Sensitivity Zones.
A. An archeological sensitivity zone is an area of land to which an estimate of relative cultural site density has been ascribed, based on the physical, biological, and cultural features and history of the area in question, or of approximately similar areas. The zones so delineated have been described in the past as having high, medium, or low sensitivity (probability is here used interchangeably with sensitivity), in contrast to being characterized with numerical measures of site density (such as 15 sites per acre). The Forest Service recognizes two sensitivity zones in the Alaska Region: high and low. Sensitivity zones are dynamic estimates or approximations based on interpretation of data from previous cultural resource investigations. They are subject to change as new data are acquired and interpreted, and they must be flexibly applied in the field.
B. The sensitivity zones of the entire Tongass National Forest and immediately adjacent lands (which may include non-Federal lands) are defined as the following:
1. High sensitivity zones:
a. All land between mean lower low water and 100 ft. of elevation above mean high water, with no consideration of slope.
b. Areas of former lode and placer mining activity.
c. River valleys, lake, and river systems providing passes or portages across larger land masses.
d. Lake and stream systems containing, or known to have contained, anadromous fish runs; including a focus on barrier falls locations in such systems.
e. Elevated/fossil marine, river, and lake terrace systems.
f. Caves and rockshelters, areas of karst landforms, and rock formations known for caves and rockshelters.
g. Areas associated with myths and legends such as traditional cultural properties or cultural landscapes.
h. Known sources of potential raw materials (obsidian sources; exceptional concentrations of cedar trees, etc.).
i. Alpine areas if ethnographic or historic evidence or previous surveys conducted nearby indicate cultural use, such as high elevation mountain peaks overlooking saltwater that may contain rock cairns.
j. Other areas identified through historical, ethnographic, or oral history research and information sources.
2. Low sensitivity zone:
a. The low sensitivity zone includes all land not relegated to the high sensitivity zone.
C. The sensitivity zones of the Chugach National Forest and immediately adjacent lands (which may include non-Federal lands) are defined as the following and divided into three geographic ar...
