403 



(Critical Fish and Wildlife Habitat Area) similar to that 

 outlined in the Sealaska position on the Tongass legislative 

 changes. This would provide long term protection from log- 

 ging and road building. The Yakutat Forelands area is unique 

 due to a significant level of motorized vehicle use (including 

 trucks, all-terrain work vehicles, motorized skiffs, airplanes, 

 fishing camps) that is required to support traditional comm- 

 ercial fishing activities along the beaches and at the mouths 

 of major river systems. Such a designation would protect the 

 fish and wildlife habitat of the highly productive river systems 

 and prohibit the road from the Dangerous River to Dry Bay. 

 It would allow greater f 1 exi bi 1 i ty for the management of the 

 existing and future levels of motorized boat, vehicle and air- 

 craft use needed to support traditional commercial fishing 

 activities, fish camps, cabins and use of subsistence resources. 

 The people of Yakutat depend heavily upon the fish and wild- 

 life resources of the forelands. This designation would res- 

 pond to the City of Yakutat's management concerns. 



The City of Yakutat has opposed the 450 million board 

 foot cut on the Tongass for years by resolution, as have num- 

 erous other southeast communities. That mandate, while not 

 being consistent with Congressional intent, is not realistic 

 or responsive to current times and needs within the region. 

 Other industries important to the Tongass and individual 



