United States

Department of

Agriculture

Forest

Service

Alaska Region

Tongass National Forest

Thorne Bay Ranger District

P.O. Box 19001

Thorne Bay, AK 99919-0001

Phone: (907) 828-3304

Fax: (907) 828-3309

Caring for the Land and Serving People Printed on Recycled Paper

File Code: 1950

Date: April 18, 2012

Dear Planning Participant:

The Forest Service is seeking your input on a proposal for the Dargon Point Commercial Thinning Project

in the Naukati area on the Thorne Bay Ranger District. We completed a preliminary evaluation and

propose treatment to help move the project area toward desired conditions as described in the Tongass

Land and Resource Management Plan. The project may provide commercial forest products, primarily

sawlog material, as well as job opportunities for local contractors. If approved, this project may be

accomplished through stewardship contracting authority.

As required by federal regulation this notice begins the 30-day comment period. Written, oral and

electronic comments will be accepted for 30 calendar days following the publication of this notice in the

Ketchikan Daily News. The purpose of this comment period is to provide an opportunity for the public to

provide input on a proposed action prior to a decision by the Responsible Official. Your input helps us

identify potential issues, concerns, and opportunities associated with the proposal. This feedback also

helps guide our NEPA analysis. We need your help to ensure we analyze all the issues that are of concern

to you and our community.

We anticipate authorizing these actions through an Environmental Assessment (EA). The decision based

on this document may be subject to appeal pursuant to 36 CFR Part 215. Individuals or non-federal

organizations who submitted written comments or otherwise expressed interest in this particular action

during this comment period will have standing to appeal this decision. The publication date in the

newspaper of record is the exclusive means for calculating the comment period for this analysis. Please

examine the enclosed proposal and maps, and send us any comments you feel will help us develop a

sound project. Please identify your specific concerns; places within the project area that are important to

you; and any suggestions you have to improve the project.

A form in this notice is provided for your written comments. Please submit your comments by letter, fax,

or e-mail. Your comments would be most useful to us if received by Wednesday, May 23, 2012. If you

have NO comments at this time, but wish to remain on this mailing list, please fill out and return the form

on page 11 of this letter.

For more information on this project, please contact Ben Case at 907-772-5883 or bcase@fs.fed.us.

We look forward to receiving your comments and thank you for your participation in the planning

process. Your views are important to us as we develop an action strategy to achieve the goals set forth in

our Forest Plan. Thank you for taking time to help manage our National Forest together.

Sincerely,

Kent Nicholson Thorne Bay District Ranger

Tongass National Forest

Project Area Location and Description

The Dargon Point project area is located along the western shore of Prince of Wales Island,

approximately three miles north of the community of Naukati, within the Thorne Bay Ranger

District, Tongass National Forest (please see “Vicinity Map”).

This project occurs outside of an inventoried roadless area, and entirely within the Timber

Production (TM), Land Use Designation (LUD). Overall the terrain is relatively flat, comprised

of glacial till over limestone bedrock. This area has one of the higher concentrations of young

growth (YG) on the Tongass, with a small portion of these YG stands dating back to the early

1900’s. The area also has a significant amount of YG from more recent harvest that occurred

from the 1960’s through the 1980’s. Older harvest in the area originally accessed stands of

timber from the beach; however, modern harvest since 1960 has developed a network of roads

throughout most of the project area.

Proposed Action

The Thorne Bay Ranger District proposes to thin approximately 70 acres of mature young

growth to improve forest vegetation conditions to meet the project’s purpose and need. This

project occurs outside of an inventoried roadless area, and entirely within the Timber Production

(TM), Land Use Designation (LUD). Beach and Estuary Fringe standards and guidelines apply

to approximately 16 acres of the proposed treatment area. The following list further defines

specific project components of the proposed action.

Commercial thinning of an approximately 70-acre young growth stand of spruce and

hemlock that was originally harvested in the 1940s.

Construction of approximately 1 mile of road to allow for ground based logging systems

to harvest roughly 1,000 mbf of sawlog and utility material.

Commercial Thinning: The proposed silvicultural treatment for this stand includes a single entry

comprised of two types of thinning; 1) a variable-density thinning, with skips and gaps, for the

approximate 16 acres that fall in the 1,000-foot beach and estuary fringe (beach fringe), and 2) a

crown thinning for the remaining portion of the stand within the TM LUD. A crown thinning

removes trees from the dominant and codominant crown classes in order to favor the best trees of

those same crown classes; whereas, the proposed variable density-thinning, with skips and gaps,

will remove trees through a crown thinning, the creation of small gaps, and retain areas of

reserves (skips). Both proposed treatments are designed to interrupt existing stem exclusion

conditions and result in healthy, windfirm stands with enhanced understories; however,

treatments within the beach fringe will have greater emphasis on accelerating advanced seral

stand structure (Forest Plan, page 4-5), whereas treatments for the remaining portion of the stand

will emphasize long-term timber yield.

The harvest of timber associated with this thinning is expected to include cutting trees with a

feller buncher and then yarding with a shovel and forwarder to a haul road where they will be

loaded onto trucks for hauling.

The enclosed map displays the location where treatments would occur and are provided to assist

you in referencing your comments to site-specific proposed actions.

Existing Condition/Need for Project Action

A majority of the young growth stands in the project area have undergone intermediate treatment

(thinning) for improving future timber production and wildlife habitat; however, most of the

oldest young growth stands have not received intermediate treatments. These older untreated

stands are heavily-stocked, productive young growth stands, with commercial size material. Out

competed trees are dying or have died, and growth of understory vegetation that is important for

wildlife habitat is restricted.

The proposed thinning unit is a heavily stocked, productive young growth stand that originated

from a 1940’s A-frame clearcut. The stand was originally accessed from the beach. Currently, a

majority of the stand is in the stem exclusion stage. Trees are competing for light and few, if any

new trees are being added. Tree canopy closure is high and predominantly composed of a single

layer of dominant, codominant and intermediate spruce and hemlock. Out competed trees are

dying or have died, and growth of understory vegetation that is important for wildlife habitat is

restricted. Average stem height to diameter ratios over most of the stand are within the range

suitable for intermediate treatment; however, portions of the stand consists of taller, more

spindly trees making these areas unstable if predisposed through thinning to wind, snow and ice

damage. Pockets of windthrow are present in the southern portion of the stand. Minor tree

species, if present, consist of the occasional western redcedar, Alaska yellow-cedar or alder.

Snags and downed trees are comprised of mostly intermediate and smaller sized material from

trees that have succumbed to suppression mortality.

Without treatment it is expected that tree growth and subsequently growth of stand volume will

slow. Also, tree height to diameter ratios will increase, limiting future management options due

to susceptibility to windthrow concerns.

In an effort to implement Forest Plan Goals and Objectives and due to an increasing interest in

producing commercial wood products through management of young growth on the Tongass

National Forest, the interdisciplinary team has found that there is an underlying need in the

Dargon Point Project Area for intermediate vegetation treatments (thinning) on about70 acres of

young growth. Treatments will be designed to maintain or increase the potential to produce

sawtimber and other forest products, while enhancing wildlife habitat. Forest Plan direction

provides goals and objectives for management of young growth stands.

Manage the timber resource for production of sawtimber and other wood products from

suitable lands made available for timber harvest on an even-flow, long-term sustained

yield basis, and in an economically efficient manner (Forest Plan, page 2-7).

Maintain, prolong, and/or improve understory forage production, and to improve habitat

distribution, including future old-growth characteristics in young-growth timber stands on

both suitable and unsuitable lands (Forest Plan, page 2-9).

Resources

All activities associated being proposed with this project comply with required Forest Plan

Standards and Guidelines. Most resource concerns, such as soils, karst and aquatics are mitigated

with the prescribed silvicultural treatments and unit design, which adherence to Forest Plan

Standards and Guidelines, and Best Management Practices (BMPs). Project level resource

inventories have been and continue to be conducted within the project area. Changes, such as

minor boundary location adjustments, can be expected during implementation to better meet on-

site resource management and protection objectives. Below is a summary of site specific

resource conditions based on our project investigations.

Aquatics

Fisheries: There are no fish streams within the proposed thinning unit. There is one class I fish stream

approximately 30 meters away from the unit’s boundary.

Riparian Management Areas: The stream channel types are palustrine and floodplain. The

original harvest did not leave a stream buffer; however, the proposed unit is designed to leave an

appropriate buffer for the channel type present so the thinning will not impact the stream channel. Wind-

throw in the area seems to be consistent therefore a reasonable assurance of wind-firm zone will be

reviewed by an interdisciplinary team (IDT). The IDT will determine if the stream buffer needs additional

protection from wind-throw.

Mitigation measures to avoid and minimize impact to aquatic resources are incorporated into Region 10

Forest Service Best Management Practices (BMPs) and standards and guidelines (S&Gs). All road

construction is required to follow all Region 10 standards and guidelines and BMPs. The proposed road

construction in the project watersheds is not expected to impair the watershed condition due to

implementation of BMPs and 2008 Forest Plan Standards and Guidelines. Cumulative effects are not

expected to impair fisheries habitat in the Project Area.

Some of these S&Gs and BMPs that are required include:

leaving riparian management area (RMA) and reasonable assurance of windfirmness (RAW)

buffers along Class I, II, and III streams.

not filling or disturbing productive stream areas

minimizing sedimentation by not allowing harvest activities to accelerate sideslope surface

erosion or mass wasting into stream channels.

timing construction to avoid critical periods in life stages of aquatic resources.

road crossings of streams should be designed to all applicable federal and state standards,

quidelines, and BMPs to control effects of transportation systems on water quality and fish

habitat. All timing restrictions to protect habitat, maintain fish passage, and mitigate adverse

sedimentation should be followed during all construction and reconstruction of roads.

Botany

Invasive Plants: Non-native plant surveys were completed for this project. Surveys were

completed along closed roads, the existing rockpit along the NFSR 2060130, throughout the

treatment unit, along the beach, and along adjacent karst features to the proposed treatment area.

The only high priority invasive plant found was reed canarygrass, which was found along a

portion of closed road in one isolated patch, along the beach, and in a resurgence/sinkhole

adjacent to more recently harvested young growth along the existing road to the south.

Sensitive Plant Species: Nine sensitive plants are suspected to occur in the project area since

the area contains appropriate habitat and is within the known or suspected range of the plants. A

focused (intuitive controlled) type rare plant survey found no sensitive plants located within

areas likely to be affected by project activites. A detailed map showing the exact route that the

botanist travelled on the ground is on file at the Thorne Bay Ranger District. Complete Plant

Survey Field Forms can also be found at the Thorne Bay Ranger District.

Heritage

A partial archaeological survey of the project area was undertaken in the summer of 2011

adhering to the stipulations found in the Third Amended Programmatic Agreement Among the

USDA Forest Service, Alaska Region, the Advisory Council On Historic Preservation, and the

Alaska State Historic Preservation Officer Regarding Heritage Resource Management On National

Forests In Alaska. In the spring of 2012 the archaeological investigation will be completed and any

effects (direct or indirect) to historic properties eligible to the National Register of Historic Places

will be mitigated according to the guidance in the aforementioned Programmatic Agreement in

consultation with the Alaska State Historic Preservation Officer and the Advisory Council On

Historic Preservation as required. All work conducted will meet all of the applicable Forest Service

standards including the Forest Service Manual 2300, Chapter 2360- Heritage Program Management

and the 2008 Tongass Land and Resource Management Plan, section HSS1- Heritage Resource

Activities.

Karst/Caves

In 2011, Forest Service geologists inventoried the proposed treatment area for karst resources

and conducted a karst vulnerability assessment. The treatment area is completely underlain by

limestone with well-developed karst drainage. No significant caves were found within the unit.

The epikarst in these units is moderate to well-developed on knobs and ridge tops with a

complex mosaic of Sarkar and McGilvery soils, and several small sinks were noted. One

siginficant insurgence feature was found along the southern portion of the unit and will be

protected by a 100-foot no harvest buffer.

Due to previous harvest and thinning, a layer of organic debris is present throughout most of the

unit. In general, because of this previous disturbance, the overall vulnerability of this area is

classified as moderate. Partial suspension in the moderate vulnerability karst areas will protect

these shallow mineral and organic soils.

Soils/Wetlands

Ulloa, Sarkar, and McGilvery soils were identified within the project area. Ulloa soils are well

drained, deep mineral soils overlying limestone. Sarkar soils are well drained, mineral soils

overlying limestone at shallow depths. McGilvery soils are well drained, dry organic soils

overlying bedrock at shallow depths. There was little evidence on the ground of past skid trails

and tractor logging. The soil disturbance in this unit from past harvest is minimal and the

implementation of this project would meet the Region 10 Soil Quality Standards.

No wetlands were identified in the proposed unit or road line.

Unit design and road location are heavily influenced by the project area’s soil resources. Factors

such as steepness of slope, rock outcrops and riparian areas determine unit boundaries, road and

landing locations, and intensity of treatment. All new road construction planned for this project is

for silvicultural purposes and will be located and designed to meet 33 CFR 323 guidelines and

State approved BMPs.

Subsistence

This project may result in temporary displacement of deer and other wildlife during project

implementation due to disturbance. However, this project is not expected to result in a

significant possibility of a significant restriction of subsistence resources and uses.

Wildlife

General effects to wildlife from this project will include a slight increase in road density and

temporary disturbances while survey and implementation activities are underway. Treatments,

particularly in the beach buffer, will be designed to improve wildlife habitat and facilitate

wildlife movement through the stand. Wildlife surveys for raptor nests and animal dens were

conducted in 2011 within the proposed treatment area. Additional surveys will be completed in

spring and summer of 2012.

This project is not anticipated to affect the marine environment or marine species, so no

Threatened or Endangered species would be affected by this project.

Bald Eagle: There is one known bald eagle nest just outside of the stand that could be affected

by proposed harvest activities. Appropriate nest protections as identified in the National Bald

Eagle Management Guidelines will be incorporated through treatment design.

Gray Wolf: There are no known den sites in the area. An increase in human activity associated

with the thinning and road construction work may increase opportunities for wolf harvest to a

small degree. However, change would be small. Impacts would not be expected to have any

long-term effects on species or their habitats, or the natural processes sustaining them.

Occasional responses to disturbance by some individuals could be expected, but without

interference to reproduction, or other factors affecting population levels.

Northern Goshawk: Though there are known territories nearby, there are no known goshawk

nests in the project area. Any nests or animal dens discovered at any time will receive the

necessary Forest Plan standard and guideline application.

Sitka Black-tailed Deer: Silvicultural treatments proposed with this project are designed to

disrupt the stem exclusion phase and improve growing conditions for understory vegetation,

while maintaining canopy cover for snow intercept capabilities. The removal of trees, especially

by means of ground based equipment that compact slash, will address the concern for heavy

slash loads resulting from treatments that is thought to discourage wildlife movement in the short

term.

Public Participation

Public and Agency Consultation

The project proposal is currently listed on the Tongass National Forest Schedule of Proposed

Actions (SOPA). The current SOPA and subsequent quarter’s reports are available on the

internet at http://www.fs.fed.us/sopa/forest-level.php?111005.

A public announcement for the Dargon Point project is planned to be published in the Island

News (local newspaper for Prince of Wales Island) on April 25, 2012 and in the Ketchikan Daily

News (publication of record) on April 23, 2012.

The project was introduced in a June 15, 2011 progress report and reported on again September

23, 2011 by the Thorne Bay District Ranger, to the collaborative Staney Community Forest

Working Group.

Tribal Consultation

As part of ongoing government to government tribal relations and collaborative management of

resources on Prince of Wales Island, the Craig Community Association (CCA), Klawock

Cooperative Association (KCA), Hydaburg Cooperative Association (HCA), and the Organized

Village of Kasaan (OVK) will be provided an overview of District projects including this project

in writing on April 26, 2012. Additional tribal consultation will occur throughout the scoping and

life of this project.

Commenting on this Project Proposal

Your input and ideas are important in completing the Dargon Point Commercial Thinning

Project. We want to hear your ideas. Comments are most helpful when they refer to specific

areas or resources within the project area. Please refer to the enclosed maps and fill out the

attached comment sheet and return it to us. You can also call us at (907) 772-5883 and talk to

Ben Case, Tongass National Forest Young Growth Coordinator. Comments may also be faxed

(907-772-5893) or e-mailed to comments-alaska-tongass-thornebay@fs.fed.us with “Dargon

Point” in the subject line. The interdisciplinary team will review and potentially modify the

proposed action based on comments received. Your comments would be most useful to us, if we

receive them before Wednesday, May 23, 2012.

We look forward to your participation. Your input and ideas will help ensure a successful

project. Thank you for taking time to help manage our National Forest!

HERE ARE MY SCOPING COMMENTS FOR THE

Dargon Point Commercial Thinning Project If you have NO comments at this time, but wish to remain on this mailing list, return this form with the other

side filled out.

IF WE DO NOT HEAR FROM YOU, YOUR NAME WILL BE REMOVED FROM THIS PROJECT’S

MAILING LIST.

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Your Name Here

Please complete the other side, fold, and send to the address below:

OR

Telephone: (907) 772-5883 FAX: (907) 772-5893 E-Mail: comments-alaska-tongass-thornebay@fs.fed.us

□ Yes I want to stay on the mailing list for this project. Please send all future project information to my

current address, printed below.

□ No I do not wish to remain on the mailing list for this project. Please do not send any further information

regarding this project.

Please send future project information in (please choose only one):

□ CD

□ Hard Copy

□ I will obtain future information from the internet.

http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/tongass/index.shtml

IF WE DO NOT HEAR FROM YOU AT THIS TIME, YOUR NAME WILL BE REMOVED FROM THIS

MAILING LIST, however, your name will remain on our master mailing list for future projects. NOTE: Our public

mailing lists may be made available to those who request them under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). We

cannot assure you that your name and address will remain confidential if you are on the mailing list.

⎯ ⎯ ⎯ ⎯ ⎯ ⎯ ⎯ ⎯ ⎯ ⎯ ⎯ ⎯ ⎯ ⎯ ⎯ Fold along line, staple, stamp, and mail ⎯ ⎯ ⎯ ⎯ ⎯ ⎯ ⎯ ⎯ ⎯ ⎯ ⎯ ⎯ ⎯ ⎯ ⎯ ⎯ ⎯

From: (Return address required)

___________________________________ (name)

___________________________________ (organization)

___________________________________ (address)

___________________________________ (city, state, zip)

TO: Tongass National Forest

Attn: Dargon Point Commercial Thinning

Scoping Notice and Comment

PO Box 309

Petersburg, AK 99833

The USDA is an equal opportunity employer.

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Please Participate!

To assist the Forest Service in identifying and considering

issues, opportunities, and concerns on the proposed action, all

comments should be as site specific as possible. Please identify

areas of particular concern using the information provided in

this letter and referring to specific areas on the enclosed maps.

STAY IN TOUCH! STAY INVOLVED!

Dargon Point Commercial

Thinning

Details Inside

PROPOSED PROJECT: Timber and

Wildlife Habitat Improvement

LOCATION: Naukati - Prince of Wales

Island, Thorne Ranger District

SUMMARY: Commercial thinning to

improve future timber production and

wildlife habitat.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

CONTACT:

Tongass National Forest

Attn: Ben Case

P.O. Box 309

Petersburg, AK 99833

Phone: (907) 772-5883

Fax: (907) 772-5893

COMMENTS DUE: Please send your

comments by Wednesday, May 23,

2012.

___________________________________________________________________

P.O. Box 19001

Thorne Bay, AK 99919

Phone: (907) 828-3304

Fax: (907) 828-3309