USDA FOREST SERVICE ALASKA REGION P. O. Box 21628 Juneau, AK 99802 SourDough Notes USDA Forest Service Employee Newsletter Alaska Region Issue 490 Late Summer 2004

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

Please send your suggestions and comments to Teresa Haugh, Editor (see page 2).

Where in the World Are They?

n the last issue of SourDough Notes, we started a new column to Ibring you updates on Alaska Re- gion retirees—your former friends and colleagues. In this issue, we are featur- ing Tom Donovan, Mel Dittmer, and Charles Low. If you look at the photo on the right, you will get a good idea of how Don- ovan has been spending his time! Be- fore he retired, Donovan worked for ten years in the Alaska Region as a Contracting Officer, first at the Su- pervisor’s Office in Sitka and later in the Regional Office. He left Alaska in 1992 and worked as a Contracting Of- ficer in Region 6 for several years be- fore retiring about eight years ago. His friend Mel Dittmer said since retirement, Donovan has spent sum- mers in Wisconsin and winters in Ar- Retiree Tom Donovan and his dog Scruffy enjoy their highway scooter. cont’d inside back cover SourDough Notes  Late Summer 2004 SourDough Notes  Late Summer 2004 ON THE COVER: INSIDE: Transfers Out FS Centennial ...... 2 A Taste of the Stikine ...... 15 Pack Creek sow and her three cubs The Bears of Admiralty ...... 3 Forests of Armenia ...... 16 Regional Office Susan Oliva cavort on Admiralty Island. Rising to the Challenge ...... 4 Backcountry Ranger ...... 17 Photo by April Carpenter. Award Winning Hosts ...... 5 Nature Condos ...... 18 Thoughts from the RF ...... 6 Sitka Celebrates Summer ...... 19 Resignations Anglers, Oh My! ...... 7 Leave No Trace ...... 20 Remembering Payne ...... 8 Forty Years in the Wilderness ...... 21 Chugach Lessons in Leadership ...... 8 Castillo New Director ...... 22 Charles B. Davis Chad Praetorius James Salzman Michael T. Shugrue Brent Touchstone Students Take Flight ...... 9 Tuesday for Tots ...... 22 Keith Friel Rebecca L. Rauwald Wilderness Paddling ...... 10 Continuing Saga ...... 23 SourDough Notes Handicapped Access ...... 11 Junior Ranger ...... 24 Tongass Hoonah Assists ...... 12 Art Greeley ...... 24 Cody Angerman Andrew Dupre Kaelene M. Harrison Adam S.Thompson Terri Walker Recycling News ...... 12 Awards ...... 25 Daniel W. Candelaria Michael Farago Matthew McCluggage Bryce A. Timm Kathy Wills Quarterly newsletter for the Last Great Viking ...... 13 Personnel Actions ...... 26 Jon Drimel William C. Green Ryan Rooks Jill Walker David E Wilson employees and retirees of the Oja Recognized ...... 13 Retirees ...... back cover USDA Forest Service Yakutat Weeds ...... 14 Regional Office Alaska Region Justin Salazar John Wooton P. O. Box 21628 Juneau, AK 99802-1628 http://www.fs.fed.us/r10 Where in the World Are They? (cont’d from back page) he Forest Service will cele- izona. In Wisconsin, Donovan visits 93-year-old man (and sometimes lost and his wife Ginger now live in near brate its centennial in 2005 his four brothers. In Arizona, he lives to him!) McMinnville, Ore. Dittmer spends Tand launch its New Century of in a camper with a dog that “only Tom His friend Mel Dittmer worked in much of his summers farming his ten Late Summer 2004 Service to the American people and could love.” He rides his highway the Alaska Region as Assistant Direc- acres of hazelnuts and 30 acres of tim- the extraordinary landscape under its scooter, and according to Dittmer, is tor of Engineering for over seven years, ber. Ginger volunteers part time at the management. But what of its past cen- “totally dedicated to living a life of lei- until he retired in December 1988. He hospital. tury of service? What is the relation- sure.” handled all the engineering training Would you like to see him and catch Submissions: ship between the Forest Service’s land Donovan took up golf shortly be- and certification, and frequently used up on old times? Dittmer said he plans SourDough Notes is written for management practices, then and now? fore he retired. He plays with his friend his friend Tom Donovan for teaching, on attending the Retiree’s Reunion in the employees and retirees of the And how might a dis- Dittmer, and in spite of buying every and as a panel member when doing Portland, Ore. in September 2005. For Alaska Region. Your suggestions, cussion of its historic hi-tech golf club he can find to help oral certification exams. more information on the reunion, visit: articles, and photographs are challenges help us bet- him improve his game, the only person Since retiring, Dittmer has built a http://oldsmokeys.org., or welcome. Please contact: ter understand its con- he could beat in their foursome was a couple houses, including the house he http://www.fsx.org/schedule.html. temporary dilemmas and future prospects? harles Low recently sent us a Low has been a faithful reader of Teresa Haugh Dr. Char Miller— photograph and a report on his SourDough Notes. He said, “Thank Public Affairs Office historian, author, pro- life after lands (the regional you for continuing to send me news of P. O. Box 21628 fessor and Forest Ser- C lands staff, that is). Alaska Region. I am always amazed Juneau, AK 99802 vice history expert— author of Gifford Pinchot and Unlike Nita Nettleton, who was that through the decades, the real is- (907) 586-9337 will deliver lectures The Making of Modern Envi- shown in our last issue lounging at her sues never change.” [email protected] throughout the coun- try about the environ- ronmentalism (Island Press, home on the beach, Low took a dif- Low sends advice back to his friends mental and political 2001). ferent direction after retiring from the in Alaska. He said, “If there is some- Dr. Miller will be in Alaska in Forest Service. He started another ca- thing else out there you are consider- Articles should be no more than history that developed and shaped the October, and everyone in the com- reer! Low said, “I am easy proof there ing—then do it! 800 words and may be edited. Forest Service. The talks illustrate the munity is invited to participate. can be a second, different career after Charles Low, former Alaska Region Submitted articles may not all be agency’s past and speak directly to the Here are the dates. Please watch the Forest Service.” employee, is just one of the many rea- printed. Photos should be present. Using photographs, cartoons, for more information in your town. After retiring from the Forest Ser- sons the Forest Service will be com- submitted as gray-scale TIF and other illustrative material, he vice in 1991, Low attended law school memorating its history and heritage in graphics, 5”x7” and 300 dpi. weaves an exciting tale about the For- 10/06/04 .....Anchorage at the University of Tulsa. He has been 2005. est Service’s contributions to the na- 10/07/04 .....Girdwood, Cordova a practicing attorney in Tulsa for more tion and the controversies that swirled 10/09/04 .....Juneau around its actions. than 10 years. He focuses on the petro- 10/10/04 .....Sitka Dr. Miller is chair of the History leum transportation business, and most Editor Department and the director of the Ur- 10/12/04 ....Craig Alaska Region retiree Charles Low of his practice involves real estate mat- ban Studies program at Trinity Univer- 10/13/04 ...Ketchikan worked on the lands staff until 1991. ters. sity in San Antonio, Texas. He is the 2 SourDough Notes  Late Summer 2004 SourDough Notes  Late Summer 2004 27 Personnel Actions The Bears of Admiralty Island By: April Carpenter, Tongass National Forest/Admiralty National Monument Promotions Chugach ’ve decided that I am, beyond a buried on the beach. There is one man- One Saturday I packed up my rain Corinne A. Marzullo Carl J. Skustad shadow of a doubt, blessed. I live made building on the site, a small tow- gear, bug repellent and rain boots. I Tongass Iand work in the Tongass National er you can climb into and look across took candy, a peanut butter sandwich, Kent Cummins Jeff Garnette Joni Johnson Lance Lerum Kristen Thweatt Forest in Southeast Alaska. The Ton- the estuary to see the bears and other and water for lunch (which gets stored Jacqueline Foss Robert Gubernick Joshua Latham Kerri Roepke Lance M. Watkins gass is the nation’s largest national for- wildlife. I didn’t make it to the tower, in a bear proof box). I met Pack Creek Karen Hopfer est, and the world’s largest temperate because I saw the show of my life right Ranger Don MacDougall and helped Regional Office rainforest. It has 17 million acres of on the ground. him load the truck with supplies for the Macky McClung Ray Massey Priscilla White forest and more than one hundred inch- camp. We carried gasoline, groceries, es of rain a year. Almost every day propane, and camping gear for the I see old growth, moss, infinite rangers at Pack Creek. We drove to Time-Limited Promotions wildflowers, glaciers, waterfalls, the float pond, and boarded a De- Chugach bald eagles, marine mammals and Haviland Beaver float plane. We Glenn Stubbs the aurora borealis. had smooth flying. Tongass With 11,000 miles of coast- After 25 minutes, we landed on Kerri Mills Irene Powell Michael Shira line, two national monuments, 17 Windfall Island and unloaded the Regional Office wilderness areas and close to 150 supplies. Then, we got in a little Renee Flanagan Raymond Thompson Michael Wilcox Rebecca Wright maintained hiking trails, there are skiff and headed for the mouth of unlimited combinations of things the estuary. Chad Rice of the Alas- to do on the Tongass. But one of ka Department of Fish and Game Reassignments the best is to view North Ameri- greeted us. Pack Creek is run co- Tongass ca’s largest carnivores on Admiral- operatively with the ADF&G and ty Island, at the place where Pack the Forest Service. All the rangers Daniel Bussard Faith Duncan Valorie Nelson Creek runs into Seymour Canal. carried loaded rifles! Regional Office Harry Tullis, who leads the I picked out a spot to sit on a log. Cheri Friend Debbie Hallek Janice Lerum Pack Creek bear viewing project, I had decided to enjoy the scenery, asked me to go to Admiralty Is- even if there were no bears to see. land in July so I would know how The other 15 people that were there Recruitments to describe my experience to vis- quietly smiled “hello” to me. We Chugach itors who ask. After all, I am the whispered and made small talk. Steve Barry Joshua O. Milligan Christopher R. Stinson Information Receptionist at the We sat and waited. Tongass Juneau Ranger District and Admi- Then suddenly, we saw move- ralty National Monument. (What ment—a sow with two cubs. We Callie P. Domek Ian Gill Leah M. Lentz Allen Moore Robert J. Shaff, Jr. Ryan S. Gerstenberger Matthew Goold Joy Marcum Gareth Reese does that mean in English? I an- were so busy frantically clicking swer the phone, greet visitors, and our cameras we almost missed a Regional Office tell people where to go.) second sow. And she had three Ada Feak Colby Marvin Adam K. Morgan Raymond Thompson Casey Walsh Pack Creek has a peak season Pack Creek bears and the people who want to watch cubs! The sows seemed much them. Photos by April Carpenter. Letasha McCoy Stacie Mason which starts in mid July. When more wary of one another than Tullis asked me to go, the rangers they did us. The sow with two over there had not been seeing many Pack Creek is not a zoo or a wild cubs kept coming closer. They came so Details bears. I thought I should wait until Au- animal park. It is a natural estuary full close I could smell them. Even though gust, but I found myself agreeing to go the sow wasn’t nervous, we were get- Chugach of fish, sedges, clams and berries. The right away. Tullis laughed, and said, bears come there for food. There is ting a little jumpy. We all said loudly, John D. Barger Anthony S. Conte Joel Sather “Well, you probably won’t see a bear, nothing between you and the bears at “WHOA BEAR!” The sow made a har- Tongass but at least you can describe the place Pack Creek. The bears are habituated rumphing sound, turned away from us, Ken Blackman Larry Dunham Charles Klee Susan Marthaller Erik Van Walden better. You can watch my bear videos to humans, so they don’t mind being and led her cubs back to the flats. Linda Christian Jennifer Kevil Gary Lawton Peter Roginski when you get back.” watched, but trust me, you wouldn’t It was an incredible day. Now I know Pack Creek is a completely primi- how to describe my experiences to pro- Regional Office want to go to Pack Creek alone, and tive estuary. The only evidence of hu- you certainly don’t want to go without spective visitors. I say, “If you come to Gary Lehnhausen Willie R.Thompson mans there are the ruins of an old house knowing a little bit about bear safety, Alaska, you must consider visiting the and garden, and the bear proof boxes and without being “bear aware.” bears of Admiralty Island.”  26 SourDough Notes  Late Summer 2004 SourDough Notes  Late Summer 2004 3 Rising to the Challenge Awards By: David Sanders, Chugach National Forest Spot ea kayaking is an exceptional ed from Whit- way to get out and explore the tier, bound for Chugach Snatural world and is uniquely Derickson Spit T.J. Friend Elsa H. Gaule Denise F. Smith suited for those with disabilities. in Port Nellie Tongass Prince William Sound is a world- Juan. The spit class sea-kayaking destination lying is a large glacial Gregory T. Albrecht Daniel W. Candelaria Chad C. Hood Nick R. Miller Kevin Schaberg within the boundaries of the Chugach moraine that has Kurt A. Aluzas Nathaniel Catterson Sally C. Hunter John Neary John H. Stevens National Forest, the second largest na- now been ex- Larry Barnes Stephanie Clemens Lauren E. Johnston Austin O.’Brien Lynda D. Thomassen tional forest in the United States. In ad- posed due to the David Beatley Jacqueline V. Foss Daniel H. Kraemer Susan A. Oehlers Elizabeth Thynes dition, the western sound is designat- retreat of Nel- Brad L. Bolton Earnest Greek Esther Kim-Ambuehl Robbie Piehl Terri L. Vore ed as a wilderness study area and falls lie Juan Glacier. Jessica Brogden Jennifer Hagen Angelina Lammers Michael Reichenberg Howard Wiseman Kaelene M. Harrison within the Glacier Ranger District, The quarter-mile Austin B. Brose Jonathan Livermore Diane L. Rock Sarah B. Yamamoto Kyle Brownlee Kayleigh A. Hartwig Stephanie Mehalick one of three districts comprising the -long gravel bar Chugach. The sound’s protected wa- juts out across Regional Office terways, labyrinths of islands and pas- Derickson Bay, Cal Casipit Mickie L. Dutton Linda Kelly Austin Rickards Walter E. Ullmayer sages, dense temperate coastal rainfor- nearly sealing off Orion Dix Brian Goettler Susan Oliva Justin Salazar ests and abundant marine life and tide- a salt-water la- Disabled paddlers rose to the challenge of navigating Prince water glaciers, provide unforgettable goon that is full William Sound. Photo by Dave Sanders. wilderness experiences for thousands of drifting bergs of kayakers every year. The sound is a cast off by the calving of the glacier. ite monoliths that rise gray and devoid remarkably accessible wilderness area The landscape surrounding the spit is of vegetation like stone sentinels from Extra Effort & Travel Gainsharing and its relatively calm waters and abun- dramatic and dominated by post-gla- the forest. After a nice lunch break on Chugach dance of gradual, protected beaches of- cial exposed granite slopes lending it a unique granite conglomerate beach Michael F. Thom fer a unique wilderness kayaking expe- the nickname “The Little Yosemite” of (a rarity in the Sound), we returned to rience. Sea kayaks can be modified to the Sound. camp for a tasty dinner of fresh silver Tongass accommodate a wide range of abilities We paddled almost every day from salmon provided to us by some visit- Mike Allred Sandy Frost Tyler Gunn Kim Redmond Dennis Sylvia and provide an exceptional degree of our base camp to explore the surround- ing friends. Kevin C. Casey Dee Galla Susan Howell Nancy Richardson Karl Welch personal independence and freedom. ing area. On our first day we caught the On day 3 we again entered the gla- Dale Fife Peter Griffin Alec J Pempek Melanie Slayton On July 4-8, Challenge Alaska and incoming tide and were quickly swept cial lagoon on a fast flooding tide and the Forest Service partnered to pro- through the narrow entrance to the la- even experienced river-like conditions Regional Office vide a wilderness kayaking opportu- goon to emerge amongst giant icebergs as we were whisked through the pas- Susan Alexander Sharon L Cordell Dawn L Heutte Karen Maher Chris Pack nity open to anyone with a disability. and large flocks of surf scoters and har- sage. Strong katabatic winds dropping Debbie Anderson Curtis Edwards Lake Koelling Mari Meiners Mark T. Phillipp John Burick Michael Goldstein Bruce Landon Shirley Matson Cynthia Sever Six participants took up the challenge. lequin ducks. Harbor seals cautiously off the icefield forced us to make a Trish Clabaugh Jackie Groce Pam Leschak Warren Oja Jim Ustasiewski They signed up to camp at a remote lo- peeked their heads above the water to landing soon after entering the lagoon, Dawn Collinsworth Emily C. Howard Maria Lisowski cation far from the comforts of home, observe us and came quite close to a so, we landed and relaxed in the sun, knowing they would have to face many few of the kayaks as these curious ani- ate lunch and played games like speed obstacles and fears associated with mals often do. Windy conditions made rock stacking, beach rock golf, and the kayaking, the sea, and wilderness. Ev- for challenging paddling, and with classic game of hit the passing iceberg eryone rose to the challenge, gained good teamwork and a positive can-do with a rock. After the tide slackened Time Off confidence in their abilities, made new attitude, we were able to negotiate the and began to ebb, we paddled back Tongass friends, and came away with a memo- shifting ice and tricky currents. to camp for our last night camping in rable experience. On the second day we departed the wilderness. A beach fire, choco- Brenda McDonald Our staff consisted of Heather Hall again, this time bound for Deepwater late marshmallow s’mores, and tasty (Chugach National Forest Archaeolo- Bay about four miles away. Deepwater aluminum foil wrapped meat, cheese gist), David Sanders (Glacier District Bay would entail an 8-mile roundtrip and vegetable dinners, as well as lots Length of Service 25 Years Sea Kayak Ranger Program Coordi- paddle and would require everyone to of good conversation and laughs, was nator), Kelly Frick (Glacier District put in a strong paddling effort. Every- a perfect ending to this wonderful ex- Tongass Lead Interpretive Ranger), Jennifer Er- one stepped up to the challenge, and perience. Annemarie LaPalme tel (Therapeutic Recreation Coordina- soon we found ourselves within the On the last day, we awoke, made tor), and volunteers. The group depart- bay, looking back at the massive gran- blueberry pancakes, and spent a lei-

4 SourDough Notes  Late Summer 2004 SourDough Notes  Late Summer 2004 25 surely morning breaking down camp 10 p.m. It was a long day, but a fine Brenna Abbott, Junior Ranger and preparing for our charter pick up. ending to a truly enjoyable and re- By: Janet Seals, Tongass National Forest Soon, we found ourselves back in civ- warding experience for everyone. We ilization, negotiating the hustle and learned a lot on this initial trip and look n Friday, July 16, Brenna Abbott patch on her Brownie Scout uniform bustle of Whittier’s busy docks. We forward to fostering a continued part- had the distinction of becom- for all to see. On-hand to see Brenna made the 8 p.m. tunnel opening back nership with Challenge Alaska.  ing the first Sitka Ranger Dis- awarded her certificate and patch were to Bear Valley, grabbed some ice cream O in Girdwood, and got everyone back to Paddlers relax at camp after a long day. trict Junior Ranger. Six-year-old Bren- her parents, aunt and uncle, siblings Photo by Dave Sanders. na turned in her completed Tongass Na- and cousins. The Alaska Region Junior the Challenge office in Anchorage by tional Forest Junior Ranger workbook Ranger program was started in 2003 as to Sandy Russell (district recreation) part of the Forest Service interpretive and Janet Seals (district information program for the Alaska Marine High- receptionist) to receive her certificate way ferry system.  and embroidered sew-on patch. The Award Winning Barge Hosts newest “Ranger” on the district happily Brenna Abbott is congratulated by Janet By: Rita Byrer, Tongass National Forest announced she wanted mom to put the Seals for receiving her badge Photo by David Abbott. n July, District Ranger Patty The Villers assist in the seasonal de- tor and maintain logbooks on the barge Grantham presented an award from ployment of the barge and its extensive systems, complete weekly and daily Ithe national Director of Senior, systems set-up. Due to their efforts, tests on the alarm and safety systems, Youth and Volunteer Programs pre- hard working crews return to a warm and complete monthly safety checks on Art Greeley, Regional Forester, Remembered sented Lee and Kathe Villers a Retiree home with lights and hot showers. This all the fire extinguishers, smoke alarms By: John Sandor, Retired Regional Forester Volunteer Service national award for is possible because the Villers moni- and carbon monoxide detectors. They their exemplary volunteer service to assist with maintenance on the genera- Greeley was in Alaska during a pe- North Central Region, replacing P. D. the Petersburg Ranger District. tors and other work, which reduc- riod of transition. The completion of (Pete) Hanson. The death of his daugh- The Villers have served as vol- es the number of costly trips that the Ketchikan Pulp Company in 1953, ter significantly influenced his decision unteer hosts on the Nakwasina facilities personnel have to make the development of road transportation to enter the ministry. He is still fond- barge since 2000. to the barge. They keep logbooks system plans, and the award of the Re- ly remembered in Alaska by the many The Nakwasina is a self-con- on the numerous support systems gion’s second long-term Alaska Pulp people whose lives he touched fifty tained 2,912 sq. ft. crew quar- that help evaluate systems effi- Company sale (to Japanese interests) years ago. ters mounted on a 31 x 85 ft. steel ciency and aid in the managing of occurred during Greeley’s tenure. The From a personal standpoint, it was barge. It is used by field crews as barge occupancy. They even pro- Alaska Region’s timber sale harvest Greeley who telephoned me in early a base of operations in remote ar- vide the crew with a ferry service was 60 million feet in 1952 and rose to 1953 to offer me a transfer from the eas during the summer field sea- from the barge to the shore. 200 million feet by 1956. PNW Forest Survey staff in Portland to son. When in the field, the barge In their spare time, the Vil- During Greeley’s tenure as regional the Timber Resource Review of Alas- is accessible only by float plane lers indulge their passion for fish- forester, he began the diversification of ka’s national forests. I accepted, and or boat. ing, shrimping and crabbing. Lee professional and support staff, bringing moved to Juneau in 1953. I transferred When the Petersburg Rang- carves wood nymphs from unusual in more wildlife, fisheries, engineering to the forest management staff in 1953 er District acquired the barge in tree branches, and Kathe is an ex- and recreation professional expertise. after completion of Timber Resource 1999, it was decided, consider- cellent health-conscious cook who Greeley had a keen sense of histo- Review field surveys on the Tongass. ing the large investment the barge occasionally treats the crew to her ry, emphasizing long-range plans and Thus, I was working in the Alaska Re- represented, that the Forest Ser- wonderful cinnamon rolls and oth- any long term Forest Ser- the need to resolve Alaska Native land gion throughout the time Greeley was vice needed to somehow ensure er baked goods. The Villers’ humor vice employees are sharing claims. regional forester. the security of the barge when an- and loyalty do wonders for the at- Mstories and remembrances of Greeley was always a man of deep Greeley was an outstanding and chored in the field at remote loca- titudes of the crew. Visitors from their friend and colleague Art Greeley, faith; very active in his church and in compassionate Forest Service leader tions. It would take special peo- commercial and private boats that who passed away this summer. community affairs. His positive out- and an effective advocate for the vari- ple, however, to fill the job, given drop by are full of questions about Greeley was the Alaska Regional look and integrity earned the admira- ous missions of the U.S. Forest Service. the isolation and the remoteness the area and the purpose of the Na- Forester from 1953 to 1956. He moved tion and respect of the community at He was also an effective communicator of the duty. After considering the kwasina. The Villers represent the to Juneau from the Pacific Northwest large as well as the Alaska Forest Ser- and leader in the communities in which alternatives, we decided to use Forest Service with pride. A veter- Forest and Range Experiment Station vice family. Greeley moved to Milwau- he lived. And after entering the ministry, volunteers. Volunteers Lee and an forester says that staying on the to replaced B. Frank Heintzelman, kee, Wisc. in 1956 after his daughter he continued to serve with great distinc- Kathe Villers have consistently Top: District Ranger Patty Grantham and award barge with the Villers is the best who was appointed Alaska’s Territorial died as the result of injuries received tion as a pastor and counselor. His ser- and reliably served as barge hosts, winning volunteers Kathe and Lee Villers. Photo by duty on the Tongass! Governor by President Dwight Eisen- in a tragic snow sledding accident. He vice will continue to be a source of in- spending one summer in Thom- Jim Seward. Bottom: Nakwasina barge, the home away Since 2000, the Villers have hower. was appointed Regional Forester in the spiration to those who knew him.  as Bay and two seasons at Three from home for Petersburg field crew. Photo by Eric volunteered for a combined total Mile Arm on Kuiu Island. Larson. of 7,580 hours.  24 SourDough Notes  Late Summer 2004 SourDough Notes  Late Summer 2004 5 Thoughts from the RF What Doe CTA Really Mean? By: Denny Bschor, Regional Forester By: Pam Leschak, Public Affairs

sues, particularly timber harvesting, Jacque Myers, Deputy Regional For- laska Region staff has worked as possible with those funds within in- Hyperion Scorecard is a database road building and returns on invest- ester for Operations, was locked up on hard to develop the Credibility dividual programs and units. By using connected electronic “report card” that ments to the Treasury. Supervisor For- the 9th floor. It’s not what you think! Through Accountability model the NSP regional and strategic business mines WorkPlan and other informa- rest Cole agreed to go, and took others Jacque was not in trouble with the law A that will lead the Forest Service imple- plan goals as the structure for defining tion systems (like INFRA, NIFPORS, with him, including Petersburg District enforcement guys up there, she was mentation of performance-based man- our desired performances, integration FACTS, STARS, Lotus databases) to Ranger Patty Grantham, Engineering just looking for a quiet place to work. agement. across programs and units become show how a project is or is not pro- and Aviation Staff Officer Larry Dun- For a few months, she turned her nor- Alaska built the national model me- the norm, rather than single programs gressing. Status is shown clearly with ham, and Partnerships and Public Af- mal duties over to Mary Cummins, and thodically and with active participation and units working alone. Some of the a green light (project is progressing on fairs Staff Officer Dennis Neill. Sena- assumed a national leadership role in from nearly every region, station, and accomplishments are tied to our em- target), a yellow light (caution, project tor Lisa Murkowski’s office was inter- streamlining human resources through area, as well as the Washington Office. phasis areas and some are not. Perfor- is delayed or facing some problem) or ested in what the Tongass group had to BPR. The model is flexible enough to work mance-based management means we a red light (problem, targets aren’t be- say, and asked them to add briefings to Unlike competitive sourcing, BPR in any unit in the agency with a little do the work that helps accomplish the ing met). Project status information is other Senate offices to their schedule. does not force a competition between tweaking to take local issues into con- goals identified in the regional and na- always at hand, updated monthly at a In total, they met with staffs from the government and the private sec- sideration. minimum. Managers and employ- t’s been a busy summer in Alaska, all three members of the Alaska Del- tor. It is similar in one aspect, however. CTA workshop participants from ees alike can use the system to in- and employees region-wide have egation, and staffs of Senators from BPR insures that we operate with the across the country discussed in de- form themselves and others about been working hard to make the most Arkansas, Arizona, California, Indi- most efficient organization that we can I tail the issues facing the Forest Ser- performance and make trade-off de- of the field season. We have welcomed ana, Louisiana, Maine, Montana, New achieve. BPR is one of several tools we vice, the purpose of its programs, cisions based on that information. hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, can use to achieve efficiency. This re- the services rendered, customer fo- The term “get to green” represents two largest national forests in the sys- Rhode Island, Tennessee, and Wash- engineering will result in reorganiza- cused outcomes, crosscutting pro- the project result. tem. We have offered entertaining and ington. In addition, they briefed vari- tion of human resources and will affect gram issues, and partners who help The next step for Alaska employ- educational interpretive programs to ous leaders in the Washington Office, employees in the region and nation. in achieving outcomes. The result is ees is implementing the process and countless children and adults. We have starting with Chief Bosworth. BPR is one of the challenges that we Business Plan Elements, a written working out the bugs – that begins contributed to interagency firefighting What did they share? They said that are meeting along our road to achiev- structure for the agency’s programs in October. Alaska has a year to put efforts for one of the busiest fire sea- the Tongass is a wild, remote, produc- ing greater credibility and accountabil- and activities that defines what the the CTA process into practice with sons ever in the state. tive forest that will stay that way, while ity. agency does, describes the results the Regional Strategic Business In July, the Greenpeace ship ar- providing a reasonable amount of raw I want to thank Mary Cummins for we desire, and provides a means to Plan in real situations across all rived in Southeast Alaska, and as you materials to support the communities filling in for Jacque as Acting Depu- consistently measure performance. programs and units to make perfor- know, several activists chained them- and people of Southeast Alaska. This ty Regional Forester. She did a great The Business Plan Elements mance accountability the standard selves to logging equipment near Pe- story seemed to resonate with most of job, and has returned to being Direc- were used to develop the Region’s tional strategic plans and we measure operating procedure before it is imple- tersburg. While this column in Sour- the Senate staffers, and with many peo- tor of Information Resources Manage- Strategic Business Plan, a blueprint what we did. The work is defined by mented nationwide. Dough Notes is not long enough to ad- ple in the Washington Office. ment. She got back just in time for a that outlines a unit’s contribution to specific outcomes desired; then, fund- Regional Forester Denny Bschor dress all the issues surrounding their That is a synopsis of what has been long-awaited announcement. On July achieving the agency’s goals. Units and ing follows the activities that contrib- recently presented the Alaska model protest, I do want to take the time to happening in natural resources, but we 27, we learned of the results of the In- programs will no longer operate inde- ute to those desired outcomes. to the Executive Leadership Team and commend our district, forest, and law have had a lot of issues on the opera- formation Technology A-76 study. Af- pendently, so it is important that they How does this lead us to perfor- to Washington Office Directors. They enforcement personnel for the pro- tions side of the house, too. The devel- ter careful review of proposals from tie their work to the National Strategic mance-based management? First, we liked the results of our work. The next fessional and levelheaded manner in opment of the performance account- both public and commercial bidders, Plan (NSP). The NSP helps refine the define what we do in terms of nation- step in handing the baton over to the which they did their jobs despite the ability system, Credibility through Ac- the Forest Service’s Most Efficient Or- focus of the work and align all efforts al and regional goals. Then, we request Washington Office is national program protests. We will continue to go for- countability, has taken up a lot of time ganization (MEO) was selected as the so we all work toward the same larger funding based on demonstrated past directors working with Alaska staff to ward with our forest plans that were and energy. An update of that program service provider to carry out the agen- results even as we accomplish regional performance results and future perfor- finalize the national Family of Mea- developed through extensive scientific is on page 23. We are reviewing our cy’s IT infrastructure work. outcomes. mance capability. Throughout the year, sures everyone will use in doing our review and coordination with other re- way of doing business in every arena. The new IRM organization will be Once the strategic outcomes are de- we measure what we do at the program, work. Strategic Planning and Resource source agencies. The Chief’s office began a Business comprised of two parts. The first part fined and past performance measured, activity, unit and the individual level. Assessment (SPRA) in the Washing- What we do in Alaska will contin- Process Reengineering (BPR) effort to of the organization, called the Informa- the funding follows to where results This allows for corrections during the ton Office is ramping up their efforts ue to attract attention in Washington, look at changes in financial manage- tion Solutions Organization (ISO), will can be demonstrated. As Denny Bschor year—a vital change from past practic- to educate more of the Forest Service D.C. During the week of July 19-23, ment, human resources, and informa- act as the service provider. The second told the national leadership recently, es. The foundation of what we do and about performance accountability and the Tongass National Forest supervi- tion technology. part, called the Continuing Government “In the past budget drove our perfor- our budget is tracked through Work- set the stage for national implementa- sor was asked to travel to Washington In that respect, if you have been Activities (CGA) organization, will mance. In the future performance of Plan, a software program that ties esti- tion in 2006.  to brief the Senate Energy and Nat- in the regional office in the past few perform the inherently governmental results drives budget.” Currently, we mated resources to identified goals, ob- ural Resources staff on Tongass is- months, you may have wondered why functions. Details about the new orga- allocate funds and accomplish as much jectives, and performance measures. 6 SourDough Notes  Late Summer 2004 SourDough Notes  Late Summer 2004 23 nizational structures and the potential tennial forum in Anchorage Novem- We are anticipating a Chief’s man- Castillo New Director of Forest Management impacts on individual employees will ber 12-13, and participating with Re- agement review in June 2005. We have by Jan Lerum, Regional Office Forest Management be shared over the next few weeks. Im- gion 6 and the Pacific Northwest Re- not had a management review in the plementation is expected to begin dur- search Station to host a regional forum region in over a decade. This review ing the first quarter of fiscal year 2005. in Stevenson, Wash. on November 19- will cover every area of our work in an Castillo was named new responsible for all aspects of the timber I know our employees here in the Alas- 20. Invited delegates from government the Alaska Region. I will share more Director of Forest Manage- program: inventory, pre-sale, evalua- ka Region, as well as those in the rest agencies, organizations, industry, and information with you, as we get closer Dment by Regional Forester tion, and contracts. One of his impor- of the Forest Service, have a huge stake the Forest Service will meet together to to June. Denny Bschor in April. tant achievements while in the North- in the implementation of this new or- discuss the future of the Forest Service The seasons are changing. Change Castillo brings a wealth of exper- ern Region was his leadership in devel- ganization. I am committed to helping in the next 100 years. The knowledge is not always easy, but it is a challenge tise and good humor to the region’s oping and implementing national poli- you through this transition. and wisdom that we gather at those we can meet. Stay tuned, ask ques- forest management program. Dan hit cy and procedures for stewardship con- This fall also promises to be busy. meetings will be sent to the national tions, and be a part of our new century the ground running in Alaska, applying tracting. He was also responsible for In the spirit of our 100th anniversary in centennial congress in January 2005 in of service. the experience he accumulated work- the implementation of the Payments to 2005, we are hosting a regional cen- Washington, D.C. ing in a wide variety of forest manage- States program in that region, where ment positions in the Northern Region he became an enthusiastic supporter and the Pacific Northwest Region, in- of the work “RACs” (the citizen com- cluding a two different stints as district mittees formed under the Payments Anglers, Salmon and Bears—Oh My! By Annette Heckart, Chugach National Forest ranger in Idaho and Oregon. Castillo’s to States legislation) can accomplish focus in Alaska is working with the na- in noxious weed and invasive species magine a beautiful summer eve- counters often result in at least one bear tional forests, forest industry, and com- control. Castillo was also known as a ning along the banks of the Russian being shot in defense of life and prop- munities to get good work done on the strong supporter of conservation edu- New Director Dan Castillo has been in River, when on your third cast, you erty. ground—ranging from providing cost cation in the Northern Region—both I Alaska long enough to enjoy the fishing. land the most amazing sockeye you’ve In an effort to reduce the number of effective timber sales in challenging with time and dollars. Photo by Dennis Campbell. ever laid eyes on. Now, imagine shar- bear encounters with anglers along the market conditions to forest health and An avid fisherman and hunter, Cas- ing that same experience with a 600 Russian and Kenai Rivers, the Seward inventory projects. tillo has friends in southeast Alaska and pound brown bear! Ranger District, Kenai National Wild- Castillo transferred to Alaska from made a number of visits to the state be- keeps working (his first major purchase Every year over 70,000 people life Refuge, the Alaska Department of the Northern Region, where he was As- fore moving to Juneau. And if the new after transferring), he’ll be the threat to make their way to the Russian and Ke- Fish and Game and Alaska Recreation sistant Director of Forest and Range, Yamaha 150 horse engine on his boat fish that he wants to be.  nai Rivers during the summer season Management joined forces to create an to fish elbow to elbow in hopes of lim- educational working group to address iting out on salmon. And every year the problem. there are a reported 15 to 20 negative The educational group developed a Tuesday for Tots bear encounters in the area. These en- concise set of messages tailored spe- By: Kaelene Harrison, Wrangell Ranger District cifically for anglers. These A friendly reminder from one of the uesday for Tots is an exciting This year the Wrangell interpretive key messages focused on “locals” greets anglers before they head children’s program that was de- staff, Allie High, Kayleigh Hartwig, being bear aware and fish- down to the river to fish. veloped and began in 1998 by Kristy Brown, and Kaelene Harrison, ing responsibly in bear T country. Once the messag- sis. Whether it’s a reminder about leav- Steve Robertsen. Every Tuesday morn- focused the program around the theme, ing in the summer, preschoolers and Nature’s Cycles. The five-week pro- es were finalized the only ing your backpack with your lunch on their caregivers are invited to attend gram covered such subjects as the wa- thing left was to get the shore while you fish downstream, or Tuesday for Tots, a two-hour conser- ter cycle, the food chain, the life cycle messages to the masses. demonstrating the proper way to cut up vation education program where plen- of the butterfly, and the world under Brochures, cards, posters, and discard your carcasses in the riv- ty can happen. Designed just for them, the canopy. This season’s most popular tags and signs were devel- er, anglers are certain to find a friendly it encourages young people, ages 3- Tuesday for Tots program was, “How oped to remind users that face or two willing to guide them in the 8, to interact with their forest and be- Does Your Forest Grow?” The pro- their actions and behav- right direction. come excited about its wonders. Most gram explored the wonders of a plant’s iors do make a difference, So far, bear encounters along the sessions involve a craft, a hike, and a growth cycle, from seed to full-grown not only for themselves Russian and Kenai Rivers this year lot of imagination. While the kids are plant. We discussed how seeds are dis- but those around them as have been minimal, thanks in part to an obvious focus of the program, the persed through wind and water, and the well. Stream watch vol- the stepped up educational efforts by caregivers are just as important. Adults kids built their own seed dispersal cre- unteers, concessionaire the land managing agencies and part- that come with children to Tuesday for ation. The program ended with each staff, and agency per- ners. Hopefully these efforts will in- Tots end up getting several important child taking home their own planted sonnel, help reinforce the sure anglers, and bears, continue to messages through person- enjoy the abundance of salmon found conservation messages. The most im- seed so they could observe the wonders Ashley Allen, Tuesday Tot. A Streamwatch volunteer reminds an angler of the portant perhaps is that the outdoors is a of nature up close and personal.  Photo by Kaelene Harrison. importance of fishing responsibly in bear country. al contacts on a daily ba- along the Russian and Kenai rivers.  great place for family recreation. 22 SourDough Notes  Late Summer 2004 SourDough Notes  Late Summer 2004 7 Remembering Susie Payne, Volunteer Interpreter Forty Years in the Wilderness By: Lezlie Murray, Director, Begich, Boggs Visitor Center, Chugach National Forest By: John Neary, Tongass National Forest

very now and then, you get to from Colorado State University. She n 1964, President Lyndon John- fitting within the normal bustle of Partners in the 2004 Wilderness work with someone who real- accomplished this as a single mom, son signed the Wilderness Act one of the busiest visitor centers in Fest: ly brightens everything around while working full time. so that future generations could Alaska. • Alaska Department of Fish & Ethem, and has that “extra sparkle.” Su- Susie tackled her work at the Be- I enjoy pristine environments that Andrea Reynolds of Alaska Dis- Game sie Payne was one of those rare people. gich, Boggs Visitor Center enthusias- showed no encroachment by man. covery staff said she came away • Alaska Discovery—oldest wilder- On Friday, May 18, Susie, who worked tically. She worked as an interpreter This past June, more than 200 peo- with the feeling that the event was ness guiding company as a volunteer with our interpretive aboard the Alaska Marine Highway’s ple met on the shores of Menden- a huge success. She said, “Many • Discovery Southeast—nonprofit program at the Begich, Boggs Visitor M/V Aurora, Holland America’s M/V hall Lake in Juneau to celebrate the people kayaked for the first time natured education organization in Center, lost her life in a tragic kayaking Ptarmigan, and the Alaska Railroad’s Act’s 40th anniversary. of their lives! They were thrilled Juneau accident on Portage Creek. She was 52 Glacier Express. She worked at visi- The day started with a kay- for the opportunity to get out on • Juneau Raptor Center years young. tor center introducing the movie Voic- ak and canoe armada across the the water and paddle amongst • SAIL—nonprofit organization I first met Susie at a National Inter- es From the Ice, and put together pro- lake that attracted about 50 pad- the bergs and experience the wil- providing independent living ser- preters Workshop in 2001, and saw her grams on public lands. One of her pro- dlers. Then, 35 enthusiastic walkers derness firsthand. We had a real- vices to people with disabilities again last fall at NIW’s Job Fair where grams focused on the cultural heritage took a hike along Crystal and Mo- ly wide range of age groups and • ORCA (Outdoor Recreation and I was seeking seasonal employees. of the Chugach People, for whom the raine Lakes. Food and information- abilities. The lack of wind and rain Community Access)—the recre- This time, Susie had completed her de- Forest is named. al booths were open from noon un- definitely helped us to attract a nice ation program of SAIL. gree, her son Jacob was soon to gradu- Susie’s memorial service was held at til 3 p.m. At 1 p.m., double kayaks mixture of boaters. I talked to Ju- • SEAAC—Southeast Alaska Con- ate from college, and she was ready to Fort Collins, Colo. on June 25. Though and a traditional Tlingit canoe were neau locals, cruise ship passen- servation Council spread her wings and fly north. her family misses her deeply, they are available for paddlers who wanted gers, RV’ers and many others. All • SEARHC—Southeast Alaska Susie was not a typical interpreter, grateful that she was able to realize her to cross the lake. Various musicians of them were thankful for the gen- Regional Health Consortium but discovered the field later in life. dream of becoming an Interpreter. I, Volunteer Susie Payne will be fondly performed (including our Regional erous offerings made by the local • SEAWEAD —Southeast Once she knew that’s what she want- too, am grateful to have known Susie remembered as someone who loved her Forester Denny Bschor, along with businesses and organizations as a Alaska Wilderness Ex- ed to do, she set her course. She took and had the pleasure of working with job as an interpreter in Alaska. Cheryl Bschor, Martha DeFre- way to celebrate the 40th anniver- ploration, Analysis and one class at a time for 11 years, earning her. She was an exceptional person and est, and Alan Michaels). The sary of the Wilderness Act. Discovery a B.S. in Natural Resource Recreation the staff and I will never forget her.  Tlingit Children of All I really enjoyed being a part of • U.S. Forest Service and Tourism: Interpretation in 2002 Nations dance group the special day. Thanks to every- performed on the one for coordinating a tremendous- beach. It was a ly successful event. Just imagine day packed the music, activities and food we’ll Lessons in Leadership with op- be able to offer for the 50th anni- tions, all versary. I’m excited already!” On June 4, I attended Edgar Brannon’s seminar sponsored by the Tongass National Forest in Juneau, Alaska. Having only 120 days with Forest Service I was a neophyte. I was not sure what it was the Forest Service did, how and when it was founded, and upon what foundation and philosophies. I had never heard of Mr. Pinchot, the founder and first Forester of the United States. Additionally, I had never heard of Grey Towers, Pinchot’s estate in the western hills of Pennsylvania.

Edgar Brannon, the Director of Grey Towers, brought to life the story of Pinchot’s relationship with the President of the United States, Teddy Roosevelt, and the formidable task Roosevelt gave Pinchot. Mr. Brannon’s presentation was not only educational and informative but very engaging. Brannon gave us a chronological, historical romp through the history of the Forest Service, spiced with humorous antidotes. I came away from the seminar not “brainwashed” about the Forest Service, but with a much better understanding its goals of conservation and leadership.

By: Bob Price, Regional Public Affairs Office

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8 SourDough Notes  Late Summer 2004 SourDough Notes  Late Summer 2004 21 Leave No Trace in Glacier Ranger District Students Take Flight By: Jocelyn Gretz, Chugach National Forest While Discovering The World Of Birds By Kathleen Toth-Stauble, Seward Ranger District he national forests of whether they do so directly by Alaska have users from baiting or indirectly by improp- Inspiration Strikes pre-arranged bird groups and began ro- Tmany walks of life: art- er food storage. The National Audubon tating through the five bird-related dis- ists, sport fishermen, hunters, The summer of 2003 marked Society’s Anchorage Chap- covery stations. Each presentation last- backpackers, rock and ice climb- the first year that the Glacier Rang- ter presented a “Bird Acad- ed 30 minutes. ers, kayakers and snow machin- er District offered bear resistant emy” facilitators’ workshop ers, to name a few. Although food containers free to check-out in Seward in 2003. I attend- The Pay Off people may use National Forest for users of the Chugach Nation- ed along with other agency On Day Two, we witnessed learn- System lands in different ways, al Forest. In 2003, the containers personnel, local teachers, ing at its best! At each station, students each user is connected with the were checked out a total of 48 and birding enthusiasts. were fully engaged, frantically wav- other users in where they recre- times, with 46% of the contain- Two venturesome fourth ing their raised hands, wiggling side to ate and how they recreate. ers checked out by users from grade teachers from Seward side in their seats, and begging to be The Glacier Ranger District out of state, 40% by locals from Elementary School decided called on to give answers. It was clear chose Leave No Trace as a theme Anchorage, Girdwood and Por- we should test out our new- the students were learning and making for its float in this year’s Forest tage, and the remaining 14% by ly found knowledge, so they connections. These fourth graders were Fair Parade, promoting wise and Forest Service employees. The recruited me, along with submerged into this world of birds, and respectful use of our National Woodsy Owl and Information Assistants Gwen Herrewig majority of parade-goers were and Jocelyn Gretz riding on the Chugach National Forest Alice Hall, our district’s were thinking and asking questions. It Forest System lands. The float locals, and expressed apprecia- float in the Forest Fair Parade. Photo by Kelly Frick. A student enjoys the “Build a Sea Bird Activity” at Stream Watch Volunteer was inspiring. was designed to be an exem- tion for this service. the 2004 Bird Academy in Seward. Photo by Kathleen Coordinator. We planned Attending the Bird Academy was plary campsite with a mountain Addressing the mutual inter- Toth-Stauble. a “shoot from the hip” test only one component of a semester long backdrop, completed with Leave est of all users in keeping the run on their 48 students. As bird unit for these fourth grade stu- No Trace banners along the sides, and best: “The legacy of campfires too of- national forests clean is central compo- midst the falling snow, howl- a result, the next two days were filled dents. The Forest Service’s In-School signs throughout the campsite that list- ten are trash-filled fire rings, charred nent of the Leave No Trace message. In ing winds, and sloppy roads, a with nerve-racking excitement and Program provided the teachers with ed the seven Leave No Trace princi- rocks, damaged trees, and uncontrol- the celebratory atmosphere of the pa- school bus of 42 fourth grad- more than a little chaos. pre-academy resources in addition to ples. Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl rade, we were all reminded that every- A lable wildfires.” This Leave No Trace ers from Seward Elementary rumbled On the second day I thought, “If I the yearly scheduled 11-Step Bird ID were also on the float, promoting their principle encourages campers to recon- one benefits from down the hill, bound for Seward’s volunteer to organize and coordinate presentations and assisting with the an- key messages of forest fire prevention sider having campfires and cook over a responsible rec- Alaska Sea Life Center for two days of this event for all future fourth graders, nual Bird Watching Field Trip. and caring for the land. Forest Service camp stove instead. In addition, Leave reation. intense ornithological fun and discov- perhaps there will be less chaos and Only two days after the Bird Acad- naturalists walked alongside the float No Trace lists a number of ways users ery. more learning.” And so I did. The two emy, I received a call from one teach- passing out candy, Leave Not Trace in- can keep their campfires safe includ- The inside of the Sea Life Center teachers were thrilled with the Seward er requesting my owl presentation. formation cards, and handouts explain- ing: following local fire regulations, was very different than the outside. District’s In-School Resource Educa- She said the kids couldn’t get enough ing our bear resistant food container using existing campfire rings, keep- The center had been transformed. It tion Program’s offer to coordinate next and wanted to learn specifically about program ing a campfire small and under control was springtime. The makeshift mud year’s Bird Academy. Alice Hall and I owls. Four days later I was in the class- and putting out campfires complete- flats were covered with migrating began planning presentations for Bird room with a very receptive audience, a Promoting Key Messages ly. These tips mirror many of the con- shorebirds (students with tweezers, Academy 2004. host of owl props, activities, and infor- Woodsy Owl’s familiar message cepts Smokey has been promoting for clothes pins, and chopsticks probing mation galore. of “Lend a hand, care for the land” is 60 years. through tubs of cornmeal). Birdcalls Bird Academy 2004 Takes Flight September will soon be on our door- closely related to the theme of Leave were drifting down the hallways. In Outside was snowy and cold, while step and planning will commence for No Trace. As we see an increase in Bear Resistant Food one area, fledgling ornithologists prac- inside, a cohesive team of eight eager- Bird Academy 2005. The Bird Acad- the number and type of users to the Containers Promoted ticed catching songbirds in mist nets ly awaited for the budding fourth grade emy will be part of the 2004-2005 Chugach each year, encouraging us- Encouraging Leave No Trace prin- (using fake birds), then weighing and ornithologists. Two Forest Service bi- curriculum for the other three small ers to follow the basic principles of ciples also provided the opportunity to banding them. Other students acted as ologists, an interpreter, three educators schools on our District. Leave No Trace will help keep the for- showcase our bear resistant food con- predators, prowling through flocks of from the Sea Life Center, a Park Ser- This summer I believe there are 42, est healthy for wildlife and for future tainer program. Forest Service inter- birds (also students). In the far end of vice interpreter, and a volunteer from nine and ten year olds out in their na- generations. preters used the containers which they the building, student birders with bin- the community made up the team. tional forest and in their backyards Smokey Bear’s message of pre- clearly marked “Bear Proof” to store oculars identified various birds by their Day One began with a grand wel- looking at birds in a whole new way. venting wildfires goes hand in hand the candy and information they hand- distinguishing field marks. These were come, and a fabulous story, She’s I hope they are developing a life-long with the Leave No Trace principle of ing out to spectators. The Leave No Smokey was on hand for the Forest Fair just a few of the scenarios that took Wearing A Dead Bird On Her Head! by appreciation and awareness for birds. “Minimize Campfire Impacts.” A pam- Trace principle to “Respect Wildlife” parade in the Girdwood Ranger District. place at the Second Annual 2004 Bird Kathryn Lasky. After the opening cer- Some of them, I know, are dreaming Photo by Kelly Frick. phlet issued by Leave No Trace puts it reminded users never to feed wildlife, Academy. emonies, the students broke into their about becoming ornithologists.  20 SourDough Notes  Late Summer 2004 SourDough Notes  Late Summer 2004 9 Wilderness Paddling in Yakutat: Sitka Ranger District Celebrates Summer the Australian perspective By: Janet Seals, Tongass National Forest By: Linda Thai, Volunteer, Yakutat Ranger District Gary Brons set up a fish print booth that We kicked off on July landscapes. I’m proud that the Forest turned out to be very popular with kids 16 with a kayak clinic at Service has been entrusted with these who wanted a break from fishing. Dis- Sandy Beach, located treasures and that we have employees trict Ranger Carol Goularte joined the within Monti Bay in the capable of caring for perpetuating wil- fun. Michael Stringer of the Sitka Tribe heart of Yakutat’s throb- derness.” volunteered his services as entomologist bing commercial, night- Two traveling Manhattanites who for the “View-a-Bug” station. Fish & life and fish canning walked into the Yakutat Forest Ser- Wildlife employees stocked the lake in district. I ran the ses- vice Office three days prior, had no advance, and weighed and measured the sions on Kayaking His- idea they were soon to be accosted by fish on check-in. The Rotary Club an- nounced the winners. This year’s grand tory and Hypothermia. Kevin Schaberg and me for a rip snort- Employees Buck Seals, Pat Heuer, Linn prize was flightseeing trip for three, do- The Guru ran the prac- ing adventure. They’d never ever been Shipley, Greg Killinger, Ken Coffin, Hans Volunteers Linda Thai and Thom Kain prepare to kayak. tical sessions: kayaking kayaking before, and I figure that no nated by a local air charter company. A vonRekowski, and retiree John Sherrod basics, paddle strokes, matter where else they go kayaking in total of 90 registered youths ages 3 to 12 escorted new flag. Photo by Lyle and eing from Oz, I’ve never seen and rescue procedures (Tom was the the future, nothing will match the scen- checked in 120 cutthroat, rainbow, and Jacqueline Hodges. much ice before. Mate, I’ve rescuee, I was the rescuer). I botched ery or unexpected nature of this partic- Dolly Varden trout in three hours. seen snow three times in my 27 up the first rescue, so The Guru dem- ular trip. In June, we began the summer B “Campfire Talks” at the Starrigavan years, and walked on ice once. All this onstrated the importance of mastering Kayaking amongst the icebergs on cold stuff is exotic for me. And what self-rescue! Harlequin Lake is a magical experi- Amphitheater, hosted by Jim Case, the are kayaks? We surf-ski down under… We followed up the Kayak Clinic ence. Caleb (“I like being comfortable”) new Information/Education technician. so how did this happy little Vegemite with a Wilderness Paddle at Harlequin Wiseman and I both stopped paddling Jim offers a new topic every Saturday find herself volunteering for the U.S. Lake the following arvo (afternoon). to be still with the majesty of the mo- Zimri Hinshaw and Ben Homgren get set evening, along with a campfire, marsh- Forest Service in Yakutat, Alaska, and Now, let me describe Harlequin Lake ment. As for everyone else, all I have for Kid Fishing Day in Sitka. Photo by mallows, and roasting sticks. Case’s helping to organize a Wilderness Kay- for you. It’s ringed by the Wrangell-St to say is: what gives with paddling all Janet Seals. topics have included: ak trip? Elias Mountain Range to the north and the time? Kayaking is not about pad- k “Dungies: How to Handle a Crabby I was in Yakutat volunteering with has a gigantic ice machine (supplied by dling. I was getting quite aggro (aggra- Customer” (catching, cooking, and SAGA (Southeast Alaska Guidance Yakutat Glacier, Inc.) dumping ice of vated) and my blood would’ve boiled ummer has been a busy time for eating dungeness crabs) Association). Word got out that I used colossal proportions into her waters— if it wasn’t for the house-sized frozen the Sitka Ranger District, but not k Kings, Silvers, Reds, Pinks, and Michael Stringer volunteered to be the to work in corporate marketing (all ru- a real beaut (really beautiful), and the slushies around me. just because of the summer field Dogs—the Life and Times of S Salmon” entomologist at the “View-a-Bug” Station. perfect location for a wilderness kay- All feeling a bit peckish (hungry), mor and innuendo of course); so when season. District employees found time Photo by Janet Seals. my tour of duty with SAGA finished, I ak trip. we disembarked at a shoreline which to help support community activities k “Handloggers, Trappers, and Fur was quickly pressed into service. On Saturday, July 17, the crew of 14 had nothing particularly special to of- and join a wide variety of events. Farmers in the Tongass National Yakutat District Ranger Tricia people assembled at Dangerous Riv- fer, apart from lots of driftwood. Chris June 14 was Flag Day, and the For- Forest” O’Connor wanted an event to celebrate er where The Guru and est Service was privileged to help es- k “Perilous Tides—Stories from our the 40th anniversary of the Wilderness myself assisted those cort a new garrison flag to the Nation- Shorelines” Act with a “Paddle for Wilderness” who required kayaks, al Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Sit- In addition to the Saturday evening event on Harlequin Lake in the Russell safety equipment and ka. campfires, Case has also helped with Fiord Wilderness. The Yakutat Press safety briefings. Tricia On June 19, in conjunction with na- a number of new interpretive events Gang had already rounded up kayaking O’Connor spoke about tional Take-a-Kid-Fishing Day, the 61st in the Sitka Ranger District, includ- expertise in the form of fellow volun- the Wilderness Act from Annual Kids’ Swan Lake Fishing Day ing guided hikes and talks during the teer Tom “The Kayaking Guru” Kain. her kayak on Harlequin was held in Sitka. The Forest Service week. If you ever get the pleasure of meeting Lake. She said, “Forty joined the Alaska Department of Fish Rounding out our summer was the Tom, you’ll sus out (figure out) pret- years ago, conservation and Game and the Rotary Club to make highlight event—the 4th of July pa- ty quickly that he’s a very basic guy, leaders enacted legisla- a memorable event for local junior “an- rade. The Forest Service was well rep- hence The Guru part of his moniker - tion unique to the world. glers.” Corrine Ferguson helped orga- resented with a Forest Service truck and perhaps because he’s sickeningly As a result, the For- nize the program and recruit volun- carrying Smokey Bear, Sammy Salm- The 40th Anniversary of the Wilderness good in a kayak. So here I am, from est Service has become teers to register the kids. Sammy Salm- on, and a banner proclaiming the 40th Act is remembered at the Fourth of July Anniversary of the Wilderness Act. parade. Photo by Janet Seals. the land of sun and surf, learning about the pre-eminent lead- Tom Kain teaches kayak basics. on (aka Jared Nunery), Jim Case, and  kayaking and ice, and I was keen as er in the conservation mustard! and stewardship of wild 10 SourDough Notes  Late Summer 2004 SourDough Notes  Late Summer 2004 19 sea breeze keeps the sun cool, and the I will sleep on this rock tonight. I long. Around the rocky corner of the Left: The kayakers mosquitoes away. will dream of the wild roses and the western crescent tip a smaller peninsu- leave for a paddle Two Blue Jays accompanied me on mud flats below. I will dream of the la of rocks supports a throne of sand around Sandy my fire pit rounds. They were more in- gulls and the eagles and the lone black amongst tide pools. Beach. Right: terested in my bag of trash than what I crow. I spread into the breeze, and the In the warmth of the sun my body Kayakers paddle had to say to them. I told them all about ancient writhing of the mossy hemlock melts in to Mountain pose. Staring into with a scenic ice- berg backdrop. the mountains in view from the other the sun with my eyes closed, I turn trees. I will dream of the middle cur- All photos by side of our peninsula. “They’re trans- rent, blue, headed out to sea, and of my palms to the sea. Thirty seconds? Chris Grove. parent,” I told them. “They are there, Denali’s mass I can barely see. In the Two minutes? Thirty minutes? I spend far across these ocean waters. They morning I will wake and wonder if I many breathes as a mountain. From float on the sea behind Fire Island. am still dreaming. there I cross my legs and seat myself They float like you fly. You wouldn’t After dinner but before sleep I skirt in the sand. Finally I rise. Mud squish- like it there—cold, and snowy. No the cliff banks on the northwest of Gull es through my toes, kelp pops under Grove, Supervisory Resource Assis- throw the snags (sausages) on the bar- As you can tell, I was about to have trash. Why is Fire Island called Fire Rock and find a path down to the mud my weight. I rinse my feet in the sea tant, put his years of smoke jumping bie. a spack attack (spastic attack), so I Island, Jays? Have you been there be- flat beach. I stroll upon the dry mud to- and am surprised to find its tempera- and fire fighting to good use, build- We Aussies don’t get too serious found a comfy pozzie (comfortable fore? Is it burning?” The Jays spoke wards the water, completely oblivious ture hospitable. ing a beach-fire to be proud of. Food about much, so please accept my kind- position) and had a kip (nap). When I only silence. to the guttural quicksand that could I inhale, and upon exhaling the was taken out of the esky (Eskimo box, ly-meant advice on cross-cultural rela- woke up, almost everyone was making Gulls are squawking ridiculously be lying below. My feet do not leave whole of my body tingles with energy. or cooler box) and passed around, and tions: Fair dinkum (truly roolly hon- tracks, except for Caleb and Erin Shan- to my left, below, and I wonder if they impressions in the dry, hardened silt, This was not the picture I had of a sum- hot dogs were cooked on sticks. By the estly), if you’re cooking a hot dog on ley. We set up camp for the night, and are playing in the mud. Reveling in it. thus the naked footprints that appear in mer in Alaska: midnight beach bum. way (I’m putting on my serious tone of a stick in Australia or around Austra- woke up next to an iceberg-filled lake. One comes up from below me and star- this soft mud seem to be of immacu- I’ll take this picture instead though. voice here), cooking sausages on sticks lians, don’t be offended if we look at Life doesn’t get much better than this! tles me onto my back. An invitation to late conception. The mud flat lays in a I’ll frame it too, I believe, and sign it is not done in Australia. It’s just not you like you are freak from another So, as we say down under: Mate, play? If only I could fly. I’d fly to those broad crescent shape, maybe 120 yards with invisible ink.  cricket! In case you’re wondering, we planet. what a ripper of a day!  translucent mountains beyond. Handicapped Accessible Fishing Piers Nature Condos By: Rob Spangler and Liz Copeland, Chugach National Forest By: Matt Moran, Yakutat Ranger District ishing in Portage Valley will be Currently, there he seventh grade students of has a personalized easier this year for anglers with are few fishing op- the Yakutat School District and box with their disabilities, thanks to the coop- portunities for the their teacher Deb Caron, helped name inscribed on F T erative efforts of Challenge Alaska and physically chal- the Forest Service hang owl boxes this it, and will be able the Chugach National Forest. Chal- lenged in Alaska, spring. The kids and the Forest Service to monitor them lenge Alaska, a non-profit organization especially in more hung twenty-five boxes along Forest for the next cou- seeking to improve opportunities and remote settings Highways 10, 9968, and 9969, approx- ple of years to see public awareness for people with dis- that many Alas- imately 10 to 30 feet from the ground. “whoo” is using abilities across the state, and the Gla- kans and visitors The boxes were installed in areas with them. cier Ranger District worked together to enjoy. Improving large spruce trees near water. I found Because wind- replace and improve the design of two fishing access for these areas to be the most productive throw is com- fishing piers at Alder Pond. Challenge all ages and levels during owl surveys conducted last year. mon on the Ya- Alaska provided support to purchase of physical mobil- These boxes accommodate small owls kutat Ranger Dis- some of the construction materials as ity is an area we such as saw-whet owls, northern pyg- trict, retention of well as valuable input on project de- are placing more my owls, and northern screech owls. snags is often dif- sign. The Glacier Ranger District Fish- emphasis on. The Accessible Alder Point is a great place for the physically In addition, other species such as the ficult in certain ar- Esther Esbenshade has fun hanging an owl box. eries Staff lead by Merlyn Schelske, fishing piers at challenged to enjoy a day of fishing. Photo by Rob Spangler. American kestrel or squirrels may be eas. Previous tim- Photo by Matt Moran. teamed up with Supervisor’s Office Alder Pond are found utilizing these new homes. ber harvest on pri- Engineering Staff members Vanessa a part of a larger Jay Sin, Kyle Dierick, and teacher vate and federal Alao-MacLeod and Kent Kohlhase to network of projects to be constructed tor for Challenge Alaska, commend- Rod Ryll built the nest boxes in shop land has also reduced trees available ect will help us identify species utiliz- make sure construction was completed by the Glacier Ranger District in Por- ed the project saying, “We are very class. The seventh grade class then for cavity nesting. This project is de- ing these areas and provide outdoor ed- in time for National Fishing Week. The tage Valley. In the future, all-accessible pleased and look forward to future col- added 2-3 inches of saw dust to cov- signed to monitor and provide habitat ucation opportunities for our seventh site, located in Portage Valley, is a pop- trails and other infrastructure will link laborative projects with the U.S. Forest

er the bottom of the box for bedding for cavity nesting species in productive grade nature lovers as well as the resi- ular fishing hole for rainbow trout and Alder Pond with other areas, such as Service to develop accessible fishing, before hanging them in the trees. Ev- areas and areas where nesting habitat is dents and visitors of Yakutat.  is stocked annually by the Alaska De- the Moose Flats day use area. Heather camping, and hiking opportunities for eryone in the seventh grade class now limited. Data collected from this proj- partment of Fish and Game. Plucinski, Fund Development Direc- people with disabilities.”  18 SourDough Notes  Late Summer 2004 SourDough Notes  Late Summer 2004 11 Hoonah Ranger District Assists Pelican By: John Baldwin, Hoonah District Ranger

oonah Ranger Dis- trict employees and Htheir families at- tended a double totem rais- ing ceremony in Pelican this spring. District personnel as- sisted in carrying the heavy totems, on wooden supports, down the Peli- can boardwalk to two sep- arate locations. The bear totem was erected at the top of the harbor ramp and Left: The raven totem that will be raised at the Hoonah community building. Right: District employees is holding a halibut, which support the heavy bear totem that will be raised at the harbor. Photos by Tina Dinzl-Pederson. Left: Typical oak forest in central Armenia. Right: Armen Gevorgyan, Ruzanna Martirosyan, and Artashes Manaseryan. represents the towns fish- Photos by Cynthia Snyder. ing heritage. The raven to- The two totems were carved by school students and other communi- tem was erected in front of the commu- Tsimpshian master-carver Stan Mars- ty members in the art of Totem carv- 1. There are insect and disease prob- that accurate insect and disease iden- Our team: nity building. About 75 people attend- den. Mr. Marsden made the most of ing during the two years it took to com- lems that will require control ac- tifications can be made. • Cynthia Snyder, Forest Health ed the ceremony. the opportunity by instructing Pelican plete them.  tions. 5. A more comprehensive evaluation Protection, Alaska Region 2. Integrated pest management (IPM) should be done using Armenian IPM • Gerard Hertel, Forest Service retiree, specialists are needed to provide specialists working side-by-side with now with West Chester University of technical expertise in dealing with international experts. Pennsylvania Recycling News these problems. Our team submitted a detailed report • Armen Gevorgyan, World Bank By: Kerry Roepke, Environmental Engineer, Tongass National Forest 3. There is a need for better documen- to the International Activities Team, Hy- Natural Resources Management & tation of insect and disease condi- antar (Armenian Ministry of Agricul- Poverty Reduction Project he Environmental Engineering At the Ketchikan recycling center, re- tions, control actions, and the suc- ture), and the World Bank. It is our hope • Ruzanna Martirosyan, translator group has started a new recy- ceipts are obtained each time a load has cess or failure of actions taken. the Forest Service will maintain a posi- • Artashes Manaseryan, Hayantar cling program at the Ketchikan been taken for recycling. Since recording 4 Educational materials are needed for tive relationship with Armenia with op- State Noncommercial Organization T foresters in each forest enterprise so portunities for future collaborations, such (Armenian equivalent of the Forest and Sitka Supervisor’s Offices and up- began in January, a total 4,960 pounds of dated the existing program in the Pe- cardboard, paper, glass and cans that has as training programs or exchanges. Service) tersburg Supervisor’s Office. The Ket- been recycled! Great job, Ketchikan, for chikan Office now recycles white pa- using all of those new bins. per, mixed paper, aluminum, glass, and The program could not be success- Backcountry Ranger cardboard. The Petersburg Office re- ful if it was not for the volunteers at By: Cisco Tharp, Volunteer Backcountry Ranger, Chugach National Forest cycles white paper, magazines, card- each office. Thanks are extended to board, toner cartridges, aluminum, Karen Hopfer and Emil Tucker in Pe- (Editor’s Note: We don’t usually publish poetry or prose, but this excerpt from the writings of Cisco Tharp is included by plastic and glass, and the Sitka Office tersburg and Tom Krantz and Robin popular demand! I hope you enjoy this departure from our usual style. Let me know what you think.) recycles white paper, cardboard and Beebee in Sitka. If there is any District am on Gull Rock. It is a small pen- tween two brown. One flowing in be- Gull Rock is a spider web of trails, aluminum. on the Tongass that would like help insula that juts out from the Turna- tween two flowing out. The moon pulls and like the spider’s web the ferns and All three offices have also taken on with an existing program, or to start a gain arm of the Pacific Ocean. To them, asserting its presence in the mid- broadleaf shrubs that mark these trails a battery recycling program. Alkaline, new recycling program, please contact I my north is a civilized world: Anchor- night sun, struggling to not be forgot- sparkle in the hemlock filtered sun- lithium, nickel cadmium, mercury, lead, Kerri Roepke. [email protected]. age, which is directly across the arm. ten. I have finished ranging for the day. light. The trails lead in many directions. silver, cell phone batteries, laptop bat- As Forest Service employees we Behind Anchorage, through a smoke Here I tended the fire rings. Four in all: Some to a vista, a buena vista. Others teries, PDA’s, camera batteries, calcu- should set an example of environmen- like haze, is the ghost of Denali. My north, south, east and west. I shoveled to a bon-fired camp site. Some, howev- lator batteries and cordless tool batter- tal conservation by utilizing opportuni- feet are swaying off a grassy hump the ashes of cremated earth, spread- er, seem to lead nowhere. Perhaps only ies can all be recycled. When the boxes ties such as these. Thanks to everyone into 60 feet of air. The ocean is slow- ing them into the winds. I spread them the seagulls and bald eagles, circling are full, volunteers send them to a bat- who has been supportive of the recy- ly eroding the rocks below. The cur- south, downwind, into the hemlock above, offer their reverence here. Wild Leslie Swada pitches in to aid the tery recycling center in California. cling program. rents of the sea are three: one blue be- and ferns. It is a fitting ceremony for roses shudder in the wind on the lips of recycling effort. Photo by Kerri Reopke. such a place. the sea cliffs. I shudder with them. The 12 SourDough Notes  Late Summer 2004 SourDough Notes  Late Summer 2004 17 Forests of Armenia An Observer and the “Last Great Viking” By: Cynthia Snyder, State & Private Forestry By: Jim Case, Sitka Ranger District , Tongass National Forest

Forest Service House. The first ob- he Republic of Armenia is lo- evaluate not only the insect and dis- server, Dr. H.M.W. Edmonds arrived cated in the southern Caucasus ease problems in the forested regions in Sitka in 1901. That year, he built Mountains in southwestern Asia of Armenia, but also the organization T several small buildings at the top of and is the smallest of the former Sovi- for how these problems are currently Observatory Street to house the in- et republics. Since its independence in evaluated, and to make recommenda- struments used to help make accurate 1991, Armenia has emerged as a stra- tions for how best to deal with future adjustments to magnetic compass- tegically important country in the Cau- problems. es. In 1901 the magnetic instruments casus. U.S. ties to Armenia are many The forests of Armenia are com- and seismograph were the closest and varied, ranging from the cultural posed primarily of oak, beech and horn- such tools to the North Pole. Navi- bond of the large Armenian-American beam with various pine plantations. Al- gators, surveyors and a host of scien- Diaspora community, to diverse com- though fuel and some wood products, tists were reliant on the regular data mercial interests and political relation- such as parquet flooring and furniture, provided by the observers in Sitka. ships. are derived, the primary goal of forest By 1906, Dr. Edmonds had col- management is ecological benefits Gerard Heter and Cynthia Snyder were a lected five year’s worth of solid data. including soil and water conserva- good team in Armenia. Photo by Cynthia Left: The “White House” in Sitka operates as an interpretive center. Photo by Sandy That year, a famous visitor arrived in tion, climate regulation, wildlife Snyder. Russell. Right: Raold Amundson and Dr. H.M.W. Edmonds. Photo courtesy of the Sitka Sitka. Raold Amundson, a renowned habitat, recreation, and harvest of Historical Society. polar explorer had just completed the traditional foods and medicines. ment. Both legal and illegal cutting ex- itka Ranger District has devel- tional Register of Historic Places. It world’s first navigation through the The importance of forests to the ert pressure on the forests. Experts es- oped a “mini interpretive cen- has served as quarters for scientific ob- Northwest Passage. At the end of this Armenian people can be seen by timate that 1,250,000 cubic meters are ter” at the Forest Service House servers employed by the U.S. Coast three-year exploration, Amundson came the many religious sites scattered harvested legally and illegally each S located in downtown Sitka at 210 and Geodetic Survey. The building has to Sitka to verify the accuracy of his all through the landscape. year in Armenia. Livestock grazing Seward Street. A volunteer interpret- been occupied by the U.S. Army, Alas- magnetic instruments by comparing his Armenian forests are concen- prevents forest regeneration in many er greets visitors at the home (former- ka Communications System, and most readings from the Arctic with the geo- trated in the north and far south- locations. Tree nurseries are few and ly known as either the “Geomagnetic recently, as housing for staff from the magnetic data in Sitka. Amundson spent east regions. Since the beginning little tree planting is done by Hayan- Survey House” or the “White House”) Sitka Ranger District. several days in Sitka meeting with Ed- of the 20th century, forest cover has tar (Armenia Tree Project, a Yerevan- Monday through Friday during sum- This gambrel-roofed, cottage-style, monds and socializing with the towns- Prior to the 1992 opening of the decreased dramatically from 25% of based non-government organization, mer months. The two large rooms on two-story home was originally built in folk. Amundson went on to become the first U.S. Embassy in Yerevan, Ar- Armenia’s land area to barely 9%. This or NGO, has tree nursery and plant- the first floor are dedicated to display 1916 by one of the scientists assigned first person to fly over the North Pole in menia suffered a number of devastat- has been a result of industrial growth ing programs for selected community information related to the history of the to observe magnetic and seismic instru- a dirigible and the first person to reach ing incidents. They included a major from 1930-50 and the energy crisis of lands). Forest Service House in Sitka and the ments for the U.S. Coast and Geodet- the South Pole. His visit to Sitka helped earthquake in 1988 that killed 25,000, 1991-94 following the Soviet collapse Many sources refer to the poor con- Sitka Ranger District. ic Survey. Prior to 1916, the observers establish world-wide scientific prestige a trade embargo imposed by neighbor- and the energy blockade as Armenian dition of Armenia’s forests; however,

This building, managed by the For- lived in another dwelling just around among researchers who would later in- ing Turkey because of the conflict with people relied on wood for heating and these do not point out the impacts of  est Service since 1961, is on the Na- the corner from the present site of the habit the Forest Service House. Azerbaijan, and a total economic col- cooking. In Armenia, 70% of the wood insects and diseases. It is believed by lapse following independence in 1991. harvested is still for fuel (500,000 m3 local specialists that unless due consid- To address these combined crises, U.S. annually). The World Bank estimates eration is given to pests, efforts at for- programs from 1992 to 1995 focused that at the current rate, Armenia’s for- est management will result in insects on humanitarian assistance through ests will be eliminated in 20 years. This and disease devastating the remaining seems to be an exaggeration consider- Oja Recognized USAID (United States Agency for In- forests. By Mike Novy, Chugach National Forest ternational Development.) From 1995, ing the remoteness, inaccessibility of We conducted interviews with Hy- U.S. assistance has increasingly em- many of the forests; however, this does antar officials and foresters at ten forest arren Oja, forester on the Chugach National Forest, was formally rec- phasized systemic reform and institu- not minimize the serious impacts peo- enterprises (the equivalent of national ognized in Soldotna by Kenai land managers for for his leadership in tion building. ple are having on the forests. forests), NGO’s, universities, and local the formulation of the interagency “All Hands/All Lands” hazardous Federal programs administered by Little forest management activity is pest specialists. We reviewed current W

fuels reduction plan. The plaque was signed by all agency representatives. the USDA are in place in Armenia to done. Forests exist to protect various publications dealing with Armenian Congratulations, Warren!  promote and support agriculture, how- ecosystem functions, not for sustain- forests and their associated problems. ever, the Forest Service has not been a able tree harvesting. At present, sani- From these sources we came up with Warren Oja is honored by Dale Bagley, Mayor of Kenai Peninsula Borough, for his part of that effort. On May 31- June 13, tation cuttings (removal of dead trees) the following conclusions: work on “All Hands/All Lands.” 2004, the Forest Service sent a team to are the only accepted forest manage-

16 SourDough Notes  Late Summer 2004 SourDough Notes  Late Summer 2004 13 and it is a very small, isolated popula- who are responsible for recommend- Yakutat Weeds in Serious Danger tion that can be dealt with early, using a ing projects for funding through the Due to Efforts of Determined Locals very small amount of chemical, before Secure Rural Schools and Community the population gets too large to control. Self-Determination Act of 2000, also By: Tom Heutte, State & Private Forestry, and Tricia O’Connor, Yakutat District Ranger If herbicides could not be used, other known as “Payments to States” legisla- treatment methods would be pursued. tion. Projects must improve infrastruc- he collective cry went out: near the coastal spit to check out a re- tive grasses. It is always necessary to There is more survey work to do ture maintenance, implement steward- “We need to rid Yakutat of port of oxeye daisies (Leucanthemum have a plan for establishing desirable as well as more effort to educate local ship objectives that enhance forested these invaders!” The invaders, vulgare) growing in a marshy area. plants in an area when removing inva- residents about the threats of invasive ecosystems, or restore and improve T plants. However, while “downtown” land health and water quality. The in- in fact, were plants. Oxeye daisies, although seemingly in- sive weeds. If you are like most Alaskans, you nocuous, are capable of forming dense While pulling up the daisies, Yakutat does have its share of alien vasive plants project was recommend- have little to no experience with in- stands in undisturbed areas where they the group found reed canary grass weeds and a few invasive species, the ed by the RAC as ideal, and approved vasive species. You ( Phalaris arundina- area surrounding it seems to be largely by Tongass Forest Supervisor Forrest many not realize that cea), which presented free of these pests. Cole this past spring. even daisies can be an opportunity to get The workshop was a collaborative This type of collaborative proj- considered an invasive acquainted with this effort with the Yakutat Salmon Board ect—one that protects and restores na- plant. Dedicated For- grass species. Reed ca- and the Yakutat Ranger District. The tive ecosystems and brings together est Service employees, nary grass was plant- project was funded through the Yaku- communities—is what the Payments however, are trying to ed as a soil stabilizer in tat Resource Advisory Committee, or to States legislation and Yakutat RAC Worker pulls daisies at the local change public aware- many areas throughout “RAC.” The RAC is made up of 15 funding is all about.  elementary school. Photo by Tom Heutte. ness of this growing Southeast Alaska, and dedicated Southeast Alaska residents problem. . is spreading in some On July 8-9, I trav- places out into native eled to Yakutat to con- plant communities. Ev- duct an invasive plants eryone spent time learn- A Taste of the Stikine River inventory, monitor- ing how to document By: Patty Grantham, Petersburg District Ranger, and Chip Weber, former Wrangell District Ranger ing, and management weed locations using workshop. At first, it Global Positioning Sys- egional Forester Denny Bschor took some effort on my tem and what kind of in- recently visited central South- part to convince every- Group members from the Yakutat Salmon Board and the Yakutat Ranger formation to collect for Reast to review the newly-estab- one that “those beau- District enter data in the invasive plants database. Photo by Tom Heutte. Alaska’s statewide ex- lished sockeye salmon subsistence fish- tiful white and orange otic plants information ery on the Stikine River. He was joined flowers” they found could be a threat. may displace native vegetation and de- clearinghouse. on the trip by Tongass Deputy Forest Su- However, with some striking, vivid ex- grade habitat. Daisies were probably Next stop was the road to the airport pervisor Olleke Rappe-Daniels, person- amples, by the end of the day, every- introduced to Yakutat as a component in search of a patch of orange hawk- nel from the Wrangell and Petersburg one was ready to go on the offensive. of “wildflower” seed mixes to revege- weed (Hieracium aurantiacum) that Districts and the regional office, fishery On Thursday, the group learned tate construction sites. Following their Ranger Tricia O’Connor had attempted proponent Dick Stokes, and members of about: introduction, they have spread to many to pull last summer. They finally spot- the local press. The trip provided an op- • the ecology of invasive plants sites around town, leading to serious ted the distinct vermilion flower heads portunity to monitor subsistence activi- • the threats and harms invasive plants concern about their future effects on growing in a patch several square yards ties as well as celebrate this important pose to plant communities undisturbed ecosystems. Fortunately, in size. Orange hawkweed is an attrac- event. The Stikine is a traditional use • which plants are of concern in SE the daisies at the marsh site turned out tive flower, but can be very invasive in area for subsistence fisherman in local Alaska to be native Arctic daisies (Leucanthe- undisturbed meadow habitats. For ex- communities. The fishery commenced • methods for managing invasive mum arcticum). ample, on Camp Island in the Kodiak July 1 and was scheduled to last the plants, and Later, the group knocked off a National Wildlife Refuge, it has taken entire month. Twenty-six permits had • “drive-by weeding” at the local ele- been issued by July 15 and 40 fish had tips for community action groups over native meadows. Since this plant Local subsistence fisherman John Murgas shares some of the fruits of his labor--fresh wanting to manage invasives. mentary school. After pulling many of is very resistant to mowing and hand been harvested. from the smoker! From left to right: Denny Bschor, John Murgas, Olleke Rappe- On Friday, participants went on the plants, they decided that there were pulling, the group decided to talk to The visit allowed Forest Service of- Daniels,and Dick Stokes. Photo by Patty Grantham. a “Search, Document, and Destroy” too many to try to pull them by hand. A the local Department of Transporta- ficials to meet with some of the fish- field trip. Staff from the ranger district strategy of mowing the affected areas tion maintenance staff to see if the site ermen pursuing the wiley sockeye, in- and Salmon Board traveled the Yakutat would be more effective and a lot less could be treated with herbicides. This cluding Dick Stokes, a Tlingit elder talk with the people who benefit from sistence Board. “This makes it real and road system and checked out a variety labor intensive. Fortunately, oxeye dai- type of site is ideal for herbicide use from Wrangell who proposed this fish- the outcome of those long meetings I gives me a nice sense of satisfaction of weed locations reported by mem- sies can be controlled by regular mow- because it is a plant that is difficult to ery and worked hard to make it hap- participate in,” said Bschor, referring that the work we do makes a difference bers of the group. The first stop was ing, if the area can be seeded with na- treat by hand or mechanical methods, pen. “It was great to visit this site and to his membership on the Federal Sub- to folks.” 

14 SourDough Notes  Late Summer 2004 SourDough Notes  Late Summer 2004 15