Attachment 3 - Indigo Cruise Design.pdf

Attachment 3: Cruise Design

Indigo Timber Sale

(FSH 2409.12, Chapter 40)

Sale # 10251

Briar Patch - HMR

I. INTRODUCTION

The Indigo Timber Sale is approximately 307 acres in Compartment 75 on the Apalachicola Ranger

District. This sale will be cut tree marked (STR) and leave tree marked (PCM) and will offer two products: pine sawtimber and pine pulpwood. The Indigo Timber Sale is anticipated to yield CCF of southern yellow pine in the second quarter of FY23.

II. SILVICULTURAL PRESCRIPTIONS AND MARKING GUIDES (FSH 2409.12, 41.2)

The Briar Patch Silvicultural Prescription determines the objectives for the sale and provides information for the development of unit marking guides. This Cruise Design and the Silvicultural

Prescription should be read together.

Unit Comp Stand(s) Acres Treatment Pulp

(CCF)

Saw (CCF) Total

1 74 15 69.5 Thinning (CTM) 41 135 176

2 74 11, 36 61.8 Thinning (CTM) 100 157 257

3 74 33 25.2 Clearcut w/ Reserves (LTM) 5 68 73

4 74 25 32.8 Thinning (CTM) 250 222 472

5 74 310, 313 18.9 Thinning (CTM) 69 96 168

6 74 12 37.9 Thinning (CTM) 150 184 334

7 74 13 61.2 Clearcut w/ Reserves (LTM) 546 1065 1611

Total: 307.3 1161 1927 3091

III. CRUISE METHOD(S) AND SAMPLING INTENSITY (FSH 2409.12, Chapter 30)

A. Sampling Error (FSH 2409.12, 41.1)

This cruise plan will utilize the most efficient sampling method necessary to achieve Forest Service

Standards regarding statistical estimates for timber sale volume. The desired sampling error for the sale was calculated as follows:

Estimated Harvest Acres: 307

Estimated Sale Volume: 3091 CCF

Average Volume/Acre: 10 CCF/Acre

Base period price from the most current appraisal guide:

Pine pulpwood -- $12.24

Pine sawtimber -- $31.22

Estimated volume of pine pulpwood: 1,161 CCF

Estimated volume of pine sawtimber: 1,927 CCF

Using these rates and volumes the Rattler Timber Sale has an estimated value of $74,371. The maximum sampling error (SE%) for a tree measurement sale of this value is 10% (FSH 2409.12, 41.1).

B. Cruise Implementation (FSH 2409.12, Chapter 30)

Clearcut w/ Reserves – All longleaf pine will be leave tree marked and then a point count cruise will be performed with a 20 Basal Area Factor (BAF).

The first and second unmarked “CUT” sawtimber pine trees that are “IN” will be measured and recorded. The following sawtimber trees within the plot with be counted and recorded.

The first and second unmarked “CUT” pulpwood pines tree that are “IN” will be measured and recorded. The following pulpwood trees within the plot with be counted and recorded.

The walkthrough method will be used where portions of the plot extend outside the unit boundary.

Sample Group Species/Product (Unit) DBH Range Sample Interval

PS Sawtimber (01) 9.6”+ First and Second on Plot

ZP Pulpwood (02) 4.6” – 9.5” First and Second on Plot

Product is determined by DBH:

Pulpwood: 4.6” to 9.5"

Sawtimber: 9.6” +

Height is determined by measuring to:

Pulpwood: Total tree height

Sawtimber: To merchantable height cutoff (first height) and then to a 7" top stem diameter (reference height)

Cruise intensity will be approximately 1 plot per 3 acres placed on a square grid. Maps will be provided to show approximate location of plots. A GPS unit with plots will be used to locate plots. The plot center will be established and monumented by driving flagging into the ground. On the flagging the Unit # and the Plot # will be written. An information flag will be hung near plot center, it will have the number sawtimber and pulpwood and initialed by individual using the prism. An additional piece of flagging will be hung on the closest bush to plot center.

Thinning – If stand hasn’t previously been thinned, 5th rows will be removed. Live Longleaf and

Slash pine in good condition and have a DBH of 9.6” or higher are to be favored for retention when selecting trees to remove.

*Desired conditions: 40-60 BA

Sample Group Species/Product (Unit) DBH Range Sample Interval

PS Sawtimber (01) 9.6”+ 1: 100

ZP Pulpwood (02) 4.6” – 9.5” 1: 150

A random start should be used for each sample group at the start of marking in each payment unit. Select a random interval that is less than the required sample interval for the first tally in each sample group, thereafter, sample at the specified sample interval.

Maintain an accurate tree count by payment unit for each sample group. Original field records used for tracking tree counts must be with the tally cards or data recorder sheets when each unit is completed.

*Do NOT mark any hardwoods on the forest.

IV. STAND MARKING GUIDELINES

Sale Unit Boundary Designation: Stand boundary line trees are marked at eye level with three (3) horizontal slash marks and a stump mark at ground level with the eye level marks facing into the interior of the cutting unit. Natural boundaries such as roads and powerlines are not marked but are indicated on project area maps.

Leave Tree Marks: Units to be clearcut with longleaf reserves (LTM) shall have ALL merchantable longleaf pine retained using the standards stated below. Orange tracer paint will be used to designate

Leave Trees. Face mark dimensions must be a minimum of 5-6 inches in length by two inches width and must be wrapped around the tree so that the marks can be seen 360 degrees around the tree. Proper placement of the paint mark on the stump is essential. Place stump marks so that sufficient paint gets into bark crevices and extends into the ground-line ensuring that paint will remain on the stump over time.

Place stump marks on the downhill side of sloping ground. Place two (2) stump marks on Sawtimber size trees and one (1) on pulpwood size trees is required.

Cut Tree Marks: Units to be cut by this method will be marked with tracer paint. Blue or Green tracer paint will be used to designate Cut Trees for removal. Two horizontal face marks will be placed on opposite sides of the tree at least six feet in height above ground. Face mark dimensions must be a minimum of 5-6 inches in length by two inches width. Proper placement of the paint mark on the stump is essential. Place stump marks so that sufficient paint gets into bark crevices and extends into the ground-line ensuring that paint will remain on the stump over time. Place stump marks on the downhill side of sloping ground. Place two (2) stump marks on Sawtimber size trees and one (1) on pulpwood size trees is required. Stump marks and eye level marks do not have to be on the same side of the tree.

All Marks on Trees: Tracer paint must be used. The stump mark should be placed on the downhill side of the stump. Paint should penetrate bark crevices and extend down into the ground line and no higher than one foot up on the stump. Scrape away moss or leaves to get a good durable mark on the stump.

Also, enough paint should be applied to the face and stump mark for every marked tree.