Twain_West_Task_Order__0001_Package.pdf

Updated thru FAC 27 Requisition # Contract No. Project Name: Twain West Stewardship Mark and

Cruise Project

Task Order No. 0001

Contractor:

Issuing and Billing Office:

Central California Acquisition Service Area 631 Coyote Street Nevada City, CA 95959

Item No.

Description Qty Order

Unit

Unit Price

Amount

1 Cruise Design

1 Job

Sawtimber Marking and Cruising 229 Acres

3 Biomass Plot Cruise 229 Acres

Remarks: See Attachments for additional terms and conditions.

Terms and Conditions of the Professional Forestry Services Contract are incorporated by reference

The period of performance for this Task Order is from the Date of Award through July 7, 2017.

Total Price:

Contractor: (Name and Signature)

Print Name:

Requested By: (Name and Signature)

COR:

Fund Authorization (Name and Signature)

Line Officer Ordered By: (Name and Signature)

Contracting Officer: Raymond Garleb Order Date:

Job Code: NFTM1117

Original to CO, CC to Contractor, B&F and COR

If This Order is Greater Than $2,500.00, it is Not Valid Until Signed by the Contracting Officer

Twain West Stewardship Mark & Cruise Project Plumas National Forest

Mt. Hough Ranger District

1. DESCRIPTION OF WORK

The purpose of this task order is to secure timber marking and cruising on the Twain West Stewardship on the Mt. Hough Ranger District, Plumas National Forest, located in Plumas County, CA.

This contract will involve three contractual work items:

1. CRUISE DESIGN

2. SAWTIMBER MARKING and CRUISING – This item is for harvest Units 53, 54, 55, 56, 58 and 61, to include any subunits of the same. This item will utilize a Cut Tree Mark (CTM) and cruise of sawtimber size trees 10.0”–29.9” Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) on ~229 acres.

3. BIOMASS PLOT CRUISING – This item is for harvest units 53, 54, 55, 56, 58 and 61, to include any subunits of the same. This item will cruise biomass trees from 3.0”– 9.9” DBH on ~229 acres.

Additional Work Descriptions

• All conifers designated with White, Black or Orange tracer paint will be leave trees.

• Paint will be given weekly amount needed will be estimated by the Contractor.

• All harvest unit boundaries and acreages have been mapped, using GPS.

• A Contract Area Work Map 1 of 2, with all Payment Unit locations, will be provided to the Contractor (see Government Furnished Property, page 11).

• Contract Area Work Map 2 of 2, with the locations of Control Areas (CA) to be avoided, will be provided to the Contractor (see Government Furnished Property, page 11). NOTE: Botanical CAs will be identified on the ground by blue and black striped flagging. Archaeological CAs will be identified by red and black striped flagging.

• All Payment Unit boundaries have been previously painted with Orange tracer paint with orange boundary placards identifying each Payment Unit, to include any subunits of the same. Blue flagging, used for unit layout, will also be present.

• The Contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, supervision, transportation, supplies, materials, services, and any incidentals, not provided by the Forest Service, necessary to perform the work in accordance with the attached specifications.

2. PROJECT LOCATION:

The Twain West Stewardship Mark & Cruise Contract is located approximately 7 air miles northwest of the community of Quincy, and 4 air miles north of the community of Meadow Valley in Plumas County, California; within the Mt. Hough Ranger District, Plumas National Forest. The legal location of project boundary is in all or portions of T25N, R8E, Sec 25, 26 and 35: T25N, R9E, Sec 19 and 30, MDBM.

3. SPECIFIC WORK REQUIREMENTS

This task order consists of approximately 229 acres of sawtimber marking & cruising and non-sawtimber (biomass) cruising. Contractor shall document paint batch numbers used in each harvest unit and complete a Unit Summary Sheet on information specific to each unit (see List of Attachments, page 12).

Work Item #1 - Cruise Design.

The objective of the cruise design is to design a cruise that is efficient and cost effective and will meet or exceed all of the design requirements, as described in the following documents:

Forest Service Timber Cruising Handbook (FSH 2409.12, Ch. 10, 20, 30 and 40), all applicable Region 5 Supplements and the Plumas National Forest Timber Theft Detection and Prevention Plan. Silvicultural prescriptions for each unit will be provided to the Contractor (See #11 for silvicultural prescriptions).

The contractor shall design a timber cruise that meets USFS approval for marking and cruising of sawtimber (229 ac.) and the cruising of biomass (229 ac.) within the Twain West Stewardship IRTC project area.

This task order will be cruised in cubic feet and will meet or exceed USFS Region 5 tree measurement standards. The maximum sawlog sampling error for this sale (95 Percent Confidence Level- t-value of 2) is 10%. The biomass cruise will not exceed a sampling error of 25%. Refer to USFS Timber Cruising Handbook 2409.12, Chapters 30 and 40.

Regional direction effective 8/30/2012 (2409.12 chap.40) states “that for sawlog cruises, each major species or species group shall have at least 20 measured trees”. A major species is defined as one that comprises 10% or more of the sale value. Minor species may be put into one sample group. The sawtimber portion of the cruise design is required to be a tree-based (measurement) cruise.

If it becomes necessary to modify the cruise plan after implementation has begun, the contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and prepare an addendum to the plan. Add the date of the addendum to the cover page of the plan. Follow the standards and guidelines in FSH 2409.12 chapter 40.

Work Item #2 - Sawtimber Marking and Cruising – Cut Tree Mark A cruise data collection file shall be created using Cruise Manager Version 2, dated

2016.10.7 or later. Contractor shall provide data collection equipment that is capable of running FS Cruiser Version 2. Contractor shall use FS Cruiser Version 2 dated 2016.09.09 or later for this project. Contractor shall provide USFS with a final processed cruise (.cruise) file free of errors, using Cruise Processor Version 2 dated 2016.6.15 or later. Cruise Manager Version 2, FS Cruiser Version 2 and Cruise Processor Version 2 software is available for download at http://www.fs.fed.us/fmsc/measure/cruising/index.shtml.

Minimum Utilizable Top Diameter (MUTD) will be 6 inches for all conifers 10.0 to 20.0 http://www.fs.fed.us/fmsc/measure/cruising/index.shtml inches DBH (machine felling whole tree). For conifers larger than 20.0 inches DBH (hand felled and buck) the MUTD will need to be calculated and entered into the final cruise file.

The Average Scaling Cull (ASC) will need to be calculated and entered in to the final cruise file. In FSH 2409.12, Chap.20 – for the MUTD, use 22.31a, Exhibit 4; and for the ASC, use 22.31a, Exhibit 3.

This sale will utilize a cut tree mark for sawtimber 10.0 to 29.9 inches DBH. All marked trees will be designated by a 1”- 2” wide paint stripe completely encircling the tree at DBH. Two painted stump marks shall be placed in the furrows of the bark at ground level, one mark on the downhill side and one on the uphill side of the tree. The minimum stump mark dimension will be 3 inches by 4 inches or easily visible from a distance of 30 feet. Blue tracer paint will be used for designation of cut trees. Each timber cruiser/timber marker is required to have their own personalize butt mark which is required to be applied on the uphill side.

When utilizing a tree based cruise method for sawtimber, cruise trees will be designated/numbered with blue aerosol tracer paint. All cruise trees will be designated by two blue tracer paint stripes encircling the tree at DBH, cruise tree number and cruiser’s initials. All cruise trees will be well flagged with red/white polka dot ribbon.

All cruise trees will be mapped using GPS, and must use a system that is accurate to within 50 feet. An electronic file of the mapped cruise tree locations will be provided to the check cruiser and the COR.

Stream courses will be identified on the contract area map with corresponding buffer distances.

No timber marking will occur within these buffers. Control Areas (CA), such as archaeological sites and/or botanical areas, will be identified on Contract Work Map 2 of 2, which will be given to the contractor at the time of contract award. If additional stream courses, archaeological sites or botanical areas are located during contract implementation, contractor is to notify Contracting Officers Representative (COR) as soon as possible.

Work Item #3 – Biomass Plot Cruise When utilizing an area based cruise for biomass, as predetermined in the cruise design, cruise plots must be located on a systematic grid. This grid can be created in GIS and plot locations navigated to by using GPS. Do not drop or move a boundary plot if the center falls inside the harvest unit. Use the walk-through method for determining the final tree count for the plot.

Actual plot locations will designated on the ground with a dot of tracer paint and an orange pin flag labeled with plot number, cruisers initials and cruising date written on the flag. In addition two white attention flags will be tied over or near the plot center. All trees, that are determined to be in the plot, shall be dotted with blue aerosol tracer paint facing plot center. Biomass cruise/measure trees shall have the corresponding electronic tree number painted near DBH with blue aerosol tracer paint facing plot center.

4. INSPECTION AND ACCEPTENCE:

4.1 Inspection Procedures for Cruise Design and Plan:

Cruise Design and Plan must be reviewed and approved by a certified FS Check Cruiser, with final approval given by the Contracting Officer or designated representative prior to implementation.

To meet final approval the Cruise Design and Plan must contain but not be limited to the following elements:

a. Method of sale is tree measurement or scaled, with target sampling errors per product.

b. Brief description of management objective and the legal description of the project area.

c. Estimated sale and strata volume, coefficients of variation and methods used to determine these values.

d. Correct stratification made for each product, logging system and designation method.

e. Choice of the appropriate cruising method.

f. Calculations made to allocate sampling errors and numbers of samples needed per sample group and strata. Plot sizes or BAF if applicable, and selection frequencies by sample group.

g. Minimum merchantability specifications.

h. Written cruising instructions.

4.2 Inspection Procedures of Timber Cruising

The final cruise inspection must be completed by a certified Forest Service Check Cruiser. The check cruiser shall follow all guidelines and standards set forth in FSH 2409.12, Chapter 60.

Both field measurements and data files will be evaluated during the final inspection.

The Contractor may request that the Government perform an initial field check or inspection of one or more units to ensure that cruise specifications and procedures are being followed.

Depending on the duration of the cruise, the Government will perform periodic field checks or partial inspections when the cruise is near 25% and 50% complete. Such checks will be done as a courtesy to the contractor to identify potential issues and are not necessarily an indication of overall quality. Partial payment cannot be based on these inspections because cruise results are based on the final product as-a-whole. In order to complete these reviews, the Contractor must supply the inspector with crew field notes and maps with cruise tree locations.

Unless otherwise agreed, Contractor must provide electronic cruise files (cruise and output) on a weekly basis for the duration of the cruise. The final cruise inspection will be made within 10 working days after the Contractor has stated in writing that all cruising is complete. Acceptance of the final timber cruise shall be based on all of the following criteria.

Criteria:

a. Cruise measurements must be within a specified tolerance (see Evaluation Measures below).

b. All measurements and defect determinations will be done in accordance with FSH

2409.12, chapters 10 and 20

c. Cruise must be carried out as stated in cruise plan and associated approved cruiser instructions.

d. Changes to cruise frequencies and/or other set-up parameters must be approved and documented.

e. Unless otherwise agreed, Contractor will provide and process cruise data using the most current version of the Forest Service cruising software.

f. If electronic files are created post-cruise and/or portions updated at a later date, they must be free of transfer/recording errors.

g. Measure trees and plots must be properly numbered, identified on the ground, and mapped so they can be relocated in a timely manner. If Check Cruiser finds this deficient more than 15% of the time, based on trees and plots selected for checking, contractor must relocate all sample points and measure trees and correct the deficiencies.

h. Documentation must be provided including cruise tree notes, defect deduction rationale, cruisers responsible for measurements, limiting distance calculations for borderline trees, GPS coordinates and/or hardcopy plot or measure tree location maps.

i. If Contractor is responsible for cruise design and plan, the cruise strata and combined sampling errors (E%) by product must be equal to or lower than specified in the cruise plan and the cruise must meet the standards in FSH 2409.12, chapter 40.

Evaluation:

a. (Criteria a. and b.) Measurements will be checked in the field. The total number of plot and tree measurements compared depends on the cruise method(s) but a minimum of 35 trees will be checked throughout the sale area. If the initial check does not meet minimum standards, up to 10 additional trees for each major species will be checked. If the results are still unsatisfactory, the cruise must be reworked.

The quality of the field measurements is determined by comparing the Contractor’s data with the Government’s data. The compared values must be within the specified tolerances to be correct. The following elements, tolerances and error weights are used to determine the percent correct for sawtimber products:

1. In/Out trees correctly identified in each plot checked - Zero tolerance and a five point error weight per incorrect answer.

2. Species identification - Zero tolerance and a five point error weight per incorrect answer.

3. Measurement of tree diameter at breast height (DBH) – Tolerance = +/- 3% with a one point error if outside of the tolerance limit.

4. Measurement of total tree height - Tolerance = +/- 7.0% with a one point error weight if outside the limit.

5. Estimation of Defect. Tolerance = +/- 10.0% of the total tree defect with a one point error weight if outside the limit.

To determine the percentage correct per element, the total error (error weight multiplied by the number of incorrect answers) is divided by the number of trees checked for that element. Each inspection element must be at least 80.0% correct with an overall average of 85.0% or greater. Elements not obtaining 80% accuracy must be re-cruised. Cruises not meeting the 85% overall accuracy limit must be brought up to that level to be acceptable. Unless otherwise agreed, re-cruising of deficient portions must be done within 10 calendar days following a notification of unacceptable work.

b. Measure tree and/or plot locations must be installed at the frequency or locations specified in the cruise plan. Products must be recorded with the specifications listed in the cruiser directions. Unique instructions such as how to record boundary plot measurements must be consistently applied.

c. Changes to cruise frequencies and/or other set-up parameters must be approved by Contracting Officer and documented by Contractor with updated instructions distributed to field crew before implementation.

d. Unless otherwise agreed, Contractor will provide and process cruise data using the most current version of the Forest Service cruising software and supply functional draft files on a weekly or otherwise agreed to basis.

e. At least 10% of the data on electronic files will be compared to hand notes. If there are recording errors found, Contractor must audit entire file and provide updates.

f. Measure trees and plots must be must be properly numbered, identified on the ground, and mapped so they can be relocated in a timely manner. If Check Cruiser finds this deficient more than 15% of the time, based on trees and plots selected for checking, contractor must relocate all sample points and correct.

g. Documentation must be provided including cruise tree notes, defect deduction rationale, cruisers responsible for measurements, limiting distance calculations for borderline trees, GPS coordinates and/or hardcopy plot or measure tree location maps. If notes and/or tree locations are not provided to Check Cruiser, any differences found will be penalized.

h. If Contractor is responsible for cruise design and plan, the Cruise strata and combined sampling errors by product (E%) must be equal to or lower than specified in the cruise plan and meet the standards in FSH 2409.12, chapter 40. If the cruise does not meet the stated statistical standards, a re-cruise of the deficient portions, at no expense to the government, must occur to bring the cruise up to standards.

4.3 Inspection Procedures for Designation (Marking) of Cut or Leave Trees:

The Forest Service shall inspect timber marking/designation in units the Contractor is actively working in or has just completed for compliance with contract specifications. At a minimum 10% of all marking will be checked for compliance of the following elements.

Criteria:

a. Trees shall be checked for adherence to silvicultural prescription specifications.

b. Trees shall be checked for adherence of designation above and below stump level specifications.

c. Cruise and insurance trees marked, flagged and labeled correctly.

d. Tracer paint checks will be done on random trees throughout the project area and must have a positive test result for the tracer element.

Evaluation:

Two methods may be used to evaluate marking.

A. Walk-through method: Shall be done throughout the performance of the contract.

Inspector will note where the inspection took place unit number, location within unit, Initials of inspector and date of inspection. At a minimum 10% of each unit will be walked through and evaluated.

1. Trees looked at will be tallied.

2. Number of trees marked meeting silvicultural prescription must be 90% or greater.

3. Number of trees missed that should have been marked with the prescription must be 10% or less.

4. Adherence to the designation; correct paint color, attention band visible on all sides, one personalized stump mark on uphill side.

5. Cruise and insurance trees numbered correctly, flagged for visibility, GPS location taken accurately and labeled with correct information; tree and unit number, and cruiser’s initials.

B. Plot method: Inspection plots will be located throughout the units to obtain at least 1 inspection plot per 10 acres of marking (i.e., 1000 acres of marking = 100 inspection plots; with a minimum of 2 plots per unit. Government inspection will follow the plot procedures as described below. (Select a plot size that will yield an average of 4-8 cut trees per plot. Use the same plot size for all plots in a given harvest unit).

1. Plots will be placed systematically or randomly within a unit. Inspection plot center will be marked with a flag and labeled with a consecutive number starting with number 1, unit number and inspectors initials. All IN trees that are marked will either be dotted with paint or flagged.

2. The following factors will be considered in determining whether or not a stand has been marked to specifications. Calculation to ascertain a percentage of compliance follows:

A = Total number of trees counted within the plot (if a total tree count is desired but not necessary to insure compliance).

B = Total number of trees designated as cut trees within the plot.

C = Trees designated for cutting that should have been left based on the marking guidelines.

D = Trees designated as leave that should be cut based on the marking guidelines.

E = Cut trees not meeting marking specifications i.e. attention and stump paint application or minimum product merchantability specifications.

Calculation of Compliance Formula:

((B-C+D) – (C+D+E)) / (B-C+D) = % COMPLIANCE

Example:

Inspected By: BAF: Date:

Plot # A B C D E 1 15 4 0 0 0 2 19 5 0 0 1 3 24 9 1 0 0 Totals 58 18 1 0 1

Calculation of Compliance Formula: ((18-1+0) - (1+0+1)) / (18-1+0) = 88% Compliance.

3. For all units, determination of acceptability of work performed will be based on the Government inspections and shall be considered conclusive except as otherwise provided in the Contract. The inspection results of each unit will not be averaged with the results of any other units. The Contractor or a designated representative is encouraged to observe inspections while they are underway.

Unacceptable Marking

a. For all units, the Government will inform the contractor or his/her designated representative of marking inspection results within 5 working days of completion.

Unacceptable work will not be accepted and shall be corrected by the Contractor at no additional cost to the Government. The Contractor shall complete all corrections for unacceptable work within 5 working days following notification of unacceptable work.

Each unit shall be at a satisfactory level of acceptance before the contractor can start marking another unit.

b. Marking quality below 80% on any unit is unacceptable and shall be re-worked prior to starting a new unit.

4.4 Paint Security

The Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), or inspectors, shall provide boundary marking paint containing registered tracer(s). Tree marking paint is USDA Forest Service accountable property and shall be kept secured at all times. Access to paint shall be limited to the Contractor and/or designated representative. All Government-issued paint, aerosol and quarts, shall be securely locked when stored or transported in a vehicle. Paint shall be removed from any vehicle when someone uses the vehicle other than the Contractor or designated representative to whom the tracer paint was issued. The Forest Service may inspect Contractor's security of paint and accountability records at any time.

The Contractor shall notify the Government of the quantity of paint needed each week prior to commencing work. The paint needed for one week at a time will be transferred only to the Contractor, or designated representative at the designated US Forest Service office during normal business hours. The Contractor shall utilize a Unit Summary Sheet (page 18) to document paint batch, tracer checks, and other documentation relating to production for each harvest unit. The Contractor shall maintain a daily inventory of all paint cans. All cans received, used, and returned by the Contractor must be accounted for. The inventory will be signed and submitted to the COR on a weekly basis. All aerosol paint cans will be returned to the Forest Service with all propellant out of the can for drying purposes. All empty quart paint cans will be returned to the Forest Service on a weekly basis, emptied and dribble for drying purposes. Failure to maintain adequate safeguards and security over the paint, or loss of tracer paint, will result in a law enforcement investigation and/or may result in Contractor liability for damages (i.e. fine $1500.00 per can and up), and/or default of the contract.

4.5 Final inspection

A Final Inspection will involve a USFS Check Cruise conducted by a certified Check Cruiser of the USFS Quality Control Group. This project must pass with 80 percent for each element and 85 percent overall or better. A failed Check Cruise will need to be re-cruised at the contractor’s expense. Refer to USFS Timber Cruising Handbook 2409.12 Chapter 60 for specific requirements (NOTE: 62.1 – Exhibit 01 and 63.1 – Exhibit 1). Final Check Cruise will be completed within 10 business days of receiving written request from contractor.

5. COMMENCEMENT PROSECUTION, AND COMPLETION OF WORK (FAR

52.211-10) (APR 1984)

The Contractor shall be required to (a) commence work under this contract within 10 calendar days after the date the Contractor receives the notice to proceed, (b) prosecute the work diligently, and (c) complete the entire work ready for use not later than July 7, 2017. The time stated for completion shall include final data package consisting of a complete FS Version 2 .cruise data file, complete with biomass cruise data and sawtimber cruise data, GPS cruise tree/plot data, MUTD and ASC entered, all paper copies and Contract Area Work Map 2 of 2.

6. EVALUATION CRITERIA:

Price, Availability, Past Performance, and Community Benefit will be considered for the “Best

Value” evaluation. The order of importance corresponds with each criteria’s preceding order of appearance.

7. CONTRACTOR FURNISHED CRITICAL ITEMS:

The Contractor shall provide all labor, housing, supervision, transportation, tools, and material (except Government-furnished Property) necessary to perform the requirements of the contract. Specifically, but not necessarily inclusive, the Contractor shall furnish:

1. Compass with azimuth settings calibrated in 2-degree increments, set to local declination.

2. Clinometers or other device enabling one to measure slope in percent and/or tree height.

3. Diameter tape/loggers tape for measuring tree diameter to the nearest tenth of an inch and calculating slope distance.

4. GPS unit, capable of receiving GIS data files and collecting data points.

5. A field data recorder capable of running FS Cruiser Version 2, and keeping the data secure.

6. Red and white polka dot and white ribbon.

7. Orange wire pin flags for plot centers.

8. Paint marking guns capable of utilizing quart size paint cans.

9. The Contractor must be a Registered Professional Forester (RPF) by the State of

California or shall employ the services of a State of California Registered Professional Forester to supervise this contract. The RPF shall certify that all completed fieldwork and documentation meets contract specifications. The quote for this contract must include the RPF name and number. If RPF name and identification number are not included, the quote will be considered non-responsive.

8. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY:

The Government will deliver to the Contractor the following listed materials, supplies, property, and/or services (hereinafter referred to as "Government-furnished property"). The Contractor shall be liable for all loss or damage of such Government-furnished property until completion and final acceptance of all work required under the contract. The Contractor shall sign a Transfer of Government property receipt upon acceptance of Government-furnished property.

Description Location Remarks Tracer Paint

Mt. Hough RD, Quincy, CA Issued on a pre-scheduled basis once a week from the Mt Hough Ranger District during normal business hours Monday - Friday, 8 AM - 4:30 PM.

Project Aerial Photo Copies

Mt. Hough RD, Quincy, CA Available at Pre-work

Project Work Maps 1 of 2 and 2 of 2.

Mt. Hough RD, Quincy, CA Available at Pre-work

GIS layers Mt. Hough RD, Quincy, CA Available at Pre-work

Timber Cruising Handbook, 2409.12 Chapters 10-60

Mt. Hough RD, Quincy, CA

Available at Pre-work

9. CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE:

Name: Stephen Windward Telephone Number: (530) 283-7605 (office)

(530)-927-8037 (cell)

10. LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

The following attachments are made a part of this solicitation and any resultant contract.

Title Page

Twain West Silvicultural Prescription 13 Twain West Unit Summary Tables 1 and 2 17 Twain West Unit Summary Sheet 18 Twain West Contract Work Map Attachment Twain West Vicinity Map Attachment

11. Silvicultural Prescription & Marking Guidelines for Twain West Stewardship (Sample)

Existing Condition Species composition: ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, sugar pine, white fir, incense cedar and black oak.

The existing basal area (BA) averages at approximately 220 ft2/acre with an estimated 725 Trees per Acre (TPA). The majority of trees are non-sawtimber or biomass size (9.9 inches DBH or less); or under minimum sawlog diameters (10.0” DBH and greater). Most treatment units are dominated by white fir and Douglas fir.

Desired Post Harvest Conditions Research suggests that under a natural fire regime, a highly heterogeneous landscape would have occurred with structural variation based on topography’s influence on fire frequency and intensity.

Historical stand volume records indicate that stands in the Twain West area were typically dominated by Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine along with oak, depending upon site conditions. The Twain West area is mixture of pine-oak savannah and mixed-conifer type stands. Topography, aspect and local hydrologic features also play an especially important role in determining stand type. Large diameter trees in open-canopy conditions (best represented by CWHR size class 5 and open/sparse cover) would have been more prevalent on the landscape, especially on drier sites.

Therefore, the objective of this prescription is to re-adjust the trajectory of stand development towards a more heterogeneous and resilient condition similar to landscapes with intact disturbance regimes.

This would be achieved by moderating the potential size, intensity and severity of wildfires, improving tree vigor and forest health by reducing stand densities, create conditions favorable for regeneration of shade intolerant species and increase vertical and horizontal structural heterogeneity throughout the landscape.

Marking Guidelines

General Guidelines Applicable to Matrix, Gap and Clumps

1. Retain all trees ≥30” DBH.

2. Mark trees for removal from 10 to 29.9” DBH based on the factors on the next following pages.

3. Across the treatment unit, retain at least 30% of the existing basal area. For instance, if a treatment unit currently averages 100 ft2 of basal area, do not take the residual average below 30 ft2 of basal area.

4. Leave species in this order of preference: BO > RRSP/WWP > PP > IC > DF > WF:

a. Species preference can be relative– consider existing species diversity to maintain other shade intolerant species. For instance, in a pine dominated stand, the need to retain pine is less because there are so many other healthy individuals. However, one might retain a less than ideal pine in a true fir dominated stand.

b. Concentrate on removing diseased, poor formed, suppressed, intermediate and some codominant trees. Less desirable tree species can occasionally be retained if healthier and more vigorous than more desirable tree species.

i. Retained pines should ideally have an live crown ratio (LCR) of at least 50% - 60%.

c. Retain all black oaks and other hardwoods.

i. Thin small conifers competing with vigorous black oak.

ii. Thin shade tolerant species around oaks.

iii. Consider removing more conifers on the south and west facing aspects of oak clumps.

d. Leave all sugar pine unless exhibiting signs of white pine blister rust infection (spiked tops, flagging branches) or exhibiting signs of very low vigor (poor needle retention)/suppressed.

e. Mark all trees up to 15.0” DBH with a DMR of 3 or greater.

5. On occasion, desirable trees under 10.0” can be marked with “leave tree” paint to help meet desired residual BA.

a. This should be done infrequently:

i. A good example of appropriate use would be where there is minimal advance regeneration and timber marker is worried that the few good advance regen might be all removed during timber harvest operations.

b. Tree should be a desired tree species such as rust-resistant sugar pine or ponderosa pine.

c. Use appropriate “leave tree” paint color, ie: White, Orange or Black.

In general, a variable density thinning approach/philosophy will be used to meet the aforementioned objectives and desired conditions. The average and range of basal area will change, dependent upon desired forest composition type, as well as the acres of gaps and clumps to be created.

Variability density thinning can be broken down into three basic component, as explained further below:

• Matrix thinning

• Clumps

• Gaps

Matrix Thinning

Historically, overall stand densities would have been lower than current levels. Additionally, much of the basal area would have been distributed into few, larger trees. The “matrix” can best be thought of as the “general forest”. Thinning in the matrix should not be exclusively from below. Larger trees can and should be removed to help meet project objectives. Larger unhealthy individuals or true fir seed sources are usually considered appropriate to designate for removal.

Matrix thinning is really a combination of thinning from below and crown thinning. Overall, matrix thinning is used to reduce ladder fuels in the suppressed and intermediate crown classes, reduce overall tree density, canopy bulk density and shift desired tree species composition towards more shade-intolerant species within the general forest.

1. Thin areas between clumps and gaps to reduce fuels and improve residual tree growth. Thin matrix to a residual basal area to the averages and ranges specified in Table 1.

2. With existing scattered openings throughout, it may be necessary to retain a higher residual basal area to achieve a canopy cover average for certain units.

3. Retain all trees with signs of wildlife habitation (visible nests, active cavities).

4. Thin from Below. Reduction of ladder fuels and vertical fuel continuity takes precedence over crown thinning (discussed below). Reduce stand densities beginning with the smallest diameter classes, retaining the best formed, most vigorous trees.

a. Crown Position and Tree Vigor. Suppressed and intermediate trees that serve as ladder fuels are preferred for removal. Some vigorous, shade intolerant, intermediate trees may be retained for structural diversity or canopy cover/basal area retention, but only in situations where it does not act as a ladder fuel to over story trees. Individuals with poor vigor (<40% live crown ratio) or showing signs of insect/disease infestation will usually be preferred for removal.

b. Trees growing closely together or displaying half, partial, or lopsided crowns shall be considered as one tree and either cut or retained.

c. Biomass trees: In general, most trees <10” DBH will be removed. Desired species <10” DBH can be retained to fill openings or achieve desired basal area retention, but should not act as a ladder fuel. Use proper retention mark paint color, ie: White, Orange, or Black.

5. Crown Thin. After thinning from below, thin codominant trees if needed to reach basal area target in order to reduce horizontal continuity of crown fuels and enhance structural diversity.

Increase crown spacing between residual trees comprised generally of the largest, most vigorous shade intolerant species.

a. Species Preference and Tree Vigor. Retain desirable species (as described in species preference) with the best vigor and generally >40% live crown ratio for pines, or >50% for firs with nice pointy crowns. Individuals showing signs of insect or disease infestation are preferred for removal.

Clumps

1. Desirable locations for clumps include:

a. North and east aspects.

b. Encompassing existing snags.

c. Around live trees exhibiting wildlife characteristic (large spike topped trees, defect trees).

d. Cold air drainages.

e. Surrounding seeps/springs.

2. Retain large fire resilient dominant and codominant trees, especially when occurring “clumped” together, forming a spatially explicit cluster of trees with higher-than-average density.

3. Size can range from 3-12 trees, 1/10 to 1/4 acre.

a. Thin trees surrounding these clumps to disrupt horizontal fuel connectivity to the clumps in order to protect from wildfires.

b. Retain whenever possible intermediate and codominant trees within the clump.

i. Exceptions may be made for shade-tolerant conifers that are currently or will compete with residual trees in the clump. Try to determine if marked trees can be removed from the clump without excessive damage to residual trees.

Gaps

1. Desirable locations for gaps include:

a. South and west facing aspects.

b. Ridgetops.

c. Areas that show previous shade-intolerant conifer dominance (i.e. large pine stumps readily observed).

d. Site where there is a lot of shade-intolerant advance regeneration.

2. Do not locate gaps where:

a. There is the presence of wildlife snags.

b. Site currently dominated by brush.

3. Enhance existing canopy openings/gaps of lower-than-average density or create gaps, if needed, to enhance favorable shade intolerant regeneration conditions.

a. Gaps can be used next to clumps to reduce ladder and canopy fuels.

b. Gaps can be created around “radial thins” of desired trees, such as “legacy trees”.

c. Gaps can be created by retaining a large single oak or cluster of oaks by marking competing conifers for removal.

4. Size can range from ¼ to ½ acre. Focus gap creation in patches of shade tolerant species or insect/disease clusters.

5. Wherever possible, retain desired shade-intolerant trees to serve as seed sources or as advance regeneration.

Twain West Stewardship Residual Basal Area Table 1. Target residual basal area and gap and clump creation acreage by unit/subunit

Unit Number Acres Residual Basal Area Gap (Acres) Clump (Acres) Low High Average

53 2.7 120 140 140 0.5 0.25 54A 37.2 60 180 120 5.5 5.0 54B 3.6 60 180 140 0.25 0.5 55A 7.1 80 180 140 1.0 0.5 55B 12.3 80 180 160 1.5 1.5 56 20.2 100 180 140 3.0 2.0

58A 19.8 100 180 160 2.0 3.0 58B 45.6 80 180 140 6.5 7.0 61 80.4 80 180 140 12.0 14.5

TOTALS 228.9 32.25 33.75

Twain West Stewardship Unit Silviculture

Table 2.

Twain West Mark and Cruise

Unit Silviculture Rx Acres 53 RX2 - Variable Density Thinning (VDT) - general 2.7 54 RX2 - Variable Density Thinning (VDT) - general 40.8 55 RX2 - Variable Density Thinning (VDT) - general 19.4 56 RX2 - Variable Density Thinning (VDT) - HRCA 10.4 58 RX2 - Variable Density Thinning (VDT) - general 65.4 61 RX2 - Variable Density Thinning (VDT) - HRCA 80.4

TOTALS 228.9

Unit Summary Sheet

Twain West Stewardship Timber Sale/Stewardship Project

Mt Hough Ranger District

UNIT

ACRES

PRESCRIPTION/

Mark Reviewed?

BOUNDARIES:

Paint Color:

Paint Batch:

Manufacturer and Date of Mfr:

Tracer check (date and initials):

DESIGNATION:

(sawtimber)

C L C L C L C L

Cut or Leave Trees Marked:

Paint Color:

Paint Batch:

Manufacturer and date of Mfr:

Tracer check (date and initials):

Other paint in unit?

CREW LEADER:

Markers w/stump mark:

REMARKS:

T61

T58B

T54A

T56

T58AT55B

T 55A

T54 B

T53

T 25N R 8E

T 25N R 9E

23 24 1925N2025N20

NN1122

25N83 25N83

25N20B 25N20B

2255NN2200AA

2255NN5577BB

2255NN5577AA 2244NN2277

2255NN2200EE

25N82

25N822255NN2200BB11

2255NN2200BB22

25N20C 25N20C

24N27A 24N27A

25N55 25N55

25N20B3

25N20B3

2255NN2200

2255NN2200

Mill Creek

Dutch Creek

Du tch

Cr eek

Legend Silvi_Rx

Variable Density Thin_General Variable Density Thin_HRCA Perennial Stream Intermittent Stream Ephemeral Stream ââ PG&E Transmission Lines

Mt. Hough Ranger District Plumas National Forest

0 0.5 10.25 Miles

TWAIN WEST MARK AND CRUISE PROJECT

All Roads Are Native Surface

£¤S-101

£¤S-199

£¤S-395§̈¦I-80

§̈¦I-10

§̈¦I-5 §̈¦I-15 ·}þ162

·}þ162

·}þ284

·}þ89

·}þ89

·}þ49

·}þ70

£¤S-395

T a h o e N a t i o n a l

F o r e s t

·}þ70

·}þ89

Project Area

Project Area

Twain West Mark and Cruise Project Mt. Hough Ranger District

Plumas National Forest

Twain West Mark and Cruise Project

0 5 10 15 20 Miles

0 1 2 Miles µ