SourDough Notes

U.S. Forest Service Alaska Region Newsletter Volume 4 Issue 2 Fall 2007

SourDough Notes f Fall 2007 SourDough Notes on the web: http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/ ON THE COVER: INSIDE : Internships for Alaska Natives...... 14 Connecting Kids to the Woods...... 2 Oliver Shephard, son of S&PF A Week by the Lake...... 16 Wild at Heart...... 3 Ecologist Michael Shephard, joins Tricia Wurtz, SPF Ecologist...... 17 in the fun at the “Wild at Heart” Trail River “Walk Through Time”...... 4 Restoring and Preserving History.....18 centennial celebration event for Childs Glacier Ribbon Cutting ...... 5 Pulling Together on POW...... 19 the Chugach National Forest. Celebrating with Purpose...... 5 Kids Hike & Fish Day...... 20 Photo by Julie Speegle. Kuwóot yas.éin ...... 6 Notes from the Underground...... 21 Reflections...... 7 Tongass Centennial...... 22 Whistlestop!...... 7 Adventures in Yreka...... 23 Searching for Solitude...... 8 The Ultimate Power Tool...... 24 SourDough Notes Invasive Plant Control...... 9 An Ace in the Hole...... 25 Dusky Canada Geese...... 10 Forest Tales...... 25 Intern Walks 100 Miles...... 11 Hoeschens Receive Award...... 26 Quarterly newsletter for the Archaeology Teams Looking Up...... 12 Is This an Island?...... 27 U.S. Forest Service Ecotourism In Russian Far East...... 13 Alaska’s Poet Laureate ...... 28 Alaska Region P. O. Box 21628 Juneau, AK 99802-1628 http://www.fs.fed.us/r10 Connecting Kids to the Woods olunteer Salena Wolf, age Fall 2007 13, helped to re-vegetate VResurrection Creek by planting trees. Her pride in the suc- Produced by: cess of each tree is evident in her Regional Public Affairs Office one word description, “Awesome!” Teresa Haugh, Editor The tree is the photo is six years old. It was donated along with 350 Submissions: other birch trees for this restora- SourDough Notes is written tion project. The collective effort by for people interested in the Alaska Region. many volunteers on such projects as Your suggestions, articles, and this helps reconnect our youth to the photographs are welcome. outdoors. Please contact:

Teresa Haugh Public Affairs Office USDA Forest Service P. O. Box 21628 Juneau, AK 99802 (907) 586-9337 [email protected] We’re On the Web Articles should be no more than ook for the companion version of SourDough Notes on the web. The 800 words and may be edited. stories will change throughout the quarter. You will find additional full Submitted articles may not all be color photos and links for more information on some subjects. printed. Submitted digital L In the near future, SourDough Notes for the Web will become more inter- photos should be sent as high active, inviting your comments and participation. Stay tuned! resolution TIF or JPG. Please Visit us at http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/. You will be able to print your favor- contact the Public Affairs ite articles, or send a link to your family and friends. Office if you have questions.

2 SourDough Notes on the web: http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/ SourDough Notes  Fall 2007 Celebrating 100 Years of the Chugach National Forest! Editor’s Note: On July 23, 1907, President Theodore Roosevelt issued a proclamation establishing the Chugach National Forest for the conservation of fish and wildlife resources. The 5.4 million acre forest stretches from the Copper River on the east, to the border of the Kenai Penisula on the west, and inland to the Chugach Mountains. This summer, Chugach employees, residents, and visitors took part in several events to commemorate a century of service. Following are some of their stories and photos so SourDough Notes readers can join in the celebration. Wild at Heart By Julie Speegle, Public Affairs Specialist, Regional Office ne of Forest Service Chief methods, how to build a Gail Kimbell’s new focus survival shelter, fire safe- Oareas is connecting kids ty, moose awareness and with nature. The Chugach Nation- camping basics. They also al Forest delivered on that goal and played outdoor games, and more at the Chugach Centennial met a Merlin Falcon—all “Wild at Heart” Celebration, held under the watchful eye of July 19 near Anchorage. a giant Smokey Bear bal- The gala, a Chugach National loon. Forest birthday party for Anchorage- Some of the youth had area residents, was divided into two so much fun during the events—sponsored by the Chugach day, they brought their Dylan Evan, 8, uses binoculars to look for wildlife National Forest and Anchorage Mu- parents back to Hilltop at the Wild at Heart event. Photo by Julie Speegle. nicipal Parks and Recreation. for the evening event. From 11 a.m.-4 p.m., more than Smokey Bear led the opening 300 children participated in outdoor ceremony with a s’more-shaped Family activities included a kay- activities designed and managed by birthday cake, followed by remarks ak pool, a climbing wall, and face Forest Service employees to be not by Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich painting. Some folks cooled their only fun, but educational as well. and Chugach Forest Supervisor Joe heels listening to live music in the The 7 to 13-year-olds—many of Meade. stage area, which included perfor- whom had never experienced nature “The Chugach National Forest is mances by local artists Abe & Jake, firsthand—learned Leave No Trace part of our wild backyard,” said Be- the Anchorage Concert Chorus, the gich. “It is part of what makes bluegrass band Well Strung, and the Anchorage and south central nationally renowned Fiddlin’ For- Alaska such a great place to esters. live and why people from all A highlight of the evening for over the world come to visit.” many attendees—some of whom “Our centennial celebra- had never had a s’more—was the tion is not just about the for- opportunity to roast marshmallows est,” said Meade. It’s about over a campfire, smoosh it between the people who make the chocolate and graham crackers, and Chugach special: the com- then eat the tasty treat. It was just munities that surround and one more way the Chugach connect- reside within the boundar- ed not only kids, but adults, with ies, the people who work and nature—making everyone “Wild at play here, and those who love Heart” one s’more at a time. to visit. We hope you will be- Chris Mack, of the Bird Treatment and Learning come advocates and stewards Center in Anchorage, tells participants about for the forest for the next 100 Rhiannon, a 9-year old female Merlin Falcon years.” with a broken wing. Photo by Julie Speegle.

SourDough Notes f Fall 2007 SourDough Notes on the web: http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/ 3 Trail River “Walk Through Time” A Chugach Centennial Event By Bobbie Jo Skibo, Russian River Interagency Coordinator, Chugach National Forest

around the camp- fire. Our enter- taining “Walk through Time,” narrated by “Helen the Trap- per” was creat- ed to give people a better under- standing and ap- preciation of the 5.4 million acres that make up the The Fiddlin’ Foresters celebrate the Chugach Centennial. Chugach Nation- Photo by Eileen Eavis. al Forest. The he Seward Ranger District performance included oral history, enjoyed an incredible sum- drumming, and dancing from Sa- mer packed full of commu- sha Lindgren and the Kenaitze In- T dian Tribe; mining and trapping sto- nity events which were organized or participated in by district staff ries from the Cooper Landing His- to commemorate 100 years of the torical Society’s Mona Painter; and Chugach National Forest. the Port City Player’s Alaska Nellie Over the course of the summer, monologue, “Into Alaska a Woman notable highlights included a birch Came, The Alaska Nellie Story.” In bark basket class which was so suc- addition, we all enjoyed live mu- cessful that we had to hold a second sic by the Forest Service’s Fiddlin’ one; the creation of a native plant Foresters, educational displays, and Centennial garden and interpretative an appearance from Smokey Bear. display which now welcomes visi- We took the “Walk through tors to our Seward office, and numer- Time” and ended the performance ous successful events showcasing the with a celebratory ribbon cutting natural and cultural wonders of the of the new Trail River Campground Chugach to both local Alaskans and area. The Trail River Campground visitors from across the nation. has recently been enlarged and ren- Top: “Alaska Nellie” tells her story. As our biggest celebration, the ovated to become the largest Forest Bottom: Kenaitze dancers share their cul- district held the Trail River “Walk Service developed recreation site in ture at Trail River. Photos by Eileen Eavis. through Time” event on Friday, Alaska. This was one of the facil- July 20, 2007, at the newly renovat- ities that was built during the ear- While looking to the future, the dis- ed Trail River Campground at mile- ly recreation boom and needed up- trict sees a horizon which holds anoth- post 24.2, Seward Highway. With grades such as accessible restrooms, er 100 years of world class recreation close to 300 people attending, the campsites, and tables. Over the past and tourism opportunities; wild water- event was a huge success! few months, the renovation project sheds and wildlife; and a high qual- The event started out with a com- was completed and the facility now ity of life for its residents. We were munity barbecue with tasty salmon contains 87 campsites, a lake front thrilled to have the opportunity to cel- hot off the grill, fresh salads, and day use area, and an amazing group ebrate and to showcase what we are so yummy desserts, including s’mores site where the event was held. lucky to enjoy everyday.

4 SourDough Notes on the web: http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/ SourDough Notes  Fall 2007 Dedication: Childs Glacier Recreation Site A Chugach Centennial Event By Kim Kiml, Interpretation & Education, Cordova Ranger District, Chugach National Forest

he Cordova Ranger District held two celebra- tions July 28—the Chugach National Forest TCentennial, and the completion of renovations at the Childs Glacier Recreation Site. The basic message for the day was, “How would your life be different if you lived 100 years ago?” Activities mimicked those from 100 years ago: a “day in the life” of a miner; children’s games and activities from a century ago; and Dutch oven cook- ing that included a basic stew, sourdough bread, and peach cobbler. Patience Falkner from Ilanka Cultural Center gave demonstrations of skin sewing and beadwork. Forest Service employee Rita Cantú, singer and songwriter, performed and led a sing-along. District employees and their family members joined her as musicians and backup singers. The existing Childs Glacier Recreation Area has been redesigned to include a new 11-unit campground; drive-up glacier viewing; a covered pavilion with ta- bles and a grill; water wells; viewing areas along the river with fire rings and benches; covered picnic sites; a new access road and parking area; interpretive sites; toilets; and connecting trails. We enjoyed a very successful event, with 350 peo- ple to help us celebrate. Employee participation was exceptional, and the glacier itself put on quite a show. It was a lifetime memorable event, worthy of any cen- tennial celebration. Top: Patience Falkner demonstrates skin sewing tech- niques. Photo by Kim Kiml. Bottom: Visitors enjoy new interpretive signs. Photo by Naomi Morris.

Celebrating With Purpose ot every Chugach centennial celebration was about singing, eating, dancing, or watching hands- Non demonstrations. Employees around the forest joined in weed pull days to help protect the future of the Chugach by eradicating invasive plant species. Weed pulls were held at Exit Glacier, Trail River, Gird- wood and Moose Flats. Dedicated volunteers collected bags and bags of these noxious weeds.

Volunteers at Moose Flats display the results of their hard work.

SourDough Notes f Fall 2007 SourDough Notes on the web: http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/ 5 Kuwóot yas.éin His Spirit is Looking Out From the Cave By Phil Sammon, Public Affairs Officer, Tongass National Forest ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ n 2007, the Thorne Bay Ranger District conveyed custody of ancient human remains to the Tlingit Itribes in Klawock and Craig. Plans are underway to celebrate the return. This was a milestone for the Na- tive American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) of 1990, and the first time in history a feder- al agency transferred remains of such antiquity to a Na- tive American tribe. In the early 1990s, workers conducting a timber sale evaluation discovered an “innocuous little tube” in the limestone bedrock of northern Prince of Wales Island. Soon after, paleontological investigation began in what is now called On Your Knees Cave. In 1996, this ordi- nary research project led to a major archaeological find: human remains and stone tools determined to be 10,300- Tongass Archaeologist Terry Fifield atOn Your Knees Cave. years-old. On Your Knees Cave became one of the more important archaeological sites in North America. The an- years old. But because the tribes who claimed ancestry cient bones are the oldest human remains ever found in had been displaced in historic times from their tradition- Alaska or Canada. al territories, and because no direct scientific evidence Terry Fifield, Archaeologist for the Thorne Bay and could prove the Native American origin of the Kenne- Craig Ranger Districts, has worked on the project from wick Man, the courts ruled that the remains would not be the beginning. He said, “The archaeological research has conveyed to the claimant tribes. provided important insights into the cultural chronology In contrast, the project on Prince of Wales Island is and lifeways of the earliest known human inhabitants of considered a model for developing productive working Southeast Alaska.” relationships between tribes, researchers, and federal For example, many of the stone tools that were found agencies. Dr. Sherry Hutt, National Director of NAG- were made from non-local materials. This could support an PRA, recognized the accomplishments of Fifield and emerging scientific theory that early inhabitants had water- Worl. craft and traveled throughout the coastal region. Until re- Congratulations on the completion of the trans- cently, many scientists believed the coastal area was locked fer of custody and closure. Your actions are a model in ice and uninhabitable during that time. Dr. Rosita Worl, for NAGPRA performance, but the highlight is the President of Sealaska Heritage Institute, said Tlingit oral lasting relationships that are certain to come from traditions record coastal migrations into Southeast Alaska. the respectful way in which this matter was handled. When human bones and artifacts were found in what I particularly appreciated Terry’s analysis in the was initially a paleontological investigation, consultations memo. The simple statement belies the fact that to were immediately started with Alaska Native tribal orga- simply follow the law took a great deal of courage. nizations. Valuable partnerships developed between the The National NAGPRA program serves to pro- Forest Service, tribal representatives, archaeologists, and mote the process. We appreciate your efforts. researchers. Internships that allowed Native students to A 28-minute film,Kuwóot yas.éin (His Spirit is Look- participate were funded via grants from the Denver Mu- ing Out From the Cave), was produced in cooperation seum of Science and Nature, the University of Colorado, with Sealaska Heritage Institute, the Tongass National and Sealaska Corporation. Forest, the University of Colorado Boulder, and the Na- Comparisons of the find on Prince of Wales were quick- tional Park Service. The 2006 film highlights project ly made to the 1996 discovery of Kennewick Man along research and partnerships. It is distributed by Sealaska the shores of the Columbia River in Washington. That Heritage Institute, and is found at http://www.sealaska- near-complete skeleton was determined to be about 8,700 heritage.org/shop/index.html.

6 SourDough Notes on the web: http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/ SourDough Notes  Fall 2007 Reflections A Project Comes Full Circle By Terry Fifield, Archaeologist, Tongass National Forest ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ hen 17-year-old Sabri- Demmert went on to study English and Education, not archaeology. She na Demmert—a Tlingit received a BA from Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colo., an MAT from the Wwoman and new gradu- University of Alaska Southeast; and is working on an MA from the Bread ate of Klawock High School—won Loaf School of English. Armed with a top-notch education, she returned to a student internship with the archae- the Klawock City School District in 2003 to give back to her community. ological project at On Your Knees This past year, my son Billy was fortunate to participate in Ms. Dem- Cave in 1997, she saw it as a sum- mert’s Academic Decathlon class. Since Billy grew up hearing about the mer job, not a career. She thought ongoing work at On Your Knees Cave, he chose that topic for a speech, a re- after a few weeks of work, she was quired element of the competition. Demmert has been a more than adequate leaving the project behind. No more coach. After all, she has personal experience! sloggin through the mud with ar- The project has come full circle, for Sabrina Demmert, and for me. chaeologists, students, and volun- teers. She didn’t imagine she would hear of the cave again. Participants, agencies, organizations and researchers for the On Your Knees Cave archaeology project include: ^ Harza Inc. (made the initial discovery of the site in 1993) ^ Tongass Cave Project ^ Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska ^ Klawock Cooperative Association ^ Craig Community Association ^ University of South Dakota Vermillion ^ Denver Museum of Nature and Science and Institute for Arctic and Alpine Research, University of Colorado Boulder ^ National Science Foundation, Office of Polar Programs ^ National Geographic Society ^ Sealaska Corporation and the Sealaska Heritage Institute ^ Port Protection Community Association ^ National Science Foundation, Office of Polar Programs ^ National Park Service Ethnology Division

Sabrina Demmert as a student intern at On Your Knees Cave.

Whistlestop! ust in time for the centennial, the Chugach Na- tional Forest held a ribbon cutting ceremony at JSpencer Glacier, the first whistlestop along the train route that will open up the backcountry to visi- tors in new ways. The project has been the result of a long-term partnership with the Alaska Railroad.

Adam McClory (Whistle Stop Manager, Glacier Ranger District), Forrest Hannan (Interpreter, Begich, Boggs Visitor Center), Joe Meade (Forest Supervisor), Eric Forland (railroad conductor), and John Binkley (Chairman, ARRC Board of Directors).

SourDough Notes f Fall 2007 SourDough Notes on the web: http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/ 7 Searching for Wilderness Solitude By Mary Emerick, Wilderness Manager, Sitka Ranger District, Tongass National Forest

ur group of wilderness er-48 wilderness areas has encoun- mining current opportunities for campers perched on the tered multiple groups and endured a wilderness solitude. rocks, enjoying the sounds night of camping near other parties. Our talks with visitors—long- O The wildernesses in the Alaska Re- of the nearby waterfall and the tide time guides, locals and repeat visi- stealing in across the flats. Loons gion have stood out as touchstones tors—struck a chord with many. Ev- called and a rustling in the woods for natural quiet and solitude. But erywhere we went, people agreed across the channel meant that a are we in danger of losing this essen- that there were more: more jet skis, bear or deer might step out onto the tial and unique quality? Is the natural more helicopters, more people on beach at any moment. It was easy to quiet disappearing from the Alaska shore, and more boats at anchor. feel that we were far removed from Region wilderness areas? Can any- “You used to be the only one in this civilization, and possibilities for dis- thing be done to preserve it where it bay,” was the common refrain. Oth- covery were endless. does exist? ers told us they avoid areas they Suddenly a gleaming white be- An intrepid band of wilderness used to visit and go to new ones managers and rang- where they won’t meet others. We ers wanted to find found litter and user-created trails in out. After numerous previously pristine spots, indicating logistical challenges, people are fanning out from the typ- the Regional Wilder- ically used areas. Even though this ness Solitude Mon- is only anecdotal evidence, it is ob- itoring Project was vious things are changing. launched, spearhead- Unlike Glacier Bay and some ed by John Neary, other marine parks, the Forest Ser- Kevin Hood, and vice does not control the tidelands, me. This summer, and it is the water use immediate- we were fortunate ly adjacent to wilderness that con- enough to get fund- cerns many wilderness managers ing from the region- and visitors alike. Try camping near Wilderness Ranger Kevin Hood monitors cruise ships in al office for this ef- the beach at the back of a skinny Tracy Arm. Photo courtesy of Juneau Ranger District. fort. We invited Dr. fjord, with five boats running - gen hemoth hove into view, spewing David Cole, a For- erators and pointing binoculars at amplified natural history informa- est Service research ecologist with your camp, and you will get the tion from loudspeakers. Brightly the Aldo Leopold Wilderness Re- idea. While the use on the water is clad visitors pointed their cameras search Institute, to come visit us. not within the wilderness boundary, and waved vigorously at the camp- Cole is well known in the wilder- the experience of visitors on shore is ers. A large wake barreled across the ness research field, with numerous directly affected by that use. channel. Kayaks and zodiacs were publications and awards to his cred- The task is made even more dif- launched, with chattering occupants it. He also proved he can stand up to ficult because solitude is an ambig- aiming for shore. In an instant, soli- the sometimes schizophrenic weath- uous term. Walk around your office tude vanished. er conditions in Southeast, camp- and ask and you will get many dif- The Wilderness Act defines a wil- ing gamely through a tent-soaker on ferent answers. To some, seeing just derness area, among other things, as a slab of rock called Seal Camp in one other person is unacceptable. possessing outstanding opportuni- Endicott Arm, but then basking in Others will accept the presence of ties for solitude. Generally as visi- the sun at Harbor Island. Our group many cruise ships if it means that tors, we expect to see and hear very struck up conversations with sight- they can camp or hike where they few people when we make the effort seers and hikers, paddled, hiked, want. to enter wilderness, yet anyone who boated and flew, and ultimately de- It is a delicate balance. Exposing has tramped a popular trail in Low- veloped a draft protocol for deter- visitors to wilderness, even from the deck of a cruise ship, can birth advo-

8 SourDough Notes on the web: http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/ SourDough Notes  Fall 2007 cates for its preservation. Maybe there are compromises to be made and discussions that can take place with the agencies responsible for the waterways. On shore, we can do a better job of defining how many guided parties are really necessary and how many campsites and trails we want. Accomplishing any of these things requires a certain creativity and courage, but may be what is need- ed to ultimately protect our wildernesses. The draft protocol was tested in a few areas this sum- mer. Refinements will continue to be made and more testing will be done next field season. For more information on this project, contact John Neary at Admiralty National Monument (907-789-6224, [email protected]) or Mary Emerick at the Sitka Ranger District (907-747-4253, [email protected]). Kayakers look for solitude at Tracy Arm-Ford’s Terror Wilderness. Photo by Kevin Hood.

Partners in Invasive Plant Control By Betty Charnon, Ecologist, Glacier Ranger District, Chugach National Forest nce again the summer season has come and gone and some invasive plants went with it. This sum- Omer the Glacier Ranger District ecology group expanded the invasive plant program by partnering with the local Girdwood Parks and Recreation department to secure a grant through the National Fish and Wild- life Foundation. Specifically Girdwood Parks and Rec- reation received $10,000 through the Pulling Together Initiative. This money was used to hire an Americorps (SAGA) crew to pull invasive plants in the Girdwood Valley for two weeks. During the two weeks, the SAGA crew pulled well over 100 bags of weeds from along five miles of road and pathway in Girdwood, Alaska. Species targeted included orange hawkweed, white sweetclover, bird vetch, and some reed canary grass. Volunteers take a break after pulling weeds in Girdwood. Since the grant required a one-to-one non-feder- Photo by Betty Charnon. al match, the Girdwood Parks and Recreation and the Girdwood staff worked together to identify ways in which local businesses, private landowners, service way clean-up events. Local residents participated in the groups and other community members could contribute. “adopt-an-infestation” program and pulled dozens of The total “in-kind” contribution from these individuals bags of invasive plants throughout the Girdwood Val- and groups was tremendous. We haven’t tallied the final ley. Approximately 70 people participated in the five or- figures, but here are some initial estimates. The Alyeska ganized weed pulls this summer. Resort committed to 160 person-hours to control inva- This has been a great opportunity at developing and sive plants on their property and surrounding area. Sev- fostering partnerships with other organizations, busi- eral businesses in town displayed invasive plant infor- nesses, and individuals. In addition to the many bags of mation and started control work on their property. One invasive plants that were pulled, one of the greatest ben- business agreed to spray herbicide on a portion of their efits has been the increase in education, awareness, and orange hawkweed patch as part of small study on con- participation among local residents. We hope to con- trol methods. The Lions Club participated in communi- tinue being an active partner in invasive plant control ty weed pulls and also pulled weeds during their high- throughout our local community.

SourDough Notes f Fall 2007 SourDough Notes on the web: http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/ 9 Dusky Canada Geese/Copper River Delta By Paul Meyers, Wildlife Biologist, Cordova Ranger District, Chugach National Forest

established in many areas. That new tion. Second, we must enact habi- vegetation attracted predators. Nest tat enhancement that is compatible success dropped from around 80% with the ANILCA 501(b) manage- to 20% in 10 years (Fig. 1), and the ment direction (which directs the population followed suit. Forest Service to manage for the So why do we manage this pop- conservation of fish and wildlife re- ulation? The decline seems natural. sources on the Copper River Delta). Shouldn’t we just let it go? The an- And third, we must learn how the swer is no. The crux of any wildlife changing habitat will affect the fu- management activity is its overlap ture population. with social values. The social issues Currently, the Chugach is con- facing duskies are manyfold. ducting population surveys in col- These birds summer in Alas- laboration with the U.S. Fish and ka, but winter in Oregon, intermix- Wildlife Service, and working with ing with similar-looking birds in the the Alaska Department of Fish and Willamette Valley. Ironically, while Game, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife the dusky population is dropping, Service, and Oregon Department of many other subspecies are increas- Wildlife Conservation to collar birds ing to nuisance levels. There are so on the breeding grounds and resight Web tags are placed on a dusky Canada them on the wintering grounds. gosling by USGS-BRD conducting a re- many geese in Oregon they destroy Habitat enhancement consists cruitment study. farmer’s crops and soil lawns and any other grassy areas they can find. of placing artificial nest islands on he dusky Canada goose is a The ability of the state agencies to wetland ponds of the Copper Riv- prime example of why we control this mass of birds is severely er Delta. The Chugach and Ducks manage wildlife. limited by the fact that duskies are Unlimited have put out over 800 of T these islands starting in 1988. Birds Here we have a subspecies of in the mix. Canada goose that nests almost en- State and federal agencies have that nest on these islands are twice tirely on the Chugach and whose gone to great extents to avoid dusky as likely to escape nest predation as population was drastically affect- harvest and harvesting them in any nearby birds nesting on natural sites. ed by the 1964 Good Friday Earth- control programs would run coun- The Chugach monitors and main- quake. The entire breeding range of ter to their objective of increasing tains 330 of these islands each year. this species was uplifted 6-9 feet, the dusky population. Alaska moved The biggest unknown for these which caused vast expanses of land its goose season back a month to al- birds is the still-changing habitat. to rise out of the sea, altering hy- low duskies to begin migration be- The Chugach has decided to let suc- drology, changing subtidal land to fore the hunt began. In western Ore- cession run its course without at- intertidal land, and changing inter- gon, every hunter must pass a dusky tempting to alter its trajectory for tidal land to supratidal land. identification class before they are duskies. What this means for the But that, directly, did not cause issued a license. Every harvested population is uncertain. More shrubs the dusky population to decline. The goose must go through a check sta- mean more cover, but duskies tend decline occurred because of the veg- tion, and if a dusky is bagged, the re- to nest in open areas. How they will etation change caused by the altered sponsible hunter loses his or her li- adapt to the increasing cover is yet hydrology and the creation of new cense for the season. If 150 duskies to be seen. Also, the increase in tree land. The cool, wet climate of the are harvested overall, the entire cover has increased the number of Delta promoted rapid plant growth, Canada goose season is closed. Al- bald eagles (the dusky’s number and succession took off at an ac- though it is legal to shoot duskies, one predator) nesting on the delta. celerated rate. Land that was sedge the harvest objective is zero. The predators, it seems, are there to meadow for hundreds of years quick- So what is the answer? First we stay. Finally, pond terrestrialization ly grew into shrubs, and spruce trees must closely monitor the popula- is occurring at a rapid rate, which

10 SourDough Notes on the web: http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/ SourDough Notes  Fall 2007 may reduce brood rearing areas. No current vegeta- tion map exists for the Delta, so it is difficult to iden- tify habitat associations and predict the effects of hab- itat change. While the dusky population on the Delta has de- clined slightly in the past few years, it is still above the threshold for intensive management action. With proper management, we will be seeing duskies well into the future. Figure 1

HACU Intern Walks 100 Miles of Trail By Karen Lee, Geospatial Services Specialist, Engineering and Aviation Management, Regional Office he Regional Office EAM Geospatial Group, for the second year, has been on the receiv- Ting end of a sponsored internship with HACU. HACU stands for Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities. Last year Chery Negron researched and reported on the NOAA Shorezone Mapping Proj- ect. This year we selected Matthew Walker from Tex- as A&M, a senior with a dual major in biology and ge- ology. His mission, rain or shine, was to map the trails in the Juneau area by foot or bike. Matthew Walker arrived in Juneau on June 19 sporting a cowboy hat and boots. After several days of safety orientations he began mapping the Juneau trail system using a mapping grade GPS (global posi- tional system) unit. He was assigned a laptop, a Trim- ble Pro XH GPS unit, hard hat, bear spray, radio, and Matthew Walker on Perseverance Trail. Photo by Karen Lee. backpack for his mapping adventure. Sorry, rain gear and XtraTuff boots not provided. Walker and I went into the field for several days district and worked independently with the City and Bor- testing the performance of the GPS unit, establishing ough of Juneau to capture trails off the national forest. We protocols, and collecting data. How else are you go- said goodbye to him on August 24, and surely will miss the ing to know what to do when something doesn’t work extra set of helping hands, or do we mean feet? in the field? After 3 days, Walker was ready to go solo When asked about his internship, Walker said, “This and work with resource staff to collect trails informa- summer I worked with the Forest Service for 2½ months in tion for use in GIS (geographic information systems). Juneau, Alaska mapping the trails in the area with GPS for He took it upon himself to learn the new features a Juneau trails map update. From that experience I have available in the mapping grade GPS unit; he tested become very familiar with GPS field mapping and post and clarified the usage of these new features and ob- processing of the data. I have become quite familiar with tained higher accuracies than anticipated. Juneau as well, mapping over 100 miles of trails. It was a The project was a joint venture to support trail very rewarding experience for me to work with GPS and mapping needs of the Juneau Ranger District, the also with the Forest Service staff. I learned what work- City and Borough of Juneau and to provide accurate ing for the Forest Service involves and hope to someday trail locations for the upcoming revision of the Juneau count myself among their ranks. This internship has giv- Area Trail Guide. Walker was stationed at the Juneau en me experience, a chance to travel and see the beauty of Ranger District and arranged his work schedule with Alaska, and to meet and make friends with Forest Service the staff to accomplish the trails mapping work on the and City and Borough of Juneau employees that helped national forest. He was highly successful, capturing me in my work. I am very grateful for the time I spent in over 100 miles of trail. He was well received by the Alaska.”

SourDough Notes f Fall 2007 SourDough Notes on the web: http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/ 11 Archaeology Teams Are...Looking Up By Jim Case, Information/Education Technician, Sitka Ranger District, Tongass National Forest

he J-Hawk gently, ex- are clearly formed by human pertly touched down effort, constructed in conical, Ton an open highland square or semi-circular config- bench. The Coast Guard flight urations. Many are composed mechanic directed four pas- of 50-150 hundred-pound sengers out of the cargo com- stones. Some cairns comprise partment, underneath the a dozen stones. Others contain noisy rotors, and over to a hundreds of stones and mea- safe staging area. Three min- sure 12 feet in diameter by 9 utes later, the helicopter lifted, feet high. These lichen-covered pivoted and flew off to con- features inspire several intrigu- duct normal daily missions. ing questions such as: Who did The passengers, alone in the all this work? When were these quiet alpine meadow, peeled Ann Bauermeister disembarks Coast Guard helicopter. built, and for what purpose? off helmets, gloves and flight Photo by Jim Case. From studies in other areas, ar- suits before assembling packs and chaeologist, embarked on an un- chaeologists know that cairns were equipment for a day-long archaeo- precedented effort to begin looking constructed for a variety of purposes logical survey. The goal: formal doc- seriously at rock piles. and some have existed for long pe- umentation of cultural features above Tongass Forest Archaeologist riods of time. This list of possibil- the 2,000-ft. elevation line. Mark McCallum agrees that most ities includes: burial sites, bound- Forest archaeologists have gath- of this area’s cultural history inves- ary markers, hunting blinds, look- ered reports of cultural sites in their tigations are focused on areas adja- out posts, and shamanistic or spiri- regions’ higher elevations for many cent to the shoreline. So, the idea tual sites. Local oral history refers to years. Tlingit Elders have shared of “looking up” is somewhat nov- stone cairns as related to pre-historic oral histories related to stone mark- el. Yet, evidence of cultural features flood events. ers in the alpine. Hikers and hunt- above the timberline is indisputable. To begin formally addressing ers have located and photographed Cairns or rock assemblages are doc- these questions, Karchut forged a numerous cairn sites while explor- umented in Alaska’s Interior, British four-way partnership between Sitka ing Southeast Alaska above the tree Columbia’s Coastal Range, Glacier Tribe of Alaska, the National Park line. Adding up these numerous but Bay National Park and Preserve, on Service, the Forest Service, and the disparate reports, and encouraged the mainland near Juneau, on Ad- U.S. Coast Guard. All parties con- by local Tribal leaders, Jeremy Kar- miralty Island, Chichagof Island, vened to collaborate on goals for al- chut, the Sitka/Hoonah Zone Ar- Baranof Island, Kuiu Island, Brad- pine archaeological reconnaissance. field Canal, Etolin Is- During the 2006 field season, Kar- land, in Misty Fiords chut and Tribal members began can- and above the Stikine vassing reported and documented River. cairn sites, flying in Coast Guard The cairns tend to and private helicopters to access the be located between higher elevations. In 2007 the Na- 1,800 and 2,200 feet tional Park Service (who manages elevations, near the similar features within Alaska’s Na- margin between sub- tional Parks) brought two archae- alpine and alpine eco- ologists to Sitka from the Midwest systems. They are Archaeology Center in Nebraska. generally not found Bill Hunt and Ann Bauermeister as cairn markers at joined the alpine archaeology team the tops of peaks in this summer along with Forest Ser- Bill Hunt and Anne Bauermeister take recordings at this region. These vice representatives for two exciting the site of a cairn. Photo by Jim Case.

12 SourDough Notes on the web: http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/ SourDough Notes  Fall 2007 days of alpine field study facilitated by the Coast Guard Air Station Sitka officers and equipment. The outcome: this year’s interagency team formal- ly documented over 25 new cultural sites within the Sit- ka Ranger District. In addition to surface examination, team members located, measured, videotaped, and photo- graphed stone features. Archaeologists established the be- ginning of an alpine resource database with high tech data recording instruments. And the archaeologists took soil and lichen samples from areas around some cairns. Immediately following the August reconnaissance work, members of Sitka’s tribal community attended a slide show and debriefing. Hunt and Bauermeister present- ed a field trip summary. One of the clan leaders, Ray Wil- son, was moved after seeing the recent photographs of the numerous cultural features in the alpine. He thanked the team for, “…opening a window into an aspect of the ances- tors’ lives that had been lost from memory.” He also said that the cooperation between the agencies, “…was a model for the culture.” Perhaps you have discovered some of these alpine cul- tural features. If you have, please share information such as location, latitude and longitude, or photographs with your nearest forest archaeologist. Top: Members of the Sitka Tribe, National Park Service, and Forest Service plan their field work. Bottom: Ann Bauermeister uses a recording device. Photos by Bill Hunt. Ecotourism in the Russian Far East By; Dr. Linda Kruger, Team Leader for the Pacific Northwest Research Station’s Alaska Communities and Forest Environments Team n a recent trip to the Kamchatka Peninsula, I pre- World Wildlife Fund, and the Wild Salmon Center sented information on bear viewing in Alaska at a based in Portland Oregon. Otwo-day training on nature tourism. The training I was in Kamchatka with Northern Arizona Uni- was sponsored by the United Nations Development Program versity Professor David Ostergren to provide over- Office of Biodiversity Conservation and the Yujno-Kam- sight for a joint Pacific Northwest Research - Sta chatsky Reserve. I presented study findings highlighting the tion-Rocky Mountain Research Station project on variety of bear viewing opportunities and management ap- ecotourism. Additional partners include Bureau of proaches found across the state. Following a day of presen- Land Management-Alaska, University of Alaska- tations and discussion at the park office the group of protect- Fairbanks, Northern Arizona State University, Uni- ed area managers and guides and outfitters spent a day in the versity of Idaho, the Wild Foundation, and the Ka- reserve evaluating facilities and discussing low impact guid- mchatka Ecotourism Society. The purpose of the ing practices. study is to better understand Kamchatka’s visitors There is concern that rapid expansion of angling and other and to identify information needs in order to guide tourism activities on the Kamchatka Peninsula may threaten development of a year-round tourism industry that sensitive and ecologically valuable fisheries. Several NGOs protects natural resources, encourages economic are working on research and management projects in Ka- growth, and is sensitive to local cultures. Russian mchatka where poorly regulated hunting, fishing, poaching, students are distributing surveys to visitors as they and development are putting pressure on Kamchatka’s bear leave through the Petropavlovsk airport located in and salmon populations. Groups with ongoing projects in- Yelizovo. A final report will be released at the com- clude the New York based Wildlife Conservation Society, the pletion of the study.

SourDough Notes f Fall 2007 SourDough Notes on the web: http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/ 13 Internships for Alaska Native Students

Lillian Petershoare, Tribal Government Relations Specialist, Regional Office he First Alaskans Institute is with a variety of employers. In turn, leadership skills and to enhance their a non-profit organization with employers contribute $2000 to the resumes. Ta mission to advance Alaska Institute. Students and employers The Alaska Region hosted two Natives. One way they do this it to apply for the program in the spring. students in 2007: Jesse Morris match college students with employ- Students accepted into the program worked with Lezlie Murray, Direc- ers in Alaska who provide oppor- review employer profiles and make tor of Begich, Boggs Visitor Center, tunities for the students to develop their top choices. Likewise, employ- and Kendri Cesar assisted me with needed skills to be successful in the ers review student applications to the Tribal Government Relations future. identify potential matches. Employ- Program, and worked with Asst. Re- Each summer, the Institute pays ers are encouraged to offer manage- gional Attorney Jim Ustasiewski and the salaries of 30 college and gradu- rial and policy level internship ex- Tongass Fisheries Subsistence Biol- ate students for 10-week internships periences to cultivate the student’s ogist Ben VanAlen .

Lezlie Murray, Director, Begich, Boggs Visitor Center, Chugach National Forest his summer I had the great Early on I learned a couple of gether a $2,000 package that includ- pleasure to be the supervisor things that helped me find just the ed a monetary contribution, bunk- and mentor for Jesse Morris right person. I went to FAI’s office to house space, and transportation to T and from Anchorage on weekends. through a partnership with the First meet Intern Coordinator Rick Muel- Alaskans Institute. I first learned ler. He allowed me to look through In exchange, FAI paid Jesse’s sala- about the potential to work with a all of the student applications and ry and provided her with biweekly FAI Intern last summer when look- provide him with the top five choices seminars to learn from Native lead- ing through one of the Institute’s for our position. I was soon talking ers about a variety of topical issues. newsletters. The thought of adding with Jesse Morris, and we formed This combination allowed Jesse to an Alaska Native student to our in- a sense of one another and laid out truly blossom as an interpreter. It terpretive and education program the expectations we each had for the was a joy to get to know her and see at the Begich, Boggs Visitor Cen- summer. We let Mueller know that the fine programs and services that ter was a very exciting one and so we’d like to work together and FAI she provided for the public. She de- when Lillian Petershoare sent me an hired Jesse for a ten-week period. veloped leadership skills that will email about the program, I applied Agreement Specialist Mechele serve her well throughout her life- right away. MacDonald worked with us to put to- time.

lthough my heritage is Unan- Once accepted by FAI, I looked gan-Aleut, I grew up away for an internship placement that Afrom my family and my would be right for me. After reading mother’s home village in Unalas- the different employer applications, ka. I was raised in Santa Fe, New I talked with Lezlie Murray on the Mexico. Being away from my own Chugach National Forest. Though tribe drove me to find connections I spent most of my time at BBVC, with my ancestors and gave me the I also participated in “leadership idea of applying for an FAI intern- Fridays,” receiving training on is- ship. The internships are designed to sues important to Alaska Natives. promote leadership among Alaska At times I felt like I was juggling Native college students and to help two different jobs, but I found the us establish roots in our heritage as connections between the two and well as look to the future “for the brought them together in a common Jesse Morris, Intern next ten-thousand years.” direction.

14 SourDough Notes on the web: http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/ SourDough Notes  Fall 2007 Because I only had a limited knowledge of the geo- to share about the diversity and interconnection of Alas- logical, natural, and cultural history of the area, I began kan peoples, but I felt closer to my brothers and my his- studying long before I arrived at Portage Valley. I quick- tory. I focused on legends that showed the human and ly learned the ropes. After a whirlwind of training, I be- spiritual natures of the Chugach, the Dena’ina, and the gan working with the public at the visitor center, man- Eyak. ning the front desk, and interpreting at Portage Glacier Overall, I gained much from my experience. I am on the M/V Ptarmigan. Designing my own program was much more comfortable in public speaking and working by far the most personal and demanding endeavor I did with the public. I was surrounded by the natural beauty this summer. of glaciers. I was able to delve into my past and learn I explored Alaskan Native oral history and story tell- about the natural history of the Chugach National For- ing. Though I was not focusing on my own people, learn- est. I have come to know what “Alaska Native” means ing about other Alaskan Native traditions was profound- and looks like, and for that, I am truly thankful. ly fulfilling. By telling their stories I was not only able Jesse Morris

valuable insights and friendships from one other, while still benefiting from the unique internship placements that serve our individual interests. I believe that this is the strength of the program. My own internship experience has been very grati- fying. I asked to be placed in the subsistence program so I could explore an area where I might someday use my education to benefit Alaska Native people. The fight to protect subsistence lifestyles seemed to be a very good example of the connection between cultural and environmental preservation, which has always been the root of my interest in environmental studies. I therefore felt the need to become better informed on subsistence issues, and this internship provided the opportunity to do so. Kendri Cesar photo by Ben VanAlen I was exposed to legal work at the Office of the Gen- eral Counsel. I reviewed and summarized federal sub- am Tlingit of the Kaach.adi clan and my family’s sistence litigation to aide other federal employees. I roots are in the Chilkoot River and Stikine River ar- traveled to the fish weir site at Kook Lake, to see how I eas. I am a senior at Dartmouth College, majoring in fisheries research is conducted. environmental studies and minoring in Arabic language. I learned about the importance of communication I plan to attend law school to pursue my Juris Doctorate between the federal government and Alaska’s first in environmental or natural resource law. people. Through these experiences, I have broadened Interns from First Alaskans Institute come from a di- my knowledge of subsistence issues and federal sub- versity of backgrounds. Even though we all describe sistence management. I have become more confident ourselves as Alaska Native, we have had very different in my opinions and my questions toward the future of experiences in identifying with this term. Some begin Alaska Native people. What I have learned will prove their internship having never really interacted with the valuable to me as a student, as a voter, and as a mem- Native community, and yet end with an important sense ber of the Native community. The work I have done of connection to their Native identity. Others come from and the people who have helped guide me have played strong cultural backgrounds, and are able to expand their an important part in making this summer meaningful, awareness of various social, economic, and political Na- and I am very thankful to First Alaskans and the For- tive issues, while contributing their cultural knowledge est Service. to the experience. We are given the opportunity to gain Kendri Cesar

More information: website: www.firstalaskans.org., or Internship Coordinator Rick Mueller, (907) 677-1712, [email protected].

SourDough Notes f Fall 2007 SourDough Notes on the web: http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/ 15 A Week by the Lake Reconstructing the Carter Lake Gabion Dam By Elizabeth Bella, Ecologist, Seward Ranger District, Chugach National Forest

abion is derived from the Italian word gabbione, Gwhich means “big cage.” Early gabions were round cages with open tops and bottoms usual- ly made from wicker materials and filled with earth for use as military fortifications. The modern definition means caged riprap (broken stone) materials used for erosion control, or in this case, to build a dam. Gabion baskets have some advantages over loose riprap because of their ability to be stacked in various shapes, and can conform to ground movement, dissipate energy from flowing water, and drain freely. Carter Lake, located at Mile 34 of Seward Highway, had a gabion structure that was installed around 1975. The lake is situated at the top Elizabeth Bella, Tim Alzheimer, Eric Johansen, and Karl Metchtenberg seal the last of Carter Lake Trail at an elevation gabion cage in the Carter Lake dam. Photo by Ruth D’Amico. of 1300 feet. Over the years, the ga- bion structure had collapsed to the but by 2005, most the integrity of the lake outlet through willow flats, point where fish were able to freely the structures was gone. This year, alder thickets, and mountain hem- swim through the cages, with veg- when reconstruction funds were fi- lock stands. etation and debris built up on top of nally secured, Eric Johansen, Fish- the structures. The lake is stocked eries Biologist, and Ruth D’Amico, with triploid (sterile) rainbow trout Fisheries Technician, put together a Carter Lake Gabion from the Fort Richardson Hatch- crew to rebuild the gabion dam at Dam ery. The dam is necessary to keep the mouth of Carter Lake. the stocked rainbow trout in the In partnership with the State Seward Ranger District lake and to prevent them from en- of Alaska, five hardworking crew  Ruth D’Amico, Fisheries Technician  Eric Johansen, Fisheries Biologist tering the Kenai River system. Even members from the Alaska State De-  Elizabeth Bella, Ecologist though the stocked fish won’t breed, partment of Fish and Game worked  Mark Kromrey, Forestry Technician they will consume salmon eggs from with district crew the week of July  Tim Alzheimer, Natural Resources Technician the Kenai wild salmon runs. 23-27 to reconstruct the 75-foot  Karl Mechtenberg, Wildlife Technician The precise dam location was un- dam. D’Amico arranged for the ga-  Louis Garding, Wildlife Technician known for years since thick vegeta- bion cages to be flown in by helicop-  Susy Grimes, Wildlife Technician tion surrounded the site. It was even- ter with the assistance of district fire tually relocated through examina- crew, and handled other logistics, as Alaska Department of Fish & Game  Patty Berkhahn, Sport Fisheries tion of aerial photos from the 1980s, well. Mark Kromrey, Forestry Tech- Biologist followed by field reconnaissance nician, transported gear by an ATV  Jenny Cope, Sport Fisheries Biologist  Technicians/Interns: by the fisheries department at the to and from the site. Workers trav- - Christy Cupp Seward Ranger District. In the past, eled about a mile up the main trail - Sherra Pritchard reconstruction funds were limited. and then took a three-quarter-mile - Sarah Youngren Some cages were rewired in 2001, sidetrack to the banks that overlook

16 SourDough Notes on the web: http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/ SourDough Notes  Fall 2007 The first step in reconstruction constructed empty cage. The cage was to set up a net dam across the was carefully filled rock by rock in lake outlet, propped up by alder a partially artistic fashion to prevent sticks, to prevent both stocked rain- the cage from bulging out due to bow trout and resident Dolly Varden overfilling. from swimming through the gaps The final stage was to wire the in the gabion dam as the construc- top of the new cage shut and fill in tion progressed south to north. Al- gaps with smaller rocks. The process though the outlet pool water level was repeated for each cage, with the dropped after reconstruction began, old wire eventually stacked up and the water level was high enough to hauled to the top of the bank for require the crew to work in hip or removal by snowmachine this winter. chest waders for the duration of the One challenge to the crew was to project. Heavy gloves and warm incorporate a bend in the dam using clothes were also necessary, along the large rectangular gabions that with bug nets and raingear for parts are designed to lay straight and side of the week. by side. Some creative manipulation Reconstructed gabion dam. Photo by The process of deconstructing and wire latticing of the cage shape Elizabeth Bella. and constructing the new gabion allowed a perfect curve in the dam, cages was done in stages. First, fitting the site precisely. ing all week. Regular monitoring of the old gabion cage wires were cut After shutting the final cage, the site is planned for the coming piece by piece and all the rocks were the net dam was taken down from years. D’Amico thanked all the par- removed, stacked on adjacent cages across the lake outlet, and fish were ticipants, who were happy to have or on the banks. Next, the stream almost instantly seen swimming the opportunity to work on a proj- bed was raked flat by shovel and around the clear area of the outlet ect with such a lasting legacy for our Pulaski in preparation for a newly pool where the crew had been work- district, our forest, the state.

Tricia Wurtz, S&PF Ecologist rish Wurtz has accepted the parison of shelterwood and clearcut position of Ecologist with harvesting in the boreal forest that Tthe State & Private Forest- Zasada had begun in 1972. They ry unit in Fairbanks. She will have found that some growth trends that the lead for invasive plants, forest were pronounced when the regener- health monitoring, and pesticide co- ating stand was evaluated at 3 and 5 ordination program areas. Wurtz years had completely reversed by 27 received an Sc.B. in biology from years after harvest. They received a Brown University and a Ph.D. in “science finding” award from PNW forest ecology from the University for this work. resistance characteristics,“ Wurtz of Oregon. Previously, she spent 20 In order to examine and preserve said, “but this plantation gives us years as a research ecologist with possible genetically-based resistance the opportunity to examine that the Pacific Northwest Research Sta- to beetle attack in trees that survived question.” Recently, Wurtz has be- tion in Fairbanks. the beetle infestation in south-central gun research on the topic of invasive Wurtz studied a variety of topics Alaska, Wurtz and geneticist John plants in Alaska. “I am fortunate to with PNW, including white spruce Alden collaborated with the Alaska be able to follow plant ecologist Mi- regeneration after timber harvest, Division of Forestry to establish a chael Shephard in this position,” she the ecology and commercial har- 3200-tree plantation from seed col- said. “Michael did an amazing job vest of post-fire morel mushrooms, lected from surviving trees scattered of bringing people together from nu- and the spread of invasive plants in all over the Kenai. “We don’t know merous disciplines and agencies to Alaska. In 1999, she worked with yet whether the parent trees survived work on this interesting and impor- John Zasada to reevaluate a com- by chance or because they carried tant issue.”

SourDough Notes f Fall 2007 SourDough Notes on the web: http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/ 17 Restoring and Preserving History By Shannon Huber, Archaeologist, Chugach National Forest

he Chugach Forest Centennial marked the year for the restoration of the old- Test Forest Service cabin on the Seward Ranger District. The Upper Russian Lake Cabin, located on the Northeastern shore of Upper Russian Lake, was built in June 1951 as an administrative lodging for the trail crew that was constructing and upgrading the Rus- sian Creek Trail. The cabin is exceptionally significant to the Seward District given that the structure is the last example of a such a recreation cab- in constructed by a Forest Service crew us- ing hand hewn methods. The Forest Service constructed the trail and the cabin in response to the growing recreation economy on the The oldest Forest Service cabin on the Seward Ranger District has been Peninsula. The Russian Lakes Trail has been restored. Photo by Eric Pope. used by people for over 75 years who long for the backcountry experience. Thus, the Upper gun shell casings and window glass. In prior archaeological surveys Russian Lake Cabin represents a broad pat- of the area, prehistoric artifacts had been found. It was the hope of tern of history between the Forest Service and the crew this summer to relocate further prehistoric finds, however, the recreation-based economy of the Kenai results were limited to the dates associated with the cabin usage. Peninsula. Due to the historical significance The Seward District cabin crew was called in for the tremen- of the cabin, it was found eligible for the dous job of restoring the historic cabin. Utilizing a float plane to National Register of Historic Places by the transport such hulking items as a generator and a jackhammer, the State Historic Preservation Office in 2005. crew began removing the concrete floor and stripping the cabin to After being used by Forest Service crews its primary frame. This included removing the roof, door, and win- to allow them to build and maintain the ad- dows down to basic rough openings. Following the arduous (and jacent trail, the cabin was converted to a rec- perhaps precarious) job of jacking up the cabin, they replaced the reational use cabin to further support the de- bottom support logs that had deteriorated over the years. Once con- mand for hardened camping destinations. structional integrity was restored to both the cabin and its founda- The Upper Russian Lake Cabin is the last tion, the crew could commence the fine details. They stripped the remaining historic structure built by a For- cabin logs of their once dark stain and restored it to a natural color est Service crew and has, over the years, and replaced the old oakum and alder chinking. Although modern endured the natural elements and a great methods of woodworking were available, the crew took painstaking amount of use. This could be easily wit- time to include as much historic detail into the renovations as possi- nessed by the broken windows and rotting ble. They carefully concealed as much dimensional lumber as pos- base logs. sible by utilizing hand hewn trim logs. After the laborious logisti- The historic significance of the cabin re- cal planning, with multiple extended hitches in the field, the cabin’s quired the Heritage crew be involved in ar- value in both a historic and recreation sense has been restored. chaeological excavations prior to restora- The joint venture between the crews and great additional sup- tion activities. A combination of 1 x 1 meter port, from trails crews to administration and dispatch, has allowed units and trenches were excavated round the for the preservation of the cabin and more importantly, the forest’s entire cabin, exposing the rotting base logs history. For those interested in witnessing this extremely impres- and the stratigraphy of the soils. The site sive restoration project, the cabin has been returned to the public monitoring and excavations found artifacts reservation system and is available for rental. Take the time to re- that considered with the cabin construction live history and to appreciate the hard work involved in its preser- and usage dates, including numerous shot- vation.

18 SourDough Notes on the web: http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/ SourDough Notes  Fall 2007 Pulling Together on Prince of Wales By Susan Howell, Watershed Restoration Coordinator, Tongass National Forest

Forest Service, the Hydaburg Cooperative As- sociation, and our two volunteer youth groups, SAGA and AYSC. Employees with the Kla- wock Cooperative Association joined in to slow the spread of weeds from the highway right of way into a neighborhood muskeg. But the sweetest success came when the master gardeners rolled up their sleeves to work alongside business owners in Thorne Bay, and a Whale Pass resident volunteered to pull this- tle and knotweed because she cared about her community. There were also the Good Samari- tans who anonymously left five bags of thistles and orange hawkweed for Prefontaine at the post office. Then there was the case of the missing this- tles. Prefontaine flagged a huge patch of this- Hydaburg mayor Tony Christianson and Thorne Bay fisheries techni- tle at the Thorne River highway pullout for the cian Brandy Prefontaine in front of a community berry patch infested AYSC and SAGA crews to pull the following with Japanese knotweed. Photo by Susan Howell. day. When she arrived the next morning, she discovered the weed was completely missing. A olunteers. Partners. Doesn’t it seem sometimes, like it half-acre of thistle was completely gone! would just be faster (and maybe just as cheap) to do it That kind of volunteerism makes me real- Vyourself? I know I’ve been guilty of thinking that over the ize that we can make a difference on Prince of years. But as the Tongass National Forest put its shoulder behind Wales with community-supported partnerships weed control on Prince of Wales Island this summer, I’ve changed and restoration programs. And with the talent my mind about the power and value of community partnerships. and energy of committed employees like Pre- Brandy Prefontaine galvanized our potential partner pool with fontaine, almost anything is possible—even her enthusiasm for watershed restoration and her desire to help making thistles disappear. our island maintain its world class hunting and fishing. Prefontaine is not only a fisheries tech with the Thorne Bay Ranger District, and a past Mrs. Alaska, she is a “local kid” who decided to stay and help her island economy survive. Her visits with local master gardeners, calls to trib- al environmental coordinators, chats with com- munity watershed councils, and good relation- ship with The Nature Conservancy launched the Prince of Wales war on weeds. The Forest Service and The Nature Conser- vancy joined forces with the Organized Vil- lage of Kasaan and the Kasaan Bay Watershed Council to tackle weeds on the community beach trail and dig thistles along the road into town. Rob Bosworth, head of the Southeast of- fice of The Nature Conservancy, worked with Hydaburg Mayor Tony Christianson to orga- nize a weed pull event that brought together the A member of the SAGA crew pulls thistles along the Thorne River ac- cess points. Photo by Susan Howell.

SourDough Notes f Fall 2007 SourDough Notes on the web: http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/ 19 Kids’ Hike and Fish Day By Ken Hodges, Fisheries Biologist, Cordova Ranger District, Chugach National Forest

he air was filled with the smell of southern- fried cutthroat trout and the sound of ghoul- Tishly excited kids chanting, “The Brain! Brain! Brain! Brain!” Cajun chef (and fisheries bi- ologist) Dirk Lang was frying up the freshly caught fish, while I was giving the kids a lesson in fish anat- omy at the Cordova Ranger District’s “Kids’ Hike and Fish Day.” Kids’ Hike and Fish Day combines fish education with some fishing fun, and eating the fish they just caught makes it more than just another fishing trip. Of course, one of the major goals is to get the kids inter- ested in fishing and other healthy outdoor activities. “The kids really got into it and just wanted to keep fishing instead of going to eat, which is -the oppo site of what kids usually want to do,” said fisheries technician Jonathan Kirsch. “Later, some of the kids Ken Hodges shows kids at Cordova Ranger District’s Hike & were asking their moms for fishing poles for Christ- Fish Day what a cutthroat trout ate for lunch— before the fish be- mas. It sounds strange for Cordova, but I don’t think comes lunch for them. Photo by Becky Clausen. some of them had been fishing before.” The kids get excited about the biology too, par- ing for the Forest Service fish crew because it was the result ticularly the location of the brain. While cleaning the of an earlier fisheries project—the stocking of the lake with fish, I pointed out the various fish organs, explained native cutthroat trout. Pipeline Lake 5 did not have fish pre- their functions, and showed the kids what the fish viously, since the steep, outlet stream prevents fish passage in had for their last meal—mostly stolen salmon eggs and out of the lake. The nearby Pipeline Lake 4 had fish, but and dragonfly nymphs. it is hard to fish there because of the aquatic vegetation. The one-mile hike to Pipeline Lake 5 gives the As the participants rested after the steep hike up to the kids and their parents a chance to learn about the wa- lake, I explained how the lake habitat was assessed before tershed and the forest ecosystem. With the Cordova fish were stocked. The fish crew measured the spawning Fungus Festival coming a few weeks later, the role of area, checked the dissolved oxygen levels under the ice mushrooms as decomposers and recyclers was em- in the winter, and then phasized. monitored the growth “Overall, I think the kids were more excited about of the imported fish the mushrooms than anything else, especially that with individual tags. huge clump of ‘chicken of the woods’ (an edible Further population mushroom),” said Becky Clausen, with the partner- studies showed that the ing Copper River Watershed Project. Mushroom ex- fish were reproducing perts were on hand to verify the identification of the naturally, and no more chicken of the woods (Laetiporus sulphureus), which stocking was needed. was later sautéed and served over Cajun dirty rice. By the end of the The more enthusiastic kids had to be reminded day, a less scientific as- not to pick every last mushroom along the trail while sessment of the popula- looking for the edible hedgehog mushroom. Fortu- tion proved that the fish nately, by the end of the day, most of them could rec- stocking had been a ognize the Russulas by the color and shape of the success. All of the kids caps, and some could identify and pronounce the caught at least one fish, A young angler catches the first (and name of the ubiquitous Laccaria laccata. and there was plenty of largest) fish of the day, as 12” cut- The success of this event was particularly satisfy- lunch for all. throat trout. Photo by Becky Clausen.

20 SourDough Notes on the web: http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/ SourDough Notes  Fall 2007 Notes from the Underground By: Moe McGee, Cave Guide, Thorne Bay Ranger District, Tongass

lick! The gate is firmly tor, of artifacts that provide clues to locked for the winter and an- early coastal migration routes, and Cother successful season of of resources in the karst environ- guided tours into El Capitan Cave ment that promote healthy fish and is over. El Cap, as it is known lo- trees. Karst, a word meaning “stony cally, is located on the northern end ground” in Croatian (the study of of Prince of Wales Island, about a caves has its roots in the Balkans), is two-hour drive from Klawock or defined as a three-dimensional land- Thorne Bay. It is the largest known scape, most often limestone, shaped cave in Alaska and a prominent fea- by water dissolving bedrock. This ture of the landscape that dominates part of the Tongass National Forest the northern end of Prince of Wales gets 10 to 12 feet of rain every year, Island. which is made moderately acidic by “brewing” in muskeg ponds that dot the landscape in Southeast Alaska. Cave guide Moe McGee. Photo by In summer 2007, Forest Service Jennifer MacDonald. guides led over 800 people from all over the world on two-hour tours ed their own stories to the tour. A lo- three times a day. Many of the vis- cal young woman recalled her grand- itors came by fishing or pleasure mother going through the house in boats, and even the Forest Service spring with smoking stalks of dev- ranger boat, the M/V Chugach. Visi- il’s club to purify the house. A mom tors moored at the boat dock, a short from Craig brought her seven-year- walk from the cave shack where old who was finally old enough to tours begin. Then, they began the “come to the cave.” It was a special trip to the cave, a daunting 370 steps trip for him—his face reflected his up a well-designed trail constructed happiness as he used his flashlight of locally-milled yellow cedar. to discover the magic of this under- Two of the summer guides, Emily ground world. Bennett from Iowa and Liana Boop While the story of the cave was from Connecticut, were students paramount, the surrounding for- from the Student Conservation As- est had its story as well. The area sociation, an organization that helps around El Cap was logged in the late SCA students Emily Bennett and Lia- high school and college volunteers 60s and early 70s. Visitors who lived na Boop were cave guides on Prince gain firsthand experience working at the logging camp as children were of Wales Island this summer. Photo by on public lands. Emily and Liana amazed at the changes in the forest Jennifer MacDonald. varied their tours through the sea- over the last forty years. They were son. In the beginning, they pointed easily able to identify the difference El Cap is located on El Capitan out such features as skunk cabbage between the young growth forest and Mountain, a chunk of limestone that and ferns. Later, they talked about the old growth forest as they traveled rises 2,500 feet above sea level on Alaskan orchids and a flying squir- the trail to the cave. a 28-mile saltwater passage that di- rel stop. By the end of the summer, If you have yet to visit El Cap, be vides Kosciuscko Island from Prince Emily decided she never wanted to sure to include it in your 2008 sum- of Wales Island. The cave is part of live away from a large body of wa- mer plans. If you don’t live on the is- a story that includes Beaver Falls ter. Liana had become a passionate land, come by car, plane, boat or fer- Karst Trail and Cavern Lake Trail. caver who explored the many caves ry. You will see why visitors left with These three sites tell a story thou- of the Tongass. comments like, “amazing,” “breath- sands of years old—of rock formed The majority of visitors to El Cap taking,” “a first-class operation,” and in a warm climate south of the equa- were Alaskans, many of whom add- “I’ll be bringing back the wife.”

SourDough Notes f Fall 2007 SourDough Notes on the web: http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/ 21 Tongass Centennial By Bill Tremblay, Recreation Special Uses/Wilderness, Tongass National Forest

mation; areas in Southeast Alaska designated the first 14 wilderness named as a Forest Reserve adminis- areas on the Tongass. The manage- tered under the Dept. of the Interior ment of the forest changed quick- (This is what was acknowledged as ly with this new direction, which a centennial in 2002) brought a new organization and a lot February 1, 1905—Administration of new staff. of the Forest Reserves is transferred Then, our priority was meeting from the Dept. of the Interior to our contractual obligations for the the Dept. of Agriculture (This was two existing long-term timber sales. the national centennial celebration Timber sales for independent opera- which included the Forest Service tors were being prepared for sale as display at the Smithsonian Folklife well. Cabins cost $15 per night and n 1907, the Tongass National Festival at the Mall in Washington could only be rented over the coun-

Forest came into being with these D.C. July 4, 2005.) ter at the district offices. There were historic words: less than 20 outfitter/guides who had I March 4, 1907—Forest Reserves special use authorizations across the Whereas, the public lands in the Territory of Alaska, which are here- renamed National Forests entire Tongass. Internal communi- cation was by phone, reading the inafter indicated, are in part cov- September 10, 1907—Tongass Na- “pink” copies of letters, or through ered with timber, and it appears that tional Forest Proclaimed the public good would be promoted “speed memos.” by utilizing said lands as a National July 2, 1908—Alexander Archipel- We now manage 19 wilderness Forest; ago National Forest consolidated areas, and work on one forest and Now, therefore, I, Theodore Roos- with the Tongass National Forest not three. The long-term timber sales evelt, President of the United States were gone by the mid-1990s but we of America, by virtue of the power in Why are these dates of inter- still try to provide timber for the in- me vested by section twenty-four of est? In 1982, when I was just start- dependent operator. Cabins cost up the Act of Congress, approved March ing as a forester at the Craig Ranger to $45/night and are reserved on a third, eighteen hundred, and ninety- District, the Tongass celebrated its national reservation system. Cur- one, entitled, “An act to repeal tim- 75th anniversary with articles, some rently there are almost 300 outfitter/ ber-culture laws, and for other pur- events, and special commemorative guides generating close to $70 mil- poses,” do proclaim that there are items. I still have my anniversary lion gross revenue annually. hereby reserved from settlement, en- belt buckle. At the time, I wondered After working 22 years on the try, or sale, and set apart as public if I would still be on the Tongass Tongass, I still look forward to coming reservation, for the use and benefit when it turned 100 years old. to work (most days). For those who of the people, all the tracts of land, In the ensuing years, the For- have been along for this ride, good in the Territory of Alaska, shown as est Service in Alaska went through job! To others looking at the years the Tongass National Forest.... some significant changes. During ahead, don’t fret about the future. I’ve This proclamation was signed the 1970s, the Tongass and Chugach found that you’ll get there sooner than by President Roosevelt on Septem- were managed from the supervisors’ you want to. There will also be new ber 10, 1907, and thus estabilish- offices by resource program manag- opportunities and challenges we can’t ing the Tongass as a national forest. ers. Following that 10-year experi- begin to imagine today. The Tongass For some who remember centennial ment, a 1981 reorganization reestab- National Forest is still a contributor events celebrating other Forest Ser- lished ranger districts. The Tongass to the health, welfare, economic op- vice milestones, here is a clarifica- Land Management Plan was only a portunities, and valuable resources for tion of our history. year old when Alaska National Inter- most Southeast Alaska Communities. August 20, 1902—Alexander Ar- est Lands Conservation Act (ANIL- Congratulations to all for a century of chipelago Forest Reserve Procla- CA) was passed in 1980. ANILCA good work!

22 SourDough Notes on the web: http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/ SourDough Notes  Fall 2007 Adventures in Yreka, (not southern) Calif. By William Moulton, Helicopter and Aviation Safety, Tongass National Forest

to the south and west. density makes for more cell tow- Grantham asked me to manage ers. One incident commander the Yreka Interagency Communica- on the Goosenest District asked tions Center. The YICC is a 911 of- if we could email the list of re- fice handling fire and medical emer- sponding firefighting resources gencies. The Forest Service and Cal/ to his Blackberry. We answered Fire jointly manage and staff the fa- “Yes!” with the push of a button. cility. The Cal/Fire and FS dispatch- Each dispatcher has five comput- ers’ teamwork and cooperation con- er monitors and three computers. stantly amazed me. Using a com- • Weekends. Northlanders drive to puterized initial attack plan, we dis- the bluegrass festival in Etna, vis- patched Cal/Fire forces, volunteer it tourist attractions up and down fire departments, FS firefighters, air I-5, go to the Shakespeare Festi- attack and air tankers. Simultaneous- val in Ashland, raft the Klamath ly, two dispatchers handled a medi- River, attend the weekly concert cal emergency and dispatched an in the city park, observe rodeos, he Klamath National Forest is ambulance. The aviation dispatcher hangout at the Siskiyou Coun- not in southern Calif. Residents relayed information across the room ty Golden Fair or go watch the of northern Calif. want noth- with radios blaring, phones ringing, weekly stock car races on a dirt T and dispatchers working between track. ing to do the state, hence, they cre- ated the State of Jefferson in 1941. I them. What a team! Was it worth being away from didn’t understand this when accept- The Klamath isn’t the Tongass Na- home for three months? Yes, for two ing a detail from Deputy Forest Su- tional Forest, either. There are a few reasons: pervisor Patty Grantham. differences. The Klamath has real • Personal growth. Travel pulls The Klamath rests on the Calif./ dirt, and you don’t take a coat with the veil away from your life back Ore. border mid-state. The western you all the time! Other differences: home. My wife and I need to Klamath keeps rising until turning • You drink fluids constantly. I make decisions about our future into famously hot hazardous steep took a hike up a short hill over- and careers. Now that I've been country. Eastward the Klamath flat- looking town. I soon realized that “re-Americanized,” we are bet- tens and moistens, making Goosen- with the unfamiliar altitude, sun- ter prepared to make those deci- est Ranger District the “flat coun- shine, and heat, the best path is sions. try.” To the north and south, moun- shade tree to shade tree. It was a • Career growth. It is great to see tain ranges separate the Klamath nice little hike on the way back which skill sets still work and from Ashland, Ore. and Redding, down the hill, but at 8 pm, it was whether the knowledge acquired Calif. The Salmon and Klamath Riv- still 97 degrees of brutal heat. through the years remains valid. ers drain the forest to the west. • Fire is a lifestyle, not a job. Avi- Finally, one morning after kill- Yreka is a little town along the ation and dispatch employees ex- ing the alarm clock, I stepped to my interstate. Eastward lay rolling hills. pect to work 14 hours a day for window, turned off the air condition- Between the low ridges lay small 6 days a week. Everyday there is er and slid open the window. Every- ranches and hay fields still green a massive scramble to reach the thing outside was wet! The smoke in mid-June. On the west side, the newest black smoke (or barbe- was gone, replaced with the heavy mountains begin to rise. An archaic cue party) which overturns work aroma of the earth opening to ac- pine forest hangs in the shaded val- schedules and cancels days off. cept that gift from Heaven. I stopped leys and higher elevations. Yreka P-codes (emergency firefighting on my way to breakfast beside the Creek arising from an oak stand is funds) finance most work. swimming pool. I watched the water lush with cottonwoods and salmon- • Talk about High-Tech: There until I saw the ripples that proved it berry-like bushes. Its green pastures are small communities surround still rained. I never thought I’d smile meander among the ever rising hills Yreka. The higher population

SourDough Notes f Fall 2007 SourDough Notes on the web: http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/ 23 Explosives: The Ultimate Power Tool From Washington Office brochure submitted by Dan Logan, Regional Safety & Health Manager

The Program very stable end non-sensitive ex- Why Use Explosives? The U.S. Forest Service’’ Explo- plosive types that have commonly As the ultimate power tool, ex- sives and Blasting Program is man- replaced dynamite and nitroglycer- plosives can, accomplish substan- aged by the Washington Office. Re- ine based products. Methods at ini- tially more work in less time than gional blasting coordinators and ex- tiation have also, become safer with similar work project or activity in- aminers administer the program, for the advent or non-electric firing sys- volving workers with tools and/or their respective regions. Forest blast- tems. These systems are now wide- equipment. The use of explosives ers and lead-blasters perform day- ly used as the “system of choice.” can also result in significant force to-day blasting duties. The blasting The Forest Service’s Guide for account cost savings. When proper- program encompasses general blast- Using, Storing, and Transporting ly used, explosives result in minimal ing, fireline explosives, and ava- Explosives and Blasting Materials resource damage to the surround- lanche control. (0067-2803-MTDC 2000 Edition) ing environment. Explosives can be which is dedicated to the safe use, used to accomplish work that would How Explosives Work storage and transportation of explo- otherwise require heavy equipment, Explosives have three basic char- sives was developed by Forest Ser- thus preventing scarring of vege- acteristics: vice blasters to ensure consistent ap- tation that frequently occurs with 1. They are a chemical compound plication of accepted industry prac- mechanized equipment use. With or mixture initiated by heat, tices and procedures. diminishing budgets and a continu- shock, impact, friction, or a com- Blasters throughout file agency ally shrinking workforce, a decision bination of these conditions. are very proud of their safety record to use explosives would serve as a 2. They decompose very rapidly in and blasting program achievements. “Mission Multiplier” in realizing a detonation initiated by a deto- These successes are largely due to the Forest Service’s natural resource nator or booster charge. very high quality training and certi- management goals. Given the afore- 3. They rapidly release heat and fication programs (FSM 6745) com- mentioned benefits and availability high-pressure gases upon det- bined with the safe and professional of modern sale explosive products, onation, which expand rapidly attitudes of the blasters. For reasons explosives use is ideal for accom- with sufficient force to overcome the Forest Service has become na- plishing many Forest Service work confining forces, for example, tionally recognized. projects and activities. surrounding rock formations. Each explosive has certain spe- Explosives Applications cific characteristics or properties. By M Trail Clearing and Construction knowing what properties are critical M Hazard Tree and Snag Removal to performance Forest Service blast- M Stump Remove and Fuzzing ers can best choose the explosive M Tree Topping type for a specific blasting situation M Road Construction and Maintenance and make accurate predictions or M Ditch Construction and Drainage Clearing explosive performance. This knowl- M Quarry Construction edge enables blasters to successful- M Water Bar Construction ly plan blast designs to accomplish M Large Rock and Boulder Reduction wide range of work projects and ac- M Utility Trenching tivities. M Facilities Demolition M Post Holes M Log Jam Removal Are They Safe? M Pond and Pot Hole Construction Over the past 50 years, new de- M Fish Ladders and Spawning Sites velopments in the blasting industry M Beaver Dare Removal have resulted in greatly increased M Animal Carcass Eradication levels of safety. New products, such M Avalanche Control as water-gels and emulsions, are M Fireline Construction (Wild & Prescribed Fires)

24 SourDough Notes on the web: http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/ SourDough Notes  Fall 2007 Sitka Employee Has an Ace in the Hole Contributed by Lisa Spiegle and Ross Evans, Sitka Ranger District, Tongass National Forest

oss Evans began his new po- me first to an imminent seizure, and ously lick Evan’s face to wake him sition as Information Recep- then alerting others.” up. Ace’s reactions have been deter- Rtionist at the Sitka Ranger Ace has an instinctual ability mined to be instinctual rather than District in July. He came to South- to recognize chemical changes that learned behaviors. May responds east Alaska from the Laramie Rang- preclude seizure activity. He reacts similarly to a seizure, but has not yet er District on the Medicine Bow Na- by aggressively alerting Evans. Both mastered opening the door. She pre- tional Forest in Laramie, Wyo. Ace and May are very vocal, which fers to stay at Evan’s side during an Evans was joined by two com- is a trait they generally reserve for emergency. panions: Ace and May are German seizure alerts (and the occasional bi- Both dogs are certified and regis- Rottweilers who provide Evans with cycle passing by). Additionally, Ace tered with a national service animal medical support services that enable has been trained to activate a home organization and are governed by Ti- him to be mobile. One dog comes to base emergency transmitter that is tle III of the ADA and Section 504 of work with him at a time, usually Ace. tied into the local 911 system by ac- the Rehab Act of 1974. These federal May, at age 11, has developed mo- tivating a switch pad with his paw. laws, as well as many local munici- bility problems and prefers to stay This summons help from local EMS pality ordinances, give Ace and May home. Ace spends his day sleeping providers. When the emergency service animal status which affords under the front desk at the district workers arrive, Ace opens a door to them access to public facilities and office on a sleeping bag donated to let them in the house. The door has accommodations. Both dogs have him when they first arrived. a lever handle and a tether that Ace undergone extensive behavioral as- Evans describes Ace as big and has been trained to pull. sessments as well as obedience test- lovable. “But don’t let that fool Ace has also learned to protect ing to insure their ability to operate in you,” Evans warns. “Ace provides a Evans during a seizure by wrapping public, often without restraint. vital medical service to me: seizure his body around Evan’s head area to If you are in the Sitka office, detection and reaction. When I need keep him from being injured. After a Ross, Ace and May would be glad Ace, he springs into action, alerting seizure has subsided, Ace will vigor- to meet you. Forest Tales By Alison Rein, Landscape Architect, Glacier Ranger District, Chugach National Forest he Trail of Blue Ice in Portage funding through the state’s transpor- did the original survey work, while Valley is not your typical for- tation enhancements program came Bob Gubernick led the initial design Test trail. It is wide enough to in 2002. (Many Chugach State Park work. Lance Valentine, Kent Kohl- walk side-by-side; its smooth tread sites along Turnagain Arm, such as hase, Steve Dresen, Corinne Mar- of compacted gravel, wood deck- Beluga Point and McHugh Creek, zullo, Ben Dreier and I have all been ing or pavement make family out- were funded similarly.) The last ma- involved in construction administra- ings easy, even when some of your jor section should be under con- tion, along with Karen Weidenbaugh family are not walkers yet, or any- struction next summer, completing as contract officer for the majority more. Strollers, wheelchairs, and the majority of this Portage Lake to of the work. We are currently having bike wheels all spin easily on this Seward Highway trail system. artwork made for interpretive sign- trail. It’s like being on a bike path Chugach National Forest Land- ing by one of our visitor center staff, without being close to a road. The scape Architect Steve Hennig and Mary Keefer Bloom. views are incomparable: cascading former Visitor Center director Mark Right now, two sections of trail waterfalls, hanging glaciers, migrat- Franklin were the masterminds of are complete. One is a mile long, be- ing birds, and plenty of chances to this trail from the start. They joined tween Moose Flats Day Use Area and catch a glimpse of a large ungulate retiree Vic Bear and me in seeing Explorer Glacier Viewing Area. The or ursine. the project through environmen- other section extends from Portage Planning for this six-mile long tal clearances, and design and con- Lake to Williwaw Campground. An trail began over 10 years ago. Partial struction phases. Retiree Paul Buell cont’d p. 26

SourDough Notes f Fall 2007 SourDough Notes on the web: http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/ 25 experienced trail building company tor Center. The trail follows the edge the gravel used for Girdwood’s re- has been hard at work all summer of the entry road, then forks. Both cent construction projects. Just past constructing the trail between Willi- forks lead to a pedestrian crossing the ponds is a junction with the Wil- waw and Black Bear Campgrounds. of Byron Glacier Road. The short- liwaw Nature Trail. A right turn The last of four major bridges will er, road-edge fork stays level while leads down the nature trail, across be installed this fall. Their work- the longer, off-road fork climbs 20’ Portage Highway and around Willi- manship has been superb, using over a terminal moraine remnant. waw Ponds. The nature trail cross- Alaskan yellow cedar instead of From the road crossing to Williwaw es Williwaw spawning channel, then the usual treated wood to minimize Campground, the hard-surface trail follows it downstream to the Salm- the introduction of toxins found in winds through dense, fat spruce trees on Viewing Area, adjacent to Willi- treated wood, and to help develop a that are filled with song birds every waw Campground. market for this durable and beauti- spring. The mountains that surround To complete the journey, the hiker ful wood. the valley have many cascading wa- should head across the campground A hiker can follow a three-mile terfalls and hanging glaciers, adding on the center road to the Trail of Blue loop that begins at Portage Lake. variety to the vista. Ice, then turn left on the trail to re- Start in the lakeshore parking lot, at The hiker will soon come to Free- turn to the start. the farthest point away from the Visi- stone Ponds, the source of much of Hope to see you on the trail. Hoeschens Receive Volunteer Pass Award By David Rak, Forester, Wrangell Ranger District, Tongass National Forest an and Marlene Hoeschen have volunteered to the Forest Service as the Wrangell Island Hosts Dsince 1996. In over a decade, they have donat- ed a combined ten thousand hours to make campers and visitors to the Tongass National Forest truly welcome. We are very grateful to them. In May through July 2007, the Hoeschens each volun- teered over 500 hours. In recognition of that service, I was happy to present them with Federal Volunteer Passes that grant them free access to recreation sites managed by five different federal agencies throughout the U. S. We hope they enjoy the passes as they travel over the next year. The Hoeschens’ duties have included servicing at least 15 day and overnight-use recreation sites on Wrangell Island. They have cleaned and maintained campsites and outhouses, cut and distributed wood for Wrangell District Ranger Mark Hummel presents Volunteer campfires, and have made facility repairs following mis- Pass Awards to Dan and Marlene Hoeschen at a potluck sup- use. The Hoeschens have also donated their personal ve- per. Photo by Paula Rak. hicle, driving approximately 50 miles each day to recre- ation sites. They use their camp trailer at a remote loca- Volunteers continue to provide a very important service tion on Wrangell Island as their housing, base of opera- to the resource programs on the national forests in Alas- tions, and visitor contact station. In addition, they do- ka. Leadership of the volunteer program in the Washington nated countless hours beyond their regularly scheduled Office has been moved to Jim Bedwell, Director of Recre- workday greeting passers-by and answering questions at ation and Heritage Resources. In the Alaska Region, the the Nemo Information Site. Their love for the Tongass program is under the leadership of Recreation, Lands and National Forest is evident by the excellent service they Minerals. We can expect greater attention to this important program and the outstanding public service that is exempli- provide. fied by Marlene and Don Hoeschen. In 2002, the Hoeschens received the prestigious na- tional Volunteer Program Award from Chief Dale Bos- Neil Hagadorn worth, who commended them for their “caring, unself- Asst. Director, Recreation, Heritage, ish attitude and dedication.” Wilderness and Tourism Resources

26 SourDough Notes on the web: http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/ SourDough Notes  Fall 2007 Where Am I...Is This is an Island? Mobile Information Station for Hoonah Ranger District By Tina Dinzl-Pederson, Hoonah Ranger District, Tongass National Forest

For many years, independent travelers have come to Hoonah for fishing, whale watching, kayaking and hunting. In 2004, the historic cannery at Icy Strait Point opened as a cruise ship destination, welcoming three ships a week that year. By 2007, the number of ship swelled to five per week. For a community with 850 per- manent residents, that was a lot of visitors! The City of Hoonah allowed the district to use the building that houses the Boys and Girls Club. Director Kris Skaflestad felt that the kids might learn from the displays and information we provided. Club members were very friendly and helpful with the display. Several of the kids gave interesting and informative talks from what they learned at the station. Local residents of all Tina Dinzl-Pederson staffs the mobile information station for ages stopped by and added to the quality of the interpre- Hoonah Ranger District. Photo by Terry Fiske. tation by contributing their own stories. Visitors to Hoonah also left the downtown corridor oonah Ranger District set up a mobile informa- via national forest roads. There were three local tour op- tion station in the heart of downtown Hoonah in erators this summer with special uses permits for guided Hlate July, and it was an instant hit with visitors tours. An estimated 950 visitors enjoyed touring Hoonah and local residents alike. In one month, over 3,600 peo- Ranger District lands. Icy Strait Point transported guests ple stopped to visit the displays, ask questions, and pick in buses on forest roads to their popular bear search on up literature. Native Corporation lands. The number one question from visitors was, “I’m Visitors and locals shared their appreciation of our where in Alaska?” Upon discovering they were on an mobile information station. They left after learning about island, visitors wondered where were the roads that island mammals, types of local conifers and how trees connected Chichagof Island to other destinations. One grow. The Alaska Region National Forests guide they re- question would lead to another, and soon visitors were ceived answered that all-important question: “Where am learning they were surrounded by the largest national I?” forest in the U.S. They also found out that northeast Chichagof Island has one of the highest populations of brown bears in the world. Hoonah is the largest Tlingit community in Alaska, and the size and scale of South- east Alaska can be a difficult concept to grasp. Hoonah borrowed the idea of a temporary summer information center from Begich, Boggs Visitor Center Director Lezlie Murray. Murray created the first such center in Wrangell. The Wrangell setup was basically a handmade wooden display that sat on the back of a For- est Service pickup. Our display in Hoonah consists of lightweight tables and a portable tent, which is used at the Annual Kids and Family Fishing Derby. The endeavor to create a mobile station was suc- cessful because it was a team effort. Many employ- ees helped with set up and take down, hauling display items, and staffing the station for short sessions. Hoonah housing district

SourDough Notes f Fall 2007 SourDough Notes on the web: http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/ 27 A Centennial Gift to the Chugach National Forest from Alaskan Poet Laureate Tom Sexton By Teresa Benson, Natural Resource Officer, Glacier Ranger District, Chugach National Forest

n the spirit of the Chugach National Forest’s Centennial year, two special poems were recent- Ily dedicated to the Forest by Tom Sexton, Poet Laureate for the State of Alaska. A resident of An- chorage, Sexton has spent many years exploring the wild lands of the Chugach and the landscapes and wildlife have offered much inspiration to his many published works. In presenting the poems to share with the forest, Sexton asked that I choose how they would be used. It is with honor that these poems are dedicated to the employees of the Chugach National Forest—for their years of service and impassioned commitment to the management of the of the eastern Kenai Peninsula, Prince William Sound and Copper River Delta.

Tom Sexton, Alaska’s Poet Laureate

Chugach Paradise Valley

One morning you pause It was almost dark when we arrived, in your daydreaming to see light falling and rising again, winter coming down wind from Wolverine Glacier from the mountains with its coat filling the long valley. of snow buttoned to the neck. We needed a fire to keep us warm until morning when we rowed across the lake to walk a field of lilies that lay far below the glacier with its caul of blue-green ice and then cloud upon cloud coming down for the rest of our visit and these words of John Hay in my mind, “Exhaltation takes practice.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille; large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W. Washington, D.C., 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

SourDough Notes on the web: http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/ SourDough Notes  Fall 2007 Vegetation: Kent Bowers, devil’s club, Ketchikan