USDA Forest Service, Contracting, P.O. Box 21628, Juneau, AK 99802- 1628

B -- EVALUATION OF BEETLE INFESTED ECOSYSTEMS, CHUGACH NATIONAL FOREST SOL RFP R10-96-18 POC Eric Meyer, (907) 586-8880 Lisa Peterson, (907) 586-8880. The Alaska Region of the Forest Service intends to issue a contract to Yale University to evaluate successional patterns, forest productivity, and adaptation in spruce bark beetle infested ecosystems of the eastern Kenai Peninsula on the Chugach National Forest. The proposed study will compare the long-term productivity and successional patterns of spruce bark beetle infested and non-infested forests. The study will contrast Lutz spruce forests with bluejoint grass undergrowths and Lutz spruce-mountain hemlock forest with rusty menziesia undergrowths. It will also contrast effects of different management manipulations by including previously logged and previously burned areas in the stratification of study plots. Additionally, nitrogen/phosphorus fertilization treatments will be included to increase tree vigor and reduce the liklihood of mortality. A single source award to Yale University is anticipated as Yale has and is currently performing similar work on the Cordova Ranger District of the Chugach National Forest. The data collected and findings from the Cordova survey will be utilized for comparison purposes in the study on the Kenai Peninsula. It is anticipated that a contract award will be made on or about July 26, 1996. be utilized for comparison purposes in the study on the Kenai Peninsula. See Numbered Note(s): 22. (0187)

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