Cruise_Plan_Sugar_Hill_Timber_Project_Oconee_Ranger_District.pdf

Sugar Hill Timber Sale Cruise Design, Technical Specs and Implementation Plan

CRUISE DESIGN

AND

IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

Sugar Hill Timber Project (RCW Habitat Improvement Project)

USDA FOREST SERVICE

CHATTAHOOCHE-OCONEE NATIONAL FOREST

OCONEE RANGER DISTRICT

Prepared by: T. Walker Date: February 29 2016

Introduction:

The Sugar Hill Stewardship Project Agreement (SPA) is in partnership with the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF). The SPA is located in Jasper Couunty, GA, west of the Hillboro community and north of the Piedmint National Wildlife Refuge boundary in compartment 119 of the Oconee Ranger District. The timber removal project is part of the Oconee Forest Health and Wildlife Habitat Improvement Project (OFHWHIP - 2004)

- Hitchcock Branch Proposal

The SPA is a goods for sevices project containing 595+/- acres of thinning, and service work projects to enhance Red-Cockaded Woodpecker (RCW) habitat in conjunction with many additional terrestrial wildlife species.

The total project area encompasses approximately 1,200 +/- acres.

All Units ( 1 thru 8) will be cut tree marked (CTM) with sample tree cruising (STR).

All layout, boundary marking and mapping activities has been completed by the Forest Service.

Access to the units is generally good, accessed by maintained Forest Service system roads, County or State roads and temporary roads (not necessarily accessible by vehicular traffic). Terrain ranges from relatively flat to rolling hills with frequent drainage systems.

All Unit boundaries are painted with orange paint (three stripes and a stump shot at ground level on perimeter trees).

Task 1: Timber marking and/or cruising.

A detailed description of work is provided in the following sections. The following table provides some general information about each stand in the Sugar Hill Timber Sale project:

Compartment/ Stand

Stand Acres Objective Rx # Units to

Cruise/Mark Cruise

MethodA

Timber Designation

MethodB

119/04, 08 88 RCW Habitat Imprvmt Thin x STR CTM 119/07, 11, 12 81 RCW Habitat Imprvmt Thin x STR CTM 119/01,06 128 RCW Habitat Imprvmt Thin x STR CTM 119/24 51 RCW Habitat Imprvmt Thin x STR CTM 119/03, 05 37 RCW Habitat Imprvmt Thin x STR CTM 119/09, 13, 19, 21, 22 102 RCW Habitat Imprvmt Thin x STR CTM 119/26, 27, 58 61 RCW Habitat Imprvmt Thin x STR CTM 119/02, 15-17 47 RCW Habitat Imprvmt Thin x STR CTM

TOTAL 595

ASTR = 100 percent tally with sample trees.

Task 1: Timber Marking/Cruising Guidelines

(a)Timber Designations

CTM with STR cruising – All cutting units

Cut Tree Marking (CTM) using the Sample Tree cruise method is planned in 8 cutting units. Trees designated for cutting (cut trees) will be marked with paint at 2 locations – at approximate eye level and below stump height, starting at ground level. The eye level mark (face mark) shall be applied across the entrie bole face, in the direction of anticipated equipment approach (usually in the direction of the closest temporary road).

Stump marks shall be applied on the downhill side of tree, with sawtimber trees receiving two marks and pulpwood trees receiving one mark. Stump marks shall be applied vertical in nature as to contact the soil surface and should extend 3-5 inches up the stump at a minimum; paint should be directed into bark crevices.

Cut trees will be 100% tallied by sample group with sample tree measurements. Detailed cruising instructions are provided in the Cruise and Sampling Methods section below.

The residual stand target density is 60 BA within all cutting units; a residual stand average of 55 – 65 will be accepted.

(b)Cutting Unit Data

Cutting Unit

Compt 119/ Stand

Cutting Unit

Acres

Cruising Method

Designation Method

Unit Paint

Color

01 04, 08 88 STR CTM YELLOW

02 07, 11, 12 81 STR CTM YELLOW

03 01,06 128 STR CTM YELLOW

04 24 51 STR CTM BLUE

05 03, 05 37 STR CTM YELLOW

06 09, 13, 19, 21, 22 102 STR CTM GREEN

07 26, 27, 58 61 STR CTM YELLOW

08 02, 15-17 47 STR CTM BLUE

(c)Cruise Design

It is estimated that the appraisal cut tree value will exceed $120,000. The sampling intensity has been designed to meet a combined sampling error for the sale-as-a-whole of ± 10 percent. The sample design listed below is designed to meet a combined sampling error of 7 – 10 %.

Sample Design:

Strata Sample Group Species Sample

Interval

(Hot Key 1)

(Hot Key 2)

(Hot Key 3)

PS (pine sawtimber 9.0” - 22.9”) 110, 131 150

LP (pine sawtimber 23.0”+)

110, 131

HS (Hardwood sawtimber 12.0”+) 316,544,611,621,647,652,694,832 25

LG (Low Grade sawtimber 12.0”+)

400,531,806,835,970

OK (Oak sawtimber 12.0” +) 802, 812, 820, 827, 830, 833, 834

ZP (pine pulpwood 5”- 8.9”)–

ZH (hardwood pulpwood 5”- 11.9”)

(d)Cruise and Sampling Methods

1. STR cruising with cut tree marking (CTM) – 595 acres:

Residual species selection order:

Hard mass producing hardwood species are the first preference residual component within all cutting units.

Selection description and order of preference:

All species: 12 inches DBH minimum; the best formed and most dominant.

1). White Oak, 2) Post Oak, 3) all red oaks and 4) all hickory.

Hard mass pulpwood species are not first preference residual component.

Southern Yellow Pine are the second preference residual component within all cutting units.

Selection description and order of preference:

All species: 5.0 inches DBH or greater; the best formed and most dominant.

1). Shortleaf Pine and 2) Loblolly Pine.

Other species shall remain as a residual component in the absence of the above species.

Dogwood or other fruit bearing species shall remain as a residual component, not included in the target BA

Merchantability Specifications for STR with cut tree marking units:

Product Min DBH (inches)

Min Tree Length (feet)

Sawtimber Height (feet)

Upper Reference

Height (DOB) (feet)

Seen Defect

Yellow Pine Sawtimber

9.0

Height to significant defect or unacceptable whorl with no “clear” 8 ft or greater section beyond

To 7 inch Dob

Percent of volume which cannot be utilized as a sawtimber product due to defect

Hardwood Sawtimber

12.0

Height to significant defect with no “clear” 8 ft or greater section beyond

To 9 inch Dob

Percent of volume which cannot be utilized as a sawtimber product due to defect

Pine Pulpwood 5.0 10 N/A Total Height N/A Hardwood Pulpwood

5.0 10 N/A Total Height N/A

• Whorl = three or more limbs, limb stubs, or knots located within a one foot section along the main stem.

• Unacceptable Whorl = one in which the sum of the diameters of the limbs, limb stubs, or knots are equal to or greater than the diameter of the main stem at the location of the whorl.

• Significant defect = a canker, crook, sweep, swell, unacceptable whorl, fork, etc.

Sample Tree Implementation

All crew members shall be certified Region 8 cruisers. A crew shall consist of the minimum of 1 tally person and 1 (or more) cruiser(s), and use the following guidelines:

1. Select logical starting point along unit boundary;

2. Cruiser(s) will begin designating cut trees following marking prescription and calling them out by sample group (i.e. PS, LP, 0K, HS, ZP, or ZH). Tally person must “echo” information back to ensure the correct information is tallied. If tally person cannot hear the called out information, the cruiser must re-call out the information and then move closer to the tally person.

Tally person will tally trees as they are called, by sample group, until the FS Cruiser Program installed on the PDR (personal data recorder) prompts tally person to enter a sample. At this time, tally person will tell the cruiser who called out the tree to “sample that tree”. National Cruise Manager allows trees to continue to be tallied while waiting for sample tree data to be entered.

Cruiser will measure sample tree and call out measurements to tally person and wait for “echo” back confirming the correct information was recorded.

3. Sample trees are to be identified with high visibility ribbon placed around the bole of the sample trees at about eye level.

4. On the “tail” of the ribbon, the following information is required: tree#, species code, dbh, sawtimber height (if a sawtimber tree), upper stem height (479 height), defect (sawtimber trees only), date, and cruiser’s initials. For example: #3, 131, 10.2, 35, 35, 0, 3/20/09, DS. This indicates the sample tree was: tree #3, loblolly pine, 10.2” dbh, 35’ sawtimber height, 35’ upper stem height (479 ht), zero percent defect, dated 3/20/09 by certified cruiser with the initials DS.

Note: No sample tree cruising/cut tree marking within Special Areas: white painted boundary - 3 slashes and a stump mark facing away from protected site.

(e)Cruise Data Entry

National Cruise Manager Program will be used for cruise data entry and can be found at:

http://fsweb.r8.fs.fed.us/r8cruise/index.html.

The Cruise data file shall be set up to save to a external memory card. A cruise file to load on the PDR device will be provided. The file will have the sample intervals specified by sample group built into set-up of the cruise data file for all strata.

Make daily back-ups of cruise data to a PC with an organized file structure to minimize risk of data loss and for reference in cases of file corruption. There should also be at minimum a bi-weekly transfer of data to the COR for review, back-up and use for check cruise purposes.

Inspection and Acceptance:

Check cruiser: The responsible qualified advanced cruiser is Patrick McElreath -delegated Oconee District Check Cruiser.

Check Cruise

Timber marking/cruising shall meet established marking and cruising standards.

The marking and cruising shall be check cruised to determine acceptable work. The Check Cruiser will document checks on R8-FS-2400-61 and R8-FS-2400-62. Form R8- FS-2400-63 will be used to evaluate overall satisfactory plot layout and marking.

Sample tree monumentation:

Each tree sampled for volume determination shall have high visibility flagging tied around the tree at eye-level. The cruiser shall write the information on the “tail” of the ribbon as listed in the table below. The tally person shall assure that the recorded documentation matches the painted number and cruiser initials.

Product Tree

Number Species DBH 1Ht 1 2Ht 479 Defect Marker Initials

Pine Sawtimber X X X X 7 X X Hardwood Sawtimber X X X X 9 X X Pine Pulpwood (& Nonsaw)

X X X Total Height X

Hardwood Pulpwood X X X Total Height X 1 Ht 1 is the sawtimber merchantability limit 2 These are the product reference heights for pine sawtimber (7 inches); hardwood sawtimber (9 inches); and for Pine and Hardwood pulpwood (total height).

Tracer Paint Accountability:

The security of tracer paint is of the utmost importance. It is one of the most important elements in use by the Forest Service to deter unauthorized cutting of federal timber.

The Forest Service, Chattahoochee National Forest has designated a Paint Property Custodian (Patrick McElreath) in accordance with direction in FSH 2409.12.

The Property Custodian is ultimately responsible for tracking all tracer paint, from the time it is ordered until proper disposal of the empty cans. An accounting system is in place to document the use and location of all full and empty tracer paint cans acquired by the district.

The Property Custodian will ensure that all Forest Service employees involved in tree marking tracer paint exchange is trained in the procedures and importance of accountability. The Forest Service will insure that the sale preparation crew understands and is able to properly follow tracer paint accountability procedures and is aware of the importance of keeping paint secure.

Once a paint transaction has been checked for completeness and proper exchange, it shall be added to the inventory forms and secured in the crew’s approved paint storage containers.

Paint Storage

Forest Service marking paint with tracer agent will be provided for this project.

The Paint Custodian or custodian’s designee will pick up timber marking paint from the District paint storage facility. Timber marking paint shall be available for pickup at the district storage facility at 6:00 AM and shall be returned to the district storage facility no later than 5:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Timber marking paint will only be issued to the designated contractor paint custodian (CPC).

The CPC shall have the ability to secure the paint at all times while the paint is out of the Forest Service tracer paint storage facility.

Paint storage containers will be inspected and approved for compliance with security measures prior to paint being issued to the CPC. Storage containers shall be constructed of strong materials, with locking mechanisms that cannot be easily compromised.

Containers must be anchored and have secured doors or lids with hinges to the inside or welded to prevent theft of the paint or the container.

Tracer paint containers will be locked at all times while not under direct surveillance of the contractor or his employees.

Tracer Paint Security While In the Field

Security of tracer paint is most vulnerable from the time it is checked out for field use, until it is returned and accounted for. It is extremely important during this time for the paint to be properly transported, stored, and used in the field.

All unused tracer paint shall be stored in secure, locked containers at all times.

Returning Unused Paint and Empty Cans to the Forest Service Paint Custodian

The CPC will return all unused paint and empty cans to the Forest Service Paint Custodian (FSPC) at the Forest Service secured paint storage facility on a daily basis.

All unused paint and empty cans will be returned to the FSPC at the Forest Service storage facility and accounted for by inventory methods. The CPC shall provide the FSPC with the required documentation, recorded on the “Tree Marking Contractor’s Daily Paint Accountability Log”, prior to the COR approving any final Payment Invoice.

All individuals checking out tracer paint have the ability to secure the paint at all times while the paint is out of the Forest Service tracer paint storage facility. Tracer paint will not be issued to anyone who does not have the capability to secure the paint in the field.

Tree marking paint will be stored in secure containers (building, vehicle, toolbox, etc.)

Paint storage containers will be inspected and approved for compliance with security measures prior to paint being issued to the contractor. Storage containers shall be constructed of strong materials, with locking mechanisms that cannot be easily compromised. Containers must be anchored (if applicable) and have secured doors, windows, and lids, with hinges to the inside or welded to prevent theft of the paint or the container itself.

Tracer paint containers will be locked at all times while not under direct surveillance of the contractor or his employees.

Lost Paint Procedure

An immediate investigation shall occur anytime tracer paint or empty tracer paint cans cannot be accounted for.

Paint Lost From Storage

Any time the inventory does not match the inventory sheets; check past and present inventory sheet figures in an effort to locate a possible math error or where the discrepancy occurred. If the paint cannot be accounted for:

1. Immediately perform a complete audit of all paint in storage, including paint stored in vehicles. If procedures have been followed, this audit should identify the person who lost the paint or verify that a theft has occurred from the paint storage facility.

2. If a theft from the storage area is indicated, immediately notify the COR.

3. The CPC or custodian’s designee and Paint Property Custodian (FS) will prepare separate written statements. The Property Custodian will notify the District Ranger and District Law Enforcement Officer. All written documentation will be submitted for review.

Paint Lost in the Field

If all tracer paint cans are not accounted for at the end of the day:

1. An immediate inventory will be conducted to determine which employee lost the paint.

2. Prior to the crew leaving the area, a search will be conducted of the area in which the employee was working.

If the paint is not found:

1. The CPC or custodian’s designee will provide a written statement addressing the circumstances involved in the loss. Statements involving lost tracer paint must include the following information:

Brand of paint (manufacturer) Batch number Date of manufacture

Color of paint Type of can (quart, aerosol, etc.)

Was the can(s) full, partially full, or empty Circumstances and Location of loss

If lost on a timber sale, CPC or custodian’s designee will include all information in the presale or administration folder as appropriate.

2. The CPC or custodian’s designee will immediately notify the Paint Property

Custodian. The Paint Property Custodian will notify the District Ranger and District Law Enforcement Officer as soon as possible.

3. Upon review of documentation provided, the District Law Enforcement

Officer will determine investigation procedures.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

SAFETY: All Forest Service Personnel working on this assignment shall review the health and safety code handbook as well as the Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) for timber marking and cruising. Tailgate safety meetings will be held a minimum of weekly and whenever weather or field conditions vary. These sessions shall be documented and copies of those in attendance noted and filed in the pre-sale folder. The sign-out tracking sheet shall be used. A review of the JHA pertaining to communication and tracking shall be reviewed and discussed in tailgate sessions as well as the JHA for marking and cruising.

PAINT SECURITY: To prevent unauthorized use of Forest Service tracer paint, take measures to safeguard the tracer paint. Specifically, do not leave tracer paint in unlocked vehicles or storage areas.

DOCUMENTATION:

Forest Service Personnel:

The unit paint usage forms will have daily entries for paint usage and will be submitted to the COR upon completion of the project.

A daily recording of the units cruised, number of plots taken, approximate percentage of units marked, crew names, number of hours spent on the project, including travel time, as well as field observations, shall be kept daily and submitted to the COR to assist in determining production, paint usage by designation method and for other planning purposes.

CHECK CRUISE: The District check cruiser shall place copies of the check cruise in the pre-sale folder as well as copies of records for hot and/or cold checks for the certified cruisers on this sale.

See Attachments

100 Other Softwoods 107 Sand Pine 110 Shortleaf Pine 111 Slash Pine 115 Spruce Pine 121 Longleaf Pine 123 Table Mt Pine 126 Pitch Pine 128 Pond Pine 129 White Pine 131 Loblolly Pine 132 Virginia Pine 197 Spruce 221 Baldcypress 222 Pondcypress 261 Hemlock 268 Eastern Redcedar 300 Soft Hardwoods 313 Boxelder 314 Black Maple 316 Red Maple 317 Silver Maple 318 Sugar Maple 330 Buckeye 370 Birch (except yellow) 400 Hickory 404 Pecan 460 Hackberry 500 Hard Hardwoods 521 Persimmon 531 Beech 541 Ash, White 544 Ash, Green 545 Ash, Pumpkin 546 Ash, Blue 550 Honey Locust 580 Silverbell

601 Butternut 602 Black Walnut 611 Sweetgum 621 Yellow-poplar 650 Wahoo 651 Cucumbertree 652 Magnolia 653 Sweetbay 691 Water Tupelo 693 Blackgum (highland) 694 Blackgum (lowland) 711 Sourwood 731 Sycamore 742 Cottonwood 762 Black Cherry 800 Oak (Mixed) 802 White Oak 813 Cherrybark Oak 817 Shingle Oak 820 Laurel Oak 822 Overcup Oak 823 Bur Oak 825 Swamp Chestnut Oak 826 Chinkapin Oak 804 Swamp White Oak 806 Scarlet Oak 812 Southern Red Oak 827 Water Oak 828 Nuttall Oak 830 Pin Oak 831 Willow Oak 832 Chestnut Oak 833 Northern Red Oak 834 Shumard Oak 835 Post Oak 837 Black Oak 901 Black Locust 920 Willow 930 Sassafras 950 Basswood 970 Elm

Sugar Hill Cruise Design and Implementation Plan

Tree Marking Tracer Paint Field Accountability Log Daily tracer paint use by unit, color and batch

Sale Name__________________________ Purpose: Layout Marking Streamcourses Special Areas (circle one)

*Use separate table for marking, layout, and/or Special Areas and Streamcourses.

Unit Color Batch Amount/Date Color Batch Amount/Date Color Batch Amount/Date

Sugar Hill Cruise Design and Implementation Plan

MAP WILL BE REVISED…