Maintaining Wildlife Habitat in Southeastern Alaska: Implications of

New Knowledge for Forest Management and Research

Thomas A. Hanley, Winston P. Smith, Thomas A. Hanley, Winston P. Smith, and Scott M. Gendeand Scott M. Gende

PNW Research Station, Juneau, AKPNW Research Station, Juneau, AK

Purposes of this report

Provide a brief background of studies that Provide a brief background of studies that were initiated as follow-up to TLMP.were initiated as follow-up to TLMP.

Review major findings from those studies.Review major findings from those studies.

Identify information needs and directions Identify information needs and directions for future research.for future research.

TLMP Follow-up Studies

Evolutionary diversity of endemic small mammalsEvolutionary diversity of endemic small mammals Ecology of endemic populations of flying squirrel, Ecology of endemic populations of flying squirrel,

red-backed vole, northern goshawk, and marbled red-backed vole, northern goshawk, and marbled murreletmurrelet

Ongoing studies of American marten and Ongoing studies of American marten and Alexander Archipelago wolfAlexander Archipelago wolf

Bird communities of old-growth forests Bird communities of old-growth forests (Alternatives to Clearcutting Study)(Alternatives to Clearcutting Study)

Evolutionary diversity and taxonomy of endemic small mammals

Early expeditions surveyed only 22 of the named Early expeditions surveyed only 22 of the named islands and identified 27 endemic mammal taxa.islands and identified 27 endemic mammal taxa.

Recent work has surveyed 87 islands and Recent work has surveyed 87 islands and documented that the mammal fauna is much more documented that the mammal fauna is much more complex than was previously realized.complex than was previously realized.

The fauna is nested and comprised of multiple The fauna is nested and comprised of multiple elements with discontinuities and regional elements with discontinuities and regional assemblages reflecting different histories.assemblages reflecting different histories.

This is an especially rich region for endemism in This is an especially rich region for endemism in its small mammal fauna.its small mammal fauna.

Northern flying squirrel

Distribution is disjunct – Prince of Wales subspecies was Distribution is disjunct – Prince of Wales subspecies was focus of study.focus of study.

Associated with old-growth forests in the Pacific Northwest. Associated with old-growth forests in the Pacific Northwest. Forest structure (old growth) and fragmentation (re Forest structure (old growth) and fragmentation (re dispersal) were main causes for concern on Tongass. This is dispersal) were main causes for concern on Tongass. This is an an arborealarboreal species. species.

Results from POW indicated densities among the highest Results from POW indicated densities among the highest reported in North America. reported in North America.

Densities in “mixed-conifer” forests were less than in old Densities in “mixed-conifer” forests were less than in old growth but comparable to old-growth Douglas fir in Pacific growth but comparable to old-growth Douglas fir in Pacific Northwest.Northwest.

No evidence of mixed conifer forest being “sink” habitat.No evidence of mixed conifer forest being “sink” habitat.

Southern red-backed vole

Occurs as 4 endemic subspecies on Tongass – Wrangell Occurs as 4 endemic subspecies on Tongass – Wrangell Island subspecies was focus of study.Island subspecies was focus of study.

Associated with old-growth forests in the Pacific Associated with old-growth forests in the Pacific Northwest. Forest structure (old growth) and Northwest. Forest structure (old growth) and fragmentation (re dispersal) were main causes for concern fragmentation (re dispersal) were main causes for concern on Tongass. This is a on Tongass. This is a ground-dwellingground-dwelling species. species.

Results from Wrangell Island indicated highest densities in Results from Wrangell Island indicated highest densities in old-growth forest and very low densities in old-growth forest and very low densities in peatland/mixed-conifer forest.peatland/mixed-conifer forest.

Thinned young-growth stands (20-25 yrs old) also were Thinned young-growth stands (20-25 yrs old) also were very productive of voles, similar to old growth forests. very productive of voles, similar to old growth forests.

Northern goshawk Two principal studies: nesting area and movements Two principal studies: nesting area and movements

(Flatten et al. 2001), and dietary items (Lewis 2001)(Flatten et al. 2001), and dietary items (Lewis 2001) Nesting sites changed often among years. “Nesting areas” Nesting sites changed often among years. “Nesting areas”

were 0.5-3.2 km in diameter. were 0.5-3.2 km in diameter. Diets varied greatly among nests during the breeding Diets varied greatly among nests during the breeding

season and within nests between years, but birds always season and within nests between years, but birds always constituted a greater proportion of diet than did mammals constituted a greater proportion of diet than did mammals (78 vs 22% of deliveries).(78 vs 22% of deliveries).

Current protective measures are “nest-based,” but Current protective measures are “nest-based,” but goshawks tend goshawks tend notnot to use the same nest in consecutive to use the same nest in consecutive years.years.

Although considered for MIS, logistical difficulties in Although considered for MIS, logistical difficulties in monitoring goshawks make them impractical for MIS.monitoring goshawks make them impractical for MIS.

Marbled murrelet

1997 TLMP conservation strategy involved protection of 1997 TLMP conservation strategy involved protection of near shore, low-elevation, old-growth forests for nesting near shore, low-elevation, old-growth forests for nesting habitat.habitat.

Smith & Harke (2001) provided guidelines for sample Smith & Harke (2001) provided guidelines for sample sizes needed for monitoring population trends.sizes needed for monitoring population trends.

Whitworth et al. (2000) followed radio-collared birds and Whitworth et al. (2000) followed radio-collared birds and found large distances between at-sea feeding areas and found large distances between at-sea feeding areas and inland nesting areas (up to 124 km).inland nesting areas (up to 124 km).

Nesting habitat does not appear to be limiting now or in Nesting habitat does not appear to be limiting now or in the foreseeable future.the foreseeable future.

American marten

Cavities in large boles of trees and snags, hard downed Cavities in large boles of trees and snags, hard downed logs, and beneath tree roots are most important for natal logs, and beneath tree roots are most important for natal

dens and resting areas. dens and resting areas. Large, old trees are important. Large, old trees are important. Population size on NE Chichagof fluctuated 4-fold during Population size on NE Chichagof fluctuated 4-fold during

10 years of study, with 90% of the variation accounted for 10 years of study, with 90% of the variation accounted for by abundance of rodents (mice, voles, squirrels).by abundance of rodents (mice, voles, squirrels).

More study of marten is needed in SE AK, beyond the NE More study of marten is needed in SE AK, beyond the NE Chichagof area, before findings can be generalized.Chichagof area, before findings can be generalized.

Trapping is potentially a major complication in using Trapping is potentially a major complication in using marten population dynamics for MIS.marten population dynamics for MIS.

Alexander Archipelago wolf

Research has centered on the Prince of Wales Island complex (POW Research has centered on the Prince of Wales Island complex (POW and 10 nearby islands).and 10 nearby islands).

Strong inverse relationship between wolf home range size and Strong inverse relationship between wolf home range size and proportion of “critical winter habitat for deer.” Strong positive proportion of “critical winter habitat for deer.” Strong positive relationship between wolf pack size and same (“c.w.h. for deer”).relationship between wolf pack size and same (“c.w.h. for deer”).

Wolves move freely between islands; their ranges may shift Wolves move freely between islands; their ranges may shift significantly over time. This complicates monitoring populations.significantly over time. This complicates monitoring populations.

Hunting/poaching was the major factor of mortality for wolves (89%).Hunting/poaching was the major factor of mortality for wolves (89%). Deer populations and road access are predominant factors of Deer populations and road access are predominant factors of

productivity and mortality in wolf populations.productivity and mortality in wolf populations. Current conditions are misleading, as clearcuts will become young-Current conditions are misleading, as clearcuts will become young-

growth forest in near future, and deer habitat will decline greatly.growth forest in near future, and deer habitat will decline greatly.

“Alternatives-to-clearcutting” study

Focus has been on bird communities.Focus has been on bird communities. Pretreatment descriptions (old-growth stands) at Hanus Pretreatment descriptions (old-growth stands) at Hanus

Bay, Portage Bay, and Lancaster Cove. Along with Bay, Portage Bay, and Lancaster Cove. Along with Smith’s RNA survey, we have broad base of descriptions Smith’s RNA survey, we have broad base of descriptions of bird communities of old-growth forests in SE AK.of bird communities of old-growth forests in SE AK.

Study of nest predation indicated that forest “edge” Study of nest predation indicated that forest “edge” maymay increase predation rates, depending on nest predators in increase predation rates, depending on nest predators in surrounding habitats (i.e., a community-level response).surrounding habitats (i.e., a community-level response).

Post-treatment responses are yet to be seen. However, Post-treatment responses are yet to be seen. However, future focus will shift to hypothesis-testing, rather than future focus will shift to hypothesis-testing, rather than monitoring.monitoring.

Future management environment

Major changes since the 1997 TLMP:Major changes since the 1997 TLMP:

Huge decline in demand and harvest of timber since the Huge decline in demand and harvest of timber since the pulp mills closedpulp mills closed

““Roadless Rule” implementation?Roadless Rule” implementation? Huge increase in tourismHuge increase in tourism

Changing economy in SE AK, especially from Changing economy in SE AK, especially from timber to recreation-dominatedtimber to recreation-dominated

5 greatest challenges for wildlife habitat on the Tongass

Increasing management emphasis on young-Increasing management emphasis on young-growth forestsgrowth forests

Designing conservation strategies for old-growth Designing conservation strategies for old-growth forestsforests

Finding timber-harvest alternatives to clearcuttingFinding timber-harvest alternatives to clearcutting Managing habitat for “subsistence” harvest of Managing habitat for “subsistence” harvest of

black-tailed deerblack-tailed deer Minimizing effects of tourism on sensitive species Minimizing effects of tourism on sensitive species

of wildlifeof wildlife

Future research, development, and application

1997 TLMP conservation strategy focused 1997 TLMP conservation strategy focused on MIS and old-growth reserves. on MIS and old-growth reserves.

We suggest future RD&A focus on plant We suggest future RD&A focus on plant and animal communities and management and animal communities and management of vegetation to achieve specific objectives of vegetation to achieve specific objectives for wildlife habitat.for wildlife habitat.

5 Major areas of future RD&A

Plant and animal communities of young-Plant and animal communities of young-growth forestsgrowth forests

Old-growth forest reservesOld-growth forest reserves Alternatives to clearcuttingAlternatives to clearcutting Black-tailed deer habitat and harvestBlack-tailed deer habitat and harvest Effects of tourism on selected speciesEffects of tourism on selected species

Young-growth forests

Silviculture and understory vegetation – Principal Silviculture and understory vegetation – Principal need is promoting a diverse and productive need is promoting a diverse and productive understory, especially the herb component.understory, especially the herb component.

Autecology of major understory species (including hemlock), Autecology of major understory species (including hemlock), combined with silviculture effects on understory environmentcombined with silviculture effects on understory environment

Tongass adaptive management studies – thinning (precommercial and Tongass adaptive management studies – thinning (precommercial and commercial), pruning, red aldercommercial), pruning, red alder

Wildlife communities in relation to stand structure Wildlife communities in relation to stand structure – both young-growth and older stands (re partial – both young-growth and older stands (re partial harvest systems).harvest systems).

Old-growth forests

Most work to date has focused on all-aged stands, with Most work to date has focused on all-aged stands, with gap-phase succession.gap-phase succession.

Recent work has shown that much Tongass “old-growth” Recent work has shown that much Tongass “old-growth” is multi-cohort stands, resulting from large-scale wind is multi-cohort stands, resulting from large-scale wind disturbance. We know very little about community disturbance. We know very little about community patterns and stand dynamics in these stands, yet they have patterns and stand dynamics in these stands, yet they have major implications for conservation reserves and “long major implications for conservation reserves and “long rotations” (200 yrs) in TLMP.rotations” (200 yrs) in TLMP.

Greatest needs for wildlife community research relate to Greatest needs for wildlife community research relate to the importance of size and landscape distribution of old-the importance of size and landscape distribution of old-growth reserves – especially re dispersal and population growth reserves – especially re dispersal and population viability of selected focal species.viability of selected focal species.

Alternatives to clearcutting

Recent retrospective studies of individual-tree selection Recent retrospective studies of individual-tree selection cutting have shown that partial cutting may have minimal cutting have shown that partial cutting may have minimal effects on forest understory vegetation – i.e., parallels gap-effects on forest understory vegetation – i.e., parallels gap-phase succession.phase succession.

Future research should focus on Future research should focus on processesprocesses involved in involved in community response to cutting pattern, especially role of community response to cutting pattern, especially role of patch size and “edge” in vegetation and animal response.patch size and “edge” in vegetation and animal response.

Other key processes include dispersal by small mammals, Other key processes include dispersal by small mammals, role of scale in habitat heterogeneity for animal role of scale in habitat heterogeneity for animal community structure, fruit production in relation to community structure, fruit production in relation to sunlight (gap size), snow interception in relation to canopy sunlight (gap size), snow interception in relation to canopy structure, etc.structure, etc.

Black-tailed deer

Principal game species for recreation and subsistence Principal game species for recreation and subsistence hunters, and principal prey for Alexander Arch. wolfhunters, and principal prey for Alexander Arch. wolf

Current large-scale habitat evaluation models (e.g., Habitat Current large-scale habitat evaluation models (e.g., Habitat Suitability Index) are based on deer behavior, which is Suitability Index) are based on deer behavior, which is site, time, and density dependent.site, time, and density dependent.

Current nutritional models for habitat evaluation are Current nutritional models for habitat evaluation are limited to the stand-level scale of analysis. They need to limited to the stand-level scale of analysis. They need to be expanded to applicability at large spatial scales (e.g., be expanded to applicability at large spatial scales (e.g., landscape-level analyses).landscape-level analyses).

Analytical techniques for monitoring population status and Analytical techniques for monitoring population status and trends are needed for subsistence harvest and interactions trends are needed for subsistence harvest and interactions with wolves.with wolves.

Effects of tourism

Flight-seeing impacts (especially helicopters) on mountain Flight-seeing impacts (especially helicopters) on mountain goats – Most likely effects would involve scaring mountain goats – Most likely effects would involve scaring mountain goats away from favorite habitats (cliffy terrain), thereby goats away from favorite habitats (cliffy terrain), thereby decreasing foraging efficiency and increasing susceptibility decreasing foraging efficiency and increasing susceptibility to wolves, to wolves, decrease in lamb survival. decrease in lamb survival.

Brown bear viewing – disruption of bears from favorite Brown bear viewing – disruption of bears from favorite salmon-fishing areassalmon-fishing areas

Both of above topics (and others) are entirely speculative Both of above topics (and others) are entirely speculative and are very difficult to measure effects in biologically and are very difficult to measure effects in biologically meaningful terms. Cooperation with ADF&G would be meaningful terms. Cooperation with ADF&G would be very important.very important.

Conclusions

SE AK has a high potential for endemism in its mammal SE AK has a high potential for endemism in its mammal fauna, and those systematics are only recently beginning to fauna, and those systematics are only recently beginning to be known. More work is needed here.be known. More work is needed here.

However, the 2 potentially “old growth dependent” species However, the 2 potentially “old growth dependent” species studied intensively (flying squirrels and red-backed voles) studied intensively (flying squirrels and red-backed voles) do not seem to be so dependent on old growth as was do not seem to be so dependent on old growth as was hypothesized – flying squirrels because of low-volume, hypothesized – flying squirrels because of low-volume, scrub forest; red-backed voles because of precommercial scrub forest; red-backed voles because of precommercial thinnings.thinnings.

Challenges will continue, though, because of the legacy of Challenges will continue, though, because of the legacy of 4 decades of clearcutting (e.g., backlog in thinning, etc.). 4 decades of clearcutting (e.g., backlog in thinning, etc.).

Conclusions (cont.)

Maintaining viable and productive populations of small Maintaining viable and productive populations of small mammals also has important implications for northern mammals also has important implications for northern goshawk and American marten, both of which may be goshawk and American marten, both of which may be prey-limited in SE AK. prey-limited in SE AK. Active young-growth Active young-growth management likely will be important to both those species.management likely will be important to both those species.

Regardless of future management environment, there is an Regardless of future management environment, there is an urgent need to develop sampling protocols for inventory urgent need to develop sampling protocols for inventory and monitoring of wildlife populations – to adequately and monitoring of wildlife populations – to adequately document biological diversity, evaluate conservation document biological diversity, evaluate conservation strategies, and conduct effectiveness monitoring.strategies, and conduct effectiveness monitoring.

Conclusions (cont.)

New challenges needing RD&A are New challenges needing RD&A are especially great in 5 areas:especially great in 5 areas:

Intensive, even-aged forest managementIntensive, even-aged forest management Old-growth forest reservesOld-growth forest reserves Alternatives to clearcuttingAlternatives to clearcutting Black-tailed deer habitat & population managementBlack-tailed deer habitat & population management Tourism impacts on sensitive speciesTourism impacts on sensitive species

Conclusions (cont.)

We propose that most of that RD&A be We propose that most of that RD&A be done in done in collaborationcollaboration between the PNW between the PNW Station (ecological processes and new Station (ecological processes and new applications) and the Tongass National applications) and the Tongass National Forest (especially through adaptive Forest (especially through adaptive management experiments and large-scale management experiments and large-scale treatments/applications).treatments/applications).