Attachment 0003.docx

Attachment 0003

DETAIled InstructionS

TREE EVALUATION CODES

Satisfactory Leave Trees The totals of S1 and S2 trees are used in the thinning quality calculation.

Non-Stocked Areas The totals of non-stocked areas are used in the thinning quality calculation.

Improperly Cut trees – Category A deficiencies These deficiencies are uncorrectable and influence the thinning quality calculation. Regardless of the thinning quality, rework cannot be done to correct these problems.

Excess Trees remain – Category B deficiencies These deficiencies are correctable and influence the thinning quality calculation. Reworking the area and cutting more trees can correct these errors.

Other deficiencies – Category C deficiencies These include a variety of other discrepancies that generally can be corrected. The contract/prescription must specify the maximum C deficiencies that are allowed, after which rework is required. In general a greater number of these deficiencies can be allowed before it affects the overall results of the thinning activity, therefore there is some tolerance to a small number of these, particularly if there is a cost savings. Refer to contract for maximum Cat C deficiencies allowed. Recording the C deficiencies with a tally by type (i.e. C1, C2, etc) is desirable.

Evaluation Codes specific to other work required by the prescription/contract should be stated in this section, both deficiency and satisfactory codes. Additionally specify in this section if there are any deficiencies that will carry only a proportional value, for example “1/4 tree” for each pruning error.

Thinning Inspectors should provide comments in this section relative to the overall stand condition, unusual or unique features or conditions observed, and other information that will be useful to the Government in evaluating the stand conditions.

Inspection Plot Form- Detailed Instructions

Stand ID, general information

Contract Information

acres thinned to date X 100 = % work accomplished unit/sub item acres

Contract time used to date X 100 = % contract time left.

Total contract time

Contract Specifications- this is only a highlight of some of the requirements of the project; refer to the prescription and contract requirements for the additional information.

Trees /ac x plot size = trees/plot Example: 250 trees/ac x 1/50th ac plot = 5 trees/plot

Example: 10 x 10 foot average spacing.

Plot Inspection

Quality % = 1.00 - Totals of col. 6 + col. 7+ col. 8 + col. 9 X 100 Col 3 + Col. 5 Note: if there are a high number of deficiencies relative to allowable trees, the quality may be a negative number. This would indicate a need for re-work or other action to achieve acceptable work.

Category C deficiency calculation after Cat C deficiencies are totaled on the unit Cat C trees per acre = Total col. 10 x reciprocal of plot size = tpa No. of plots

1. If required by the contract, record the species of each tree in the lower block. Record the species of a tree that was cut that should not have been with a diagonal line through it.

1. If required by the contract, estimate and record the average diameter and height of the trees after thinning the plot. These are estimates that can be used for the post-thinning stand condition.

1. In the remarks area, provide comments on tree condition, plot conditions, or other information useful to understand the inspection results

If an entire plot consists of trees which exceed the max. dbh, or in combination with Satisfactory (S1) trees, the maximum satisfactory leave trees in column 3 is the maximum trees/plot (block n).

After all plots are taken, total the columns. Calculate thinning quality and determine if the Category C deficiencies are within the contract allowance. .

Thinning Quality (see block t) Quality % = 1.00 - Totals of Column 6 + column 7 + Column 8_+ Column 9 X 100 Column 3 + Column 5 Note: if the numerator exceeds the denominator, a negative thinning quality will result.

Category C trees per acre = Total of Column 10 X reciprocal of plot size

Compare results with block s.

Additional calculations that may be conducted by the Government to determine if thinning met the prescription goals.

Average number of satisfactory leave trees (S1 and S2 only) per plot:

Sum of Column 3 = avg. trees /plot No. of plots

Average number of satisfactory trees (S1, S2 only) per acre:

Sum of Column 3 X reciprocal of plot size = trees per acre No. of plots

Average trees per acre in the diameter range being thinned ( S1, S2, A3, A4, B1, B2 trees):

[Sum of Columns 3 + 7+8 ] X reciprocal of plot size = trees per acre No. of plots

Average trees per plot in the diameter range being thinned:

[Sum of Columns 3 +7+8 ] = avg. trees /plot No. of plots

Average Total trees per acre (all trees larger than “small trees” and min. cut tree height):

[Sum of Columns 3 + 4 + 6 + 7 + 8 ] X reciprocal of plot size = trees per acre

(cont) Sample Thinning Inspection Plot Form and Interpretation

Note that the Contractor filled out the Inspection Sheet header completely. The Forest, District, Stand number, Sub-item, Acres, Contract # and all items in the Contract Specification row are provided by the Government either directly or within the Contract.

The Contractor provided the name of the Contractor, Contractor Inspector, % work accomplished, % contract time left, sheet number, date, and calculated the final quality and the Category C trees per acre. The Contractor assured that all columns and math were done correctly. The Contractor’s Inspector signed and dated the inspection record and certified that the information was correct and accurate.

The plot information on the sample Inspection sheet was based on the following observations:

On each plot, the Contract required species to be recorded for each trees and an estimate of average leave tree dbh and average height. The Contractors observations are recorded in the second row of each plot.

Plot 1: This plot has seven satisfactory leave trees and one deficiency. Five satisfactory leave trees are within the thinning diameter range (S1), and two are above the maximum dbh (S2) and based on the prescription are included in the acceptable trees/plot determination. Additionally a tree within the thinning range was left which should have been cut to meet the maximum allowable density (B1)

Plot 2: The plot has eight satisfactory leave trees and one deficiency. Four of the eight were satisfactory leave trees are in the thinning diameter range (S1) and four were larger than the maximum dbh. Since a maximum of seven satisfactory leave trees is allowed per plot, three trees are recorded as S2 and counted in the acceptable trees/plot calculation and one tree is recorded as S3, and considered surplus. Surplus trees, while satisfactory leave trees, are not counted in the acceptable trees/plot calculation. Additionally, one cut tree had a high stump (C3).

Plot 3: The plot has two satisfactory leave trees (S1, S2) and over half of the plot is a meadow with no trees. Three non-stocked points (N1) are recorded which brings the totals of S1, S2 and N1 to the minimum acceptable trees/plot.

Plot 4: This plot has five satisfactory leave trees (S1), and one large area, about 20% of plot where no trees exist (and none were cut) thus there is credit for one non-stocked points (N1). Had there not been an obvious void on the plot, then there would not have been credit for non-stocked points since the minimum acceptable tree/plot was met.

Plot 5: The plot has five satisfactory trees (S1), and one tree that was cut that was above the maximum dbh to cut and should not have been cut resulting in a A2 deficiency.

Plot 6: This plot has seven leave trees however only five are satisfactory leave trees. Of the leave trees, two were too close together (closer than the contract specification of 50% spacing variance) thus one tree is coded as a B1 deficiency, the other S1. Additionally, one tree was left with heavy mistletoe brooms and by contract specifications should not have been left; it is recorded as a B2 deficiency.

Plot 7: This plot has three satisfactory leave trees. There is a large void on the plot and the inspector found that one tree was cut that met leave tree specifications and was needed to meet the minimum trees/plot specification thus recorded one A1deficiencies. Additionally one non-stocked point is recorded (N1) where no trees existed.

Plot 8: This plot has seven leave trees. Four were satisfactory leave trees in the diameter range for thinning (S1) and there was a clump of three aspen trees that based on the prescription were to be left (ignored) and not counted in the acceptable trees per plot calculation (S4). Additionally one tree had a high level of mistletoe and was cut (appropriately) even though it created a “hole” in the plot; a credit N2 is recorded.

Plot 9: This plot had nine satisfactory trees on the plot because they were all above the maximum dbh to cut. Since the maximum density is seven trees per plot, only seven trees are recorded as S2 and counted in the trees per plot calculation based on the prescription and two are considered surplus trees (S3).

Plot 10: This plot has six satisfactory leave trees, three are in the range for thinning (S1) and three exceed the max. dbh to cut and based on the prescription are considered in the acceptable trees per plot calculation (S2). Additionally one cut tree was not severed from the stump completely resulting in a C1 deficiency.

Calculate Totals.

Quality % = 1.00 - Cat A deficiencies (col. 6 + col. 7) + Cat B deficiencies (col. 8 + col. 9) x 100 Acceptable Leave (col. 3) + Non-stocked points (col. 5)

Quality % = 1.00 - (2 + 0) + (3 + 0 ) x 100 = 91.4% 51 + 7

Category C deficiencies per acre = Total Cat C (col.10) x reciprocal of plot size No. of plots

Cat. C deficiencies per acre = 2 x 50 = 10 trees/acre

1. 1

Since the Thinning Quality % is 90% or above AND the Category C deficiencies are below the maximum of 15 per acre allowed, the Contractor would receive full pay less other deductions.

Example of additional evaluations that can be conducted to evaluate if other conditions are met.

1. Total Satisfactory leave trees (S1 and S2) trees per acre

Sum col 3 x reciprocal of plot size = 51 x 50 = 255 trees / ac No. of plots 10

1. Total of all trees per acre (excl. any small trees left on unit and trees below min. cut height).

( Sum of col 3 + 4 + 6 + 7 + 8 ) x reciprocal of plot size = ( 51 + 6 + 2 + 0 + 3) x 50 = 310 trees /ac No. of plots 10

Sample evaluation: The contract was developed to achieve a range of 250 to 350 trees per acre of desirable crop trees and included trees 5” dbh and greater (up to a maximum 350 tpa) in the range. Based on the above density calculations, the prescription goals were met. There are several natural openings in the stand and several desirable trees that were cut (“A trees”) that caused the total satisfactory leave trees per acre to be near the lower bounds of the acceptable level (355 vs. 350 minimum). The total of all trees left includes those left even if they were damaged (A4) or excess (B trees) and or surplus (S3, S4), resulting in 310 tpa, also within in the acceptable range, although it includes trees that are not desirable for future crop trees but are now part of the growing stock. Additional analysis should consider the distribution, species composition and other prescription objectives to determine if the overall thinning goals were met.

image1.wmf image2.wmf

Microsoft_Office_Word_97_-_2003_Document1.doc USDA Forest Service

R1-FS-___a (11/2003)

USDA Forest Service

R1-FS-___a (6/2003)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Locate and mark plot center on the ground.

2. Locate and examine the trees selected for leave, and trees that are cut on the plot. Record the Evaluation Code for satisfactory trees and deficiencies (except Category C trees) in column 2 on the top line for the plot. If required, record the species for each tree in the second line for the plot.

3. Tally all Category C deficiencies and record in the space below Column 10. (Tally by code- i.e. C1, C2 C3)

4. Total the Acceptable Leave Trees coded S1, S2 in column 3. Total cannot exceed the max. trees per plot. If total exceeds the max/plot, re-code trees [i.e. surplus trees over max. DBH should be coded S3, trees to ignore should be coded S4. Excess Trees are a deficiency, Category B]. Refer to Block n for maximum trees per plot.

5. Total the surplus trees >max. d.b.h (S3) and trees to ignore (S4) and record in column 4.

6. Total the non-stocked points on the plot coded N1and N2 and record in column 5.

7. Total the improper selection and cutting of trees (A1, A2) that should have been left; record in column 6.

8. Total the improper selection of leave trees (A3) or damage to leave trees (A4), record in column 7.

9. Total the trees that should have been cut (B1, B2), record in column 8.

10. If required, total the trees that should have been girdled or pruned or that were girdled or pruned incorrectly, record in column 9.

11. Total the Category C trees on the plot and record in column 10.

12. If required: estimate the average d.b.h and average height of the leave trees in the plot.

13. Remarks: include other required information

14. Total Columns 3-10 on each page, and provide the grand total of all pages on page 1.

15. After all plots have been conducted, calculate thinning quality using the total of all pages. Record in block t.

% Quality = 1.00 - Cat A deficiencies (col. 6 + col. 7) + Cat B deficiencies (col. 8 + col. 9) x 100

Acceptable Leave (col. 3) + Non-stocked points (col. 5)

16. Determine if Cat C trees (col. 10) exceed the maximum allowed specified (block s).

Cat C tpa = Total Col 10 x reciprocal of plot size

No. of plot

TREE EVALUATION CODES

Satisfactory Leave Trees

S1 (or √) Leave Tree meets specifications

S2 Tree left exceeds maximum d.b.h to cut, included in trees/plot calculation

S3 Tree left exceeds maximum d.b.h to cut, not included in trees/plot calculation

S4 Tree to be ignored, not included in trees/plot calculation.

Non-stocked areas

N1 Opening, no tree exists

N2 Opening created by cutting a tree with insect/disease or poor form.

Improperly cut trees: (Category A) Uncorrectable

A1 Tree should not have been cut, tree met leave tree specifications.

A2 Tree should not have been cut, tree exceeds max. d.b.h to cut

A3 Leave tree damaged by thinning operations

A4 Improper selection of leave tree (includes wrong species, undesirable tree, etc)

Excess Trees: (Category B) Correctable

B1 Tree should have been cut to meet allowable stocking density, or is too close to leave tree.

B2 Tree should have been cut because of damage, insect & disease or poor form.

*B3 Tree should have been girdled or was girdled improperly (or Cat C5)

*B4 Tree should have been pruned or was pruned improperly (or Cat C6)

Other Deficiencies: (Category C) Correctable

C1 Tree was not completely severed from stump C4 Small tree

C2 Hang up tree

*C5 Tree should have been girdled or was girdled improperly (or Cat B3)

C3 High Stump

*C6 Tree should have been pruned or was pruned improperly (or Cat B4)

Additional Notes (local requirements, etc.)

*If girdling or pruning is required, specify if trees not girdled/pruned or girdled/pruned improperly are considered a Cat B or Cat C deficiency prior to start work. Define a proportional value for each pruning deficiency if desired (i.e. 0.25 per deficiency)

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