Attachment 10 - Rambling Rose Specifications.pdf

Rambling Rose Timber Sale (#51176) – Red Pine/Aspen VMP 5/5/2020

SECTION C – DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATION/WORK STATEMENT

C.1 Scope of Contract This contract is for Payment Units (1-6) in the Rambling Rose Timber Sale. It involves timber marking and volume estimation of approximately 149 acres in Aspen forest types, broken down by the following descriptions:

NOTE: Layout has NOT been completed in these units. Unit boundaries will be marked with three orange slashes above DBH, facing into the unit, and stump marks made with orange paint;

except for the common (shared) unit boundaries which will be marked with two slash mark on both sides of the tree above DBH and stump marks. The Forest Service will traverse all units with GPS equipment prior to 6/30/2020, and modifications to estimated acreages will be made at that time. NOTE: Please contact James Pelkola at 906-852-3500 ext8524032 for clarification.

(1) CLEARCUT/REMOVAL CUT (Marking & Cruising - where all trees are counted)

Payment Units 1-6: approximately 149 acres

Generally in a clearcut or removal cut, where all LIVE and/or DEAD trees that meet minimum specifications for size or species are designated for removal EXCEPT for trees marked as RESERVE TREES, LEAVE TREES or trees within PROTECTED

AREAS.

In Payment Units where designated Species are too variable for Area Estimate Cruising methods, trees designated for removal will be marked with a paint spot at eye level to verify the tree was counted – a stump mark is not generally required.

(2) SAMPLE TREE CRUISING METHOD

Payment Units 1-6: approximately 149 acres

The Sample Tree cruising method (STR) involves measuring a specified proportion (Sample Interval) of trees in the defined sub-population. The remaining trees included for removal are tallied as count trees. With this cruising method, every tree included for removal must be visited and marked.

NOTE: USFS has not marked the Road ROW unit (7) yet for this sale. This will be done by USFS at a later date. For units that have a road running through them, contractor should still mark/cruise trees up to the edge of the existing road clearing.

NOTE: Government furnished tree marking paint (TMP) will be issued, or returned, by appointment only at the ONTONAGON RANGER DISTRICT OFFICE. The primary point of contact for all TMP transactions will be the paint custodian. This person will be identified at the pre-work meeting. GREEN paint has been designated for this sale.

Rambling Rose Timber Sale (#51176) – Red Pine/Aspen VMP 5/5/2020

NOTE: USFS will mark any and all Leave Trees.

C.2 LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION

The Rambling Rose Marking/Cruising Contract is located on the Ontonagon Ranger District and consists of about 149 acres of Aspen Clearcut.

This sale can be accessed from the following direction:

From M-64 west of Ontonagon, travel south on Norwich Road approximately 7 miles to FR 690.

Go southeast on FR 690 for approximately 1 mile. Sale is on either side of road.

ONF-2400-2

3/1/07 Version

OTTAWA NATIONAL FOREST

SILVICULTURAL PRESCRIPTION / MARKING GUIDES

STAND INFORMATION

PU –

Ranger District

Comp- Stand

Acres MA LTA ELTP Habitat Type

Cover Type LSC Year of

Origin Size

Density SI

BA

(ft2/ acre)

1 - 05

20-33, 20-4, 20-35, 21-46, 21-27

38 3.1a 13 282A, 280B, 286A

TTP, TAM,

TMC-Dry 91 500 1940 8 68 150

2 - 05 20-41, 20-28, 20-36

24 3.1a 13 280B, 282A TAM, TTP 91 500 1940 7 68 120

3 - 05 20-37, 20-32 20 3.1a 13 282A TTP, TAM 91 500 1940 7 68 120

4 - 05

20-18, 20-39, 20-36, 20-38

20 3.1a 13 280B TAM, TTP 91, 95 500 1940 8 68, 70 130

5 - 05

23-6, 76-1, 76-15, 20-29, 22-21

29 3.1a 13

290C, 289D, 282A, 371C, 290B

TAM, AVO,

TTP 91 500

1926, 1930, 1940, 8 79, 70 65, 68 130

6 - 05 18-13, 19-22 18 3.1a 13 290B, 292B

TAM, ATD

11, 91 500 1890, 1940 8 50, 70 130

STAND DESCRIPTION

These stands are declining, over-mature aspen stands that are in the process of transitioning to mixed hardwoods.

They are generally composed of large, overmature aspen with varying amounts of red maple, sugar maple, green ash, black ash, basswood, and ironwood. Occasional white pine and white spruce can be found in the stands. Much of the aspen is declining and full of conks. Dead aspen snags and patches of blowdown are common. Stand densities generally range between 100 to 170 ft2/acre BA. Of this, aspen BA ranges from 10 to 70 ft2/acre and most sections of the units carry at least 20 ft2/acre BA of aspen. Aspen diameters range between 12” to 20”, while hardwoods generally range between <6” to 14”. There are frequent balsam fir and occasional clusters of aspen regeneration in the understory. Black ash drains frequently run in between units.

Soils are mostly poorly-drained fine clay loams. Some of the ground experiences partial flooding in wet periods. The ground is slightly hummocky.

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Aspen EA TIMBER SALE: Rambling Rose PU: All

DESIRED CONDITION

Even-aged aspen stands of young, dense aspen regeneration averaging a density of ~3200 trees per acre. Some more open areas due to failed aspen response are acceptable. Occasional overstory oak, elm, or white pine may break the continuous aspen canopy, but these areas should not exceed <10 ft2/acre BA. Dense patches of sapling size balsam fir, spruce, hemlock, and other conifer species shall be maintained. However, these areas should not exceed 20% of the unit acreage.

SHORT AND LONG TERM OBJECTIVES

Apply silvicultural treatments to regenerate and restore a healthy even-aged aspen stand.

Retain healthy white pine, white spruce, oak, and elm.

Achieve a stocking level of ~3200 trees per acre of native species, of which aspen is the primary component.

Maintain and protect ecological processes and functions in and around riparian areas where they occur with the sale area.

Develop mature aspen stands with some diversity in species and structure.

Promote and maintain aspen stands through timely rotations to maintain the health and vigor of the aspen.

REMARKS

Reserve areas may be needed if aspen is going to be maintained as part of the reserve groups surrounding certain leave tree species. Oak and elm should be retained as a reserve group to protect the microsites around the tree. White pine, red pine, and hemlock can be left as lone trees.

Most units are winter harvest only.

Following the clearcut timber harvest, evaluate stand for site prep needs. If submerchantable material is likely to impede natural regeneration of aspen, conduct a site preparation treatment to remove the majority of stems below

5” DBH.

The overall goal of this prescription is to regenerate the aspen component while maintaining some existing diversity in species composition and structure. If you have any questions, please contact Kenton or Ontonagon Ranger District Silviculturist.

MARKING GUIDE:

Name of Treatment - Clearcut (4113)

Residual BA/Ac: < 10 ft2

Acres - see table above

The objective is to remove most of the trees from the site and regenerate a new age class of aspen. Mark all high-risk, mature aspen for clearcut. Mark the majority of hardwoods greater than 5” in DBH. Healthy groups of hardwoods and pine can occasionally be left, especially in areas with little to no existing aspen. Leave healthy elm, oak, hemlock, red and white pine, and cedar. Focus on leaving healthy overstory white pine when possible.

The target residual BA for these stands is <10 ft2/acre.

Healthy oak and elm need to have trees left adjacent to them if they are in a clearcut to protect the microsite around the trees, so some high risk mature aspen should be retained in this situation.

Openings to regenerate the aspen should not exceed 100 acres. I don’t anticipate the openings getting that large due to the drainages, layout, and the amount of hardwoods mixed in these stands. Remove all white spruce greater than 10” dbh.

DESIGN CRITERIA AND MITIGATION MEASURES

Highlighted Design Criteria, see NEPA for all of the criteria Cull trees should be left for wildlife, do not remove trees with little or no value unless they pose an insect or disease threat to the stand (14). If cull trees need to be marked the silviculturist should be notified to look at the risk.

If any stick nests are found (20) the wildlife biologist should be consulted.

If any archaeological sites are located during layout or implementation the Archaeologist should be consulted (66).

Winter or Dry Summer for most of the units.

Treat aspen inclusions in other forest type to favor aspen (5).

Remove all merchantable ironwood (8) Remove all white spruce 10 inches and greater (9)

POST HARVEST TREATMENTS

FACTS Code Name of Treatment Prescription 4493 Site Preparation for Natural

Regeneration Remove all residual sub-merchantable material except some patches of low to the ground conifer. Leave all trees noted in the marking guide above.

4341 Stocking Survey 1St Year 4341 Stocking Survey 3rd Year 4382 Certification wo/ SP Certification without site preparation

ACTIVITIES SUMMARY

Year Facts Activity Code Description 2021 4113 Clearcut 2022 4493 Site Prep for Natural Regeneration 2022 4341 Stocking Survey 2024 4341 Stocking Survey 2025 4382 Certification without site preparation

Prepared by: John Bowers

Approved by: Dave Steffensen

Title: Silviculturist

Title: Certified Silviculturist

Date: 4/30/2020

Date: 5/5/2020

Rambling Rose Timber Sale (#51176) – Red Pine/Aspen

VMP 5/5/2020

Marking Guides/Cruise Design

CRUISE DESIGN - STRATA 1 - Sample Tree Measure (STR)

Estimated Gross Sale Value: ~ $71,923.42

Maximum Sampling Error (Sale): +/- 14% (per FSH 2409.12, Chapter 40, 41.1 – Exhibit 01) Maximum Sampling Error (Stratum): +/- 40% for tree measurement sales

******** Marking Contract Acres ********

Payment Unit Treatment Approx. Acres 1-6 Aspen Clearcut 149 Total Approximate Acres: 149

******** USFS Marking Acres ********

Payment Unit Treatment Approx. Acres

7 ROW Right-of-way clearing – USFS will mark (1)

Instructions

Payment Units 1-6- Aspen Clearcut/Sample Tree Cruising (STR)

ALL merchantable trees within these Payment Units are designated for removal EXCEPT hemlock, cedar, white and red pine (which are designated leave tree species) AND Leave Trees (LTs).

Merchantable trees (except hemlock, cedar, white and red pine) to be removed from these Payment Units only require a paint mark at DBH to verify the tree has been counted; a stump mark is not required. Designated leave species (hemlock, cedar, white and red pine) require a paint mark at DBH AND at the stump only when chosen for removal (operability, disease/insect, or other conditions that may be described in the Marking Guides). Any and all LT’s will be marked by USFS. LT’s are to be marked with a single orange band at DBH, and a corresponding orange stump mark. As stated in the “REMARKS” and “MARKING GUIDE” section, no lone Elm or Oak are too be left. LT’s will need to be marked around the lone oak or elm, if not a designated leave species. LT’s may also include healthy groups of hardwoods as stated in the Marking Guides. All banded LT’s are to be counted and recorded by species and by payment unit during the cruise, preferably with provided Leave Tree Form and turned in with Tally Cards for each payment unit. (see specific Marking Instructions for these Payment Units) Cruise marked trees using the Sample Groups and Sample Intervals below.

Payment Unit 7: Right-of-way Clearing (USFS mark) - Sample Tree Cruising (STR) ALL merchantable trees to be removed from this Payment Unit require paint marks at DBH on opposite sides of the tree AND a corresponding stump mark. Cruise marked trees using the Sample Groups and Sample Intervals below.

NOTE: Refer to Marking Guides for specific marking instructions for these Payment Units.

* USFS personnel will be marking Payment Unit 7 - road ROW at a later date.

NOTE: Government furnished tree marking paint (TMP) will be issued, or returned, by appointment only at the ONTONAGON RANGER DISTRICT OFFICE. The primary point of contact for all TMP transactions will be the paint custodian. This person will be identified at the pre-work meeting. GREEN paint has been designated for this sale.

Rambling Rose Timber Sale - #51176 Cruise Design-Strata 1 (Sample Tree Measure)

Sample Group Description DBH Range Sample

Interval AL Large Aspen Pulpwood 16.0”+ 1:100 AS Small Aspen Pulpwood 5.0” – 15.99” 1:200 CP Mixed Conifer Pulpwood

(Fir, Spruce, White Pine, Cedar & Hemlock ) 5.0” + 1:50

CW Mixed Conifer Sawtimber (Fir, Spruce, Cedar & Hemlock )

9.0” + 1:10

HL Large Mixed Hardwood Pulpwood (Maple, Birch, Ash, Ironwood, Black Cherry, Oak, Basswood, Elm)

11.0” + 1:100

HS Small Mixed Hardwood Pulpwood (Maple, Birch, Ash, Ironwood, Black Cherry, Oak, Basswood, Elm)

5.0” - 10.99” 1:600

JP Jack Pine Pulpwood 5.0” + 1:5

OL

Large Other Hardwood Sawtimber (R. Maple, Birch, Ash, Oak, Basswood, Black Cherry, Elm)

16.0” + 1:25

OS Small Other Hardwood Sawtimber (R. Maple, Birch, Ash, Oak, Basswood, Black Cherry, Elm)

11.0” – 15.99” 1:100

PP Red Pine Pulpwood 5.0” + 1:5 RW Red Pine Sawtimber 9.0” + 1:5 SW Sugar Maple Sawtimber 11.0” + 1:10 WW White Pine Sawtimber 9.0” + 1:5

Prepared by Jacklyn Paukert, Forestry Technician

MINIMUM TREE AND PIECE UTILIZATION STANDARDS

Minimum Tree Specifications

Minimum Piece Specifications

SPECIES PRODUCT DBH (inches) Length (feet)

DIB

(inches)

Minimum Net Scale in % of Gross

Hardwoods (except aspen)

Sawlogs 11.0 8 9.6-11.5 95% 1/

Hardwoods Sawlogs 11.0 8 11.6+ 50% 1/ Softwood Sawlogs 9.0 8 7.6 40 All Species Pulpwood 5.0 8 4.0 70 and reasonably straight 2/

1/ In Timber Sale Contracts, all hardwood sawlogs will use 50% minimum net scale in gross %, due to limitations in TIM. Cruising will use 95% minimum net scale for small diameter logs (9.6 – 11.5 DIB).

2/ Seventy percent applies to rot, voids, and char. Mechanical type defects such as sweep, crook, spider heart, and ring shake will not be considered.

Reasonably straight - When the true line of a minimum length piece does not deviate more than ½ the inside diameter of the small and plus two inches from a straight line drawn between the centers of the ends of a piece.

The maximum deflection allowed is what will fit in a 20-inch cylinder.

A minimum tree must include at least one piece that meets minimum specifications.

** Product heights are now measured to the nearest foot. All heights are measured in feet from the ground on the high side of the stump.

1. Conifers – measure total height (to the tip) in feet and the cruise program will calculate the 4” cut-off.

2. Hardwoods (includes Aspen) – measure the height in feet to the 4” top.

3. Sawtimber – cut-off point or “stoppers” will follow our regular practices. Measure sawtimber height in feet. Secondary product height will be measured as described in item 1 or 2 depending on the species.

4. Default dib’s are already built into the equations;

Pulpwood = 4.0” Sawtimber = 9.6” (hardwood) = 7.6” (mixed conifers, pine)

5. On trees with a broken, dead, or deformed top, record the height to the point where the 4” top or the tip would have been if the tree were still growing normally, then record defect to account for the missing volume.

Marking Prescriptions Written by:

/s/ John L. Bowers_____________________ _5-7-20_________________________ John L. Bowers Date Silviculturist

Narrative by:

/s/ Jacklyn Paukert_________________________ 5/5/2020__________________________ Jacklyn Paukert, Forestry Technician(TSI) Date

Cruise Design by:

/s/ Jacklyn Paukert_________________________ 5/5/2020__________________________ Jacklyn Paukert, Forestry Technician Date

Reviewed by:

/s/ James K. Pelkola_________________________ 5/5/2020__________________________ James K. Pelkola Date Supervisory Forester / TMA (North Zone)

Approved by:

/s/ Barbara C. Van Alstine_____________________ 5/5/2020__________________________ Barbara C. Van Alstine Date District Ranger

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USDA - APFO; USDA - USFS – GTAC

0.5 0 0.50.25 Miles 1:15,840JLP 04/30/2020

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USDA - APFO; USDA - USFS – GTAC

Rambling Rose TS #51176 Payment Unit/Vicinity Map

**ESTIMATED ACRES**

Rambling Rose Sale Boundary

Region 9 Supervisor, Forest, and District offices

Vicinity Map (not to scale)

Legend RamblingRoseTempRoad

Road

RamblingRoseBotanyBuffers

RamblingRosePUFlagged

RamblingRoseSaleBoundar7

OWNERCLASSIFICATION

NON-FS

X R9 OTT Corners

NHD Waterbody

FType Stream/River

T50N R40W

Ontonagon County

PU 6 Eastern Subunit

Approximate PU Acres

1 - 38 (5+4+7+5+17) 2 - 24 (5+11+8) 3 - 20 (2+1+4+2+3+4+2+1+1) 4 - 20 (2+2+12+<1+1+2+1) 5 - 29 (5+8+9+2+4+1) 6 - 18 (6+12)

7 (ROW) - 1

Total (1-6) = 149

Map to Scale