21. Attachment 9_Dutton Hill DxP Cutting Guides.pdf

Cutting Unit: 04 Acres: 140 Silvicultural Treatment: Group selection with free thinning in matrix

Treatment Objectives

• Manage for suitable habitat conditions within a goshawk PFA.

• Reduce stand density and improve individual tree vigor and growth.

• Improve structural diversity and move towards an uneven-aged condition.

• Maintain species diversity where it exists within the stand.

• Reduce the overall level of dwarf mistletoe infection.

• Broadcast burn to maintain low surface fuel loading, further promote a vigorous understory shrub/herb component, and reduce the intensity/severity of future fires

• Dispose of most activity slash through either piling and burning or removal from the site

Implementation Guide (in order of priority) General:

• Retain all yellow pine, Gambel oak, and juniper, regardless of form, health, or vigor. This supersedes all other specifications.

• Retain ponderosa >18” dbh with existing cavities, dead tops and lightning scars as wildlife trees

• Retain inaccessible trees and trees that cannot be cut without causing significant damage to residual trees

(bole damage to trees >6” dbh/drc or top breakage to trees >9” dbh/drc).

• Tree groups should be created across 60% of the stand area. Interspaces and regeneration openings should be created across the remaining 40% of the stand area.

• Retain a variable BA that averages ~70 ft2/ac at the stand-level (nearly all ponderosa).

Special Considerations:

• Retain all desirable/acceptable bank stabilization trees >9” dbh along channel of protected streamcourse

(Fig. 1).

• Minimize interspace widths and avoid placing regeneration openings within protected streamcourse.

Regeneration Openings (including VSS 1-2 groups):

• Create irregularly shaped regeneration openings across 10% of the unit.

• Openings shall be placed in areas containing no infected yellow pines that will be surrounded by little to no mistletoe infection after opening is created. Openings may contain Gambel oak/juniper. Priority for opening placement shall be as follows:

1. In areas with moderate to abundant (>10 TPA) desirable young ponderosa <6” dbh.

2. In areas overstocked with ponderosa from the most prevalent size classes (9-14” dbh).

3. In small pockets of mistletoe infection (<1 acre) where all visibly infected trees plus a 30-40 foot buffer (to capture latent infection) can be removed.

• Opening size shall generally range from 0.3 to 1.0 acre, but may be as large as 2 acres. The maximum width for openings is 200 feet.

• Cut all ponderosa >6” dbh (except yellow pine) within regeneration openings with the following exceptions:

1. Retain desirable young ponderosa 6-9” dbh.

2. In openings >1 acre not containing an abundance of desirable young ponderosa <9” dbh (>50 TPA), retain 3-5 reserve trees (largest, most desirable trees including yellow pine).

Tree Groups / Interspaces (in surrounding matrix):

• Thin ponderosa >6” dbh (except yellow pine), leaving trees in irregularly shaped groups.

• Concentrate groups in areas with (a) an abundance of desirable and acceptable trees, (b) an abundance of trees >18” dbh, (c) a prevalence of deep crowns and high vertical structural diversity, and (d) large logs >18” diameter. Pre-settlement evidences may be used to help guide group placement/size.

• Vary group size from 0.1 to 1 acre(s), with the following distribution:

(a) 20% 0.1-0.25 acre (b) 30% 0.25-0.5 acre (c) 50% 0.5-1.0 acre

• Within groups, thin to the average densities shown in Unit 04 Table 1, generally retaining desirable and acceptable trees (Table 2) from across the range of available size classes. Additional non-desirable trees may be left if needed to meet density targets. Strive for irregular spacing within groups and the retention of some trees with interlocking crowns.

• Leave ~10% of groups unthinned, focusing in areas with deep crowns and high vertical structural diversity.

• Distance between groups, dripline to dripline, shall average 60-100 feet (occasionally up to 120 feet), with the distance between groups infected with mistletoe and groups not infected at the upper end of the range.

Between groups, cut all ponderosa 6-18” dbh (except yellow pine). Retain up to one ponderosa >18” dbh per acre in between groups if it meets the criteria for a desirable or acceptable tree.

Unit 04 Table 1. Stocking guide for leave tree groups (ponderosa pine only)

Typical Number of Trees Per Group for Different Group Sizes1

Typical Intra-Group (within-group)

Densities1

VSS

DBH

Range

1/10 acre group

¼ acre group

½ acre group

¾ acre group acre group Basal Area

(ft2/acre) 3 5 - 11.9 15 38 76 114 152 60

4 12 - 17.9” 10 24 49 73 98 120 5 18 - 23.9” 5 12 25 37 50 120 6 24”+ 3 8 15 23 30 120

1 These are typical values required to achieve the desired stand-level stocking for the midpoint diameter. Variation between groups can occur and is highly desirable; however, ranges should center on these values. If trees are larger, then the midpoint diameter, less trees would be retained; if trees are smaller, then more trees would be retained.

Cutting Unit: 07 Acres: 19

• Reduce stand density and improve individual tree vigor and growth.

• Improve structural diversity and maintain an uneven-aged condition.

• Maintain species diversity where it exists within the stand.

• Broadcast burn to maintain low surface fuel loading, further promote a vigorous understory shrub/herb

• Retain all yellow pine, Gambel oak, and juniper, regardless of form, health, or vigor. This supersedes all other specifications.

• Retain ponderosa >18” dbh with existing cavities, dead tops and lightning scars as wildlife trees

• Retain inaccessible trees and trees that cannot be cut without causing significant damage to residual trees

(bole damage to trees >6” dbh/drc or top breakage to trees >9” dbh/drc).

• Tree groups should be created across 50% of the stand area. Interspaces and regeneration openings should be created across the remaining 50% of the stand area.

• Retain a variable BA that averages ~50 ft2/ac at the stand-level (nearly all ponderosa), including any deferrals.

Regeneration Openings (including VSS 1-2 groups):

• Create irregularly shaped regeneration openings across 10% of the unit.

• Openings shall be placed in areas containing no infected yellow pines that will be surrounded by little to no mistletoe infection after opening is created. Openings may contain Gambel oak/juniper. Priority for opening placement shall be as follows:

4. In areas with moderate to abundant (>10 TPA) desirable young ponderosa <6” dbh.

5. In areas overstocked with ponderosa from the most prevalent size classes (9-14” dbh).

• Opening size shall generally range from 0.3 to 1.0 acre, but may be as large as 2 acres. The maximum width for openings is 200 feet.

• Cut all ponderosa >6” dbh (except yellow pine) within regeneration openings with the following exceptions:

1. Retain desirable young ponderosa 6-9” dbh.

2. In openings >1 acre not containing an abundance of desirable young ponderosa <9” dbh (>50 TPA), retain 3-5 reserve trees (largest, most desirable trees including yellow pine).

Tree Groups / Interspaces (in surrounding matrix):

• Thin ponderosa >6” dbh (except yellow pine), leaving trees in irregularly shaped groups.

• Concentrate groups in areas with (a) an abundance of desirable and acceptable trees, (b) an abundance of trees >18” dbh, (c) a prevalence of deep crowns and high vertical structural diversity, and (d) large logs >18” diameter. Pre-settlement evidences may be used to help guide group placement/size.

• Vary group size from 0.1 to 1 acre(s), with the following distribution:

(a) 30% 0.1-0.25 acre (b) 30% 0.25-0.5 acre (c) 40% 0.5-1.0 acre

• Within groups, thin to the average densities shown in Unit 07 Table 1, generally retaining desirable and acceptable trees (Table 2) from across the range of available size classes. Additional non-desirable trees may be left if needed to meet density targets. Strive for irregular spacing within groups and the retention of some trees with interlocking crowns.

• Leave ~10% of groups unthinned, focusing in areas with deep crowns and high vertical structural diversity.

• Distance between groups, measured dripline to dripline at the narrowest point, shall average 60-100 feet

(occasionally up to 120 feet). Interspaces may contain Gambel oak/juniper.

• Between groups, cut all ponderosa 6-18” dbh (except yellow pine). Retain up to one ponderosa >18” dbh per acre in between groups if it meets the criteria for a desirable or acceptable tree.

Unit 07 Table 1. Stocking guide for leave tree groups (ponderosa pine only)

Different Group Sizes1

Typical Intra-Group (within-group)

Densities1

VSS

DBH

Range

1/10 acre group

¼ acre group

½ acre group

¾ acre group acre group Basal Area

(ft2/acre) 3 5 - 11.9 15 38 76 114 152 60

4 12 - 17.9” 8 20 41 61 81 100 5 18 - 23.9” 4 10 21 31 42 100 6 24”+ 3 7 14 21 28 110

1 These are typical values required to achieve the desired stand-level stocking for the midpoint diameter. Variation between groups can occur and is highly desirable; however, ranges should center on these values. If trees are larger, then the midpoint diameter, less trees would be retained; if trees are smaller, then more trees would be retained.

Cutting Unit: 11 Acres: 29 Silvicultural Treatment: Free thinning w/ sanitation

• Improve structural diversity but maintain an even-aged condition.

• Maintain species diversity where it exists within the stand.

• Reduce the overall level of dwarf mistletoe infection.

• Broadcast burn to maintain low surface fuel loading, further promote a vigorous understory shrub/herb

• Retain all yellow pine, Gambel oak, aspen, and juniper, regardless of form, health, or vigor. This supersedes all other specifications.

• Retain ponderosa >18” dbh with existing cavities, dead tops and lightning scars as wildlife trees.

• Retain inaccessible trees and trees that cannot be cut without causing significant damage to residual trees

(bole damage to trees >6” dbh/drc or top breakage to trees >9” dbh/drc).

• Tree groups should be created across 50% of the stand area. Interspaces should be created across the remaining 50% of the stand area.

• Retain a variable BA that averages ~50 ft2/ac at the stand-level (nearly all ponderosa), including any deferrals.

Tree Groups / Interspaces (in surrounding matrix):

• Thin ponderosa >6” dbh (except yellow pine), leaving trees in irregularly shaped groups.

• Concentrate groups in areas with (a) an abundance of desirable and acceptable trees, (b) an abundance of trees >18” dbh, (c) a prevalence of deep crowns and high vertical structural diversity, and (d) large logs >18” diameter. Pre-settlement evidences may be used to help guide group placement/size.

• Vary group size from 0.1 to 1 acre(s), with the following distribution:

(a) 30% 0.1-0.25 acre (b) 30% 0.25-0.5 acre (c) 40% 0.5-1.0 acre

• Within groups, thin to the average densities shown in Unit 11 Table 1, generally retaining desirable and acceptable trees (Table 2) from across the range of available size classes. Additional non-desirable trees may be left if needed to meet density targets. Strive for irregular spacing within groups and the retention of some trees with interlocking crowns.

• Leave ~10% of groups unthinned, focusing in areas with deep crowns and high vertical structural diversity.

• Distance between groups, measured dripline to dripline, shall average 60-100 feet (occasionally up to 120 feet), with the distance between groups infected with mistletoe and groups not infected at the upper end of the range. Interspaces may contain Gambel oak/juniper.

• Between groups, cut all ponderosa 6-18” dbh (except yellow pine). Retain up to one ponderosa 18+” dbh per acre in between groups if it meets the criteria for a desirable or acceptable tree.

Unit 11 Table 1. Stocking guide for leave tree groups (ponderosa pine only)

Different Group Sizes1

Typical Intra-Group (within-group)

Densities1

VSS

DBH

Range

1/10 acre group

¼ acre group

½ acre group

¾ acre group acre group Basal Area

(ft2/acre) 3 5 - 11.9 15 38 76 114 152 60

4 12 - 17.9” 9 22 45 67 90 110 5 18 - 23.9” 5 11 23 34 46 110 6 24”+ 3 7 14 21 28 110

1 These are typical values required to achieve the desired stand-level stocking for the midpoint diameter. Variation between groups can occur and is highly desirable; however, ranges should center on these values. If trees are larger, then the midpoint diameter, less trees would be retained; if trees are smaller, then more trees would be retained.

Cutting Unit: 22 Acres: 178

• Improve structural diversity and move towards an uneven-aged condition.

• Maintain species diversity, including a healthy oak component where it exists, within the stand.

• Reduce the overall level of dwarf mistletoe infection.

• Broadcast burn to maintain low surface fuel loading, further promote a vigorous understory shrub/herb

• Retain all yellow pine, Gambel oak, and juniper, regardless of form, health, or vigor. This supersedes all other specifications.

• Retain ponderosa >18” dbh with existing cavities, dead tops and lightning scars as wildlife trees

• Retain inaccessible trees and trees that cannot be cut without causing significant damage to residual trees

(bole damage to trees >6” dbh/drc or top breakage to trees >9” dbh/drc).

• Tree groups should be created across 85% of the stand area. Interspaces and regeneration openings should be created across the remaining 15% of the stand area.

• Retain a variable BA that averages ~80 ft2/ac at the stand-level (~70 ft2/ac ponderosa and ~10 ft2/ac

Gambel oak/juniper), including any deferrals.

Special Considerations:

• Do not cut any trees and avoid operations within white painted deferrals.

Clearing around Gambel Oak:

• Cut most ponderosa >6” dbh (except yellow pine) within 30 feet (bole to bole) of Gambel oak >12” drc except where cutting would result in significant damage to oak.

Regeneration Openings (including VSS 1-2 groups):

• Create irregularly shaped regeneration openings across 5% of the unit.

• Openings shall be placed in areas containing no infected yellow pines that will be surrounded by little to no mistletoe infection after opening is created. Openings may contain Gambel oak/juniper. Priority for opening placement shall be as follows:

6. In areas with moderate to abundant (>10 TPA) desirable young ponderosa <6” dbh.

7. In areas overstocked with ponderosa from the most prevalent size classes (9-14” dbh).

8. In small pockets of mistletoe infection (<1 acre) where all visibly infected trees plus a 30-40 foot buffer (to capture latent infection) can be removed.

• Opening size shall generally range from 0.3 to 1.0 acre, but may be as large as 2 acres. The maximum width for openings is 200 feet.

• Cut all ponderosa >6” dbh (except yellow pine) within regeneration openings with the following exceptions:

1. Retain desirable young ponderosa 6-9” dbh.

2. In openings >1 acre not containing an abundance of desirable young ponderosa <9” dbh (>50 TPA), retain 3-5 reserve trees (largest, most desirable trees including yellow pine).

Tree Groups / Interspaces (in surrounding matrix):

• Thin ponderosa >6” dbh (except yellow pine), leaving trees in irregularly shaped groups.

• Concentrate groups in areas with (a) an abundance of desirable and acceptable trees, (b) an abundance of trees >18” dbh, (c) a prevalence of deep crowns and high vertical structural diversity, and (d) large logs >18” diameter. Pre-settlement evidences may be used to help guide group placement/size.

• Vary group size from 0.1 to 1 acre(s), with the following distribution:

(a) 30% 0.1-0.25 acre (b) 30% 0.25-0.5 acre (c) 40% 0.5-1.0 acre

• Within groups, thin to the average densities shown in Unit 22 Table 1, generally retaining desirable and acceptable trees (Table 2) from across the range of available size classes. Additional non-desirable trees may be left if needed to meet density targets. Strive for irregular spacing within groups and the retention of some trees with interlocking crowns.

• Leave ~10% of groups unthinned, focusing in areas with deep crowns and high vertical structural diversity.

• Distance between groups, measured dripline to dripline, shall average 25-40 feet (generally stick closer to

25 feet), with the distance between groups infected with mistletoe and groups not infected at the upper end of the range. Interspaces may contain Gambel oak/juniper.

Unit 22 Table 1. Stocking guide for leave tree groups (ponderosa pine only)

Different Group Sizes1

Typical Intra-Group (within-group)

Densities1

VSS

DBH

Range

1/10 acre group

¼ acre group

½ acre group

¾ acre group acre group Basal Area

(ft2/acre) 3 5 - 11.9 15 38 76 114 152 60

4 12 - 17.9” 7 16 33 49 65 80 5 18 - 23.9” 3 8 17 25 33 80 6 24”+ 2 6 11 17 23 90

1 These are typical values required to achieve the desired stand-level stocking for the midpoint diameter. Variation between groups can occur and is highly desirable; however, ranges should center on these values. If trees are larger, then the midpoint diameter, less trees would be retained; if trees are smaller, then more trees would be retained.

Cutting Unit: 23 Acres: 98

• Improve structural diversity and move towards an uneven-aged condition.

• Maintain species diversity, including a healthy oak component where it exists, within the stand.

• Reduce the overall level of dwarf mistletoe infection.

• Broadcast burn to maintain low surface fuel loading, further promote a vigorous understory shrub/herb

• Retain all yellow pine, Gambel oak, and juniper, regardless of form, health, or vigor. This supersedes all other specifications.

• Retain ponderosa >18” dbh with existing cavities, dead tops and lightning scars as wildlife trees

• Retain inaccessible trees and trees that cannot be cut without causing significant damage to residual trees

(bole damage to trees >6” dbh/drc or top breakage to trees >9” dbh/drc).

• Tree groups should be created across 50% of the stand area. Interspaces and regeneration openings should be created across the remaining 50% of the stand area.

• Retain a variable BA that averages ~50 ft2/ac at the stand-level (~45 ft2/ac ponderosa and ~5 ft2/ac Gambel oak/juniper), including any deferrals.

Special Considerations:

• Retain all desirable/acceptable bank stabilization trees >9” dbh along channel of protected streamcourse (Fig. 1).

• Minimize interspace widths and avoid placing regeneration openings within protected streamcourses.

Regeneration Openings (including VSS 1-2 groups):

• Create irregularly shaped regeneration openings across 10% of the unit.

• Openings shall be placed in areas containing no infected yellow pines that will be surrounded by little to no mistletoe infection after opening is created. Openings may contain Gambel oak/juniper. Priority for opening placement shall be as follows:

9. In areas with moderate to abundant (>10 TPA) desirable young ponderosa <6” dbh.

10. In areas overstocked with ponderosa from the most prevalent size classes (9-14” dbh).

11. In small pockets of mistletoe infection (<1 acre) where all visibly infected trees plus a 30-40 foot buffer (to capture latent infection) can be removed.

• Opening size shall generally range from 0.3 to 1.0 acre, but may be as large as 2 acres. The maximum width for openings is 200 feet.

• Cut all ponderosa >6” dbh (except yellow pine) within regeneration openings with the following exceptions:

1. Retain desirable young ponderosa 6-9” dbh.

2. In openings >1 acre not containing an abundance of desirable young ponderosa <9” dbh (>50 TPA), retain 3-5 reserve trees (largest, most desirable trees including yellow pine).

Tree Groups / Interspaces (in surrounding matrix):

• Thin ponderosa >6” dbh (except yellow pine), leaving trees in irregularly shaped groups.

• Concentrate groups in areas with (a) an abundance of desirable and acceptable trees, (b) an abundance of trees >18” dbh, (c) a prevalence of deep crowns and high vertical structural diversity, and (d) large logs >18” diameter. Pre-settlement evidences may be used to help guide group placement/size.

• Vary group size from 0.1 to 1 acre(s), with the following distribution:

(a) 30% 0.1-0.25 acre (b) 30% 0.25-0.5 acre (c) 40% 0.5-1.0 acre

• Within groups, thin to the average densities shown in Unit 23 Table 1, generally retaining desirable and acceptable trees (Table 2) from across the range of available size classes. Additional non-desirable trees may be left if needed to meet density targets. Strive for irregular spacing within groups and the retention of

• Leave ~10% of groups unthinned, focusing in areas with deep crowns and high vertical structural diversity.

• Distance between groups, measured dripline to dripline at the narrowest point, shall average 60-100 feet

(occasionally up to 120 feet), with the distance between groups infected with mistletoe and groups not infected at the upper end of the range. Interspaces may contain Gambel oak/juniper.

Between groups, cut all ponderosa 6-18” dbh (except yellow pine). Retain up to one ponderosa >18” dbh per acre

Unit 23 Table 1. Stocking guide for leave tree groups (ponderosa pine only)

Different Group Sizes1

Typical Intra-Group (within-group)

Densities1

VSS

DBH

Range

1/10 acre group

¼ acre group

½ acre group

¾ acre group acre group Basal Area

(ft2/acre) 3 5 - 11.9 15 38 76 114 152 60

4 12 - 17.9” 8 20 41 61 81 100 5 18 - 23.9” 4 10 21 31 42 100 6 24”+ 3 7 14 21 28 110

1 These are typical values required to achieve the desired stand-level stocking for the midpoint diameter. Variation between groups can occur and is highly desirable; however, ranges should center on these values. If trees are larger, then the midpoint diameter, less trees would be retained; if trees are smaller, then more trees would be retained.

Cutting Unit: 26 Acres: 127

• Improve structural diversity and move towards an uneven-aged condition.

• Maintain species diversity, including a healthy oak component where it exists, within the stand.

• Reduce the overall level of dwarf mistletoe infection.

• Broadcast burn to maintain low surface fuel loading, further promote a vigorous understory shrub/herb

• Retain all yellow pine, Gambel oak, and juniper, regardless of form, health, or vigor. This supersedes all other specifications.

• Retain ponderosa >18” dbh with existing cavities, dead tops and lightning scars as wildlife trees

• Retain inaccessible trees and trees that cannot be cut without causing significant damage to residual trees

(bole damage to trees >6” dbh/drc or top breakage to trees >9” dbh/drc).

• Tree groups should be created across 50% of the stand area. Interspaces and regeneration openings should be created across the remaining 50% of the stand area.

• Retain a variable BA that averages ~50 ft2/ac at the stand-level (~45 ft2/ac ponderosa and ~5 ft2/ac Gambel oak/juniper), including any deferrals.

Special Considerations:

• Retain all desirable/acceptable bank stabilization trees >9” dbh along channel of protected streamcourse (Fig. 1).

• Minimize interspace widths and avoid placing regeneration openings within protected streamcourses.

Regeneration Openings (including VSS 1-2 groups):

• Create irregularly shaped regeneration openings across 10% of the unit.

• Openings shall be placed in areas containing no infected yellow pines that will be surrounded by little to no mistletoe infection after opening is created. Openings may contain Gambel oak/juniper. Priority for opening placement shall be as follows:

12. In areas with moderate to abundant (>10 TPA) desirable young ponderosa <6” dbh.

13. In areas overstocked with ponderosa from the most prevalent size classes (9-14” dbh).

14. In small pockets of mistletoe infection (<1 acre) where all visibly infected trees plus a 30-40 foot buffer (to capture latent infection) can be removed.

• Opening size shall generally range from 0.3 to 1.0 acre, but may be as large as 2 acres. The maximum width for openings is 200 feet.

• Cut all ponderosa >6” dbh (except yellow pine) within regeneration openings with the following exceptions:

1. Retain desirable young ponderosa 6-9” dbh.

2. In openings >1 acre not containing an abundance of desirable young ponderosa <9” dbh (>50 TPA), retain 3-5 reserve trees (largest, most desirable trees including yellow pine).

Tree Groups / Interspaces (in surrounding matrix):

• Thin ponderosa >6” dbh (except yellow pine), leaving trees in irregularly shaped groups.

• Concentrate groups in areas with (a) an abundance of desirable and acceptable trees, (b) an abundance of trees >18” dbh, (c) a prevalence of deep crowns and high vertical structural diversity, and (d) large logs >18” diameter. Pre-settlement evidences may be used to help guide group placement/size.

• Vary group size from 0.1 to 1 acre(s), with the following distribution:

(a) 30% 0.1-0.25 acre (b) 30% 0.25-0.5 acre (c) 40% 0.5-1.0 acre

• Within groups, thin to the average densities shown in Unit 26 Table 1, generally retaining desirable and acceptable trees (Table 2) from across the range of available size classes. Additional non-desirable trees may be left if needed to meet density targets. Strive for irregular spacing within groups and the retention of some trees with interlocking crowns.

• Leave ~10% of groups unthinned, focusing in areas with deep crowns and high vertical structural diversity.

• Distance between groups, measured dripline to dripline at the narrowest point, shall average 60-100 feet

(occasionally up to 120 feet), with the distance between groups infected with mistletoe and groups not infected at the upper end of the range. Interspaces may contain Gambel oak/juniper.

Between groups, cut all ponderosa 6-18” dbh (except yellow pine). Retain up to one ponderosa >18” dbh per acre

Unit 26 Table 1. Stocking guide for leave tree groups (ponderosa pine only)

Different Group Sizes1

Typical Intra-Group (within-group)

Densities1

VSS

DBH

Range

1/10 acre group

¼ acre group

½ acre group

¾ acre group acre group Basal Area

(ft2/acre) 3 5 - 11.9 15 38 76 114 152 60

4 12 - 17.9” 7 18 37 55 73 90 5 18 - 23.9” 4 10 21 31 42 100 6 24”+ 3 7 14 21 28 110

1 These are typical values required to achieve the desired stand-level stocking for the midpoint diameter. Variation between groups can occur and is highly desirable; however, ranges should center on these values. If trees are larger, then the midpoint diameter, less trees would be retained; if trees are smaller, then more trees would be retained.

Cutting Unit: 34 Acres: 140

• Improve structural diversity and move towards an uneven-aged condition.

• Maintain species diversity, including a healthy oak component where it exists, within the stand.

• Reduce the overall level of dwarf mistletoe infection.

• Broadcast burn to maintain low surface fuel loading, further promote a vigorous understory shrub/herb

• Retain all yellow pine, Gambel oak, aspen, and juniper, regardless of form, health, or vigor. This supersedes all other specifications.

• Retain ponderosa >18” dbh with existing cavities, dead tops and lightning scars as wildlife trees.

• Retain inaccessible trees and trees that cannot be cut without causing significant damage to residual trees

(bole damage to trees >6” dbh/drc or top breakage to trees >9” dbh/drc).

• Tree groups should be created across 60% of the stand area. Interspaces and regeneration openings should be created across the remaining 40% of the stand area.

• Retain a variable BA that averages ~60 ft2/ac at the stand-level (nearly all ponderosa), including any deferrals.

Regeneration Openings (including VSS 1-2 groups):

• Create irregularly shaped regeneration openings across 10% of the unit.

• Openings shall be placed in areas containing no infected yellow pines that will be surrounded by little to no mistletoe infection after opening is created. Openings may contain Gambel oak/juniper. Priority for opening placement shall be as follows:

15. In areas with moderate to abundant (>10 TPA) desirable young ponderosa <6” dbh.

16. In areas overstocked with ponderosa from the most prevalent size classes (9-14” dbh).

17. In small pockets of mistletoe infection (<1 acre) where all visibly infected trees plus a 30-40 foot buffer (to capture latent infection) can be removed.

• Opening size shall generally range from 0.3 to 1.0 acre, but may be as large as 2 acres. The maximum width for openings is 200 feet.

• Cut all ponderosa >6” dbh (except yellow pine) within regeneration openings with the following exceptions:

1. Retain desirable young ponderosa 6-9” dbh.

2. In openings >1 acre not containing an abundance of desirable young ponderosa <9” dbh (>50 TPA), retain 3-5 reserve trees (largest, most desirable trees including yellow pine).

Tree Groups / Interspaces (in surrounding matrix):

• Thin ponderosa >6” dbh (except yellow pine), leaving trees in irregularly shaped groups.

• Concentrate groups in areas with (a) an abundance of desirable and acceptable trees, (b) an abundance of trees >18” dbh, (c) a prevalence of deep crowns and high vertical structural diversity, and (d) large logs >18” diameter. Pre-settlement evidences may be used to help guide group placement/size.

• Vary group size from 0.1 to 1 acre(s), with the following distribution:

(a) 20% 0.1-0.25 acre (b) 30% 0.25-0.5 acre (c) 50% 0.5-1.0 acre

• Within groups, thin to the average densities shown in Unit 34 Table 1, generally retaining desirable and acceptable trees (Table 2) from across the range of available size classes. Additional non-desirable trees may be left if needed to meet density targets. Strive for irregular spacing within groups and the retention of

• Leave ~10% of groups unthinned, focusing in areas with deep crowns and high vertical structural diversity.

• Distance between groups, measured dripline to dripline, shall average 60-100 feet (generally stick closer to 60 feet between most groups south of FR 530), with the distance between groups infected with mistletoe and groups not infected at the upper end of the range. Interspaces may contain Gambel oak/juniper.

Between groups, cut all ponderosa 6-18” dbh (except yellow pine). Retain up to one ponderosa >18” dbh per acre

Unit 34 Table 1. Stocking guide for leave tree groups (ponderosa pine only)

Different Group Sizes1

Typical Intra-Group (within-group)

Densities1

VSS

DBH

Range

1/10 acre group

¼ acre group

½ acre group

¾ acre group acre group Basal Area

(ft2/acre) 3 5 - 11.9 15 38 76 114 152 60

4 12 - 17.9” 8 20 41 61 81 100 5 18 - 23.9” 4 10 21 31 42 100 6 24”+ 3 7 14 21 28 110

1 These are typical values required to achieve the desired stand-level stocking for the midpoint diameter. Variation between groups can occur and is highly desirable; however, ranges should center on these values. If trees are larger, then the midpoint diameter, less trees would be retained; if trees are smaller, then more trees would be retained.

Cutting Unit: 35 Acres: 223 Silvicultural Treatment: Free thinning w/ sanitation

• Improve structural diversity but maintain an even-aged condition.

• Maintain species diversity, including a healthy oak component where it exists, within the stand.

• Reduce the overall level of dwarf mistletoe infection.

• Broadcast burn to maintain low surface fuel loading, further promote a vigorous understory shrub/herb

• Retain all yellow pine, Gambel oak, aspen, and juniper, regardless of form, health, or vigor. This supersedes all other specifications.

• Retain ponderosa >18” dbh with existing cavities, dead tops and lightning scars as wildlife trees.

• Retain inaccessible trees and trees that cannot be cut without causing significant damage to residual trees

(bole damage to trees >6” dbh/drc or top breakage to trees >9” dbh/drc).

• Tree groups should be created across 60% of the stand area. Interspaces should be created across the remaining 40% of the stand area.

• Retain a variable BA that averages ~60 ft2/ac at the stand-level (55 ft2/ac ponderosa and ~5 ft2/ac Gambel oak/juniper), including any deferrals.

Tree Groups / Interspaces (in surrounding matrix):

• Thin ponderosa >6” dbh (except yellow pine), leaving trees in irregularly shaped groups.

• Concentrate groups in areas with (a) an abundance of desirable and acceptable trees, (b) an abundance of trees >18” dbh, (c) a prevalence of deep crowns and high vertical structural diversity, and (d) large logs >18” diameter. Pre-settlement evidences may be used to help guide group placement/size.

• Vary group size from 0.1 to 1 acre(s), with the following distribution:

(a) 20% 0.1-0.25 acre (b) 30% 0.25-0.5 acre (c) 50% 0.5-1.0 acre

• Within groups, thin to the average densities shown in Unit 35 Table 1, generally retaining desirable and acceptable trees (Table 2) from across the range of available size classes. Additional non-desirable trees may be left if needed to meet density targets. Strive for irregular spacing within groups and the retention of some trees with interlocking crowns.

• Leave ~10% of groups unthinned, focusing in areas with deep crowns and high vertical structural diversity.

• Distance between groups, measured dripline to dripline, shall average 60-100 feet (generally stick closer to

60 feet between most groups), with the distance between groups infected with mistletoe and groups not infected at the upper end of the range. Interspaces may contain Gambel oak/juniper.

Between groups, cut all ponderosa 6-18” dbh (except yellow pine). Retain up to one ponderosa 18+” dbh per acre

Unit 35 Table 1. Stocking guide for leave tree groups (ponderosa pine only)

Different Group Sizes1

Typical Intra-Group (within-group)

Densities1

VSS

DBH

Range

1/10 acre group

¼ acre group

½ acre group

¾ acre group acre group Basal Area

(ft2/acre) 3 5 - 11.9 15 38 76 114 152 60

4 12 - 17.9” 8 20 41 61 81 100 5 18 - 23.9” 4 10 21 31 42 100 6 24”+ 3 7 14 21 28 110

1 These are typical values required to achieve the desired stand-level stocking for the midpoint diameter. Variation between groups can occur and is highly desirable; however, ranges should center on these values. If trees are larger, then the midpoint diameter, less trees would be retained; if trees are smaller, then more trees would be retained.

Table 2. Physical characteristics to consider when selecting trees to retain.

EVALUATION

CRITERIA DESIRABLE ACCEPTABLE NON-DESIRABLE

LIVE CROWN RATIO

>40% for ponderosa pine

>50% for other species

25-40% for ponderosa pine

35-50% for other species

< 25% for ponderosa pine

< 35% for other species

CROWN CLASS

Dominants and co-dominants

Co-dominants and better intermediates

Intermediate, suppressed or overtopped

FORM DEFECTS

NONE

MINOR (no significant weakening of the tree anticipated; minor crooks, sweeps, and tight forks which are < 50% of total tree height are acceptable if the tree is dominant or co-dominant and otherwise has good vigor).

MAJOR (weakening of tree or multiple tops, severe sweeps or crooks, forks in the lower 2/3 of tree)

HAWKSWORTH

DWARF

MISTLETOE

RATING (DMR)

Pines 6-9” dbh with a DMR rating of 2 or less

Pines 9+” dbh with a DMR rating of 3 or less

Pines <6” dbh with any sign of infection

Pines 6-9” dbh with a DMR rating >2

Pines 9+” dbh with a DMR rating from 4-6, unless classified as wildlife trees.

DAMAGING AGENTS

MECHANICAL,

ANIMAL, FIRE

Bark missing from <50 % of bole circumference for ponderosa pine or Douglas-fir.

Fire kill of cambium on <50 % of bole circumference or crown scorch on the lower 2/3 of the crown.

Bark missing from >50% of bole circumference for ponderosa pine or Douglas-fir. Any bark missing for other species.

Fire kill of cambium on >50 % of bole circumference or crown scorch in the upper 1/3 of the crown

VERTICAL

STRUCTURE

Trees that otherwise may be considered non-desirable but contribute significantly to vertical structure (i.e., contain several limb limbs below rest of residual canopy). Up to 10% of trees left may meet this criteria.

Figure 1. Examples of bank stabilization trees.

Group, Clump, Interspace Definitions

Clump: A tight cluster of two or more trees of similar age and size that have currently interlocking crowns (i.e., touching or <2 feet apart). Trees often lean away from each other when mature. A clump is relatively isolated from other clumps or individual trees within a tree group (i.e., 5-15 feet between crowns), but a stand-alone clump of trees can function as a tree group.

Group (functional): A cluster of two or more trees with the potential for interlocking or nearly interlocking crowns at maturity surrounded by an opening. Groups may be comprised of tree clumps, individual trees, and small canopy gaps. Size of tree groups is variable depending on forest type and site conditions, and can range from fractions of an acre (a two-tree group) to several acres. Trees within groups are typically nonuniformly spaced, some of which may be tightly clumped and some of which may be separated by up to 15 feet between tree crowns. Tree groups are distinguished from adjacent tree groups when the width between the outermost tree crowns exceeds 15 feet.

Group (operational): A polygon drawn around one or more functional groups for the purposes of the digital prescription guide (DPG)

Interspace: Area not currently under the vertical projection of the outermost perimeter of tree crowns (i.e., dripline) of a group, or large canopy gaps within a tree group where the width between adjacent tree crowns exceeds 15 feet (within-group interspace considered to be the area within a group that is greater than 7.5 feet from the dripline of any adjacent tree crown). Interspaces are generally composed of grass-forb-shrub communities (rather than tree regeneration), but could also be areas with scattered rock or exposed mineral soil. Interspaces do not include meadows, grasslands, rock outcroppings, and wetlands (that is, exclusions adjacent to and sometimes within forested landscapes).

’ 20

’ 15

100’

60’

15’

’ 25

Group (functional)

Group (operational)

Interspace (within-group)

7.5’ tree crown buffer (small canopy gap)

Note: Area outside of operational groups is all considered between-group

Figure 1. An example of interspace created around tree groups in diagram and orthophoto form. The left diagram demonstrates interspace that is acceptable. Unacceptable interspaces are determined by if crowns will interlock in the near future.