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SOtlTH ETOLIN ISLAMD PROPOSAL. 



DESCRIPTi6n: East of Prince of Wales Island, about 10 miles 

 southwest of the town of Wrangell. Variety of landscapes from 

 grassy estuaries to alpine peaks. Includes an old growth forest 

 originating from a forest fire 300 years ago; fires are 

 exceedingly rare on the Tongass. Features relatively scarce red 

 cedar-western hemlock stands. Heavily used for wilderness 

 recreation by Wrangell residents. Cutthroat and rainbow trout, 

 steelhead and Dolly Varden provide sport fishing opportunities in 

 the numerous streams and lakes. Good anchorages. Most of the 

 best fisheries on Etolin Island are found in the proposed area. 

 Big game species include black bear, wolf, and deer. 



HISTORY: Included in 1978 H.R. 39 wilderness designation as 

 reported out of subcommittee. Originally proposed for wilderness 

 to the Forest Service by the Wrangell Commercial Fishermen's 

 Association. Recommended for wilderness designation by Forest 

 Service in 1979 and ranked among the highest for commercial and 

 sport fish values, wilderness values, ecological diversity, 

 primitive recreation and estuarine sensitivity. 1988 Research 

 Natural Area proposal by Forest Service. Five year logging ban 

 approved by U.S. House of Representatives in 1988. 



LAND STATUS: LUD I Release. Status to be evaluated in TLMP 

 revision. Not in either 50-year contract area. 



ACREAGE: 8 3,64 2 acres. 



SCHEDULED TIMBER BASE: 0. 



