Establishment Record for
Héen Latinee Experimental Forest
Tongass National Forest
Within the City and Borough of Juneau, Alaska
May 12, 2009
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Table of Contents
Maps ............................................................................................................................................................. 1
Photographs ................................................................................................................................................. 9
A. Purpose of Establishment ................................................................................................................... 17
B. Area by Cover Types............................................................................................................................ 19
C. Physical and Climatic Conditions ...................................................................................................... 20
D. Description of and Impact Upon Land and Resource Values.......................................................... 24
(1) Timber ..................................................................................................................................... 24
(2) Watershed ................................................................................................................................ 25
(3) Forage...................................................................................................................................... 25
(4) Minerals................................................................................................................................... 25
(5) Recreation................................................................................................................................ 26
(6) Water Use ................................................................................................................................ 26
(7) Cultural Values ........................................................................................................................ 26
(8) Other Uses or Values ............................................................................................................... 26
E. Accessibility .......................................................................................................................................... 27
F. Existing Facilities ................................................................................................................................. 28
G. Arrangements for Management, Administration, and Protection .................................................. 28
H. References ............................................................................................................................................ 29
I. Appendices.................................... ………………………………………………………………….…31
Appendix 1: Héen Latinee Experimental Forest Watershed Boundary
Description ..................................................................................................................................... 31
Appendix 2: Federal Land Status Report, Including Héen Latinee Experimental Forest
Boundary Description .................................................................................................................... 34
Appendix 3: Sensitive Species ...................................................................................................... 39
J. Signature Page for Héen Latinee Experimental Forest Establishment Record ............................. 40
K. An Order for Establishing the Héen Latinee Experimental Forest................................................ 42
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Maps
Map 1: General boundary of the City and Borough of Juneau, Alaska.
Map 2: Watershed showing the location of the Héen Latinee Experimental Forest boundary
within it.
Map 3: Orthophoto image of the watershed.
Map 4: Ownership pattern immediately west of the Héen Latinee Experimental Forest.
Map 5: Vegetation on the Héen Latinee Experimental Forest.
Map 6: Soils found in the Héen Latinee Experimental Forest.
Map 7: Geology of the Héen Latinee Experimental Forest.
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Map 1--General boundary of the City and Borough of Juneau, Alaska.
Source: City and Borough of Juneau map, 2009 (http://www.juneau.org).
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Map 2--The Héen Latinee Experimental Forest boundary is outlined in blue. Forest Service lands
within the watershed boundary comprise the Héen Latinee Experimental Forest.
Source: Land Survey reference map, 2009.
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Map 3--Orthophoto Image of the watershed. Forest Service lands (not colored) within the orange watershed
boundary line comprise the Héen Latinee Experimental Forest. Pink colored lands are
private, State, or native corporation land.
Source: Created by PNW Station using USGS Orthophoto data, (1997).
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Map 4--Land ownership pattern immediately west of the Héen Latinee Experimental Forest.
Source: Created by R10 Land Law staff using the Land Status Record System as entered in
the Automated Lands Program, USDA Forest Service Region 10, (April 2008).
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Map 5—Vegetation on the Héen Latinee Experimental Forest.
Source: Created by PNW Station using Existing Vegetation map, USDA Forest Service, Tongass National Forest, (2006).
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Map 6--Soils found in the Héen Latinee Experimental Forest.
Source: Created by PNW Station using Digital Soil Survey map, USDA Forest Service, Tongass National Forest, (2001)
(http://gina.uas.alaska.edu/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=63&Itemid=140).
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Map 7--Geology of the Héen Latinee Experimental Forest.
Source: Created by PNW Station using USGS Digital Geology map of southeast Alaska, in preparation.
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Photographs
Photograph 1--Hanging glacier emanating from the Juneau Ice Field.
Photograph 2--Riparian habitat with large woody debris in water.
Photograph 3--Forested terrain of the lower Héen Latinee Experimental Forest
elevations.
Photograph 4--Natural undisturbed wetland.
Photograph 5--Deeply incised terrain.
Photograph 6--A mosaic of Histosols and Spodosols.
Photograph 7--Cascading waterfall.
Photograph 8--Off highway vehicle (OHV) use is evident on wetlands immediately adjacent to the
Davies Creek drainage.
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Photograph 1--Hanging glacier emanating from the Juneau Ice Field.
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Photograph 2--Riparian habitat with large woody debris in water.
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Photograph 3--Forested terrain of the lower Héen Latinee Experimental Forest
elevations.
Photograph 4--Natural undisturbed wetland.
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Photograph 5--Deeply incised terrain.
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Photograph 6--A mosaic of Histosols and Spodosols.
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Photograph 7--Cascading waterfall.
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Photograph 8--Off highway vehicle (OHV) use is evident on wetlands immediately adjacent to the
Davies Creek drainage.
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A. Purpose of Establishment
The purpose for establishing the Héen Latinee Experimental Forest (HLEF) is to provide
(1)
lands for conducting scientific research that serves as a basis for the management of temperate
rain forests in the Alaska Region of the Forest Service; (2) opportunities and facilities for the
general public, Forest Service staff, and other cooperating organizations such as universities to
pursue scientific inquiry and education; and (3) monitoring data to inform society about the
trajectory and speed of climate change.
Based on the deliberations of a group of elders, the Central Council Tlingit and Haida Indian
Tribes of Alaska recommended naming the new experimental forest “Héen Latinee Experimental
Forest.” “Héen Latinee,” Tlingit for “river watcher,” is a fitting name for this experimental forest,
because it is located in a temperate rain forest, and given the type of research we will pursue.
The HLEF is on the mainland of North America, in southeast Alaska, within the Juneau Ranger
District of the Tongass National Forest. Southeast Alaska has over 1,000 islands located west of
the mainland. The HLEF is also located within the boundary of the City and Borough of Juneau,
Alaska (see Map 1), about 64 km (37 miles) north from downtown Juneau, at latitude 58°38'42''
and longitude 134°54'00''. It encompasses the upstream Davies Creek basin on the east and
Cowee Creek basin on the west and south. The experimental forest is approximately 10,358 ha
(25,595 acres) in size. Neighboring the experimental forest and within the watershed are State,
Alaska Native corporation, and private lands (see Map 2). Only Forest Service lands are included
in the HLEF, however.
The HLEF lies within a maritime climatic zone that has cool and moist summers, typically
overcast skies, and heavy annual rainfall. This rain forest extends from Alaska along the coastline
into northern Oregon. It is the world’s largest temperate rain forest. The Tongass National Forest
is the largest administrative unit in the Forest Service. The HLEF is also the only mainland
example of a temperate rain forest in the Forest Service’s experimental forest system. It is a
located between Bonanza Creek Experimental Forest in interior Alaska near Fairbanks and the
H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest in western Oregon. The location lends itself to larger studies
involving these other experimental forests.
The watershed boundary is described in Appendix 1, but only the National Forest System (NFS)
lands within the watershed are included in the HLEF (see Maps 2 and 3). Nearly 88 percent of
the land within the watershed boundary is NFS. The HLEF boundary is described in Appendix 2.
Map 3 depicts information found in the boundary descriptions located in Appendices 1 and 2. No
non-NFS land (which is shaded pink in Map 3 and is 12 percent of the watershed) is within the
HLEF boundary. There are two units comprising the HLEF: Unit A is the larger parcel,
essentially the lands south of the paved road; and Unit B is a small parcel north of the road. Unit
B, at the lower end of the Cowee Creek, is a 138-ha (341-acre) parcel of NFS land surrounded by
other ownerships that include State, private, and corporate lands (see Map 4). Cowee Creek flows
through the middle of Unit B. National Forest System lands at the lower elevations of the
watershed have a mixture of adjacent land ownerships.
The State of Alaska, Goldbelt Corporation (an Alaska Native corporation created under the Alaska
Native Claims Settlement Act), a nonprofit religious organization, and a limited number of private
citizens own property north of the HLEF at the lower elevations of the watershed. There is a
17 17
mixture of management. The State has a trail leading to a recreational cabin (Bridget Cove Cabin
and Trail). The City has a parking area and a boat launch ramp at Echo Cove. On Goldbelt
Corporation land there is (1) a campsite at Echo Cove; (2) a gravel operation (leased); (3) past
timber harvesting activity; and (4) until very recently, off-highway vehicle (OHV) use. There is a
bible camp (Echo Ranch Bible Camp) adjacent to the ocean. There will be little effect on HLEF
from these different management activities because they are located downstream from the HLEF.
Average temperatures in southeast Alaska are expected to increase (Bachelet et al. 2005) nearly
5.6 °C (10 °F) near the end of this century. Temperature increases over continents are projected to
be 1.5 times higher than over marine-influenced systems (IPCC 2001a, 2001b). Warming
temperatures are expected to affect precipitation patterns and amounts of precipitation. Predicted
changes to the biological environment will likely be profound. Research and monitoring results
conducted over several decades will be critical to improve our understanding of the pace and
direction of climate-induced changes for ecosystems within the HLEF.
The Juneau ice field extends over 161 km (100 miles) and is located directly above the HLEF.
Two hanging glaciers extend over the ridgeline and descend into the head of both Cowee and
Davies Creeks (see Photograph 1). As the climate continues to warm, these glaciers are expected
to recede like others have in southeast Alaska. At some point, they will cease contributing to the
hydrologic function of the ecosystems and in the delivery of micro minerals such as phosphorus—
an essential element of life. This will alter ecosystem function and have consequences (some
known, some unforeseen) on the resources below the ridgeline. This will offer a unique research
opportunity to understand hydrologic function in the HLEF.
The isostatic rebound rate of the land (the rate at which land rises owing to the loss of weight
associated with shrinking ice fields) is calculated to exceed locally rising sea levels resulting from
climatic warming over the next 100 years. However, recent reports of the quickening pace of the
west Antarctic’s ice sheet deterioration will require upward adjustments to the upper end of the
International Panel on Climate Change’s current estimate of future sea level height. If future sea
levels exceed current predictions, then the ocean may exert a tidal influence upon the lower
watershed; possibly influencing the lower end of HLEF before the end of the century.
Complex ecological interactions exist among species in southeast Alaska and will be
fundamentally altered as temperatures climb and precipitation is altered. Climatic envelopes will
shift location (Hamman and Wang 2006), requiring close study. The pace at which these changes
will be occurring has not been seen during the last 650,000 years. The HLEF will allow scientists
to work in a secure research location, systematically investigate critical environmental changes,
and develop important scientific tools needed to assist society in planning for the future.
The HLEF contains many of the common mainland geomorphic elements and ecosystem subtypes
found in southeast Alaska while the Maybeso Experimental Forest on the southern portion of the
Tongass National Forest represents the island archipelago setting. Glaciers, alpine ridgetops, a
variety of extensive wetland types, old-growth forests, and river flood plains occur on the HLEF,
offering many potential research opportunities. Outside of the NFS lands, but accessible nearby,
is an area used for recreation. Cowee Creek flows through the non-NFS land and out to the
nearby ocean. No other experimental forest in the world offers such a wide range of habitats over
such short distances. We anticipate entering into future discussions with adjacent landowners to
allow researchers to have access to the lower reaches of Cowee Creek.
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The HLEF encompasses a large portion of Cowee and Davies Creeks drainages; both emanating
from glaciers. The confluence of Cowee and Davies Creeks is not on Federal land, but is located
on the boundary between State and Goldbelt Corporation lands. National Forest System lands
begin approximately 2.4 km (1.5 miles) above the confluence of Cowee and Davies Creeks; from
there, NFS lands extend to the upper reaches of the watershed. This intact biophysical watershed
is particularly valuable because it extends from glacier to ocean over a short distance. The HLEF
includes most of the watershed, thus increasing its value to researchers. There is ample
opportunity to study subjects related to hydrologic function, soils, long-term climate change, and
riparian ecosystems. An undisturbed and diverse riparian zone (see Photograph 2) extends along
both Cowee and Davies Creeks. The HLEF also contains a range of ecosystems from forests,
meadows, and fens to glacier headwater areas.
The boundary of the Héen Latinee watershed is well defined by ridges, administrative boundaries,
and property lines (see Maps 2 and 3; see also the watershed boundary as described in Appendix
1). Access to the HLEF is convenient, but traveling within the experimental forest is not because
there are no roads in Unit A, the much larger of the two units that make up the HLEF.
The Tongass National Forest has been managing the lands with a mixture of management
strategies that include (1) maintaining old-growth forests in a natural or near-natural condition for
wildlife and fish habitat, (2) providing semi-remote recreation and tourism in natural-appearing
settings where opportunities for solitude and self-reliance are moderate to high, and (3)
maintaining the scenic quality in areas viewed from popular land and marine travel routes and
recreation areas, while permitting timber harvesting. The area is unique as a research location
(Final Environmental Impact Statement for the 2008 Tongass National Forest Land and Resource
Management Plan Amendment). Establishment of HLEF is consistent with the 2008 Tongass
National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (TLMP) Amendment, meets the mission of
the Pacific Northwest Research Station, and strengthens the cooperation between Forest Service
and academic institutions such as the University of Alaska.
B. Area by Cover Types
The HLEF is within the Tongass National Forest’s Lynn Canal biogeographic province
(Carstensen et al, 2007). Lynn Canal (M244B) and Boundary Range Sections (M244C) are both
represented in the experimental forest; Nowacki et al. (2001) referred to the upper elevations
(headwater portions) of the experimental forest as the Boundary Ranges Ice fields Subsection and
the lower areas as Stephens Passage Glaciomarine Terraces Ecological Subsection.
The major vegetation cover type (see Map 5) is dominated at low elevations by temperate
rainforest tree species, principally western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) and Sitka spruce (Picea
sitchensis) trees (Photograph 3). However, mountain hemlock (Tsuga mertensiana), Alaska
yellow-cedar (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis), and western redcedar (Thuja plicata) occur to the
south. In addition, there are sedge meadows, alpine meadows, riparian corridors, muskegs
(Photograph 4), alpine, subalpine communities, rock talus slopes, alder thickets, and estuarine
grass flats in the area. The only vegetation map for the forest is from a timber type database using
broad canopy cover types for classification.
The 2008 TLMP Amendment Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) describes the general
forest understory as:
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Black cottonwood (Populus balsamifera ssp. trichocarpa) grows on the floodplains of major
rivers and recently deglaciated areas. Blueberry and huckleberry (Vaccinium spp.), Sitka alder
(Alnus viridis ssp. sinuata), devil’s club (Oplopanax horridus), and salal (Gaultheria shallon)
are common shrubs in forested communities. The Forest floor is habitat for a variety of
plants, such as dogwood (Cornus canadensis), single delight (Maneses uniflora), false lily-ofthe-valley (Maianthemum dilitatum), bunchberry (Cornus canadensis, five-leaf bramble
(Rubus pedatus), and skunk cabbage (Lysichiton americanum). Because of the high rainfall
and resulting high humidity, a large variety of mosses grow in great profusion on the ground,
on fallen logs, on the lower trunks and branches of trees, and in forest openings. Hundreds of
epiphytic lichen species can also be found on tree trunks and branches, especially in oldgrowth forests, riparian areas, and maritime beach fringe forests. Grass and sedge meadows
usually lie at low elevations, often along the coast and toeslopes of hills and mountains.
Stands of willows (Salix spp.) border many of the stream channels. Muskeg (peatland)
communities, dominated by shore pine (Pinus contorta var. contorta), peat moss (Spaghnum
spp.), and sedges (Carex spp.), occur throughout the Forest.
Flora and fauna of the HLEF (Cowee and Davies Creeks basins) have not been well studied,
although similar systems in southeast Alaska have been studied. Nowacki et al. (2001, p. 280283) lists common plant and animal species that have been found in southeast Alaska. A subset
occurs within the HLEF. In HLEF, there are no federally listed plants or animals. Seventeen
plant species are listed as sensitive by the Tongass National Forest; 15 or fewer are thought to
occur in the experimental forest (Appendix 3).
C. Physical and Climatic Conditions
The HLEF has a temperate rainforest climate characteristic of higher latitudes with cold, wet
winters and warmer wet summers. Monthly average temperature ranges from -4.4 oC (24 oF) in
January to 13.3 oC (56 oF) in July. Average annual precipitation is about 140 cm (55 inches) with
high rates in the fall and lower rates in the spring; snowfall accounts for greater than 80 percent of
the annual precipitation. Table 1 lists the summarized climate data for Juneau, Alaska, including
annual averages.
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Table 1—Climatic data for Juneau, Alaska (data from the weatherbase.com web site) located south 64 km (40
miles) of the Héen Latinee Experimental Forest
Elevation: 10 feet
Latitude: 58 21N Longitude: 134 35W
Month
Average Temperature
°F
Years on Record: 46
Year
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Apr.
May
Jun.
Jul. Aug.
Sep.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
41
24
28
33
40
47
54
56
50
42
33
28
55
Average High Temperature
°F
Years on Record: 46
Year
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Apr.
May
Jun.
Jul. Aug.
Sep.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
47
29
34
39
47
55
61
64
56
47
37
32
63
Average Low Temperature
°F
Years on Record: 46
Year
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Apr.
May
Jun.
Jul. Aug.
Sep.
Oct. Nov.
Dec.
34
18
22
26
32
39
45
48
43
37
23
47
28
Highest Recorded Temperature
°F
Years on Record: 46
Year
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Apr.
May
Jun.
Jul. Aug.
Sep.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
90
57
57
59
72
79
86
90
72
61
56
50
83
Average Precipitation
Years on Record: 46
Year Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec.
inches 55.2 4.2
3.7
3.3
2.8
3.5
3
4.2 5.1
7.1
7.7
5.7
Year Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug.
Sep.
Oct.
Most Recorded Rainfall
inches 85.1 9.1 8.2
6.5
Years on Record: 46
5.3
9.2
6
inches 37.7 0.9
0.1
0.6
inches 99
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Dec.
Years on Record: 46
Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov.
Dec.
0.9
0.5
1.4
1.1
1.1 0.6
2.3
2.7
Average Snowfall
Year Jan
Nov.
7.9 12.3 15.1 15.3 11.2 9.9
Least Recorded Rainfall
Year Jan. Feb. Mar.
4.8
1.1
Years on Record: 49
Feb
Mar
Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov.
19
14.9 3.5
---
---
---
---
---
1.1
Dec.
11.9 22.6
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Cowee Creek is about 13 km (8 miles) long, flowing northward from the headwaters to the Pacific
Ocean. Davies Creek, originating to the east below the Juneau ice field, joins Cowee Creek to the
west. The upper part of the Davies Creek watershed is glaciated, deeply carved (see Photograph
5), and steep with water flowing over granitic surfaces and within incised stream channels. The
lower elevation terrain of HLEF is broad glaciated with a U-shaped valley. The elevation of
HLEF ranges from 17 m (57 feet) at the streambed of Cowee Creek and rises toward the southern
boundary to 1737 m (5,700 feet). The hydrologic response of the HLEF is controlled by
snowmelt; peak flows occur in fall and minimum flows in the winter.
The experimental forest contains the entire range of general ecosystems and associated soils found
on the Tongass National Forest (see Map 6). Major soil orders include Entisols, Inceptisols,
Spodosols, and Histosols. Major suborders include Cryent, Fluvent, Cryept, Humods, Cryods,
Fibrist, Hemist, Saprist (D’Amore, D.V., 2008). There is an active glacier at the head of the
Davies Creek valley with emerging primary successional systems. Active alluvial channels exist
down the main channels of each creek (see Map 7). These two areas have Entisols where recently
exposed soils have started to form and Inceptisols in more mature areas. Upland forested slopes
have a range of well-drained to moderately well-drained Spodosols throughout the watersheds and
represent the largest grouping of soil types. There are also extensive peatlands on shallow slopes
with Histosols. These peatlands have both forested wetlands and emergent sedge and sphagnum
vegetation communities. The steeper parts of the valleys are dominated by forested Entisols and
Spodosols, while the more gentle slopes have a mosaic of Spodosols and Histosols (see
Photograph 6). At the lower end of the valley are estuarine sediments, also represented by
Entisols and Inceptisols, but with very different geomorphologic histories than the head of the
valley.
The area encompassed by the boundary of HLEF has two distinct geomorphic histories. The
mountainous portion of the watersheds is part of the granitic batholith that forms the coastal
mountains running northwest to southeast throughout southeastern Alaska. These coastal
mountains contain large active ice fields that terminate in both tidewater and hanging glaciers (see
Photograph 1)( Nowacki et al., 2001). The geomorphic subsection is called the Boundary Ranges
ice fields and consists of active glaciers and postglacial terrestrial ecosystems. The distal portion
of the watershed is part of the uplifted marine sediments running parallel to Lynn Canal, a large
fjord that runs northward from Juneau to Skagway. The Lynn Canal fjord was formed from the
coalescence of large glaciers that overrode the adjacent terrain forming low-relief terraces. These
terraces were inundated with sea water and had silt and sand sediment deposited during glacial
retreat. They were subsequently uplifted by tectonic forces and isostatic rebound leaving the lowrelief, poorly drained soils.
Owing to these unique geomorphic histories, the geological formations in the upper watershed are
often exposed and consist of sedimentary rocks of the Gravina belt rock (Cretaceous and Jurrasic)
granite and granodiorite (Tertiary-Eocene), and foliated tonalite (Tertiary and
Cretaceous)(D’Amore, D.V., 2008). The uplifted marine terraces do not have an intimate
connection with the bedrock, but do represent material of the accreted terrain. These lower
reaches consist of carbonaceous slate, phyllite, and limestone (Triassic). These bedrock types run
linearly northwest to southeast. Mafic volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks are found in small
amounts on the north boundary while siliceous metasedimentary rocks and marble are found in
small amounts along the southern boundary.
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The classification system below is based on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service classification of
wetlands and deepwater habitats of the United States (Cowardin et al.1979).
The wetland descriptions below are from the 2008 TLMP Amendment FEIS (page 3-53):
(1) Palustrine wetlands include the vegetated wetlands traditionally referred to as marshes,
swamps, bog, fen, and prairies. They include all nontidal wetlands dominated by trees, shrubs,
persistent emergent plants, mosses or lichens, and all wetlands that occur in tidal areas where
salinity owing to ocean-derived salts is below 0.5 percent. Palustrine wetland classes on the
Tongass include emergent wetlands (including peatlands), scrub-shrub wetlands, and forested
wetlands. Over half (53 percent) of the wetland acres on the Tongass are forested wetlands.
Vegetation ranges from scrubby mixed-conifer forests (greater than 6.1 m [20 feet] high) to
moderately productive western hemlock and Sitka spruce stands. Shrubs and forbs dominate the
understory.
Emergent class. Approximately 25 percent of the wetland acres are emergent. The emergent
class is characterized by erect, rooted herbaceous plants and mosses and lichens. Peatlands
(muskegs) are included in the emergent class of wetland area on the forest. In southeast Alaska,
all relatively open bogs that have a groundcover high in sphagnum mosses and sedges or both are
called “muskegs,” and are a type of peatland.
Scrub-shrub class. Approximately 13 percent of the wetland acres are scrub-shrub. This class is
the most varied wetland vegetation class in southeast Alaska. Plant species may include true
shrubs, young trees, and tree and shrubs that are small or stunted because of environmental
conditions. Scrub-shrub wetlands are associated with three broad wetland plant communities:
scrub-shrub alder/willow, scrub-shrub evergreen/emergent, and forested scrub-shrub
evergreen/emergent.
(2) Lacustrine wetlands system. These systems include all permanently flooded lakes,
reservoirs, and tidal lakes with ocean-derived salinities below 0.5 parts per thousand.
Approximately 5 percent of the wetland acres are thought to be lacustrine.
(3) Estuarine wetland system. Estuarine wetlands are those areas that are predominantly
intertidal, and are those parts of the rivers or streams or other bodies of water having an
unimpaired connection with the open sea, where the sea water is diluted with fresh water derived
from land drainage. Less than 2 percent of the national Wetland Inventoried-mapped wetland
acres are estuarine. Unit B is downstream from the majority of the forest, but may be estuarineinfluenced toward its lower reaches.
(4) Riverine wetland system. The riverine wetland system includes all channel-contained
streams and rivers. These areas are bounded by uplands, channel banks, or palustrine wetlands
dominated by trees, shrubs, and emergent mosses or lichens. In braided streams, the riverine
wetland system is bounded by the banks forming the outer limits of the depression within which
the braiding occurs. Less than 2 percent of the National Wetlands Inventory-mapped wetland
acres are riverine.
23 23
D. Description of and Impact upon Land and Resource Values
Establishing HLEF will have little impact on the land and resource values of the area. Land use
history of the area involves mining and recreation. However, in the past several decades, the
principal activity in the Heén Latinee has been recreation involving hiking and fishing.
There are 27 active unpatented lode mining claims located at the extreme southern end of the
watershed. Old mine structures, tunnels and shafts, machinery, and trails exist but are not on the
National Register of Historic Places. No Notices of Intent or Plans of Operation have been
received or approved by the Forest Service to date. We do not expect establishment of the HLEF
to significantly impact lawful and orderly exploration, development, or production of the mineral
resources, because the Pacific Northwest Research Station is not seeking a withdrawal from
mineral entry from BLM.
Limited timber harvest occurred in the area during the 1950s and 1960s (see Table 2 below).
Additional timber harvest was proposed but did not happen in the 1980s. The management
emphasis for the area in the 1997 Tongass Forest Plan was to maintain old-growth habitat in nearnatural condition for wildlife and fish habitat and to maintain a scenic viewshed for scenic quality
while permitting timber harvest. The 2008 TLMP Amendment included the recommendation to
establish the HLEF.
There is an old-growth reserve in HLEF that may be manipulated to the extent that the natural
character of the old-growth forest is maintained in near-natural condition to benefit wildlife and
fish habitat. Should future research propose to change that condition to less than near natural,
which is unlikely, we would seek to relocate the old-growth reserve through an amendment to the
Forest Plan.
The timber information below and in Table 2 is from the 1997 TLMP FEIS:
(1) Timber
Less than 1 percent of the 10,358-ha (25,595-acre) HLEF has had commercial timber harvesting.
Timber harvesting in the watershed began in 1950 after the Secretary of Agriculture was
authorized to sell timber within the Tongass National Forest on August 8, 1947. The timber sales
(Table 2) describe the documented harvesting activity within the watershed or nearby. Timber
sales in the Bridget Cove area are thought to be outside the Cowee and Davies Creeks watershed.
It was known as the “Juneau Unit” of a sale awarded to U.S. Plywood-Champion Paper
Incorporated on September 12, 1968. The contract was terminated on June 14, 1976.
24 24
Table 2—Timber harvesting activity in the Héen Latinee watershed
Sale name
Date logging began
Acres
MBF volume
Cowee River
1950
32
375.49
Echo Cove #1
1952
24.5
1,142.37
Bridget Cove
1955
42
674.02
Echo & Bridget Cove #2
1956
144
4,046.36
Echo Cove #3
1960
40
9.54
Berners Bay #1
1969
32
2016
Any future timber harvesting will be within the context of a research experimental design.
(2) Watershed
Establishment of the HLEF will enhance the watershed values of the area because only lowimpact research activities are being considered. The watershed will be protected in order to
provide monitoring data and research results useful to management in other southeast Alaska
watersheds.
(3) Forage
There are no grazing allotments within the HLEF. The area has a healthy brown bear (Ursus
arctos) and black bear (Ursus americanus) population. These predators would significantly
impact a grazing program. Establishing HLEF will have no effect on the current forage value of
the area.
(4) Minerals
The HLEF includes twenty-seven active unpatented lode mining claims (properly located and
maintained with timely annual fees paid), two of which are questionable pending more detailed
location data. No Notices of Intent (activities entailing no significant surface disturbance) or
Plans of Operation (activities possibly entailing significant surface disturbance) have been
received or approved by the Forest Service to date, indicating that proposed mining activities are
not imminent. These mining claims are located in two separate groupings; one group in the
Yankee Basin area within the eastern drainages of the South Fork of Cowee Creek, and the other
within the western drainages of the South Fork of Cowee Creek. These two groups of claims are
at the southern end of the HLEF (Township 38 South, Range 64 East, CRM, eastern group in
Sections 2, 11, 13, & 14 and western group in Sections 9 & 16). See Federal Lands Status Report
included in Appendix 2.
The Tongass Forest Plan includes a Minerals Land Use Designation (LUD) on the western portion
of HLEF (see Map 7, Geology - All lands west of the western exposure of the rock type Tktf –
Tertiary and Cretaceous foliated tonolite). This LUD was assigned to this area in recognition of
25 25
the high identified and undiscovered mineral endowment possessed by the permissive lithologies
(Juneau Goldbelt), and its high potential for further exploration and future mineral development
and production.
We do not expect the establishment of the HLEF to significantly impact the lawful and orderly
exploration, development, or production of mineral resources within the minerals prescription
area designated by TLMP, because the Pacific Northwest Research Station is not seeking a
withdrawal from mineral entry from BLM.
(5) Recreation
The area is used for dispersed recreation activities in both winter and summer. Hunting and
fishing are the primary activities. Recreation use and its effects upon natural resources may be a
fertile topic for future research, with the projected growth of recreational opportunities such as the
use of OHVs. The use of OHVs adjacent to the boundary has recently been documented (see
Photograph 8).
Currently, little to no camping occurs in the HLEF. There are no campgrounds within the
experimental forest boundary. There are two private campgrounds near the ocean, one on private
and the other on Goldbelt Corporation lands. The City and Borough of Juneau maintains a boat
launch facility on the east side of Echo Cove. Establishment of HLEF will not change the legal
recreational uses of the area.
The Juneau Ranger District identified two existing outfitter-guide special use authorizations
within the HLEF area. The permits are for guiding freshwater fishing trips.
(6) Water use
Establishing HLEF will not change the water yield of the area. The establishment of the
experimental forest will maintain the current high quality of the watershed and will continue to
maintain water quality well into the future (see Photograph 7). Changing climatic conditions may
influence future water yield amounts.
(7) Cultural values
The Tlingit Native Alaskans used the coastline extensively, including Echo Cove. The coastline is
rich in evidence of both historic and prehistoric activities. There is an old village site where
Cowee Creek flows into the ocean, but it is not in HLEF. Activities at HLEF will not affect the
cultural value of the area. The Forest Plan will be followed in the event a new cultural discovery
is made.
(8) Other uses or values
The HLEF is unstudied and largely in a natural state, but unregulated OHV use is increasing and
may have affected the area (see Photograph 8). The HLEF ecosystems are representative of other
mainland areas of the Tongass National Forest.
The vertebrates inhabiting HLEF are diverse. Berners Bay coastline is known historically as a
productive herring (Clupea pallasi) spawning location. Cowee Creek is considered a moderate
area for spawning pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha), silver salmon (O. kisutch), and chum
26 26
salmon (O. keta). Cowee Creek is primarily a spawning and rearing area for pink salmon, silver
salmon, and steelhead (O. mykiss). Davies Creek contains spawning and rearing habitat for silver
and pink salmon. Eight species of amphibians live in southeast Alaska, only two species (wood
frog [Rana sylvatica] and the western toad [Bufo boreas]) are believed to occur in HLEF, and
three others may occur there (Columbia spotted frog [Rana luteiventris], roughskin newt [Taricha
granulose], and long-toed salamander [Ambystoma macrodactylum]). There are no reptiles living
in southeast Alaska. Seventy-eight species of mammals are documented to occur in southeast
Alaska (MacDonald and Cook 1999), but 30 of these species are marine mammals or have
restricted distribution to areas outside of the HLEF. A large number of bird species (184) have
been observed in southeast Alaska with 134 thought or suspected to be breeding (Johnson et al.,
2008). Four bird species are listed as sensitive by the Tongass National Forest; only one is
thought to occur in the experimental forest (Appendix 3). The number of bird species breeding in
the HLEF is unknown.
E. Accessibility
Access to Juneau, Alaska, is only possible by boat or plane; no connecting roads to interior Alaska
or Canada exist. There is, however, a plan to construct a road connecting Juneau to the interior
Alaska road system at Skagway. That proposed road north to Skagway would be an extension of
the existing paved road system, which now ends at Echo Cove. The HLEF is accessible by
vehicle from Juneau as the paved road goes right by it cutting across the lower end of the
watershed. Access to the world’s largest temperate rain forest and HLEF is easy. Juneau has a
commercial jet airport and a State-supported ferry system linking Juneau to the State of
Washington.
Primary access to the HLEF is from downtown Juneau on Egan Highway that goes north 48 to 64
km (30 to 40 miles) until it ends at Echo Cove. The entrance to the experimental forest is located
on the south side of the road just past the Cowee Creek Bridge. Access to HLEF is through
Goldbelt Native Corporation and State lands. The Forest Service has acquired a fee simple strip
right-of-way for a road across Goldbelt Native Corporation lands, and has been granted an
easement across State lands. There is a short dirt road about 27 m (50 feet long) at the beginning
of the fee strip right-of-way. Goldbelt Native Corporation has an existing road with a locked gate
to their property. A new road will be required to access the lower and upland portions of the
HLEF in both drainages (Cowee and Davies Creeks). Road placements were planned and mapped
for proposed timber sales that were never harvested. Road type will be determined by the level of
use and cost-benefit determinations for construction and level of resource disturbance.
The Juneau Ranger District has initiated access and travel management planning and will be
identifying those roads, trails, and areas open to motor vehicle use. A Motor Vehicle Use Map for
the Juneau Ranger District, including the HLEF area, is scheduled to be completed by fall 2009.
Access to the high-elevation areas is by helicopter or hiking. Helicopter transport is just a quick
flight from Juneau. We anticipate constructing several helipads throughout the watershed to
improve access by field crews. Winter travel from late November to early May will require
snowshoes, skis, snowmobiles, and a snow-cat as necessary.
27 27
The HLEF has distinct advantages over the Maybeso Experimental Forest located on Prince of
Wales Island. Expenses relating to travel and logistics are substantially reduced because there is
no need for plane or boat travel, arranging for additional vehicle transport and use, barging field
equipment, and other challenges related to establishing and monitoring experiments at more
remote locations. Ease of access and safety is improved. The forestry sciences laboratory
recently built new apartments for housing visiting scientists and seasonal employees in Juneau.
F. Existing Facilities
There are no existing administrative facilities or buildings at HLEF. The future infrastructure of
HLEF includes providing electricity (hydro or diesel generator), installing telephone lines, and
developing a potable water supply.
A Forest Service research bunkhouse is available in Juneau. It has 10 year-round beds, divided
among three apartment units, each with kitchen/dining area, flush toilets, showers, sinks, and a
common washing machine and dryer. The Juneau bunkhouse is within a few miles of commercial
dining establishments and is located directly across from the Juneau Ranger District office. The
convenience of housing close to the experimental forest is a strong incentive for developing
partnerships with other research organizations.
A small field laboratory, office, and classroom are envisioned to enhance teaching and research
opportunities. In addition, the Forest Service maintains a research laboratory in Juneau with labs,
offices, and computers available. A new research lab is scheduled for construction in 2010.
Research and monitoring equipment may be installed at HLEF to (1) monitor changing
microclimates, (2) understand dissolved organic carbon flow from uplands to lowlands, (3)
monitor atmospheric deposition, (4) gauge stations and stream temperature monitoring sites, (5)
monitor water quality, (6) monitor climate using remote sensing technology to provide real time
data; and (7) install tree sap sensors.
G. Arrangements for Management, Administration, and Protection
The HLEF will follow management direction in the TLMP as amended in 2008. This direction is
available on the forest’s web site (http://tongass-fpadjust.net/FPA_ROD.htm ).
The official responsible for administration and protection of the HLEF is the District Ranger,
Juneau Ranger District, Tongass National Forest (8510 Mendenhall Loop Road, Juneau, AK
99801. Phone: 907-789-6244). The research coordinator is the Station Director, Pacific
Northwest Research Station (333 SW First Avenue, Portland, OR 97204. Phone: 503-808-2100).
The Pacific Northwest Research Station Director is responsible for issuing special use permits on
the experimental forest in coordination with the Juneau District Ranger. The Station Director
shall also establish and maintain a system for archiving data and reports from experimental forests
in a manner that will facilitate the exchange and transfer of information among stations, forests,
and scientists. Dr. Richard T. Edwards, Pacific Northwest Research Station, is the designated
lead research scientists for the experimental forest and will assume the day-to-day management of
the area.
28 28
Numerous natural dangers exist including hypothermia, avalanches, flooding, bear attacks, and
falling. Safety is a critical consideration while working in this environment. A year-round safety
plan will be developed for all users of the experimental forest. Radio communication and cell
phone communication procedures will be part of the safety guidelines for all employees to follow.
Emergency evacuation procedures will be developed for the HLEF to cover all foreseeable
circumstances.
H. References
Bachelet, D.J.; Lenihan, R.; Neilson, R.; Drapek, R.J.; Kittel, T. 2005. Simulating the
response of natural ecosystems and their fire regimes to climatic variability in Alaska.
Canadian Journal of Forest Research. 35: 2244-2257.
Carstensen R.; Schoen, J.;Albert, D. 2007. Overview of biogeographic provinces in southeat
Alaska. In A Conservation Assessment and Resource Synthesis for the Coastal Forests
and Mountains Ecoregion in the Tongass National Forest and Southeast Alaska. Audubon
Alaska and The Nature Conservancy.
Cowardin, L.; Carter, W.; Golet, V.; LaRoe, F.; LaRoe, E. 1979. Classification of wetlands
and deepwater habitats of the United States. FWS/OBS-79/31. Washington, DC: U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service.
D’Amore, D.V. 2008. Personal communication. Research Soil Scientist. PNW Research Station,
2770 Sherwood Lane, Suite 2a, Juneau, AK 99801-8545.
Hamman, A.; Wang, C. 2006. Potential effects of climate change on ecosystem and tree species
distribution in British Columbia. Ecology. 87(11): 2773–2786.
International Panel on Climate Change [IPCC]. 2001. Climate change 2001: synthesis report.
In: Watson, R.T.; the Core Writing Team, eds. A Contribution of Working Groups I, II,
and III to the third assessment report of the IPCC. Cambridge, United Kingdom, and New
York, NY: Cambridge University Press. 398 p.
International Panel on Climate Change [IPCC]. 2001. IPCC 2001: third assessment report.
http://www.grida.no/climate/ipcc_tar/. (April 10, 2009).
Johnson , J.A.; Andres, B.A.; Bissonette, J.A. 2008. Distribution, abundance, and habitat
associations of birds along major mainland rivers of southeastern Alaska. Gen. Tech. Rep.
739. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest
Research Station. 128 p.
MacDonald, S.O.; Cook, J.A. 1999. The mammal fauna of southeast Alaska. Fairbanks, AK:
University of Alaska Museum. 145 p.
Nowacki, G.; Shepard, M.; Krosse, P. ; Pawuk, W.; Fisher, G.; Baichtal, J.; Brew, D.;
Kissinger, E.; Brock, T. 2001. Ecological subsections of southeast Alaska and
29 29
neighboring areas of Canada. Tech. Publ. R10-TP-75. Juneau, AK: U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Forest Service, Alaska Region. 306 p.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2008 Official soil
series descriptions. http://soils.usda.gov/technical/classification/osd/index.html. (February
10, 2008).
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. 1997. Tongass National Forest Land and
Resource Management Plan. R10-MB-338dd. Juneau, AK:.Alaska Region, Tongass
National Forest.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. 2008. Tongass National Forest Land and
Resource Management Plan. R10-MB-603b. [Place of publication unknown]: Alaska
Region.
30 30
I. Appendices
Appendix 1: Héen Latinee Watershed Boundary Description
An area within the Boundary of the Tongass National Forest, comprising portions of T.
36, 37, 38 S., R. 63, 64, 65 E., Copper River Meridian, Alaska generally following the
watershed boundaries of Cowee and Davies Creeks as shown on the attached reference map
entitled “Héen Latinee Experimental Forest”, said map being made herewith a part of this
description, and being more particularly described as follows:
Beginning at a point on an unnamed peak of unspecified elevation in the NW ¼ of Section
5, T. 37 S., R.64 E., C.R.M., on the Berners Bay LUD II Management Area boundary
according to the official Berners Bay LUD II Management Area boundary description and
map dated January 31, 1992, having the approximate Geographic coordinates of 58°41’34”
North Latitude, 134°52’57” West Longitude (NAD 27) designated as “A” of attached
reference map, thence Northeasterly along the Berners Bay LUD II Management Area
boundary through Sections 35 and 25, T. 36 S., R. 63 E., C.R.M., to an unnamed peak, 5317
feet in elevation in the NE ¼ of Section 25 of said Township and Range and designated as
“B” on the reference map, thence Southeasterly, leaving the Berners Bay LUD II
Management Area boundary, along the hydrographic divide through Section 25 of said
Township and Range, thence Southeasterly along the hydrographic divide through Sections
30 and 31, T. 36 S., R. 64 E., C.R.M., thence Southerly, Easterly, and Northerly along the
hydrographic divide through Sections 2 and 1, T. 37 S., R. 64 E., C.R.M., thence Southerly,
Easterly, and Northerly along the hydrographic divide through Sections 6, 7 and 8, T. 37 S.,
R. 65 E., C.R.M., to a point designated “C” on the reference map, thence Southerly,
Westerly, and Easterly, along the hydrographic divide through Sections 17, 18, and 19, of
said Township and Range, thence Southerly, Westerly, and Easterly, along the hydrographic
divide through Sections 24, 25 and 36, T. 37 S., R. 64 E., C.R.M., thence Southeasterly
along the hydrographic divide to an unnamed peak of unspecified elevation in the SW ¼
NW ¼ Section 31, T. 37 S., R. 65 E., C.R.M. designated “D” on the reference map,
thence Southwesterly along the hydrographic divide through Section 36, T. 37 S., R. 64 E.,
C.R.M., thence Southerly, Westerly, Easterly, and Northerly along the hydrographic divide
through Sections 1, 12, 11 13, 14, 23 and 22, T. 38 S., R. 64 E., C.R.M., to a point
designated “E” on the reference map, thence Northerly, Westerly, Easterly and Southerly
along the hydrographic divide through Sections 22, 16, 9, 4 and 5 of said Township and
Range, thence Northerly and Westerly along the hydrographic divide to a point on the
boundary between the Tongass National Forest and the State of Alaska in the SE ¼ NE ¼ of
Section 31, T. 37 S., R. 64 E., designated “F” on the reference map, thence Northwesterly
and Northeasterly along the hydrographic divide through Sections 31 and 30 of said
Township and Range, thence Northwesterly and Northeasterly along the hydrographic
divide through Sections 25, 24, 23, 14 and 11, T. 37 S., R. 63 E., C.R.M., to an unnamed
peak of unspecified elevation in the SW ¼ of Section 11 of said Township and Range,
thence descending Northeasterly to a point of intersection with the northwesterly boundary
of U.S. Survey 9595 said point designated “G” on the reference map, thence Northwesterly
along the boundary of U.S. Survey 9595 to Corner 13 of said U.S. Survey a point of
intersection of U.S. Survey 9595 and the line of mean high tide of Berners Bay said point
designated “H” on the reference map, thence Northeasterly and Southeasterly along the line
31
of mean high tide to Meander Corner Corner1 of U.S. Survey 9595 having a North Latitude
of 58°40’34.50”, and West Longitude of 134°57’01.05” (NAD 27) being marked by a 3 & ¼
inch brass tablet cemented into the top of a 4 ft. diameter boulder according to the approved
survey dated September 25, 1990 designated “J” on the reference map, thence Southerly,
Easterly, Westerly and Northerly along line of mean high tide through Sections 11, 12 and
13, T. 37 S., R. 63 E., C.R.M. according to the approved surveys of T. 37 S., R. 63 E.,
C.R.M., dated January 26, 1987 and September 25, 1990, to a point of intersection with the
northerly boundary of U.S. Survey 1154 designated “K” on the reference map, thence
Southeasterly and Southwesterly along the line of mean high tide of U.S. Survey 1154 as
shown on the approved plat of T. 37 S., R. 63 E., C.R.M., dated September 25, 1990 to a
point of intersection with the southerly boundary of U.S. Survey 1154 designated “L” on the
reference map, thence Easterly, Northerly and Westerly along the line of mean high tide of
Cowee Creek through Section 13 of said Township and Range to a point of intersection with
the southerly boundary of U.S. Survey 1157 designated “M” on the reference map, thence
Northwesterly and Northeasterly along the line of mean high tide of U.S. Survey 1157 and
Lot 6 Section 13, of said Township and Range according to the approved survey of T. 37 S.,
R. 63 E., C.R.M., dated September 25, 1990 and the approved supplemental plat dated
January 10, 1992 to a point of intersection with the northerly boundary of U.S. Survey 1157
designated “N” on the reference map, thence Northwesterly and Northeasterly along the line
of mean high tide of Section 13 of said Township and Range to a point of intersection with
the southerly boundary of U.S. Survey 2925 designated “P” on the reference map, thence
Northwesterly and Northeasterly along the line of mean high tide of U.S. Survey 2925 and
Lot 4 Section 12 of said Township and Range according to the approved surveys of T. 37
S., R. 63 E., C.R.M., dated January 26, 1987 and September 25, 1990, to a point of
intersection on the line of mean high tide and the hydrographic divide designated “Q” on the
reference map, thence Southeasterly along the hydrographic divide across U.S. Survey 2925
to a point of intersection with the Easterly boundary of U.S. Survey 2925 designated “R” on
the reference map, thence Southeasterly ascending a ridge to an unnamed peak of
unspecified elevation in the SE ¼ Section 12 of said Township and Range, thence
Southeasterly along the hydrographic divide through Sections 12 and 13, T. 37 S., R. 63 E.,
C.R.M., thence descending Southeasterly through Section 18, T. 37 S., R. 64 E., C.R.M. to
the West-East 1/64 corner common to Sections 18 and 19, T. 37 S., R. 64 E., C.R.M., being
marked by a 2 ½ inch iron post with BLM brass cap according to the approved survey dated
January 23, 1995 designated “S” on the reference map, thence Southeasterly and
Northeasterly ascending a ridge in the NE ¼ of Section 19 of said Township and Range,
thence Northeasterly through Section 20 of said Township and Range, thence Northeasterly
to a point on the boundary between the Tongass National Forest and the SEALASKA
Corporation and Goldbelt Incorporated SEALASKA Corporation and Goldbelt Incorporated
in the SW ¼ SW ¼ of Section 17 of said Township and Range designated “T” on the
reference map, thence Northeasterly and Northwesterly along the hydrographic divide
through Sections 17, 8 and 5, T. 37 S.,
R. 64 E., C.R.M. to the Point of Beginning
designated “A” on the reference map.
The area of Tongass National Forest land in this watershed to be used for the Héen Latinee
Experimental Forest is approximately 25,595 acres.
The area of Non-National Forest land in this watershed is approximately 3,612 acres.
32
The total area of this watershed comprises 29,207 acres more or less.
Informational distances, geographic position and references to PLSS locations herein above
were obtained by measurements and observations of the above reference map being a
portion of the US Forest Service 1999 Single Edition Quadrangle Juneau C-3 Alaska Map at
a scale of 1:63.360 in original. Reference datum is NAD 27.
End of Description
33
Appendix 2: Federal Land Status Report, Including Héen Latinee Experimental
Forest Boundary Description
The Héen Latinee Experimental Forest, which includes only National Forest System lands
within the boundaries described below (Forest Service Units A and B), lies within the larger
watershed boundary described above in Appendix 1.
FEDERAL LAND STATUS REPORT
Héen Latinee Experimental Forest
Tongass National Forest
A. LEGAL DESCRIPTION
FOREST SERVICE UNIT A
Experimental Forest Boundary Description – Tongass National Forest Lands
Being A Portion of the
HÉEN LATINEE EXPERIMENTAL FOREST
“Unit A”
An area within the Boundary of the Tongass National Forest, comprising portions of T.
36, 37, 38 S., R. 63, 64, 65 E., Copper River Meridian, Alaska generally following the
watershed boundaries of Cowee and Davies Creeks as shown on the attached reference map
entitled “Héen Latinee Experimental Forest”, said map being made herewith a part of this
description, and being more particularly described as follows:
Beginning at a point on an unnamed peak of unspecified elevation in the NW ¼ of Section
5, T. 37 S., R.64 E., C.R.M., on the Berners Bay LUD II Management Area boundary
according to the official Berners Bay LUD II Management Area boundary description and
map dated January 31, 1992, having the approximate Geographic coordinates of 58°41’34”
North Latitude, 134°52’57” West Longitude (NAD 27) designated as “A” of attached
reference map, thence Northeasterly along the Berners Bay LUD II Management Area
boundary through Sections 35 and 25, T. 36 S., R. 63 E., C.R.M., to an unnamed peak, 5317
feet in elevation in the NE ¼ of Section 25 of said Township and Range and designated as
“B” on the reference map, thence Southeasterly, leaving the Berners Bay LUD II
Management Area boundary, along the hydrographic divide through Section 25 of said
Township and Range, thence Southeasterly along the hydrographic divide through Sections
30 and 31, T. 36 S., R. 64 E., C.R.M., thence Southerly, Easterly, and Northerly along the
hydrographic divide through Sections 2 and 1, T. 37 S., R. 64 E., C.R.M., thence Southerly,
Easterly, and Northerly along the hydrographic divide through Sections 6, 7 and 8, T. 37 S.,
R. 65 E., C.R.M., to a point designated “C” on the reference map, thence Southerly,
Westerly, and Easterly, along the hydrographic divide through Sections 17, 18, and 19, of
said Township and Range, thence Southerly, Westerly, and Easterly, along the hydrographic
divide through Sections 24, 25 and 36, T. 37 S., R. 64 E., C.R.M., thence Southeasterly
along the hydrographic divide to an unnamed peak of unspecified elevation in the SW ¼
34
NW ¼ Section 31, T. 37 S., R. 65 E., C.R.M. designated “D” on the reference map,
thence Southwesterly along the hydrographic divide through Section 36, T. 37 S., R. 64 E.,
C.R.M., thence Southerly, Westerly, Easterly, and Northerly along the hydrographic divide
through Sections 1, 12, 11 13, 14, 23 and 22, T. 38 S., R. 64 E., C.R.M., to a point
designated “E” on the reference map, thence Northerly, Westerly, Easterly and Southerly
along the hydrographic divide through Sections 22, 16, 9, 4 and 5 of said Township and
Range, thence Northerly and Westerly along the hydrographic divide to a point on the
boundary between the Tongass National Forest and the State of Alaska in the SE ¼ NE ¼ of
Section 31, T. 37 S., R. 64 E., designated “F” on the reference map, thence Northerly along
the North and South centerline of the NE ¼ of Section 31 of said Township and Range to the
Northeast 1/16 corner of Section 31, being marked by a ¾ inch aluminum rod with BLM cap
according to the approved survey dated September 25, 1990, thence
Easterly along the East and West centerline of the NE ¼ of Section 31 of said Township and
Range to the N 1/16 corner common to Sections 31 and 32 of said Township and Range
being marked by a 2 ½ inch iron post with BLM cap according to the approved survey dated
September 25, 1990, thence Northerly between Sections 31 and 32 of said Township and
Range to the section corner common to sections 29, 30, 31 and 32 of said Township and
Range being marked by a 2 ½ inch iron post with BLM cap according to the approved
survey dated September 25, 1990, thence Easterly between Sections 29 and 32 of said
Township and Range to the ¼ corner common to Sections 29 and 32 of said Township and
Range being marked by a 2 ½ inch iron post with BLM cap according to the approved
survey dated September 25, 1990, thence Northerly along the North and South centerline of
Section 29 of said Township and Range to the Center ¼ corner of said section being marked
by a 2 ½ inch iron post with BLM cap according to the approved survey dated September
25, 1990, thence Northerly along the North and South centerline of Section 29 of said
Township and Range to the ¼ corner common to Sections 20 and 29 of said Township and
Range being marked by a 2 ½ inch iron post with BLM cap according to the approved
survey dated September 25, 1990, thence Northerly along the North and South centerline of
Section 20 of said Township and Range to the center ¼ corner of said section being marked
by a ¾ inch aluminum rod with BLM cap according to the approved survey dated January
26, 1987, thence Northerly along the North and South centerline of Section 20 of said
Township and Range to the ¼ corner common to Sections 17 and 20 of said Township and
Range being marked by a ¾ inch aluminum rod with BLM cap according to the approved
survey dated January 26, 1987, thence Easterly between Sections 17 and 20 of said
Township and Range to E 1/16 corner common to Sections 17 and 20 of said Township and
Range being marked by a ¾ inch aluminum rod with BLM cap according to the approved
survey dated January 26, 1987, thence Northerly along the North and South centerline of the
SE ¼ of Section 17 to the Center-East 1/16 corner of said section being marked by a ¾
aluminum rod with BLM cap according to the approved survey dated January 26, 1987,
thence Westerly along the East and West centerline of Section 17 of said Township and
Range to the Center ¼ corner of said section being marked by a ¾ inch aluminum rod with
BLM cap according to the approved survey dated January 26, 1987, thence Southerly along
the North and South centerline of Section 17 of said Township and Range to the CenterSouth 1/16 corner of said section being marked by a ¾ inch aluminum rod with BLM cap
according to the approved survey dated January 26, 1987, thence Westerly along the East
and West centerline of the SW ¼ of Section 17 to a point on the boundary between the
35
Tongass National Forest and the SEALASKA Corporation and Goldbelt Incorporated
designated “T” on the reference map, thence Northeasterly and Northwesterly along the
hydrographic divide through Sections 17, 8 and 5, T. 37 S., R. 64 E., C.R.M. to the Point of
Beginning designated “A” on the reference map.
The area of Tongass National Forest land in this watershed and designated Unit A, to be
used for this portion of the Experimental Forest is approximately 25,254 acres.
Informational distances, geographic position and references to PLSS locations herein above
were obtained by measurements and observations of the above reference map being a
portion of the US Forest Service 1999 Single Edition Quadrangle Juneau C-3 Alaska Map at
a scale of 1:63.360 in original. Reference datum is NAD 27.
End of Description
Status of the land, Unit A:
Reserved Public Domain by Executive Order 846 dated 2/16/1909.
FOREST SERVICE UNIT B
Experimental Forest Boundary Description – Tongass National Forest Lands
Being A Portion of the
HÉEN LATINEE EXPERIMENTAL FOREST
“Unit B”
An area within the Boundary of the Tongass National Forest, comprising portions of T.
37 S., R. 63, 64 E., Copper River Meridian, Alaska generally following the watershed
boundaries of Cowee and Davies Creeks as shown on the attached reference map entitled
“Héen Latinee Experimental Forest”, said map being made herewith a part of this
description, and being more particularly described as follows:
T. 37 S., R. 63 E.
Lot 20 of Section 13 and Lots 1 and 2 of Section 24
T. 37 S., R. 64 E.
Lot 8 & W1/2W1/2SE1/4SW1/4 of Section 18, and Lots 1 and 2, E1/2NW1/4,and
W1/2W1/2NE1/4 of Section 19
The area of Tongass National Forest land in this watershed and designated Unit B, to be
used for this portion of the Experimental Forest is approximately 341 acres.
Informational distances, geographic position and references to PLSS locations herein above
were obtained by measurements and observations of the above reference map being a
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portion of the US Forest Service 1999 Single Edition Quadrangle Juneau C-3 Alaska Map at
a scale of 1:63.360 in original. Reference datum is NAD 27.
End of Description
Status of the land Unit B:
Surface was acquired by exchange under the authority of Section 1302(h) of the Alaska
National Interest Lands Conservation Act and Sec. 22(f) of the Alaska Native Claims
Settlement Act. Warranty Deed dated April 27, 1994 from Goldbelt, Incorporated, recorded
in the Juneau Recording District on May 2, 1994 at Book 0405 Pages 013-017.
Subsurface was acquired by exchange under the Haida Exchange Act of 1986 and the
Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Warranty Deed dated March 15, 1996 from Sealaska
Corporation, recorded in the Juneau Recording District on May 17, 1996 at Book 0448
Pages 166-171. The Warranty Deed was also recorded in the Ketchikan and Petersburg
Recording Districts.
Total Federal lands (Reserved Public Domain and Acquired): 25,595 acres.
NOTES:
1. Borough information: These lands are located within the City and Borough of
Juneau boundary.
2. Recorded outstanding rights:
Highway Easement Deed dated April 29, 1980 between the United States of America
acting by and through the Department of Transportation, Federal Highway
Administration and the State of Alaska, Department of Transportation and Public
Facilities. This road affects Sec. 24, T. 37 S., R. 63 E., and Sec. 19, T. 37 S., R. 64
E., Copper River Meridian. Juneau Recording District, Book 169, Pages 384 - 419
3. Special-use permits: The Juneau Ranger District identified two outfitter-guide
permits in this area. The permits are for guiding freshwater fishing trips.
Luke Woodruff dba Sea Runner Guide Service
9149 Wolfram Way
Juneau, AK 99821
Inside Passage Operators, Inc. dba Bear Creek Outfitters
2551 Vista Drive
Juneau, AK 99801
4. Unpatented Mining Claims: An Active Federal Mining Claims Report prepared by
the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), dated July 29, 2008, is available at the
Forest Service Alaska Regional Office. Several of the mining claims (AA084620-
37
21, AA084576-77, and AA084610-12) are listed in (overlap) 2 different sections.
One claim is listed in 3 sections (AA084613). There are a total of 40 active lode
mining claims in the defined area; all are w/in T. 38 S., R. 64 E., CRM. After further
review of the BLM ACRES database down to quarter section accuracy, 13 claims
appear to be outside the proposed experimental forest boundary, leaving 27 within
the boundary area. Two of the 27 claims may or may not be within the boundary
area depending upon specific location notice information. For the Active Federal
Mining Claims Report prepared by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), dated
July 29, 2008, and the specific claim BLM serial numbers, please contact Jackie
Swanson, Alaska Region Lead Land Law Examiner, at 907-586-7870.
5. Withdrawals or Selections Applications: A review of the Bureau of Land
Management (BLM) Master Title Plats and the BLM database, ACRES, did not
identify any withdrawals or selection applications. Selection applications include:
(1) selections by the State of Alaska pursuant to the Alaska Statehood Act; (2)
selections by the Regional or Village corporations pursuant to the Alaska Native
Claims Settlement Act; or (3) pending Native Allotment applications.
6. Agreements (including Cost-Share)/Memorandums of Understanding: No
Agreements within these lands were identified by the Juneau Ranger District.
Prepared By: /s/ Jacqueline R. Swanson
Title: Lead Land Law Examiner
Date:
04/02/2009
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Appendix 3: Sensitive Species
Plants
Eschscholtz’s little nightmare (Aphragmus eschscholtzianus)
Norberg arnica (Arnica lessingii ssp. norbergii)
Goose-grass sedge (Carex lenticularis var. dolia)
Edible thistle (Cirsium edule)
Davy mannagrass (Glyceria leptostachya)
Wright filmy fern (Hymenophyllum wrightii)
Truncate quillwort (Isoetes x truncata)
Calder lovage (Ligusticum calderi)
Pale Popy (Papaver alboroseum)
Bog orchid (Platanthera gracilis)
Loose-flowered bluegrass (Poa laxiflora)
Kamchatka alkali grass (Puccinellia kamtschatica)
Unalaska mist-maid (Romanzoffia unalaschcensis)
Queen Charlotte butterweed (Senecio moresbiensis)
Circumpolar starwort (Stellaria ruscifolia ssp. aleutica)
Birds
Queen Charlotte goshawk (Accipiter gentilis laingi)
Black oystercatcher (Haematopus bachmani)
Aleutian Tern (Sterna aleutica)
Kittlitz’s Murrelet (Brachyramphus brevirostris)
39
41
K.
An Order Establishing the Héen Latinee Experimental Forest
By virtue of the authority vested in me by 7 CFR 2.60(a) and 36 CFR 251.23, I hereby
designate as the Héen Latinee Experimental Forest the lands described in the preceding
establishment record prepared by Douglas A. Boyce, dated May 12, 2009. These lands shall
hereafter be administered as an experimental forest, subject to the regulations at 36 CFR
251.23 and instructions issued thereunder.
_________________________________
Chief
__________________
Date
42