TLMP page 4-114 item B. states ..."During project planning evaluate the need for additional protection of brown bear foraging sites (e.g. waterfalls used as fishing sites) in addition to buffers already provided by the Riparian and Beach and Estuary Fringe Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines, and the Old-growth Habitat and other natural setting Land Use Designations. ....Consult with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game in identifying and managing important brown bear foraging sites."

Work by ADF&G and others has provided considerable information on brown bear use of salmon spawning habitat and adjacent riparian forest. Specifically, there has been research on Admiralty and Chichagof islands. Use the following methods to identify important brown bear foraging sites:

1. Identify Class I streams supporting spawning salmon (salmon streams) within the analysis area;

2. Of these salmon streams, delineate those stream segments classified as the Moderate Gradient/Mixed Control and Flood Plain process groups.

3. Apply the TLMP Riparian Standards and Guidelines to the salmon streams and identify segments that are protected by a 500' wide or greater protective buffer on both sides of the salmon stream.

4. Along segments of salmon streams not protected in 3. above, visit the area looking for evidence of brown bear use. If time, funding or other factors limit the time in the field, focus work first on the Moderate Gradient/Mixed Control and Flood Plain process group reaches of the stream.

a. Fish or wildlife biologists with experience in brown bear habitat should visit and walk salmon spawning habitats along streams after the peak of the salmon run.

b. Examine the number of brown bear trails and resting sites along a given length of stream. Areas that are important to brown bears will have extensive trails systems often connecting the stream to nearby hills and bluffs overlooking the lower elevation riparian zone. The understory vegetation in these areas will usually be trampled by extensive bear activity.

5. Record the field observations on aerial photos and maps. If ADF&G personnel did not take part in the field work, consult with the local Habitat and/or Wildlife Conservation biologist to see if they can provide any additional information. Consultation with ADF&G and others will be especially important for project areas on the mainland.