6. Alamitos_ Attachment 2_Snag Log Decay Classes_12363N26Q4203.pdf

This is a technical specification attachment for the Alamitos Stewardship Salvage Contract with the Carson National Forest, Camino Real Ranger District. The document provides detailed classification standards for identifying and handling snag logs (dead standing trees) and downed woody material based on decay condition.

The attachment establishes five snag decay classes (1-5) with specific criteria for bark condition, heartwood decay, sapwood decay, limbs, top breakage, bole form, and time since death. Class 1 represents recently dead trees with intact bark and minimal decay (less than 5 years since death), while Class 5 represents advanced decay with 75% or more missing bark and mostly lost form (greater than 5 years since death). Similarly, five log decay classes are defined based on bark presence, twig presence, texture, shape, wood color, and portion of log on ground. The document specifies that Class 1 logs remain intact with original coloring and minimal ground contact, while Class 5 logs are soft and powdery with faded coloring, mostly below ground. Contractor instructions clearly delineate operational requirements: Class 1 snags and recently dead trees must remain in the unit and not be harvested; Class 2-5 snags and logs in early to intermediate decay stages shall be cut and transported to landings for processing; and highly decomposed material in advanced decay stages shall remain on-site. Visual reference photographs and illustrations of each decay class are provided to ensure consistent field identification and compliance with salvage specifications.