Common use of Physical Location Clause in Contracts

Physical Location. The Site is approximately 38 air miles southwest of Ketchikan, Alaska. The nearest towns are Metlakatla, 28 miles to the northeast across ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ and Hydaburg, 33 miles to the northwest on the western side of POW Island. The Site is located within the semi-remote recreational area of the Tongass National Forest within the ▇▇▇▇▇ Ranger District. While access is unrestricted, the Site is remote and only accessible by float plane (or helo), boat, or overland hiking through many miles of trail-less, rugged terrain. A floating dock at the location of one of the historic barge loading docks remains functional. There are no established USFS roads or hiking trails connecting the Site to other communities or roads. Site terrain varies from moderate slopes along the margin of the West Arm of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Bay shoreline and around the OSA to rugged, steep slopes with dense forest cover and incised steam channels that restrict access even by foot. Soil conditions at the Site are also variable, ranging from barren rock, rock rubble and thin patches of poorly drained soils at higher elevations (such as at the 700-Foot and 900-Foot Levels) to moderately deep, and well drained organic soil with forest litter cover at lower elevations. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Creek and its main tributaries, Mine Fork Creek and Cabin Creek, drain the eastern side of Bokan Mountain. Mine Fork Creek originates above the 900-Foot Level and joins with ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Creek at the 300-Foot Level. The 700-Foot Level Creek, a minor tributary to ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Creek, originates near the 700-Foot Level. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Creek flows to the east into the West Arm of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Bay. Cabin Creek joins with ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Creek near the West Arm of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Bay. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Bay is a five-mile long fjord that opens to ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ on the east side of POW Island. Typical of fjords in Southeast Alaska, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Bay is characterized by a steep, narrow intertidal zone between the low and high water lines, and a subtidal zone below the low water line. The climate of the area is maritime due to the close proximity of the Pacific Ocean. The area experiences frequent and relatively heavy precipitation, with October through December usually being the wettest months. The annual total precipitation averages over 100 inches, with snow often occurring at higher elevations. The Site is located within Alaska’s Southeast Ecoregion and is comprised of subalpine, old growth western hemlock-spruce forest, marine intertidal, and marine subtidal habitats. No threatened or endangered species are expected at the Site. The subalpine habitat is characterized by barren rock and plants adapted to the colder and windier environment. Subalpine vegetation includes mountain hemlock, yellow cedar, and the dwarf form of the shore pine. Wildlife in the subalpine zone includes Sitka black-tailed deer, black bear, ptarmigan, and songbirds such as thrush and dark-eyed junco. The old-growth habitat is characteristically dominated by western hemlock and Sitka- spruce. Other common vegetation includes red alder, western red cedar, Devil’s club, and a variety of ferns and berries. The old growth forest supports a variety of songbirds as well as mammals such as the Sitka black-tailed deer, black bear, and mink. The marine intertidal zone is bounded by the low and high tides and occupies approximately 27 acres at the head of the West Arm of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Bay. The intertidal vegetative community includes many species of plants and algae including rockweed, eelgrass, sugar kelp, and bull kelp. Marine and estuarine invertebrates are common and include a variety of clams, crabs, and starfish, as well as chitons, worms, amphipods, isopods, and sea cucumbers. Birds using the intertidal zone include gulls, shorebirds, waterfowl, crows, belted kingfisher, and bald eagle. Mink may be present in the intertidal zone and black bear and Sitka black-tailed deer inhabit the perimeter of this zone. Many of these plant and animal species extend into the contiguous subtidal waters. Wildlife in the subtidal zone includes sea otter, harbor seal, gulls, loons and a variety of fish and invertebrates. The approximate geographic location of the Site is: 54°54'33.00"N and 132° 8'27.00"W.