United States Department Tongass National Forest of Agriculture

Forest Service 2012 Annual & Five Year Monitoring and Alaska Region Evaluation Report R10-MB-757 July 2013 Monitoring Overview

INSIDE THIS The 2012 Annual Monitoring and Evaluation The monitoring report can be found on the Tongass web REPORT Report summarizes specific monitoring site under Projects and Plans. A full reference report for completed during fiscal year 2012 in ac- each question is available by hyperlink. cordance with the Tongass Land and Re- If you have questions or comments about this report, source Management Plan (Forest Plan). please contact Carol Seitz-Warmuth at the Ketchikan Physical & Biologi- 2–20 Chapter 6 of the Forest Plan specifies an Forest Supervisor’s Office, 907-228-6341. cal Environment annual written summary of forest wide mon- itoring programs. As a result of the 2008 Forest Plan Amend- Human Uses and 20–28 ment, some monitoring protocols and ques- Land Manage- tions were updated to better ment define and focus the monitoring work. This report serves as both Economic and 29 the annual written summary of Social Environ- forest wide monitoring programs, and also the five year review of ment all monitoring done since the Forest Plan Amendment. The five year review is a compre- hensive description of results for each monitoring question, and an evaluation of the last five years of data. Monitoring efforts are currently underway for most of the ques- tions in this report. In some cases, monitoring protocols are still being developed or under review.

Monitoring and Evaluation Program Monitoring and evaluation is a ment of plans and budgets, or gathered during the year and quality control process for im- both, to facilitate feasible and identification of issues requiring plementation of the Tongass meaningful action on the immediate attention, while a Forest Plan. It provides the ground. more comprehensive evalua- public, the Forest Service, and The Forest Supervisor is re- tion process takes place every other concerned resource agen- sponsible for coordinating the fifth year. The evaluation in- cies with information on the preparation of the annual moni- cludes recommendations for POINTS OF progress and results of plan remedial action, if necessary, to INTEREST toring and evaluation report. implementation. As such, mon- This report summarizes the make management activities itoring and evaluation comprise monitoring activities conducted and their effects consistent Streams; Fish Habitat; an essential feedback mecha- during the year and the results with the Forest Plan. Specific nism within an adaptive man- recommendations for corrective Aquatic Condition p. 13 obtained. It addresses and agement framework to keep evaluates each of the questions action depend on the risk to the Soil & Water- the Plan dynamic and respon- listed in the monitoring plan at resource and type of disparity sive to changing conditions. discovered. Soil Productivity p. 16 the reporting period identified. The evaluation process also Generally, the annual report provides feedback that can focuses on the information trigger corrective action, adjust- 2012 ANNUAL & FIVE YEAR MONITORING AND EVALUATION Page 2 Physical and Biological Environment 1. Air Quality Is air quality being maintained? Tracy Arm and Stikine-LeConte. Twenty lichen tissue samples were collected, pro- To protect resources from the deleterious cessed and sent to the University of Minne- time periods. However, with the develop- effects from air contaminants from on and sota Soil Analytical Lab for analysis of con- ment of critical loads and the calibration of off-Forest emission sources, changes in air taminants including N, S, Hg and other the nutrient N in lichens, in the future we quality were monitored for human health, heavy metals. can use the lichen bio-monitoring program and lichen contaminant thresholds were to detect exceedances of nutrient and acidi- calculated for ecosystem health. In 2011, wilderness areas were revisited for ty CLs by collecting lichen samples for ele- lichen biomonitoring work that supported mental analysis. The data can be used to The City of Juneau was designated non- the Chief’s 10-Year Wilderness Stewardship attainment for National Ambient Air Quality track trends or map the spatial extent of the Challenge. Wilderness areas with new data impacted areas. Standard (NAAQS) particulate matter PM are: Chuck River, South Prince of Wales, 10 in 1990. Efforts have been made over South Etolin, Russell Fiords, Endicott River, the years to minimize road dust through Karta River and Kuiu. An additional plot in paving as well as educating the public to non-wilderness was established in Paradise limit woodstove use and open burning dur- Valley on the Juneau Icefield. No contami- ing certain periods. Juneau was re- nants were above threshold from the first designated as a maintenance area with the visit to Chuck River Wilderness in 2005, but US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are now exceeding thresholds for some in 2009. contaminants (N, P, and K). Data from 2006-2008 indicate that Juneau The plots with lichens elevated above has met federal air quality standards for threshold with heavy metals and others PM 2.5 (ADEC 2010). In 2012, Juneau was from the first monitoring cycle in 2005 con- very close to exceeding the PM 2.5 health tinue to be elevated to some degree. this based standard of 24-hour 35 micrograms time. More sampling is needed to detect a per cubic meter. However, Juneau is not on trend in nitrogen, as it could be from other the national list of "non-attainment areas" natural sources or drifting from Lynn Canal for PM 2.5. boat traffic. In 2012, seven lichen biomonitoring plots Lichens accumulate contaminants so they were revisited within two wilderness areas: are not used to detect pollution for short TONGASS NATIONAL FOREST Page 3

2. Climate Change

What are the long-term changes to the seasonal snowpack), and streamflow. southern and outer coastal areas of the permanent snowpack and how does it Climate change vulnerability assessments Tongass NF. affect the physical and biological envi- are in progress and can inform meaningful ronment? operational guidelines and adaptive actions focused on resources at risk that are man- This question was added to the Forest Plan aged by the For- monitoring plan in 2008. The resource spe- est Service. cialists assigned to develop a protocol for this question recommended deferring specific Additional rec- efforts until information from regional and ommendations state climate change assessments was availa- include maintain ble. Glacier and snowpack changes can indi- current invest- cate climate trends that are relevant to nation- ments in snow al forest management. Changes in glaciers courses and and snowpack alter stream flow, water quality, stream gauges and habitats important to fish, wildlife, and and establishing additional snow- people. pack monitoring This report summarizes new information and sites in salmon ongoing efforts related to climate change, producing water- snowpack changes (glaciers, permanent and sheds in the

3. Biodiversity—Restocked Harvested Forest

Are harvested forest lands restocked within 5 years after harvest? The 2008 Forest Plan requires that all harvest- ed stands be restocked within 5 years of tim- ber harvest. All harvested lands were exam- ined following treatment. Typically, natural regeneration occurs on 100% of harvested stands. If natural restocking does not occur, artificial regeneration is required, but this has not occurred in the past several decades on the Forest. All stands harvested in 2007 were certified as restocked in FY2012 or an earlier fiscal year. All lands harvested prior to FY2007 have also been certified as restocked. The results show that 100 percent of forestland that was harvested in FY2007 have been sur- veyed for natural regeneration and were ade- quately restocked within five years. 2012 ANNUAL & FIVE YEAR MONITORING AND EVALUATION Page 4

4. Biodiversity—Habitat for Old-Growth Associated Species Following young-growth treatments, commercial thinned since 1965. From FY and its nutritional quality, the season and is the change in understory vegeta- 2007 through FY 2012 35,016 acres were snow depth, and the reproductive status of tion providing improved habitat for pre-commercial thinned. On average, ap- deer. Results indicate the thinning treat- key old-growth associated species? proximately 6,000 acres have been treated ments improved the value of the habitat for per year since FY 2007. Of the acres treat- deer in winter and summer conditions (the There are an estimated 461,652 acres of ed 1,654 acres were for specifically for exception was experiment I (red alder plant- young growth due to timber harvest on the improvement of wildlife habitat and 141 ing in one to five year old stands), treating Tongass as of the close of fiscal year (FY) acres were riparian thinning to improve the stands earlier (15 to 25 year old) yield- 2012 and we estimate one third is less anadromous fish habitat. ed greater benefits than did later treat- than 25 years old and two-thirds are 25 to TWYGS experiments 1, 2, 3, and 4 were ments(25 to 35, and 35+ year-old stands), 150 years old. These age classes roughly measured four to eight years after treat- and compared to a wide range of old- correspond to the stand initiation and stem ment in 2011, 2007, 2008, and 2010 re- growth stands from throughout the region, exclusion stages of forest succession, re- spectively. This completes the first meas- summer and winter with low snow depths spectively. urement cycle for TWYGS. The Juneau For- and treated earlier yielded better food re- The Tongass has been working to improve estry Sciences Lab and the Tongass have sources for deer than did old-growth forest, the value of young growth stands for wildlife completed a manuscript of the first post whereas later treatments yielded poorer and to improve their value for future har- treatment measurement and it has been habitat than old growth. The next re- vest. This is accomplished using a wide accepted for publication (Hanley et al. measurement of TWYGS responses is variety of pre-commercial thinning and 2013). Plant species biomass and percent scheduled to occur at nine to thirteen years pruning treatments and under the guidance cover and overstory canopy cover were post-treatment. In FY 2012, this round of of the Tongass Young Growth Management analyzed using the Forage Resources Evalu- re-measurement started with TWYGS exper- Strategy (TWYGS). As of the close of FY ation System for Habitat-Deer (FRESH-Deer) iment 2. 2012 a total of 208,050 of young growth to determine the deer habitat capability of forest on the Tongass have been pre- each treatment based on food availability

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5. Biodiversity--Young-Growth Treatments Are young-growth treatments improv- growth that small mammal prey respond to. The goals of this project are to 1) obtain ing other key habitat components for This information may inform future habitat baseline information about the presence old-growth associated species? monitoring in young-growth. and abundance of terrestrial fungi critical to The project was initiated in 2010 and is soil productivity and other ecosystem func- Development of this protocol is underway. expected to be complete in 2014, after tions (i.e. wildlife habitat and nutrient avail- Small Mammal Response to Young-Growth which an assessment of how young-growth ability for vegetation) on selected areas of Treatments treatments are affecting other key habitat similar soil types, and 2) determine the utility of applying acquired information The Tongass-Wide Young-Growth Studies components for old growth related species will be conducted. The project is being lead about the fungi to augment young-growth continued in 2012 to evaluate the response management plans and other restoration of small mammals to thinning treatments by the University of Wyoming, in coopera- tion with the Tongass. efforts focusing on improvements to soil and the subsequent response in marten productivity and other ecosystem functions populations. The availability of small mam- within certain areas on POW (and possibly mals as prey can influence the abundance Terrestrial Fungi in Young-Growth Stands to other locations on the Tongass National and distribution of northern goshawk and Forest that are relevant). marten. Small mammals have been shown In 2012, a contract was prepared to initiate to respond to forest succession following fungal surveys on Prince of Wales (POW) Answering the biodiversity question with timber harvest in other parts of the Pacific Island in selected young growth and old information on macro-fungi proposes to Northwest with a short-term increase in growth forests. The selected sites contain improve soil productivity interpretations abundance during the early stages of suc- similar soil type so that comparisons can be through a better understanding of fungal cession, but declines as the canopy closes. made on a broad scale as to the functional occurrence in different soil types, vegeta- However, with the paucity of information groups found in the young-growth and old tion, and successional stages across the about small mammal dynamics on the Ton- growth stands. This will identify the possibil- Forest. Understanding the factors influenc- gass and the response of small mammals ity of fungi being used to determine if old- ing fungal occurrence will inform soil resto- to successional forest development in har- growth forest associated species are pre- ration efforts and young-growth productivity vested stands, the small mammal response sent in young growth stands. dynamics. to young-growth study should inform us of the features of the understory in young-

TWYGS thinned young- growth stand (16 x 16 ft.

Line-transect surveys in a thinned young- growth stand (16 x 16 ft spacing with 1:4 pruning) at Staney Creek Mycena 2012 ANNUAL & FIVE YEAR MONITORING AND EVALUATION Page 6

6. Insects & Disease Are destructive insects and disease Analysis (FIA) plots were used to develop declines that are monitored on the Tongass organisms increasing to potentially information on the extent and impact of National Forest are wood decay of live damaging levels following manage- some diseases, such as dwarf mistletoe. trees, hemlock dwarf mistletoe, and yellow ment activities? Ground observations and FIA plots were cedar decline. Management activities do used because some agents cannot be de- not appear to be exacerbating insect and Unlike much of North America, serious non- tected from the air or by remote sensing. In disease problems in the Tongass National native insects and pathogens have not yet general, current management reduces Forest. Although insect and diseases are become established in southeast Alaska. damage from insects and diseases by re- not currently causing significant problems Most insect and disease impacts are con- moving older trees, which were more sus- in managed stands, we must remain vigi- sidered a natural part of our forest ecosys- ceptible to some lant in our monitoring ef- tems, contributing to compositional and insect and dis- forts, as this may change structural diversity. Specific management eases through with time under altered intervention to prevent or control insects timber harvest, climate scenarios, or with and pathogens are not usually implement- or by altering tree the accidental introduction ed in southeast. However, silvicultural prac- species composi- of exotic pathogens or in- tices can be used to fine-tune their impacts. tion to manage sects. Non-native species are monitored because the concentra- they have the potential to cause significant tion of suscepti- tree mortality. Although insects have been ble hosts. Cur- the main focus of reporting, plants and rently, there are plant pathogens will become part of this no serious insect monitoring effort. threats to old- The Forest Service’s State and Private For- growth stands and no serious estry, Forest Health Protection staff con- Hemlock mistletoe insect or disease ducts annual aerial detection surveys of young growth forest southeast Alaska. The location of insect organisms were and disease activity is mapped and entered detected in in a geographic information system (GIS) young-growth database. In addition to the aerial survey stands. The most work, on-the-ground site visits and observa- important diseas- tions were also conducted. Forest Inventory es and forest

7. Invasive Species—Status and Trends What are the status and trends of curred (e.g. abandoned canneries and Ranger districts. As these two districts areas infested by aquatic and terres- hatcheries). In addition, invasive plants are move forward in this program of treatments trial invasive species relative to the sometimes found in sensitive areas, such as over the next ten years, we anticipate an desired condition? estuaries, shorelines, and riparian areas. overall decrease in area and/or frequency of invasive plant infestations within this In FY2010, a Forest Plan invasive plant portion of the Tongass. In FY2013, we plan In FY2012, no additional occurrences of monitoring protocol was developed to an- to revise the Forest Service Manual direc- invasive amphibians were recorded on the swer the monitoring question concerning the tion for noxious weed management on the Tongass, and no occurrences of Atlantic status and trends of invasive plant species Tongass, whereby we will be adding many salmon were documented by the Forest on the Tongass but has not yet been imple- more weed prevention measures into our Service. During FY2012, the Forest con- mented. In FY2012, a forest-wide wilder- daily activities for all resources. A total of ducted 51 invasive plant surveys for a total ness invasive plant working group was creat- 38 Weed Best Management Practices are of 642.5 acres. Surveys were conducted ed for the purpose of sharing information being drafted for implementation in along existing and proposed road corridors, and resources among the nineteen wilder- FY2013. This year, the Tongass National rock quarries, timber sale units, shorelines, ness areas on the Tongass. The working Forest is conducting a five-year forest plan lake margins, estuaries, riparian areas, and group assisted the Tongass wilderness pro- review, including a review of the current recreation sites. Seventeen invasive plant gram in developing the invasive plant com- monitoring questions and monitoring proto- species were recorded. A total of 32 inva- ponent of the Forest Plan wilderness charac- cols. Results from this review will be incor- sive plant species were recorded. Survey ter monitoring protocol. This component is porated into future monitoring efforts for results suggest that invasive species are related to monitoring the status and trends invasive plants on the Forest. abundant along existing road systems and of invasive plant infestations in wilderness may have the potential to spread into non- areas. The wilderness character monitoring roaded areas. We continue to find invasive is scheduled for implementation in FY2013. plants in areas of high disturbance where human access is frequent (e.g. trails, A primary action we are continuing is the campgrounds, cabins, log transfer facilities, completion of an environmental analysis mine sites) or historic disturbance has oc- (EA) for the control and management of weeds within the Petersburg and Wrangell TONGASS NATIONAL FOREST Page 7

Thistle before treatment (right); after treatment (left)

8. Invasive Species—Prevention and Control How effective were our management servation Society joined with the Boy Scouts FY2013 to prioritize surveys, treatments, activities, including those done of America to hand-pull dandelion and and monitoring in areas of wilderness that through partnerships, in preventing or creeping buttercup at Twin Lakes on the are under greatest threat by invasive plant controlling targeted invasive species? Wrangell Ranger District. The district also species. In FY2013, we anticipate entering completed two agreements with the Alaska into a formal partnership with the State of In FY2012, a range of prevention measures Association of Conservation Districts, includ- Alaska, Alaska Department of Conservation were implemented based on project and site ing invasive plant management plans for Districts, in developing weed management specific circumstances. In FY2012, vehicle non-federal lands and Stikine-Leconte Wil- areas across Southeast Alaska. and equipment washing practices to prevent derness reed canary grass and invasive the introduction or spread of invasive plants weed control. On the Thorne Bay Ranger were implemented in fifteen projects on the District, Community Connections helped pull Tongass National Forest. Education activi- weeds on sites throughout Prince of Wales ties conducted to increase staff and general Island. The Hoonah Ranger District entered public awareness of invasive plant identifica- a partnership with the Hoonah Indian Asso- tion, prevention, and treatment include inva- ciation to control highly invasive species in sive plant training for Juneau Ranger District their community. and Admiralty National Monument wilder- A pilot project to begin monitoring high- ness rangers, and three public meetings on priority invasive plant sites is scheduled to weed awareness held in the cities of Peters- be implemented in FY2013. The Petersburg burg, Wrangell and Kake, as part of the and Wrangell Ranger Districts initiated the scoping of the proposed Invasive Plant first invasive plant treatment Environmental Weed Environmental Assessment. Thirty-one Assessment on the Tongass in 2012. This invasive plant risk assessments were com- analysis will cover all treatment options pleted in FY2012. (manual, chemical, and mechanical) for A total of 126.8 acres of invasive plant treat- high priority areas within both ranger dis- ments were completed to control infesta- tricts, including wilderness areas and is tions of twenty-six invasive plant species. expected to be completed in FY2013. In This compares to 144.7 acres in FY2011, 2012, a forest-wide wilderness invasive and 222.5 acres in FY2010. Manual control plant working group was created for the (hand-pulling, tarping) was used on 122.8 purpose of sharing information and re- treatment acres, and herbicide was used to sources among the nineteen wilderness treat four acres at the Thorne Bay Ranger areas on the Tongass. Eight new or updated District administrative compound. wilderness invasive plant management The Wrangell Ranger District, Southeast plans were completed and two additional Alaska Conservation Council, and Sitka Con- invasive plans were initiated but not com- pleted. The invasive plans will be used in 2012 ANNUAL & FIVE YEAR MONITORING AND EVALUATION Page 8

9. Biodiversity Ecosystem— Old-Growth Associated Species and Subspecies

Is the old-growth habitat protected mapped small OGR, there were no other ance of wildlife conservation measure that under the Forest Plan being main- changes made to the spatial distribution, considers the best available scientific infor- tained to support viable and well dis- size, and composition of the old-growth mation and reflects an acceptable level of tributed populations of old-growth habitat land use designation (LUD) or other risk for continued species viability. associated species and subspecies? non-development LUDs since implementa- tion of the 2008 Forest Plan Amendment. The old-growth habitat protected under the The system of OGRs, along with implemen- Forest Plan has been maintained in the tation of the standards and guidelines for system of small, medium, and large old protecting old-growth in the matrix should growth reserves (OGR). An errata to the continue to support viable and well distrib- 2008 Forest Plan was published in 2012 uted populations of old-growth associated (Forest Plan Errata, February 6, 2012) to species and subspecies. The conservation correct a mapping error for a small OGR in strategy as implemented in the 2008 Forest Value Comparison Unit 7470 on the Plan provides a sufficient amount and distri- Ketchikan Misty Fiords Ranger District. Alt- bution of habitat to maintain viable popula- hough the Errata fixed the mapping error, tions of old-growth associated species after the acres reported for OGR size and POG 100 years of plan implementation. Alt- were not updated in the Errata. This will be hough this does not represent a “no risk” corrected with a new errata. With the ex- conservation strategy, it represents a bal- ception of this one correction to the

10. Biodiversity Ecosystem—Change in Old-Growth by Biogeographic Province

Are the effects of biodiversity shown The percent of original POG, HPOG, through the cumulative change in old- and SD67 remaining in FY 2012 in all growth by biogeographic province biogeographic provinces, and Forest- consistent with the estimates of the wide, is above that predicted for after Forest Plan (change could include 100+ years and full implementation of the Forest Plan. Since reported in the effects of timber harvest, land ex- 2008 Forest Plan Final Environmental changes or conveyance, windthrow, Impact Statement (FEIS), the 1954 insect and disease, climatic change, POG and SD67 have been reduced by etc.)? an estimated one percent in the north central Prince of Wales biogeographic Since implementation of the 2008 Forest province. In addition, the 1954 HPOG Plan, there have been no substantial chang- was reduced by one percent in the es that resulted in a significant change in southern outer islands biogeographic biodiversity from timber harvest, land ex- province. All other changes were less changes or conveyance, wind-throw, insect than one percent. and disease, or climate. An estimated 6,996 acres of productive old growth forest (POG) were harvested in fiscal years (FY) 2007 through 2012 in seven biogeographic provinces. Over 50 percent of the harvest over the past six years has occurred in the north central Prince of Wales biogeographic province. The next largest harvest occurred in the Etolin Island and vicinity biogeograph- ic province at roughly twenty-four percent. A similar distribution is seen with the harvest of high volume POG (HPOG). However, the distribution of harvest of big tree POG (SD67) was different in that 87 percent was harvested from the north central Prince of Wales Island biogeographic province. TONGASS NATIONAL FOREST Page 9

11. Biodiversity Ecosystem—Old-Growth Matrix Is old-growth structure retained in the ing the Marten Standards and Guidelines if because the percent of original POG har- matrix adequate and is it representa- a change analysis is completed that looks vested there has risen to 33 percent or tive of old-growth types across VCUs at differences in effects and these effects greater since implementation of the 2008 and across the Forest? were found to not be significant. Also, the Forest Plan. The full suite of Forest Plan 1997 Forest Plan American Marten Stand- standards and guidelines continue to pro- This monitoring focused on the application ards and Guidelines are applied to these tect approximately 19 percent of the exist- of the 2008 Forest Plan Legacy Standards category 1 and 2 projects when the Legacy ing POG habitat in the matrix. Between the and Guidelines, which were designed to Standards and Guidelines are not applied reserve system and the standards and ensure that value comparison units (VCUs) and the project is located in a higher risk guidelines that apply to the development with a high level of original (year 1954, be- biogeographic province as identified by the land use designations, the 2008 Forest fore large-scale logging began on the Ton- 1997 Forest Plan. The effects associated Plan protects 91 percent of the POG habitat gass) productive old growth already harvest- with implementing the category 1 and 2 on the Tongass. ed (33 percent or more) or planned for har- timber projects were considered as part of vest (67 percent or more) continue to pro- the baseline and assumed to continue in vide the full range of functions within the the environmental analysis of alternatives matrix. As of the end of fiscal year 2012, in the Final EIS for the 2008 Forest Plan. an estimated 5,800 acres of timber were Because these earlier decisions were con- harvested since implementation of the sidered in the effects analysis, implementa- 2008 Forest Plan. Much of this has oc- tion is not in conflict with the amended curred outside of VCUs at high risk of losing Plan. their full function in the matrix. Where har- For all VCUs within which POG was harvest- vest did occur in these VCUs, much of it was ed from FY 2007 through 2012, the percent exempted from application of the Legacy of the original POG harvested remained Standards and Guidelines as category 1 below that projected for after 100+ years timber sales (those under contract before and full implementation of the 2008 Forest the effective date of the 2008 Forest Plan) Plan. The exception is VCU 3200, in which as listed in the 2008 Forest Plan Record of the percent of original POG harvested at the Decision. Most of the harvest of these cate- end of FY 2012 (1.7 percent) was 0.10 gory 1 timber sales has been completed. It percent above that projected for at the end is likely there will be at least some timber of the planning period. harvested by category 2 exempt timber sales in high risk VCUs in the future. The Information presented in this report sup- Legacy Standards and Guidelines can be ports the application of the Legacy Stand- applied to projects previously analyzed us- ards and Guidelines to 2 additional VCUs 2012 ANNUAL & FIVE YEAR MONITORING AND EVALUATION Page 10

12. Biodiversity Ecosystem—Rare Plants

What are the cumulative effects of project transitions from the pilot phase to tansy population abruptly changed course changes to habitats that sustain rare full implementation. and began undercutting the beach meadow plants? The only population of mountain lady’s slip- habitat, and winter storms have contributed per orchid on the Tongass National Forest to more severe erosion of this habitat. About A pilot monitoring project was established grows on the Wrangell Ranger District on half of the meadow has been lost over the on the Craig and Thorne Bay Ranger Dis- Etolin Island. Signs of animal herbivory and last five years. The beach erosion also tricts on Prince of Wales Island. Monitoring trampling of plants have been observed at caused a change in the OHV access and is currently focused on four sensitive and the site during past visits. Due to concerns traffic patterns on the beach. A new off- rare species: lesser roundleaved orchid, that animal damage is affecting the popula- highway vehicle trail now runs right through yellow lady’s slipper orchid, whiteflower rein tion’s long-term viability, the number of the dune tansy population In 2012, signs orchid, and a rare lung lichen. Monitoring stems exhibiting signs of trampling or her- were posted to help keep vehicle traffic off results indicate that the density of lesser bivory was recorded during the 2012 site the population. Continued monitoring of the roundleaved orchid populations significantly visit. Eight percent of the individuals showed dune tansy population is planned for 2013. decreased from 2011 to 2012. A possible some type of animal damage. This amount explanation is that some individual plants of damage to the population is not likely to become dormant in response to climate be a cause of immediate concern for popu- variation. Frequency of occurrence, area lation viability. Several well-traveled wildlife occupied, and percent cover showed no trails were found on the site, and scattered significant decrease. Whiteflower rein orchid old deer tracks, scat, and daybeds were also populations showed no significant decrease noted. The Forest Service plans to continue in frequency, density, area occupied, or monitoring the mountain lady’s slipper pop- percent cover. However, the results are ulation in order to monitor herbivory and likely to be unreliable since the sample size animal activity, and to provide additional is very small. Because the majority of data data on population trends. collection for lung lichen and yellow lady’s slipper orchid did not begin until 2012, addi- The only known population of dune tansy on tional data must be collected before deter- the Tongass National Forest occurs on the mining trends in the populations. The moni- Sitka Ranger District in a beach meadow on toring will be continued in 2013, as the Kruzof Island. This population was discov- ered in 2003 and oc- cupies an area of about 40 feet by 60 feet. In 2006, a stream near the dune

TONGASS NATIONAL FOREST Page 11 13. Stream-Fish Habitat—Management Indicator Species

Are the trends in abundance of the According to ADF&G data, coho salmon fish management indicator species appear to be affected primarily by the cycli- (Dolly Varden char, cutthroat trout, cal productivity of the marine environment coho salmon, and pink salmon) relat- including coastal processes. Annual review ed to changes in habitat associated of ADF&G coho and pink salmon harvest and escapement index data are planned to with forest management, climate continue. change or other factors?

Through the use of baseline fish habitat objectives, as identified in the Forest Plan Standards and Guidelines, the relative con- dition of riparian and aquatic habitat can be evaluated. Monitoring representative fish populations, as management indicator spe- cies can determine whether trends attribut- able to current forest management are evident. In FY2012, statistical analyses of existing resident fish (Dolly Varden char and cut- throat trout) of an eleven year dataset (2000-2010) progressed and an alternate monitoring strategy for Dolly Varden, cut- throat trout and coho salmon designed to provide effective feedback to inform current Forest management was underway with five watersheds across the Tongass monitored. Statistical analysis of the eleven year resi- dent fish dataset is ongoing and expected to be completed by the end of 2013 through the Pacific Northwest Research Station-Corvallis office.

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14. Streams—Fish Habitat—Aquatic Habitat Condition

Is the natural range and frequency of analysis of stream reach metrics. Since 1998 the Tongass has installed, re- aquatic habitat conditions main- When combined with other information (e.g., installed or retrofitted approximately 256 tained? watershed geology, riparian harvest, land- culverts in fish streams. These culverts are slides, etc.) in a watershed-specific context, being monitored to evaluate their ability to This question is answered by quantifying the these metrics provide a diagnostic tool to provide fish passage. The culverts were natural range of variability of stream habitat assess aquatic habitat condition and help primarily assessed using criteria established parameters in southeast Alaska. It is as- identify restoration objectives. Several re- in the USFS Alaska Region Juvenile Fish sumed that streams in unmanaged water- cent Tongass NF Watershed Restoration Passage Criteria Matrix. shed best typify the natural aquatic habitat Plans (WRPs) provide examples of the use As part of a multi-year monitoring project, conditions that the Forest Service directs of these metrics. seventeen stream crossings were monitored staff to maintain. in FY2012 to assess their ability to provide Stream Surveys fish passage. These culverts were installed, Over 400 stream reaches in southeast Alas- Fish Passage at Road Crossings reinstalled or retrofitted in fish streams with- ka have been measured using standard Providing for fish passage at stream and in the last fourteen years and are located on protocols. In FY2012, six additional refer- road intersections to ensure fish migration Zarembo Island and Prince of Wales Island. ence reaches were measured. Statistical is an important consideration when con- From 2009 thru 2011, 97 similar culverts analysis of data from 279 of these stream structing or reconstructing forest roads. The were monitored on Kupreanof, Kuiu, Wran- reaches distributed across the revealed Tongass National Forest strives to incorpo- gell, Mitkof and Prince of Wales Island. The three parameters that show consistent dif- rate an adaptive management process to 114 crossings monitored to date as part of ference between managed and unmanaged achieve the desired management goals and this assessment constitutes approximately watersheds. These parameters are channel objectives for the fish passage at road 44% of the culverts recently installed, rein- width/depth ratio, key wood, and pool fre- crossings program. The adaptive manage- stalled or retrofitted in fish streams on the quency, and appear strongest in two Pro- ment approach includes a continuous pro- Tongass National Forest. Ninety-four per- cess Groups: flood plain (FP) and moderate cess of using, or developing, state-of-the-art cent of the stream crossings monitored met gradient mixed control (MM). When com- assessment and restoration techniques the acceptable passage criteria established bined with two additional measures, pool followed by monitoring and adjustment of in the Region 10 Passage Matrix. They are size and normalized measure of residual the techniques accordingly. consistent with State of Alaska juvenile fish passage standards and are assumed to pool depth, these parameters are interpret- The Tongass National Forest has identified provide unimpeded juvenile and adult fish ed as baseline fish habitat objectives. Other and surveyed approximately 3,500 fish passage. channel metrics, in common use nationally, stream road crossings along approximately assist to create a snapshot of reach habitat. 5,000 miles of The reference reach project will culminate forest roads. with the production of an updated statistical

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15.Is riparian Streams—Fish vegetation maintained Habitat—Riparian or windthrow Vegetation mortality in the buffers is highly restored to a condition that supports variable and ranges from zero to 85 percent. key riparian functions? To date, 74 percent of the buffers in which throw was detected in buffers that have windthrow has been measured have less their face generally orientated to the south FY2012 was the thirteenth consecutive year than 5 percent windthrow mortality, 83 per- versus the north. Most of the windthrow that windthrow within stream buffers was cent have less than ten percent windthrow occurs within the first few years after har- monitored. There are currently 262 stream and 97 percent of the buffers have less than vest and diminishes the longer the buffer is buffers monitored. They are located on five 50 percent windthrow within them. standing. A better understanding of the ranger districts and are associated with 37 complex relationship between temporal, timber sales and 135 harvest units that were By retaining riparian vegetation in a condi- spatial and structural variables and ripari- harvested from FY2000 thru FY2007. The tion found within the range of natural varia- an windthrow is expected through the con- sample population contains the majority of bility, it is anticipated that Forest Plan ripari- tinuation of this monitoring effort. This riparian management areas (RMAs) associat- an objectives can be achieved. If windthrow better understanding will provide more ed with harvest activity on the Tongass Na- is exacerbated beyond the range of natural effective windthrow abatement prescrip- tional Forest during this period. variability, its effect will need to be under- tions and management will move closer stood to assess if natural channel processes toward assuring desired riparian condi- Monitoring results have shown that post are maintained in a natural condition as tions. harvest windthrow is present in 144 (55 desired in the Forest Plan Riparian Stand- percent) of the 262 buffers monitored and ards and Guidelines. associated with harvest units harvested from FY2000 through FY2007. The mean cumula- The challenge is to better define where the tive amount of windthrow in the buffers is windthrow risks are high. A greater suscepti- 6.7 percent and the median amount is 0.8%. bility to windthrow was observed in buffers Windthrow has extended as far as the located on hillslopes with south and west stream in 29% of the buffers. The cumulative hillslope aspects, versus north and east as- pects. Also greater susceptibility to wind- 2012 ANNUAL & FIVE YEAR MONITORING AND EVALUATION Page 14

16. Wildlife Terrestrial Habitat—Management Indicator Species

Are population and habitat trends for after 100+ years and full implementation which both surveys indicate a weak, impre- Management Indicator Species (MIS) of the Plan (48 WAAs). cise, and non-statistically significant nega- consistent with expectations? Are tive trend. Further investigation of these these trends due to changes in habi- For species population status and trend data is warranted to determine if the trend tat conditions or other factors? If they we largely rely on the assessments by the detection can be improved with the addition agencies responsible for their regulation of survey sites. are tied to habitat conditions, is there such as the Alaska Department of Fish a direct relationship with forest man- and Game for hunted and trapped mam- agement, climate change or other mal species and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife factors? Terrestrial MIS include red Service (USFWS) for bald eagle and Van- squirrel, black bear, brown bear, mar- couver Canada geese. Long-standing bird ten, river otter, Sitka black-tailed survey datasets such as the Breeding Bird deer, mountain goat, gray wolf, Van- Survey (BBS) and the Alaska Land-bird couver Canada goose, bald eagle, red- Monitoring Survey (ALMS) were analyzed breasted sapsucker, hairy woodpeck- by the U.S. Geological Survey for trends in er, & brown creeper. passerine bird and woodpecker MIS. These agencies rely on varying types of We report the changes in the Tongass Man- data for determining population status agement Indicator Species habitat and pop- and trends. The USFWS surveys of water- ulations since implementation of the 2008 fowl, including Vancouver Canada geese, Forest Plan. Using a geographic information and the bald eagle result in fair- system and records of timber harvest stored ly robust quantitative estimates. in the Forest Service Activities Tracking However, the expense of these System, we measured changes in the per- surveys necessarily means that cent of productive old growth (POG), high- they are done infrequently. volume POG (HPOG), and big-tree POG Some populations are virtually (SD67) that was available prior to large- impossible to estimate and so scale logging on the Tongass (estimated to indicators are used to inform be the year 1954). Road densities are also their management. This is the measured as an indicator of changes in case for marten and river otter access that may contribute to greater mor- for which the ADFG uses a suite tality of wolves, black bears, and brown of indicators thought to indicate bears. abundance and changes in pop- There has been little change in MIS habitats ulations over time. Indicator since implementation of the 2008 Forest data are relatively inexpen- Plan. The Tongass encompasses just over sive to gather and so are 16.8 million acres, of which roughly 5.4 measured much more fre- million acres were POG, 2.3 million acres quently, but by their nature were HPOG, and 700,000 were SD67 in are not reliable for indicat- 1954. By 2006, approximately 92, 87, and ing short-term trends. 80 percent remained, respectively. Since Based on these data, MIS implementation of the 2008 Forest Plan populations region-wide there has been very little harvest (one per- appear to have fluctuated cent or less) at the Forest-wide and biogeo- within the historic range of graphic province scale and this change in variability over the past ten forest cover is within projections for after years. However some local 100+ years and full implementation of the populations of game species, such as 2008 Forest Plan. the Nunatak Bench population of Analysis of road densities across the Forest, mountain goat (Yakutat area), continue measured as miles of road per square mile to be suppressed after illegal-harvest of land and at the scale of wildlife analysis and severe winters. area (WAAs), indicates road densities have Estimated trends using the ALMS (10 largely remained stable since 2006 with years of data) and BBS (seventeen some local, but slight, increases and de- years of data) for brown creeper, hairy creases. Using a road density of 1.0 mi/mi2 woodpecker, and red-breasted sap- as a benchmark, the number of WAAs ex- sucker are imprecise, statistically non- ceeding 1.0 mi/mi2 has remained at 26 significant, and inconsistent. The ex- since implementation of the 2008 Forest ception is for hairy woodpecker for Plan and is well below that predicted for TONGASS NATIONAL FOREST Page 15

17. Wildlife Terrestrial Habitat—Federally Listed Threatened or Endangered & Region Sensitive Species

Is current management providing for (Brachyramphus brevirostris), Queen Char- additional VCUs because the percent of sufficient habitat of federally listed lotte goshawk (Accipiter gentilis laingi), original POG harvested there has risen to threatened or endangered species black oystercatcher (Haematopus bachma- 33 percent or greater since implementation (TES) and Alaska region sensitive spe- ni), Aleutian tern (Sterna aleutica), dusky of the 2008 Forest Plan. cies? Canada goose (Branta canadensis occiden- talis). All species occur on the Tongass In February 2009, the sensitive species list except the dusky Canada goose. The for the Alaska Region of the Forest Service humpback whale (Megaptera novaean- was revised in response to extensive coordi- gliae) and the Steller sea lion nation and consultation with other agencies (Eumetopias jubatus) are the only fed- and organizations, review and synthesis of erally listed wildlife species under the the latest scientific information, and partici- Endangered Species Act (ESA) that are pation by staff of the Chugach and Tongass likely to occur within the boundary of National Forests and the Regional Office. the Tongass National Forest. Forest Service sensitive species are defined In this report, we review and assess as: “Those plant and animal species identi- new information on the changes to fied by a Regional Forester for which popu- important habitat for each TES species, lation viability is a concern, as evidenced including the effects determinations by: 1) significant current or predicted down- made to fulfill the Section 7 (a)(c) of ward trends in population numbers or den- the Endangered Species Act mandate. sity and 2) significant current or predicted In the case of the Queen Charlotte gos- downward trends in habitat capability that hawk, we also review the implementa- would reduce a species existing distribu- tion of relevant Forest Plan standards tion.” The following animal species were and guidelines. Based on this review identified as Alaska Region of the Forest we recommend that the Legacy Stand- Service sensitive species: Kittlitz’s murrelet ards and Guidelines be applied to two

18. Wildlife Terrestrial Habitat—Geographic Distribution What is the geographic distribution cies of small mammals and four mesocarni- and habitat relationships of mammali- vore species. Findings included a six-fold an endemic species on the Tongass? decrease in small mammals captured per unit effort between 2011 and 2012. This The University of New Mexico (UNM) and the decrease is not entirely unexpected as Tongass continue to collaborate to inventory northern latitude small mammal popula- mammals and their distribution on the Ton- tions are known to fluctuate dramatically on gass through the ISLES (Island Surveys to an annual basis. Reports included first Locate Endemic Species) project. Recent records of rough skin newts (Taricha granu- surveys for endemics by UNM in southeast lose) on Heceta and Tuxekan Islands, first Alaska were initiated in 2009 and have records of western toad (Bufo boreas) for continued annually since. UNM typically four islands, no small mammal captures on collects small mammals using trap-lines of White Cliff Island and the western most San snap and pitfall traps. In some cases, live- Lorenzo Island, documentation of the occur- traps are used (for animals to be karyo- rence of Martes caurina on Dall Island and typed) and rat traps may be employed when its co-occurrence with Martes americana. targeting larger species (like ermine and (Prior to this finding, M. caurina was known flying squirrels). UNM also salvages mam- only from Admiralty and Kuiu islands in the mal carcasses from cooperating trappers Alexander Archipelago, and considered an and hunters. All specimens collected are endemic taxa on neighboring Haida Gwaii in identified using DNA techniques, vouchered, British Columbia). Reports also included the and the information is entered into Arctos first records of the endemic Prince of Wales (an online database of museum specimen flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus data). The specimens and associated infor- griseifrons) for Shelikof and Sukkwan is- mation are geo-referenced for use in a geo- lands, and failure to document northern graphic information system (GIS). flying squirrels on the majority of other is- Keen’s mouse Since 2009, Surveys have been conducted lands. on at least twenty-seven different islands throughout southeast Alaska as well as the Haines area and documented eleven spe- 2012 ANNUAL & FIVE YEAR MONITORING AND EVALUATION Page 16

19. Soil and Water–Soil Productivity Are the soil conservation practices im- and woody debris measurements were col- plemented and effective in meeting lected in stands with heavy woody debris accumulations. per`cent. On slopes over 35 percent gradi- Alaska Regional and Soil Quality ent, soil disturbance averaged ten percent. Standards and maintaining soil produc- In 2012, Tongass soil scientists also collect- Increasing soil disturbance with increasing tivity? ed soil quality monitoring data on two timber slope was also reported by Landwehr and harvest units that were shovel logged on Silkworth in 2011 on the Staney Wildlife The FY 2012 monitoring report (Landwehr et. Wrangell Island and four 40 year-old young- Gaps Project. On steeper slopes, many of al. 2012) summarizes data collected in 34 growth units proposed for treatment in the the soil disturbances consisted of ruts to young-growth stands ranging in age from ten Big Thorne Timber Sale. The data collected dense till or bedrock or soil displacements to 63 years. The 2012 report summarizes from the four Big Thorne young-growth units caused by the shovel operator using soil to four years of data collection. Fifteen of the will be used for cumulative effects analysis in create a more level surface to operate on. stands were more than 50 years old and that FEIS. Soil disturbance caused by shovel opera- represent some of the oldest young-growth tion is very operator dependent. Shovel on the forest. The group of stands was The shovel yarded portions of units four and operators on the Backline Timber Sale on spread across the forest with representation eleven of the Backline Timber Sale were Wrangell Island are relatively inexperi- from Yakutat, Petersburg, Wrangell, monitored in July 2012. Shovel yarding in enced, especially on steeper slopes. Obser- Ketchikan, Craig, and Thorne Bay Ranger both units included slopes ranging up to 45 vations on the Logjam Timber Sale indicate Districts. Methods included re-monitoring soil percent gradient. Typically shovel yarding is that some operators can successfully nego- disturbance in stands where soil disturbance conducted on slopes less than 35 percent tiate slopes of 35 percent with minimal soil was measured fifteen years ago, measuring gradient. Sixty soil disturbance transects disturbance. soil disturbance and duff thickness in young- were completed in the two units. Since this is growth stands more than 50 years old and one of the first opportunities we have had to adjacent un-harvested areas, and revisiting monitor shovel yarding on steeper slopes, stands more than one year old with photo the transect data was stratified by slope. On documentation of severe soil disturbance slopes less than 25 percent gradient soil during yarding operations. Soil disturbance disturbance averaged less than three

A-frame yarding corridor in the Flicker Creek stand (left) and Deweyvill stand (right) TONGASS NATIONAL FOREST Page 17

20. Soil and Water—State Water Quality Standards

Are the soil and water conservation successful final inspection of the contracts The Tongass wide landslide inventory was practices as described through the and projects. The IDT monitoring was con- completed in FY2012. Approximately three Best Management Practices and site ducted by representatives from the Forest million acres were mapped to the standards specific prescriptions implemented Service, other Federal Agencies and State outlined in the Tongass landslide inventory and effective in minimizing soil ero- agencies, and was conducted on a stratified protocol. Completion of the inventory is sample of units, roads, trails and developed planned for 2013. A frequency analysis of sion and maintaining the State Water recreation facilities. Due to a low level of landslides and soil map units and ecological Quality Standards? timber harvest and associated road con- subsections was initiated; however, more The Best Management Practices (BMPs) struction, the number of units harvested information is needed on the initiation described in the Soil and Water Conserva- and roads constructed or reconstructed in zones and there is not enough detail in the tion Handbook define practices that protect fiscal year 2012 were limited. Sites moni- soil map unit layer. The timber harvest ac- soil and water resources. The Soil and Wa- tored in FY 2012 by the IDT occurred on the tivities associated with slopes over 72 per- ter standards and guidelines define site- Ketchikan Misty Fiords, Sitka, Admiralty, cent gradient and unstable soils are adher- specific measures to protect those re- Petersburg, Wrangell, and Thorne Bay Rang- ing to applicable standards and guidelines. sources. These standards and guidelines er Districts, are specifically listed in the The soil scientists on the forest need to were monitored following a methodology reference report. define training needs and documentation criteria for slopes over 72 percent gradient described in the National BMP Monitoring Reviewing the monitoring that has been pilot guidelines. harvested or land where harvest is de- completed over the past five years, Tongass ferred. The FY2012 BMP implementation and ef- IDT monitoring shows that the sale adminis- fectiveness monitoring was completed trators, engineering representatives, project through interdisciplinary team (IDT) monitor- managers, and contracting officer’s repre- ing of a sample of 10-15 percent of the sentatives are working to support success- roads constructed, stored and decommis- ful implementation of the BMPs. Focus sioned over the past four years, a few roads items, corrective actions and departures closed over eight years ago, units harvested identified in the past reports indicate some in 2012, recreation sites and trails main- consistent BMPs that require diligent efforts tained, reconstructed in 2012, and a mine to implement. Evaluation of the data shows site operated in 2012. BMP Monitoring was that completion of the monitoring forms also conducted on a couple of recreation and field monitoring activities is important sites and trails constructed over the past and highlights some significant issues and four years. Routine BMP implementation has contributed to improve consistency. monitoring on 100% of the roads, units, mines recreation sites and trails is complet- ed during the contract inspection and con- struction process and documented through

Boundary timber sale unit 5

Slake timber sale unit 69

Slake timber sale Unit 73D 2012 ANNUAL & FIVE YEAR MONITORING AND EVALUATION Page 18

21. Soil and Water—Watershed Health What is the ecological condition and may better connect temporal changes in rainfall interception potential after timber trend of watersheds in terms of key adjacent streams with a range of alder/ characteristics (such as soil productivi- harvest with observed changes in water yield in monitored areas. conifer mixtures. A decision support tool ty, water quality and quantity, invasive for applying riparian thinning was devel- species, etc.) of watershed health In 2009, the Tongass NF and the Pacific oped in 2011 and field tested in 2012 identified in the desired condition Northwest Research Station began collabo- after initial application in the six study (aquatic ecosystem potential) of the rating on a protocol for watershed restora- streams within Twelvemile and Staney tion effectiveness monitoring. Objectives plan area? How effective are manage- Creek watersheds. This soil-geomorphic included developing and testing an integrat- model combines soils, landforms, and ment actions in improving watershed ed suite of monitoring tools to evaluate the health (maintaining or moving water- channel type with predicted response tra- effectiveness of management actions at jectories in un-thinned young-growth ripari- sheds toward Condition Class I)? improving watershed health. In FY2011 and an stands. During FY 2011, the six study 2012, the focus was restoration of small Tongass Watershed, Soils and Fish staff— reaches were re-measured to evaluate streams that exhibit simplified habitat due to supported by Regional Office and other For- amount of tree volume basal area and loss of in-stream wood from past riparian est staff groups--completed comprehensive species removed as part of the large wood harvest. Work was completed on streams in condition assessments for over 900 Tongass collection for instream structure utilization. both Twelvemile Creek and Staney Creek Watersheds. Overall condition ratings, along Fish monitoring continued in 2012 at the watersheds on Prince of Wales Island. The with use and aquatic value criteria were six study stream reaches using an experi- attainment of these objectives will be reflect- used to define candidate “Priority Water- mental fish monitoring protocol designed ed in measurable responses in stream chan- sheds” for restoration. Seven priority water- to assess the effects of restoration on fish nel metrics in the short and long term. Some sheds identified includes Harris River, density and growth rates of the species in immediate responses were observed after Twelvemile Creek, Staney Creek, Luck/Eagle the fish community at the reach scale. post-treatment channel-forming floods in Creek, Saginaw Creek, Sitkoh River and August and September 2011 and continued Preliminary study plan monitoring findings Sitkoh Creek watersheds. Work on the Harris in 2012. suggest that the effort to date is informa- River watershed was completed in FY2011, tive with respect to protocol refinement and was removed from the watershed priori- Work also focused on extending baseline and overall progress. Additional considera- ty list. The Watershed Condition Framework data for the six small study streams and tion is necessary to evaluate applicability will provide a road map for collaborative improving the power of ecological metrics to at a forest-wide scale. The original study watershed restoration activities on the Ton- detect differences among streams both be- plan is in the process of being adapted to gass NF over the next three to five years. fore and after treatment. A detailed evalua- an approach with broader Tongass-wide Future efforts in this monitoring program for tion of litterfall content, nitrogen content, scope, more focused metrics, and less stream flow response to vegetation manage- and terrestrial invertebrate content com- intense sampling. ment will focus on the development of a bined with fish diet information observed watershed scale, canopy density model that within young-growth riparian forests and

TONGASS NATIONAL FOREST Page 19

22. Wetlands Were the wetland conservation prac- wetlands more than 30 years ago. The FY Due to the limited number of miles of road tices implemented and effective to 2008 wetland monitoring report identified constructed through wetlands in 2011, and avoid and/or minimize impacts to the need to monitor older road segments. recent years in general, there is minimal The literature cited in the 2006 and 2008 impact to wetlands across the Tongass wetlands to the extent practicable? reports indicates that changes to wetland National Forest from construction of forest A wetland/road monitoring report vegetation and soil hydrology may not mani- roads. (Landwehr 2011) based on the 2011 field fest themselves until several decades after work was completed in FY2012. Wetland- the construction activity. road monitoring has been on a two-year The field work found that the new road seg- cycle, one year for field work and the sec- ments were constructed to specifications ond year for report writing. As 2012 was a with minor opportunities for improvements report writing year, no monitoring took place to lessen impacts to wetlands. Two of the in the 2012 field season. The following old road segments did not meet specifica- information summarizes the data from the tions for road width. 2011 field season. The Logjam TS Environmental Impact State- Six road segments constructed through ment (EIS) successfully documented wet- wetlands were monitored in fiscal year (FY) lands avoidance with project activities. In 2011. Three of the road segments were addition to site specific wetland avoidance constructed as part of the Logjam Timber documented on road cards, the EIS includ- Sale (TS) Project. Three of the road seg- ed a discussion of wetland avoidance at the ments monitored were constructed through project scale. 2012 ANNUAL & FIVE YEAR MONITORING AND EVALUATION Page 20

23. Karst and Cave Ecosystems

Are the biological, mineralogical, cul- Sales Program on Thorne Bay and Craig plished. These included subsequent trips tural, paleontological components, Ranger Districts on Prince of Wales Island. into known cave systems to document and recreational values of the karst Particular emphasis was placed on the in- changes and pre-harvest inventory of karst ventory and design of the prescriptions and features to establish baseline inventories. and caves maintained? mitigation proposed for commercial thinning No substantial changes as a result of man- Monitoring for karst and cave ecosystems in opportunities. Efforts on the above projects agement activities were documented within FY 2012 was completed on projects imple- included on the ground inventories by the the known cave systems. mented under the direction of the Stand- forest geologist and geology staff, soil scien- ards and Guidelines in the Forest Plan. tists, hydrologists, fisheries, and timber Work completed included preliminary inven- specialists. tory, cave inventory and mapping, timber Effectiveness monitoring has been histori- harvest unit and road reconnaissance, tim- cally tied to post harvest monitoring and ber harvest unit layout, and road layout. preliminary cave resource The Karst Resources Standards and Guide- inventories. In FY 2012, a lines require that areas of high vulnerability minor amount of logging karst within the project area be deleted occurred on karst lands from land considered for harvest. Karst where mitigation had been lands included in project areas are typically prescribed. Monitoring of low or moderately low vulnerability karst. some of the small sales The Karst Resources Standards and Guide- on the Thorne Bay Ranger lines are fully implemented in proposed and District was conducted to ongoing projects such as the Big-Thorne evaluate the effectiveness Timber Sale, Kosciusko Island Timber Sale, of proposed mitigation. Dargon Point CE, Twelve Mile Restoration Monitoring of these sites EA, and in several other proposed and ongo- found that prescriptions ing projects throughout the Forest. Karst such as partial suspension resource inventory is planned in 2013 for and windfirm buffers were completion of the Kosciusko Timber Sale. implemented and effec- Karst resource input was provided for a tive. Limited subsurface number of sales associated with the Small monitoring was accom- Human Uses and Land Management

24. Timber Resources—Economic Timber Sales, Shelf Volume, and Contract Volume

Is the timber management program gass has not been able to establish shelf meeting the objectives of achieving volume to maintain flexibility and stability in economic timber sales and rebuilding the sale program. the volume under contract and shelf Congress mandated that volume components of the sale pro- all timber sales offered gram? for sale by the Tongass National Forest, using the In FY 2012 the Tongass offered 52,508 residual value appraisal MMBF, sold 52,508 MMBF and had less approach and with west- than 0.1 MMBF in one no-bid timber sale ern red cedar appraised that remained unsold at the year of the for domestic processing fiscal year. be above base rates be- The purchasers harvested 20,827 MMBF fore they can be offered and had an ending inventory of 130,458 for sale. MMBF. The average annual harvest for the past five years was 30.8 MMBF. The average bid rate for the timber under contract is $26.22/MBF. At the end of FY 2012 the average bid rate was $28.02/ MBF. Currently, the Tongass is providing three to four years supply of volume under contract to local mills. However, the Ton- TONGASS NATIONAL FOREST Page 21

25. Timber Resources—Standards and Guidelines

Are timber harvest activities adhering harvest units that create an opening using acres managed via the even-aged system, to applicable timber management even-aged management. Of the total har- 25 percent retained a portion of the original standards and guidelines relative to: vest acres that created openings in the fis- stand structure through the retention of created openings exceeding the maxi- cal year 1999-2012 period, four units ex- leave trees. ceeded the 100-acre limit, but none went mum size limit for unit harvest, har- In 2012, approximately 133.5 acres of tim- over 113 acres. All four units were analyzed ber harvest occurred on slopes over 72 vest on slopes greater than 72 per- and approved in project-level Records of percent gradient. The harvest occurred in cent slope gradient, or within the Decision. There were no openings greater six harvest units analyzed in the Logjam 1,000 feet beach and estuary buffer? than 100 acres created in FY2012. Timber Sale Environmental Impact State- There were 1,063 acres fully or partially Forest Plan standards and guidelines for ment and one unit analyzed in the Boundary harvested during FY2012. Of these acres, scenery and sensitive species such as Timber Sale environmental assessment. The 280 resulted in the creation of an opening Northern goshawk and American marten, areas were harvested according to mitiga- through the use of even-aged silvicultural and soil and water BMPs emphasize smaller tion defined in the National Environmental systems. sizes. Also, emphasis on leaving old-growth Policy Act documents. The 100-acre size limitation applies to all (legacy) structure in harvest areas is result- ing in smaller harvest openings. Of the 280 26. Timber Resources - Allowable Sale Quantity Is the ASQ landbase consistent with ade) and NIC II (set at 0.29 billion board resource information and pro- feet per decade) and a proportional mix, set grammed harvest? at approximately 89 percent NIC I and 11 percent NIC II (Forest Plan ROD, pg. 7). The ASQ for the Tongass National Forest as specified in the 2008 Forest Plan is 2.67 During FY2012, 52.5 million board feet billion board feet for the first decade follow- (MMBF) were sold on the Tongass National ing implementation of the plan. The ASQ Forest. The average volume sold between consists of two separate non- FY2003 and FY2012 was 45.8 interchangeable components (NIC), also MMBF, or 17% of the ASQ. The referred to as an operability inventory. Un- decline in timber sale volume is der the 2008 Forest Plan, the ASQ is divided based on a variety of factors in- into two NIC classifications based on land cluding demand, economic condi- type and difficulty of harvest. NIC I (set at tions, harvest costs and litigation. 2.38 billion board feet of timber per dec-

27. Timber Resources - Tongass Timber Reform Act Is the timber demand being met with- suitable land base. The demand in limits of the adaptive management calculation is based upon an esti- strategy and Tongass Timber Reform mate of timber harvest, not on Act (TTRA)? actual timber harvest. Actual tim- ber harvest is recorded and report- The annual demand calculation is an analy- ed in the Timber Sale Accounting sis of the timber industry in southeast Alas- System. ka. The variables for this analysis include The Annual Demand Calculation estimates installed mill capacity, projected harvest that the timber industry needs to purchase level, and timber volume under contract. a range of timber between 53 to 117 MMBF The adaptive management strategy is imple- and a harvest level of 53MMBF of timber. In mented in three phases. Phase 1 restricts FY2012 the Annual Demand Calculation the timber program to a portion of the suita- ranged from a low of 110 MMBF to a high of ble land base that excludes moderate and 259 MMBF. high value roadless areas. Should the level of harvest reach 100 MMBF for two consec- In FY2012, the Tongass offered 52,508 utive fiscal years, the Tongass National For- MMBF, sold 52,508 MMBF and had 0 est can then plan for timber projects in the MMBF in no-bid timber sales. Timber har- Phase 2 portion of the approved suitable vest for FY2012 was 20,827 MMBF. land base. Should the harvest reach 150 The result of the low harvest indicates that MMBF for two consecutive fiscal years, the the Tongass timber sale planning efforts Tongass could then plan for timber projects should continue in Phase 1 areas on the in Phase 3 areas, which includes the entire forest. 2012 ANNUAL & FIVE YEAR MONITORING AND EVALUATION Page 22

28. Timber Resources - Adaptive Management Strategy Threshold Has a Timber Sale Adaptive Manage- FY2012 was 20,827 MMBF. The harvest ment Strategy threshold been volume last exceeded 100 MMBF in reached, so that it is appropriate to FY2000. Due to a variety of factors, it is move to the next phase? unlikely that harvest will approach or ex- ceed 100 MMBF on the Tongass National The initial threshold outlined by the Timber Forest in the near future. Sale Adaptive Strategy is 100 million board feet (MMBF) harvest per year for two con- secutive years. The volume harvested in

29. Timber Management — Non-Interchangeable Components Are the non-interchangeable compo- ground. Normal operability includes those In FY2012 there was approximately 20,827 nents (NICs) of the allowable sale systems most frequently used on the Ton- MMBF harvested from the Tongass, all of quantity consistent with actual har- gass. These systems are tractor, shovel, the harvest was in NIC I areas. Timber har- vest? standard cable, and some helicopter. vest consisted of 85 percent conventional NIC II. Difficult and Isolated Operability: This logging systems and 15 percent helicopter The ASQ consists of two separate compo- is volume scheduled from suitable lands logging systems. nents (NICs), defined as increments of the that are available for harvest using logging suitable land base and their contribution to systems not in common use in Southeast the ASQ that are established to meet Forest Alaska. Most of these lands are presently Plan objectives. NICs are identified as par- considered economically and technological- cels of land and the type of timber thereon, ly marginal. which are differentiated for the purpose of Forest Plan implementation. The total ASQ The evaluation criteria include: 1) Volume is derived from the sum of the timber vol- harvested by logging system from suitable umes from all NICs, which cannot be inter- lands from commercial forest timber stands changed during the timber sale program. that are healthy. 2) Volume harvested by logging system from suitable lands from NIC I. Normal Operability: This is volume commercial forest timber stands that are scheduled from suitable lands using exist- unhealthy and currently in a non-productive ing logging systems. Most of these lands status, for example yellow-cedar decline are expected to be economic under project- and blow down with heavy sap rot or break- ed market conditions. On average, sales age. 3) Distance from the setting to landing. from these lands have the highest probabil- For helicopter settings, settings over ¾ of a ity of offering a reasonable opportunity for a mile flight distance from landings, either on purchaser to gain a profit from their invest- the land or in the water, is considered NIC ment and labor. This is the best operable II. 30. Timber Management - Proportional Mix of NIC I and NIC II Is the proportional mix of volume in bility” logging systems such as shovel and NIC I and NIC II as estimated in the short span cable. The NIC II component Forest Plan accurate? includes difficult and isolated opera- ble timber stands requiring special Under the 2008 Forest Plan Amendment, logging equipment requirements due the ASQ is divided into NIC I and NIC II. The to yarding distances or topography. proportional mix in the Forest Plan is set at Since implementation of the 2008 approximately 89 percent NIC I (238 Forest Plan, actual harvest was 95 MMBF) and 11 percent NIC II (29 MMBF) percent and 93 percent NIC I and five harvested annually. percent and seven percent NIC II in NIC components are estimates designed to FY2008 and FY2009 respectively. In prevent the disproportionate harvest of the FY2010, all harvest occurred in NIC I most economical portions of the Forest over areas, while in FY2012, 99 percent the long term. Limits on each component of harvest occurred in NIC I areas are binding on a decadal basis. The compo- with 1 percent occurring in NIC II nents are non-interchangeable because areas. Unless the annual offer vol- lower sale level in one component may not ume approaches the NIC I allowable be compensated by higher sale levels in the volume of 238 MMBF, NIC II over- other. The NIC I component includes land harvest is not likely to occur. that can be harvested using “normal opera- TONGASS NATIONAL FOREST Page 23

31. Transportation System

Are the standards and guidelines Specific analysis of road closures in used for forest development roads FY2012 for each road system, as well as for and log transfer facilities effective in the five year monitoring review period, can limiting the environmental effects to be found in the reference report. Generally anticipated levels? consideration of the road maintenance level, road use, and future, needs to be Road Storage evaluated against the surface flow patterns of the area and fish resource requirements Monitoring observations of recently closed, to determine the optimum design for water or stored, NFS roads will focus on high use bars, cross drains, culverts, and bridges. areas on a selected road system. Since Continued work with the hydrologists, fish most motorized traffic occurs on road sys- biologists, as well as experienced engineers tems connected to communities, the moni- on site specific prescriptions for water bars toring effort will likewise focus on those and cross drains is essential. systems. Once a road system has been selected for monitoring, at least ten percent Log Transfer Facilities of roads that have been closed during the Monitoring will continue to be conducted for past one to three years will be selected for each log transfer facility (LTF) under the monitoring. The process of selecting roads terms of the LTF permits in accordance with is based upon certain site characteristics, the Alaska water quality standards and which include road grade, side slopes, num- ber of fish crossings, and level of closure requirements from the Environmental Pro- treatment. tection Agency (EPA) for non-point source discharge. LTF monitoring is accomplished In FY2012, monitoring observations were through field assessments and documented collected from three different road systems: to assess the success of the Best Manage- Ketchikan – Shoal Cove, Petersburg – ment Practices (BMPs) stipulated as terms Mitkof Island, and Petersburg – Kuiu Island. of the LTF permits. The assessment ele- The self-maintaining aspects of stored ments of LTF monitoring include site identi- roads are evaluated by the following crite- fication, transfer activity, runoff control, Shoal Cove road 8435000 ria: 1) Effectiveness of water bars on steep bark and debris disposal, and fuel control. grades for erosion control. 2) Effectiveness In FY2012, all active log transfer facilities of water bars and culverts. 3) Efficiency of were operated in accordance with their water bar placement. 4) Erosion control at permits. streams where structures have been re- moved.

32. Transportation System Are the roads and trails maintained in Has public motor vehicle access been elim- associated with road closures and the need accordance with management objec- inated on stored roads? 3) Are stored roads to access firewood is under evaluation. The tives? be used by motor vehicles as evidenced by District Rangers are exploring, through the tracks? assistance with the engineering depart- Road systems are evaluated to determine if ment, the options associated with seasonal significant motor vehicle traffic exists on Open Roads Maintenance Level 2-5 closures on future projects. roads that have been recently closed. Data was collected from these road sys- Once a road system has been selected for tems in response to the following ques- monitoring, at least ten percent of roads tions: 1) Is the surface condition of the that have been closed during the past one road appropriate for the maintenance lev- to three years will be randomly selected el? 2) Is the general roadway condition from the INFRA database. appropriate for the maintenance level? In FY2012, monitoring observations were Analysis of the questions posed for open collected from three different road sys- and closed roads for FY2012 determined tems: Ketchikan – Shoal Cove, Petersburg that stored roads have been effectively –Mitkof Island, and Petersburg – Kuiu Is- closed to unauthorized use through the land. combination of prohibition and elimination. Most of the closed roads and bridges Closed Roads Maintenance Level 1 pulled and are impassable to most OHV Data was collected from these road sys- traffic. Roads are being maintained at the tems in response to the following ques- level stated in their Road Management Slake Timber sale road 3030720 tions: 1) Have the ML1 roads been re- Objectives. The management practices moved from the Motor Vehicle Use Map? 2) 2012 ANNUAL & FIVE YEAR MONITORING AND EVALUATION Page 24

33. Mining and Minerals Exploration Are Federal regulations (36 CFR 228) policy, encourages the orderly exploration the National Forests. These features include to ensure surface resource protection and development of the mineral resources tunnels, adits, shafts, tailings ponds, rock implemented and is the administra- on National Forest System lands. The Sec- dumps, mill sites and other associated min- tion of this regulation through the retary of Agriculture has provided regula- ing features. Six AML features in the Forest Plan effective in limiting soil tions to ensure surface resource protection Ketchikan-Misty Fiords and Thorne Bay during the exploration and development of Ranger Districts were mitigated in FY2012. and water resource impacts? the mineral resources. Fiscal Year 2012 inspections of mineral A wide range of mineral resources and de- Two large locatable mine plans were admin- sites indicate that the effects of mining posit types occur within the boundaries of istered, and six exploration drilling pro- activities on surface resources are con- the Tongass National Forest. Examples in- grams and mineral material operations sistent with Forest Plan expectations. The clude, but are not limited to, gold, silver, were processed on the Tongass National necessity of the operator to obtain approval molybdenum, and uranium, as well as na- Forest for FY2012. All active operations for their Plan of Operations provides the tionally designated “strategic” and “critical” were found to be in compliance with Forest Forest Service the opportunity and authority minerals such as lead, zinc, copper, tung- Plan Standards and Guidelines. to control the effects of the development on sten, and rare earth elements. The Forest the Forest surface resources. Service recognizes that minerals are funda- The Forest Service is engaged in an on- mental to the Nation’s wellbeing and, as going effort to mitigate the dangers posed by Abandoned Mine Land (AML) features on

Green’s Creek Mine

TONGASS NATIONAL FOREST Page 25

34. Subsistence Management

Are the effects of management activi- Sitkoh Seining Sockeye ties on subsistence users in rural Southeast Alaska communities con- sistent with those estimated in the Forest Plan? Monitoring in FY2012 consisted of subsist- ence fisheries monitoring and subsistence wildlife monitoring. Subsistence Fisheries Monitoring Ten fisheries assessment projects were conducted in Southeast Alaska in 2012. Nine projects were assessments of sockeye salmon harvests, escapements, and for stocks that sustain subsistence fisheries. One monitoring project was for understand- ing the distribution of eulachon on the Ya- kutat Forelands. Subsistence Wildlife Monitoring Aerial goat and moose surveys were con- ducted near Yakutat in FY2012. Eulachon surveys were conducted in District 1 with concentrated effort in Carroll Inlet and the Unuk River.

2012 ANNUAL & FIVE YEAR MONITORING AND EVALUATION Page 26

35. Wilderness Is the wilderness character being were just established in 2012, the answer ness areas. Work completed by SCS includ- maintained? to whether or not the wilderness character ed help in developing data collection tools is being maintained for each of the 19 wil- for wilderness monitoring. Examples include In September 2012, the Tongass Forest derness areas may not be known until after a visitor use observation and encounter Supervisor signed the Wilderness Character 2017. documentation booklet that was provided to Monitoring Plan for the Tongass National all district employees for the 2012 season, Forest. This plan provides direction for Progress in FY 2012 on elements of the and revision of a wilderness encounter monitoring and evaluating changes in wil- Chief’s 10 Year Wilderness Stewardship monitoring form. derness character for the 19 wilderness Challenge (WSC) was facilitated by a grant areas on the Tongass National Forest. The of $251,000 from the Washington Office The Wrangell Ranger District worked jointly plan also identifies a pathway for action to and by increased participation of regional with SCS and SEACC to organize the Wran- prevent or halt degradation of wilderness non-profit organizations interested in wilder- gell Boy Scouts to work in the Stikine- resources and qualities. To monitor wilder- ness stewardship. Wilderness character LeConte Wilderness to eradicate an area of ness character, managers will identify monitoring work in 2012 included invasive invasive plants. Another cooperative effort trends in the four qualities of wilderness plant treatment in the Stikine-LeConte Wil- culminated in a multi-day backpack hike in character: untrammeled, natural, undevel- derness, updating of wilderness education the South Etolin Wilderness to Mt. Shakes oped, and solitude or primitive/unconfined plans, monitoring outfitter/guides use , to monitor solitude, sensitive plants, inva- recreation. completion of wilderness information needs sive plants, amphibians, heritage resources, assessments, completion of wilderness impacts from elk (introduced species), and Understanding the maintenance of the wil- information needs assessment inventories campsites used by permitted commercial derness character will require measure- for Sitka RD, and completion of Invasive operators. ments, both annually and every five years, plant inventories. This work improved wil- to identify changes or trends. This work will derness stewardship across the Tongass. also require interdisciplinary participation for the inventory and monitoring specific the Stewardship partners Sitka Conservation specific components that collectively make Society (SCS) and Southeast Alaska Conser- up the wilderness character for the sepa- vation Society (SEACC) provided assistance rate wildernesses. Since the standards with stewardship work within several wilder- TONGASS NATIONAL FOREST Page 27

36. Heritage Resources

Are (1) project clearance/inventory, growing on top of the canoe and a small na Moyer monitored the Windham Bay Pic- (2) project implementation, (3) mitiga- diameter tree has fallen across it. A portion tograph (Site SUM-047) on the Juneau tion, and (4) enhancement completed of the side of the canoe has broken from the Ranger District on July 24, 2012. This is a in accordance with the requirements main body and lies next to the canoe. After very complex petroglyph site with several and regulations for heritage re- removing the tree and a large branch from years of photos, sketches, and maps com- the canoe, archeologists noted soft rot un- piled over the years. In 2012 the team had sources? derneath the vegetation, but recognized that all of the compiled maps and photographs Heritage specialists evaluated 129 projects some firm wood remained beneath the rot with them and they attempted to relocate in FY2012 for the potential to affect herit- zone. According to conservator Alice the previously described glyphs. They relo- age resources eligible to the National Regis- Hoveman, who made recommendations cated four of the glyphs noted on a 1989 ter of Historic Places (National Register). It regarding the preservation of the canoe in map, but could not find two glyphs record- was determined that none of those projects 1983, shearing vegetation and new growth ed on that map. The glyphs, observed in would have an adverse effect to sites eligi- away from the canoe so that moisture is not 2012, appear to be weathering normally. ble to or listed in the National Register. De- readily retained will help reduce rot by The shapes of the glyphs are much less spite declining budgets, Tongass archeolo- providing ventilation. Archeologists removed pronounced and evident now than in the gists continued a fairly active program to the moss and vegetation from the canoe, previous photographs and lichen are grow- monitor the conditions of the Forest’s cultur- carefully pulling away roots that had begun ing on some of the glyphs obscuring shapes al resources, monitoring the condition of to penetrate the wood. Although the canoe and patterns. Also, some of the rocks rec- 214 sites in FY2012. Some notable projects will eventually deteriorate, periodic monitor- orded as having glyphs were not found. The in FY2012 include: ing may tell us if removing the vegetation difficulty in finding these sites is possibly from the canoe has helped slow soft rot and due to actively changing streams or high Etolin Canoe deterioration. energy beaches, which are natural causes Forest Service archeologists Jane Smith and that can contribute to loss of cultural re- Windham Bay Rock Art Monitoring Gina Esposito monitored the Etolin Canoe sources. site (Site PET-089) and noted natural decay Juneau Zone archeologists Rachel Myron and impact from a tree fall. Vegetation is and Myra Gilliam along with volunteer Robi-

37. Recreation Are areas of the Forest being man- cial recreation use in accordance with For- where floatplanes land within the Misty aged in accordance with the pre- est Plan direction. The two documents Fiords National Monument Wilderness), scribed Recreation Opportunity Spec- were the Prince of Wales Island Outfitter required a reduction of authorized use to be trum (ROS) class in Forest-wide and Guide Management Plan, and the consistent with standards and guidelines Standards and Guidelines? Is the ROS Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide for group encounters that could be ex- Management Plan. pected in this wilderness setting. The re- classification consistent with public duction for approved landings of airplanes demand? Most areas for the three districts where an for commercial recreation use within this environment analysis was completed found area will be implemented in the 2013 oper- Misty Fiords National Monument Wilder- that ongoing commercial recreation activi- ating season. ness: ties were consistent with the Forest Plan In 2012, two environmental documents standards and guidelines. However, an were completed that will manage commer- area identified as Misty Core Lakes (an area 2012 ANNUAL & FIVE YEAR MONITORING AND EVALUATION REPORT Page 28

38. Wild and Scenic Rivers Are areas of the Forest being man- Scenic Rivers. The districts evaluate activi- in all action alternatives which were evalu- aged in accordance with the pre- ties that could affect the rivers and conduct ated in the Draft Environmental Impact scribed Recreation Opportunity Spec- monitoring and assessments to ensure the Statement for the Big Thorne Timber Sale. trum (ROS) class in Forest-wide free flowing conditions and outstandingly A final environmental impact statement is remarkable values are maintained. In 2012, scheduled to be completed in 2013. Standards and Guidelines? Is the ROS the Thorne Bay district ranger identified classification consistent with public timber harvest units within the Thorne River Petersburg Ranger District demand? recommended Recreation Wild and Scenic Work was completed for the reconstruction River corridor. Harvest units were proposed There are no Standards and Guidelines of a cabin on Kadake Creek, on Kuiu Island. written specifically for rivers recommended The reconstructed and / or designated Wild and Scenic (WSR). cabin will have no At this time, rivers on the Tongass that have effect on the recom- been recommended for inclusion in the mended eligibility of WSR program are managed to maintain the river and will likely their future eligibility in the program. Cur- enhance the recrea- rently, no effort has been undertaken to tion experience for visitors. have these rivers formally designated by Congress. Management prescriptions are Naha River used instead to maintain and enhance the free flowing conditions and outstandingly remarkable values for which the river was found suitable for designation as part of the National Wild and Scenic River System. Each District on the Tongass NF provides oversight of the recommended Wild and

39. Scenery Are the adopted scenic integrity ob- Plan, the Greens Creek Mine EIS support, two analysis, Big Thorne timber sale NEPA jectives established in the Plan met? and the Sweetheart Lake Hydro project anal- support for scenery, and Seaside Park yses occurred. Ketchikan- Misty Fiords also (Coffman Cove) Site Analysis and Concept Tongass National Forest landscape archi- had five analyses—Saddle Lakes Timber Sale Plan were completed. Lastly, there were tects analyzed numerous project sites and EIS support, Upper Silvis Trail Construction, three analysis completed in Wrangell— scenic viewsheds associated with these Ward Lake Accessible Trail survey and de- Wrangell Island Timber Sale NEPA support, project sites in FY2012. A formal scenery sign, Carlanna Lake Trail survey and design, Berg Bay Cabin survey and design, and Gar- resource report was written for some of the and Lunch Creek Trail survey and design. nett Ledge Cabin survey and design. projects, while the analyses for other pro- There were six analysis completed in Peters- jects is reflected in site planning drawings burg—Cascade Creek Trail design support, and decisions made in the design process. Raven Trail Phase 2 survey and design, Pe- In both cases, design and project recom- tersburg Lake Trail design support, Seal mendations are made to be consistent with Point Recreation Site the scenic integrity objectives in the Forest concept plan, South Plan. Mitkof Boat Launch Visual analyses were conducted on all design support, Cas- Ranger Districts in 2012 with the exception cade Creek Hydro re- of Yakutat and Admiralty. Five analyses took source report review. In place on Craig Ranger District—Sal Creek Sitka analyses of the young-growth cabin site concept plan, Cascade Creek bridge young-growth three sided cabin design and (survey and design, site plan, Sunnahae Trail location and de- Cross trail), the Takatz sign phase 2, Seaside Park at Coffman Hydro ID Team support, Cove day use site design, and Honker Por- the White Sulphur tage Trail survey and design. The Bohemia Springs Bathhouse Basin Trail scenery resource evaluation was (survey and design), conducted at the Hoonah Ranger District. In the Sitka Office design Juneau, the Forest Sciences Laboratory site support, and the Re- plan support, the Petersen Lake Trail design doubt Cabin (survey support, the West Glacier Trailhead Concept and design) were com- pleted. In Thorne Bay TONGASS NATIONAL FOREST Page 29 Economic and Social Environment 40. Economics Are the effects on employment and change to the commercial fishing or fish processing industries over the next decade income similar to those estimated in the Forest Plan? resulting from Tongass National Forest ac- tivities. State employment figures show a Wood Products fairly stable workforce in this field in the last The Forest Plan employment and earnings six years. figures include activities associated with Mining and Minerals private, state, BIA, Forest Service and Na- The Forest Plan indicates that changes to tive Corporation timber harvesting. The plan mining employment are based on whether assumes that the entire Non- the potentially effected locatable deposits Interchangeable Component (NIC) 1 would are economically viable and not Tongass NF be harvested. This has not happened and management decisions. Trends noted in employment in the woods products sector the five year review indicate the mining currently is much lower than predictions in industry has experienced steady growth in the 2008 Forest Plan. the past five years. It is unlikely that this Recreation and Tourism growth is related to 2008 Forest Plan direc- Though there was a major economy-related tion, but is likely tied to global market de- decline in 2010, employment data from the mand and prices. State indicates little decrease in the Recre- Regional Picture (SE Alaska) ation and Tourism employment sectors Overall, employment in the timber sector in during the last five years. In the 2008 For- is much lower than that predicted in the est Plan, there is little difference in recrea- 2008 Forest Plan. Employment is stable in tion employment between the various forest the recreation and tourism sector as deter- management alternatives. mined by the proxy industry – the service Commercial Fishing and retail sector. The commercial fishing The Forest Plan does not estimate employ- sector of employment is fairly stable. Mining ment in salmon harvesting and processing. employment has shown an increase since There is no expectation of significant 2005.

41. Costs and Outputs FY 2012 TOTAL FOREST ALLOCATIONS What is the trend in outputs and costs associated with those outputs? DESCRIPTION ALLOCATED EXPENDED The Tongass Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan) includes monitoring requirements to track Appropriated costs and outputs associated with the allocation used to Subtotal $43,444,300 $43,520,486 accomplish Forest Plan Objectives. Funds

Allocations and expenditures by budget line item (BLI) Permanent & and outputs for performance measures in the various Subtotal $6,105,983 $5,438,316 resource program areas are provided for FY 2012 in the Trust Funds reference report (link below). Costs associated with out- puts will be monitored for a 5-year period and then ana- TOTAL $49,550,283 $48,958,802 lyzed to identify trends. This information will show the cost of doing business on the Tongass National Forest. PLANNING, INVENTORY, & MONITORING Accomplishments

Annual Monitoring Requirements Completed 33 reports The tables show the FY 2012 total allocations and ex- penditures (combined appropriated funds and perma- Acres of Inventoried Data Collected and Acquired 3,101,093 acres nent and trust funds) for the Tongass National Forest, and outputs for performance measures in the “PLANNING, INVENTORY, & MONITORING” resource Land Management Plans (LMP) Amendment Underway 1 plan program area.

Land Management Plans (LMP) Assessments Completed 1 plan TONGASS NATIONAL FOREST Page 30

USDA FOREST SERVICE

USDA Forest Service Ketchikan Supervisor’s Office Federal Building Monitoring & Evaluation Dept. 648 Mission St Ketchikan, AK 99901

Carol Seitz Warmuth, Monitoring & Evaluation Coordinator 907-228-6341 [email protected]

http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/tongass/

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.