109 



care, a productive fisheries system will return salmon for harvest within 

 2 to 5 years in an ongoing annual manner , producing a positive cash flow 

 and regional jobs with no adverse effect on the land or other resources 

 The problem we run into in the Tongass is that the best of the woods is 

 the best of the woods. In many if not most cases the highest volume 

 timber stands are found in the riparian areas, adjacent to the most 

 productive streams Sometimes the economic viability of a timber 

 operation may depend on harvesting the large spruce located near the 

 stream to offset the low guality hemlock harvested in the upland areas 

 This sets the stage for the conflict that exists between our industries 

 This also sets the stage for the tough decisions that must be made by our 

 resource managers. Decisions that must be driven by equal consideration 

 of all the resources. We feel very strongly that balanced management of 

 all producing resources in the Tongass should be legislatively identified 

 for the Forest Service. All to often management decisions are weighted 

 by the current directed timber management goals. 



The National Marine Fisheries Service Policy for Riparian Habitat 

 Protection calls for mandatory buffer zones of riparian vegitation, a 

 minimum of 30 meters ( 100 feet) 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 substanitive actions 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 an "Aquatic Habitat Management Unit (AHMU) concept. 

 Unfortunately, this concept does not require a mandatory exclusionary 

 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 insignificant as one or two trees. Even in cases 

 where a larger buffer is left there is nothing in place to prevent future 

 harvest of those areas. In fact, the 89-94 DEIS for the Ketchikan Area 

 states that, "By the year 2004 about 50% of the AHMU's would be 

 harvested (pg. 4-120)." and that, "By the year 2054, about 80% of the 

 AHMU's would be harvested. 



