Forest Plan Implementation
Forest Plan Overview
Chapter 4 - Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines
Soil and Water
Chapter 4 Direction
The goal is to sustain soil productivity while minimizing soil erosion and sediment transported to streams from land-disturbing activities. We want to protect and restore the biological, physical, and chemical integrity of Tongass National Forest waters.
The Forest Plan emphasizes that we will conduct land use activities to avoid irreversible or serious and adverse effects on soil and water resources.
Standards and Guidelines
Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines for Soil and Water address:
- Soil Inventory
- Water Inventory and Evaluation
- Watershed Resource Planning including:
- Land Use Activities
- Watershed Analysis and Cumulative Watershed Effects
- Public Water Systems and Domestic Water Sources
- Watershed Protection and Restoration
Changes in the 2008 Plan
Included clarification of the evaluation and the documentation required for harvesting on steep slopes.
Identified the specific circumstances when Watershed Analysis is required.
Added guidance for road decommissioning and storage projects relative to improving watershed conditions.