Historic, Archive Document Do assume not content reflects current scientific knowledge, policies, or practices. USDA Emerald Bay United States Department of Timber Sale Agriculture Forest Service Tongass National Forest Final Supplemental Environmental R10-MB-552 Impact Statement and November 2005 Record of Decision United States Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Library United States Forest Alaska Region 648 Mission Street AK Department of Service Tongass National Ketchikan, 99901 Agriculture Forest 907-225-3101 FAX 907-228-6215 File Code: 1950 Date: September 30, 2005 Dear Planning Participant: Here is your copy ofthe Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (Final SEIS) and Record ofDecision (ROD) for the Emerald Bay Timber Sale on the Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Ranger District, Tongass National Forest. The Emerald Bay Timber Sale Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and Record of Decision (ROD) were published in October 2001. On February 14, 2002, the Tongass Forest Supervisor’s decision was reversed on appeal to the Regional Forester because the FEIS did not adequately consider the potential effects ofthe project on roadless area values and wilderness characteristics. The Draft SEIS and Final SEIS include more detail on the potential effects ofthe project alternatives on these resources. The ROD explains my decision to select Alternative B and the factors considered in reaching this decision. The effective date ofimplementation and the Notice ofRights ofAppeal are also ROD. specified in the Copies ofthis Final SEIS and Record ofDecision are available for review at Forest Service offices throughout the Tongass. For more information, contact the Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Ranger District at 907-225-2148. I want to thank those ofyou who took the time to review and comment on the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement. Your interest in the management ofthe Tongass National Forest is appreciated. Sincerely, FORREST COLE Forest Supervisor DEC 0 7 2005 Caring for the Land and Serving People PrintedonRecycledPaper - Emerald Bay Timber Sale Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service Alaska Region Lead Agency: USDA Forest Service Tongass National Forest Responsible Official: Forest Supervisor Tongass National Forest Ketchikan, Alaska 99901 For Further Information Contact: Lynn Kolund, District Ranger or Pat Haley, Team Leader Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Ranger District Tongass National Forest 3031 Tongass Avenue Ketchikan, Alaska 99901 Abstract The USDA Forest Service analyzed timberharvest alternatives ranging from no harvest to approximately 32,749 CCF (16,373 MBF) (CCF = hundred cubic feet; MBF = thousand board feet) oftimber in the Emerald Bayproject area, Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Ranger District, TongassNational Forest. The Emerald Bay project area is on the west side ofthe Cleveland Peninsula. Timbervolume from this projectwould be sold in one sale. The actions analyzed in this Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (Final SEIS) are designed to implement direction contained in the Tongass Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan). The Emerald Bay Timber Sale Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and Record ofDecision (ROD) were published in October2001. On February 14, 2002, the Tongass Forest Supervisor’s decision was reversed on appeal to the Regional Forester because the FEIS did not adequately considerthe potential effects ofthe project on roadless area values and wilderness characteristics. The availability ofthe Draft SEIS was published in theFederalRegister on October 15, 2004 and included more detail on the potential effects ofthe project alternatives on these resources. The Final SEIS describes four alternatives, which provide different combinations ofresource outputs and spatial locations ofharvest units. Alternatives B and D propose roading through a Medium Old-growth Reserve (MOGR) and construction ofa log transfer facility. The alternatives include: A) No Action, proposing no harvest orroad construction in the project area at this time; B) maximizing the contribution to the timber products industry through application ofpredominantly even-aged management and construction of5.8 miles ofnew classified road and 0.4 mile oftemporary road; C) minimizing impacts to a Medium Old-growth Habitat Reserve through uneven-aged management and 100 percent helicopteryarding; no roads would be constructed; D) balancing timber economics and resource protection through use ofuneven-aged management and 3.8 miles ofnew road. Roads in Alternatives B and D would be constructed to minimize impacts. Roads and the log transfer facility would be closed upon completion ofthe timber sale. Record of Decision Table of Contents