PreProposalMtg_ProjDesc.pdf

AG-0120-S-14-0006, A001, Pre-Proposal Mtg., Project Description Page 1 of 1

Brief description of Anchorage Forestry Sciences Laboratory, Pacific Northwest Research Station project mission/operations

Anchorage Forestry Sciences Laboratory, Pacific Northwest Research Station is conducting a Forest

Resources Inventory in SE and SC Alaska including the Kenai Peninsula and Kodiak. The plots are located systematically on a grid across the State (Nation as well). We sample 1/10th of these permanent plots each year. The plots are evenly scattered across our area thus the need for a boat and helicopter to access these remote plots. It is impossible to access most of these sites and get our inventory work done in a day without a helicopter. Once the project starts in Ketchikan, the crew works seven (7) days a week until all the plots are done.

It is intended that the boat will be the base of operations. The boat will provide space for an office area;

working area; living space; eating space; and space for socializing together with the boat crew Working on any boat presents close quarters. Anchorage Forestry Sciences Laboratory, Pacific Northwest

Research Station is not looking for luxury.

The plots the Anchorage Forestry Sciences Laboratory, Pacific Northwest Research Station measures are permanent plots that are on a 10 year cycle. The Anchorage Forestry Sciences Laboratory, Pacific

Northwest Research Station is starting the third re-measurement of these plots. Because the plots are so widely spaced, we move nearly daily to reposition our crews to be more efficient with helicopter time.

The helicopter is required to carry five (5) FS people; have a 1,100 payload at 2500’, 10 C, with a 200-pound pilot, and 1+30 minutes fuel. We are generally trying to get two (2) crews of two – three (2-3) people out on each flight and generally the flight goes to unimproved tight landing zones. Each crew person will have a 45-pound pack, or more gear. Crew members will carry bear spray & firearms.

Crews are pressed for time to collect the data. The work day will start early (around 7 am) and may go late (around 8 – 9 pm). The boat will also travel to the next anchorage from which to conduct the next day’s flights. We generally like to get the crew back on board before cruising to the next anchorage;

however, occasionally the boat will start moving and require the helicopter to land while the boat is underway.

Although the intent is to get out and do plots daily, weather will occasionally slow down the crew.

There are specific weather minimums for helicopter operations. We also know there will be a couple

24-hour runs out of SE AK to Yakutat; Yakutat to Controller Bay, or Cordova where we will not get crews out into the field.

There will be a crew change every five (5) days. The crew change will involve the rotation of six (6) new crew members arriving and six (6) crew members leaving. It is a 15 day schedule where we rotate three

(3) crews; having two (2) on the boat at any one time. There will be 12 Anchorage Forestry Sciences

Laboratory, Pacific Northwest Research Station crew members on board working at all times. Float planes are normally used to get crews on and off the boat. Occasionally, the helicopter may be used for crew shuttles. The crew change requires planning. Careful coordination is required to ensure that crew members who are working a short day in the field get to the boat in time to get on the skiff to catch the float plane. This is all taking place while the replacement crew is coming in.