AG67T0S150021_finalv2.docx

SOLICITATION, OFFER AND AWARD

PAGES

UNDER DPAS (15 CFR 700)

NOTE: In sealed bid solicitations "offer" and "offeror" mean "bid" and "bidder".

SOLICITATION

(Hour)

(Date)

CAUTION - LATE Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals: See Section L, Provision No. 52.214-7 or 52.215-1. All offers are subject to all terms and conditions contained in this solicitation.

11. TABLE OF CONTENTS

OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

OFFER (Must be fully completed by offeror)

NOTE: Item 12 does not apply if the solicitation includes the provisions at 52.214-16, Minimum Bid Acceptance Period.

different period is inserted by the offeror) from the date for receipt of offers specified above, to furnish any or all items upon which prices are offered at the price set opposite each item, delivered at the designated point(s), within the time specified in the schedule.

(The offeror acknowledges receipt of amend-ments to the SOLICITATION for offerors and related documents numbered and dated):

15A.

NAME AND ADDRESS

OF OFFEROR

15B. TELEPHONE NO. (Include area code and extension)

18. OFFER DATE

IS DIFFERENT FROM ABOVE - ENTER

AWARD (To be completed by Government)

22. AUTHORITY FOR USING OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

IMPORTANT - Award will be made on this Form, or on Standard Form 26, or by other authorized official written notice.

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

STANDARD FORM 33 (REV.9-97)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.214(c)

SECTION B SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

B.1 SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

The proposed Item prices will be used to determine the maximum price of each item number. Task Orders shall be issued and firms may bid only for line items of work which were awarded as a result of the technical evaluation of the proposal submitted.

The Contractor shall provide all labor, supervision, transportation, materials, and equipment necessary to perform the work as described.

Proposals shall be valid for 60 days after the date of receipt for the solicitation. If additional time is needed, an extension will be requested. Refer to Section L for instructions on preparing your proposal and pricing.

B.2 ESTIMATED QUANTITY

All quantities listed in the contract schedule are estimates only and do not reflect actual quantities to be surveyed over the life of the contract. Actual quantities to be surveyed in any given year are dependent on the needs of the Forest, weather conditions and/or budget. Only certain bid items may be included on a task order in any given year. The number of acres to be surveyed, the maximum dollar limits, or a combination of such will be used to determine maximum survey limits on any given task order.

It is anticipated that more than one contract may result from this solicitation. This is an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract. The bid total will be determined for evaluation by taking the quantity times the maximum unit price. This contract has four options which may be exercised by the Government. Reference FAR 52.216-18, FAR 52.216-19, FAR 52.216-22, and AGAR 452.216-72.

Travel charges include travel, per diem, or other mobilization costs for each round trip to each Forest listed are to be included in the unit prices.

For additional information on location of project sites, see Section C.1.2.

Prices provided are to be the maximum price a contractor can bid for those tasks on a task order. Individual task orders will be competitively issued between contractors awarded under this program in accordance Section G.1. Orders may be issued by fascimile or by electronic commerce methods (email).

Notes:

1. Unit prices prevail.

2. Each successful contractor will be guaranteed the stated minimum amount or an award of a task order equaling or exceeding guaranteed minimum amount during the base year only. Option Year renewals do not carry the guaranteed minimum.

3. All contractors being awarded a contract under this anticipated multiple award IDIQ solicitation will be given a fair opportunity to competitively quote on individual task orders. See section G.1 for information on issuance of task orders.

4. Base and Option year dates are identified on the schedule of items in the title.(Also Reference FAR 52.216-18 ORDERING (OCT 1995)) Each contractor is required to state their estimated maximum capability for performing this type of work subject to the following criteria.

My yearly capacity identified above is broken down into a seasonal capacity to complete:

Number of Plots for Common Stand Exam:

; #Quick Plot Protocol can be completed in a field season ; # Intensive Plot Protocol can be completed in a field season Combined: # Quick Plot Protocol and # Intensive Plot Protocol can be completed in a field season.

# of crew personnel available for multiple task orders in a field season.

This estimate addresses the likelihood of Task Orders running concurrently, given that multiple districts may be surveying on similar dates. I understand that my ability to respond to spikes in the demand for service work is an evaluation factor used by the Forest Service for award of the initial contract.

Non Discrimination Statement The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

AG-67T0-S-15-0021

BKF Common Stand Exam (CSE) IDIQ

AG-67T0-S-15-0021

BKF Common Stand Exam (CSE) IDIQ

(Award date – 3/31/2016) Option Year 1(Opt1) (4/1/2016 – 3/31/2017) Option Year 2 (Opt2) (4/1/2017 – 3/31/2018)

Quick Plot Protocol

Intensive Plot Protocol

Totals

*Item Number will be referred to by the Item No. followed by year being referenced (IE: 1-Base, 2-Opt4)

(4/1/2018-3/31/2019) Option Year 4 (Opt4) (4/1/2019 – 3/31/2020)

Quick Plot Protocol

Intensive Plot Protocol

Totals

*Item Number will be referred to by the Item No. followed by year being referenced (IE: 1-Base, 2-Opt4)

B.3 Task Orders The following four task orders will be reviewed and evaluated with your proposal. These are four actual task orders that will be awarded at the time we award the master IDIQ contracts. Please remember that the previous prices were your competitive “Maximum” prices you will charge for that type of work. The task order prices should be lower as you have actual locations and a defined statement of work.

GENERAL INFORMATION: (Contractor to complete yellow highlighted areas)

Contract Number: AG-67T0-C-15- Contractor:

Task Order Number: 01 – 2015-Deerfield, Ditch Creek, Lost Park, Dutchman, Redbird

DESCRIPTION OF WORK:

Special Considerations:

Supplemental Information are included in the appendices. All questions must be directed to the Contracting Officer (CO). Contact the CO if larger maps are needed.

Request for Quotation (EmailRFQ) cover sheet is due to the CO by August 24, 2015.

If the contractor cannot meet the “Contract Completion Time” identified, an alternate schedule must accompany your quote (address under “Comments” section below). Contractor may offer only one quote and accompanying schedule per Task Order. The contractor’s ability to meet the “Contract Completion Time” along with price are the evaluation factors considered in the award of this task order.

Comments:

Contractor's Signature/Company: /s/ Date:

Task Order Number: 02 – 2015- Citadel

DESCRIPTION OF WORK:

Supplemental Information are included in the appendices. All questions must be directed to the Contracting Officer (CO). Contact the CO if larger maps are needed.

Request for Quotation (EmailRFQ) cover sheet is due to the CO by August 24, 2015.

If the contractor cannot meet the “Contract Completion Time” identified, an alternate schedule must accompany your quote (address under “Comments” section below). Contractor may offer only one quote and accompanying schedule per Task Order. The contractor’s ability to meet the “Contract Completion Time” along with price are the evaluation factors considered in the award of this task order.

Comments:

Task Order Number: 03 – 2015-Miller

DESCRIPTION OF WORK:

Supplemental Information are included in the appendices. All questions must be directed to the Contracting Officer (CO). Contact the CO if larger maps are needed.

Request for Quotation (EmailRFQ) cover sheet is due to the CO by August 24, 2015.

If the contractor cannot meet the “Contract Completion Time” identified, an alternate schedule must accompany your quote (address under “Comments” section below). Contractor may offer only one quote and accompanying schedule per Task Order. The contractor’s ability to meet the “Contract Completion Time” along with price are the evaluation factors considered in the award of this task order.

Comments:

Contract Number: AG-67T0-C-15- Contractor:

Task Order Number: 04 – 2015-North Rattler, Planting, Two-Mile

DESCRIPTION OF WORK:

Supplemental Information are included in the appendices. All questions must be directed to the Contracting Officer (CO). Contact the CO if larger maps are needed.

Request for Quotation (EmailRFQ) cover sheet is due to the CO by August 24, 2015.

If the contractor cannot meet the “Contract Completion Time” identified, an alternate schedule must accompany your quote (address under “Comments” section below). Contractor may offer only one quote and accompanying schedule per Task Order. The contractor’s ability to meet the “Contract Completion Time” along with price are the evaluation factors considered in the award of this task order.

Comments:

Section C - Performance Work Statement (PWS)

PERFORMANCE STATEMENT OF WORK (PWS)

Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Common Stand Exam (CSE) Data Collection

SECTION C.1 – GENERAL

C1.1 SCOPE OF WORK

This statement of work is for conducting common stand examination data collection activities using either Quick Plot, or Intensive Plot Protocol on Black Hills National Forest Lands, covered by the Hell Canyon, Mystic, Northern Hills and Bearlodge Ranger Districts. The Contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, transportation, supervision, supplies (except those designated as Government-furnished), incidentals, and perform all work necessary to conduct stand examinations in compliance with terms, specifications, conditions, and provisions of this solicitation. Information shall be collected as outlined in Chapter 4 of the Common Stand Exam User Guide and Region specific Appendices, unless specifically modified by the contents of this contract. In addition work shall consist of recording field verified (FV) polygon information as outlined in the section “Attributing Vegetation (R2VEG) Polygons” of the R2Veg User Guide. The PC program ‘PIVEG’ is required for entering this data. The program and the PIVEG User Guide is provided by the Government C1.1.1 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Each task order shall identify a desired completion date for the project. No additional time shall be granted for weather delays.

C1.1.2 LOCATION DESCRIPTION: Project areas that are included under this contract are located on the Hell Canyon, Mystic, Northern Hills, and Bearlodge Ranger Districts, Black Hills National Forest. Each task order shall be accompanied with specific location map(s).

C1.1.3 LEVEL OF INTINSITY: The level of exam intensity will be determined by the government and stated with each order issued.

C1.1.4 ACCESSIBILITY: Specific site maps identifying Locations, Sites, and Plots as well as access roads will be provided with each order issued.

C2. DEFINITIONS

Biobased Products: A product determined by the Secretary of Agriculture(USDA) to be a commercial or industrial product (other than food or feed) that is composed, in whole or in significant part, of biological products or renewable domestic agricultural materials (including plant, animal, and marine materials) or forestry materials. Information on biobased/biopreferred products can be found at https://sftool.gov/green-products/ In addition to the biobased products designated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in the BioPreferred Program, the Contractor is encouraged to use other biobased products.

Calendar Days: Every day shown on the calendar, Sundays and holidays included.

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR): The on-site contract administrator for the Contracting Officer. The duties and responsibilities of the COR are defined in the letter of designation issued by the Contracting Officer Defective Service: A unit of service, which contains one or more defects, or nonconformance with specified requirements.

Quality Assurance: The actions taken by the Government to assess the results to determine that they meet contract requirements. The methods for quality assurance are described in the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP).

Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP): An organized written document used for quality assurance surveillance. The document contains specific methods the Government will use to perform surveillance of the Contractor.

Quality Control: Those actions taken by a Contractor to control the production of outputs to ensure that they conform to the contract requirements. The methods for inspecting for quality control are described in the Contractor’s Quality Control Plan (QCP).

Quality Control Plan: A plan established and maintained by the Contractor and acceptable tothe Government to ensure the requirements of the contract are provided as specified.

Performance Requirements Summary (PRS): Identifies the key service outputs of the contract that will be evaluated by the Government to assure contract performance standards are met by the Contractor.

Work Plan: The Work Plan shall describe how the Contractor plans to perform the project, including methods; personnel, equipment, and proposed Schedule of Work.

C3 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY

The property and services that will be provided by the Government are as follows:

Wage Determination Sheet

http://www.fs.fed.us/nrm/fsveg/index.shtml N/A

$10.00/guide

C4. PERFORMANCE WORK REQUIREMENTS and STANDARDS C4.1. General Specifications.

C4.1.1. Accessibility: The Contractor shall be responsible for obtaining all necessary permission to gain access to sample locations. If the Contractor cannot obtain permission to access a sample location, the Contractor must notify the Government in writing.

Accessibility may be determined from topographic maps or digital orthoquads which will be furnished by the Forest Service. Contractor shall be responsible for adhering to the USDA Forest Service travel management plan, including yearlong or seasonal closures to motor vehicles, unless authorization is obtained. Maps and photos may indicate that a road goes to the stand; however, vehicle access may be difficult or restricted. Stand locations may necessitate that Contractor walk to the stand or acquire some other means of travel. Most roads are accessible between the months of May through October, though high clearance, four wheel drive vehicles may be necessary on some roads. The Government assumes no responsibility to maintain roads in a passable condition.

C4.2 Technical Specifications A. Locating Plots

1. Plot Location Determination. The UTM coordinates of the plot locations for each stand will be provided at the pre-work conference. The contractor shall use a geographic position system (GPS) to locate the plots on the ground.

2. Sample plot locations to be measured within each stand have been marked on the provided topographical and orthographic paper maps. Plot numbers have been pre-assigned for each plot in each stand

3. Locating Plot Center. Upon arrival at the specified coordinates, the Contractor shall check the photos to see if he/she is at the correct sample plot location and adjust as necessary. The Contractor shall locate the sample plot location on the ground. Installing plots in the wrong stand shall result in rejection of data.

B. Plot Center Identification/Flagging The Contractor shall identify sample plot centers with a marker that shall be a hot pink 12 inch wire pin flag. Upon inspection, the center point of the marker where it intersects the ground shall be used as plot center. Sample plot center markers shall be firmly driven into the ground.

The location, stand, and plot number shall be written legibly on the flag using a waterproof marker. For example: "060609 Site 3 Pt 4" To facilitate relocation of plots a piece of (to be determined per each task order) colored flagging at least 12” long shall be hung vertically at eye height as near as possible to plot center.

C. Survey Technique Plots shall be located using waypoint navigation with a GPS unit. Acceptable error is +/- 30 feet of the true plot location. Recurring errors in location of sample plots greater than the acceptable error shall make the stand survey unsatisfactory and relocation of sample plots and re-measurement shall be required. In cases where Government provided photo plot location differs from GPS location found on the ground, the photo location will prevail.

D. Recording Requirements The data fields to be collected and recorded are enumerated in Part 3. Data Collection Specifications.

Data shall be recorded electronically using one or more of the following:

· ExamsCE program. The ExamsCE program runs on several types of PDR style computers with the Windows CE or Windows Pocket PC 2003 operating system.

· ExamsPC program. The ExamsPC data entry program runs on computers with Windows 2000 or Windows XP. This may require data to be recorded on paper forms in the field and then entered into the ExamsPC program at a later time.

· Government provided PIVEG dos based PC program for recording and entering the setting level Field Verification Polygon Data (Walkthrough) Form (FV) data. The contractor is responsible for providing the computer hardware necessary for running the software program/s and for installing, maintaining and trouble shooting software.

E. Qualifications The success of this field inventory is dependent primarily on the Contractor's professionalism and expertise. It is necessary that the Contractor's staff meet certain standards. A crew can consist of one or more individuals. Minimum technical qualifications are specifically defined as follows:

1. Each crew must have a crew leader. Both Crew Members and Crew Leaders are considered key personnel.

2. Each crew member must have undergraduate courses or training in mensuration, tree identification, plant identification, silviculture, and ecology and three months prior experience collecting data for forest inventory or vegetation classification.

3. Each crew leader must also have the additional following minimum qualifications:

a. Proficient in the interpretation of aerial photography and associated maps.

b. Ability to distinguish between stand types both in the field and on original or photocopied aerial photographs.

c. Knowledge in the use of hand held compass, pacing, and map measurements, GPS and the data recording equipment being used.

d. Ability to accurately identify necessary tree, shrub, forb, and grass species needed for identifying local habitat types.

e. Knowledge of rating tree defects and parasitic plants.

f. Knowledge of common forest insect pests and diseases.

g. Familiar with habitat typing.

h. Proficient in the use of forest measurement equipment.

i. Proficient in the use of GPS equipment and data recorders.

Specific technical experience may be substituted for a given educational requirement.

The Contractor shall designate crew leaders for each crew. The crew leader shall be the individual responsible for ensuring plot measurements are taken in accordance with the accuracy standards.

F. Work Plan and Progress Schedule.

The Contractor shall prepare a work plan and progress schedule that demonstrates that work will be completed within the performance period of the task order. The Contractor shall provide a plan with the technical proposal for the task order(s) (See instructions in section L). The Contract time shall not exceed the negotiated completion date. The Contractor shall maintain progress at a rate that will assure completion and acceptance of work for each task order within the performance period. The minimum acceptable rate of progress will be calculated by dividing the total units of work for each item by performance time specified.

The Contractor shall advise the Contracting Officer of any periods that the Contractor will not be working that are not specified in the accepted Work Plan.

The Contractor shall provide a supplementary plan and schedule as needed to update the work plan when work is in progress. The Contracting Officer may accept the updated work plan.

C4.3 Data Collection Specifications This section describes the data collection forms and the fields on each form to be completed.

Detailed information and lists of valid codes for each of the following data forms are found in the Common Stand Exam (CSE) User Guide and Appendices. If the following contract specifications differ from the provided Common Stand Exam User Guide and Appendices listed in C4.4, the following contract specifications shall have precedent.

A. Setting Form (CSE) A setting is normally a stand in which the stand exam is being done. Following is a list of data fields required for each setting. Stand Sketch & Notes will be used to record RP description, traverse information and a general stand sketch. Project name (Field 1) will be supplied by the Government.

The contractor shall be responsible for collecting and filling out the Setting Form for all data items that are set to “YES” in the Required column:

Not Required for Quick Plot Surveys

Not Required for Quick Plot Surveys

Not Required for Quick Plot Surveys

Not Required for Quick Plot Surveys

All Setting Form fields, whether required by this contract or not, are included on the setting form provided in the exhibits. Fields not specifically required by this contract are to be skipped on the form.

B. Sample Design Form (CSE) The following items are required to be recorded at each plot on the Plot form. Detailed information and lists of valid codes for each data item are found in the Common Stand Exam Users Guide and Appendices. The contractor shall be responsible for collecting and filling out the Plot Data Form for all data items that are set to “YES” in the required column.

Amend Common Stand Exam User Guide, Chapter 4, Plot Data with the following:

Capable Grow Area Percent. Based on a 1/10th acre plot, ocular estimate and record the percent of the area that can support tree growth. If the plot has no tree present and is not capable of supporting tree growth (non-stockable), record a 0 percent. If a portion of the plot is capable of supporting trees (stockable), record the percent of the plot area that is capable of supporting trees.

Field Num

Not Required Quick Plots

Not Required Quick Plots

All plot data fields, whether required by this contract or not, are included on the plot data form provided in the exhibits. Fields not specifically required by this contract are to be skipped on the form.

D. Tree Form (CSE) Begin recording standing tree data on the Tree form at azimuth 360 (North), progressing in a clockwise direction around plot center. Trees shall be recorded in the following order:

a. Growth Sample Trees located on the variable radius plot.

b. Live Trees trees located on the variable radius plot.

c. Growth Sample Trees located on the small fixed plot.

d. Live and Dead Trees trees located on the small fixed radius plot.

Amend Common Stand Exam User Guide, Chapter 4, (Intensive Plots Only) Tree Data with the following:

Field 4: Site/Growth Trees. A minimum of 3 site trees will be sampled per stand. Site trees species selected will be representative of the species comprising the cover type of the stand. Acceptable site tree species are listed in Exhibit 6 -- List of Acceptable Site Tree Species.

Growth Sample Tress (GST) If only one tree species is expected to be present in the stand two large (>=5.0”DBH) GST and one small (<5.0”DBH) GST will be measured on each plot Measure the first two live standing trees (large) and first live standing tree (small), when moving clockwise from north If more than one tree species is expected to be present in the stand two large (>= 5.0”DBH) and two small (<5.0”DBH) GST will be measured on each plot. The first live standing tree, both large and small, of each species encountered moving clockwise from north, will be measured until two trees of different species are assessed.

Field 8: DBH/DRC. For DRC species, standing dead and down dead trees that are grouped, the diameter breakdown will be 5.0”-6.9” = 5.0”, 7.0”-8.9”= 7.0”, 9.0”-10.9”=9.0”, etc. Saplings (trees that are greater than 4.5’ with a diameter of 0.1” – 4.9”) may be grouped into 1.0” diameter classes.

Field 9: Height. Heights will be required for all trees recorded. For saplings, DRC species, and standing dead trees that are grouped, heights can be averaged as long as averaged height is within 10% of actual height.

Field 21,22,24: Damage. The presence or absence of Dwarf mistletoe will be checked on all pine species and Douglas Fir. Always record if present regardless of what other damages have been recorded. For all other damages record only those significant damages that are most affecting tree growth and/or longevity. For all trees, a maximum of 3 damages will be recorded. If a tree has no significant damage record no damages for that tree.

The following items, except as noted, are required to be collected by the Contractor for each tree on the plot, for the specified exam level. Detailed information and lists of valid codes for each data field are found in the Common Stand Exam User Guide and Appendices (see Government Furnished Property). The contractor shall be responsible for collecting and filling out the Tree Data Form for all data items that are set to “YES” in the “Required For” column.

FIELD

NUMBER

FIELD

DESCRIPTION

Not Required for Quick Plot

Intensive Plots: All trees. For DRC species and standing dead DBH/DRC can be grouped into 2 inch diameter classes. Saplings can be grouped into 1 inch diameter classes.

Intensive Plots: All trees require height- Seedlings (trees less than 4.5’ tall) can be grouped in 1 foot height classes. For saplings that are grouped, heights can be averaged to within 10% of actual height.

Not Required for Quick Plot

Not Required for Quick Plot

Not Required for Quick Plot

Not Required for Quick Plot

Not Required for Quick Plot

Not Required for Quick Plot

Not Required for Quick Plot

Not Required for Quick Plot

Not Required for Quick Plot

Not Required for Quick Plot

All tree data fields, whether required by this contract or not, are included on the tree data form provided in the exhibits. Fields not specifically required by this contract are to be skipped on the form F. Ground Surface Cover Form (CSE) This data will not be collected in the course of this contract.

G. Vegetation Composition Form This data will not be collected in the course of this contract.

H. Down Woody Form This data will not be collected in the course of this contract.

I. Field Verification of Polygon Data (Walkthrough) Form (FV) This form shall be completed for all stands on Survey Stand List, provided at pre-work. The field crew should walk through the entire stand before completing the form. Instructions for completing this form are in the FSVeg User Guide, Section ‘Attributing Vegetation (FSVeg) Polygons’.

The contractor shall be responsible for collecting and filling out the Polygon Data Form for all data items that are set to “YES” in the required column:

USE: SE Stand Exam

Stocking Flag

A ‘YES’ flag indicates the polygon has been restocked with trees after a man-made or natural disturbance, such as a harvest, burn, beetle epidemic, or other natural event. ‘NO’ is indicated by a null/blank value.

Regen EV Code/Previous Cover Type (*required when Stocking Flag = ‘YES’ – optional when ‘previously treed’ but non-stocked)

If the polygon does not currently have a total of 25% crown cover of trees, and the Stocking Flag = ‘YES’, code the species of the regenerating tree type.

If the polygon does not currently have a total of 25% crown cover of trees, but was previously tree cover and is currently not stocked due to a recent harvest or burns, enter the expected regenerating cover type or the previous cover type:

TAA – Aspen TBO – Bur Oak TCW -- Cottonwood TDF – Douglas-fir TLP – Lodgepole Pine TLI – Limber Pine TPB – Paper Birch TPJ – Pinyon/Juniper TPP – Ponderosa Pine TRJ – Rocky Mountain Juniper TSP – Scotch Pine TWS – White spruce

Vegetation information is attributed to a site based on a delineated polygon which is homogeneous as possible given the size constraints of 1:24000 remotely sensed imagery. Some polygons represent natural mosiacs consisting of patchy polygons. If the patches make up at least 20 percent of the polygon, then the polygon is considered to be patchy and not continuous.

Continuous The continuous polygon has vegetation or other cover that is uniformly or consistently distributed throughout. An example of a continuous (C) polygon composed of two tree species, such as spruce and fir as shown in the figure on the left below. Both species are evenly distributed throughout the stand.

Patchy A patchy polygon has vegetation that is discontinuous throughout the stand, occurring in clumps that may or may not vary in size. The figure on the right below shows a polygon with lodgepole pine continuously distributed throughout the stand and containing patches of aspen. For the polygon to be coded as patchy, at least 20 percent of the area must be in patches. Patchiness may sometimes be linear such as a power line too small to delineate that goes across the polygon.

A – Signs of declining crowns are absent P – Signs of declining crowns or scattered dead trees present in 5-15% of trees D – Dead or declining crowns present in 16-50% of trees S – Significant amount of dead or declining crowns present (over 50%)

Canopy Closure TREES (*required when Species Survey Method is CANOPY)

Record the total crown cover of LIVE trees within the polygon on one plane as viewed from above, with no overlap. Codes 1-100 Not required

Photo Project

Record the symbol or code for the mission, flight, or project when the photos were taken. This will be consistent for the entire photo flight.

Photo Date

Record the Date that the photo was taken. Sample format = 04/14/2003

Habitat Structural Stage (field interpreted/observed)

Record the habitat structural stage as observed in the Field:

1M - Grass-Forb, natural meadow 1T - Grass-Forb, previously trees 2S - Shrub-Seedling, natural shrubland 2T - Shrub-Seedling, previously trees 3A - Sapling-Pole, Crown cover percent < 40% crown cover 3B - Sapling-Pole, Crown cover percent >= 40 and < 70% corwn cover 3C - Sapling-Pole, Crown cover percent >= 70% crown cover 4A - Mature and Over Mature, Crown cover percent < 40% cover 4B - Mature and Over Mature, Crown cover percent >= 40 and < 70% cover 4C - Mature and Over Mature, Crown cover percent >= 70% cover 5 - Old Growth, Forest Criteria and Documentation usually determined by a scoring system (Note that Region 2 decided to separate old growth from HSS in 1994 but some forests still use the “5” code)

Remarks

Self-explanatory

Change Category

Record the primary reason for the significant vegetation change:

N – No Major Disturbance H – Harvest H11 – Clearcut H12 – Prep. Cut H13 – Seed Cut H14 – Removal Cut H15 – Selection Cut H22 – Commercial Thinning H23 – Sanitation T – Thinning F – Fire W – Wind I – Insect and Disease O – Other

Change Date

The date of the significant change in vegetation as recorded in the Change Category.

T - Trees are woody plants possessing at maturity a well-developed stem, are generally at least 3 inches in diameter at DBH or DRC, have a definite formed crown of foliage, and are generally a height of at least 16 feet.

S - Shrubs are plants with persistent woody stems, a relatively low growth habit, and generally produce several basal shoots instead of a single well developed stem. Shrubs also differ from trees by their low stature and non-arborescent form, and are usually less than 16 feet tall at maturity.

G - Grasses. Members of the family Poaceae (Gramineae), or other grass-like plants such as Cyperaceae (sedge) or Juncaceae (rush).

F - Forbs. Herbaceous plants other than those in the Poaceae (grass), Cyperaceae (sedge), or Juncaceae (rush) families.

W - Water B - Barren areas with unknown composition, lacks vegetation BS - Bare soil RS - Rock and soil, soil with significant surface rock (not distinguishable from one another on photo) RO - Rock, all sizes LD - Litter/duff WO - Wood IC - Permanent ice/snow LI - Lichen AL - Algae CA - Cactus FG - Fungus VI - Vine MO - Moss (The individual Lifeform/GSC and Layer codes are combined as Group codes for FSVeg Spatial. See list of Group Codes below.)

0 Unknown (SHRUBS ONLY) 1 Top layer 2 Middle layer 3 Bottom layer

For trees and shrubs, all species must be accurately identified on the data sheet. If species is unknown, identify to genus, using the proper NRCS genus codes. Grass and forb species are not required to be identified separately, but may be grouped collectively or classified to the genus. If grouping, the field observer should include all grasses which occur into one data entry coded by lifeform (G) and all forbs into a separate line entry coded by lifeform (F).

E - Established seedlings. Mostly comprised of trees 0.0 - 0.9 “ dbh S - Small. Trees 1.0 - 4.9” dbh M - Medium. Trees are 5.0 - 8.9” dbh L – Large. Trees are 9.0-15.9” dbh V - Very Large. Trees are 16.0”+ dbh Woodland species are measured at the root collar (DRC)

S = Small shrubs less than 2.5 feet tall M = Medium shrubs 2.5 – 6.4 feet tall L = Large shrubs greater than 6.4 feet tall U = Unknown

% Dead

Record the difference between the Previous %…