107 



tion, a minimum of 30 meters on each side of all anadromous fish 

 streams. The U.S. Forest Service does not consider this policy when 

 laying out timber sales. It is the lack of consistent substantive ac- 

 tions with regard to other multiple-use needs that is the major 

 problem in the Tongass today. 



The Forest Service is now operating within the riparian zone 

 under what they term as Aquatic Habitat Management Unit con- 

 cept. Unfortunately this concept does not require a mandatory ex- 

 clusionary zone be implemented to protect riparian habitat. Often- 

 times in practice the amount of streamside cutting is left up to the 

 discretion of the District Ranger and his or her staff. Streamside 

 cutting still occurs and buffer strips may be as significant as one or 

 two trees. Even in cases where a larger buffer is left there is noth- 

 ing in place to prevent future harvest of those areas. In fact, 1989 

 to 1994 DEIS for the Ketchikan Area states that by the year 2004 

 about 50 percent of the AHMU's would be harvested 



Senator Wirth. We will put the statement in full in the record, 

 Mr. Bacon. Thank you very much. 



[The prepared statement of Mr. Bacon follows:] 



