Forest Plan Maintenance Program

Objective

The abundance and distribution of habitats, especially old-growth forests, to sustain viable populations of wildlife should be maintained. Also, maintain habitat capability sufficient to produce wildlife populations that support the use of wildlife resources for subsistence, recreation, and commercial activities.

Monitoring Plan Question

1. Are population and habitat trends for Management Indicator Species (MIS) consistent with expectations? Are these trends due to changes in habitat conditions or other factors? If they are tied to habitat conditions, is there a direct relationship with forest management, climate change or other factors? Terrestrial MIS include Red Squirrel, Black Bear, Brown Bear, Marten, River Otter, Sitka Black-tailed Deer, Mountain Goat, Gray Wolf, Vancouver Canada Goose, Bald Eagle, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Hairy Woodpecker and Brown Creeper.

2. Is current management providing for sufficient habitat of federally listed threatened or endangered species and Alaska Region sensitive species?

3. What is the geographic distribution and habitat relationships of mammalian endemic species the Tongass?

Sampling/Reporting Period

Annual/5 Year

Evaluation Criteria

1. Habitat changes and population trends for management indicator species: WILD1. II.E.

2. Documentation for mammalian taxa with limited historical ranges including geographic extent and habitat distribution across islands and mainland Forest: WILD1.I.B.

Data and Inventory Sources

Wildlife inventory and monitoring; population trend data from various sources (ADF&G, Breeding Bird Survey, Alaska Landbird Monitoring).

Feed Back Mechanism

Evaluate management practices and change if needed; Wildlife Standards and Guidelines