Whitewater Bay on Admiralty Island. Credit, USFS.

In January of 2020 the United States Forest Service completed the purchase of 22,890 acres on Admiralty Island in the vicinity of Cube Cove. The land, which was once heavily impacted by logging operations, is now in public ownership and is part of the Kootznoowoo Wilderness Area on Admiralty Island. The damage from previous logging operations in the area was extensive and many roads and culverts in the area have become impediments to fish passage, rerouted streams or are causing excessive run-off and damaging water quality. Unmanaged young growth has resulted in much of the previously cut areas being unsuitable for deer habitat and impassable for hunters, anglers, and other users trying to access portions of the area. 

The U.S. Forest service is now planning a restoration project to remove roads and culverts identified as damaging to aquatic habitat, restore large wood in streams, and thin young growth trees along riparian areas. Alaska BHA is pleased to be able to voice our support for these projects within the Tongass National Forest. Read our comments below.