Attachment_B_-_CSE_Field_Guide.docx

Hiawatha National Forest Common Stand Exams Field Guide Revised 2019

HNF Common Stand Exams Field Guide

HNF Field Procedures Handbook for Common Stand Exam

Contents

Section 1: General Information Field Data Collection Procedures Field data collection procedures are based upon national Common Stand Exam (CSE) protocols that have been modified for the Hiawatha National Forest. In general, Quick Plots with tree data only are collected on the Hiawatha. A complete listing of CSE data fields are available from the FS VEG web page: Comment by Brown, Laura - FS: A lot of this text is very wordy, maybe we can severely condense it to make it more easy to read http://fsweb.nrm.fs.fed.us/support/docs.php?appname=fsveg Quick Plot Definition –A quick plot exam may group trees by species, diameter, heights and/or damage classes on both large and small plots. These exams are designed to collect stand structural data in an efficient manner. Diameters of live trees are recorded by 2 inch DBH (Diameter at Breast Height) class and standing dead tree heights may be recorded by ocular estimated. Limited tree defect information is collected, growth data is not collected, and small tree measurements may be recorded in groups. 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, such as mistletoe surveys

Section 2: Setting In the FSVeg database and the Common Stand Exam (CSE) program, a “setting” is usually a “stand”. The Setting ID data fields uniquely identify each setting. The date field is used to uniquely identify the Setting ID from multiple surveys from the same location over time. Complete one Setting Form for each setting.

Example of a Setting Record in CSE:

The highlighted fields are required.

Project Name (25-character) A project name is a useful way to group settings, for example ‘2019 Stocking Surveys’.

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

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

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

Location (compartment; 5-digit) Use leading zeros to complete the compartment code. Leading zeros are required Stand Number (4-digit) Use leading zeros to complete the setting code. Record the stand number consistent with the current vegetative polygon map layer, unless creating a new stand.

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 setting is located.

Administrative Forest (2-digit) Record the administrating National Forest where the setting is located.

Administrative Region (2-digit) Record the administrating National Forest where the setting is located.

Date (8-digit) Record the calendar month, day, and year the stand examination was completed. The format is MMDDYYYY. On personal data recorders, the current date will fill automatically.

Examination Level (4-digit) Record the examination level that identifies which exam protocol was used. The 1st number is for the tree form, and 2nd is for the vegetation form, the 3rd number is for the fuel form and the 4th number is for the ground form.

For example, a code of 1000 indicates the following:

Down Woody & Ground Surface forms may only have values of zero (not taken) or 1 (taken).

Unless otherwise stated, HNF exam level will be “1000” (Quick Plot) Exam Purpose (2-character) Record the purpose of the exam. These codes are locally defined.

Existing Vegetation Reference Code (5-digit) Record the existing vegetation reference code.

Existing Vegetation (2-character) Existing Vegetation (EV) refers to the Forest Type of the dominant vegetation. At plot level, record EV based on plot, as well as the immediate surrounding area. At setting level, record EV based on the overall stand. EV codes & descriptions for the Hiawatha are listed in Appendix A.

Structure (2-digit) Record the stand-level setting structure.

Acres (up to 4-digit) Record the total setting acres, round to the nearest whole acre.

Examiner (maximum of 12-letters) Record the individual(s) responsible for data collection. Use last name or last name and first initial. Example, for Tom Smith, use: Smith or Smith_T. Do not use reserved characters such as +, /, -, or * in this field. This field can be set up to default to the recorder’s name.

Precision Protocol (maximum of 5 letters) This field is used to indicate level of precision of the exam. Quick plot will be the most common (CSE_Q) User Code (Size-density; 1-digit) At the setting level, record the size-density code only after all plots have been completed. The basal area tally of trees recorded in Tree Data should be used as a guide.

Technique for size/density determination is different for stands below 5.0 inches DBH than for stands larger than 5.0 inches DBH. See the paragraphs following the codes for procedures. The following codes should be used:

Pole timber: Trees greater than 5 inch DBH, having at least one 8 foot stick Sawtimber: Trees greater than 9 inch DBH for softwood or 11 inch DBH for hardwood and aspen.

For stands that average less than 5.0 inches DBH, size-density is an estimate of stocking in seedling and sapling stands and is determined with a series of fixed acre plots. Here, a stocked versus non-stocked relationship is determined. For example, if 10 plots were taken and five were stocked, the stand would be 50% stocked or size density code = 2.

For stands which average 5.0 inches DBH and larger, generally consider only live trees with DBH of 5.0 or greater, regardless of the total number of trees recorded in plots. The exception would be if there are trees less than 5.0 inches DBH that are of truly acceptable growing stock. A general rule of thumb is that approximately 10 square feet of basal area represents 10% stocking.

This code is also recorded at the plot level.

Setting Remarks (242-characters) Record required items in this space, as well as remarks about specific observations on overall setting conditions. Remarks need to be understandable, complete and incorporate the various codes in Appendix D and E. If access to stand is obstructed (slope, wetlands, substandard bridge, etc.) enter extent of problem. Before leaving a stand, make a final check to be sure all important remarks have been recorded.

See Setting Remarks example below. Dashes and underscores are allowed. Up to 242 characters are allowed.

Setting Remarks Example:

TLSC500, YOR1929, SC6, A4151 - upland well-stocked NH with gaps and SM regeneration. Vernal pool in SW. F404, F440, F408. SI tree in plot 3. (if this were an opening, (ev codes 97, 98, or99), also include veg type. For example: VT51.)

Put remarks in the order in which they are listed below:

Year of Origin Year of origin (YOR) should be based off the oldest cohort of trees within the stand. Occasionally stands will have scattered remnant trees which are older than the rest. These trees should not be cored for YOR. A cohort of trees is a group of individuals that established at roughly the same time. In most cases the site index tree can be used for YOR in even-aged stands. For even-aged stands YOR could be more accurately be determined from compartment records or past stand exams. For uneven-aged stands, the site-index tree should NOT be relied on for an accurate YOR unless it’s truly from the oldest cohort.

Stand Condition Stand condition is based on species, age, size, quality, and stocking of trees Stand Condition - SCn

In Regeneration should be used for stands that were planted, seeded, or naturally regenerated that have yet to have be certified as meeting the minimum NFMA stocking requirements.

Sparse timber is defined as stands having less than 40 sq. ft. of basal area.

Low Quality timber has greater than 50% of the trees of low quality.

Low quality trees have the following characteristics:

1. Chlorotic/thin crowns

1. Dead branches in the upper crown

1. Crown is dying from the top down

1. Less than 30% live crown ratio

1. Crown only on 1 or 2 quadrants of the trees.

1. Bole is leaning, or has crooks, sweeps or forks

1. Signs of insects or disease

1. Has indicators of defect Mature timber is based upon the average rotation age for a given cover type. The table below describes that mature age for cover types across the forest. For a more detailed description of rotation age by management area, see the Hiawatha Forest Plan.

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 non-forested vegetation types listed in Appendix B. No overstory plots are needed in non-forested vegetation types, except in the savannah and orchard types.

Within Stand Features A 3-digit code that enables the examiner to record unique and important features of the stand that are not recorded elsewhere. These features include the presence of sensitive wildlife species, vegetative and geological features, recreational facilities and use, cultural resource sites and utilities. All within stand features that are observed anywhere in the stand by the examiner should be coded and recorded. Additional explanations can also be noted in Setting Remarks. Stand Feature Codes and Definitions are found in Appendix E.

Stand Prescription If required, prescription activities should be considered for every stand. If a stand will be ready for treatment within the next ten years, note in remarks, using the codes from Appendix D.

Stand Damage Category/Agent/Severity Damage category/agent/severity should be recorded in setting remarks if damage is present throughout the stand or if damage is seen within the stand, but not picked up at the Plot or Tree level.

Damage Category (maximum 2-digit) Use codes available under “Tree Data” or in Appendix I. Record as “DCnn”.

Example of codes and descriptions for Damage Category:

Damage Agent (maximum 3-digit) Record the damage agent associated with the category, if known. Use codes available under “Tree Data” or in Appendix I. Record as “DAnnn”.

Example of codes and descriptions for Damage Agent:

Damage Severity (maximum 5-digit) Record the damage severity associated with category and agent. Use codes available under “Tree Data” or in Appendix I. Record as “DSn”.

Example of codes and descriptions for Damage Severity:

Section 3: Sample Design Form Type Record the form type for each set of sample design data. In Exams, there is a separate page for each form type. Currently, only Tree Data is collected on the HNF. Valid form types are:

Sample Selection Method Type (3-character) Record the method by which trees, shrubs, grasses, or down woody material were selected. This field defines the type of each plot;

Sample Expansion Factor (maximum of 6 numbers) This field corresponds to the Sample Selection Method Type and converts tree or piece data to a per-unit-area basis. This field defines the size of each plot: the BAF used with the variable radius plot, the size of the fixed area plot, or the transect length.

Subpopulation Filter (8-character) Record the filter to define the sample subpopulation. This field is used to specify that only standing live, only standing dead, only stumps, only down, or both standing live and standing dead vegetation will be sampled. This field is not used for the surface cover form type. Use the following codes:

Subpopulation Variable (3-character) Record the characteristic used to define the subpopulations sampled. This field defines which characteristic of the vegetation will be measured to see if it meets the sample criteria.

Subpopulation Minimum Value (max of 6 numbers; may include 2 decimals) Record the minimum value for the subpopulation variables. Default is 0. For example, if the subpopulation variable is set at “DBH,” this field defines the minimum DBH the vegetation must have in order to be sampled on the plot.

Subpopulation Maximum Value (4,1- digit) Record the maximum value for the subpopulation variables. Default is 999.9. For example, if the subpopulation variable is set at “HT,” this field defines the maximum height the vegetation must be in order to be sampled on the plot.

Sample Design Remarks (242-character) Record information to explain the sample design used. Remarks are available for each line in the sample design form.

Common Sample Designs:

Sample Design 1 – This is intended for multi-aged, multi-storied stands.

Sample Design 1 would typically be used in uneven-aged northern hardwood stands, mixed hardwood/conifer stands that have an established understory, two-aged stands, etc.

The examiner shall sample overstory trees for all plots on these types of stands using variable-radius 10-Basal Area Factor (BAF) to tally trees ≥ 2..0” DBH Sample Design 1 Example:

Sample Design 2 – This is intended for even-aged stands, such as CCC plantations and cedar swamps that have little or no understory. It may also be appropriate for younger, even-aged hardwood stands. In such stands, where regeneration is noted as patchy or sporadic, this may be reflected in Setting Remarks.

In very uniform, even-aged stands with minimal species variation and high average basal area, (pine plantations, cedar swamps, certain hardwood stands), examiner may opt to use a 20 BAF collection protocol, provided the examiner adjusts the Sample Design Form to reflect BAF 20. In these situation, sampling with a 10 or 20 factor prism should result in very little variation in average basal area.

Sample Design 2 Example:

Sample Design 3 - This is intended for openings, younger stands and regeneration surveys. For openings, there must be at least one Plot Data record, but the Tree Data table may have no entries. See table below for regeneration survey plot sizes.

Sample Design 3 Example:

Regeneration survey plot sizes

To determine stocking levels in plantations with target stocking levels of 700-800 trees per acre. Typically used for red pine and jack pine plantations.

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.

Example of a Plot Data Form:

Plot Number (3-digit) Record a plot number for each sample plot within a Setting. In Exams, plot numbers list automatically in the Plot Form.

The number of plots listed in the Plot Form MUST equal the number of actual plots taken on the ground. All plots listed in Exams must have field data entered into them – no “empty” plots.

For plots that have no trees (e.g. openings and regenerating clearcuts), plot data should indicate location (lat/long) and a “0” for the User Code (size density).

Plot Latitude & Longitude (8-character each) 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 Existing Vegetation Composition Type (3-digits) Record the dominant existing vegetation composition.

At plot level, Existing Vegetation is a combination of what is found on the plot (“plot trees”) as well as trees in the immediately surrounding area. See Appendix A for a complete list of existing vegetation composition codes.

Plot Remarks (242-character) Enter remarks relevant to the plot. Any within-stand features that fall within or near a plot should be recorded here; otherwise note in Setting Remarks.

User Code (3-digit) Record the size-density code for each plot. Use codes and procedures are detailed in Section 2, “Setting”.

HNF Field Procedures Handbook for Common Stand Exam

Section 5: Tree Data This section will cover how tree data is to be collected for quick plot protocols. The following table shows the fields required for all stand exams on the Hiawatha N.F.

and trees < 4.5 ft. tall

*For dead trees (snags), give an ocular estimate of the tree height. For Site Trees, height should be measured to the nearest foot.

Example of a Tree Data Form

Overstory Plot Data The overstory plot consists of gathering species, size and quality information using a Basal Area Factor plot (10 or 20). Record tally trees as required by the sample design.

When performing quick plots, all trees of the same species, diameter class and quality class can be recorded on the same line using the tree count field (except for the Site Tree, which must be measured to 1/10th of an inch DBH and recorded on a separate line).

Understory Data Collection A fixed- radius plot will be used to tally the number of seedlings of all woody species See table below for understory height requirements. In hardwood stands, count all seedlings taller than 1.5 feet but less than 1-inch DBH. In conifer stands, count all seedlings taller than 0.5 feet.

Plot Number (3-digit) Record the plot number for each line of tree data if data is collected with a data recorder this is automatic.

Tag ID Number (4-digit) On each plot, start with ‘1’ (at true North) and increment one number for each tree record in a clockwise rotation. If using Exams, the program should automatically update the tag ID number.

The tag ID and plot number uniquely identifies each line of tree data. Each line may represent a single tree or a group of trees with the same characteristics – species, DBH, etc.

Tree Status (1-character)

Tree Species (8-character) Record the species of every sampled tree and in BAF variable-radius plot. Refer to Appendix F or drop down list in the PDR.

Tree Count (3-digit) Record the number of sampled trees represented by each line of tree data. When determining “in” and “out” trees, measure from plot center to the face of the tree in question to determine the limiting distance. Record site trees individually.

Trees can be grouped by species, tree status, DBH, etc. For example, a plot can have 3-12” live red maple trees and 2- 14” live sugar maple trees.

Distinguishing characteristics may warrant further grouping or individual tree recording. Such characteristics include age, crown ratio, crown class, or tree damage.

DBH (Diameter at Breast Height) Record the DBH for each tree or group of trees. When measuring individual trees, measure them to the nearest 2 inches (quick plot). Examples of coding for quick plot exams are listed below. See Appendix J for examples on where to measure DBH.

*Exception: Site trees must be measured to 1/10th inch dbh.

Height (3-digit) Record tree height to the nearest foot from ground line on the up-hill side to the uppermost tip. See Appendix K for details on measuring tree heights.

Tree heights are required for the following trees when using the quick plot exam method:

Site Trees (measured tree height) Trees less than 4.5 feet tall (see table of height classes below) Dead trees/ snags (estimated tree height)

Example of height classes:

Tree Age (3-digit) Record the tree age, in years. This is required for site index trees. See Appendix L for details on how to determine tree age form increment borings.

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

Snag Decay (1-digit) Record the condition of standing dead (snag) The pictures and descriptions below are adapted from "Wildlife Habitats in Managed Forests of the Blue Mountains of Oregon and Washington," by Jack Ward Thomas, Agriculture Handbook No. 553, USDA Forest Service, September 1979.

Site Trees One site tree per stand must be recorded. Site trees must be recorded individually, on their own line.

The age and height of site trees are used to determine site index, a measurement to describe the productivity of a site.

Site Tree Selection Criteria

1. Freedom from height growth suppression

· Choose dominants or co-dominants, depending on the specific site index curves used.

· No damage which could influence height growth

· No pronounced period of radial growth suppression

· No evidence of top damage, past or present.

2. Select trees from a locally defined species list (See species list below). 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. If a suitable sample tree cannot be found on the plot, select the nearest suitable site tree to a sample plot. Use code “S” to designate site trees located on the plot. Use code “F” to designate off-plot site trees. If there are not any on-plot or off-plot trees that meet site tree criteria, do not select a site tree for the plot.

5. Measure DBH, age, and height on all site trees. Site tree DBH must be measured to 1/10th of an inch. Measure total tree height to the nearest foot. Age is determined from an increment boring made at DBH and is the annual ring count to the pith of the tree. See Appendix L for details on how to determine tree age form increment borings.

Site Species The following table describes 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.

User Field When performing stocking surveys for stands that were planted, record N for natural, if it is naturally regenerated, or P for planted.

APPENDICES

HNF Field Guide for Common Stand Exam

Appendix A: Existing Vegetation Codes (FSHR09) Comment by Murawski, Chelsea -FS: Add codes 21 Mixed Northern Hardwoods, 30 Mixed Pines, and 85 Sugar maple The following table is grouped by broad forest types. Descriptions are provided to facilitate use of correct forest type. When entering the EV Code at Setting and Plot levels, two digits are required. For example: Jack Pine with an EV Code of “1” would be entered as “01”

HNF Field Guide for Common Stand Exam

Appendix B: Non-Forest Vegetation Codes (for use in Setting Remarks)

051 and 052 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.

062 and 063 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.

Appendix B: NON-FOREST Vegetation Codes Appendix C: Timber Land Suitability Class (TLSC) Codes & Descriptions

Appendix C: Timber Land Suitability Class Appendix D: Stand Prescription – Activity Codes and Descriptions Enter the codes as a 4-digit numeral, preceded by “A”, with no spaces between: “Annnn”.

Silviculturally-needed harvests in timbered stands

Silviculturally-needed TSI in timbered stands

Opening needs in non-timbered stands

Appendix D: Stand Prescription – Activity Codes and Descriptions Appendix E: Within-Stand Features – Codes and Descriptions Record 3-digit code preceded by “F”: “Fnnn”.

Stand Feature Codes and Definitions marked with an asterisk (*) are described in greater detail in a second table that follows.

* Stand Feature Definitions are listed below for items with asterisks

Appendix F: Species Codes R9SS = sensitive (Federal/Region 9); NOX = noxious Note: To find codes for other species, check the plants website at: USDA Plants Database