Attachment_1.0.pdf

R10-MB-861a

Prospectus for Commercially Guided Helicopter Skiing Services on the Seward Ranger District Chugach National Forest

Attachment 1.0

Forest Closure Order

CHUGACH NATIONAL FOREST

Order No. 10-04-00-17-09

FOREST ORDER

WINTER MOTOR VEHICLE CLOSURE

Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(a), the following acts are prohibited on certain lands administered by the Forest Service within the Chugach National Forest. These restrictions are in addition to those enumerated in Subpart A, 261Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations and become effective when signed, and will remain in effect until rescinded or revoked. Dates and or closure areas may be changed and or modified depending on snow levels and resource concerns, and will be closed with an additional special order.

Prohibited Acts:

36 CFR 261.56—Use of vehicles off National Forest System Roads.

As directed in the Chugach National Forest Revised Land and Resource Management

Plan and Record of Decision signed as amended, the following acts are prohibited:

1. Possessing or using a motorized vehicle and the landing of, or the dropping or picking up of any materials, supplies, or persons by means of helicopters that are utilized for winter recreation activities is prohibited from the Wednesday before

Thanksgiving through April 30 as described in Section I, Exhibit A; and

December 1 through April 30 in the following areas as described in Sections I and

III, Exhibits B through N, attached.

Turnagain Pass-Section I, Exhibit A

Portage Valley-Exhibit B

North Turnagain Arm-Exhibit C

Summit-Exhibit D

Tern Lake-Exhibit E

Russian-Exhibit F

Trail River Campground-Exhibit G

Meadow Creek-Exhibit H

Grayling/Meridian/Long Lake-Exhibit I

FOREST ORDER No. 10-04-00-17-09

ASSESSMENT OF NEED AND ENFORCEMENT PLAN

WINTER MOTOR VEHICLE CLOSURE

KENAI PENINSULA

This closure order implements the direction for motorized access contained in the

Chugach National Forest Revised Land and Resource Management Plan and Record of

Decision (Chugach Plan), signed July 25, 2007, as amended. The Chugach Plan analyzed public uses of the forest and provides for a balance of the lands available to fulfill the needs of different user groups with different values and desires for recreational experiences. The Chugach Plan identified the areas of the forest that are closed to motorized use to meet the needs of all forest users and to manage and protect forest resources.

The purpose of this order is to identify the areas of the Chugach National Forest that are closed to certain winter motor vehicle use as determined in the Chugach Plan and to identify the effective dates that these areas are closed. A motor vehicle means any vehicle that is self-propelled or any vehicle that is propelled by electric power obtained from batteries, but not operated on rails (36 C.F.R. 261.2). A vehicle means any device in, upon, or by which any person or property is or may be transported (36 C.F.R. 261.2). This order closes the areas described below and further illustrated on each area map attached (Exhibits A through Q). The type of motor vehicle use prohibited and the effective closure dates are identified.

This order does not prohibit the use and operation of snowmachines (defined as snowmobiles and all motorized over snow vehicles, including off highway vehicles) within a highway right-of-way granted to the State of Alaska. Use and operation of snowmachines within highway rights-of-way are governed by the applicable laws of the State of Alaska. For purposes of this order, the definition of “subsistence uses” in

Section 803 of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA), 16

U.S.C. § 3133, applies.

This order may be modified by a subsequent order of an authorized Forest Officer. This order, and any modifications, will remain in effect until terminated by an authorized Forest Officer.

Administration of this closure order is under 36 C.F.R. 261.54(a), 36 C.F.R. 261.55(b), 36 C.F.R.

261.56, and 36 C.F.R. 261.58(y). Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(a), the following acts are prohibited on the Chugach National Forest:

I. TURNAGAIN PASS CLOSED TO CERTAIN MOTOR VEHICLE USE

EXCEPT FOR SUBSISTENCE USES

As directed in the Chugach Plan, the Turnagain Pass area south of the Seward Highway is dedicated to nonmotorized winter recreation. The use of snowmachines and the landing of, or the dropping or picking up of any materials, supplies, or persons by means of helicopters that are utilized for winter recreational activities is prohibited in the following areas from the Wednesday before Thanksgiving of each year through April 30. The use of snowmachines by a rural Alaska resident for subsistence uses is allowed provided the individual is lawfully engaged in an authorized subsistence activity during permitted dates, such individual can readily identify himself as a qualified subsistence user, and is in compliance with all public safety regulations.

1. TURNAGAIN PASS (SEE EXHIBIT A)

All National Forest System land in the area bounded on the west by Ingram Creek and the

Seward Highway to Johnson Pass Road # 927 and the Lynx Creek/Blackstone Mine Trail to

Center Creek; on the south by Center and Divide creeks; and on the east by the divide separating this area from the Placer River Valley except for the Johnson Pass Road, the Johnson Pass

Wagon Road Trail, the trailhead (parking area), and the Johnson Pass Trail. Closed areas are depicted on the attached Turnagain Pass map. The area is within or partially within Sections 1 thru 4, 9 thru 15, 24, 25, T7N, R1E; Sections 3 thru 9, 17 thru 20, 29, 30, T7N, R2E; Sections 12 thru 14, 23 thru 27, 34 thru 36, T8N, R1E; Sections 1 thru 11, 14 thru 23, 27 thru 34, T8N, R2E, Sections 26, 27, 32 thru 36, T9N, R2E, SM.

II. CLOSED TO CERTAIN MOTOR VEHICLE USE EXCEPT FOR

SUBSISTENCE USES

As directed in the Chugach Plan, the following areas are dedicated to nonmotorized winter recreation. The use of snowmachines and the landing of, or the dropping or picking up of any materials, supplies, or persons by means of helicopters that are utilized for winter recreational activities is prohibited in the following areas from December 1st of each year through April 30th of each year. The use of snowmachines by a rural Alaska resident for subsistence uses is allowed provided the individual is lawfully engaged in an authorized subsistence activity during permitted dates, such individual can readily identify himself as a qualified subsistence user, and is in compliance with all public safety regulations.

1. PORTAGE VALLEY (SEE EXHIBIT B)

All National Forest System land draining into Portage Lake and Portage Creek, which includes

Portage Lake, Bear Valley, Divide Lake, Portage Glacier, Byron Glacier and additional unnamed creeks, as shown on the attached Portage Valley map. The area is within or partially within

Sections 1, 2, 12, 13, T7N, R3E; Sections 2 thru 11, 16 thru 19, T7N, R4E; Sections 1 thru 5, 8 thru 16, 21 thru 27, 35, 36, T8N, R3E; Sections 3 thru 10, 16 thru 21, 27 thru 35, T8N, R4E;

Sections 27, 28, 32 thru 36, T9N, R3E; Sections 21, 27 thru 34, T9N, R4E, SM.

2. NORTH TURNAGAIN ARM (SEE EXHIBIT C)

All National Forest System land in the drainages of Virgin Creek, Kern Creek, Peterson Creek, and drainages of unnamed creeks on the north side of Blueberry Hill, as shown on the attached

North Turnagain Arm map. The area is within or partially within Sections 1 thru 3, 11 thru 14, T9N, R2E; Sections 6, 7, T9N, R3E; Sections 14, 21 thru 28, 33 thru 36, T10N, R2E, Sections

19, 30, 31, T10N, R3E, SM.

3. SUMMIT (SEE EXHIBIT D)

All National Forest System land west of the Seward Highway from and including Devils

Creek Trail north to Frenchy Creek, with the exception of narrow strips of land along the highway corridor; and, all National Forest System land on the east side of the Seward

Highway, including all drainages from and including the Tenderfoot Creek drainage, the

Mills Creek drainage and the upper portion of the Silver Tip Creek drainage north to the

Hope Y, as shown on the attached Summit map. The area is within or partially within

Sections 1 thru 3, 10, 11, T5N, R1W; Sections 1 thru 18, 21 thru 27, 34 thru 36, T6N, R1W; Sections 5 thru 9, 17 thru 20, 30, T6N, R1E; Sections 1 thru 4, 9 thru 16, 21, 22, T6N, R2W; Sections 6, 7, 18, 19, 30 thru 32, T7N, R1E; Sections 1 thru 36, T7N, R1W;

Sections 1, 2, 11 thru 14, 22 thru 28, 33 thru 36, T7N, R2W; Sections 14, 25 thru 29, 31 thru 36, T8N, R1W; Section 31, T8N, R1E; Section 36, T8N, R2W, SM.

3. TERN LAKE (SEE EXHIBIT E)

All National Forest System land west of the Seward Highway and the powerline, from and including Devils Creek Trail through and including the Summit Creek drainage, as shown on the attached Tern Lake map. This area is within or partially within Sections 2 thru 4, T5N, R2W;

Section 18, T6N, R1W; Sections 12 thru 15, 21 thru 28, 33 thru 35, T6N, R2W, SM.

4. RUSSIAN (SEE EXHIBIT F)

All National Forest System lands of the Russian River drainage from the Upper Russian cabin north to the Sterling Highway and all the land between the Russian River and Cooper

Creek/Cooper Lake. The Russian Lakes trail will be the boundary of the nonmotorized portion from the Upper Russian Lake Cabin to Cooper Lake and will remain motorized, as shown on the attached Russian map. The area is within or partially within Sections 2 thru 11, 14 thru 18, T3N, R3W; Sections 1 thru 4, 9 thru 13, T3N, R4W; Sections 6 thru 8, 16 thru 21, 27 thru 35, T4N, R3W; Sections 1 thru 4, 9 thru 16, 20 thru 29, 32 thru 36, T4N, R4W; Section 31, T5N, R3W;

Sections 28, 33 thru 36, T5N, R4W,SM.

5. TRAIL RIVER CAMPGROUND (SEE EXHIBIT G)

All National Forest System land within the boundary of the Trail River – Kenai Recreation Area withdrawn by Public Land Order 1731. The area comprises 141 acres as shown on the attached

Trail River Campground map and the boundary is posted and marked to identify the National

Forest System lands. The area is within or partially within Sections 23 thru 26, T4N, R1W, SM.

6. MEADOW CREEK/BLACK MOUNTAIN (SEE EXHIBIT H)

All National Forest System land comprising Meadow Creek, including the unnamed eastern branch, and Black Mountain to and including the low waterline of Kenai Lake, as shown on the attached Meadow Creek/Black Mountain map. The area is within or partially within Sections 1 thru 5, 8 thru 12, 14 thru 17, 22, 23, T3N, R1W; Sections 34 thru 36, T4N, R1W, SM.

7. GRAYLING/MERIDIAN/LONG LAKE (SEE EXHIBIT I)

All National Forest System land within the Grayling, Meridian, and Long Lake drainages west of the Seward Highway. The southern boundary starts at the northern quarter corner of Section 24, T2N, R1W and traverses westerly to the steep side slopes at approximately the 1,500 foot elevation. The western boundary then traverses along the steep side slopes, northerly at the 1,500 foot location to Primrose Creek, excluding the Primrose Road, Primrose Campground and

Primrose Trail, and the Seward powerline adjacent to the Seward Highway, as shown on the attached Grayling/Meridian/Long Lake map. The area is within or partially within Sections 1, 2, 11 thru 14, 24, T2N, R1W; Sections 19, 31, T3N, R1E; Sections 24 thru 26, 35, 36, T3N, R1W, SM.

8. SNOW RIVER (SEE EXHIBIT J)

All National Forest System land comprising the entire North Fork of the Snow River drainage, except immediately around Upper Paradise Lake, and the entire South Fork of the Snow River drainage, including the southwest and west slopes of Paradise Peak with the exception of a motorized access corridor along the South Fork of the Snow River to provide winter motorized access to Godwin Glacier and the Nellie Juan area, as shown on the attached Snow River map.

The motorized access corridor would be generally along the river bottom. Where the river braids, the boundary would be the outside edge of the river. The area is within or partially within

Sections 1 thru 5, 9 thru 15, T1N, R1E; 1 thru 5, 8, thru 17, 20 thru 29, 32 thru 36, T2N, R1E;

Sections 1 thru 11, 16 thru 21, 28 thru 31, T2N, R2E; Sections 19 thru 22, 24 thru 30, 32 thru 36, T3N, R1E; Sections 1, 9 thru 12, 14 thru 23, 25 thru 36, T3N, R2E, SM.

9. TIEHACK/MT. ALICE (SEE EXHIBIT K)

All National Forest System land comprising the unnamed drainage of the glacier due east of Bear

Lake and south to include the northwest part of Mt. Alice, as shown on the attached Tiehack/Mt.

Alice map. The area is within, or partially within Sections 4 thru

10, 14 thru 17, 19 thru 23, 26 thru 34, T1N, R1E; Sections 4 thru 6, T1S, R1E; Section 32, T2N, R1E, SM.

10. TWENTYMILE RIVER (SEE EXHIBIT L)

All National Forest System land comprising the lower portion of the Twentymile River drainage, except in a corridor marked by the Forest Service, is closed to snowmachine use. The closed lands are within a boundary line beginning at the junction of the Seward Highway and Portage

Highway, thence northwesterly to the junction of the Seward Highway and Blueberry Ridge, thence northerly along Blueberry Ridge to the north side of an unnamed creek due west of the junction of the Twentymile River and Glacier River, thence easterly down the northern ridge of said unnamed creek to the junction of the Twentymile River and Glacier River, continuing easterly from this junction along the ridge leading to the first peak north of Boggs Peak, thence southerly to Boggs Peak, thence southerly to Begich Peak, thence southwesterly down the ridge from Begich Peak back to the point of beginning. The area is within or partially within Sections

12, 13, 24, T9N, R2E; Sections 3 thru 30, 32 thru 36, T9N, R3E; Sections 18 thru 20, 29 thru 31, T9N, R4E; Sections 27 thru 34, T10N, R3E, SM, as described on the attached

Twentymile River map.

The corridor within which snowmachine use is not prohibited is located south of the confluence of the Twentymile River and Turnagain Arm, beginning at the Alaska Railroad parking lot and proceeding northerly and generally parallel to the Twentymile River for approximately 4 miles, as described on the attached Twentymile River map. The corridor is 100 yards wide and its centerline is marked with orange route markers when snow conditions exist to allow snowmachine use of the corridor and the upper drainage of Twentymile River.

11. LOST CREEK TRAIL (SEE EXHIBIT M)

The Lost Creek Trail – A trail corridor 25 feet wide, starts along the powerline west of Grouse

Lake. This corridor runs up to a low level ridge-line following somewhat parallel one-eighth mile east of Lost Creek, for about two miles total distance. The corridor begins at the boundary of National Forest lands and private land. The first three-eighths mile of the corridor is on

National Forest land, and then passes on an easement, approximately one quarter mile in length, through lands conveyed to the State of Alaska. The trail then proceeds in a north-northwest direction for about another 1.5 miles. The corridor itself is non-motorized access through lands that are otherwise open to motorized vehicles and is intended to separate motorized and non-motorized use to address safety concerns and reduce the number of encounters between motorized and non-motorized users. The corridor is within or partially within Section 1 and 2, T1N, R1W, and Sections 35, T2N, R1W, SM.

III. CLOSED EVERY OTHER WINTER SEASON BEGINNING WITH THE

2008/2009 SEASON EXCEPT FOR SUBSISTENCE USES

As directed in the Chugach Plan, the use of snowmachines and the landing of, or the dropping or picking up of any materials, supplies, or persons by means of helicopters that are utilized for winter recreational activities is prohibited in the following areas every other winter season from

December 1st through April 30th , of each year beginning with the 2008/2009 season. The use of snowmachines by a rural Alaska resident for subsistence uses is allowed provided the individual is lawfully engaged in an authorized subsistence activity during permitted dates, such individual can readily identify himself as a qualified subsistence user, and is in compliance with all public safety regulations.

1. RESURRECTION/WEST RESURRECTION (SEE EXHIBIT N)

All National Forest System land north of the Sterling Highway including Juneau Falls, Slaughter Creek, Dike Creek, Thurman Creek, Shaft Creek, Falls Creek, unnamed creeks flowing into Chickaloon River, Resurrection Creek and all of its tributary creeks from

Resurrection Pass to and including Bedrock Cabin Creek and Highland Creek drainages, as shown on the attached Resurrection/West Resurrection map. The area is within, or partially within Sections 3 thru 8, T5N, R2W; Sections 1 thru 31, T5N, R3W; Sections 1, thru 4, 9 thru

16, 21 thru 28, 34 thru 36 T5N, R4W; Sections 4 thru 9, 16 thru 21, 28 thru 34, T6N, R2W;

Sections 1 thru 36, T6N, R3W; Sections 1 thru 4, 9 thru 16, 21 thru 28, 33 thru 36, T6N, R4W;

Sections 1 thru 11, 14 thru 23, 27 thru 33, T7N, R2W; Sections 1 thru 5, 7 thru 36, T7N, R3W;

Sections 33, 34, T7N, R4W; Sections 2 thru 11, 14 thru 36, T8N, R2W; Sections 1, 2, 10 thru 15, 21 thru 28, 33 thru 36, T8N, R3W; Sections 7, 8, 16 thru 36, T9N, R2W; Sections 12, 13, 24 thru

26, 35, 36, T9N, R3W, SM.

IV. CLOSED AFTER MARCH 31 TO CERTAIN MOTOR VEHICLE USE

EXCEPT FOR SUBSISTENCE USES

As directed in the Chugach Plan, the use of snowmachines and the landing of, or the dropping or picking up of any materials, supplies, or persons by means of helicopters that are utilized for winter recreational activities is prohibited in the following areas from April 1st of each year, through April 30th of each year. The use of snowmachines by a rural Alaska resident for subsistence uses is allowed provided the individual is lawfully engaged in an authorized subsistence activity during permitted dates, such individual can readily identify himself as a qualified subsistence user, and is in compliance with all public safety regulations.

1. SKOOKUM GLACIER (SEE EXHIBIT O)

All National Forest System land forming the Skookum Creek drainage, including

Skookum Glacier, as shown on the attached Skookum Glacier map. The area is within or partially within Section 1, T7N, R2E; Sections 3 thru 6, 8, 9, T7N, R3E; Sections 25, 36, T8N, R2E; Sections 8, 9, 16 thru 22, 26 thru 35, T8N, R3E, SM.

V. CLOSED TO SNOWMACHINE USE EXCEPT FOR SUBSISTENCE USES

As directed in the Chugach Plan, the areas described below are managed to provide an opportunity for helicopter supported skiing. The use of snowmachines is prohibited from

December 1st of each year through April 30th of each year in the Crow Creek and Winner Creek areas and from the Wednesday before Thanksgiving of each year through April 30th of each year in the Divide Creek area. The use of snowmachines by a rural Alaska resident for subsistence uses is allowed provided the individual is lawfully engaged in an authorized subsistence activity during permitted dates, such individual can readily identify himself as a qualified subsistence user, and is in compliance with all public safety regulations.

1. CROW CREEK (SEE EXHIBIT P)

All National Forest System land south and east of the National Forest boundary lying west of the

Crow Creek Road, Glacier Creek drainage and west of Eagle Glacier; including an unnamed creek and the portion of California Creek north and east of the boundary with Chugach State

Park, as shown on the attached Crow Creek map. The area is within or partially within Sections 4 thru 6, T10N, R2E; Sections 2 thru 11, 14 thru 23, 26 thru 34, T11N, R2E, SM.

2. WINNER CREEK (SEE EXHIBIT Q)

All National Forest System land comprising the Winner Creek drainage, as shown on the attached Winner Creek map. The area is within or partially within Sections 12, 13, 14, 23, 24, T10N, R2E; Sections 4 thru 8, 17 thru 19, T10N, R3E; Sections 32, 33, T11N, R3E, SM.

3. DIVIDE CREEK (SEE EXHIBIT R)

All National Forest System land forming the headwaters of Center Creek and Divide

Creek further described as lands south and east of the center of Center Creek from the lake forming its headwaters downstream to the junction with Divide Creek; and lands forming the headwaters and eastern portion of Divide Creek drainage, as shown on the attached Divide Creek map. The lands closed by this order are further described as being within or partially within

Sections 4, 5, T6N, R2E; Sections 3, 4, 7 thru 10, 15 thru 18, 20 thru 22, 27 thru 30, 32, 33, T7N, R2E, SM.

May 14

April 30 of each year

ª3 ª3

Copyright:© 2013 National Geographic Society, i-cubed

!= Spencer Bench Cabin

!/ Snowmobile Parking

ª3 Recommended Railroad Crossing

Highway

Railroad

Winter Motorized Recreation Access Closed to Motorized Use Except for Subsistence Open to all Motorized Use until 3/31, Closed after 3/31 Private Proptery: NO PUBLIC ACCESS

0 1 20.5 Miles

O

Skookum Valley:

Closed April 1 - April 30th annually

SKOOKUM GLACIER. All National Forest System land forming the Skookum Creek drainage, including Skookum

Glacier, as shown on the Skookum Glaicer map. The area is within, or partly within, section1, T7N, R2E, sections 3-6 and sections 8-9, T7N, R3E, sections 25-26, T8N, R2E, and sections 8, 9, 16-22, 26-35, T8N, R3E, SM.

FOREST ORDER

Exhibit O

As directed in the Chugach Plan, the use of snowmachines (snowmobiles and all motorized over-snow vehicles, including off-highway vehicles) and the landing of, or the dropping or picking up of any materials, supplies, or persons by means of helicopters that are utilized for winter recreation activities is prohibited in the following area from April 1st of each year, through April 30th of each year. The use of snowmachines by a rural Alaska resident for subsistence activity is allowed provided an individual is lawfully engaged in an authorized subsistence activity during permitted dates, such individual can readily identify himself as a qualified subsistence user, and is in compliance with all public safety regulations.

Administration of this closure order is under 36 C.F.R. 261.54 (a), 36 C.F.R. 261.55(b), 36 C.F.R. 261.56, and 36 C.F.R. 261.58 (y).

Glaicer Ranger District : 783-3242

Cross railroad tracks perpendicular when clear.

DO NOT TRAVEL DOWN RAILROAD TRACKS!

Skookum Glacier area Winter Motor Vehicle Closure

Closed after March 31 to over snow motor vehicle use

Chugach National Forest