Toward sustainable human use management in Prince William Sound: A synthesis of data and management recommendations

Abstract

This chapter illustrates how data and context described in previous chapters were used to develop strategies to address human use management in the Sound through an issue-driven planning process. The results provide guidance toward providing keystone recreation experiences in the Sound while simultaneously protecting cultural and ecological values of the region. This chapter represents the culmination of the Prince William Sound Framework process that was initiated by Forest Service leaderships in 2006 (Chapter 6). We identify seven priority issues that could be addressed by Chugach National Forest managers and their partners and propose a series of management actions and monitoring efforts that should encourage sustainable human use management in the Sound. The seven identified priority issues include: 1) reduce heritage site degradation; 2) direct use away from Alaska Native Settlement Claim Act selected sites (ie., private lands); 3) facilitate solitude opportunities at tidewater glaciers; 4) maintain existing solitude opportunities at the regional scale; 5) address the existing restriction of commercially guided sport fishing in eastern PWS; 6) evaluate big game hunting; and 7) improve outfitter/guide commercial use allocations. In addition to issue specific strategies, three general approaches are recommended to address management throughout the region: focus on user perceptions, concentrate recreation in high use areas, and implement management through partnerships.

Citation

Poe, Aaron J.; Brown, Courtney; Blahna, Dale J.; Ryan, Clare M.; Gimblett, Randy. 2017. Toward sustainable human use management in Prince William Sound: A synthesis of data and management recommendations. In: Poe, Aaron J.; Gimblett, Randy, eds. Sustaining wildlands: Integrating science and community in Prince William Sound. Tucson, AZ: The University of Arizona Press. 276-294. Chapter 19.