Tongass National Forest

Appendix K of the Forest Plan requires a minimum of 16% of a VCU be included in the Small OGRs (if available). This is one criteria associated with the requirements of the Small OGRs. A question has come up in recent project evaluations regarding if the 16% applies to total acres in a VCU, or just the National Forest System lands in the VCU.

The 16% applies to the National Forest System lands in a VCU only. These are the only lands under Forest Service jurisdiction and it would be inappropriate to apply potential restrictions on other ownerships. Appendix N of the 1997 Forest Plan has a series of unpublished Appendices related to the development of Appendix N. One of the appendices displays the initial calculations of the 16% by VCU. It is clear from these numbers the original numbers were calculated on the National Forest System acres only, thus the intent was to include National Forest System lands only. Project evaluations will still need to include activities on adjacent or nearby lands in their cumulative effects analyses as appropriate.

Assure all project teams know how the calculations should be performed.

• Forest Planner
• Forest Wildlife Biologist

• Provide policy direction including Handbook clarification.