hoosier_Field_Guide.doc

Hoosier National Forest

Field Guide Procedures

For

Common Stand Exam Version 1.4 April, 2015 This page left blank intentionally to facilitate duplex printing

Table of Contents

4Data Collection Procedures

6Setting

14Sample Design

14Portable Data Recorders:

18Plot Data

18Portable Data Recorders:

24Tree Data

24Portable Data Recorders:

27Overstory Plot (Variable Radius)

42Understory Plots (Fixed Radius)

45Down Woody Material

45Portable Data Recorders:

56Inspection Forms

Appendices

A Administrative and Proclaimed Forest Codes B District Codes C State Codes D County Codes E List of Species F Fixed Radius Plot

G Variable Radius Plot

H Accuracy Standards

I Glossary of Terms

Data Collection Procedures

Field data collection procedures are based upon Common Stand Exam (CSE) protocols that have been modified for the HOOSIER National Forest. This handbook addresses only those data elements that are included in the HNF inventory. A complete listing of CSE data fields are available from the FS Veg web page: http://fsweb.nris.fs.fed.us/products/FSVeg/index.shtml.

The Hoosier National Forest takes quick plots which give general stand information. Below is a summary of the data that will be collected. This data is discussed in detail in the later parts of this manual.

The following fields are "required". Additional data collection is specified in later sections.

Setting

Project Name Region

Proclaimed Forest Number

District

Location

Stand Number

Ownership

State

County

Administrative Forest Number

Date

Exam Level

Exam Purpose

Acres

Examiner

Design

Selection Method

Expansion Factor

Sub population Filter

Sample Design Remarks

Selection Criteria Number

Subpopulation Variable

Subpopulation Minimum Value

Subpopulation Maximum Value

Plot

Plot Number

Plot Latitude

Plot Longitude

Plot Aspect

Plot Slope

Plot Remarks

Overstory

Tree

Tag ID number

Tree Status

Site Tree

Tree Species

Tree Count

DBH

Height

Tree Age (site trees only)

Wildlife Use

Log/Snag Decay (dead trees only)

Tree Remarks Understory

Tree

Tag ID Number

Tree Species

Tree Count

DBH (if taller than 4.5 feet)

Height

Tree Remarks Setting

A setting is usually a stand, site, or vegetation polygon in which the stand examination is being collected. The combination of fields 2-6 and field 11 uniquely identify each setting. Field 11, the date field, is used to uniquely identify the setting as multiple surveys take place over time in the same location. For each setting, one setting form must be completed.

Setting data can be inserted, edited, and deleted. From the main menu, select “Setting Data,” then either “Setting Data Wizard” or “Insert/Edit/Delete” to enter data.

Using the Setting Data Wizard

The Setting Data Wizard allows you to insert new setting information or edit certain portions of existing setting information. All data will be saved into the “.cse” file that is currently opened.

When the setting form has been completed and saved for a stand, and the setting is selected, use “Next” to page through the Sample Design, Setting Damages, Species of Management Interest, and Setting Remarks forms.

The buttons along the bottom of the screen have the following function:

Using Insert/Edit/Delete in the Setting Data

Under Setting Data in the main window, the “Insert/Edit/Delete” options allow you to insert new setting data in the Setting form, edit existing Setting form data for a particular setting, or delete setting data records.

To enter a new setting, select “Insert.” To edit data for an existing setting, highlight the setting and select “Edit.” To delete a setting and all associated data from the opened “.cse” file, highlight the setting and then select “Delete.”

Editing the Setting Data

Any defaults that are contained in the “.cse” file will be entered automatically. To move between fields, use the tab key. Once you have finished entering setting data, select “Save” to return to the Insert/View form.

If the Options button is selected while in a field, a drop-down list of valid values and definitions is displayed.

Once a valid code is highlighted, the screen closes and the valid code is inserted in the field.. If “X” or “OK” is selected, the form closes with no value chosen for the field.

Once all of the data has been entered, select “Save” to return to the main setting screen.

Editing the Setting Remarks

Enter remarks related to the setting. All text will be converted to upper case.

Field 1: Project Name (maximum of 25 characters and/or numbers) Required Record the project name. Multiple settings may use the same project name. A project name is a useful way to group settings. Example project names are “Intermountain FIA,” “Root Rot survey,” “Stand exam,” and “Owl survey.”

Field 2: Proclaimed Region (maximum of 2 numbers) Required Use a code of “9” for Region 9.

Field 3: Proclaimed National Forest (maximum of 2 numbers) Required

Field 4: District (maximum of 2 numbers) Required

Field 5: Location (maximum of 16 characters and/or numbers) Required Only integers, upper or lower case alpha characters, and underscores are allowed in this field. Leading zeros are required. The Hoosier uses a compartment number (no characters) that must be five digits e.g. Compartment 38 would be entered as 00038.

Field 6: Stand Number (maximum of 4 numbers) Required Only integers are allowed. Use the RMRS site or CVU polygon number. For the Hoosier, this must be a number (no characters) that is a maximum of three digits.

Field 7: Owner (maximum of 4 characters) Use the default of “USFS” for the Forest Service.

Field 8: State (exactly 2 characters)

Field 9: County (maximum of 3 numbers)

Field 10: Administrative Forest (maximum of 2 numbers) Required

This field is required on the Hoosier.

Field 11: Date (exactly 8 numbers) Required Record the calendar month, day, and year the stand examination was completed. The format is MMDDYYYY. The database forms will accept the date with or without the “/” separator. The database will inset the separator, if not supplied, so the date format is consistent.

Examples are:

01231984 for January 23, 1984

12/07/1997 for December 7, 1997

Field 12: Exam Purpose (exactly 2 characters) Required

Use one of the following codes to define the purpose of the exam. Most stand examinations on the Hoosier will us the code “SE.”

Field 13: Acres (3 characters) Enter the number of acres in the setting

Field 14: Examiner (maximum of 12 characters and/or numbers) Record the individual(s) responsible for data collection. If the full name is longer than 12 characters, use only the last name.

Field 15: Setting Remarks (maximum of 242 characters and/or numbers)

Record remarks about specific observations on overall setting conditions. Remarks should not repeat information provided elsewhere.

Field 16: Capable Growing Area (maximum of 3 numbers) Estimate the percent of the setting capable of supporting trees. Deduct areas such as roads, creeks, swamps, rock outcrops, unimproved dirt lanes, small streams, sites with standing or running water, a high water table, a rock outcropping, severe soil compaction (i.e. an old landing), or mass soil movement (slips, slides, or slumps) etc. For example, if an area contains 5% rock outcropping and 10% road, record a capable growing area of 85%.

Example 1: Large, scattered boulders cover 25 percent of the setting. However, tree roots can fully utilize the space beneath the boulders. The boulders thus have no effect on potential tree stocking. Capable growing area is thus 100%.

Example 2: A swampy meadow covers 10% of the setting. Capable growing area is thus 90%.

Field 17: Aspect (maximum of 3 numbers) Record the predominant setting aspect in degrees, 0° to 360°. Record in true north (i.e. always set the declination on your compass). Aspect may be determined from contour maps. Aspect is determined along the direction of slope for land surfaces with at least 5 percent slope in a generally uniform direction. Aspect is measured with a hand compass along the same direction used to determine slope.

· If aspect changes gradually across the setting, record an average aspect.

· If aspect changes across the setting but is predominately of one direction, code predominate direction, rather than the average.

· If the setting falls on or straddles a canyon bottom or narrow ridge top, code the aspect of the ridgeline or canyon bottom.

· If the setting falls on a canyon bottom or on a narrow ridge top, but most of the area lies on one side hill, code the aspect of the side hill.

Examples are:

Field 18: Slope (maximum of 3 numbers) Record the angle of slope across the setting. Slope is determined by sighting the clinometer along a line parallel to the average incline (or decline). This angle is measured along the shortest pathway down slope before the drainage direction changes. To measure Slope, Observer 1 should stand at the uphill edge and sight Observer 2, who stands at the downhill edge. Sight Observer 2 at the same height as the eye-level of Observer 1. Read the slope directly from the percent scale of the clinometer.

· If slope changes gradually across the setting, record an average slope.

· If slope changes across the setting but the slope is predominately of one direction, code predominate slope percentage rather than the average.

· If the setting falls directly between two side hills, code the average slope of the side hill(s).

· If the setting falls on a canyon bottom or on a narrow ridge top, but most of the area lies on one side hill, code the slope of the side hill.

Field 19: Examination Level (exactly 4 numbers) Required Record the examination level that identifies the scope and range of information being collected. Scope is the breath of information collected (type of form), and range is the precision of information collected (examination level). The intensity implies a measurement standard, sample design, and sample selection criteria. The actual criteria used to sample the stand must be documented on the Sample Design Form.

Tree

For the tree data, record one of the following:

The Hoosier uses Code 1000 (Quick Plot only)

Field 20 Precision Protocol (maximum of 5 letters)

Use “CSE” in this field.

Sample Design

Complete one Sample Design Form for each setting. Below you will find the standard sample design for the Hoosier. It should be used unless special circumstances exist that necessitate a change. An example of this is changing the BAF of a prism in a pine stand.

Portable Data Recorders:

From the main menu, select: “Setting Data,” then “Sample Design Form.” Highlight the setting to edit the Sample Design Form, then select “Next.” Once an existing setting record is selected, the sample design associated with the setting can be defined. The top of the sample design screen contains tabs to access the sample design data for the tree, vegetation, surface cover, and down woody material forms.

Sample Selection Method Type (exactly 3 characters) Required Record the method used to select trees, shrubs, grasses, or down woody material. This field defines the type of each plot; fixed area plot (FRQ), variable radius plot (BAF), or a transect line (TRN).

Sample Expansion Factor (maximum of 6 numbers; may include one decimal) Required This field corresponds to the Sample Selection Method Type, and converts tree or piece data to a per-acre basis. This field defines the size of each plot; the BAF used with the variable radius plot, the size of the fixed are plot, and the transect length.

Examples are:

Subpopulation Variable (exactly 3 characters) Required Record the characteristic used to define the sampled subpopulation. This field defines which characteristic of the vegetation will be measured to see if it meets the sample criteria. For example, “DBH” means the diameter at breast height. “LGT” refers to the length of the piece of vegetation.

Subpopulation Minimum Value (maximum of 6 numbers; may include 2 decimals) Required Record the minimum subpopulation value. The default is zero. For example, if the subpopulation variable is set at “DBH,” this field defines the minimum DBH the vegetation must have in order to be sampled on the plot.

Subpopulation Maximum Value (maximum of 6 numbers; may include 2 decimals) Required Record the maximum subpopulation value. The default is 999.9. For example, if the subpopulation variable is set at “LGT,” this field defines the maximum length the vegetation must be in order to be sampled on the plot.

Sample designs will be setup prior to going to the field by Hoosier National Forest staff.

Plot Data

The plot data form contains information about a sample plot or transect. This information is independent of the information collected in other sections. Record a separate set of plot data for each plot in the stand.

From the main menu select: “Plot Data,” then “Plot Form.”

Select the appropriate setting, then select the “Next” button at the bottom of the screen.

The plot number value (leftmost column) will increment by one as the keyboard’s down arrow key is used to highlight new rows of plot data. Only those plot data fields (selected during the Setup process) will be displayed on this screen.

To insert a new plot anywhere on the form, press the keyboard’s Insert key, or navigate to the last plot (i.e., last line) on the form and press the keyboard’s down arrow key.

To delete an existing plot anywhere on the form, press the keyboard’s Delete key. You will be asked if you want to delete that particular plot.

The buttons along the bottom of the screen have the following functions:

Options:

Change Plot ID’s Changes Plot ID Numbers.

Select the Plot ID number you want to change under “Current PlotID’s” on the left. Type in a new Plot ID number in the “Plot ID Changer” box, then click “Change ID.” Do this for all Plot ID numbers you want changed. When finished, click “Save.”

Options:

Insert Record Inserts a new plot record to the bottom of the form.

This can also be done by pressing the keyboard Insert key, or navigating to the last plot (i.e., last line) on the form and pressing the keyboard’s down arrow key.

Options:

Delete Record Deletes an existing plot from anywhere on the form.

OR, press the keyboard’s Delete key. You will be asked if you want to delete that particular plot.

Options:

Sample Design(s) by Plot Allows you to select specific portions of the sample design(s) for the data you want (or don’t want).

Simply locate the portion of the sample design from the left-hand (grayed area) side of the form, and then locate the “Plot ID” number. Select the box where the sample design portion and Plot ID number intersect. An ‘X’ inside the intersecting box denotes that data will be taken for that portion of the sample design and corresponding Plot ID number. Upon completion, click “Save|Exit.”

Plot Data Form (cont.)

Options:

Adj. Slope Radius Plot Computes the adjusted slope plot radius.

Enter the inverse of the plot size such as a 10 for a 1/10th acre plot. Enter the slope, in percent. Select the “Compute” button. The computed “PtRad” field contains the plot radius without a slope correction, and the “SlPtRa” field contains the plot radius with a slope correction.

1. Make sure the plot latitude and longitude fields are selected in “Setup/Field Selections.”

2. Make sure the correct communication port was set as the default in “Setup/User Definitions.”

3. Highlight the plot latitude field.

4. Select the pull-down list arrow

5. Select “Input Form”

6. Select the “Get GPS” (only available in Exams CE).

Plot History and Plot Remarks

From the main menu, select “Plot Data” and then select “History/Remarks.”

Select the setting ID and plot number for the plot history and remarks. Then select the “Next” button at the bottom of the screen.

Enter the number of grape vines for a 20’ radius plot under the plot remarks area.

Field 1: Plot Number (maximum of 3 numbers) Required Record plot number for each sample plot within a setting. Plots do not have to be numbered consecutively. The total number of plots should equal the number of plots on the Sample Design Form.

Use a sub-meter accuracy global positioning system (GPS) unit to determine the plot latitude and longitude of all plots. Collect at least 60 GPS readings at plot center, which will then be averaged by the GPS unit. Each individual reading should have an error of less than 98 ft if possible (the error of all the averaged readings is far less). Soon after arriving at plot center, use the GPS unit to attempt to collect coordinates. If suitable readings (60 readings at error < 98 ft) cannot be obtained, try again before leaving the plot center.

Field 2: Plot Latitude (exactly 8 numbers) Record the plot latitude as measured by a Global Positioning System (GPS). Latitude consists of a 3-digit “degree,” a 2-digit “minute,” and a 3-digit “second” value. The second value is in the form XX.X.

Field 3: Plot Longitude (exactly 8 numbers) Record the plot longitude as measured by a Global Positioning System (GPS). Longitude consists of a 3-digit “degree,” a 2-digit “minute,” and a 3-digit “second” value. The second value is in the form XX.X.

Field 4: Capable Growing Area Percent (maximum of 3 numbers) Estimate the percent of the plot area capable of supporting trees. Deduct areas such as roads, creeks, swamps, rock outcrops, unimproved dirt lanes, small streams, sites with standing or running water, a high water table, a rock outcropping, severe soil compaction (i.e. an old landing), or mass soil movement (slips, slides, or slumps) etc. For example, if an area contains 5% rock outcropping and 10% road, record a capable growing area of 85%.

Example 1: Large, scattered boulders cover 25 percent of the plot. However, tree roots can fully utilize the space beneath the boulders. The boulders thus have no effect on potential tree stocking. Capable growing area is thus 100%.

Example 2: A swampy meadow covers 10% of the plot. Capable growing area is thus 90%.

Field 5: Plot Aspect (maximum of 3 numbers) Record the predominant plot aspect in degrees, 0° to 360°. Record in true north (i.e. always set the declination on your compass). Aspect may be determined from contour maps. Aspect is determined along the direction of slope for land surfaces with at least 5 percent slope in a generally uniform direction. Aspect is measured with a hand compass along the same direction used to determine slope.

· If aspect changes gradually across the plot, record an average aspect.

· If aspect changes across the plot but is predominately of one direction, code predominate aspect, rather than the average.

· If the plot falls on or straddles a canyon bottom or narrow ridge top, code the aspect of the ridgeline or canyon bottom.

· If the plot falls on a canyon bottom or on a narrow ridge top, but most of the area lies on one side hill, code the aspect of the side hill.

· Use a code of zero for flat

· Use a code of 999 for indeterminate, predominant, or undulating

Examples are:

Field 6: Plot Slope (maximum of 3 numbers) Record the angle of slope across the plot. Slope is determined by sighting the clinometer along a line parallel to the average incline (or decline). This angle is measured along the shortest pathway down slope before the drainage direction changes. To measure Slope, Observer 1 should stand at the uphill edge and sight Observer 2, who stands at the downhill edge. Sight Observer 2 at the same height as the eye-level of Observer 1. Read the slope directly from the percent scale of the clinometer.

· If slope changes gradually across the plot, record an average slope.

· If slope changes across the plot but the slope is predominately of one direction, code predominate slope percentage rather than the average.

· If the slope falls directly between two side hills, code the average slope of the side hill(s).

· If the slope falls on a canyon bottom or on a narrow ridge top, but most of the area lies on one side hill, code the slope of the side hill.

Field 7: Plot Remarks (maximum of 255 characters and/or numbers) Enter anything worth noting about the plot Tree Data

Tree data will be taken with two plots. The first, a variable radius prism plot, will sample all trees 1.0 inches and larger. A smaller 1/750th acre (4.3’ radius) plot will identify the vegetation less than 1.0 inch in diameter and taller than 1 foot. Both plot centers will be the same so it is beneficial to do sample the small vegetation first to avoid damage caused by taking the larger plot. Data is not recorded if the plot does not contain trees or off-plot site trees.

From the main menu enter “Plot Data,” then “Tree Data.”

Only the settings that specified that tree data will be collected on the exam level will show up for selection. Select the setting ID and plot number for the tree data.

To insert a new line of tree data, use the down arrow. The tag ID will automatically increment. The tag ID, species, and diameter of each tree will be placed on the left hand part of the screen and frozen. The right hand section of the screen can be scrolled to access other data fields. Only the tree data fields selected during the set up process will be displayed on this screen. Refer to Chapter 3, Section 5 in the CSE User Guide, for detailed information about the tree data fields.

Options:

In/Out A calculator to determine if a tree is IN or OUT if a plot, based on BAF, tree DBH, slope, and distance to the tree.

Options:

Slope Plot Radius Adjusted slope plot radius calculator. Enter the inverse of the plot size such as a 10 for a 1/10th acre plot. Enter the slope, in percent. Select the “Compute” button. The computed “PtRad” field contains the plot radius without a slope correction, and the “SlPtRa” field contains the plot radius with a slope correction.

Options

View Sample Design Displays the Sample Design for Tree Data (screenshot unavailable).

Options

Damage Form Access a form to enter multiple damages for each tree. Use the down arrow to enter a new line of damage data.

Options:

Insert Record Inserts a new plot record to the bottom of the form.

This can also be done by pressing the keyboard Insert key, or navigating to the last plot (i.e., last line) on the form and pressing the keyboard’s down arrow key.

Options:

Delete Record Deletes an existing plot from anywhere on the form.

OR, press the keyboard’s Delete key. You’ll be asked if you want to delete that particular plot.

Overstory Plot (Variable Radius)

Field 1: Plot Number (maximum of 3 numbers) Record a plot number for each line of tree data. Plot numbers shall be unique within a setting. Do not duplicate a plot number.

Field 2: Tag ID (maximum of 4 numbers) Record a number, unique within each plot, for each tree record. On each plot, start with ‘1’ and increment one number for each tree record. The tag ID, in conjunction with the plot number, uniquely identifies each line of tree data in a setting.

Field 3: Tree Status (exactly 1 character) Required

Field 4: Site Trees (exactly 1 character) One site index tree will be taken per setting. Record if a tree is a Site or Growth Sample Tree. If tree is neither, leave blank.

Site Tree (S) - A site tree is a tree for which age and height are measured to determine site index and yield capacity for a tree. Site trees have never experienced any overstory competition or damage that would have reduced height growth during any period of their life. Freedom from height growth suppression is the single most important selection criteria for site trees. A number of descriptive guidelines may be used to indicate this condition. Site trees must be of a species for which site index relationships have been studied. Following is a summary of site tree selection criteria.Site Tree Selection Criteria

1. Freedom from height growth suppression

· Choose dominants or co-dominants depending on the specific site index curves used.

· No evidence of top damage, past or present.

· No damage that could influence height growth.

· No pronounced period of radial growth suppression.

2. Select trees from a locally defined species list. Species preference is based on the quality of the associated site index-yield study.

3. Similar age class, preferably middle-aged, avoiding old growth and young age classes. Typically

> 50 years and < 120 years.

4. Select at least one site tree from the sample trees tallied for each sample plot when the sample trees meet site tree criteria.

If none of the trees on the plot meet the above criteria, select the nearest off-plot tree that does meet the criteria. Use code “S” to designate site trees located on the plot. Use code “F” to designate off-plot site trees. If no on-plot or off-plot trees meet site tree criteria, do not select a site tree for the plot.

Field 5: Tree Species (maximum of 8 characters and/or numbers) Required

Record the species of every sampled tree. See Appendix E for a listing of common tree species codes. If the species cannot be determined in the field, measure the tree, but bring branch samples, foliage, cones, flowers, bark, etc. to the ranger district for identification. Temporarily use one of the 2 generic codes, 2TE, or 2TD and make a note to correct the species code later.

Examples:

ABGR

Grand fir (Abies grandis)

JUOS

Utah juniper (Juniperus osteosperma)

PIPOS

Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa var. scopulorum)

2TREE

Tree

2TE

Tree, evergreen

2TD

Tree, deciduous

Field 6: Tree Count (maximum of 3 numbers)

Record the number of sampled trees represented by each line of tree data. Record site trees individually.

Field 7: DBH (maximum of 3 numbers; may include one decimal) Unless one of the special situations described below is encountered, measure Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) at 4.5 ft above the ground line on the uphill side of the tree.

For exams on the Hoosier, record to the nearest 2-inch class for all trees larger than 1.0 inches. Below is a table detailing how to code DBH in the Common Stand Exam program.

DBH

DBH is outside bark diameter at 4.5 feet above the forest floor on the uphill side of the tree. To determine breast height, the forest floor includes the duff layer that may be present, but does not include unincorporated woody debris that may rise above the ground line. If a dead tree (snag) is missing bark, measure the DBH without the bark and record that measurement.

Forked tree: In order to qualify as a fork, the stem in question must be at least 1/3 the diameter of the main stem and must branch out from the main stem at an angle of 45 degrees or less. Forks originate at the point on the bole where the piths intersect. Forked trees are handled differently depending on whether the fork originates above or below 4.5 feet.

Trees forked below 4.5 feet are treated as distinctly separate trees. DBH is measured for each stem at 4.5 ft above the ground.

Trees forked at or above 4.5 feet count as one tree. If a fork occurs at or immediately above 4.5 ft, measure diameter below the fork just beneath any swelling that would inflate DBH.

Stump sprouts originate between ground level and 4.5 ft on the boles of trees that have died or been cut. Stump sprouts are handled the same as forked trees, with the exception that stump sprouts are not required to be 1/3 the diameter of the dead bole. Stump sprouts originating below 1.0 ft are measured at 4.5 ft from ground line. For multi-stemmed woodland species, treat all new sprouts as part of the same new tree.

Tree with irregularities at DBH: On trees with swellings, bumps, depressions, and branches at DBH, diameter will be measured immediately above the irregularity at the place it ceases to affect normal stem form. If this is not possible, because of the vertical extent of the irregularity, then adjust the DBH measurement to better reflect the diameter of a regular bole.

Tree on slope: Measure diameter at 4.5 ft from the ground along the bole on the uphill side of the tree.

Leaning tree: Measure diameter at 4.5 ft from the ground along the bole.

Independent trees that grow together: If two or more independent stems have grown together at or above the point of DBH, continue to treat them as separate trees.

Missing wood or bark: If 50% or more of the circumference of the bole is intact, reconstruct the diameter at DBH.

Proper Use of a Diameter Tape

Tape must be at right angles to lean of tree.

Do not place tape at abnormal location on bole of tree.

Point of Measurement for DBH

Point of Measurement for DBH (cont.)

Point of Measurement for DBH (cont.)

Field 8: Height (maximum of 3 numbers)

Record tree height, in feet, from ground line on the uphill side to the uppermost tip. If the top is broken or missing, record the height to the break, and record the appropriate physical damage code. Tree heights are required for all trees measured.

Examples:

0.5

0.5 feet tall

22.5 - 23.4 feet tall

150.5 - 151.4 feet tall

Note: trees over 0.5 feet are recorded to the nearest foot. Do not count a tree if it is less than 0.5 feet tall.

Total Tree Height

Measure from the base of the tree on the high ground side to the tip of the tree leader. Measure height from a point uphill or on the same contour line as the tree. Record total tree height to the nearest foot.

Leaning Trees

Trees leaning 25% (about 15°) or more from vertical require the following special height measuring technique.

Locate point on ground directly under tip of leaning tree. Measure height A B. Measure horizontal distance B C. Determine actual tree height (AC) using either the Pythagorean theory for right triangles where:

Tree Height =

Example:

Measured height

(AB) = 120'

Horizontal distance

(BC) = 40'

Corrected tree height = = 126.49

Or, use the following table:

Horizontal Distance - tip to center of bole at ground (B C)

MS

HT

MS HT = (A B) Measured Height

Forked Trees

If tree forks below DBH, treat as two trees and measure height of each stem from base of tree to tip of tree.

If the fork crotch occurs at or above 4.5 feet on high ground side, the tree is treated as a single tree. Measure height of the tallest fork.

Forked Tree with a Broken Top

The height of the tallest fork is measured and recorded in the "Total Height" field. Record a tree damage of “broken top.”

Trees with a Missing Top

Measure height of stub and record in the "Total Height" field. Record a tree damage of “missing top.” If the tree is forked, measure the height of the stub of the dominant fork.

Field 9: Tree Age (maximum of 4 numbers) Record the tree age in years. This is required for Site Index trees.

The ring count is 64 years, so record “64” for the tree age.

Field 10: Crown Class (exactly 2 characters) Record the crown class for all live trees. Crown class is the description of the relative position of the tree crown with respect to competing vegetation surrounding the tree. Crown classes are a useful descriptor of competitive status of trees in all structural types of stands. The Crown Class for each tree is determined in the context of competition for sunlight or moisture between the subject tree and its immediate environment, trees, or shrubs.

Classifications are more difficult to assign in uneven-aged stands or in plots where more than one stand is present. In these situations, classify the tree based on its immediate environment. Base your classification on how much light the tree's crown is receiving, not its position in the canopy. The intermediate and overtopped crown classes are meant to include trees seriously affected by direct competition with adjacent trees. For example, a young, vigorous tree that is considerably shorter than other trees in the stand but not overtopped by other trees, and receives full light from above and partly from the side, is classified as dominant. The same principle applies to two-storied stands: understory trees should only be assigned subordinate crown classes if they are adjacent to overtopping trees. In plots with scattered residual overstory trees over younger trees, a considerable portion of the understory trees will be classified as dominant or codominant.

Field 11: Wildlife Use (exactly 2 characters) Record the stem characteristics that may indicate the presence of wildlife.

Field 12: Log/Snag Decay (exactly 1 number) Record the condition of standing dead (snag) or down dead trees (log). The corresponding descriptions are adapted from "Wildlife Habitats in Managed Forests of the Blue Mountains of Oregon and Washington" by Jack Ward Thomas, Agriculture Handbook No. 553, USDA Forest Service, September 1979.

Snag Decay

Death

*Implies recent mortality, within the last 5 years.

Snag Decay Classes

Log Decay

Implies recent mortality, within the last 5 years.

Only down trees in decay class 1 or 2 should be recorded on the tree form. Logs in decay classes 3-5 should be recorded on the down woody material form.

Field 13: Tree Remarks (maximum of 30 characters and/or numbers) Record information that is unique to each tree. This may be left blank if there is nothing remarkable about the tree in question.

Understory Plots (Fixed Radius)

Field 1: Plot Number (maximum of 3 numbers) Record a plot number for each line of tree data. Plot numbers shall be unique within a setting. Do not duplicate a plot number.

Field 2: Tag ID (maximum of 4 numbers) Record a number, unique within each plot, for each tree record. On each plot, start with ‘1’ and increment one number for each tree record. The tag ID, in conjunction with the plot number, uniquely identifies each line of tree data in a setting.

Field 3: Tree Status (exactly 1 character) Required

Record only live trees in the understory plot

Field 4: Tree Species (maximum of 8 characters and/or numbers) Required

Record the species of every sampled tree. See Appendix E for a listing of common tree species codes. If the species cannot be determined in the field, measure the tree, but bring branch samples, foliage, cones, flowers, bark, etc. to the ranger district for identification. Temporarily use one of the 2 generic codes, 2TE, or 2TD and make a note to correct the species code later.

Examples:

ABGR

Grand fir (Abies grandis)

JUOS

Utah juniper (Juniperus osteosperma)

PIPOS

Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa var. scopulorum)

2TREE

Tree

2TE

Tree, evergreen

2TD

Tree, deciduous

Field 5: Tree Count (maximum of 3 numbers)

Record the number of sampled trees represented by each line of tree data. Record site trees individually. Trees with the same tree status and species, and a DBH less than 1.0 inch, may be grouped by height classes.

Field 6: DBH (maximum of 3 numbers; may include one decimal) Measure Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) at 4.5 ft above the ground line on the uphill side of the tree for trees that are 4.5’ or taller. For seedlings less than 4.5’ tall, DO NOT record a DBH of zero.

For exams on the Hoosier, record to the nearest one-tenth inch for all trees smaller than 1.0 inches. Below is a table detailing how to code DBH in the Common Stand Exam program.

Field 7: Height (maximum of 3 numbers) Record tree height, in feet, from ground line on the uphill side to the uppermost tip. If the top is broken or missing, record the height to the break, and record the appropriate physical damage code. Tree heights are required for all trees measured.

Examples:

0.5

0.5 feet tall

Note: trees over 0.5 feet are recorded to the nearest foot. Do not count a tree if it is less than 0.5 feet tall.

Field 8: Crown Class (exactly 2 characters) Record the crown class for all live trees. Crown class is the description of the relative position of the tree crown with respect to competing vegetation surrounding the tree. It will usually be OV (Overtopped) for understory plots, but in some low density stands this may not be the case. Crown classes are a useful descriptor of competitive status of trees in all structural types of stands. The Crown Class for each tree is determined in the context of competition for sunlight or moisture between the subject tree and its immediate environment, trees, or shrubs.

Classifications are more difficult to assign in uneven-aged stands or in plots where more than one stand is present. In these situations, classify the tree based on its immediate environment. Base your classification on how much light the tree's crown is receiving, not its position in the canopy. The intermediate and overtopped crown classes are meant to include trees seriously affected by direct competition with adjacent trees. For example, a young, vigorous tree that is considerably shorter than other trees in the stand but not overtopped by other trees, and receives full light from above and partly from the side, is classified as dominant. The same principle applies to two-storied stands: understory trees should only be assigned subordinate crown classes if they are adjacent to overtopping trees. In plots with scattered residual overstory trees over younger trees, a considerable portion of the understory trees will be classified as dominant or codominant.

Field 9: Tree Remarks (maximum of 30 characters and/or numbers) Record information that is unique to each tree or group of trees. This may be left blank if there is nothing remarkable about the tree in question.

Inspection Forms Calculation. A point deduction is given for each deficient entry or procedure within an inspection block. Acceptable tolerance levels for individual measurements are shown on the Common Stand Exam Inspection Form. Any item or measurement indicated by inspection to be outside these tolerance levels shall be assigned a point deduction. Point deductions shall be calculated for each form within the inspection block and then totaled for a Total Score. An inspection block may fail based on a Form Score or the Total Score.

Form Scores for each field form and Total Score for the overall inspection block; will be calculated using the Point Score Calculation Form. Form Scores are determined by entering the total number of errors, corresponding to each field, found during the inspections of the inspection block and recorded in Column B-Total Number of Errors. Column C- Point Deduction, is calculated by multiplying Column B-Total Number of Errors by Column A- Point Value. The Point Deductions are then totaled in Field D-Total Deductions. Field F-Total Form Score is calculated by dividing Field D- Total Deductions by Field E- the total number of stands or points that were actually inspected for that Form.

Point Deduction Column C = Column B-Total Number of Errors x Column A- Point Value

Total Form Score Field F = Field D- Total Deductions ÷ Field E- the total number of inspected attributes

The Total Score is calculated by summing all the Form Scores; see Total Form Score Calculation on the cover of the CSE Inspection Form. Errors in any field that has a Point Value of "unacceptable" will fail and the entire inspection block shall be returned to Contractor for rework.

Form Score.

· All Form Scores < 5.00 and Total Score < 10.00 = acceptable, 100% payment.

· Any Form Score ≥ 5.00 = unacceptable, all forms from entire inspection block, shall be returned for rework. No payment.

Total Score.

· Total Score ≥ 10.00 → ≤ 14.50 = acceptable/unacceptable, Contractor’s discretion, implement reduced payment schedule at Contractor’s request or rework entire inspection block

· Total Score > 14.50 = unacceptable, all work from entire inspection block, shall be returned for rework. No payment.

The following reduced payment schedule shall be implemented at the Contractor’s request if the Contractor’s Total Score is ≥ 10.00% and ≤ 14.50%.

≥ 10.00 → ≤ 11.50% = 90% payment

≥ 11.51 → ≤ 13.00% = 80% payment

≥ 13.01 → ≤ 14.50% = 70% payment

An inspection block is considered complete when all work has been assessed for quality assurance and accepted for payment.

Quick Plot Common Exam Inspection Form

INSPECTION BLOCK NUMBER:

FOREST / UNIT:

DATE RECEIVED:

ALL REQUIRED MATERIALS RETURNED IN GOOD CONDITION.

CORRECT NUMBER OF PLOTS COMPLETED IN EACH STAND.

ALL REQUIRED FORMS AND FIELDS COMPLETED AND LEGIBLE.

MINIMUM NUMBER OF SITE/GROWTH TREES COLLECTED FOR EACH SITE.

ALL STANDS MEET MINIMUM TREE PER PLOT AVERAGES.

ELECTRONIC DATA…