A003_C05_12363N26Q4181Attachment4_Prescriptions.pdf

Corral G-Z IRSC

Fremont-Winema National Forest Bly Ranger District

ATTACHMENT 4 – PRESCRIPTIONS

Amendment 003

For all trees that meet A.2 log removal specifications

Subdivisions #####: Dry Ponderosa Pine

End Result: After treatment, these stands will 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 stands 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, larger trees, fire-adapted conifers, and other desirable species.

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

Residual stocking objectives: Perform these in order; subsequent objectives do not override any before them:

1. Retain all five-needled pine, hardwoods, orange-marked trees, mature trees (see figures below), and ponderosa pine and incense-cedar ≥26” DSH. Because this is the first objective in this list, no other objective can override this requirement.

2. Retain at least 15-20% of the area within the stand as wildlife retention areas ranging from ¼ acre to 5 acres in size (See Attachment 2 – Design Features and Attachment 5 – Project Design Criteria for specifications regarding the placement and layout of wildlife retention areas).

3. Remove all western juniper.

4. Within 30 feet of healthy, large (≥21” DBH) ponderosa pine and five-needled pine, cut all lodgepole pine and white fir.

5. Within 50 feet of an aspen clump, thin to 30 square feet per acre basal area, with an acceptable range of 20-40 ft2 per acre. Five-needled pine and ponderosa pine ≥26” DSH count towards residual BA within these buffers.

6. Where timber units overlap with Cut, Skid, Deck – Control Features, thin trees to a residual BA of 40 ft2 per acre, with an acceptable range from 30-50 ft2 per acre.

Five-needled pine and ponderosa pine ≥26” DSH count towards residual BA within Control Features.

7. Where current conditions are at ≤ 20 square feet per acre basal area of ≥ 26” DSH ponderosa pine, thin stand to a target basal area of 50 square feet per acre with an acceptable range of 30-70 square feet per acre, not counting ≥ 26” DSH ponderosa pine towards target basal area. Where current conditions are at ≥ 30 square feet per acre BA of ≥ 26” DSH ponderosa pine, thin stand to a target basal area of 30 square feet per acre with an acceptable range of 20-50 square feet per acre, not counting ≥ 26” DSH ponderosa pine towards target basal area. Because this is the last objective in this list, previous objectives can override this requirement.

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. Species preference for leave trees from highest priority to lowest is ponderosa pine, incense-cedar, white fir, and lodgepole pine.

2. 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.

3. Trees selected for retention shall be healthy and vigorous, not suppressed, deformed, or show signs of insect or disease such as mountain pine beetle. Leave trees shall be at least 9” DBH for ponderosa pine, and 7” DBH for all other species.

4. 30% of all residual trees shall 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.

5. Leave remaining residual trees as clumps consisting of healthy ponderosa pine, or the most-preferred species available, throughout the subdivision. Leave tree selection shall prioritize tree health over species.

Fremont-Winema National Forest Bly Ranger District ATTACHMENT 4 – PRESCRIPTIONS

Subdivisions #####: Dry Mixed Conifer

End Result: After treatment these stands will have an average stand density of 60 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, openings, and retention patches. The residual stands will have an increase in mean diameter, a reduction in ladder fuels, as well as a shift in composition and structure towards mature trees, larger trees, fire-adapted conifers, and other desirable species.

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

Residual stocking objectives: Perform these in order; subsequent objectives do not override any before them:

1. Retain all five-needled pine, orange-marked trees, hardwoods, mature trees (see figures below), and ponderosa pine and incense-cedar ≥26” DSH. Because this is the first objective in this list, no other objective can override this requirement.

2. Retain at least 15-20% of the area within the stand as wildlife retention areas ranging from ¼ acre to 5 acres in size (See Attachment 2 – Design Features and Attachment 5 – Project Design Criteria for specifications regarding the placement and layout of wildlife retention areas).

3. Within 30 feet of healthy, large (≥21” DBH) ponderosa pine and five-needled pine, cut all lodgepole pine <26” DSH, and all white fir.

4. Where timber units overlap with Cut, Skid, Deck – Control Features, thin trees to a residual BA of 40 ft2 per acre, with an acceptable range from 30-50 ft2 per acre.

5. Thin residual stand to a target basal area of 60 ft2 per acre of basal area with an acceptable range of 50-70 ft2 per acre. Because this is the last objective in this list, previous objectives can override this requirement.

1. Cut trees shall be selected by thinning from below so that the residual stand will be comprised of healthy, dominant and codominant trees. Species preference for leave trees from highest priority to lowest is: ponderosa pine, incense-cedar, white fir, and lodgepole pine.

2. 30% of all residual trees shall 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 healthy trees, followed by the most preferred species, throughout the subdivision. Leave tree preference will be given to the healthiest tree first and then preferred species. 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.

Fremont-Winema National Forest

Subdivisions #####: Moist Mixed Conifer

End Result: After treatment these areas will have an average stand density of 80 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, 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, larger trees, fire-adapted conifers, and other desirable species.

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

Residual stocking objectives: Perform these in order; subsequent objectives do not override any before them:

1. Retain all five-needled pine, orange-marked trees, hardwoods, mature trees (see figures below), and ponderosa pine and incense-cedar ≥26” DSH. Because this is the first objective in this list, no other objective can override this requirement.

2. Retain at least 15-20% of the area within the stand as wildlife retention areas ranging from ¼ acre to 5 acres in size (See Attachment 2 – Design Features and Attachment 5 – Project Design Criteria for specifications regarding the placement and layout of wildlife retention areas).

3. Within 30 feet of healthy, large (≥21” DBH) ponderosa pine and five-needled pine, cut all lodgepole pine <26” DSH, and all white fir.

4. Where timber units overlap with Cut, Skid, Deck – Control Features, thin trees to a residual BA of 40 ft2 per acre, with an acceptable range from 30-50 ft2 per acre.

5. Thin residual stand to a target basal area of 80 ft2 per acre of basal area with an acceptable range of 70-90 ft2 per acre. Because this is the last objective in this list, previous objectives can override this requirement.

1. Cut trees shall be selected by thinning from below so that the residual stand will be comprised of healthy dominant and codominant trees. Species preference for leave trees from highest priority to lowest is: ponderosa pine, incense-cedar, white fir, and lodgepole pine.

2. 30% of all residual trees shall 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 healthy trees, followed by the most preferred species, throughout the subdivision. Leave tree preference will be given to the healthiest tree first and then preferred species. 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.

Fremont-Winema National Forest

Subdivisions #####: Cut, Skid, Deck: Control Feature

End results: Reduce fuel loading and change spatial arrangement of fuels to create green fuel breaks. Increased representation of fire-resistant species through selective removal of fire-intolerant species.

Project description: Thin submerchantable trees and remove ladder fuels within control features. Control Features are measured either 500 feet off the road on each side, or, where not associated with a road, 1000’ in total width. All control features are shown on the Contract Area Map.

Perform these in order; subsequent objectives do not override any before them:

1) Retain all hardwoods, five-needled pines, mature trees (see figures below), orange-marked trees, and ponderosa pine and incense-cedar ≥26” DSH.

2) Fell all snags within 1.5 tree lengths of a road generally, or within 2 tree lengths of a road on uphill slopes, except those which Contractor determines cannot be felled safely. Retain all other snags unless felling is required for operational safety. Leave felled snags >20” DBH in the unit, but remove all other felled snags to landing piles.

3) Remove all western juniper >2” DBH.

4) Remove all white fir and lodgepole pine >2” DBH within 30’ of a healthy, mature large (>21” DBH) ponderosa pine.

5) Remove all ponderosa pine 2-8.9” DBH and all incense-cedar 2-6.9” DBH within

30’ of a healthy, mature large (>21” DBH) ponderosa pine.

6) In areas with residual merchantable trees, remove all white fir and lodgepole pine between 2-6.9” DBH, and thin ponderosa pine and incense-cedar between 2- 6.9” DBH to a variable spacing ranging from 30 x 30 to 40 x 40 feet, with an average spacing of 35 x 35 feet.

7) In areas with no residual merchantable trees, thin sub-merchantable trees to a variable spacing ranging from 20 x 20 to 30 x 30 feet, with an average spacing of 25 x 25 feet.

Cut trees shall be completely severed from the stump after felling. Stump height shall not exceed six (6) inches above ground level, or four (4) inches above natural obstacles, such as large rocks.

Tree selection criteria:

a) Species preference for retention in descending order: ponderosa pine, incense-cedar, white fir, lodgepole pine.

b) If all leave trees are the same species, preference shall be given to the largest, healthiest tree.

Slash Treatment Specifications: Whole-tree yard cut trees that are less than A.2 specifications to approved landing locations. Machine pile all cut trees and slash at least three inches diameter and three feet in length. Refer to provision C6.74# - Slash Treatment Requirements for pile location, size and arrangement in Appendix B.

Within the Control Features, there are pre-existing slash piles from previous timber removals. Move the slash from these old piles to new landing piles constructed as part of operations for Corral G-Z IRSC.

Fremont-Winema National Forest

Subdivisions #####: Cut, Skid, Deck: Timber Units

End results: Reduction of ladder fuels and understory density in order to reduce risk of catastrophic wildfire. Shift in understory species composition towards historical conditions by reducing competition between fire-intolerant species and fire-adapted species.

Project description:

Perform these in order; subsequent objectives do not override any before them. These items apply only to trees below minimum merchantable specs (see Section A.2, Appendix B):

1) Retain all hardwoods, five-needled pines, mature trees (see figures below), orange-marked trees, and ponderosa pine and incense-cedar ≥26” DSH.

2) Remove all western juniper >2” DBH.

3) Remove all white fir, incense-cedar and lodgepole pine 2-6.9” DBH within 10

ft. of a road, and all ponderosa pine 2-8.9” DBH within 10 ft. of a road.

4) Remove all white fir and lodgepole pine 2-6.9” DBH within 1.5 driplines of a healthy, merchantable leave tree.

5) Remove all white fir and lodgepole pine 2-6.9” DBH within 15’ of a healthy, sub-merchantable ponderosa pine (<9” DBH) and incense-cedar (<7” DBH).

6) Thin remaining 2-6.9” DBH white fir and lodgepole pine to a minimum spacing of

20’ x 20’.

7) Within 10 feet of a road, thin 2-8.9” DBH ponderosa pine and 2-6.9” DBH incense-cedar to a minimum spacing of 20’ x 20’.

Tree selection objectives:

a) Species preference for retention in descending order: ponderosa pine, incense- cedar, white fir, lodgepole pine.

Cut trees shall be completely severed from the stump after felling. Stump height shall not exceed six (6) inches above ground level, or four (4) inches above natural obstacles, such as large rocks.

Slash Treatment Specifications: Whole-tree yard cut trees that are less than A.2 specifications to approved landing locations. Machine pile all cut trees and slash at least three inches diameter and three feet in length. Refer to provision C6.74# - Slash Treatment Requirements for pile location, size and arrangement in Appendix B.

Fremont-Winema National Forest

Subdivisions #####: Hand-piling: Woodland, Shrubland, and Meadow Restoration

End Result: Species composition will be shifted towards the historical range of variability, favoring native grasses, hardwoods, and shrubs over conifers like western juniper and ponderosa pine. Removal of encroaching conifers will restore the natural hydrology and ecology of these ecosystems.

Project description: Hand-fall and hand-pile encroaching conifers within units. Only hand methods are allowed in these units to reduce damage to sensitive soils. Hand-fall and hand-pile where necessary to reduce damage to sensitive soils. Otherwise, trees may be machine felled and piled. Cut trees shall be completely severed from the stump after felling. Stump height shall not exceed six (6) inches above ground level, or four (4) inches above natural obstacles, such as large rock.

Within Hand-piling Woodland, Shrubland, and Meadow Restoration units as shown on contract area map, perform these in order; subsequent items do not override any item preceding it:

1) Retain all mature trees (see figures below), five-needled pine, hardwoods, orange-marked trees, and trees ≥26” DSH.

2) Hand fall Cut and pile all western juniper, ponderosa pine, lodgepole pine, and white fir >2” DBH.

Slash Treatment Specifications:

i. Hand Pile all slash at least three inches diameter and three feet in length, resulting from hand-thinning.

ii. Unless otherwise agreed, slash piles shall be located at least 25 feet from the crown, or drip line of any dead or live tree or equal distance between standing dead or live trees, whichever is greater.

iii. Avoid piling slash on biological soil crusts wherever possible.

iv. Piles will be a minimum of five (5) feet in height and five (5) feet in diameter where possible. Piles shall be as free of dirt and rocks as practicable.

v. All material extending beyond the general contour of the piled slash shall be trimmed off and added to the pile.

Fremont-Winema National Forest

Subdivisions #####: Transmission Line Treatments

End Results: Reduced wildfire risk in the vicinity of transmission lines in order to safeguard the supply of electricity to rural communities.

Project Description: Reduce fuel loading, remove ladder fuels, and promote fire-resistant trees in stands adjacent to transmission lines through a combination of large-tree and small-tree thinning.

Large-tree thinning Perform these in order; subsequent objectives do not override any before them:

1) Retain all hardwoods, five-needled pine, mature trees (see figures below), ponderosa pine and incense-cedar ≥26” DSH, and orange-marked trees.

2) Remove all western juniper >2” DBH.

3) Within 30 feet of healthy ponderosa pine >9” DBH and five-needled pine >7” DBH, cut all lodgepole pine and white fir >2” 2”-21” DBH.

4) Within 30 feet of healthy, large (>21” DBH) ponderosa pine, cut all lodgepole pine

<26” DSH, and all white fir.

5) Within 50 feet of an aspen clump, thin to 30 square feet per acre basal area, with an acceptable range of 20-40 sq. ft./acre. Five-needled pine and ponderosa pine ≥ 26” DSH count towards residual BA within these buffers.

6) Where current conditions are at ≤ 20 square feet per acre basal area of ≥ 26” DSH ponderosa pine, thin stand to a target basal area of 50 square feet per acre with an acceptable range of 30-70 square feet per acre, not counting ≥ 26” DSH ponderosa pine towards target basal area. Where current conditions are at ≥ 30 square feet per acre BA of ≥ 26” DSH ponderosa pine, thin stand to a target basal area of 30 square feet per acre with an acceptable range of 20-50 square feet per acre, not counting ≥ 26” DSH ponderosa pine towards target basal area. Because this is the last objective in this list, previous objectives can override this requirement.

Small-tree thinning

Perform these in order; subsequent objectives do not override any before them:

1) Retain all hardwoods and five-needled pine.

2) Cut all western juniper >2” DBH.

3) Cut all sub-merchantable trees within the dripline of a healthy, mature ponderosa pine (see figures below).

4) In areas with residual merchantable trees, cut all white fir and lodgepole pine less than A.2 log removal specifications, and thin ponderosa pine and incense-cedar trees to a variable spacing ranging from 30 by 30 to 40 by 40 feet, with an average spacing of 35 by 35 feet.

5) In areas with no residual merchantable trees, thin sub merchantable trees to a variable spacing ranging from 20 by 20 to 30 by 30 feet, with an average spacing of 25 by 25 feet.

Tree Selection Objectives:

a) Species preference for retention in descending order: ponderosa pine, incense-cedar, white fir, lodgepole pine.

Slash Treatment Specifications: In units where removal of trees is possible, whole-tree yard cut trees that are less than A.2 specifications to approved landing locations.

Machine pile all cut trees and slash at least three inches diameter and three feet in length. Refer to provision C6.74# - Slash Treatment Requirements for pile location, size and arrangement in Appendix B.

Where trees cannot be removed from the Contract Area, cut and pile trees and slash within the unit. Pile all cut trees and slash at least three inches diameter and three feet in length. Refer to provision C6.74# - Slash Treatment Requirements for pile location, size and arrangement in Appendix B.