Chugach National Forest, Alaska
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United States Department of Agriculture Assessment of Ecological and Socio-Economic Conditions and Trends Chugach National Forest, Alaska Forest Alaska Chugach R10-MB-787 Service Region National Forest November 2014 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, 1,400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Assessment of the Ecological and Socio-Economic Conditions and Trends Chugach National Forest, Alaska Lead Agency: USDA Forest Service Responsible Official: Terri Marceron, Forest Supervisor 161 E. 1st Ave, Door 8 Anchorage, AK 99501 (907) 743-9525 For Information Contact: Mary Rasmussen, Planning Team Leader 161 E. 1st Ave, Door 8 Anchorage, AK 99501 (907) 743-9426 Abstract: The Forest Service has prepared this assessment in compliance with provisions of the 2012 land management planning rule as outlined in Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations Part 219, along with other relevant Federal and state laws and regulations. This assessment summarizes existing information about the ecological, economic, and social conditions and trends within the context of the broader landscape and their relationship to the 2002 Chugach National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (as amended). This assessment identifies relevant information that will inform the preliminary need to change the 2002 Chugach National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan. Table of Contents Chapter 1 Assessment Overview .................................................................................................................. 1 Organization of this Report ...................................................................................................................... 1 Background ............................................................................................................................................... 1 Forest Plan Revision Framework.............................................................................................................. 2 Assessment Phase ..................................................................................................................................... 2 Description and Distinctive Features of the Planning Area ...................................................................... 3 Overview of Ecological Influences .......................................................................................................... 6 Overview of Social and Economic Influences .......................................................................................... 7 Overview of Resource Uses and Benefits ................................................................................................ 7 Public Engagement and Collaboration Efforts ......................................................................................... 8 Public Feedback ...................................................................................................................................... 16 Best Available Scientific Information .................................................................................................... 17 Relevant Information .............................................................................................................................. 18 List of Preparers...................................................................................................................................... 19 Chapter 2 Ecological Conditions and Trends ............................................................................................. 21 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 21 Aquatic Ecosystems—Watersheds ......................................................................................................... 22 Aquatic Ecosystems—Fish ..................................................................................................................... 40 Aquatic Ecosystems—Riparian Areas and Wetlands ............................................................................. 62 Terrestrial Ecosystems—Soils ................................................................................................................ 72 Terrestrial Ecosystems—Vegetation ...................................................................................................... 75 Terrestrial Ecosystems—Carbon Stocks ................................................................................................ 99 Terrestrial Ecosystems—Wildlife ........................................................................................................ 106 At Risk Species—Threatened, Endangered, Proposed and Candidate Species .................................... 123 At Risk Species—Potential Species of Conservation Concern ............................................................ 126 Climate Change .................................................................................................................................... 135 Chapter 3 Cultural, Social, and Economic Benefits and Uses .................................................................. 144 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................... 144 Cultural Resources and Uses ................................................................................................................ 144 Areas of Tribal Importance ................................................................................................................... 148 Land Status and Ownership .................................................................................................................. 150 Land Use ............................................................................................................................................... 154 Infrastructure ........................................................................................................................................ 156 Access Patterns ..................................................................................................................................... 158 Designated Areas .................................................................................................................................. 160 Recreation and Scenic Character .......................................................................................................... 175 Social and Economic Conditions .......................................................................................................... 204 Ecosystem Services .............................................................................................................................. 225 Subsistence ........................................................................................................................................... 233 Fish ....................................................................................................................................................... 238 Wildlife ................................................................................................................................................. 242 Plants .................................................................................................................................................... 266 Timber .................................................................................................................................................. 271 Fire Management .................................................................................................................................. 274 Watershed and Water Resources .......................................................................................................... 280 Air ......................................................................................................................................................... 290 Renewable Energy and Mineral Resources .......................................................................................... 294 Nonrenewable Energy Resources ......................................................................................................... 306 iii Chugach National Forest Assessment Report Chapter 4 Literature Cited ........................................................................................................................ 311 List of Tables Table 1. Tribes and Alaska Native Corporations within and adjacent to the plan area .............................. 12 Table 2. Number of HUC 6 watersheds for the three different