Exhibit_4_2015_ANF_CSE_Field_Guidefinal_(F2).docx

CSE-SILVAH QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

Section J Exhibit 4

Allegheny National forest

Field Guide procedures

For

Common stand exam

V. 4-16-2015

ANF Field Procedures Handbook for Common Stand Exam

4/16/2015

Field Data Collection Procedures Field data collection procedures are based upon Common Stand Exam (CSE) protocols that have been modified for the Allegheny National Forest. This handbook addresses only those data elements that are included in the ANF inventory. A complete listing of CSE data fields are available from the FS VEG web page http://fsweb.nris.fs.fed.us/products/FSVeg/index.shtml. Data collection should be done electronically using a device that has a Windows Mobile paltform. This handbook is divided into the following sections:

Appendices

Section 1: General Information Stand Examination Types There are three different Stand examination types:

Quick Plot – A quick plot exam may group trees by species, diameter, heights and/or damage classes on both large and small plots. These exams collect stand structual data in an efficient manner. Measurement tolerances are relaxed to allow for occular estimation of many parameters. Diameters of live trees are estimated by 2 inch DBH class and standing dead tree heights are recorded in 10 foot classes. Limited tree defect information (tree quality) is collected, growth data is not collected. By limiting the information gathered and reducing measurement accuracy standards, significant cost savings are realized. The main uses of a quick plot are:

· cover and stand structure estimates by vegetative layer,

· exams in single species or single storied stands,

· timber stand improvement inspections,

· post treatment examinations,

· general surveys Unless specifically stated otherwise, stand exam information will collected using this method.

Extensive - An extensive exam collects accurate tree measurements to tolerance standards tighter than a quick plot, but not as tight as an intensive exam. Trees on the large plot are recorded individually, but trees on the small plot may be recorded in groups. Diameters of live trees are measured to the nearest inch. Heights are measured to the nearest 5 feet. Tree defect information is collected. The main uses of an extensive exam are:

· minimum data required to execute growth and yield models,

· exams in multistoried stands,

· silvicultural prescriptions.

Intensive – An intensive exam collects accurate tree measurements to tight tolerance standards. It provides a comprehensive inventory for unique stands. Trees on the large plot are recorded individually, but trees on the small plot may be recorded in groups. Diameters of live trees are measured to the nearest 1/10th of an inch. Heights are measured to the nearest foot. Detailed tree defects are collected. The main uses of an intensive exam are:

· stand volume, defect, and mortality,

· exams in complex stands in terms of species and size,

· supplemental cruise plots to reduce costs for timber sale preparation,

· tree growth information for use in tree models, and growth and yield studies, and

· silvicultural prescriptions.

Required Fields The following fields are "required" regardless of the examination level.

Date Exam Level

Point: Point Number

Surface: Point Number

The following fields are required depending on the examination level.

Tree Form

Tag Number

X

Trees < 4.5’

Site Index only

Site index only

Crown Ratio

X

Crown Class

X

X

Remarks

Vegetation Composition

X

Layer

X

Height Min.

X

Height Avg.

X

Height Max.

X

Diameter Avg.

X

Maturity

Shrubs only

X

Section 2: Setting

A setting is usually a stand, site, or vegetation polygon in which the stand examination is being collected. The combination of fields 1-5 and field 12 uniquely identify each setting. Field 12, the date field, is used to uniquely identify the setting as multiple surveys over time, from the same location, are stored in the database. For each setting complete one Setting Form.

The listed accuracy standards are for all exams types. The accuracy standard is listed in Section 7 within the inspection forms.

Region (2-digit) Required Record the proclaimed Region where the stand is located.

Proclaimed National Forest (2-digit) Required Record the proclaimed National Forest where the setting is located.

District (2-digit) Required Record the Ranger District number where the setting is located.

Location (5-digit) Required Use the 3-digit compartment code. Leading zeros are required. Example: 00999

Stand Number (4-digit) Required Record the stand number consistent with the current vegetative polygon map layer.

Project Name (25-character) Record a project name. Multiple settings may use the same project name. A project name is a useful way to group settings. Example project names are “Pine Bear”, “Ash Survey”, etc.

Ownership (4-character) Record the following ownership code:

State (2-character) Record the State in which the setting is located. A setting cannot cross state boundaries.

County (3-digit) Record the County in which the majority of the setting is located. A setting can cross county lines.

Date (8-digit) Required Record the calendar month, day, and year the stand examination was completed. The format is MMDDYYYY.

Exam Purpose (2-character) Record the purpose of the exam.

Acres (4-digit) Record the total setting acres.

Examiner (12-character) Record the individual(s) responsible for data collection. If the full name is longer than 12 characters, use only the last name. Example: Tom Smith. When using a Portable Data recorder, do not use reserved characters such as +, /, -, or * in this field.

The following fields can be accessed from the “Setting Data” drop down menu

Damage Category (2-digit) Record damage seen within the setting which was not recorded as tree damages or plot history. See Appendix L for a complete list of damage category codes.

Example of codes and descriptions.

Accuracy Standard: No Errors if found in stand along transect and not represented in tree damage or plot history.

Damage Agent (3-digit) Record the damage agent. See Appendix L for a complete list of all damage agent codes.

Example of codes and descriptions.

Accuracy Standard: Locally specified if found in setting along transect and not represented in tree damage or plot history.

Damage Severity (5-digit) Record the damage severity. See Appendix L for a complete list of all damage severity codes. Use the setting severity codes where indicated in Appendix L.

Example of codes and descriptions.

Accuracy Standard: Locally specified if found in setting and not represented in tree damage.

Species of Management Interest (8-character) Record plant species of management interest which occurs in the setting, but does not occur on any of the plots. Species of management interest may include noxious weeds, threatened, endangered, or sensitive plants, or management indicator species. Note the approximate location of these species in the stand sketch notes. See Appendix H for a complete list of species that have been identified as having a special “Status” of management interest.

The following table contains a list of species that are of particular interest on the Allegheny. Multiple species codes may be entered, the PDR allows 10 species per setting. If more than 10 different species are present, insure that the species listed below are give preference in recording.

Remarks (255 Characters maximum) Record the following information that occurs in the stand and not on a plot in this field.

NON-FOREST Vegetation Types - Areas with less than 16 percent stocking of trees (which are not in the process of regenerating following a final harvest cut) are classified as one of the 12 non-forested vegetation types listed below. No overstory plots are needed in non-forested vegetation types, except in the savannah and orchard types. In these two types, three overstory and six understory plots should be taken. Locate these sample points at locations which are most representative of the stand.

050 UPLAND OPENING - HERBACEOUS (grass/forb): An upland supporting perennial grasses, forbs, and sedges with less than 16% stocking of trees and less than 10 percent crown cover of trees. Some dominant species of openings are kingbird, meadow vole, meadowlark and tree swallow. Grouse, wild turkey, and deer are dependent on this vegetation type in spring and summer.

053 UPLAND OPENING – SHRUB: Low woody vegetation dominates and may include witch hazel, chokecherry, elderberry, juneberry, dogwoods, viburnums, sumac, and vaccinium. There is less than 20% stocking of forest tree species. This includes many of our turkey wintering areas that have been heavily planted with shrubs.

054 SAVANNAH: Sparse (i.e. less than 16 to 39 percent stocked; less than 50 sq. ft. basal area) stands of black cherry, oak, other hardwoods, or pine that are valuable as forage areas for deer, turkey, deer mouse, and a variety of raptors. Bluebirds, red-headed woodpeckers, eastern moles, and masked shrews utilize savannahs.

056 ORCHARD: A grassy opening with six or more fruit trees per acre. Characteristic wildlife species are downy woodpecker, sapsucker, cedar waxwing, chickadee, ruffed grouse, bluebird, kingbird, hummingbird, deer, black bear, and bees.

060 WETLAND - SEDGE MEADOW/SHALLOW MARSH: Seasonally flooded areas, wet meadows, marshes, and swamps. Visible water ranges from very little up to 12 inches in depth. In most years water is present year round. The dominant vegetation includes rushes, sedges, cattails, and burreed. This vegetation type is utilized heavily by waterfowl, marsh birds, owls, amphibians, herons, sparrows, voles, and muskrats.

064 WETLAND - DEEP MARSH: Wetlands containing 1 to 3 feet of water. Vegetation includes islands of cattails, reeds, bulrushes, spike rushes, and wild rice. This vegetation type is heavily used by waterfowl for feeding and nesting. The mink-muskrat-cattail ecology provides the nucleus for a rich wildlife community.

065 WETLAND - OPEN WATER: Water depth is variable, but less than 10 feet in those areas classed as permanent open water. Emergent vegetation is restricted to a narrow belt around the edge and includes pondweeds, water lillies, coontail and wild rice. The edge may be a floating mat composed of sedges, spagnum, or laborador tea. This type is often used by broods of ducks, although brood cover is not usually well interspersed as in shallow marsh wetlands. This type is also important for attracting and holding migrating waterfowl.

Less than 10 acres will be classed as open water areas. Water areas larger than 10 acres will be classed as lakes. Deeper areas are excellent nurseries for pike, bass, and pan fish. These areas are important to geese, ducks, eagles, ospreys, terns, and gulls. Large beaver ponds are included in the open water classification.

066 WETLAND - SHRUB SWAMP: Areas of saturated ground periodically covered with six inches or more of water. Typical vegetation includes alder, willow, arrowwood, and other shrubs. The use by waterfowl is low unless open areas occur within the dense thickets. Important habitat for woodcock. Grouse deer and herons may also use this vegetation type.

070 WATER LAKE: Open water areas larger than 10 acres will be classified as lakes. Lakes serve as resting and feeding areas for loons, geese, ducks, eagles, and ospreys. A narrow band around the edge is often used for brood rearing if emergent vegetation is present: especially true for diving ducks.

080 WATER - STREAM – RIVER: Slow moving streams and rivers, associated ox-bows and beaver dams provide important habitat for waterfowl, especially woodducks and mergansers.

090 NON-VEGETATED: All areas naturally or artificially void of vegetation, includes extensive rock outcrops, talus, sand beach or dunes, mudflats, and cliffs.

095 GRAVEL PIT: Active and inactive stone and gravel pits. Characterized by disturbed soils usually with cliffs and rock piles present.

WITHIN STAND FEATURES – A 3-digit code used to describe features of a stand important to management, especially wildlife management, that are not adequately described in other fields.

Enter the three digit code that applies, then in the description box note what plot number is closest to the feature.

Natural Physical Features

201 Seeps An upland source of surface ground water without a well defined point of origin. Characterized by green herbaceous vegetation such as grasses and sedges.

202 Springs-Sterile An upland source of surface ground water with a well defined point of origin. Green herbaceous vegetation absent.

203 Springs-Vegetated An upland source of surface ground water with a well defined point of origin. Green herbaceous vegetation present.

204 Riparian Zone The transition area between an aquatic and adjacent terrestrial ecosystem. Characterized by hydrophytic (water loving) vegetation that require free water, or soil conditions that are more moist than the surrounding area.

205 Wetland Inclusion An area inundated all or in part by free-(less than 2 ac.) standing water and capable of supporting vegetation or aquatic life that requires saturated or seasonally saturated soil conditions. Would include sloughs, potholes, natural and beaver ponds etc.

206 Unique Water Feature Waterfall, swimming hole, spring box or similar feature unique to the area.

207 Surface Boulders Large surface rock greater than 5 ft. in diameter.

208 Rock Shelters Crevices or caves that occur in rock outcroppings, or as a result of an accumulation of surface boulders.

209 Vernal Pools A spot that contains water from late winter to early summer in which amphibians can breed. Can be quite small. During the dry season it may contain blackened or silt covered leaves.

210 Old Homestead An area that has old foundations or evidence that habitation once took place there.

Vegetative Features

215 Aspen Inclusion >1 acre decadent- Aspen becomes an obvious component on an area greater than one acre (200 feet X 200 feet). 50 percent or more of the crown is dead on most of the aspen.

216 Aspen Inclusion >1 acre mature - This aspen component consists of small to medium sawtimber (DBH is greater than or equal to 11 inches). Less than 50% of the crown is dead.

217 Aspen Inclusion >1 acre immature - This aspen component consists of sapling and pole size timber (less than an 11 " DBH.)

218 Apples/Crabapples - Three or more trees with less than 50% dead crowns.

219 Wild Grape - Wild grape is present.

220 Conifer cover - thick, thermal - Concentrated, dense hemlock on an area greater or equal to 1/4 acre.

221 Conifer cover - scattered, patchy - (self defined)

222 Stick Nests (raptor, raven) - A group of sticks and twigs in a tree or on a structure (eg. large rock, cliff, or powerline) that appear to have been placed their by a bird for nesting.

223 Heron rookery - Two or more stick nests within sight of each other.

225 Exceptionally large trees - Trees with a DBH of 20" or greater are common.

Oil, Gas, and Mineral Features

241 Inactive Oil and Gas--Permanently off-line high or low intensity O & G

242 Low Intensity O and G--Wells randomly spaced & not interconnected in a grid pattern by pipelines, roads, and/or utility corridors.

243 High Intensity O and G--Wells spaced & interconnected in a grid pattern by utility corridors & a dense road network

244 Gravel Pit - An area where stone & gravel is being removed (or has been removed) where soils have been removed or disturbed.

Recreation Features

251 Trail corridor - Trail runs through the stand (pedestrian or vehicle)

252 Vista potential - A clear view could be provided of distant objects at least 1/4 mile away and up to several miles away if vegetation in this stand and/or adjacent stands were cut. Common characteristics of stands that may have view potential are:

253 Old railroad grade - Railroad grade runs through the stand (often grown-over and inconspicuous).

Within Stand Features Only for Non-forested Vegetation Types

For all stands with a non-forested vegetation type, list the major vegetation components (shrub components).

300 Sedges and Rushes

305 Cattails

307 Willow/water birch

310 Rubus sp. (rasberry/black berry)

315 Vaccinium sp. (blueberry/huckleberry)

320 Wild rose

325 Mt. Laurel/Rhododendron

330 Sumac

335 Juniper

340 Viburnum (Undifferentiated)

341 Gooseberry

342 Arrowwood

343 Hobblebush

350 Witch hazel

355 Dogwood

360 Juneberry (Serviceberry)

370 Apple/crabapple/hawthorne

Before leaving a stand, make a final check to make sure all important within stand features have been recorded.

Section 3: Sample Design (preset in current ANF CSE template) The accuracy standard is listed in Section 7 within the inspection forms.

The standard sample designs for common ANF inventories are provided below. If additional sample design options are needed, those options should be brought to the attention of the district silviculturist and they will bring the design to the ANF inventory team for development.

Sample Design for Form Types Tree, Vegetation Cover, & Surface Cover

Selection Method Sample Expansion Factor Subpop Filter Selection Criteria Number Subpop.

Variable

Subpop.

Minimum Value Subpop Maximum Value Remarks

Description of each form type:

1st) sample all (live and dead) trees 1.0” + DBH with a 10 BAF for silvex and a 5 BAF for sapling regeneration

2nd) sample live seedlings 0.01”-0.9” DBH AND 0.1’ - 4.5’ HGT on a 1/385th acre Fixed plot

3rd) sample Percent Vegetation Species Cover on a 26.3’ radius Fixed plot for fern and grass & 6’ radius plot for interfering trees and shrubs

4th) sample Percent Surface Cover on a 26.3’ radius Fixed plot, especially rock and water

Section 4: Plot Data

The Plot Data Form contains information about a sample plot or transect. This information is independent of the information collected in other sections. Record a separate set of plot data for each plot in the stand.

The accuracy standard is listed in Section 7 within the inspection forms.

Plot Number (3-digit) Required Record plot number for each sample plot within a setting. Plots do not have to be numbered consecutively. The total number of plots should equal the number of plots on the Sample Design Form.

Plot Latitude (8-character) Required Record the plot latitude as measured by a Global Positioning System (GPS). Latitude consists of a 3-digit “degree”, a 2-digit “minute”, and a 3-digit “second” (the “second” value is in the form XX.X).

Plot Longitude (8-character) Required Record the plot longitude as measured by a Global Positioning System (GPS). Longitude consists of a 3-digit “degree”, a 2-digit “minute”, and a 3-digit “second” (the “second” value is in the form XX.X).

Note: Upon arrival at the measure plot, a GPS will be setup and GPS data shall be initiated as soon as possible at the plot center. The GPS will continue to operate while the field personnel are collecting other site data. Every effort should be made to maximize GPS data without compromising the true plot center location. If something obstructs GPS data collection, the GPS unit shall be moved to a place where data can be collected, within a 30 foot radius of plot center, and bearing and horizontal distance to plot center recorded. If GPS data cannot be collected due to satellite availability or other factors, the reason for the failure should be recorded along with documentation of attempts to relocate the GPS point as stated above. The exact time and date of the failure will also be recorded in the plot remarks. A distance and bearing to the last known location will be recorded. If signal failure occurs on successive plots, bearings and distances between plots must be recorded. Those GPS data files will be utilized to best approximate the location of reference points and plot centers.

GPS settings are as follows:

Coordinate System: UTM Datum: NAD 1983 Zone: 17 84W-78W Distance Units: Meters Minimum Number of Satellites: 4

PDOP: 7

HDOP: 4

Signal/Noise Ratio: 6 Correction: WAAS, Real Time or Differential Correction (if available) Accuracy Standard: Plot location + 12 meters (39 feet) of GPS’d Lat./Long

Plot Remarks (242-character) can be accessed from the “Plot Data” drop down menu.

Enter remarks relevant to the plot.

Section 5: Tree Data

OVERSTORY PLOT DATA - The overstory plot consists of gathering the following information; species, size, and quality information on a plot. A 10 Basal Area Factor wedge prism or Relaskop may be used to determine tally trees. Tally trees of all species which are larger than 1-inch DBH in 2” diameter classes. All trees of the same species, diameter class and quality class can be recorded on the same line using the tree count field.

UNDERSTORY DATA COLLECTION - A 6-foot radius plot will be used to tally the number of seedlings of all tree species which are less than 1" DBH (see the Appendix H for species codes). The actual number of stems will be recorded by species code for each species counted.

Count all seedlings taller than 2 inches but less than 1-inch DBH which have at least two normal sized leaves (except for beech or striped maple). Saplings > 4.5’ tall and <1-inch DBH shall have diameters recorded to the nearest tenth of an inch. Seedlings that are less than 2 inches tall, have fewer than two normal-size leaves, or that still bear cotyledons should not be counted.

Count all striped maple and beech from seedling or sucker origin, even if they are shorter than 2 inches or have fewer than two normal-sized leaves. Striped maple, beech, birch are very important to tally since they are primary species which interfere with tree seedling establishment and growth. Count clumps of these species that originate from the same spot as one stem.

The required fields for tree data by exam type are in the following Table.

The accuracy standard is listed in Section 7 within the inspection forms.

Plot Number (3-digit)

Record the plot number for each line of tree data. Plot numbers shall be unique within a setting. Do not duplicate plot numbers.

Tag ID Number (4-digit) Record the tag ID number. This number, in conjunction with Plot Number, uniquely identifies every line of tree data. Tag ID number is the consecutive numbering of the tree data lines for each plot beginning with "01" from true North. The numbering sequence is repeated on each plot. Each Tag ID is associated with a tree or a group of trees.

Tree Status (1-character)

Tree Class (exactly 2 characters)

Tree Class is used to describe the condition of each tree in relation to its potential to satisfy silvicultural objectives. Tree Class refers to the tree's ability to live, grow, and yield commercial products. Each tree is assigned a Tree Class code individually, without regarding other trees in the stand. The assignment of Tree Class does not presume any particular stocking guidelines, cutting cycles, or rotation ages. Tree Class is partly predicated on whether the tree currently or potentially contains a merchantable sawlog. Merchantability standards are defined locally (as opposed to a national standard).

- Still retains the potential to grow and accumulate net merchantable volume

- Has some minor defects which will reduce, but not totally exclude, merchantable sawlog yields

- May posses damaging agents in minor amounts that will not affect survival of the tree for the next 10 years

- Not accumulating net volume growth; deteriorating more rapidly than growing

- If relieved of competition, it would not release and accumulate net merchantable volume

- Has a severe rating for any damaging agent

- Does or will meet minimum merchantability standards

- Smaller than the minimum size for sawlog merchantability

- Principle defect is rot

- Not expected to yield any sawlog products because of severe damage by rot

Tree Species (8-character) Record the species of every sampled tree. See Appendix H for a complete listing of common tree species codes

Tree Count (3-digit) Record the number of sampled trees represented by each line of tree data. Record growth sample trees (GST) and site trees individually. Trees with less than 1.0'' DBH, of the same tree status and species (which are not a GST or Site tree) may be grouped by height classes.

Record trees >= 1.0'' DBH individually for intensive and extensive examinations. Trees may be recorded in groups for quick plot examinations. The preferred grouping for overstory quick plot examinations is tree status, species, and 2'' diameter classes.

The height grouping reflects age class distribution. The preferred grouping for understory quick plot examinations is tree status, species, and height classes. Distinguishing characteristics other than tree status, species, and height may warrant further grouping or individual tree recording. Such characteristics include age, crown ratio, crown class, or tree damage.

Select the median tree to sample tree characteristics, such as DBH, height, etc. When contracting exams, there is zero tolerance for recording a tree when none are actually present in any of the above size classes. The recording of a fixed plot tree when none are present will result in a single discrepancy. The recording of a variable plot tree when none are present will result in an unacceptable error.

DBH (3,1-digit) (maximum 3 digits, decimal may be included)

6’ Radius Plot (understory) Saplings > 4.5’ tall and < 1-inch DBH shall have diameters recorded to the nearest tenth of an inch.

Record the Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) for each tree or group of trees. When measuring individual trees, measurement them to the nearest 2 inches or tenth of an inch. Examples of coding for the quick plot exams are listed below.

Variable Plot (overstory) Measure DBH to nearest 2 inches.

DBH

DBH is outside bark diameter at 4.5 feet above the forest floor on the uphill side of the tree. To determine breast height, the forest floor includes the duff layer that may be present, but does not include unincorporated woody debris that may rise above the ground line. If a dead tree (snag) is missing bark, measure the DBH without the bark and record that measurement. Do not attempt to estimate the bark thickness into the DBH measurement.

Some trees have substantial bole irregularities at breast height such as branches, swellings, or depressions. In such cases, take the diameter measurement as close as possible to breast height, but above or below the deformity. If this is not possible, because of the vertical extent of the irregularity, then adjust the DBH measurement to better reflect the diameter of a regular bole. See Appendix O for examples on where to measure DBH.

Tally trees that fork below breast height will be measured as two separate trees. Record the DBH for each fork at 4.5 feet above the forest floor.

Height (3-digit)

6’ Radius Plot On the six foot radius fixed plot, record seedlings within one on the following height groups based on where they fall within height ranges listed in the table below:

The following Table is an exception to what was stated above. Oak seedlings with large root collar diameters (RCD) and conifer seedlings with 3 or more branch whorls will be moved to larger height groups, as shown in the table below:

During post-processing, oak seedlings in height group 1 will be counted as “New Oak”, oak seedlings in height group 2 will be counted as “Established Oak”, and oak seedlings in height group 4 (as well as oak saplings) will be counted as “Competitive Oak”.

Variable Plot (overstory) Record tree height, in feet, from ground line on the uphill side to the uppermost tip. If the top is broken, record the height to the break, and record a tree damage of “broken top” (99-1). See Appendix P for details on measuring tree heights. Tree heights are required for the following trees when using the quick plot exam method:

· Site Trees

· Standing dead > 10” DBH and > 10’ in height. Trees under <10” DBH and/or <10’ tall are not tallied.

· Trees less than 4.5 feet tall. Does not apply to DRC species.

· All trees with broken or missing tops

Tree Age (3-digit) Age is determined from an increment boring made at DBH and is the annual ring count to the pith of the tree. See Appendix Q for details on how to determine tree age from increment borings. If age cannot be determined due to extensive heartrot, select another tree. Select a desirable site index tree of the proper species for the Forest Type (see Site Tree Section, Table 1 below) and is one of the dominant or codominant trees within the stand. The age shall be determined by using an increment bore. Veneer Black Cherry will not be bored to determine age. If a veneer black cherry is the best site tree, it can be used to determine height and diameter but the age will be obtained from a neighboring non-veneer black cherry tree. Diameter of site trees shall be measured to a tenth of an inch. Age shall be the total rings from pith to bark. The increment bore should reach the pith of the tree.

Wildlife Use (2-character) Record stem characteristics that may indicate the presence of wildlife.

No wildlife characteristics observed

Snag Decay (1-digit) Record the condition of standing dead (snag) using the decay table below.

Snag Decay

Decay

Breakage

Since Death

Tree Damage (form accessed by selecting down arrow in damage field)

When recording tree damage for the Quick Plot exam method, it is important to note damage to tree quality and crown condition.

Tree quality – Trees that have the following characteristics will need to coded with a severity rating of > 30%. High risk trees that are not expected to live for at least ten years; trees with disease, damage, or dieback that threatens the trees survival. Live trees of commercial species that do not meet the standards for acceptable growing stock. They do not have the potential to make a Grade 3 sawlog. Trees of sawtimber size (12-inch DBH class and larger for 2-inch classes, 11-inch class for 1-inch classes) that contain sawlog material, but are unacceptable to retain as growing stock because they will never contain a Grade 3 or better sawlog. Trees of any size that do not or will not qualify as acceptable, and that do not contain sawlog material, but do contain at least two four-foot bolts of pulpwood (less than 24 inches in diameter at the large end) that are reasonably straight and at least 70% sound. (Reasonably straight means it has a maximum deflection of 1/2 dib at the small end plus one inch.)

Trees that are not now, nor will ever be merchantable for any product will need a severity code > 35%.

Crown Condition – When evaluating live crown, note the position of the leaves on main branches. If the leaf development is spotty on a branch, count as live crown the entire length of the branch from its base out to the last live leaf. Therefore, a branch with leaves only at its tip would be considered as live crown for its entire length. The rest of the branch will likely refoliate. On the other hand, a branch with no leaves past its midpoint would only have 50 percent live crown on that branch. The rest of the branch would have no live cambium. When crown condition is less than 100% use Category 99, Agent 016, and the percent of the crown that has died.

Tree Damage Category (2-digit)

The following Tree Damage Categories are required. All others are optional.

See Appendix L for a complete listing of Tree Damage Categories, Agents, Tree Parts, and Severity codes.

Tree Damage Agent (3-digit)

The following Tree Damage Agents are required. All others are optional.

See Appendix L for a complete listing of Tree Damage Categories, Agents, Tree Parts, and Severity codes.

Tree Damage Part (2-character)

See Appendix L for a complete listing of Tree Damage Categories, Agents, Tree Parts, and Severity codes.

Tree Damage Severity (5-digit) Record the tree damage code for both live and dead trees, based on physical evidence. If category is recorded, severity is required. Multiple damage codes may be recorded for each tree. To record multiple damage codes, enter the Point number, Tag ID, and damage code on the next line. Repeat for additional tree damages. See Appendix L for a complete listing of Tree Damage Categories, Agents, Tree Parts, and Severity codes.

Site Trees A site tree is measured for diameter to the nearest 1/10 inch, age, and height to determine site index and yield capacity for a stand. Radial growth is necessary for calibration when executing the Forest Vegetation Simulator (FVS) program. Site trees have never experienced any overstory competition or damage that would have reduced height growth during any period of their life. Freedom from height growth suppression is the single most important selection criteria for site trees. A number of descriptive guidelines may be used to indicate this condition. Site trees must be of a species for which site index relationships have been studied. Designate at least one site tree per stand. Use the following as a summary of site tree selection criteria:

Site Tree Selection Criteria

1. Freedom from height growth suppression

· Choose dominants or co-dominants trees.

· No evidence of top damage, past or present, which has influenced height growth.

· No pronounced period of radial growth suppression.

· No Veneer Black Cherry will be bored to determine age.

2. Select trees from a locally defined species list. Species preference is based on the quality of the associated site index-yield study.

3. Similar age class, preferably middle-aged, avoiding old growth and young age classes, typically > 50 years and < 120 years.

4. Select at least one site tree from the sample trees tallied for each sample plot when the sample trees meet site tree criteria.

If a sample tree does not meet site tree criteria, select the nearest suitable site tree to the sample plot. Use code “S” to designate site trees located on the plot. Use code “F” to designate off-plot site trees. For all site trees measure DBH, age, and height. If there are not any on-plot site trees that meet site tree criteria, do not select a site tree from the plots, select an off-plot site tree. For off-plot site trees, give bearing and distance to the site tree from the nearest plot.

Site Species - The following table should be used to determine which tree species may be used to determine site index in different forest types. To accurately reflect present stand productivity, select a site tree species which is a major component in the stand.

Table 1: SITE SPECIES FOR FOREST TYPES

Code

Species Vegetation Composition Types (Forest Types)

Section 6: Vegetation Composition & Ground Cover Vegetation Composition The optional Vegetation Composition protocol is used to collect ocular estimates of cover by lifeform and layers for trees, shrubs, forbs, and grass species within a fixed area. It provides a fast and practical sampling method to collect information on plant composition and structure to meet a variety of vegetation composition purposes.

There are four different levels of exam intensity that may be used to record vegetation composition. Tab 3 (Cover by Species) is not currently in use on the ANF.

(Cover by Lifeform) Tab 2 (Cover by Species & Layer)

(Ground Surface Cover)

Level 1 – Life Form: Individual species are not recorded. Percent cover is recorded by life form, and layers within the tree and shrub life forms. Only Tab 1(Cover by Lifeform) is required, all other forms are optional for Quick Plot exams.

Level 2 – List: Only species on a "list" are recorded, if they occur above the user specified minimum cover level. A list of species could include threatened, endangered, and sensitive (TES) species, noxious (NOX) species, invasive plants, management indicator species, the dominant four species, etc. If only the dominant four species are being recorded, enter “DOM4” in the Sample Design remarks field. The sample design subpopulation minimum value is set to the minimum cover percent a species must have to be recorded. To record all species on a list to a "trace" level, set the subpopulation minimum to 0.1 %. A reference to the list is placed in the Sample Design Form remarks column. If only the dominant four species are being recorded, enter “Dom4” in the Sample Design Remarks field.

Level 3 – All Species: All species are recorded, if they occur above the user specified minimum cover level. The sample design subpopulation minimum value is set to the minimum cover percent a species must have to be recorded. To record all species to a "trace" level, set the subpopulation minimum to 0.1 %.

Level 4 – All Species Plus a List: All species are recorded, if they occur above the user specified minimum cover level. In addition, any species on a "list" is recorded if it occurs at trace amounts. A list of species could include threatened, endangered, and sensitive (TES) species, noxious (NOX) species, invasive plants, management indicator species, the dominant four species, etc. The sample design subpopulation minimum value is set to the minimum cover percent a species must have to be recorded. A reference to the list is placed in the Sample Design form remarks column.

Plot Location: If tree and/or down woody material are being sampled, use the same plot center for the vegetation composition plots. Systematically space the plots equally across the site. If data other than vegetation composition is being collected, the order in which the data is collected may be important. Vegetation composition and down woody material data may be more accurate if collected prior to collecting tree data due to the effects of trampling.

Training: Conduct calibration of ocular estimates at the outset of the examination. Calibrate ocular estimates by using cover, line intercept transect methods, or other sampling. The accuracy of the data depends on the training and ability of the examiners. If species data are collected, examiners must be knowledgeable in plant identification. Plant identification skills are critical to accurately assess plant communities and categorize ocular estimates. Estimating canopy cover to the nearest 10% cover is relatively easy to learn. Quick comparisons of cover estimates can be made by independently estimating cover for a few species or life forms in a plot and comparing results. Repeat the process until all personnel produce acceptably similar results.

There are three different ways to measure vegetation composition. Each of these methods is discussed in detail below:

A. Total cover B. Cover broken out by layer and species C. Ground surface cover

The accuracy standard is listed in Section 7 within the inspection forms.

Tab 1: Cover by Lifeform This form is required for all exam levels. It provides information on horizontal and vertical distribution and diversity of these attributes for all vegetation, by lifeform (grass, forb, shrub, tree) and by height classes for shrubs and trees. This information may be used for assigning plots to the upper levels of the Federal Government Data Classification (FGDC) Physiognomic Hierarchy, which is required by the Forest Service vegetation mapping protocol and is needed to crosswalk plots to Nature Serve Alliances. The Forest Service vegetation mapping protocol also requires total vegetation cover for interpreting remotely sensed imagery and description of vegetation polygons. The FGDC Vegetation Classification Standard (1997) specifically requires total herbaceous cover.

For the tree and shrub lifeforms, canopy cover is recorded by lifeform and by defined layers within those lifeforms. The canopy cover of these layers describes the horizontal structure of a setting in more detail. Predominant height is optional, and is used to describe the vertical structure. The optional tree diameters by layer can be used to further describe horizontal structure.

On this form, cover percent is always taken to the nearest 5%. White fields are required, shaded fields are not collected at this time.

Cover % (3,1-digit) Required Record the estimated canopy cover, in percent, for the Total Veg. layer. Enter the percent of ground area covered by the vertical projection of all vegetation on the 1/20th acre plot.

Tab 2: Cover by Species and Layer (not used at this time) Tab 3: Cover by Species All species occurring on a list are recorded.

Lifeform (2-character) Required Record the lifeform of the species being tallied. FB=forb, GR=graminoid, SH=shrub, TR=tree, VI=vine, etc.

Species (8-character) Required Record the plant species. Use the following list for species codes. Identify plants to species, if possible, otherwise identify to the genus level. For genus identification, enter the appropriate genus code (for example, "Rubus" for Rubus spp.).

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