Tongass National Forest

Small Old Growth Reserve Mapping

Although Small Old-Growth Reserves (OGRs) were mapped in the 1997 Forest Plan, the Plan and ROD recognized that insufficient information and effort were available to finalize Small OGR locations, and provided specific guidelines in the Plan and its Appendix K for adjusting the locations during NEPA projects such as timber sales. In 1998, the Tongass Plan Implementation Team (TPIT) clarified the parameters for Small OGRs and described an interagency process, conducted by biologists representing the Forest Service, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This process results in a biological recommendation for the OGRs evaluated. The Forest Service then uses this information in the project NEPA, which often results in adjustments to the OGRs. The Small OGR Mapping work subject will address many of the Small OGRs that have not been previously evaluated.

Work Product(s): This effort will result in recommended mapping changes for Small OGRs that have not been previously adjusted by projects and Forest Plan amendments since 1997, based on interagency biologist recommendations. The mapping changes and associated data sheets will be viewable in the Map Library of this Web site when they are completed. It is expected that mapping changes will result in proposed adjustments to the Land Use Designation Map. Another associated product will likely be adjustment to the wildlife section of the Forest Plan and Appendix K.

Public Participation: For information on how you can become part of the Forest Plan adjustment process, please visit the Public Involvement Web page. If you are interested in providing direct comments relative to the small old-growth reserve mapping analysis, please go to the Make Comment page.