Attachment 5_Feierabend Standards 23JUN2020.pdf

384 - 1

NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE

CONSERVATION PRACTICE STANDARD

WOODY RESIDUE TREATMENT

(Ac.)

CODE 384

DEFINITION

The treatment of residual woody material that is created due to management activities or natural disturbances.

PURPOSE

Reduce hazardous fuels

Protect/maintain air quality by reducing the risk of wildfire

Reduce the risk of harmful insects and disease

To improve access for management purposes

Improve access to forage for livestock and wildlife

Develop renewable energy systems

Enhance aesthetics

Reduce the risk of harm to humans and livestock

Improve the soil organic matter

Improve the site for natural or artificial regeneration.

CONDITIONS WHERE PRACTICE APPLIES

On all lands, except active cropland, where woody residue requires treatment.

CRITERIA

General Criteria Applicable to All Purposes

The condition and extent of residual woody material shall determine the treatment method selected based on the landowner’s purpose.

Treatment methods (i.e. piling, burning, chipping/masticating, lop and scatter, off-site removal, burying or crushing) will achieve landowner objectives while adequately protecting land and water resources.

Removal of woody material shall not be detrimental to the site and will adequately protect soil and water resources. Adequate woody material will be left to maintain or improve nutrient and organic matter cycling.

The prescribed treatment will reduce the amount of residue to an acceptable level by controlling height, size, amount and distribution.

Functions and values of the residual plant communities will not be impacted. Protect advanced reproduction or residual crop trees during treatment.

Timing of treatment shall coincide with intended purpose(s) and minimize impact on other resources.

NRCS, Minnesota

March 2014 Conservation practice standards are reviewed periodically and updated if needed. To obtain the current version of this standard, contact your Natural Resources Conservation Service State Office or visit the Field Office Technical Guide.

384 - 2

NRCS, Minnesota

March 2014

Any residual woody material left on the site after treatment will not present an unacceptable fire, safety, environmental, or pest hazard. Scatter slash away from leave trees.

Do not pile or scatter debris or slash near ladder fuels, buildings, dwellings or other high risk or high value areas. For these areas, debris and slash will be removed.

Burning activities shall comply with the Prescribed Burning practice (338). Burning activities will be consistent with established regulations and guidelines for PM10 and PM2.5 emissions, ozone precursors (NOx and VOCs), as well as smoke and fugitive dust, and state and local permit requirements.

Place slash piles to be burned along logging roads, skid trails or log landings, or other areas already disturbed. Do not place slash piles along public roads.

Reseed and/or replant burned sites with local seed sourced plants and cover with site soil to re-establish mycorrihizal fungi. This will help recover the site and reduce the impact of the burn scars.

Use Conservation Cover (327), Critical Area Planting (342) and/or Tree/Shrub Establishment (612) as appropriate.

The Web Soil Survey will be used for all treatment area. Determine on-site Suitabilities and Limitations Ratings for Haul Roads and Log Landings, Soil Rutting Hazard and Erosion Hazard (Road, Trail and Off-Road, Off-Trail) as appropriate for the site.

Operate on frozen ground if the ratings are severe or very severe; for a medium severity rating, plan on operating when the ground is dry or frozen. Implement soil conserving practices to protect water quality from soil erosion and sedimentation if necessary. Analyses and reports must be documented in the casefile for the site.

http://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/HomePage.htm

Follow the guidelines in the Sustaining Minnesota Forest Resources: Voluntary Site-Level Forest Management Guidelines Timber Harvesting – Managing Slash, pages 28-29 and Mechanical Site Preparation – Managing Slash and Windrows, pages 11-12, refer to webpage below.

http://www.frc.state.mn.us/documents/council/site-level/MFRC_Revised%20Forest%20Management%20Guidelines%20(2012).pdf

Additional Criteria to Reduce the Risk of Harmful Insects and Disease

The prescribed residue treatment will be species specific regarding the woody plants infested and the insect/disease diagnosed.

The degree, intensity and timing of treatment shall consider the characteristics of harmful insects or diseases to enhance the effectiveness of control.

If any woody residues are left on-site; reduce to less than 2” in diameter and scatter or burn.

Woody residues created by natural events or slash created during forest stand improvement should be immediately removed if possible. For fall or winter operations any remaining slash should be treated in the spring before insects and diseases become active. Windrowing should be avoided unless burning is planned before insect or disease emergence.

Boles will be removed and woody residue will be treated, removed, or burned to prevent breeding and brooding by bark beetles and borers. Burning will be the preferred method when beetles are present.

Additional Criteria to Improve Access to Forage for Livestock and Wildlife, to Reduce the Risk of Harm to Humans and Livestock and Enhance Aesthetics

Woody material shall be piled, contour windrowed, or removed sufficiently to maximize forage growth and allow access by livestock and wildlife. Further treatment may be necessary to meet client objectives and any state or local requirements for safe use of the area by humans.

A Prescribed Grazing Plan (528) that includes livestock safety and/or wildlife specific management plan (644, 645 or 647) will be developed and followed as per established criteria.

If providing downed woody debris for wildlife habitat in the treatment area, follow the criteria found in the Forest Stand Improvement Standard (666) under the Additional Criteria To Improve Wildlife Habitat section.

Avoid activities that produce slash or dangerous conditions during periods of peak recreational activity.

Notify recreational users when activities such as burning or heavy equipment use will occur. Use Access Control (472) as a facilitating practice if necessary.

Woody residue left on site near public trails or roads should be moved a minimum of 50 feet away from the trail and if not scattered the pile height will be less than 4 feet.

Additional Criteria to Improve Soil Organic Matter

When improving soil organic matter is a high priority, keep as much slash on-site as practical including fine woody debris such as needles and twigs.

Retain a minimum of 30% woody debris scattered throughout the site to maintain soil health and productivity.

To accelerate decomposition scatter slash over the site and treat by chipping or masticating the woody residue to 1 cubic inch on average in size and not exceed an average of 3 inches in depth.

Additional Criteria to Improve the Site for Natural or Artificial Regeneration

Woody material will be treated to complement treatments specified in Tree/Shrub Site Preparation (490). Use Prescribed Burning (338) as a supplemental practice if necessary.

CONSIDERATIONS

When feasible, consider chipping, shredding, off-site disposal, bio-fuel composting, or other techniques in lieu of burning near housing developments or where ash, smoke and VOXs will be a concern.

Account for any effects on soil carbon when off-site removal of woody material is to occur.

As per landowner priorities, plan for wildlife habitat needs (e.g. large downed wood, snags, brush piles, pollinators, bats, birds, etc.) when planning the timing and implementation of residue or slash treatments.

Prompt management of woody residue after weather events can prevent further damage from insects and disease.

PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS

Specifications for applying this practice shall be prepared for each site and recorded using approved specification sheets, job sheets, technical notes and narrative statements in the conservation plan, or other acceptable documentation.

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

Monitor populations and the potential of damage to site resources by harmful pests and take controlling actions as necessary.

Access by vehicles or people will be controlled during treatment for safety. See conservation practice Access Control (472).

Monitor vegetation growth and use Brush Management (314), Herbaceous Weed Control (315), Tree/Shrub Site Preparation (490), or other vegetation establishment or management practices as necessary.

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REFERENCES

Bennett, M. and Fitzgerald, S., 2008. Reducing Hazardous Fuels on Woodland Property: Disposing of Woody Material. Oregon State Extension publication EC-1574-E.

http://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/xmlui/bitstream/handle/1957/19712/ec1574-e.pdf

Brown, J.K. 1974. Handbook for Inventorying Downed Wood Material. USDA Forest Service General Technical Report INT-16. 24 p.

http://www.fs.fed.us/rm/pubs_int/int_gtr016.html

Freeman, D.R., Loomis, R.M., and Roussopoulos, P.J. 1982. Handbook for Predicting Slash Weight in the Northeast. USDA Forest Service General Technical Report NC-75. 23p.

http://www.ncrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/viewpub.asp?key=139

Osborne, N., Bardon, R. and Hazel, D. 2012. How to Rapidly Inventory Scattered and Piled Forest Harvest Residue. AG-754W. North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service.

http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/forestry/resources/publications/documents/ag754w.pdf

Shortie, Walter C.; Dudzik, Kenneth R. 2012. Wood decay in living and dead trees: A pictoiral review.

Gen. Tech Rep. NRS-97. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Dept. of Ag., Forest Service, Northern Research Station. 26p.

http://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/40899

490 - 1

Conservation practice standards are reviewed periodically and updated if needed. To obtain

Natural Resources Conservation Service

Conservation Practice Standard

TREE/SHRUB SITE PREPARATION

(Ac.)

Code 490 (AMENDED 6/23/2020)

Treatment of areas to improve site conditions for establishing trees and/or shrubs.

Encourage natural regeneration of desirable woody plants.

Permit artificial establishment of woody plants.

On all lands needing treatment to establish trees and/or shrubs.

General Criteria Applicable to all Purposes

The method, intensity, and timing of site preparation will match the limitations of the site, safety, equipment and the requirements for establishing the desired woody species.

Appropriate tree/shrub site preparation methods include mechanical, chemical, burning, or biological treatments applied either alone or in combination. The method will be chosen to achieve the intended purpose and to protect desirable vegetation, site, and soil conditions. Other complementary practices and measure will be used as necessary to control erosion, runoff, compaction and displacement to acceptable levels.

The above site preparation methods will be chosen based on the following characteristics: existing vegetation types and amount; site characteristics such as soil type and condition; soil texture, compaction and wetness; size, topography and steepness; establishment method(s), and woody species to be established.

Slash and debris shall be removed, treated or eliminated as appropriate. Refer to the NRCS Conservation Practice Standard Woody Residue Treatment (384) for more information.

Protect water quality by maintaining pre-existing filter strips, grassed waterways and riparian forest buffers, when converting cropland and grassland. Refer to the following practices for more information: Filter Strip (393), Grassed Waterways (412), Critical Area Planting (342), Riparian Forest Buffer (392) or other suitable practices.

Control and protect against invasive and noxious weeds that may arise from site preparation activities that expose bare soil. Use the practice Integrated Pest Management (595). Follow the specifications in the Tree/Shrub Establishment (612) standard if a cover crop will be planted prior to planting.

Use the practice Access Control (472), if necessary, to exclude livestock to prevent damage to the site preparation area.

NRCS-Minnesota

March 2016

490 - 2

Document and mitigate any detrimental impacts on wildlife species, pollinators, and other wildlife habitats when selecting site preparation methods. Use Upland Wildlife Habitat Management (645), Wetland Wildlife Habitat Management (644) or Early Successional Habitat Development/Management

(647) for recommendations for these facilitating practices.

Document and protect cultural resources, wetlands, and other unique areas.

MECHANICAL SITE PREPARATION

Use a current published County Soil Survey or the Web Soil Survey to determine the suitability and limitation for mechanical site preparation, erosion hazard and rutting hazard.

http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/HomePage.htm

Deep ripping shall be performed only when a root growth restrictive layer caused by surface compaction, tillage pans, deep compaction or inherent hardpans are present and exists at a depth of 12 inches or less from the surface.

A maximum of 30% of the soil surface will be exposed when using tillage or cultivating equipment if excessive wind erosion will occur.

Prepare the site as close to the planting date as possible to reduce the need for a cover crop.

For linear plantings (rows or blocks) strips should be a minimum of 3 feet wide.

If grubs are expected to be a problem when planting on grasslands and pasturelands, in late summer kill the existing cover and plow or till to expose grubs to winter temperatures and loss of moisture. Use soil conservation practices such as Contour Farming (330), Grassed Waterway (412), Contour Buffer Strips (332) or other suitable soil conserving practices.

Treat slash and debris so they do not create habitat or harbor harmful levels of pests, hinder the operation of necessary equipment or personnel, or create an undue fire hazard.

CHEMICAL SITE PREPARATION

Use the practice Integrated Pest Management (595) if chemicals will be used.

Use WIN_PST to evaluate leaching and runoff potentials for chemical site preparation products.

Pesticide/soil hazard ratings of “extra high” or “high” shall be accompanied by mitigating practices and/or substitution of pesticides with lower risk ratings. Use low volatile formulations. Plan the best time to apply chemicals; either in the fall or early spring prior to establishment, use pre-emergent chemicals when appropriate and only while existing advanced reproduction is still dormant in the late winter or early spring.

PRESCRIBED BURNING

Conduct burning only under controlled, predetermined conditions as outlined in a prescribed burn plan. Refer to the practice Prescribed Burning (338) for more information.

BIOLOGICAL CONTROL

Grasslands and pasturelands to be converted to tree/shrub establishment can be grazed by livestock to reduce excess quantity of vegetation. Use the practice Prescribed Grazing (528). Livestock will be removed prior to planting.

As necessary, use other appropriate treatments to finish preparing the site for seeding or planting.

Additional Criteria for Artificial Establishment

Use RUSLE2 to determine soil erosion potential when converting agricultural fields or grasslands to tree/shrub establishment. Practices such as Access Road (560), and maintaining existing grassed waterways, terraces, diversions or water control structures and planting on the contour should be used on sites where potential soil erosion is a concern.

NRCS Minnesota

490 - 3

Additional Criteria for Natural Regeneration

Time site preparation activities, such as scarification, to coincide with natural seed fall of desired woody species.

Existing desirable tree species must be present with the potential for successful natural regeneration (e.g. root and stump sprouts) and seed production. Refer to Tree/Shrub Establishment (612) for more information.

When adequate regeneration is present in sufficient numbers remove the overstory.

For more information refer to the guidelines in “Sustaining Minnesota Forest Resources: Voluntary Site-level Forest Management Guidelines,” Mechanical Site Preparation and Pesticide Use.

Apply band or spot treatments over broadcast treatments, as applicable, when applying herbicides.

Impacts on wildlife species, habitat and aesthetics should be considered when selecting site preparation methods.

Document if there may be any effects from carry-over herbicide residues in the soil on newly planted trees or shrubs.

Since particulates, smoke, and other air pollutants may be generated by site preparation activities, note on-site and off-site effects on air quality if significant impacts are anticipated.

If visual impacts are a concern, use site preparation activities that minimize large disturbed areas such as treating in rows or patches, use spot or strip herbicide treatments, or scatter or remove slash piles and limit the use of windrows.

Prepare and record specifications for applying this practice and for protecting the site using approved specification sheets, job sheets, technical notes and/or narrative statements in the conservation plan or other acceptable documentation.

Maintain erosion control and water quality practices if used, until the site is stabilized or the plants are planted or seeded.

Control locally invasive species and noxious weeds if present. If pesticides are used, refer to the NRCS Conservation Practice Standard Pest Management (595).

Control access by people, vehicles or equipment during or after site preparation to minimize erosion, compaction and other site impacts.

Web Soil Survey

National PLANTS Database

“Sustaining Minnesota Forest Resources: Voluntary Site-Level Forest Management Guidelines for Landowners, Loggers and Resource Managers.” 2005. Minnesota Forest Resources Council, St.

Paul, MN.

612 - 1

Conservation practice standards are reviewed periodically and updated if needed. To obtain

TREE/SHRUB ESTABLISHMENT

(Ac)

CODE 612

Establishing woody plants by planting seedlings or cuttings, by direct seeding, and/or through natural regeneration.

PURPOSE

Establish woody plants to:

Maintain or improve desirable plant diversity, productivity, and health by establishing woody plants.

Create or improve habitat for desired wildlife species compatible with ecological characteristics of the site.

Control erosion.

Improve water quality. Reduce excess nutrients and other pollutants in runoff and groundwater.

Sequester and store carbon.

Restore or maintain native plant communities.

Develop renewable energy systems.

Conserve energy.

Provide habitat for beneficial organisms and pollinators.

Tree/shrub establishment can be applied on any site capable of growing woody plants.

Reference MN Biology Technical Note 17 – “Recommendations for Tree and Forest Establishment and Management in Minnesota’s Prairie Region”, for site level recommendations on where tree planting is ecologically appropriate in prairie landscapes.

Select one or more species that are suited to soil and site conditions, and appropriate for the planned purpose(s).

Determine desired stocking levels for trees and/or shrubs based on ecological characteristics of the site and species, and landowner objectives. Plant, seed, and/or naturally regenerate at densities/rates that reflect anticipated seedling mortality, to achieve desired stocking levels in the established stand.

Use NRCS Conservation Practice Standard (CPS) Tree/Shrub Site Preparation (Code 490) to prepare sites for planting, seeding, or natural regeneration, if conditions are not suitable for establishing the desired plants.

Use tree/shrub planting to accomplish or supplement forest stand regeneration in locations where natural regeneration of desired species is not possible, or will not meet objectives.

April 2018

612 - 2

Select only viable, high-quality, and adapted plant materials. Select planting stock that conforms to established seed transfer protocols within the State, and complies with minimum standards accepted by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Do not plant any species on the Federal or State invasive species or noxious weed lists.

Choose appropriate planting dates and handling methods to increase rates of survival. Select planting techniques and timing appropriate for soil and site conditions.

Alter species selection and/or timing of planting/seeding to minimize potential effects of residual chemical carryover, as needed.

Evaluate the site to determine if mulching, supplemental water or other cultural treatments (e.g., tree protection devices, shade cards, brush mats, etc.) are needed to assure adequate survival and establishment. Minimize the need for supplemental water and/or nutrients by choosing site-adapted plant materials, planting methods, and planting seasons. Where supplemental moisture is needed to achieve tree/shrub establishment use NRCS CPS Irrigation System, Microirrigation (Code 441).

Protect tree and shrub plantings, seeded areas, and naturally regenerated areas, from unacceptable adverse impacts of pests, wildlife, livestock, and/or fire. Protect from pests, as necessary, by applying integrated pest management techniques for pest prevention, avoidance, monitoring, and suppression.

Removal of products (e.g., trees, biomass, medicinal herbs, nuts, fruits, etc.) is allowed, provided that conservation purpose(s) are not compromised by the loss of vegetation or by harvesting disturbance.

Use diverse tree and shrub specie combinations which best meet the needs of desired wildlife and pollinator species. The wildlife species to be managed will be identified.

NATURAL REGENERATION

When utilizing natural regeneration to establish trees and/or shrubs, ensure that a source of seed and/or vegetative propagules is or will be present, or that advanced reproduction exists sufficient to achieve objectives.

Where natural regeneration relies on seed sources, apply any needed stand treatments and/or site preparation using CPS Forest Stand Improvement (Code 666) and/or Tree/Shrub Site Preparation (Code

490) at appropriate times to facilitate germination and establishment of seeds from desired species.

Modify forest stand conditions as needed, using CPS Forest Stand Improvement (Code 666) to create favorable stand structure for initiating natural regeneration.

Use NRCS CPSs Prescribed Burning (Code 338), Brush Management (Code 314), and/or Herbaceous Weed Control (Code 315), as needed, to obtain the desired species composition, density, and arrangement of trees/shrubs in naturally regenerated areas.

Implement coppice regeneration (originating from root shoots or stump sprouts) based on suitability of tree species, age, diameter, and site conditions. Determine the correct timing for coppice regeneration based on species characteristics.

Additional Criteria for Reducing Nutrients and Pollutants

When plantings are used to remove excess nutrients from runoff or groundwater, select species that have fast-growth characteristics, extensive root systems, and a high-nutrient uptake capacity. Trees and shrubs used to reduce pollutants must be tolerant of the types of pollutants contained in effluent or soils at the site.

Additional Criteria for Restoring or Maintaining Native Plant Communities

Species selected for planting, or those favored in natural regeneration, will be native to the site and will create a successional state that progresses toward the identified target plant community.

612 - 3

Additional Criteria for Sequestering and Storing Carbon

For shorter term, rapid carbon sequestration, select species that have high-growth rates, recognizing that they are typically short-lived. For longer term storage of carbon, select plants with a long life span, the ability to reach a large size, high-wood density, and potential for use in long-lived products. Establish and maintain a fully stocked stand.

Additional Criteria for Developing Renewable Energy Systems

Select plants that can provide adequate types and amounts of plant biomass to supply identified bioenergy needs.

Manage the intensity and frequency of energy biomass removals to prevent long-term negative impacts to the site.

Harvest biomass for energy in a manner that will not compromise other intended purpose(s) and functions of the site.

Additional Criteria to Conserve Energy

Increase energy efficiency by planting trees to provide shade for buildings.

Select plants with a potential height growth that will be taller than the structure or facility being protected.

Use proper plant densities to optimize the shade produced.

Design tree and shrub plantings to avoid damage to structures, and to allow adequate space for maintenance access to walls and windows. Plant at a distance that is greater than mature crown spread, and select species that develop deep root systems.

To protect structures from heat loss due to wind, use NRCS CPS Windbreak Establishment (Code 380).

Additional Criteria for Habitat for Beneficial Organisms

Plant trees and shrubs that provide habitat and food sources for beneficial organisms, such as pollinators, predatory and parasitic insects, spiders, insectivorous birds and bats, raptors, and terrestrial rodent predators. Select plant species that meet dietary, nesting, and cover requirements for the intended beneficial organisms during the critical period for control of target pests and, if possible, for the entire year.

Protect beneficial organisms from harmful pesticides.

CONSIDERATIONS

When possible, use plant materials that have been selected and tested in the Plant Materials Program or in similar tree/shrub improvement programs.

When selecting plant materials, consider whether the species, variety, or cultivar possesses aggressive traits, and whether it poses a potential threat to the existing or desired plant community.

Evaluate the potential impacts of extreme weather events (e.g., drought, flooding, wind, late spring frosts) when selecting plant species and sites for planting.

When using trees and shrubs for carbon sequestration and storage, consider using modeling tools to predict carbon sequestration rates and amounts of stored carbon.

Tree/shrub arrangement and spacing should allow for and anticipate the need for future access lanes for purposes of stand management and fire control.

When underplanting, trees and shrubs should be planted sufficiently in advance of overstory removal to ensure full establishment where feasible.

612 - 4

Assess whether selected species have growth rates that make them competitive with weeds and undesirable plants. Establish plants with appropriate size and densities to out-compete weeds and undesirable plants.

When possible, use species that provide subsistence and cultural values, (e.g., as used by Tribes).

Consider designing plantings to enhance visual quality in farmsteads, recreation areas, and along public rights-of-way, by applying foliage color, season and color of flowering, mature plant height, edge-feathering, and other landscaping techniques.

Considerations for Organic Systems During Vegetation Establishment

Natural mulches, such as wood products or hay, can be used to support tree/shrub establishment by controlling competing vegetation, as a viable alternative to using herbicides. Certified weed-free mulches are preferred. NRCS Use CPS Mulching (Code 484).

Pests may be managed through augmentation or introduction of predators or parasites and development of habitat for natural enemies of pests; non-synthetic controls such as lures, traps, and repellents may be used.

Invasive plant species may be controlled through mulching with fully biodegradable materials; mowing;

livestock grazing with protection for plantings; hand weeding and mechanical cultivation; pre-irrigation;

flame, heat, or electrical means. Use NRCS CPS Prescribed Burning (Code 338), as needed.

Considerations for Reducing Energy Use

When trees are planted to reduce summer energy use in buildings, consider prioritizing their placement on the west side of the building, where the greatest daily solar heat gain occurs. The second priority is the east side. Trees or shrubs planted within 30 to 50 feet of a building generally provide effective shade to windows and walls, depending on tree height potential.

Deciduous tree or shrub species planted adjacent to the south side of buildings in cool climates can provide shade in the summer yet allow sun to reach the building in winter.

PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS

Prepare plans and specifications that describe requirements for applying the practice to achieve its intended purpose.

Use Implementation Requirements or other acceptable documentation. At a minimum, provide:

Objective(s) for establishment.

Sketches, drawings, and detail drawings.

Map showing the location of plantings and/or natural regeneration areas.

Soils map, and description of soils and Ecological Sites (if available).

Establishment method by species or vegetation type.

Number of trees/shrubs per acre to be planted, by species.

Timing of planting and/or natural regeneration relative to considerations for seasonal factors, plant physiology, disease, insects, and wildlife impacts.

Mitigation measures, if needed, to reduce wildfire hazard or the potential for disease and insect pests.

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

Prepare an operation and maintenance plan for this site. As a minimum, include the following activities:

Burn or mow the area periodically, if needed to maintain the health of the plant community. Do not conduct maintenance practices and activities during the primary reproductive period of wildlife. Exceptions can be considered to maintain the health of the vegetative community if such exceptions do not conflict with agency requirements.

612 - 5

Control access by vehicles and/or equipment during or after tree/shrub establishment to protect new plants and minimize erosion, compaction and other site impacts.

Inspect the site at an appropriate time following planting, seeding, and/or natural regeneration to determine whether the survival rate for tree and shrubs meets practice and client objectives. Replant or provide supplemental planting when survival is not adequate.

Inspect the trees and shrubs periodically, and protect them from adverse impacts of insects, diseases, competing vegetation, fire, livestock, wildlife, non-functioning tree shelters and/or weed barriers, etc.

If needed, control competing vegetation until the desired trees/shrubs are established. Control plant species on the Federal or State invasive species and noxious weed lists.

If needed, apply nutrients to maintain vigor of desirable trees/shrubs.

American Hort. 2014. American Standard for Nursery Stock. W.A. Quinn, Ed. ANSI Z60.1.

Burns, R.M., and B.H. Honkala, tech. coords. 1990. Silvics of North America: 1. Conifers; 2. Hardwoods.

Agriculture Handbook 654. USDA-Forest Service.

Landis, T.D.; Dumroese, R.K.; Haase, D.L. 2010. The Container Tree Nursery Manual. Volume 7, Seedling Processing, Storage, and Outplanting. Agriculture Handbook 674. USDA-Forest Service.

Washington, DC. 200 p.

McPherson, E.G., J.R. Simpson, P.J. Perper, S.E. Maco, S.L. Gardner, S.K. Cozad, and Q. Xiao. 2006.

Midwest community tree guide: benefits, costs, and strategic planting. Gen. Tech. Rept. PSW-GTR-199.

USDA-Forest Service. 85 p.

Minnesota Forest Resources Council. Sustaining Minnesota Forest Resources: Voluntary site-Level Forest Management Guidelines for Landowners, Loggers and Resource Managers. 2005. Minnesota Forest Resources Council, St. Paul, MN.

MN NRCS STC, Forestry Subcommittee. 2013. Recommendations for Tree and Forest Establishment and Management in Minnesota’s Prairie Region. MN NRCS Biology Technical Note #17. 12 p.

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (2005). Field Guide to the Native Plant Communities of Minnesota. (Eastern Broadleaf Forest; Laurentian Mixed Forest; and Prairie Parkland and Tallgrass Aspen Parklands) Ecological Land Classification Program. Minnesota County Biological Survey, and Natural Heritage and Nongame Research Program. MNDNR St. Paul, MN.

Organic Materials Review Institute. OMRI Products List.

Talbert, C. 2008. Achieving establishment success the first time. Tree Planters Notes 52(2):31-37.

USDA-Forest Service. 2008. Silvicultural Practices Handbook, Chapter 2 - Reforestation. Eastern Region (Region 9). Milwaukee, Wisconsin. FSH 2409.17.

USDA-NRCS. Woodlands and Forestlands.

655 - 1

NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE

FOREST TRAILS AND LANDINGS

(Ft. and Ac.)

CODE 655

A temporary or infrequently used route, path or cleared area.

Provide routes for temporary or infrequent travel by people or equipment for management activities.

Provide periodic access for removal and collection of forest products.

Trails and landings including skid trails are applicable on forest land. They typically connect to an Access Road (560).

General Criteria Applicable To All Purposes

First, plan on using existing trails and landings. As needed, fix or improve segments or the whole system to meet the practice criteria.

Trails and landings will be of a size, gradient, number and location to accomplish the intended purpose. Maximum trail width is 14 feet. Trails and landings shall be located and minimized in number and size to reduce adverse onsite and off-site impacts such as accelerated erosion or concentrated flow, slope failure or sedimentation, water quality and riparian area degradation, stream channel and streambank damage, hydrologic modification, aesthetics, unacceptable damage to advance regeneration or residual growing stock, or fragmentation of wildlife habitat.

Avoid locating trails and landings on poorly suited soils of low-bearing strength to reduce rutting, erosion, sedimentation, compaction and other damaging impacts to water quality. The Web Soil Survey (WSS) will be used to determine the suitability and limitations of the site for trails and landings.

Reports from the WSS will be copied to the landowner’s casefile.

Soils that are prone to rutting, compaction, erosion and/or sedimentation will have supporting practices implemented to reduce damaging impacts. Refer to applicable drainage and erosion-sedimentation prediction technology and supporting practices such as NRCS Conservation Practice Standards Grassed Waterway (412), Grade Stabilization Structure (410), Structure for Water Control (587), Sediment Basin (350); and Heavy Use Area Protection (561) including geotextile and gravel.

Skid logs uphill with front ends off the ground, as much as practicable, to minimize mechanical displacement of soil.

Drainage and erosion control measures such as water bars, rolling grades, broad based dips, culverts, etc. shall be installed according to the NRCS Conservation Practice Standard Access Road (560) and the publication “A Landowner’s Guide to Building Forest Access Roads. These measures shall

November 2016

Conservation practice standards are reviewed periodically and updated if needed. To obtain minimize detrimental effects of concentrated flow, erosion and sedimentation rates both during and after trail/landing use.

Seasonal conditions and use of heavy equipment shall be appropriate for the site and soil suitabilities such as limiting use to only when the soil is frozen or firm.

Document and protect critical wildlife areas and culturally sensitive places environmentally sensitive areas, as well as other unique sites such as wetlands and riparian areas. Avoid locating trails and landings over wetlands and riparian areas. The Riparian Management Zone is 200 feet on one side of a waterbody. In this zone trails along a waterbody will have a minimum set back of 50 feet and landings will be avoided.

Minimize the size and number of stream crossings; for temporary stream crossings, follow the NRCS Conservation Practice Standard Stream Crossing (578). After intended use, stream crossings will be restored and stabilized.

Vegetative materials, slash, debris created during construction of skid trails and landings will be treated according to the NRCS Conservation Practice Standard Woody Residue Treatment (384).

Assure safe ingress and egress from trails and landings to junctions with access or permanent roads.

Refer to the NRCS Conservation Practice Standard Access Road (560) for travel-ways including logging spur roads needing construction design and possibly surfacing to accommodate frequent, intensive, or repeated vehicular traffic.

Those trails and landings intended or anticipated for management activities in subsequent years shall be designated for reuse and maintained to minimize the need for new trails and landings and associated site impacts.

Trails and landings shall be sufficiently revegetated to control erosion. Use the NRCS Conservation Practice Standard Critical Area Planting (342) and the Minnesota Agronomy Technical Note #31:

Herbaceous Vegetation Establishment Guide for recommendations on seeding mixtures for erosion control. Use native species and certified seed to the maximum extent possible when revegetating these sites.

To reduce noise or visual impacts of trails and landings remove or crush down debris created from trail and landing construction, keep harvest trails and landings away from recreational trails. If necessary, screen trails and landings to minimize visibility from vantage points, and reduce visual penetration with curves in trail alignment if possible.

Follow the recommendations in Sustaining Minnesota Forest Resources: Voluntary Site-Level Forest Management Guidelines for Landowners, Loggers and Resource Managers, Forest Roads.

Creation of openings can benefit some wildlife species (e.g., early successional and edge species) yet be detrimental to others (e.g., forest interior species).

Place landings and trails out of view of recreation routes and areas as much as possible. Screen landings and trails from view if not possible.

Trails and landings, when not in active use, may be utilized and managed for wildlife food and cover plantings. Refer to appropriate wildlife habitat NRCS Conservation Practice Standards, Upland Wildlife Habitat Management (645), and Early Successional Habitat Development/ Management (647), and the Minnesota Agronomy Technical Note #31: Herbaceous Vegetation Establishment Guide, for seeding information.

Properly located trails and landings of sufficient width and location may be utilized and managed as firebreaks.

November 2015

655 - 3

Specifications for applying this practice shall be prepared for each site and recorded using approved specification sheets, job sheets, technical notes and narrative statements in the conservation plan, or other acceptable documentation.

Regular and timely inspections for adverse effects will be conducted with trails and landings and associated measures maintained or restored as necessary.

Trails and landings will be inspected for invasive terrestrial plant species and infestations will be treated and controlled.

Access to trails and landings shall be controlled when and where needed for erosion abatement, safety and liability, and reduced maintenance costs. Refer to the NRCS Conservation Practice Standard Access Control (472) for more information. Skid logs uphill (with front ends off the ground) as practicable to minimize mechanical displacement of soil.

Locate waste piles such as sawdust, chipping residue and other materials away from areas where runoff may wash it into streams, lakes or wetlands.

Measures will be used to protect against invasive species at all times. Measures may include cleaning equipment and machinery and adequate reseeding.

As necessary, control blowing dust from trails and landings using the NRCS Conservation Practice Standard Dust Control on Unpaved Roads and Surfaces (373).

Trails and landings utilized and managed as firebreaks will be properly maintained to accomplish this purpose while maintaining acceptable mitigation of other concerns. Refer to the NRCS Conservation Practice Standard Firebreak (394) for more information.

Trails and landings no longer needed may be decommissioned. Refer to the NRCS Conservation Practice Standard Road/Trail/Landing Closure and Treatment (654), as needed.

Use low-ground pressure equipment such as wide-tires or tracked vehicles if recommended to minimize rutting and compaction.

Garland, John. 1997. Designated Skid Trails Minimize Soil Compaction. Woodland Workbook, Oregon State University Extension Service, EC1110.

Minnesota Forest Resources Council. Sustaining Minnesota Forest Resources: Voluntary Site-Level Management Guidelines for Landowners, Loggers and Resource Managers. 2005. Minnesota Forest Resources Council, St. Paul, Minnesota.

University of Minnesota. 2002. Broad-Based Dips. Forest Management Practices Fact Sheet #6, Managing Water Series.

Wiest, Richard L. 1998. A Landowner’s Guide to Building Forest Access Roads. NA-TP-06-98. USDA Forest Service, Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry. Radnor, PA.

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. 2011. Wisconsin Forest Management Guidelines. PUB- FR-226 2011. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, PO Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707.

November 2016

666-CPS-1

FOREST STAND IMPROVEMENT

CODE 666

(ac)

The manipulation of species composition, stand structure, or stand density by cutting or killing selected trees or understory vegetation to achieve desired forest conditions or obtain ecosystem services.

This practice is used to accomplish one or more of the following purposes:

• Improve and sustain forest health and productivity

• Reduce damage from pests and moisture stress

• Initiate forest stand regeneration

• Reduce fire risk and hazard and facilitate prescribed burning

• Restore or maintain natural plant communities

• Improve wildlife and pollinator habitat

• Alter quantity, quality, and timing of water yield

• Increase or maintain carbon storage

All land where the quantity and quality of trees can be enhanced.

Describe the extent or size and orientation of treatment area(s).

Identify and retain preferred tree and understory species to achieve all planned purposes and landowner objectives.

Use available guidelines for species and species groups to determine spacing, density, size-class distribution, number of trees, and amount of understory species to be retained. Schedule treatments to avoid overstocked conditions using approved silvicultural/stocking guides.

Describe the current and desired future condition of each stand that will be treated. Include the species, cover type, and size-class distribution. Stocking will be described in terms of crop trees per acre, basal area per acre, trees per acre, between-tree spacing, or by any other appropriate and professionally accepted density or stocking protocol.

Refer to WIN-PST criteria in NRCS Conservation Practice Standard (CPS) Integrated Pest Management (Code 595), and comply with applicable State and local laws if an herbicide will be used.

NRCS, MN

September 2016

United States Department of Agriculture

NRCS reviews and periodically updates conservation practice standards. To obtain the current version of this standard, contact your Natural Resources Conservation Service State office or visit the Field Office Technical Guide online by going to the NRCS website at https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/ and type FOTG in the search field.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

666-CPS-2

Time tree felling to avoid buildup of insect or disease populations.

Implement forest stand improvement activities in ways that avoid or minimize soil erosion, compaction, rutting, and damage to remaining vegetation, and that maintain hydrologic conditions. Protect site resources by selecting the method, felling direction and timing of tree felling, and heavy equipment operation. For temporary access use NRCS CPS Forest Trails and Landings (Code 655) to protect soil and site resources from vehicle impacts.

Use NRCS CPS Access Road (Code 560) for more heavily used roads associated with forest stand improvement activities.

Where slash and debris will be generated, use NRCS CPS Woody Residue Treatment (Code 384) to appropriately treat slash and debris, as necessary, to assure that it will not present an unacceptable fire, safety, environmental, or pest hazard. Remaining woody material will be placed so that it does not interfere with the intended purpose or other management activities. Do not burn vegetative residues except where fire hazard or threats from diseases and insects are of concern or when other management objectives are best achieved through burning. When slash and other debris will be burned onsite use NRCS CPS Prescribed Burning (Code 338).

Additional Criteria to Improve and Sustain Forest Health and Productivity

Treatments, including woody biomass removal, will be sustainable and will not compromise soil organic matter, the recruitment and retention of coarse woody debris, or wildlife habitat. If needed, use NRCS CPS Woody Residue Treatment (Code 384). If applicable, use biomass harvesting guidelines (The Forest Guild, 2010) and/or State guidance.

Allow twigs, fines, needles, and leaves to decay on-site either scattered or in brush piles.

Manipulate stand characteristics to mitigate risk of insects and disease.

Additional Criteria to Reduce Fire Risk and Hazard and Facilitate Prescribed Burning

Reduce stocking rates and alter spatial arrangement of trees to minimize crown-to-crown spread of fire.

Use criteria for wildfire risk and damage reduction, including reduction of ladder fuels, in NRCS CPS Fuel Break (Code 383);NRCS CPS Woody Residue Treatment (Code 384); or NCRS CPS Firebreak (Code 394), as appropriate.

Additional Criteria to Improve Wildlife and Pollinator Habitat

Manage for specific or a variety of cover types, species, size-classes, and stocking rates at the appropriate scale that meet desired wildlife habitat requirements.

Create, recruit, and maintain sufficient snags, nest, cavity, and den trees, and down woody material to meet requirements of desired species.

Use habitat creation and maintenance criteria in NRCS CPS Codes 647, Early Successional Habitat Development/Management; Code 643, Restoration and Management of Rare and Declining Habitats;

Code 645, Upland Wildlife Habitat Management; or Code 644, Wetland Wildlife Habitat Management, as appropriate, to manage wildlife-related activities.

Additional Criteria to Alter Quantity, Quality and Timing of Water Yield

Create a mosaic of age classes to increase water yield and stabilize seasonal water yield from watersheds.

Create openings in the forest canopy to allow more light to reach the ground, stimulating understory vegetation and diversifying plant species composition and vertical structure. These improvements will increase rainfall infiltration and reduce runoff thereby reducing soil erosion and improving water quality.

666-CPS-3

Additional Criteria to Increase Carbon Storage

Manage for tree species and stocking rates that have higher rates of growth and potential for carbon sequestration.

Considerations for Wildlife and Pollinator Habitat

State Wildlife Habitat Guidelines, Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Procedure, and Forestland Assessment Scorecard are useful tools in planning forest stand Improvement.

Remove invasive vines from crop trees but retain native vines with wildlife value (e.g., grape and poison ivy) on non-crop trees.

Increase quantity and quality of important mast (seeds, catkins, fruits, and nuts) sources for wildlife through crop tree management and other techniques.

Improve horizontal diversity or patchiness (of different age class units) across the forest for a variety of wildlife.

Improve or maintain vertical structure or vegetative layering in treated stands.

Favor declining wildlife species by providing appropriately sized treatment areas or blocks of habitat.

Time forest stand improvement activities to minimize disturbance of seasonal pollinator and wildlife activities, such as nesting, movement, etc.

Considerations for Improving and Sustaining ForestHealth and Productivity

Use crop tree management (Perkey et al. 1994) specifically for making decisions about which trees to retain and which to cut, kill cut, or kill.

If available use sanitation-salvage and risk-rating criteria to determine trees to remove during forest stand improvement operations (see Thinning and Sanitation in Donaldson and Seybold 1998).

Silvicultural objectives and harvest-regeneration strategies may change over time and may be limited by prior management.

Seek the assistance of a professional forester when needing to rehabilitate degraded stands that have been repeatedly subjected to exploitative harvesting (high-grading). Often a complex site-specific treatment plan must be developed to overcome repeated exploitative timber harvest.

Successful regeneration of desirable species is usually dependent upon timely application of forest stand improvement and other practices, such as prescribed burning, site preparation, tree and shrub establishment, prescribed grazing, and access control.

The extent, timing, size of treatment area, or intensity of the practice application, should be adjusted to minimize cumulative effects (onsite and offsite), such as hydrologic and stream alteration, habitat fragmentation, nutrient cycling, biodiversity, and visual resources.

If possible, retain at least 1/4 to 1/3 of the slash, tops, and limbs after harvest to protect site productivity.

When using whole-tree harvesting systems minimize the removal of needles or leaves by harvesting in the dormant season, retaining fine woody materials onsite, or leaving felled trees onsite to allow for needle or leaf drop.

Control invasive plants if they are encountered while conducting forest stand improvement. Use NRCS CPS Codes 314, Brush Management; or 315, Herbaceous Weed control, as appropriate.

666-CPS-4

When available, report the minimum criteria (diameter at breast height, log length, etc.) for commercial forest products (sawtimber, pulpwood, etc.) to direct clients to a professional forester if timber harvesting is an objective.

Recommend that landowners secure a written contract with a service provider (logger or forester) that specifically describes the extent of activity, duration of activity, liability and responsibilities of each party, and amount and timing of payments for services provided.

Considerations for Increasing Carbon Storage

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