286 



Bumpsrs O&A 4/3 



plan-including current management-without additional legislation is unclear. However, the prescrip- 

 tive nature of some provisions of S. 346 could constrain implementation of some alternatives. 



QUESTION 5. Wfiat are the purpose of "analysis of the management situation" (AMS) reports? When will these 

 be completed for the Tongass? 



ANSWER: The analysis of the management situation (Af^S) provides a framework for determining if 

 changes are needed in established management direction. The Af^S also evaluates the Forest's ability 

 to supply goods and services in response to society's demands. The AMS provides a basis ("side- 

 boards") for the formulation of a broad range of reasonable alternatives, which are further evaluated 

 in the planning process. 



Information included in our AMS are descriptions of the current management situation, resource 

 demand projections, and an analysis of the physical, biological, and technical capabilities of the Forest 

 which incorporates the results of benchmark analysis. The AMS is scheduled for completion in July 

 1989. 



QUESTION 6. If you haven't completed your AMS reports and you haven't formulated alternatives, is your 

 deadline for Tongass Plan revision still realistic? 



ANSWER: Yes, we believe we can meet our deadline. We expect the AMS to be available for public 

 review this summer and for a draft Forest Plan to be available by year end. 



QUESTION 7. Will the new Tongass plan retain the roadless designation~LUD ll-for lands outside wilderness 

 but also outside the timber base? Will you open some of these areas to logging? 



ANSWER: No, the designation LUD II will not be retained. However, there will be management 

 prescriptions for roadless areas without Wilderness designation in the Revised Forest Plan. These 

 prescriptions will be similar to management under the LUD II designation. 



The Revised Forest Plan will determine how the current LUD II areas will be managed. 



QUESTION 8. Do you interpret the management directions In Sec. 202 of S. 346 to preclude timber harvest 

 from the 23 areas after revision of TLMP? 



ANSWER: The prescriptive nature of Section 202(c) would make timtjer harvesting in the 23 areas 

 unlikely. 



TIMBER ECONOMICS 



QUESTION 1. What is the total cost for the Tongass timber program per thousand board feet of timber 

 prepared? Please display the costs of the Regional Office timber program you Included in your calculations. 



ANSWER: Based upon the Timber Sale Program Infomiation Reporting System (TSPIRS) report for 

 FY 1988, the unit cost for the timber program on the Tongass is $31.83 per thousand board feet, 

 excluding the Regional Office expenses, and $47.27 per thousand board feet including the Regional 

 Office expenses. 



