Tongass National Forest

Cutthroat trout are identified in the Final Environmental Impact Statement (page 3-52) as an MIS for the Forest Plan revision. Several other fish species (pink salmon, coho salmon and Dolly Varden char) are also identified as MIS in the same paragraph. All fish species except cutthroat trout are specifically identified in Chapter 6. The Forest has been monitoring cutthroat for the last 5 years along with Dolly Varden char.

It appears that not identifying cutthroat trout as a Management Indicator Species in Chapter 6 was an oversight. However, the Forest has treated the cutthroat trout as MIS in its operations and monitoring efforts since 1997, and these efforts continue.

Draft written guidelines that reflect cutthroat trout as MIS, and clarify sampling methods to include population and stream habitat sampling. At the same time, include in the draft guidelines potential updates to the population and habitat sampling methods for Dolly Varden char from Chapter 6. Include the estimated annual cost to monitor these species based on past and projected costs. Prepare a draft Forest Plan amendment that would add cutthroat trout to Chapter 6 of the Forest Plan as appropriate. Submit draft guidelines with recommendations to the Forest Supervisor for approval.

• Forest Fish Biologist
• Forest Planner

• Draft guidelines and Forest Plan amendment with recommendations