12.Attachment5_Prescriptions.pdf

Go Big G to Z IRSC Fremont-Winema National Forest

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C2.355# - DESIGNATION BY PRESCRIPTION (05/2015)

Within Subdivision(s) or Cutting Unit(s) 1 (All Subdivisions) , as shown on Contract Area Map, the following criteria shall be used by Contractor to designate trees and other products for cutting and removal:

(a) 1/ See Description on the following pages. (b) Additional trees to be cut, if any, are marked by Forest

Service with 2/ Green tracer paint.

(c) Cutting unit boundaries and other trees that shall be left uncut are marked by Forest Service with 2/

Orange tracer paint.

Contractor may select cut trees in cutting unit(s) 3/ 1 (All Subdivisions) without pre-harvest marking in accordance with the criteria in (a). If specified in (a), Contractor shall mark leave trees in cutting unit(s)

4/ N/A with Contractor's non-tracer 2/ N/A paint for inspection and approval by Forest Service prior to cutting.

Prescriptive Criteria/Associated Cutting Units

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DESCRIPTION PURSUANT TO C2.355# - DESIGNATION BY PRESCRIPTION (05/2015)

Definitions: For all trees that meet A.2 log removal specifications

Aspen Clump: At least 5 healthy (white bark, green leaves with little to no evidence of disease or damage) live aspen trees at least 5 feet tall. Trees are members of the same clump if they are within 30 feet of at least one other tree in the clump.

Clump: a grouping of 2 or more merchantable trees with interacting crowns. Trees are members of the same clump if they are within 20 feet (measured face-to-face) of at least one other tree in the clump.

• Small clump: a clump of 2-4 trees

• Medium clump: a clump of 5-9 trees

• Large clump: a clump of 10-15 trees

Individual Tree: A tree that has no other merchantable tree within 20 feet of its bole.

Mature Tree: tree classified as greater than 150 years of age as determined using the Van Pelt guide. See

Figures 1-6.

Codominant/Dominant tree: Trees that form, or extend above, the general level of the main canopy (from the

Dictionary of Forestry, Society of America Foresters).

Diameter at Stump Height (DSH): Diameter of a tree measured perpendicular to the stem outside of the bark at 4 inches on the uphill side of the tree.

Diameter at Breast Height (DBH): Diameter of a tree measured at 4.5 feet above the ground on the uphill side of the tree.

Drip line: The dripline of a tree is defined as the area located directly under the outer circumference of its branches.

Healthy Tree: live tree with little evidence of insects or disease (Dwarf Mistletoe Rating less than 3, few to no insect pitch tubes), with full crowns (at least 30% live crown ratio) and healthy foliage (not thinning or yellowing). Tree is vigorous meaning, the tree is growing, as can be seen by pointy tops and observable internodes.

• See Dwarf Mistletoe Rating Diagram in Figure 6.

Unhealthy Tree: An unhealthy tree shall generally have some combination of the following characteristics: small crown (less than 30 percent crown ratio), dead top, multiple dead branches in the crown, sparse crown (reduced needle retention giving a tufted appearance), fading coloration of the crown, dwarf mistletoe in upper and middle thirds of the crown, multiple pitch tubes and/or large patches of missing bark.

Suppressed Tree: A tree whose crown is completely overtopped by the crowns of one or more neighboring trees

(Dictionary of Forestry, Society of American Foresters). Suppressed trees often have a low crown ratio (less than 30 percent).

Distances are measured slope distance to face of the tree at DSH.

All live conifer trees within the subdivision, including boundary trees, greater than or equal to minimum DBH in

A.2 count towards residual stocking.

These specifications apply only to trees which meet the minimum tree diameter stated in A.2.

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For all trees that meet A.2 log removal specifications.

Subdivisions: #### – Control Feature

End Result: After treatment these areas will have an average stand density of 50 ft2 per acre of basal area, and increased variability in the structure and spatial arrangement of the residual trees in the form of individual trees, clumps, and openings. The residual unit will have an increase in its mean diameter, a reduction in ladder fuels, as well as a shift in composition and structure towards mature trees, fire-adapted conifers, other desirable species, and larger trees.

A basal factor of 10 will be used to determine stocking compliance.

Residual stocking objectives: Perform these in order; subsequent items do not override any item preceding it:

1. Retain all mature trees, and orange-marked trees marked during clump marking.

2. Retain all trees greater than 26.0” diameter stump height (DSH).

3. Cut all trees underneath the drip line or within 25 feet of healthy mature ponderosa pine trees. Whichever is greater.

4. Within 100 feet of an aspen clump, cut all conifers below 18” DSH.

5. Thin to a range of 40-60 square feet per acre of basal area, with an average target of 50 square feet per acre in the area.

Tree selection objectives:

1. Cut trees shall be selected by thinning from below so that the residual stand will be comprised of healthy dominant and codominant trees in a mix of species where available. The subdivisions should consist of primarily fire tolerant trees such as ponderosa pine, sugar pine, and Douglas-fir. White fir and lodgepole pine are the least desirable leave trees.

2. 30% of all residual trees should be individual trees. Acceptable individual tree target is 20-40% of residual trees per acre. See Table 1 for an example of how individual trees should be retained.

3. Leave remaining residual trees as clumps consisting of 2 to 4 ponderosa pine, sugar pine, incense cedar, or

Douglas-fir trees throughout the unit. Healthy white fir trees may be included in clumps. See Table 1 for an example of how clumps of trees should be retained.

4. Do not leave trees with one-sided crowns. When two or more trees have developed one-sided crowns due to proximity, either cut or retain all to meet the desired stocking level.

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Subdivisions ### Dry Mixed Conifer

End Result: After treatment these areas will have an average stand density of 70 ft2 per acre of basal area and will also have an increased variability in the structure and spatial arrangement of the residual trees in the form of individual trees, clumps, openings, and retention patches. The residual area will have an increase in its mean diameter, a reduction in ladder fuels, as well as a shift in composition and structure towards mature trees, fire-adapted conifers, other desirable species, and larger trees.

A basal area factor of 10 will be used to determine stocking compliance.

Residual stocking objectives: Perform these in order; subsequent items do not override any item preceding it:

1. Retain all mature trees, orange-marked trees, and trees marked during medium and large clump tree marking.

2. Retain all trees greater than 26.0” DSH.

3. Cut all lodgepole pine trees. However, do not create an opening larger than 2 acres in size or totaling over 10 % of the unit area in total.

4. Cut all conifer trees within 50 feet of healthy dominant and codominant ponderosa pine trees.

5. Within 100 feet of an aspen clump, cut all conifers below 18” diameter stump height (DSH).

6. Within 50 feet from dry meadow edges, cut all conifers below 18” Diameter Stump Height (DSH).

7. Thin residual stand to a target basal area of 70 square feet with an acceptable range of 60-80 square feet.

Tree selection objectives:

1. Cut trees shall be selected by thinning from below so that the residual stand will be comprised of healthy dominant and codominant trees in a mix of species where available. The subdivisions should consist of ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, sugar pine, and incense cedar. White fir and lodgepole pine are the least desirable leave trees.

2. 30% of all residual trees should be individual trees. Acceptable individual tree target is 20-40% of residual trees per acre. See Table 1 for an example of how individual trees should be retained.

3. Leave remaining residual trees as small clumps consisting of 2 to 4 ponderosa pine, sugar pine, incense cedar, or Douglas-fir trees throughout the unit. Healthy white fir may be included in clumps. See Table

11 for an example of how clumps of trees should be retained.

4. Do not leave trees with one-sided crowns. When two or more trees have developed one-sided crowns due to

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Subdivisions ###: Dry Ponderosa Pine/Xeric Pine

End Result: After treatment these areas will have an average stand density of 60 ft2 per acre of basal area for

Dry Ponderosa Pine, and 50 ft2 per acre of basal area for Xeric Pine. Areas will also have an increased variability in the structure and spatial arrangement of the residual trees in the form of clumps, openings, and retention patches. The residual area will have an increase in its mean diameter, a reduction in ladder fuels, as well as a shift in composition and structure towards mature trees, fire-adapted conifers, other desirable species, and larger trees.

A basal area factor of 10 will be used to determine stocking compliance.

Residual stocking objectives: Perform these in order; subsequent items do not override any item preceding it:

1. Retain all mature trees, sugar pine, orange-marked trees, and tree marked during medium and large clump tree marking.

2. Retain all trees greater than 26.0” DSH.

3. Cut all lodgepole pine trees and white fir unless healthy and needed for average basal area. However, do not create openings larger than 2 acres in size or totaling over 10% of the unit area in total.

4. Cut all conifer trees underneath the drip line or within 25 feet of healthy mature ponderosa pine trees. Whichever is greater.

5. Within 100 feet of an aspen clump, cut all conifers below 18” diameter stump height (DSH).

6. Within 50 feet from dry meadow edges and scabland edges, cut all conifers below 18” Diameter Stump

Height (DSH).

7. Dry Ponderosa Pine areas: Thin to a range of 50 to 70 square feet per acre of basal area with an average target of 60 square feet per acre in the area.

6. Xeric Pine areas: Thin to a range of 40 to 60 square feet per acre of basal area with an average target of 50 square feet per acre in the area.

Tree selection objectives:

1. Cut trees shall be selected by thinning from below so that the residual stand will be comprised of healthy dominant and codominant trees. The area should primarily consist of ponderosa pine with other species occurring in small numbers. White fir and lodgepole pine are the least desirable leave trees.

2. 30% of all residual trees should be individual trees. Acceptable individual tree target is 20-40% of residual trees per acre. See Table 11 for an example of how individual trees should be retained.

3. Leave remaining residual trees as clumps consisting of 2 to 4 ponderosa pine, sugar pine, incense cedar, or Douglas-fir trees throughout the unit. See Table 1 for an example of how clumps of trees should be retained.

4. Do not leave trees with one-sided crowns. When two or more trees have developed one-sided crowns due to

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Subdivisions ###: Dry and Moist Lodgepole Pine

End Result: Lodgepole pine is the dominant species in these areas. After Treatment these areas will have an average stand density of 70 ft2 per acre of basal area. These areas will be uneven-aged, multistoried stands with the appearance of at least 3 age classes. Increase individual tree growth to encourage the recruitment of large vigorous overstory lodgepole pine.

Residual stocking objectives: Perform these in order; subsequent items do not override any item preceding it:

1. Retain all mature trees, sugar pine, incense cedar, and orange-marked trees.

2. Retain all trees greater than 26.0” DSH.

3. Cut all conifer trees underneath the drip line or within 25 feet of healthy mature ponderosa pine trees. Whichever is greater.

4. Within 100 feet of an aspen clump, cut all conifers below 18” diameter stump height (DSH).

5. Within 50 feet from dry meadow edges and scabland edges, cut all conifers below 18” diameter stump height (DSH).

6. Thin to a range of 60 to 80 square feet per acre of basal area with an average target of 70 square feet per acre in the unit.

Tree selection objectives:

1. Leave trees should generally be the healthiest trees.

2. Retain trees that appear to be greater than 150-years old according to figure 1, Vanpelt guide, and reduce the competition around them.

3. Retain or recruit 3-4 trees per acre large vigorous overstory lodgepole pine.

4. Leave remaining trees to create Uneven-aged, multistoried stands with the appearance of at least 3 age classes.

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Subdivisions ##: Dry Meadow Restoration/Meadow Expansion

End Result: Following treatment, encroaching conifers will be removed and mature fire- resistant conifers will be retained. The meadow will more closely resemble historic condition, restoring and enhancing natural vegetation and hydrology.

Residual stocking objectives: Perform these in order; subsequent items do not override any item preceding it:

1. Retain all mature trees and orange-marked trees.

2. Retain all trees greater than 26.0” DSH.

3. Cut all other conifer trees within subdivision, not meeting Residual stocking object 1 or 2.

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Subdivisions ##: Plantations

End Result: After treatment these areas will have an average stand density of 45 ft2 per acre of basal area and will also have an increased variability in the structure and spatial arrangement of the residual trees in the form of clumps, openings, and retention patches. The residual area will have an increase in its mean diameter, a reduction in ladder fuels, as well as a shift in composition and structure towards mature trees, fire-adapted conifers, other desirable species, and larger trees.

A basal area factor of 10 will be used to determine stocking compliance.

Residual stocking objectives: Perform these in order; subsequent items do not override any item preceding it:

1. Retain all mature trees, and orange-marked trees marked during clump marking.

2. Retain all trees greater than 26.0” DSH.

3. Cut all conifer trees underneath the drip line or within 25 feet of healthy mature ponderosa pine trees. Whichever is greater.

4. Within 100 feet of an aspen clump, cut all conifers below 18” diameter stump height (DSH).

5. Thin residual stand to a target basal area of 45 square feet with an acceptable range of 30-60 square feet.

Tree selection objectives:

1. Cut trees shall be selected by thinning from below so that the residual stand is comprised of healthy dominant and codominant trees. Leave tree preference will be given to the healthiest tree first and then preferred species. Species preference for leave is as follows: Ponderosa pine, Sugar pine, white fir, and lodgepole pine. White fir and lodgepole pine are the least desirable leave trees.

2. 30% of all residual trees should be individual trees. Acceptable individual tree target is 20-40% of residual trees per acre. See Table 1 for an example of how individual trees should be retained.

3. Leave remaining residual trees as clumps consisting of 2 to 4 ponderosa pine, sugar pine, incense cedar, or Douglas-fir trees throughout the unit. See Table 1 for an example of how clumps of trees should be retained.

5. Do not leave trees with one-sided crowns. When two or more trees have developed one-sided crowns due to

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Table 1. Preferences for individual trees and small clumps of trees.

Individual Tree

Single tree – 20 feet away, or more, from others

Small Clump

2 to 4 trees within 20 feet of each other

Created by releasing large and/or mature trees (ponderosa or sugar pine only) where available, or desirable young trees where they are not.

Created by releasing existing large and/or mature trees (ponderosa or sugar pine only) where available or using desirable young trees where they are not.

Figure 1. Visual characteristics for mature ponderosa pine tree greater than 150 years old determination (taken from VanPelt Guide).

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Figure 2. Visual characteristics for Douglas-fir tree greater than 150 years old determination

(taken from VanPelt Guide).

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Figure 3. Visual characteristics for white fir tree greater than 150 years old determination.

Young or immature trees shall have intact canopies, bark fissures less than 2 inches deep, and numerous fine branches less than 1/16 inch in diameter near the ground.

Mature trees have bark fissures more than 2 inches deep, no fine branches near the ground, and may have multiple tops or extensive mortality in the upper canopy/crown.

Image 1: Immature White fir Image 2: Mature (>150 yrs) White fir

Image 3: Crown Conditions of older White fir trees.

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Figure 4. Dwarf Mistletoe Rating diagram.

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Figure 5. Visual characteristics for Western Juniper tree greater than 150 years old determination.

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