Phase One of POW restoration project completed

The Tongass National Forest has completed the first phase of a large-scale watershed restoration project begun this summer with the National Forest Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, and communities on Prince of Wales Island.

The Twelvemile Creek watershed encompasses 28 miles of salmon and other fish-bearing streams as well as 59 miles of additional streams covering an area just under 20 square miles in central Prince of Wales Island. In 2012, 1.5 stream miles were restored in a project that included placing more than 200 logs in the river. Returning large woody debris to the river helped create pools and eddies for fish. The project will strengthen salmon and steelhead populations and boost recreation opportunities in the area while providing jobs and bolstering the local economy.

Past logging and road building in the watershed took place under less protective regulations in the 1960s and 1970s. Those activities included harvesting of 92 percent of the riparian forest along salmon streams. Crews carrying out the first phase of the project this summer thinned dense young-growth forests to improve wildlife habitat and promote larger streamside trees, placed wood in streams to stabilize banks and improve fish habitat, removed invasive vegetation, and stabilized roads.

“Whether we are restoring salmon habitat or building trails, these partnerships are critical in our efforts to restore long-term productivity and health to key areas on the Tongass,” said Forest Supervisor Forrest Cole. “Twelvemile is a very important part of the larger restoration effort we’re committed to carrying out.”

Randy Hagenstein, Alaska state director of The Nature Conservancy stressed, “Salmon are a way of life in Alaska, and restoring streams helps ensure our traditions continue for future generations.”

By tying the project to the Economic Transition for Southeast, Hagenstein continued, “Restoration projects like this show how the transition toward sustainability now underway on the Tongass National Forest is good for fish and wildlife and provides jobs in rural communities.”

The next phase of work at Twelvemile Creek is set for next year.