Tongass National Forest

Young Growth Management Emphasis

Although management of young-growth forest stands is included in the 1997 Forest Plan, it is not integrated throughout all resource sections, nor is it given much emphasis. Silvicultural treatments of young-growth stands can yield benefits for many resources including timber, wildlife, riparian, scenery, and karst. Much research, study and monitoring is ongoing and the resulting information was used in the various analyses associated with the adjustment of the 1997 Forest Plan. This information was subject to science consistency and/or technical review, and appropriate edits were made to add emphasis to young-growth management in the 2008 amended Forest Plan.

Work Product(s): The product for this work item was appropriate edits to the 1997 Forest Plan to give greater emphasis to young-growth management.

Science Consistency: Science consistency reviews were conducted for the Forest Plan edits and the EIS evaluations of young-growth management.