330 



Ansver: The publication 'Understanding the Past . . . Designing the Future" 

 shows the effects and estimates of forest-wide habitat capability after 

 10/50/150 years and this is based on wildlife habitat capability model runs 

 for the individual management indicator species. The publication estimates 

 potential changes only in habitat capability and not in actual numbers. The 

 charts enclosed with question 19 represent results from our individual species 

 model runs. These data were aggregated to make the wildlife habitat 

 capability estimates on page 59 of the publication ("Understanding the 

 Past . . . Designing the Future"). We did not display the results of these 

 individual species runs in that document, but this information is in our 

 planning record. The charts enclosed with SEACC question 19 should be labeled 

 habitat capability expressed in terms of numbers of animals. 



Question 20. At page 19 of its testimony, SEACC charges that "the Forest 

 Service is misleading the public with regard to salmon production and logging 

 on the Tongass National Forest." For example, SEACC says that the Tongass, 

 salmon production will increase 10 percent," and that this claim is "patently 

 false." Is the Forest Service making "patently false claims" to the public? 

 Please respond. 



Answer: The Forest Service is not making "patently false claims" to the 

 public. We've been a leader both in continual research and study of the 

 aquatic habitat relationships, and also in implementing the latest findings. 

 Our current direction is to maintain or enhance the productive capability of 

 anadromous streams. The data available readily supports the adequacy of 

 protective measures. The management prescriptions which have been developed 

 for the revision of TLMP define the needed practices. Our project 

 implementation procedures have undergone detailed internal and interagency 

 scrutiny during the past years and are greatly improved. 



Our prediction that salmon production could increase by as much as 10 percent 

 results from our experience with our extremely successful enhancement 

 projects. We have increased production potential on an annual basis by around 

 8 million pounds in the past decade, and we are rapidly implementing projects 

 which will add even more salmon to the catch of commercial and sports 

 fisheries. Many of these enhancement projects are undertaken with a variety 

 of partners, including the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, regional 

 aquaculture associations, the timber industry, and many others. 



Question 21. Regarding buffers strips, SEACC says at pages 21-22 of its 

 testimony that the Forest Service does not have enough biologists to monitor 

 its site-specific riparian management program and that the prescriptive buffer 

 strip approach is better because it is "simple, enforceable, and based on 

 existing verifiable maps and information." Please respond to SEACC 's charge. 



Answer: As we mentioned at the hearing on February 26, the Forest Service 

 has 25 professional fisheries biologists on the Tongass National Forest with 

 three to five additional biologists presently being recruited. The experience 

 levels range from 1 to 15 years, supplying a blend of experience and fresh 

 ideas. All are well-qualified. We believe these biologists combined vith the 



