creek watershed provides
recreation opportunities, and is important for fisheries production.
Kadake Creek is recognized locally as one of the top steelhead trout
( O . my kiss) fisheries in the area, and a recreational cabin in Kadake
Bay managed by the Forest Service draws both local and out-of-state
steelhead fishermen. Kadake Creek is also an important producer of
coho salmon ( O . kisutch ) and pink salmon ( O . gorbuscha), both of
which support commercial fisheries in Southeast Alaska.
The Kadake Creek river corridor is designated as a Recreational River.
Although timber harvest is allowed within Recreational River
Corridors, deferring timber harvest within the corridor may enhance
C-50 • Appendix C
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Watershed Analysis, Appendix C
the recreation experience for fishermen and other recreationists
expecting to see a natural setting within the river corridor.
The high and very high SRI ratings for the Kadake Creek watershed
and the high occurrence of landslides suggests that appropriate
management in the Kadake Creek Watershed would include strict
avoidance of potentially unstable slopes when planning road locations
and timber harvest units, diligent maintenance of open roads, and
placing roads in storage when not needed for specific planned
activities. It is not possible to say whether the poor number of pools is
due to management activities, or simply a natural characteristic of
these streams. Still, this stream channel characteristic indicates that
careful management of sediment sources is important. With
cumulative harvest levels approaching 20 percent of the area in the
Kadake Creek Watershed it can be expected that harvesting additional
acreage within the watershed will require accessing steeper, more
difficult terrain, thereby assuming a greater risk of landslides. This
further underscores the need for careful planning and maintenance.
Watershed improvement opportunities
Planning has begun for a project that aims to improve stream channel
conditions on a tributary of Kadake Creek. Recurring problems with
culvert plugging at a stream crossing on Road 6415 resulted in the
tributary being diverted into a road ditch. The road was recently re-
routed to a better location to avoid future problems. Some of the old
road fill has been removed, but the stream has now established a new
channel, which runs along the old roadbed for about 500 feet, and then
through the forest on an alluvial fan. During periods of low rainfall the
stream runs dry along the road bed causing mortality for rearing coho
salmon. The coarse, angular road fill contributes to the dewatering of
the stream because the bottom of the stream bed is perched above the
water table. The proposed project calls for removing the road fill that
remains in the current stream channel and excavating a stream channel
that resembles a properly functioning reference reach. This is expected
to alleviate the drying of the stream channel by bringing the channel
bed down to an elevation near the water table. This project is expected
to result in a reconstructed stream channel that maintains surface water
flow, has a natural appearance and function, and maintains a stable
form. This is expected to improve fish habitat and reduce the mortality
of rearing coho salmon.
There are 4 1 0 acres of harvested riparian areas in the Kadake Creek
watershed that need to be evaluated for thinning opportunities.
Thinning treatments would promote the development of large conifers
that would eventually be recruited into the stream channel. This may
be an appropriate way to improve the number of pools in Kadake
Creek in the future. Thinning of riparian stands may also have other
benefits, particularly for wildlife.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix C • C-51
Watershed Analysis, Appendix C
1.10 Literature Cited
Beschta, R.L., Pyles, M.R., Skaugset, A.E., Surfleet, C.G. 2000. Peakflow responses
to forest practices in the western cascades of Oregon. USA. Journal of
Hydrology. 233: 102-120.
Black P.E. 1997. Watershed Functions. Journal of the American Water Resources
Association. 33(1): 1-11.
Brardinoni, F., Hassan, M.A., Slaymaker, H.O. 2002. Complex mass wasting
response of drainage basins to forest management in coastal British Columbia.
Geomorphology. 49: 109-124.
Dingman S.L. Physical Hydrology. Second edition. 2002. Prentice Hall, Inc. New
Jersey. 646 pages.
Gordon, N. D., T. A. McMahon, and B. L. Finlayson, 1992. Stream Hydrology: An
Introduction for Ecologists. John Wiley and Sons, Chichester, UK.
Harr, R.D., Harper, W.C., Krygier, J.T., Hsieh, F. 1975. Changes in storm
hydrographs after road building and clear-cutting in the Oregon Coast Range.
Water Resources Research 1 1(3): 436-444.
Hewlett, J.D., Hibbert, A.R. 1963. Moisture and energy conditions within a sloping
soil mass during drainage. Journal of Geophysical Research: 1081-1087.
Hewlett, J.D., Hibbert, A.R. 1967. Factors affecting the response of small watersheds
to precipitation in humid areas. In: International Symposium on forest
Hydrology. Sopper WE, Full WH, eds. Pergamon, New York: pp. 275-290.
Hicks, B.J., Beschta, R.F., Harr, D.R. 1991. Fong-term changes in streamflow
following logging in western Oregon and associated Fisheries implication.
Water Resources Bulletin. 27(2): 217-226.
Jones, J.A., and G.E. Grant. 1996. Peak flow responses to clear-cutting and roads in
small and large basins, western Cascades, Oregon. Water Resources Research.
32(4): 595-974.
Jones, J.A., Swanson, F.J., Wemple, B.C., Snyder, K.U. 1999. Effects of roads on
hydrology, geomorphology, and disturbance patches in stream networks.
Conservation Biology 14(1): 76-85.
Jones, J.A. 2000. Hydrologic processes and peak discharge response to forest
removal, regrowth, and roads in 10 small experimental basins, western
Cascades, Oregon. Water Resources Research. 36(9): 2621-2642.
Madej, M.A., 1999. Temporal and Spatial Variability in Thalweg Profiles of a Gravel
Bed River. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms 24: 1 1 53-1169.
C-52 • Appendix C
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Watershed Analysis, Appendix C
Marston, R. A.. 1978. Morphometric Indices of Streamflow and Sediment Yield
from Mountain Watersheds in Western Oregon. USDA Forest Service,
Pacific Northwest Region, Corvallis, OR.
Montgomery, D.R., Buffington, J.M. 1997. Channel-reach morphology in mountain
drainage basins. Bulletin of the Geological Society of America 109(5): 596-
611.
Montgomery, D.R., Buffington, J.M. 1998. Channel Processes. Classification and
Response. In: River Ecology and Management, Lessons from the Pacific
Coastal Ecoregion. Naiman, R.J., Bilby, R.E., and Kantor, S. eds. Springer-
Verlag, New York.
Satterlund, D.R., and P.W. Adams. 1992. Wildland Watershed Management. John
Wiley and Sons, New York.
State of Alaska. 1998. Catalog of Waters Important for Spawning, Rearing or
Migration of Anadromous Fishes. Department of Fish and Game, Habitat
Division. Juneau, AK
Swanson, F. J., L. E. Benda, S. H. Duncan, G. E. Grant, W. F. Megahan, L. M. Reid
and R. R. Ziemer, 1987. Mass Failures and Other Processes of Sediment
Production in Pacific Northwest Forest Landscapes. In: Streamside
Management, Forestry and Fishery Interactions, Salo, E. O. and T. W. Cundy
(Editors). Institute of Forest Resources, University of Washington, Seattle
WA, pp. 9-38.
Swanston, D. N. and D. A. Marion, 1991. Landslide Response to Timber Harvest in
Southeast Alaska. In: Proceedings of the Fifth Federal Interagency
Sedimentation Conference, Fan S. S. and Y. H. Kuo (Editors).
Sullivan, K., Lisle, T., Dolloff, C., Grant, G., and Reid, L. 1987. Stream Channels:
The link between forests and fishes. In Streamside management, forestry and
fisheries interactions, Salo, E. O. and T. W. Cundy (Editors). Institute of
Forest Resources, University of Washington, Seattle WA, pp. 39-97.
USDA Forest Service. 1979. Water Resources Atlas. Alaska Region. Juneau, Alaska.
USDA Forest Service. 1992. Channel Type User Guide, Tongass National Forest
Forest, Southeast Alaska. U.S. Forest Service, Alaska Region, R10-TP-26, Juneau,
Alaska. 179 pp.
USDA Forest Service. 1995. Report to Congress: Anadromous Fish Habitat
Assessment. Alaska Region: R10-MB-279.
USDA Forest Service. 1997. Tongass Land and Resource Management Plan. U.S.
Forest Service. Alaska Region R10-MB-338dd, Juneau, Alaska.
USDA Forest Service. 2001a. Aquatic Habitat Management Handbook. U.S. Forest
Service. Alaska Region: FSH 2090.21.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix C • C-53
Appendix C, Watershed Analysis
USDA Forest Service. 2001b. Ecological Subsections of Southeast Alaska and
Neighboring Areas of Canada. Nowacki, G., Krosse, P., Fisher, G., Brew, D.,
Brock, T., Shephard, M., Pawuk, W., Baichtal, J., Kissinger, E. US Forest
Service, Alaska Region: R10-TP-75.
Wolman, M.G., and Miller, J.P. 1960. Magnitude and frequency of forces in
geomorphic processes. Journal of Geology 68:54-74.
C-54 • Appendix C
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix C, Watershed Analysis
Appendix C-1: The Sediment Risk
Assessment
Watersheds with higher drainage densities tend to have more highly-
developed drainage networks which can efficiently transport water and
sediment downstream (Gordon et ah, 1992; Marston, 1978). The SRA
assumes that watersheds with higher stream densities have a greater
potential to route sediment to downstream reaches. Drainage
Efficiency is estimated using stream drainage density (length of stream
per area of watershed).
Steep watersheds with higher percentages of unstable soils are
assumed to represent a greater sediment risk. Areas of high and very
high mass movement potential are assumed to be potential sediment
sources for input to stream networks. Mass Movement Potential is
evaluated using the mass-movement index (MMI) for soils within the
watershed (USFS, 1997). The MMI is based on the steepness and soil
drainage characteristics of each soil series.
Recent timber harvest is assumed to increase the potential for mass
movement (Swanston and Marion, 1991), and roads are assumed to
increase sediment inputs to streams (Sullivan et al., 1987). Therefore
watersheds with higher percentages of potential source areas are
assumed to represent greater sediment risks.
The equation for the sediment Input Potential Index (IPI) is:
IPI = D * (MM + He + Re) / A
Eqn. 1
where:
IPI = Sediment Input Potential Index for the watershed
D= Drainage density = Total stream length / Watershed area
A= Area of the watershed
MM = Watershed area within high mass movement potential
soils
He = Existing harvested area within the watershed
Re = Existing road area within the watershed
To facilitate comparison among watersheds, the IPI and drainage
density were scaled to unitless values between 0 and 100, which can
be presented on the same scale as percent high mass movement soils,
harvest and roads.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix C • C-55
Appendix C, Watershed Analysis
Sediment Risk
Index
The Storage Potential Index (SPI) for each watershed is based on the
density of streams which tend to retain sediment (generally low to
moderate gradient with unconsolidated bed and bank material). In
southeast Alaska, these streams are divided into categories of
deposition^ and transitional based on the Channel Type User Guide
for Southeast Alaska (USFS 1 992).
Depositional streams are defined as those channel types with high
sediment retention capacity (i.e., flood plain, estuarine, palustrine and
alluvial fan channels). They are considered to have higher impact risk
because they are low-gradient channels (less than two percent) that
tend to retain sand, gravel and coarser sediment for medium to long
term storage. As a result, sediment introduced from upstream
disturbance can result in pool filling, bank erosion, channel-widening,
accelerated bar development and other channel adjustments.
Transitional streams are defined as those channel types with moderate
sediment-retention capacity (e.g., moderate-gradient, mixed control
channels). These streams generally have gradients of 2-6 percent with
coarse, gravel/cobble/boulder substrate. They are considered lower
risk than depositional channels because: 1) they tend not to retain large
amounts of fine sediment and gravel, and 2) the stream bed and banks
contain higher proportions of stable substrate. The Storage Potential
Index has the formula:
Eqn. 2:
SPI = (Sdep
where: SPI
$dep
Stm
A
+ 0.25Stm)/A
= Storage Potential Index
= length of depositional streams
= length of transitional streams
= Watershed area
Similar to the transport index, the SPI and component indices
(depositional and transitional stream densities) are arithmetically
scaled between 0 and 100.
A combined Sediment Risk Index (SRI) is developed based on storage
potential and transport potential indices for each watershed. The
equation for the Sediment Risk Index is:
Eqn. 3: SRI = (TPI x SPI)1/2
where: SRI = Sediment Risk Index
IPI = Input Potential Index
SPI = Storage Potential Index
C-56 • Appendix C
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Watershed Analysis, Appendix C
The SRI is defined as the geometric mean of the IPI and SPI. If there
are no depositional or transitional streams in the watershed, the SPI
and SRI become zero. In southeast Alaska, this situation is common in
small, steep, low-order coastal watersheds with short flowpaths to
saltwater and little or no in-stream storage capacity. In this situation,
the risk of impact is assumed low because sediment is transported
quickly to the ocean and has limited opportunity to cause long-term,
sediment-related channel adjustments. Similarly, the TPI is low in flat
terrain with few streams per acre. In this situation, the potential for
sediment mobilization and transport is low, even though storage
potential may be high. Since both the IPI and SPI are numbers
between 0 and 100, the geometric mean gives each term equal weight
and makes the SRI an index between 0 and 1 00.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix C • C-57
Appendix C, Watershed Analysis
Appendix C-2: Ecological Subsections
Ecological subsections are mapping units of geographic areas of
similar physiography, lithology, and surficial geology ranging in size
from 10 to 1,000 square miles (USDA Forest Service, 2001b). The
project area spans four different ecological subsections including the
Rowan Sediments, Sumner Strait Volcanics, Kuiu-POW granitics, and
North POW-Kuiu Carbonates subsections.
The Rowan Sediments Ecological Subsection is characterized by well-
rounded hills dissected by U-shaped glacial valleys. Bedrock is
sedimentary mudstones, graywackes, and turbidites which weather to
form well-drained silty or loamy soils that are highly productive.
Spodosols and Histosols are the dominant soil orders comprising 78
percent and 20 percent, respectively, of this ecological subsection.
Spodosols are acidic forest soils occurring in readily-leached coarse-
textured parent materials, whereas Histosols are organic soils that
occur in anaerobic wetland environments (Brady, 1999). Thick
deposits of glacial till, often with poorly drained organic soils, are
common in this subsection as well.
The North Prince of Wales — Kuiu Carbonates are characterized as
karst lands, with unique topographic features attributable to the
physical properties of carbonate bedrock (limestone and marble).
Cliffs, caves, fractures, shafts and pits are common features that
comprise complex underground drainage systems. Soils are shallow
but well-drained and very productive, except where compact glacial
till lies in surface deposits. Histosols and Spodosols are the dominant
soil orders comprising 63 percent and 29 percent respectively.
The Sumner Strait Volcanics subsection is a rolling landscape
characterized by benched hills and lava plateaus. Slopes are gentle,
except where they cut across the direction of lava flows. These slopes
are steep, with actively eroding gullies that supply large amounts of
bedload sediments to streams. Histosols and Spodosols are the
dominant soil orders comprising 61 percent and 37 percent
respectively. Unstable soils originating from pyroclastic materials in
this subsection warrant careful management.
The Kuiu-POW Granitics are intrusive rock bodies, primarily granite
and granodiorite, characterized by steep and relatively high mountains.
Alpine areas above 2,000 feet receive abundant snowfall which feed
streams well into the summer months. Soils are characterized as
shallow to very shallow, rocky, and well-drained. Spodosols and
Histosols are the most common soil orders comprising 54 percent and
32 percent, respectively.
C-58 • Appendix C
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Watershed Analysis, Appendix C
The Alvin Bay Sediments form a series of rugged hills along the spine
of southcentral Kuiu Island from No Name Bay through Port
Beauclerc. They also occur on the southwest comer of Kuiu Island,
where short, broken, and irregular hillslopes descend from well-
rounded summits to coastal lowlands — topographic features typical of
heavy past glaciation. Sedimentary rocks of various grades of
graywackes have glacial deposits smeared over much of them. Shallow
to moderately deep soils occupy upper slopes and hilltops, whereas
deeper colluvial soils occur along toe slopes. These well-drained soils
are quite productive and support extensive forests of western hemlock
and western hemlock-Alaska yellow cedar. Poorly drained mineral and
organic soils occur among the coastal lowlands and mineral and
organic soils occur among the coastal lowlands and on gentle hill
slopes. These wet soils occupy over one-third of the landscape and
support mixed conifer and lodgepole pine forests and marshy
shrublands. The area receives moderately high amounts of
precipitation. High gradient contained streams cascade down the hills
following bedrock joints and faults. The gradient and containment of
streams lessen as they spill onto coastal lowlands and floodplains. Less
than two percent of the productive forest lands have been harvested for
timber. There are no roads in this subsection, and most of the area is
designated as wilderness. Spodosols and Histosols are the most
common soil orders, comprising 63 percent and 35 percent,
respectively.
The Affleck Canal Till Lowlands form the glacially-striated peninsular
lobes of southern Kuiu Island which distinctly mark the direction of
ice movement across this area. These low-lying terrains encompass
broad undulating lowlands and gently rolling hills. Some moderate to
steep hillslopes occur adjacent to beachfronts. Sedimentary rocks,
principally graywacke, lie close to the surface in many places due to
heavy glacial scour. Much of the area is smeared with a thin veneer of
glacial drift and till. Poorly-drained mineral and organic soils abound,
supporting an intricate array of forested wetlands of mixed conifer and
lodgepole pine and shrubby bogs and fens. Moderately high levels of
precipitation supply water to this vast wetland complex that altogether
covers 70 percent of the area. More productive stands of hemlock
occur on steeper, better-drained hillslopes where incised streams flow.
Moderate gradient streams flow through the lowlands. Timber harvest
and roads are virtually nonexistent in this subsection, and the area is
largely protected through Wilderness designation.
Kuiu Timber Sale DEIS
Appendix C • C-59
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, DC 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA
is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
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