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Note: This is a word-for-word representation of the official signed document. It is provided for your convenience and is not considered the official project documentation.

Scott Peak Project Area

Letter to Readers

Petersburg Ranger District

Dear Reader,

Enclosed is your copy of the 2006 Record of Decision (ROD) for the Scott Peak Project Area on the Petersburg Ranger District, Tongass National Forest. The 2006 ROD documents the reasons I selected a modified version of Alternative C from the Scott Peak FEIS prepared in 2005. This decision also includes a non-significant amendment to the 1997 Tongass Forest Plan to adjust the size, location and configuration of the small old growth reserve (OGR) within the Scott Peak project area.

My decision last November 2005 was reversed on appeal because the adequacy of the cumulative effects analysis was questioned. Since then an interdisciplinary team has made a catalogue of all past, present and reasonably foreseeable future activities in the Scott Peak area, assessed what changes, if any, this made in the effects analysis that was summarized in the 2005 Scott Peak FEIS. They also clarified how and why the cumulative effects analysis was bounded in time and space the way it was, and updated the resource reports to reflect the additional analysis completed.

This additional analysis showed that there are small differences in the cumulative effects related to patch sizes remaining, deer habitat capability, road density, and harvest levels in the Portage Creek watershed. However, these are not significant new circumstances and have not resulted in any changes in the proposed action or its overall impacts. The purpose and need for the Scott Peak Timber Sale, proposed action, significant issues and alternatives remain the same as in the 2005 FEIS. The entire analysis is summarized in the record of decision that follows, with additional details in a supplemental information report that is available in the project record. An errata is enclosed that shows where the corrections have been made in the 2005 FEIS.

Copies of the Scott Peak FEIS, 2006 ROD, and errata have been sent to everyone on the project mailing list. Copies are also available for review at public libraries and Forest Service offices throughout the Tongass. If you would like a copy of the 2005 FEIS, supplemental information report or other information, please contact the Petersburg Ranger District at 907-772-3871 or email: krutledge@fs.fed.us

Sincerely,

USDA Forest Service - Tongass National Forest Accessibility Statement
Last Modified: November 21, 2006