22. Attachment 10_LO Pocket DxP Cutting Guides.pdf

Section IV – Implementation Guide

Cutting Unit: CU05 Site(s): 0004 Acres: 128

Silvicultural Treatment:

Use free thinning to develop variable-sized and shaped tree groups and interspaces, and to reduce stand density.

Tree groups should be created across 80% of the stand area. Interspaces should be created across 20% of the stand area. The post treatment stand (all species) basal area will average 80 square feet/acre.

Implementation Instructions (in order of priority) DxP (Tablet) with Leave Tree Mark example (all ponderosa pine ≥ 6” dbh)

1) Retain All Yellow/Old Age Pine, Gambel oak and Juniper

2) Individual/Isolated Old Ponderosa Pine Reduce the crown competition and increase the growing space of old ponderosa pine as identified in the Old Tree Implementation Plan.

• Cut all intermediate or suppressed ponderosa pine <18” dbh (except yellow pine) within 50 feet of the base of yellow/old age pine that would eliminate direct crown competition on 2 of the 4 sides of the old tree.

3) Tree Groups and Interspaces Selected trees will be arranged in groups across approximately 80% of the stand area. Tree groups will vary in shape, size and density.

• Groups shall generally range from 0.1 to 1 acre in size. Vary the size, shape and density of tree groups.

• Leave Large trees (dominant and co-dominant trees) will be the basis for forming groups. Choose the best formed and healthy trees to leave. Retain desirable quality trees and sufficient acceptable quality trees (see Table 2) to meet group stocking targets (see CU05 Table 1). Attempt to remove non-desirable quality trees, unless they are necessary to meet group stocking targets or have interlocking crowns with oak.

Strive for irregular tree spacing, including some trees with interlocking crowns.

• Interspaces must be created between tree groups. The distance between tree groups is based on the distance between the dripline of adjacent groups. The dripline is the outermost branches of the group. Do not just look at the bole of leave trees to determine group spacing. The distance between driplines of tree groups should be variable and generally range between 25-40 feet with a maximum width of 100 feet.

• Single trees may be retained occasionally in forest interspaces, especially large trees or desirable quality trees of any size, as long as the grouped structure of the stand is not compromised. Do not leave single trees if they will become a ladder fuel to leave groups. Where single trees are retained, create wider interspaces between tree groups (40-100 feet).

CU05 Table 1: Stocking Guide for Leave Tree Groups

Typical Number of Trees Per Group at the Midpoint Diameter of the VSS Class1

Typical Intra-Group (within-group)

Densities1

VSS

Class

DBH

Range

(inches)

1/10 acre group

¼ acre group

½ acre group

¾ acre group acre group Basal Area2

(ft2/acre) 4 12 - 17.9 7 18 37 55 73 90 5 18 - 23.9 4 9 19 28 37 90 6 24 + 2 6 11 17 23 90

1 These are typical values for the desired condition; variation can occur and is desired. However, ranges should center on these values. If trees are larger than the midpoint diameter, less trees would be retained.

2 Densities are equivalent to 70-90 overall stand BA (with 20% interspace). Densities meet and exceed canopy cover requirements of 40% canopy cover in VSS 4, VSS 5 and VSS 6 classes.

SNAGS/DOWN LOGS: Retain and recruit snags to manage for an average of 2 snags/acre (> 18” DBH). Do not mark totally dead trees. Fading/dying trees greater than 18” DBH may be marked with a “W” as a wildlife tree.

Cutting Unit: CU09 Site(s): 0004 Acres: 76

Silvicultural Treatment:

Use free thinning to develop variable-sized and shaped tree groups and interspaces, and to reduce stand density.

This unit is to be managed to the high end of the range of variability. Tree groups should be created across 55-60% of the stand area. Interspaces should be created across 40-45% of the stand area. The post treatment stand (all species) basal area will average between 80 and 90 square feet/acre.

Implementation Instructions (in order of priority) Cut only Ponderosa Pine (ponderosa pine ≥ 6” dbh)

1) Retain All Yellow/Old Age Pine, Gambel oak and Juniper

2) Individual/Isolated Old Ponderosa Pine Reduce the crown competition and increase the growing space of old ponderosa pine as identified in the Old Tree Implementation Plan.

• Cut all intermediate or suppressed ponderosa pine <18” dbh (except yellow pine) within 50 feet of the base of yellow/old age pine that would eliminate direct crown competition on 2 of the 4 sides of the old tree.

Focus on managing the mid-aged, and mature/old leave trees in the stand. Selected trees will be arranged in “leave groups” across approximately 45-60% of the stand area. Tree groups will vary in shape, size, density, and number of trees (0.1 to 1 acre+) ≈ (2 – 40+ trees).

• Leave trees in groups made up of similar diameter and crown position. Leave trees should be the dominant and co-dominant trees within the size class group you are creating. Generally, groups should range from 1/10 to 3/4 acre, and occasionally greater than 1 acre in size. Each group will have a VSS classification because the trees in the group are similar in size. Vary the size and shape of leave groups.

• Choose the best formed and healthy trees to leave, from what you have to work with. Leave all desirable quality trees and sufficient acceptable quality trees to meet group stocking targets (see Table 2). Attempt to remove non-desirable quality trees, unless they will be retained for snag recruitment or used to build wildlife habitat clumps within a group. Retain most trees with squirrel nests and leave the nearest 3-8 trees with interlocking crowns surrounding the nest tree.

• Interspaces must be created between tree groups. The distance between leave groups is based on the distance between the dripline of adjacent groups. The dripline is the outermost branches of the group. Do not just look at the bole of leave trees to determine group spacing. As a general rule, distance between driplines of groups should be variable, and range between 60-80 feet. Occasionally, interspaces can be larger with a maximum width of 100 feet.

• Create interspaces to remove patches of trees with dwarf mistletoe.

• Single trees may be retained occasionally in forest interspaces, especially large trees, desirable quality trees of any size, or trees representing a deficit VSS class, as long as the grouped structure of the stand is not compromised. Do not leave single trees if they will become a ladder fuel to leave groups. Where single trees are retained, create wider interspaces between tree groups (80-100 feet).

• Remove all ponderosa pine except yellow pines 33’ feet around all large Gamble oak trees greater than 5”

DRC

Average leave BA of ponderosa pine within the stand should be about 80 to 90 sq/ft.

CU09 Table 1. Stocking guide for leave tree groups (ponderosa pine only) 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” 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.

SNAGS/DOWN LOGS: Retain and recruit snags to manage for an average of 2 snags/acre (> 18” DBH). Do not mark totally dead trees. Fading/dying trees greater than 18” DBH may be marked with a “W” as a wildlife tree.

Cutting Unit: CU10 Site(s): 0004, 0021; 0003, 0013 Acres: 295

Silvicultural Treatment:

Use group selection cutting to regenerate ponderosa pine throughout the stand. Create openings to establish regeneration across approximately 10% of the manageable stand area.

Use free thinning between regeneration groups to develop variable-sized and shaped tree groups and interspaces, and to reduce stand density. Tree groups should be created across 45% of the stand area.

Interspaces should be created across 45% of the stand area. The post treatment stand (all species) basal area will average 50 square feet/acre.

Implementation Instructions (in order of priority) DxP (Tablet) with Leave Tree Mark example (all ponderosa pine ≥ 6” dbh)

1) Retain All Yellow/Old Age Pine, all pine greater than 24” dbh, and all Gambel Oak

2) Individual/Isolated Old Ponderosa Pine Reduce the crown competition and increase the growing space of old ponderosa pine as identified in the Old Tree Implementation Plan.

• Cut all intermediate and suppressed ponderosa pine <18” dbh (except yellow pine) within 50 feet of the base of yellow/old age pine that would eliminate direct crown competition on 2 of the 4 sides of the old tree.

3) Regeneration Openings

• 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.

• Create irregularly shaped and sized regeneration openings. Openings shall generally range from 0.3 to 0.1 acre in size and will be no larger than 4 acres or 200 feet wide. In openings larger than 1 acre, retain one group of 3-5 reserve (seed) trees (focus on leaving the most vigorous/desirable trees). Variability in opening size is desirable.

4) Forest Matrix (Tree Groups and Interspaces) Selected trees will be arranged in groups across approximately 75% of the stand area. Tree groups will vary in shape, size and density.

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

• Large trees (dominant and co-dominant trees) will be the basis for forming groups. Choose the best formed and healthy trees to leave. Retain desirable quality trees and sufficient acceptable quality trees (see Table 2) to meet group stocking targets (see CU10 Table 1). Attempt to remove non-desirable quality trees, unless they are necessary to meet group stocking targets or have interlocking crowns with oak.

Strive for irregular tree spacing, including some trees with interlocking crowns.

• Vary group size from 10 to 15 acre(s), with the following distribution:

(a) 50% 10-12.5 acres (b) 50% 12.5-15 acres

• Within groups, thin to the average densities shown in CU10 Table 1, generally retaining desirable and acceptable trees (Table 2) from across the range of available size classes. Leave all trees greater than 18” dbh (this applies to only trees with the groups). 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.

• Remove all pine less than 18” dbh within 10 feet of the canopy of large Gambel oak with a drc of 10” or greater, unless removal of the pine will damage the oak

• Distance between groups, measured dripline to dripline at the narrowest point, shall average 80-120 feet (occasionally up to 200 feet), Interspaces may contain Gambel oak/juniper and trees greater than 24” dbh.

• Single trees may be retained occasionally in forest interspaces, especially large trees or desirable quality trees of any size, as long as the grouped structure of the stand is not compromised. Where single trees are retained, create wider interspaces between tree groups (100-200 feet).

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

CU10 Table 1: Stocking Guide for Leave Tree Groups

Diameter of the VSS Class1

Typical Intra-Group (within-group)

Densities1

VSS

Class

DBH

Range

(inches)

1/10 acre group

¼ acre group

½ acre group

¾ acre group acre group Basal Area2

(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 for the desired condition; variation can occur and is desired. However, ranges should center on these values. If trees are larger than the midpoint diameter, less trees would be retained.

2 Densities are equivalent to 50-70 overall stand BA (with 25% interspace and 10% regeneration openings). Densities meet and exceed canopy cover requirements of 40% canopy cover in VSS 4, VSS 5 and VSS 6 classes.

SNAGS/DOWN LOGS: Retain and recruit snags to manage for an average of 2 snags/acre (> 18” DBH). Do not mark totally dead trees. Fading/dying trees greater than 18” DBH may be marked with a “W” as a wildlife tree.

Cutting Unit: CU11 Site(s): 0006 Acres: 77

Silvicultural Treatment:

Use group selection cutting to regenerate ponderosa pine throughout the stand. Create openings to establish regeneration across approximately 10% of the manageable stand area.

Use free thinning between regeneration groups to develop variable-sized and shaped tree groups and interspaces, and to reduce stand density. Tree groups should be created across 55% of the stand area.

Interspaces should be created across 45% of the stand area. The post treatment stand basal area will average 60 square feet/acre.

Implementation Instructions (in order of priority) DxP (Tablet) with Leave Tree Mark example (all ponderosa pine ≥ 6” dbh)

1) Retain All Yellow/Old Age Pine, and all Gambel Oak

2) Individual/Isolated Old Ponderosa Pine Reduce the crown competition and increase the growing space of old ponderosa pine as identified in the Old Tree Implementation Plan.

• Cut all intermediate and suppressed ponderosa pine <18” dbh (except yellow pine) within 50 feet of the base of yellow/old age pine that would eliminate direct crown competition on 2 of the 4 sides of the old tree.

3) Regeneration Openings

• 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).

6. 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.

• Create irregularly shaped and sized regeneration openings. Openings shall generally range from 0.3 to 0.1 acre in size and will be no larger than 4 acres or 200 feet wide. In openings larger than 1 acre, retain one group of 3-5 reserve (seed) trees (focus on leaving the most vigorous/desirable trees). Variability in opening size is desirable.

4) Forest Matrix (Tree Groups and Interspaces) Selected trees will be arranged in groups across approximately 45% of the stand area. Tree groups will vary in shape, size and density.

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

• Large trees (dominant and co-dominant trees) will be the basis for forming groups. Choose the best formed and healthy trees to leave. Retain desirable quality trees and sufficient acceptable quality trees (see Table 2) to meet group stocking targets (see CU11 Table 1). Attempt to remove non-desirable quality trees, unless they are necessary to meet group stocking targets or have interlocking crowns with oak.

Strive for irregular tree spacing, including some trees with interlocking crowns.

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

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

• Within groups, thin to the average densities shown in CU11 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.

• 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.

• Single trees may be retained occasionally in forest interspaces, especially large trees or desirable quality trees of any size, as long as the grouped structure of the stand is not compromised. Where single trees are retained, create wider interspaces between tree groups (100-200 feet).

CU11 Table 1: Stocking Guide for Leave Tree Groups

Diameter of the VSS Class1

Typical Intra-Group (within-group)

Densities1

VSS

Class

DBH

Range

(inches)

1/10 acre group

¼ acre group

½ acre group

¾ acre group acre group Basal Area2

(ft2/acre) 3 5 - 11.9 15 38 76 114 152 50

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 for the desired condition; variation can occur and is desired. However, ranges should center on these values. If trees are larger than the midpoint diameter, less trees would be retained.

2 Densities are equivalent to 50-70 overall stand BA (with 45% interspace and 10% regeneration openings). Densities

SNAGS/DOWN LOGS: Retain and recruit snags to manage for an average of 2 snags/acre (> 18” DBH). Do not mark totally dead trees. Fading/dying trees greater than 18” DBH may be marked with a “W” as a wildlife tree.

Cutting Unit: CU17 Site(s): 0005, 0020 Acres: 24

Silvicultural Treatment:

Use group selection cutting to regenerate ponderosa pine throughout the stand. Create openings to establish regeneration across approximately 10% of the manageable stand area.

Use free thinning between regeneration groups to develop variable-sized and shaped tree groups and interspaces, and to reduce stand density. Tree groups should be created across 60% to 75% of the stand area.

Interspaces should be created across 25% to 40% of the stand area. The post treatment stand (all species) basal area will average 50 square feet/acre.

Implementation Instructions (in order of priority) DxP (Tablet) with Leave Tree Mark example (all ponderosa pine ≥ 6” dbh)

1) Retain All Yellow/Old Age Pine and All Gambel Oak

2) Individual/Isolated Old Ponderosa Pine Reduce the crown competition and increase the growing space of old ponderosa pine as identified in the Old Tree Implementation Plan.

• Cut all intermediate and suppressed ponderosa pine <18” dbh (except yellow pine) within 50 feet of the base of yellow/old age pine that would eliminate direct crown competition on 2 of the 4 sides of the old tree.

3) Regeneration Openings

• 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:

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

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

9. 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.

• Create irregularly shaped and sized regeneration openings. Openings shall generally range from 0.3 to 0.1 acre in size and will be no larger than 4 acres or 200 feet wide. In openings larger than 1 acre, retain one group of 3-5 reserve (seed) trees (focus on leaving the most vigorous/desirable trees). Variability in opening size is desirable.

4) Forest Matrix (Tree Groups and Interspaces) Selected trees will be arranged in groups across approximately 65% of the stand area. Tree groups will vary in shape, size and density.

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

• Large trees (dominant and co-dominant trees) will be the basis for forming groups. Choose the best formed and healthy trees to leave. Retain desirable quality trees and sufficient acceptable quality trees (see Table 2) to meet group stocking targets (see CU 17 Table 1). Attempt to remove non-desirable quality trees, unless they are necessary to meet group stocking targets or have interlocking crowns with oak.

Strive for irregular tree spacing, including some trees with interlocking crowns. Retain most trees where a squirrel nest is observed and leave the nearest 3-8 trees with interlocking crowns surrounding the nest tree.

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

• Within groups, thin to the average densities shown in CU17 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

• Distance between groups, measured dripline to dripline at the narrowest point, shall average 40-60 feet (occasionally up to 120 feet). Interspaces may contain Gambel oak/juniper.

• Single trees may be retained occasionally in forest interspaces, especially large trees or desirable quality trees of any size, as long as the grouped structure of the stand is not compromised. Where single trees are retained, create wider interspaces between tree groups (100-200 feet).

CU17 Table 1: Stocking Guide for Leave Tree Groups

Diameter of the VSS Class1

Typical Intra-Group (within-group)

Densities1

VSS

Class

DBH

Range

(inches)

1/10 acre group

¼ acre group

½ acre group

¾ acre group acre group Basal Area2

(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 6 13 19 25 100

1 These are typical values for the desired condition; variation can occur and is desired. However, ranges should center on these values. If trees are larger than the midpoint diameter, less trees would be retained.

2 Densities are equivalent to 50-70 overall stand BA (with 35% interspace and 10% regeneration openings). Densities

SNAGS/DOWN LOGS: Retain and recruit snags to manage for an average of 2 snags/acre (> 18” DBH). Do not mark totally dead trees. Fading/dying trees greater than 18” DBH may be marked with a “W” as a wildlife tree.

Cutting Unit: CU19 Site(s): 0001, 0004, 0009 Acres: 140

Silvicultural Treatment: Group Selection with Free Thinning (UEA 40) Use group selection cutting to regenerate ponderosa pine throughout the stand. Create openings to establish regeneration across approximately 10% of the manageable stand area.

Use free thinning between regeneration groups to develop variable-sized and shaped tree groups and interspaces, and to reduce stand density. Tree groups should be created across 45% of the stand area.

Interspaces should be created across 45% of the stand area. The post treatment stand (all species) basal area will average 60 square feet/acre.

Implementation Instructions (in order of priority) Designation by Prescription - tablet (all ponderosa pine ≥ 6” dbh)

1) Retain All Yellow/Old Age Pine and All Gambel Oak

2) Individual/Isolated Old Ponderosa Pine Reduce the crown competition and increase the growing space of old ponderosa pine as identified in the Old Tree Implementation Plan.

• Cut all intermediate and suppressed ponderosa pine <18” dbh (except yellow pine) within 50 feet of the base of yellow/old age pine that would eliminate direct crown competition on 2 of the 4 sides of the old tree.

3) Regeneration Openings

• 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:

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

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

12. 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.

• Create irregularly shaped and sized regeneration openings. Openings shall generally range from 0.3 to 0.1 acre in size and will be no larger than 4 acres or 200 feet wide. In openings larger than 1 acre, retain one group of 3-5 reserve (seed) trees (focus on leaving the most vigorous/desirable trees). Variability in opening size is desirable.

4) Forest Matrix (Tree Groups and Interspaces) Selected trees will be arranged in groups across approximately 45% of the stand area. Tree groups will vary in shape, size and density.

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

• Large trees (dominant and co-dominant trees) will be the basis for forming groups. Choose the best formed and healthy trees to leave. Retain desirable quality trees and sufficient acceptable quality trees (see Table 2) to meet group stocking targets (see CU19 Table 1). Attempt to remove non-desirable quality trees, unless they are necessary to meet group stocking targets or have interlocking crowns with oak.

Strive for irregular tree spacing, including some trees with interlocking crowns.

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

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

• Within groups, thin to the average densities shown in CU19 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

• 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.

• Single trees may be retained occasionally in forest interspaces, especially large trees or desirable quality trees of any size, as long as the grouped structure of the stand is not compromised. Where single trees are retained, create wider interspaces between tree groups (100-200 feet).

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

• When you see a tree in a group with a squirrels nest, leave the nest tree and the adjacent 4-6 trees with interlocking crown regardless of tree condition and form.

CU19 Table 1: Stocking Guide for Leave Tree Groups

Diameter of the VSS Class1

Typical Intra-Group (within-group)

Densities1

VSS

Class

DBH

Range

(inches)

1/10 acre group

¼ acre group

½ acre group

¾ acre group acre group Basal Area2

(ft2/acre) 3 5 - 11.9 15 38 76 114 152 50

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 for the desired condition; variation can occur and is desired. However, ranges should center on these values. If trees are larger than the midpoint diameter, less trees would be retained.

2 Densities are equivalent to 50-70 overall stand BA (with 45% interspace and 10% regeneration openings). Densities

SNAGS/DOWN LOGS: Retain and recruit snags to manage for an average of 2 snags/acre (> 18” DBH). Do not mark totally dead trees. Fading/dying trees greater than 18” DBH may be marked with a “W” as a wildlife tree.

Cutting Unit(s): CU22 & 23 Site(s): 0003, 0008 Acres: 48 & 16

Silvicultural Treatment:

Use free thinning to develop variable-sized and shaped tree groups and interspaces, and to reduce stand density.

Tree groups should be created across 45-60% of the stand area. Interspaces should be created across 40-55% of the stand area. The post treatment stand (all species) basal area will average between 50 and 60 square feet/acre.

Implementation Instructions (in order of priority) Cut only Ponderosa Pine (ponderosa pine ≥ 6” dbh)

1) Retain All Yellow/Old Age Pine, Gambel oak and Juniper

2) Individual/Isolated Old Ponderosa Pine Reduce the crown competition and increase the growing space of old ponderosa pine as identified in the Old Tree Implementation Plan.

• Cut all intermediate or suppressed ponderosa pine <18” dbh (except yellow pine) within 50 feet of the base of yellow/old age pine that would eliminate direct crown competition on 2 of the 4 sides of the old tree.

Focus on managing the mid-aged, and mature/old leave trees in the stand. Selected trees will be arranged in “leave groups” across approximately 45-60% of the stand area. Tree groups will vary in shape, size, density, and number of trees (0.1 to 1 acre+) ≈ (2 – 40+ trees).

• Leave trees in groups made up of similar diameter and crown position. Leave trees should be the dominant and co-dominant trees within the size class group you are creating. Generally, groups should range from 1/10 to 3/4 acre, and occasionally greater than 1 acre in size. Each group will have a VSS classification because the trees in the group are similar in size. Vary the size and shape of leave groups.

• Choose the best formed and healthy trees to leave, from what you have to work with. Leave all desirable quality trees and sufficient acceptable quality trees to meet group stocking targets (see Table 2). Attempt to remove non-desirable quality trees, unless they will be retained for snag recruitment or used to build wildlife habitat clumps within a group. Retain most trees with squirrel nests and leave the nearest 3-8 trees with interlocking crowns surrounding the nest tree.

• Interspaces must be created between tree groups. The distance between leave groups is based on the distance between the dripline of adjacent groups. The dripline is the outermost branches of the group. Do not just look at the bole of leave trees to determine group spacing. As a general rule, distance between driplines of groups should be variable, and range between 60-100 feet. Occasionally, interspaces can be larger with a maximum width of 200 feet.

• Create interspaces to remove patches of trees with dwarf mistletoe.

• Single trees may be retained occasionally in forest interspaces, especially large trees, desirable quality trees of any size, or trees representing a deficit VSS class, as long as the grouped structure of the stand is not compromised. Do not leave single trees if they will become a ladder fuel to leave groups. Where single trees are retained, create wider interspaces between tree groups (80-200 feet).

• Remove all ponderosa pine except yellow pines 33’ feet around all large Gamble oak trees greater than 5”

DRC

Average leave BA of ponderosa pine within the stand should be about 50 to 60 sq/ft.

CU22/23 Table 1. Stocking guide for leave tree groups (ponderosa pine only) 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” 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.

SNAGS/DOWN LOGS: Retain and recruit snags to manage for an average of 2 snags/acre (> 18” DBH). Do not mark totally dead trees. Fading/dying trees greater than 18” DBH may be marked with a “W” as a wildlife tree.

Cutting Unit: CU25 Site(s): 0001 Acres: 78

Silvicultural Treatment:

Use free thinning to develop variable-sized and shaped tree groups and interspaces, and to reduce stand density.

Tree groups should be created across 75-90% of the stand area. Interspaces should be created across 10-25% of the stand area. The post treatment stand (all species) basal area will average around 80 square feet/acre (with about 30 square ft. of Ponderosa Pine).

Implementation Instructions (in order of priority) Cut only Ponderosa Pine (ponderosa pine ≥ 6” dbh)

1) Retain All Yellow/Old Age Pine, Gambel oak and Juniper

2) Individual/Isolated Old Ponderosa Pine Reduce the crown competition and increase the growing space of old ponderosa pine as identified in the Old Tree Implementation Plan.

• Cut all intermediate or suppressed ponderosa pine <18” dbh (except yellow pine) within 50 feet of the base of yellow/old age pine that would eliminate direct crown competition on 2 of the 4 sides of the old tree.

Focus on managing the mid-aged, and mature/old leave trees in the stand. Selected trees will be arranged in “leave groups” across approximately 75-90% of the stand area. Tree groups will vary in shape, size, density, and number of trees (0.1 to 1 acre+) ≈ (2 – 40+ trees).

• Leave trees in groups made up of similar diameter and crown position. Leave trees should be the dominant and co-dominant trees within the size class group you are creating. Generally, groups should range from 1/10 to 3/4 acre, and occasionally greater than 1 acre in size. Each group will have a VSS classification because the trees in the group are similar in size. Vary the size and shape of leave groups.

• Choose the best formed and healthy trees to leave, from what you have to work with. Leave all desirable quality trees and sufficient acceptable quality trees to meet group stocking targets (see Table 2). Where feasible leave clumps of trees within the groups with interlocking crowns. Attempt to remove non-desirable quality trees, unless they will be retained for snag recruitment or used to build wildlife habitat clumps within a group. Retain most trees where a squirrel nest is observed and leave the nearest 3-8 trees with interlocking crowns surrounding the nest tree.

• Remove most ponderosa pine <18” dbh within 33’ feet around all large Gamble oak trees greater than 10” DRC and large Alligator Juniper greater than 24” DRC

• Interspaces must be created between tree groups. The distance between leave groups is based on the distance between the dripline of adjacent groups. The dripline is the outermost branches of the group. Do not just look at the bole of leave trees to determine group spacing. As a general rule, distance between driplines of groups should be variable, and range between 40-60 feet.

• Create interspaces to remove patches of trees with dwarf mistletoe.

• Single trees may be retained occasionally in forest interspaces, especially large trees, desirable quality trees of any size, or trees representing a deficit VSS class, as long as the grouped structure of the stand is not compromised. Where single trees are retained, create wider interspaces between tree groups (60-120 feet).

Average leave BA of ponderosa pine within the stand should be about 30 sq/ft. Depending on density of surrounding oak and juniper. Overall stand Basal area is expected to be about 80 sq/ft.

CU25 Table 1. Stocking Guide for Leave Tree Groups

Diameter of the VSS Class1

Typical Intra-Group (within-group)

Densities1

VSS

Class

DBH

Range

(inches)

1/10 acre group

¼ acre group

½ acre group

¾ acre group acre group

Average Tree

Spacing2 (feet)

Basal Area3

(ft2/acre) 1 & 2 0 - 4.9 19 48 96 144 193 20 N/A

3 5 - 11.9 14 34 68 102 136 N/A 50

4 12 - 17.9 5 12 23 35 46 N/A 60 5 18 - 23.9 3 8 15 23 30 N/A 70 6 24 + 2 5 11 16 21 N/A 90

1 These are typical values for the desired condition; variation can occur and is desired. However, ranges should center on these values. If trees are larger than the midpoint diameter, less trees would be retained. Densities meet canopy cover requirements of 40% canopy cover in VSS 4, VSS 5 and VSS 6 classes.

2 Variation in tree spacing is desired. Leave the most desirable trees and fall trees which are suppressed, damaged, whipped, infested with insects and/or infected with disease.

3 Rounded to the nearest 10 ft2/acre

SNAGS/DOWN LOGS: Retain and recruit snags to manage for an average of 2 snags/acre (> 18” DBH). Do not mark totally dead trees. Fading/dying trees greater than 18” DBH may be marked with a “W” as a wildlife tree.

Cutting Unit: CU28 Site(s): 0006, 0007 Acres: 140

Silvicultural Treatment:

Use group selection cutting to regenerate ponderosa pine throughout the stand. Create openings to establish regeneration across approximately 10% of the manageable stand area.

Use free thinning between regeneration groups to develop variable-sized and shaped tree groups and interspaces, and to reduce stand density. Tree groups should be created across 55% of the stand area in the north half, and 75% in the south half. Interspaces should be created across 45% of the north half and 25% in the south half of the stand area. The post treatment stand basal area will average approximately 55 square feet/acre of ponderosa pine (the existing oak and juniper BA will bump up stand averages to approximately 70+% BA).

Implementation Instructions (in order of priority) DxP (Tablet) with Leave Tree Mark example (all ponderosa pine ≥ 6” dbh)

1) Retain All Yellow/Old Age Pine, and all Gambel Oak

2) Individual/Isolated Old Ponderosa Pine Reduce the crown competition and increase the growing space of old ponderosa pine as identified in the Old Tree Implementation Plan.

• Cut all intermediate and suppressed ponderosa pine <18” dbh (except yellow pine) within 50 feet of the base of yellow/old age pine that would eliminate direct crown competition on 2 of the 4 sides of the old tree.

3) Regeneration Openings

• 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:

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

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

15. 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.

• Create irregularly shaped and sized regeneration openings. Openings shall generally range from 0.3 to 0.1 acre in size and will be no larger than 4 acres or 200 feet wide. In openings larger than 1 acre, retain one group of 3-5 reserve (seed) trees (focus on leaving the most vigorous/desirable trees). Variability in opening size is desirable.

4) Forest Matrix (Tree Groups and Interspaces) Selected trees will be arranged in groups across approximately 50% of the stand area, North Half; and approximately 75% of stand area, South half. Tree groups will vary in shape, size and density.

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

• Large trees (dominant and co-dominant trees) will be the basis for forming groups. Choose the best formed and healthy trees to leave. Retain desirable quality trees and sufficient acceptable quality trees (see Table 2) to meet group stocking targets (see CU28 Table 1). Attempt to remove non-desirable quality trees, unless they are necessary to meet group stocking targets or have interlocking crowns with oak.

Strive for irregular tree spacing, including some trees with interlocking crowns.

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

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

• Within groups, thin to the average densities shown in CU28 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

• Distance between groups, measured dripline to dripline at the narrowest point, shall average 60-100 feet (North half); and 40-60 feet (South half). Interspaces may contain Gambel oak/juniper.

• Single trees may be retained occasionally in forest interspaces, especially large trees or desirable quality trees of any size, as long as the grouped structure of the stand is not compromised. Where single trees are retained, create wider interspaces between tree groups (100-200 feet).

CU28 Table 1: Stocking Guide for Leave Tree Groups

Diameter of the VSS Class1

Typical Intra-Group (within-group)

Densities1

VSS

Class

DBH

Range

(inches)

1/10 acre group

¼ acre group

½ acre group

¾ acre group acre group Basal Area2

(ft2/acre) 3 5 - 11.9 15 38 76 114 152 50

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 for the desired condition; variation can occur and is desired. However, ranges should center on these values. If trees are larger than the midpoint diameter, less trees would be retained.

2 Densities are equivalent to 50-70 overall stand BA (with 45% interspace and 10% regeneration openings). Densities

SNAGS/DOWN LOGS: Retain and recruit snags to manage for an average of 2 snags/acre (> 18” DBH). Do not mark totally dead trees. Fading/dying trees greater than 18” DBH may be marked with a “W” as a wildlife tree.

Table 2: Tree Quality Standards Guidelines for Choosing Leave Trees Within Groups (does not apply to trees left for wildlife habitat purposes such as future snag recruitment or nesting clumps)

EVALUATION

CRITERIA

DESIRABLE

(usually leave)

ACCEPTABLE

(maybe leave, maybe cut)

NON- DESIRABLE

(usually cut)

LIVE CROWN RATIO >40% for ponderosa pine

25-40% for ponderosa pine

<25% for ponderosa pine

CROWN CLASS dominants and co-dominants co-dominates better intermediates intermediates and suppressed/over-topped, poor form

INSECTS, ANIMAL,

FIRE, MISC.

DISEASE

(see next row for mistletoe)

NONE Minor insect or animal defoliation (< 25% live crown ratio).

Barking of ponderosa pine < 50% of bole circumference.

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

Any successful bark beetle attacks.

Defoliation >25% of live crown.

Barking of ponderosa pine >50% of bole circumference.

Any significant top killing. Fire kill of cambium >50 % of bole circumference, or the scorch reaches into the upper 1/3 of the crown. Any conks on stem which indicate rot.

HAWKSWORTH

DWARF MISTLETOE

RATING (DMR)

NONE None Any

FORM DEFECTS NONE MINOR (no significant weakening of the tree anticipated. Minor crooks, sweeps, and tight forks which are <30% 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)

SOUNDNESS

DEFECTS

NONE NONE ANY

WILDLIFE TREES Retain all snags greater than 18” DBH. Retain trees greater than 18” with dead tops or fading crowns for wildlife tree recruitment (2 trees/acre)

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.