Tongass National Forest

Workshop

April 10 – 14, 2006

Ted Ferry Civic Center, Ketchikan, Alaska

The basic approach and central focus for the interagency review of the conservation strategy consisted of a structured information assessment. This assessment examined pertinent new information accumulated since 1997, evaluated what it tells us about the conservation strategy, and identifies what additional information may be needed to better understand the strategy’s effectiveness. Assessment results may be used to make adjustments to the strategy and to prioritize information needs for future investment.

Central to the review was a week-long, facilitated workshop in which subject matter experts presented key information about the strategy followed by discussions within an inter-agency working group setting. The working group consisted of the Forest Supervisor, the Forest Service Regional Director of Wildlife, a key representative from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and Pacific Northwest Forest Sciences Laboratory, and key experts in the design or other relevant aspects of the conservation strategy.

During the workshop, focused presentations by subject matter experts generated understanding and discussion between the experts and the working group members. Such discussions also generated key questions about the strategy and lead to identification of important information needs or other pertinent actions that can be considered in the future. Estimated costs and criteria for prioritizing potential information needs and actions can be developed from the discussions. These results assisted the Forest Supervisor in considering the need for adjustments to the Forest Plan Monitoring program, Forest Plan Standards and Guidelines, and aspects of the conservation strategy. The results will also guide future investments in research and management studies by the Tongass National Forest and its interagency partners.

A professional facilitator ensured that a large volume of material was handled in an orderly manner and within the workshop timeframe. Extensive documentation of workshop proceedings will ensure a complete record that may be suitable for future publication.

Workshop Report – This report provides a detailed summary of the workshop. Appendix B includes the Considerations Resolution Matrix.

Workshop Agenda – This section provided access to the workshop agenda. The agenda was designed around a selected list of key subjects deemed of the highest priority to be addressed by the working group and subject matter experts.

Workshop Presentations – Copies of the actual presentations given by the subject matter expert are linked to this page.

Reference Library – This section provides a library of information pertinent to the conservation strategy review and developed since 1997. The references are also organized in relation to the key subjects to facilitate easy access to pertinent information.

Public Involvement – Even though the workshop was specifically designed to promote interaction between the working group and presenters, opportunities were designed into the workshop to facilitate suggestions from the public present at the workshop.