Tongass National Forest

Concern has been expressed that riparian buffers may not be wind firm.

Windfirmness of riparian buffers designed and left after timber harvest was a concern during development of the Forest Plan. Buffer widths associated with different stream classes and channel conditions along with the intent to prescribe into the prescriptions reasonable expectations of wind firmness, are key assumptions embodied in the Plan. Forest Plan monitoring along with specific Forest Plan Information Needs studies also address how these buffers are working, or not working to meet Forest Plan objectives. These monitoring efforts and studies are ongoing. (See also, the concern regarding the need for wind firm buffers on Class III streams [04-25].)

Because much of the Tongass is a wind disturbance ecology, there is the opportunity to learn more about the riparian related ecological effects of wind throw events.

Continue the ongoing windfirmness studies and monitoring. Results of both ongoing efforts should be assembled together. Consider follow-on study, or longer term monitoring of the areas being studied as the current efforts are brought to conclusion.

• Forest Science Laboratory, Juneau
• Forest Hydrologist
• Forest Ecologist
• Forest Planner
• Forest Fish Biologist

• Interim and final reports on current efforts.

Addressed in Forest Plan Amendment.