September 2002

FOREST MANAGEMENT SALES REPORT: UNIT 7

KACHEMAK BAY ADVISORY PLANNING COMMISSION AREA

Horn Sale: KPB Parcels #17103138 and #17107024

Belnap Sale: KPB Parcels #17302222, #17302223, and #17302224

TABLE OF CONTENTS: UNIT 7 FOREST MANAGEMENT SALES REPORT

I. Introduction

A. Purpose of FMSR 3

B. Location of Fuel Reduction Parcels 3

C. Title, Classification, and Other Active or Pending Interests 3

D. Objectives of Forest Management Sales Report 3

E. Harvest Methods and Reforestation Requirements 4

II. Background and Issues

A. Physical Features and Parcel Descriptions 4

B. Water Bodies 5

C. Land Use 5

D. Transportation and Access 6

E. Cultural Resources 6

F. Recreation Resources 6

G. Current Stand Conditions on Bark Beetle Impacted Sites 6

H. Changing Forest Fuel Conditions and Fire Suppression Caused by Spruce Bark Beetle Infestation 7

I. Changes to Wildlife Habitat Caused by Spruce Bark Beetle Infestation 10

J. Changes to Scenic Values Caused by the Spruce Bark Beetle Infestation 12

III. Impacts of Fuel Reduction Sales

A. Effects on Wildlife Caused by Fuel Reduction Sales 13

B. Effects on Fisheries Caused by Fuel Reduction Sales 17

C. Effects on Subsistence Caused by Fuel Reduction Sales 17

D. Effects on Recreation Caused by Fuel Reduction Sales 18

E. Effects on Erosion Caused by Fuel Reduction Sales 18

F. Effects on Mining Caused by Fuel Reduction Sales 18

G. Effects on Mineral Sources Caused by Fuel Reduction Sales 18

IV. Timber Harvest and Contract Requirements

A. Estimated Volume of Parcels 18

B. Method of Payment 18

C. Boundary Requirements 18

D. Authority to sell Timber 18

E. Requirements for Scaling the Harvested Timber 19

F. Contract Requirements 19

G. Sale Procedure, date, and time 19

H. Requirements and Qualifications of Bidders 19

V. Attachment A: Unit Sale Parcel Summaries and Maps

UNIT 7 FOREST MANAGEMENT SALES REPORT

I. INTRODUCTION

A. Purpose of Forest Management Sales Report

The purpose of this Forest Management Sales Report (FMSR) is to provide information so the best interest of the Kenai Peninsula Borough (KPB) may be served by offering for sale timber rights for KPB tracts in Unit 7 identified in KPB Ordinance 2000-50.

As approved in Ordinance 2000-50, the borough mayor is authorized to prepare a single FMSR for this unit and enter into necessary contracts on individual parcels. This FMSR shall be subject to review by the Planning Commission and approval by the Assembly in accordance with KPB 17.50.035

These fuel reduction sales will decrease the potential of catastrophic wildland fire in Unit 7 by salvaging dead or dying spruce bark beetle (Dendroctonus rufipennis Kirby) infested spruce on KPB tracts identified by the KPB Spruce Beetle Mitigation Program as having moderate or high wildland fire hazards. On the average, spruce beetles have killed or infested over 90% of the mature spruce trees within the Unit 7 sale areas.

B. Location of Fuel Reduction Parcels

Unit 7 encompasses tracts in: Township 5, South Range 14 West (Seward Meridian), Section 32, and in T6S R14W S4.

C. Title, Classification and Other Active or Pending Interests:

The sale area was acquired under the municipal land entitlement program.

These tracts are not classified. Classification of these tracts before fuel harvesting is not required under KPB Ordinance 2000-50. The sale area is suitable for resource development, residential sale and development, and recreational use. No sales are proposed or imminent.

D. Objectives:

1. Reduce the wildland fire hazard in Unit 7 by removing fuel loads

2. Accelerate reforestation on beetle-impacted sites

3. Increase plant species diversity on beetle-impacted sites

4. Improve long-term forest growth and vigor by harvesting the dead and insect infested timber

5. Salvage timber affected by spruce beetles

6. Provide jobs from logging and wood processing

7. Enhance KPB Spruce Bark Beetle Reforestation Program by providing positive royalties to KPB in the form of tonnage stumpage payments to be dedicated to continued SBB mitigation work.

E. Harvest Methods and Reforestation Requirements

All merchantable dead or infested spruce trees will be whole tree logged, or removed as directed by the KPB Forester. Snags will be left for cavity nesters upon the direction of the KPB Forester. Green reserves consisting of live, non-infested spruce trees as well as all hardwood trees will be left on site. Every practical effort shall be made to perform clearing work to minimize the damage to surrounding live spruce and/or hardwoods that are not a part of the hazard removal program. Scattered large-downed woody debris necessary for wildlife cover and migration, under the direction of the KPB Forester and in compliance with KPB Forest Fire Science Technical Committee's recommendations, will be left on site.

Slash shall be bucked and scattered or spread out so that debris is not stacked or piled. Stumps will be left no higher than 12 inches. Slash piles must be burnt in accordance with all Federal and State requirements, and under the direction of the KPB Forester. Material left on site shall be broken down so that it lies within 12 inches of the natural ground level or as directed by the KPB Forester.

Reforestation will occur on all harvested parcels, in accordance with KPB Ordinance 2000-50. A Reforestation Technical Committee has been created in accordance with KPB Ordinance 2000-19-19 to provide scientific oversight and technical guidance levels for KPB reforestation projects. The Reforestation Technical Committee will monitor the KPB reforestation program, assist in designing reforestation projects, provide expertise for implementing reforestation projects, and provide recommendations for individual site prescriptions. Members of the Reforestation Technical Committee represent federal and state agencies, the University of Alaska, and the KPB and are knowledgeable in the areas of natural resource conservation, ecological research, silviculture, agriculture, tree regeneration, and other related forestry fields.

II. BACKGROUND AND ISSUES

A. Physical Features and Parcel descriptions

Unit 7 fuel-reduction sales are located in the Homer/Old Sterling Highway area. Most

sale parcels are adjacent to or near the road system.

Horn Sale: Parcels #17107024 and #17103138 are located in Township 5 S, Range 14 W, Section 32.

The mature Lutz spruce on these parcels has experienced 95% mortality from the spruce bark beetle outbreak. This stand is classified as a moderate wildfire hazard. The timbered portion of these parcels is located on glacial moraines consisting of well-drained, moderately sloping mutnala soils surrounded by Salamatof peat muskegs. Access to the timber will be limited to frozen winter conditions, except for a 3.3 acre stand in the Northeast portion of the sale. The 3.3 acres of summer accessible logging can be accessed from a gravel road to the north. This 64.9 acre timber sale is estimated to yield 40 tons per acre. Lilly Lake is located within the sale area. According to Alaska Department of Fish and Game Habitat Division it is not listed as anadromous but has the possibility of supporting rainbow trout or Dolly Varden. Winter harvesting should have minimal impacts on the waters of the Lilly Lake.

* Note: Approximately 0.8 of an acre of timber on parcel #17107024 lies within the Anchor Point Advisory Planning Commission (APAPC) area boundary. Parcel #17107024 was recommended for harvest by the APAPC. As this 0.8 acre of timber lies on the same moraine as the rest of the timber within the Kachemak Bay Advisory Planning Commission boundary it was included in the Horn sale.

Existing Regeneration consists of scattered patches of live saplings and 30 to 70 year old pole size spruce. A pre-harvest or a post-harvest regeneration survey will be conducted.

Belnap Sale: Parcels #17302222, #17302223, and #17302224 are located in Township 6 S Range 14 W Section 4.

The Lutz spruce on these parcels has experienced over 90% mortality from the spruce bark beetle outbreak and is classified as a high wildfire hazard. The timber is located on a Northwesterly-facing slope that averages 10 to 12%. These parcels do include a few steeper draws. The soils on these parcels range from some areas of well-drained mutnala soils to hydric Beluga soils with Salamatof peat muskeg. High water tables are expected in areas of Beluga soils. These parcels will be harvested in the winter, due to wet conditions, and somewhat poor access to the parcels. Access to these parcels is possible from Belnap and Forrest Drive. There are several homes adjacent to this high hazard stand. This 79.8 acre timber sale is estimated to yield 35 tons per acre.

Existing Regeneration consists of a few live patches of 60 to 90 year old Lutz spruce along the edges of the timber stands with Lutz spruce saplings found in clearings. There are also a few birch trees on these parcels. A pre-harvest or a post-harvest regeneration survey will be conducted.

B. Water-bodies

Excluded from all harvests in the sale areas in Unit 7 is a 300-foot riparian buffer zone on both banks of all anadromous streams. However the contractor may harvest trees between 100 and 300 feet from the ordinary high water mark of an anadramous river if the contractor submits, and the borough approves, a variance application as provided in KPB 17.08.020M. A variance will not be approved if it is likely to increase erosion or if there would be adverse effects on habitat as provided in KPB 17.08.020M(3).

C. Land Use

There is no known intention for land disposal of these sites that would otherwise obviate the plan to salvage dead spruce trees.

D. Transportation and access

Transportation and access is discussed in the narrative for each individual parcel.

E. Cultural Resources

There are no known cultural resources on Fuel Reduction parcels in Unit 7

F. Recreation Resources

Several of the parcels are used for cross-country skiing and snow machining. Known use is listed in each parcel description. The removal of dead spruce on these parcels will lessen the risk of injury to recreational users that is posed by the danger of falling dead trees.

G. Current Stand Conditions on Spruce Bark Beetle-Impacted Sites

The following section is a compilation of data from forest ecology studies. This compilation includes references from the 1998 State of Alaska Kenai/Kodiak Forest Land Use Plan (by Wade Wahrenbrock/John See), and research published by State and Private Forestry, USFS and by ADF&G. Literature cited in this section can be obtained from, or viewed at, the Kenai Peninsula Borough Spruce Bark Beetle Office.

Forest stands in the area are predominantly upland stands of mature spruce of small saw-log size at 50 to 80% densities. About one tenth of the area is covered with spruce poles and mixed shrub. Forest stands in the area are predominately upland stands of spruce or mixed spruce and birch with scattered cottonwood. They would be classified as closed white spruce forests grading into more open white spruce forest (Viereck et al. 1992).

On the Kenai Peninsula, there are natural hybrids between white spruce and Sitka spruce (Picea glauca X sitchensis). This hybrid is called Lutz spruce (Picea X Lutzii Little). Researchers believe that this hybridization (a hybrid swarm) occurs at varying degrees with some trees showing strong white spruce characteristics, while others will show strong Sitka spruce characteristics. Muskeg, riparian willow, upland willow, and upland alder types are also found. Over 80% of all Lutz spruce 6 inches Diameter at Breast Height and greater on these fuel reduction parcels have been killed by spruce bark beetles.

While the spruce bark beetle infestation remains active in this management unit, the complete loss of needles on many spruce suggest they were attacked as early as 1997. Many larger spruce have lost significant amounts of bark and wood decay is advancing as evident by occasional wind-snap and soft borings. Very few spruce in the 7 to 12 inch Diameter at Breast Height class are green. Most of these green spruce trees are heavily infested with spruce bark beetles and are assumed dead.

There will be considerable changes to the living forest stand structure as a result of the spruce bark beetle infestation, including a reduction in average age of surviving trees, lower average Diameter at Breast Height, lower average tree height, and decline in stand density. Residual surviving trees initially consist of suppressed and intermediate spruce resulting in decreased canopy cover (Schmid and Frye 1977). Also, stand species composition may be altered. There are a number of successional pathways that may occur.

Natural spruce regeneration occurs when there is an adequate supply of viable seed and an appropriate seedbed (Inter-Agency Forest Ecology Study Team #9). However, beetle impacted stands experience a significant influx of grass within five years of spruce bark beetle-caused mortality and often lack an appropriate seedbed for tree regeneration. Light to moderate levels of bluejoint reedgrass (Calamagrostis canadensis) are already present throughout the area. Hence, competition with regeneration is expected to be high if reforestation is delayed.

Bluejoint reedgrass quickly establishes itself in stands killed by the spruce bark beetle. Because this grass lowers the soil temperature and is such an aggressive competitor, it inhibits the regeneration of both tree seedlings and browse species (Lieffers, et al 1993). One study indicates that even after 11 years, no natural tree or browse regeneration had occurred on a beetle-impacted site (Holsten, et al 1995). In addition, an adequate viable spruce seed source is not present for rapid reforestation in many areas because spruce bark beetles have killed most of the mature, cone-bearing trees. Birch regeneration is also decreased due to the severe competition of grass and inadequate seedbed availability. Holsten et al also noted that plant species diversity declined in beetle-killed stands that were invaded by grass.

Within two to four years following mortality, beetle killed trees begin to wind-snap and fall to the ground. The time-span between mortality and having the tree break-off and fall to the ground appears to be a function of the level of decay in the base of the tree at the time of mortality. Recent research has shown that 50 percent of the beetle killed trees break off and fall to the ground within 10 years (Holsten, et al 1995). These downed trees fall across each other or jackstraw and limit access and mobility of both human and wildlife use of the area (Thomas 1979).

H. Changing Forest Fuels and Fire Suppression Caused by Spruce Bark Beetle Infestation

The changes occurring in the forests of the Kenai Peninsula as well as other parts of Alaska are unprecedented in recorded history (Holsten, personal communication 2001). Spruce bark beetles are greatly influencing the composition of forests by killing almost all white/Lutz spruce trees over 6 inches in diameter. In forest stands composed almost entirely of spruce trees, the effects to the forest structure being caused by the spruce bark beetle epidemic are clearly visible. The almost total loss of mature seed bearing trees over large landscapes will have very long term and profound affects on the Kenai Peninsula.

After spruce bark beetle-caused mortality, dead spruce trees begin a physiological change that occurs over time. The loss of nutrient availability causes trees to shed needles during late winter and the remaining foliage turns red during the second summer after beetle attack. Smaller twig size branch material usually breaks off trees within a couple years after death. As trees drop needle foliage and lose smaller branch material, an increase of direct sunlight reaches the forest floor. Surface vegetation changes with this event. Most noticeably, native blue joint reedgrass begins to dominate surface vegetation.

The boles of dead spruce trees are subject to natural decay processes such as "sap rot". The wood fiber structure changes so that tree boles loose elasticity and are not as flexible during windy conditions. As mentioned earlier, a study of vegetative survey plots on the Kenai Peninsula (Holsten et.al. 1995) indicate that tree stem breakage begins to accelerate between 5-10 years after bark beetles attack forest stands.

As time progresses, standing trees begin to break off and fall into one another becoming jack strawed. This provides a means for surface fires to accelerate the transition to crown fires in the remaining canopy. Overtime trees begin to fall to the ground where they become part of the surface fuel matrix and as years progress the regenerating forests develop over heavy concentrations of fuels. The heavy concentration of fuel under this regeneration will be available for combustion for many years. In some cases in the Yukon it has been reported that the material will be readily combustible for 50 years after it has fallen to the ground (Beaver 1997). While this period of heavy fuel concentration will likely be shorter on the Kenai Peninsula, especially when wood is in direct contact with the ground, these conditions are expected to still last for decades.

The high proportion of trees being killed by spruce bark beetles has created a substantial and significant change in the risk of wildland fire on the Kenai Peninsula. The greatest single change in the trees is that of water volume or moisture content. Tree foliage supported by moisture from root systems in live trees usually contains from 200 percent water content during the early summer to 120 percent during drought conditions. The moisture content of live tree boles usually ranges from 40% to 70%. This water content significantly decreases after tree mortality. Based on previous sampling of large dead tree material it has been determined that dead spruce will reach equilibrium with environmental conditions within approximately 60 days following mortality. This material will typically have moisture content of approximately 10%.

Downed trees create additional surface fuel loading, which combines with the heavy grass mat to create a serious wildfire hazard. As beetle killed stands unravel, grass cover increases from near zero to over 50 percent of the ground cover (Schutz 1995). Fires in this fuel type can be intense, rapid moving and difficult to control (See 1997). A 1994 study of a past beetle infestation showed a general tendency for increasing surface fuel loads in later stages of an infestation (Schulz 1995). This study showed an increase in woody surface fuel loading from approximately 9 tons per acre in 1987 to over 35 tons per acre in 1994; nearly a 400 percent increase. Another case study of fire in beetle-impacted forests was conducted in 1997 (Beaver 1997). An important product generated from this study is a comparison of fire "critical surface intensity" (CSI). CSI is the term used to describe the amount of surface fire heat production that is necessary to generate full crown fire involvement of tree canopies. In the case of spruce forests that are alive and unaffected by spruce bark beetles, Beaver determined that 1,704 kilowatts/meter (KVV/M) of surface heat intensity is required to ignite green trees whose crown begins an average of four feet above the ground. In dead beetle kill spruce with the same crown height ratio, only 192 KW/M is required to generate crown fires.

The moisture content in live trees is supported by root systems. By comparison, the moisture content of dead trees is subject to daily changes due to changing weather conditions and long term drying in drought periods. In an average year, it is estimated that environmental conditions necessary to allow for full crown fire involvement of live spruce forests only occurs about 2 to 3 days each year. The number of days where environmental conditions are reached that will allow for crown fire in dead trees occurs with much greater frequency. It is estimated that dead spruce forests can reach crown fire involvement about 30 days/year on the average.

The spread of fire is greatly enhanced in beetle-killed spruce. The amount of dead and dry fine material, such as Old Mans Beard lichen, that is contained in standing dead trees aids spot fire occurrence. Dead material down wind of a fire creates a condition where hot embers initiate new fire starts with much greater frequency when compared to green live forests (personal observation W. Wahrenbrock).

Another factor affecting the fire risk of forests is termed as the probability of ignition. Probability of ignition is a term used as an expression of how easily a fire will ignite. Dead spruce with low moisture content will ignite far more readily than green spruce. Lightning has historically been an infrequent cause of fire ignition on the Kenai Peninsula (See 1998), however, wildland fire research scientists have declared the potential for lightning fire starts will increase as a result of the "sea of snags" that have been created (Alexander and Stocks 1997).

The probability of crown fire events is greatly enhanced as a result of the spruce beetle infestation. Once fires reach crown fire stage, they are difficult to suppress and are often uncontrollable. This fire risk condition will be sustained for about 10 years until such time as dead timber stands begin to break apart and unravel. The reduction of vertical fuel load continuity will not diminish the fire risk problem. To the contrary, increased fuel loading on the ground surface will extend the fire problem in fuel types that are known to be of short season duration. Specifically, grass that evolves with increased exposure to sunlight usually only creates fire control problems during the early summer season before "green-up". The addition of large woody material from downed beetle killed trees will create fuel conditions that will support fire occurrence throughout the summer season. These fuel types have been observed to burn with high intensity levels (personal communication Kromery). Fires in this fuel type burn up to 20 times faster and 6 times more intensely than the fuel type associated with healthy white spruce stands, particularly in the spring and early fall (See 1997). Fires in downed spruce trees in grass fuels exhibit a high resistance to control by firefighters. This downed timber impedes access into a fire area by firefighters and will severely limit the use of tactical ground forces such as engines, dozers and hand crews (See 1998). Even when suppressing fires during moderate environmental conditions, placing crews in this type of fuel poses a significant personal safety risk should winds begin to rapidly increase, change direction, or if sudden slope changes are encountered.

Large wildland fires have been noted to occur on the Kenai Peninsula since the beginning of recorded history. Large intense fires may become stand replacement fires because the burned areas regenerate with even aged trees that form young successional forests. The intensity of the spruce beetle attack has created a circumstance where spruce seed will not be readily available to regenerate burned areas. The advent of large landscapes of dead trees has also created a condition where fires will burn at high intensity but may not produce seedbeds that are receptive to forest regeneration. Several early season fires such as Pot Hole Lake, Hidden Creek, and Crooked Creek fires, which resulted in cumulative suppression costs of $6.6 million dollars, demonstrate this problem. Even though the dead spruce canopy of these fires burned with high intensity, surface vegetation consumption was low due to high moisture content. Surveys of one of these burned areas revealed that the fire consumed only 2 to 3 centimeters (cm) of duff material and less than 2% of the surface area had exposed mineral soils (Berg 1996). To compound the problem of regenerating these areas, virtually all birch, and the sapling size spruce that had not succumbed to the earlier spruce bark beetle epidemic, were killed as a result of fire intensity. The lack of a seed source within and adjoining these burned areas will compound the problem of reforesting these burned areas.

Had these large fires occurred closer to towns or improvements, structures may have been seriously threatened or lost. The risk factors for a catastrophic wildland fire are starting to stack up on the Kenai Peninsula. With the right weather conditions, the scenario for a catastrophic urban/wildland interface fire with property loss and loss of life is a definite possibility. Defensible space on a landscape scale is one of the most important actions that can be undertaken to reduce the potential of a large fire. This can be accomplished through harvesting the dead and dying timber in order to break up the continuity of fuels. Studies in Alaska and Canada show that a large percentage of spruce bark beetle-killed trees will fall to the ground in five to ten years. This downed fuel loading will add to the fire problem potential (See 1998). Of the three main factors affecting fire behavior (fuel, weather, and topography) fuel is the only component over which some measure of management may be exerted. Extensive fuel management is the only option for mitigating potential losses (Beaver 1997).

I. Changes to Wildlife Habitat Caused by Spruce Bark Beetle Infestation

Large-scale infestations of spruce bark beetles have a significant influence on wildlife habitats by changing their structure and function (Inter-Agency Forest Ecology Study Team #11). The loss of the mature spruce and the potential loss of the younger spruce component will result in the loss of hiding and thermal cover (DF&G 1994). What birch is present often has defect indicators and will likely begin to experience higher rates of weather-related breakage. The remaining live forest component will be composed primarily of scattered birch and young spruce seedling/saplings. Grass, in locations where residual tree density is minimal, will become the predominant ground cover and will inhibit the development of suckering and sprouting plants which reduces the availability of browse (Holsten, et. al. 1995). Spruce regeneration is very poor on these sites as the grass quickly out competes any seedlings that germinate. Without ground disturbance the heavy organic layer will continue to preclude desirable regeneration.

When mortality of the stand is 80-100%, wildlife diversity may be expected to decrease (Stone 1995). Of the 92 bird species that may be expected to occur on the Kenai Peninsula, 37 will decrease in abundance (e.g. spruce grouse, grosbeaks, Townsend's warblers) and 24 will increase in abundance (e.g. warblers and sparrows associated with shrubs). Eleven will have mixed or unknown response and 20 would not be expected to change in abundance (i.e. those not associated with forested habitats). Of the 39 mammal species expected to occur on the Kenai Peninsula, 13 may be expected to decrease in abundance following spruce bark beetle infestations (e.g., red squirrels, porcupines, flying squirrels) and 8 may increase (e.g., hares, voles). Eight will probably have mixed or unknown response and 10 would not be expected to change in abundance, i.e., those not associated with forested habitats (Inter-Agency Forest Ecology Study Team #11).

Within the boreal forest, moose are generally more closely associated with forest cover in summer than in winter. This association may be a function of preference for forage, which are of higher quality as a result of delayed plant development or different plant characteristics. Cows may prefer to calve and bed their newborns on forested knolls or other vegetated high points from which predators are more easily detected. These features may also present varied escape routes that require minimal energy expenditure by calves (Collins 1995). As the dead spruce fall to the ground, escape routes will become diminished and it is likely that energy expenditure by newborn moose (neonates) for escape will be increased. The increase over time in the amount of dead-fall which will occur without intervention will also decrease sight distance which may result in additional predation of neonates. The increasing amount of deadfall and debris on the forest floor could limit access to preferred foraging areas and limit mobility during critical times of the year for moose (DF&G 1994).

As the number of spruce trees die, red squirrel populations will decline as squirrels move to nearby lower quality, marginal habitats where food may be available (ADFG 1994). Cover habitat for squirrels will also decline after the first two years as trees lose their needles. The absence of conifers will make the squirrels more susceptible to predation from raptors and larger mammals (USFS 1994). It takes at least 30-50 years after spruce has been reestablished before the area will provide quality red squirrel habitat (USFS 1994).

Spruce grouse are also affected by the loss of spruce trees to the spruce beetle primarily through the loss of winter feeding habitat (ADFG 1994). Gradual loss of escape and thermal cover habitat will also occur as the spruce trees lose their needles and eventually fall over (ADFG 1994). Predators associated with grouse, such as owls and goshawks, can be expected to show a response to the increased vulnerability of individual birds displaced by the infestation (USFS 1994). In large-scale infestation areas, such as the proposed sale area, increased amounts of deadfall, grass, and other debris will impede grouse reproductive displays and reduce summer feeding habitat (ADFG 1994). The end result of no treatment of these dying stands will be a decline in local spruce grouse populations (USFS 1994).

The infestation will result in an increase in the number of snags and downed woody material, likely benefiting cavity-nesting birds such as woodpeckers, some owls, brown creepers, nuthatches, and chickadees (DF&G 1994). Most snags are beetle-killed spruce. However, mature hardwood stands that contain some hardwood snags offer the most cavities. This is due to the morphological differences between spruce and hardwoods. Living spruce seldom has soft heartwood preferred by cavity nesters. Spruce that die usually falls to the ground within 10 years, which is the time it takes for the heartwood to soften. The larger diameter birch and cottonwood trees are more important than spruce for cavity nesters. Even though the sale area has fewer birch and cottonwood snags, they are most important to cavity nesters. After the beetle outbreak subsides, woodpeckers will still benefit from the large numbers of secondary insects (cerambycids, ants, other scolytids) present, but this food abundance should only last 2 to 3 years (Schmid and Frye, 1977). The feeding value of these insects for woodpeckers will decrease because they are generally fewer in number and less accessible (they feed in deeper recesses in the wood). Bird populations would be expected to decline because of a lack of food after these insects decline. (DF&G 1994).

The spruce bark beetle infestation may reduce the value of the sale area over time for brown bear as hiding cover decreases and vegetation composition of the understory changes. Because of the relatively large home range and mobility of bears, the future degradation of the infested stands will probably not have significant impacts on the bear populations (USFS 1990 and DF&G 1994).

J. Changes to Scenic Values Caused by the Spruce Bark Beetle Infestation

The following is reprinted from the 1998 State of Alaska "Kenai/Kodiak Forest Land Use Plan":

Residents and visitors to Alaska consistently rated forest vistas damaged by spruce bark beetles lower in scenic beauty, and the more tree mortality present the lower the perceived scenic beauty. Both residents and visitors cite loss of scenic values as an important effect of spruce bark beetle damage. Visitors consistently report sightseeing as a dominant activity, and indicate views seen as a major factor affecting the quality of their visit to Alaska. Respondents of a recent USFS study consistently preferred preventative thinning treatments to a no-treatment scenario. For forested areas already severely impacted by spruce bark beetles, respondents preferred the visual conditions produced by rehabilitation strategies that resulted in more rapid regeneration of forest cover. From a list of proposed actions including a no action alternative, respondents continued to prefer actions which would include cutting and removing dead trees, even if selling them would only recover part of the costs (Daniel et. al. 1991). Cutting and removing the dead trees was also chosen over the possibility of burning a site for forest regeneration. Similar results were obtained in other studies within the U.S. (Orland, 1997 and Oriand et. al. 1993).

III. IMPACTS OF FUEL REDUCTION SALES

A. Effects on Wildlife Caused by Fuel Reduction Sales

The effects of the proposed timber sale will vary depending on species. As noted earlier, the spruce bark beetle infestation is already impacting wildlife. Wildlife species that prefer mature and over-mature spruce stands will either be displaced or decline in numbers. Species preferring the grass-forb successional stage will likely increase in abundance (DF&G 1994). The proposed silvicultural harvest prescription and the post-harvest site preparation treatment will encourage the regeneration of both birch and spruce (Collins 1992) although opportunities for birch regeneration are limited and some parcels are almost void of birch trees. Scarification should enhance the reestablishment of the forest. Documented natural trends show re-colonization by browse and tree species to be very slow to non-existent due to grass competition (Holsten et al. 1995). Muskeg edges and harvested sites, which are prepared for the regeneration of hardwood species, will often provide for an earlier food source in late winter/early spring (Schwartz, 1998 personal communication). Snow depth and browse availability at this time of year can be especially important for moose survival as fat reserves are at the lowest.

Possible effects of the proposed timber harvest on several wildlife species are outlined below.

Impacts of Fuel Reduction Harvest on Black Bears

For black bear, � Timber harvest during the winter denning period could disturb black bears denning in or near harvest activity. Human presence and associated development may preclude bear use of traditional feeding areas and movement corridors during periods of harvest activities (DF&G 1994).

Increased vulnerability of local black bear populations to hunting is a function of road location and road density which, in turn, is related to the timber harvesting systems used and the level of logging activity (DF&G 1994).

Impacts of Fuel Reduction Harvest on Brown Bears

The brown bear population on the Kenai is presently estimated to range between 250-400 bears (Schwartz & Arthur 1996). The highest densities of brown bears are in the forested lowlands and sub-alpine areas west of the Kenai Mountains. There is presently no indication of a decreasing population. The population numbers were probably at an all-time low in the 1920's due to the tendency of locals to shoot most bears on sight (Shuster personal communication. 1997) and the population had been poisoned in the early part of this century (Jacobs 1989). Their distribution often overlaps that of black bears (DF&G 1994). They generally frequent remote, higher elevation, sub-alpine and alpine habitats more often than black bears (DF&G 1994. � Dens on the Kenai are generally in the mountains or on steep hillsides. Most brown bear denning occurs at higher elevations than the proposed sale area (Jacobs 1989). However, recent research has shown that some bears do den in forested lowlands.

Logging can benefit grizzly bear populations if production of berry producing shrubs is increased. Roads associated with the timber harvest may cause behavioral changes with the bear population. Although evidence suggests that road avoidance behavior and habitat loss leads to changes in wildlife productivity and survivorship, there is little data currently available to support this hypothesis (Frederick 1991). To be of major concern to wildlife managers, behavioral responses to disturbance must have demonstrable demographic consequences. Demographic responses do not necessarily follow, even from significant behavioral responses to changes of the habitat (McLellan and Shackleton 1988). Significantly, the demographic response by brown bears on the Kenai Peninsula has been an increase in the population. Since the 1950's the brown bear population on the peninsula has increased to a current estimated population of 300 (Schwartz personal communication). This is despite a human population increase on the Kenai Peninsula from 9,053 in 1960 to 48,815 in 1998.

A number of researchers suggest that hunting keeps bears wary of humans because bears learn from experience with hunters. Hunters quickly eliminate bears that are not secretive. Bear populations in areas of high human density persist apparently because individuals have learned to avoid human confrontation and withdraw from human contact. Researchers suggest that a strong negative response of grizzly bears to people does not affect population size, and therefore may actually benefit bears by reducing the frequency of human-bear encounters (Frederick 1991).

Several researchers suggest that grizzly bears habituate to open roads by shifting to a more nocturnal activity pattern. Apparently, darkness may serve as cover, allowing bears to use roads and adjacent habitats and to cross open areas where they are vulnerable to human harassment and hunting mortality. To use areas within 100 meters of roads within their home range, bears have often done so under the cover of darkness by being nocturnal in their travel and feeding patterns (Frederick 1991). This travel period may have a shortened duration in Alaska due to the state's latitude. However, in numerous studies it has been shown that brown bears will utilize highly disturbed areas by being nocturnal, while bears in undisturbed areas tend to be more crepuscular (active during twilight)(Frederick 1991). Some studies have shown that bears and some yearlings within cover did not change position when vehicles approached. It has also been noted that sows with cubs and yearling juveniles more frequently used habitats near roads than other bears. These habitats near roads may have been relatively secure because roads were avoided by potentially aggressive adult males (McLellan and Shackelton 1988). Several researchers reported that adult bears in open sites usually retreated to cover when a vehicle approached within 300 meters. However, researchers McLellan and Shackleton found that bears fled even further when approached by people on foot; in 5 of 9 cases when bears in remote areas were approached by humans, bears fled for distances greater than 1 km (0.6 miles), or out of the immediate drainage (Frederick 1991). This illustrates that bears find vehicular traffic less threatening than people on foot. This may be attributable to habituation.

To maintain and potentially increase the brown bear population on the Kenai Peninsula, DF&G continues to adjust hunting seasons for brown bears. An estimate of the total bear population and reproductive rates is used to determine the annual harvest. Bear population goals have been met in the past four years by a spring bear hunt and Defense of Life and Property (DLP) takings. Therefore it was determined that a fall hunt should not be conducted. In 1998 DF&G placed the brown bear residing on the Kenai Peninsula on the State's species of concern list.

Wildlife biologists have expressed concern about the increasing trend in brown bear mortality caused by DLP takings and potential for additional mortality from human encroachment into bear habitat. The number of non-hunting kills, which includes DLP, research mortalities, and other known human-caused mortalities, increased each year from three in 1991 to ten in 1995 and fell back to six in 1998. Since 1986, approximately a third of the DLP's are occurring near homes, another third is associated with hunting, and the last third is across the board of different activities such as fishing, hiking, ranching, etc. None of the DLP's have directly been associated with timber harvest operations (Ted Spraker personal communication 1998 & Gino Del Frate, DF&G, personal communication 1997).

In the fall bears travel great distances to feed on devils club berries in the mountainous portion of the peninsula (Collins, DF&G 1998 personal communication). It is also important to note that berries, where present, are an important summer and fall food item for brown bears (Suring 1998). In the spring, bears diet often consists of skunk cabbage (Lysichiton americanum), grasses (Calamagrostis spp.) and horsetail (Equisetum spp.), which are widely distributed across the peninsula. Bears consume ungulate carrion and bears have been effective predators on moose. Recent research has shown that spring and early summer range is important because brown bears are very efficient predators of moose calves (Charles C. Schwartz, DF&G, personal communication 1997). Generally, the areas of highest habitat value include areas with southern aspects and wet habitats within defined ungulate winter range (Suring 1998).

The availability of security cover is considered important in how brown bears are influenced by human activities. Brown bears are at least twice as likely to be displaced from open areas where they can see or be seen by humans (Suring 1998). The spruce saplings, residual birch, alder thickets and willow thickets, as well as the retention areas, will provide cover to bears moving through the area while the seedlings and saplings continue to grow and reduce visual distances.

Impacts of Fuel Reduction Harvest on Moose

The impacts of timber harvesting on moose are often determined by the size of the harvest. While biologists recognize the importance of overstory disturbance in the boreal forest in terms of enhanced production of moose browse, recommendations for the size and shape of the forest openings vary greatly from 5 acres to a square mile or more. Generally, the most important reported relationship between size/shape of created openings and their utilization by moose is related to seeding distance and establishment of important species (Collins 1995). On state-owned lands that have been harvested and scarified, a high stocking level of browse species has occurred (e.g. birch seedlings, aspen seedlings, etc.). Peak browse production occurs 10-16 years after disturbance (Inter-Agency Forest Ecology Study Team #4).

Provided excessive browsing of birch is controlled, it takes approximately 3 to 5 years for birch to become tall enough to be available as winter browse. Birches that are 4 to 5 years old are tall enough to provide equal or greater wind protection and security cover than mature forest. Cover is more important in summer conditions. Moose have an efficient way of keeping warm in severe weather but are less efficient in moderating the effects of high summer temperatures that can cause them to overheat (Inter-Agency Forest Ecology Study Team #6).

Impacts of Fuel Reduction Harvest on Ermine, Mink, River Otters, Spruce Grouse

It is anticipated that harvest operations will likely reduce available prey for ermine for an extended period of time. To help offset this potential reduction, the proposed silvicultural prescription will retain the younger spruce component and the hardwoods. Snag retention and muskeg leave areas will also offset some of the impact on ermine habitat.

Mink use of the area, both presently and post-harvest, is expect to be low. Mink are commonly found near streams, ponds, marshes, beaches, or muskegs. The aquatic and riparian habitats are the most important mink habitat and this proposed sale provides for a leave retention area along the wetland areas within the sale.

River otters, like mink, prefer aquatic and streamside habitats. Since streamside areas are not proposed for harvest, it is expected that no impact will occur to river otters from this sale.

Lynx will use early successional habitats resulting from timber cutting, but require proximity to mature mixed forests (DF&G 1994). Retention of small residual stands, and uncut movement corridors along streams and/or muskegs will maximize edge effect and provide a mix of cover and early successional feeding areas. Potential improvement in snowshoe hare habitat quality should appear evident after logging (DF&G 1994). It is expected that lynx numbers could then show a corresponding increase as hares prosper in these areas (DF&G 1994).

Spruce grouse will be affected by the loss of canopy that will result in increased mortality of spruce grouse from predation on more visible nests and from the loss of protection from inclement weather (DF&G 1994). The decreased winter food supplies (loss of spruce needles and buds) may displace grouse into areas of lower quality habitat that could increase nutritional stress, and lead to increased mortality (DF&G 1994). Sapling and advanced regeneration areas within the sale are often patchy, but may provide sufficient cover to serve as courtship display areas. Live mature spruce stands for winter escape cover and protection will be difficult to find due to the heavy mortality of spruce caused by the spruce bark beetle. Leave areas will help to offset this loss to the extent that they are useful.

The potential effects of the fuel reduction sales on non-game birds will be the shortage of suitable nesting trees, which could result in lower numbers of birds. The conversion of sites to early successional stages could result in a shift in bird species composition to favor birds that prefer grass, shrub/forb, and sapling habitats (DF&G 1994). The retention of the younger spruce component and the hardwoods will maintain some foraging and nesting habitats. The retention of the leave areas and residuals will help to provide a range of different stand ages and micro-habitat features that will help to maintain the diversity of boreal forest bird species (DF&G 1994).

To minimize impacts to wildlife populations, roads will be carefully designed to minimize vehicular access to sale units other than that necessary for harvest activities.

B. Effects on Fisheries Caused by Fuel Reduction Sales

None envisioned. A setback of 300 feet from anadramous streams is provided by KPB ordinance 2000-50 with variances within 100 to 300 feet given to a contractor only upon application approval by KPB with due deference given to Alaska Department of Fish and Game regarding the effects on fish and wildlife habitat from timber harvesting in riparian areas.

C. Effects on Subsistence Caused by Fuel Reduction Sales

No known effect.

D. Effects on Recreation Caused by Fuel Reduction Sales

The fuel reduction sales will decrease the threat of injury to recreational users of these fuel reduction tracts. As noted above, dead spruce suffers structural failure between 5 and 10 years post-mortality, and currently represent a high hazard to recreational users of these fuel reduction parcels.

E. Effects on Erosion Caused by Fuel Reduction Sales

No known effect.

F. Effects on Mining Caused by Fuel Reduction Sales

No known effect.

G. Effects on Mineral Sources Caused by Fuel Reduction Sales

No known effect.

IV. TIMBER HARVEST AND CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

A. Estimated Volume of each parcel (tons)

Horn Sale: 2,272

Belnap Sale: 2,780

Total estimated tonnage of Unit 7 Sales 5,052 tons

B. Method of payment

Ten percent of the bid amount will be paid upon execution of a timber sale contract agreement. The remainder is due with the signed contract within 30 days for bids less than $1,000. For bids greater than $1,000.00 10% is due with the signed contract and the rest is paid as specified in the contract.

C. Boundary Requirements

KPB will mark harvest units on maps and contractor will mark the harvest units on the ground with flagging. The location and marking of all boundaries where a timber harvest unit coincides with the tract boundary will be accomplished according to procedures and standards identified by the Borough Surveyor.

D. Authority to sell the timber

Kenai Peninsula Borough ordinance 2000-50 authorizes the disposal of forest resources on Unit 7 for wildland fire hazard mitigation.

E. Requirements for scaling the harvested timber

This is a lump sum bid price sale based upon Unit Sale Parcel Summery (see Attachment A) so scaling of harvested timber is not required. In the event the lump sum bid price sale process is not successful and an over the counter proposal involves sale based on volume, scaling requirements will be negotiated and specified for any volume to weight conversions.

F. Contract requirements

Successful bidder will have 14 days from the date of notification of Award of Contract to execute a timber sale contract agreement along with all required payments, bonds, and certificates.

The Agreement for the Sale of Timber provides information on the operating and harvest plans and operations, standards, reforestation requirements. Copies of the contract form are available from the Kenai Peninsula Borough, Planning Department, 144 North Binkley Street, Soldotna, Alaska 99669.

G. Sale procedure, date and time

Fuel Reduction Sales will be by competitive sealed bid, as authorized in Ordinance 2000-50. Requests for Bids on Unit 7 Fuel Reduction Sales will be advertised as soon as possible after Assembly approval of this FMSR.

H. Requirements and qualifications of bidders

An individual, organization or firm is qualified to bid if they are:

a. Represented by an individual at least 18 years of age;

b. Legally competent and/or authorized to carry out the provisions of a permit or contract;

c. Licensed to do business in the borough and state;

d. Not in violation of current permits or contracts and performed satisfactorily on previous permits or contracts;

e. In compliance with the Borough Code provisions with respect to tax compliance requirements.