(SitNews) Ketchikan, Alaska - Today the U.S. Forest Service announced that it will introduce a “modification” to the Tongass Land Management Plan that “among other things is expected to focus on identifying the timber base suitable to support a transition to young-growth management, in a way that supports the continued viability of the forest industry in Southeast Alaska, per the direction of Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack.” The announcement also says the Forest Service will create a Tongass Federal Advisory Committee” in the New Year, although how the agency will recruit and select committee members isn’t mentioned.

A public process will begin with the intent of modifying the Tongass National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan), based on conditions on the land and demands of the public.

According to Forest Supervisor Forrest Cole, “While the nature of those modifications is determined, the Tongass will continue an annual program of work, which includes the mix of projects and delivery of goods and services that are guided by the Forest Plan, in order to advance the transition and support forest industry.”

In response to the announcement, Audubon Alaska stated in a press release the Forest Service “modification” to the Tongass Land Management Plan is missing key components. Audubon Alaska said, “It is obviously early in the process, but this announcement is a disappointing start.  It doesn’t discuss the most important elements of any modification to the Tongass management plan.  There is no mention of ending clear-cut old-growth logging in 3 to 5 years to protect the wildlife and salmon of the Tongass.  And no mention of shifting the Forest Service’s focus to protecting and enhancing the fishing and tourism industries the region relies on for its economic future.”

The largest reserve in the National Forest System, the 17-million-acre Tongass in Southeast Alaska is currently operating under the 2008 Forest Plan. The current 5-Year Review of the Tongass Forest Plan is mandated under the National Forest Management Act of 1976, which requires periodic assessments of management plans to determine whether modifications are necessary to clarify or adjust the direction of forest management.

The Forest Service solicited comments through public and stakeholder meetings, government-to-government consultation with Southeast Alaska tribes, and written comments. Cole received input on a range of topics, including young-growth management, the Roadless Rule, watershed restoration, mining, renewable energy, and local economies.

As a result of both the 5-Year Review and a July memorandum from the Secretary of Agriculture, Addressing Sustainable Forestry in Southeast Alaska, a Tongass Federal Advisory Committee will be established to provide advice on identifying ways to support the transition and provide for a viable forest industry in Southeast Alaska. Initiation of the Committee is expected in early 2014.

Advice from the Committee may include a recommendation to define the suitable timber base to support the transition and to bolster implementation of a young-growth timber supply.

Edited by Mary Kauffman, SitNews

On the Web:

The Tongass Forest Plan and 5-Year Review documents
http://1.usa.gov/15FCWGl

The USDA Secretary’s memo
http://1.usa.gov/1eUSNKG

Source of News: 

U.S. Forest Service
www.fs.fed.gov

Audubon Alaska
www.audubon.org

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