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3 

 We have 2U full-time biologists on the Tongass National Forest today. These 

 fisheries experts are working with all other professsional and technical 

 disciplines to provide an increased emphasis on quality management of the 

 fishery habitat in each of the forest planning areas. A part of this 

 initiative is the strengthening of our fishery and riparian habitat monitoring 

 efforts. 



Following field investigations, streamside management prescriptions are 

 implemented to protect or enhance fish habitat at specific sites. In 1986, an 

 Aquatic Habitat Management Handbook was prepared by a team of professionals 

 from the Forest Service, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, U.S. Fish and 

 Wildlife Service, and National Marine Fisheries Service. This document now 

 guides our field personnel in protection of the fisheries resource. The 

 factors we consider include stream class, stream channel and bank 

 characteristics and condition, water temperature, soil characteristics, fish 

 passage capability, water quality, the amount of large woody debris, and the 

 timing of bridge and culvert installation. 



During the timber sale planning process, we provide an individual design for 

 each stream and utilize timber harvest prescriptions and practices as tools to 

 modify the forest vegetation to achieve a desired vegetative outcome. We 

 believe this is the best way to protect the fisheries resource while also 

 managing other resource opportunities. 



As passed by the House on July 13, 1989, section 104 of H.R. 987 would require 

 buffer zones along all streams except those with no resident fish populations 

 and those that are very small or do not flow year-around. This would 



