Recent Decisions | Decision Making | Management News | Home Shoreline Outfitter/Guide Analysis Recreation and tourism are increasing on the Tongass National Forest, and most notably on the four districts involved in this analysis (Admiralty National Monument, Hoonah, Juneau, and Sitka Ranger Districts). Outfitters and guides are important partners with the Forest Service in providing recreation experiences to those who prefer to use a commercial guide or those who cannot experience the Tongass independently. Tourism is also growing in importance to the economy of Southeast Alaska. At the same time, some people are concerned that increased use might compromise the values which they feel are important, such as solitude, opportunities for primitive or semi-primitive experiences, and access to fish and wildlife (either for viewing or hunting/fishing). The purpose and need of the project is to provide for commercial outfitter/guide shoreline-based recreation opportunities at levels which are consistent with the capabilities of the Land Use Designations as identified in the Tongass Land and Resource Management Plan (TLRMP). The goal is to provide quality recreation experiences sought by both guided and non-guided users of the National Forest that will not unacceptably impact forest resources. The decision to be made is whether or not to authorize shoreline-based outfitter-guide operations, and if so, at what levels and under what conditions of use for specific areas. October 1998 EA Scoping, Proposed Action, and Capacity Analysis were included for comment January 4, 2000 Notice of Intent signed 60 scoping letters received 12 public and agency meetings held February 2000 13 scoping letters received June 2000 Information Update   Alternative Development Effects Analysis Preparation of Draft EIS July 2002 Draft EIS available to the public Public meetings will be held in various communities during the 90-day comment period. Details on the pubic meetings will be published in the local newspapers. Fall 2002 Final EIS and Record of Decision available to the public How to Contact Us Mailing Address: Sitka Supervisor's Office Tongass National Forest 204 Siginaka Way Sitka, AK 99835 Attention: Shoreline Outfitter/Guide EIS Phone Contacts: Bob Dalrymple or Mary Beth Nelson 907-747-6671 Email: mnelson03@fs.fed.us Additional Information Carrying Capacity Analysis April 2001 Update First Scoping Letter and Proposed Action Summary of EA Scoping Comments Revised Notice of Intent (PDF file, click icon to download reader: ) EIS Scoping Letter (February 2000) Scoping Respondents June 2000 Newsletter (PDF file) Maps:       Analysis Area (117 KB)       Potential Large Group Locations (509 KB)       Forest Plan Land Use Designations (489 KB)       1999 Total Commercial Use Locations (425 KB) Updated August 21, 2002 Recent Decisions | Decision Making | Management News | Home