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10 

 we also have defined "good" anadromous fish habitat conditions. 

 Further, our research and management biologists have identified 

 how to manage watersheds to maintain "good" habitat where it now 

 occurs, and achieve "good" habitat conditions in areas that 

 currently are degraded. 



In accord with our ongoing effort to develop a strategy, we are 

 identifying key watersheds that provide habitat important to "at 

 risk" stocks. We are defining riparian habitat conservation 

 areas where particular management sensitivity is warranted that 

 goes beyond the traditional riparian corridor along permanent 

 fish-bearing stream segments. These areas include areas of 

 unstable soils, wetlands, intermittent headwater streams, and 

 other areas where proper ecologic functioning is crucial to 

 maintenance of the water, sediment, and nutrient delivery 

 systems of the river system. Through site specific watershed 

 analyses and building on a strong scientific foundation, the 

 Forest Service will establish new criteria as needed for 

 adjusting Forest Plans and programs on all National Forests that 

 support Pacific anadromous fish stocks. Finally, we are 

 evaluating the economic, cultural, and social impacts of our 

 management options that are under consideration. We recognize 

 that for this effort to be successful it will require the 

 extensive involvement of other Federal Agencies, tribal. State 

 and local governments, and other interested parties. Our 

 specific strategy is being developed in concert with other 

 Administration efforts and will be released in the next several 

 months . 



