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 As you requested, our testimony today will focus on the proposed buffer zones 

 along anadromous streams and t,he designation of new wilderness areas. 



Buffer Zones Qsection 104) 



We strongly support special management of riparian areas to protect key fish 

 and wildlife resources. The National Forest Management Act and our 

 implementing regulations already require the protection of fish habitat within 

 the National Forests. We give priority consideration to riparian resources 

 including actions needed to maintain or enhance fish habitat and water 

 quality. Site-specific prescriptions result in variable buffer widths 

 depending on the on-site conditons, and may extend well beyond 100 feet. 



A single minimum-width buffer zone policy does not recognize the tremendous 

 variability in site -specif ic conditions nor the range of respective management 

 options available and often necessary to achieve our overall management 

 objectives. Therefore, we object to a legislatively mandated buffer, 

 preferring instead to continue our work with other Federal agencies and the 

 State of Alaska to develop appropriate site-specific standards to address these 

 concerns . 



Our strearaside management today is based on the sound application of the best 

 riparian and instream habitat technology available. Professional fisheries 

 biologists, hydrologists , Forest Supervisors, District Rangers, and other field 

 personnel are committed to protecting stream and streamside resources. Our 

 nationwide fisheries initiative, "Rise to the Future", has provided a growing 

 force of professional fisheries biologists at all levels of the organization. 



