Attachment 4 - Sixty Four Specifications.pdf

SECTION C – DESCRIPTION /SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK Sixty Four Marking Contract

C.1 SCOPE

The Sixty Four Marking Contract is located on the Bessemer Ranger District. The project area is estimated at 201 acres and was determined through field reconnaissance and GIS calculations. The marking project involves 83 acres of northern hardwood selection, 9 acres of red pine thinning, and 109 acres of plot cruising in aspen clearcut units. Volume estimation is required on all units and involves both sample tree and plot cruising methods. Sample tree cruising (STR) will be performed utilizing cut tree marking methods within Payment Units 01-03 and 05. Plot cruising methods (PCME) will be utilized within Payment Units 04 and 06-10.

(1) Hardwood Selection (Marking & STR Cruising)

Single Tree Selection Harvest

Payment Unit(s): 03: 28 acres

The stands consist of predominantly sugar and red maple with small amounts of other hardwood species usually occurring in scattered distribution. Quality can greatly vary from pockets of trees where most are unacceptable growing stock to trees with acceptable quality and height. There are areas where basswood or hemlock/yellow birch dominates the overstory and maple is either co-dominant or suppressed. Marking objectives are to remove trees considered high risk, defective, poor form, or mature and to maintain or develop size class structure with optimum growing stock, per the specific marking instructions. The desired future condition of this stand is to maintain a unevenaged stand structure with increased species diversity. Other actions include:

Create one regeneration gap (66’x66’ canopy gap) per every acre, where trees are of high risk or poor quality, or gap opportunities can be placed adjacent to recent wind throw areas.

Where aspen is present expand gap by 1 tree length (75 feet) to improve aspen regeneration.

Refer to the Marking Guide and Cruise plan for more information and specifications.

(2) Hardwood Selection (Marking & STR Cruising)

Payment Unit(s): 01 & 02: 55 Acres

The stands consist of predominantly sugar and red maple with small amounts of other hardwood species usually occurring in scattered distribution. Quality can greatly vary from pockets of trees where most are unacceptable growing stock to trees with acceptable quality and height. There are areas where basswood or hemlock/yellow birch dominates the overstory and maple is either co-dominant or suppressed. An uneven aged northern hardwood stand with the current species diversity maintained or increased. There will be minor amounts of clearcut inclusions, but selection can be applied to areas where the stocking is high and there is no need to regenerate a new age class. A stand the exhibits large tree characteristics.

If present retain ALL hemlock, cedar, pine, white spruce, elm, oak and healthy paper birch. Do not mark yellow birch, basswood or white ash unless exhibiting poor health (see criteria #4 below).

Retain all trees ≥ 15” DBH unless removal is needed for logging operations, except for aspen.

(3) Commercial Thinning Red Pine

Payment Unit(s): 05: 9 acres

These stands are red pine plantations planted in 1968 with an avg. DBH 12” – 14”. This is a long narrow stand along M-64. The desired future condition is to promote healthy, vigorous, and resilient red pine plantations that are fully utilizing the site and putting growth on the best quality stems, while supporting small inclusions of aspen/birch and the diversity of other species such as eastern white pine and northern red oak. Eventually, the expectation is that the plantations would develop a heterogeneous structure and composition.

This will be a “Free Thin” (combination of thin from above and thin from below). This stand is along M-64 use caution not to reduce the BA too much to make stand susceptible to wind throw.

• Mark to 100 FT2/Ac, marking no more than 40% of initial basal area.

• The main objective will be to favor the best red pine and in some cases hardwood crop trees, along with improving the growing space by reducing stand density. Crop trees should exhibit the following criteria:

o Live Crown Ratio >30%.

o Dominant or co-dominant trees w/ good crown vigor and stem quality o Low risk of mortality or failure [e.g. main stem breakage].

(4) Aspen CLEARCUT (Plots, PCME Cruising)

Payment Unit(s): 04, 06-10: 109 acres (55 plots)

These stands are primarily aspen stands with some scattered spruce/fir regeneration. The DBH range from 10” – 14” on average. The majority are diseased and are on their way out.

The resultant stand appearance should have most acres having 0-5% canopy cover; with other acres having few retained trees that can be scattered or usually form small groups. This will ensure adequate sunlight to warm the ground to encourage suckering, and provide a long-term free to grow condition for long term establishment of aspen.

• Don’t cut species such as hemlock, white pine, red pine, cedar, oak species, elm species, and yellow birch species unless needed for safe operations. These species are to remain on site and not be marked (LT’s). Any other species that exhibit wildlife characteristics, cavities, dead tops, etc., should be left to increase wildlife habitat.

• In PU 10 leave a residual BA of 40 Ft2/Ac adjacent to M-64 of healthy hardwood trees to serve as a visual screen.

• Mark all other merchantable-sized species to prepare the area for the regeneration of a new stand. If trees need to be retained during marking, work with the COR to identify which trees need to be LT’s.

Refer to the Marking Guide and Cruise plan for more information and specifications.

(5) SAMPLE TREE CRUISING METHOD (STR)

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

Hardwood Selection Payment Unit(s): 03

Improvement Cut Payment Unit(s): 01 & 02

Red Pine Commercial Thinning: 05

In all units specified above the cut tree marking (CTM) method is required. This method requires two-sided (opposite) marking at breast height with stump marks (18-24” tails). This marking method typically relies working through an order of removal with specific criteria guiding what portion of merchantable-sized trees should be marked for removal. Refer to Marking and Cruise Design for trees to be marked with this marking method.

(6) Point Count Measure Tree (PCME, Plot Cruising)

Aspen Clearcut Payment Unit(s): 04, 06-10

In Aspen Clearcut Payment Units that are planned for PCME Cruising, the cruise method will be accomplished through the establishment of variable radius plots with a 10 Basal Area Factor (BAF) prism.

Plots are to be systematically distributed at the rate to be determined at pre-work. Refer to the Cruise Plan for the number of plots for each unit, and the planned spacing of plots.

Plot center will be staked and identified with flagging with plot ID# and cruiser initials, tie another 18 to 24 inch length of flagging to a tree or branch at eye level near plot center.

In addition the first sample tree in each sample group will be required to have flagging around it. The

Contractor shall provide colored flagging that is acceptable to the Government. The color will be determined at the pre-work meeting.

Thorough direction on procedures will be given at the pre-work meeting.

A global positioning unit (GPS) will need to be utilized for accurate identification of plot locations and a map provided showing plot locations with direction of travel to each plot.

Note: USFS timber sale preparation personnel will mark a road right-of-way clearing unit that is within the sale area.

C.2 LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION:

The sale area is approximately 3 miles south of Marenisco, MI. From Marenisco, the sale area is accessed by driving 3 miles south on Michigan State Highway 64. From Michigan State Highway 64, you will reach a central point within the project area.

The majority of the Payment Units for the Sixty Four TS project area are located directly off of Michigan State Highway 64, while also utilizing existing and planned Forest Service system roads for access.

West Branch Presque Isle River

W el lin gt on C re ek

M I-6

-A

8265-B

02202001

02202003

02201201

02201203

USDA - APFO; USDA - USFS – GTAC

Sixty Four Stewardship Timber Sale Estimated Acres Contract Map North

´ 0 0.09 0.18 0.27 0.360.045 Miles

Legend NHD Area

NHD Flowline

Owner Non- Forest Service

Road

SixtyFourESTacres

Jesse Cox 5/26/20

Estimated Marking Contract Acres: 201 PU 11 R.O.W. Acres: 1 Sale Total Acres: 202PU Acres

1 42 2 13 3 28 4 17 5 9 6 4 7 12 8 40 9 14 10 22 11 1

M I-6

8122-H1

8121-E

8131-D

02215001

02215300

8032-A

8131-C

8105-C

02215003

-B

-H

02215004

8220-A

02215005

USDA - APFO; USDA - USFS – GTAC

Sixty Four Stewardship Timber Sale Estimated Acres Contract Map South

´ 0 0.09 0.18 0.27 0.360.045 Miles

Legend NHD Area

NHD Flowline

Owner Non- Forest Service

Road

SixtyFourESTacres

Jesse Cox 5/26/20

Estimated Marking Contract Acres: 201 PU 11 R.O.W. Acres: 1 Sale Total Acres: 202PU Acres

1 42 2 13 3 28 4 17 5 9 6 4 7 12 8 40 9 14 10 22 11 1

SIXTY FOUR STEWARDSHIP CRUISE DESIGN

Sale Number: 20194 Estimated Sale Value: $100,000 Estimated CV Ranges: 20-32% Maximum Sampling Error: 12% Based on Comparison Cruise Data: Uptown T.S. & West Bank T.S. and Pre-cruise Plot data.

Cruise Methods: Sample Tree (STR), Point Count Measure Tree (PCMTRE) Cruise Plots [Reference attached Minimum Tree and Piece Utilization Standards, dated 11/02/2015]

(Total Estimated Sale Acres = 202 Acres)

STRATA 1: (CTM) [Hardwood Single-Tree Selection Payment Units: 01, 02, & 03 (83 Acres).] [Red Pine Thinning and Improvement Cut, Payment Units: 05 (9 Acres).] [Payment Unit 11 (R.O.W.) will be marked and cruised by USFS.]

Sample Group

Species/Product (Unit) DBH Range Sample Interval

HS Hardwood/Pulpwood (02) Small 5.0” - 10.99” 1:200 HL Hardwood/Pulpwood (02) Large 11.0” + 1:30 SW Sugar Maple Sawtimber (01) 11.0”+ 1:10 OW Other Hardwood Sawtimber (01)* 11.0”+ 1:10 A Aspen Pulpwood (02) 5.0” + 1: 25

CW Spruce/Sawtimber (01)** 9.0” + 1:5 CP Mixed Conifer/Pulpwood (02) 5.0” + 1:50 PP Pine Pulpwood (02) 5.0” + 1:10 RW Pine Sawtimber (01)*** 9.0” + 1:20

Note: Cruise all Aspen and Balsam Fir as pulpwood. Mixed Conifer pulpwood includes Balsam Fir, Tamarack, Cedar, Hemlock, White Spruce, & Black Spruce. Pine Pulpwood includes Red & Jack Pine.

*Other Hardwood Sawtimber includes: all Red Maple, Basswood, Black Cherry, Black Ash, White Ash, Yellow Birch, & White Birch.

**Spruce Sawtimber includes: all Black Spruce and White Spruce.

***Pine Sawtimber includes: all Red Pine & White Pine.

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 recopy field notes of tree counts or tally cards.

STRATA 2: (DxSPP, Plot Cruise) [Clear Cut with retained trees, Payment Units: 04, 06, 07, 08, 09 and 10 (109 Acres).] Cruise Method: Point Count/Measure Tree; Basal Area Factor: 10; Establish 1 plot per 2 acres based on 4 chain X 5 chain grid. Total plots for Strata 2 = 55 plots.

Sample Group

Species/Product (Unit) DBH Range

Sample Interval

HS Hardwood/Pulpwood (02) Small 5.0” - 10.99” 1st tree, then 1:2****

HL Hardwood/Pulpwood (02) Large 11.0”+ 1st tree, then 1:2*****

OW Other Hardwood/Sawtimber (01)** 11.0”+ 1:1 SW Sugar Maple/Sawtimber (01) 11.0”+ 1:1 AS Aspen Pulpwood (02) Small 5.0” - 11.99” 1st tree, then

1:2***** AL Aspen Pulpwood (02) Large 12.0”+ 1st tree, then

1:3***** CP Mixed Conifer/Pulpwood (02)*** 5.0”+ 1st tree, then

1:2***** CW Spruce/Sawtimber (01)**** 9.0”+ 1:1

Note: Cruise all Aspen and Balsam Fir as pulpwood. All Red Oak, Elm, White Cedar, Hemlock, Red Pine, White Pine, and ANY orange banded trees will be retained within all plot cruised units.

**Other Hardwood Sawtimber includes: all Red Maple, Basswood, Black Cherry, Black Ash, White Ash, Yellow Birch, & White Birch.

***Mixed Conifer pulpwood includes: all Balsam Fir, Tamarack, White Spruce, & Black Spruce.

****Spruce Sawtimber includes: all Black Spruce and White Spruce.

*****For area estimate cruises having a tally interval, implement as follows: Tally the first tree of each sample group proceeding clockwise from the cardinal direction of travel to the plot. Dot tally trees 2 and 3 for a 1:3 sample interval and assign to this first tally. Measure tree number 4 and dot tally trees 5 and 6 and assign to this second tally. Proceed with this procedure until all trees in each sample group have been accounted for on the plot.

Plot center will be staked and identified with flagging which contains plot ID# and cruiser initials. All sample trees in each sample group will be required to have its representative tally tree number and the letter “S”(to signify that this is a tally tree) painted on the tree with FS tracer paint.

P.U. # Estimated Acres

Final Acres

Strata Forest Type Marking Method Species

P.U. 01 42 1 896 CTM All Species P.U. 02 13 1 856 CTM All Species P.U. 03 28 1 816/186 CTM All Species P.U. 04 17 2 919 DxSpp All Species-Except* P.U. 05 9 1 26 CTM All Species P.U. 06 4 2 919 DxSpp All Species-Except* P.U. 07 12 2 919 DxSpp All Species-Except* P.U. 08 40 2 919 DxSpp All Species-Except* P.U. 09 14 2 919 DxSpp All Species-Except* P.U. 10 22 2 919 DxSpp All Species-Except** P.U. 11 (1) dummy 1 1 R.O.W. CTM All Species

*All Red Oak, Elm, Yellow Birch, White Cedar, Hemlock, Red Pine, White Pine, and ANY orange banded trees will be retained within plot cruised units 04, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10.

** In PU 10 leave a residual BA of 40 Ft2/Ac adjacent to M-64 of healthy hardwood trees to serve as a visual screen.

Cruise Design Prepared by: Jesse Cox, Forester (Pre-Sale) Date: 05/19/2020

Cruise Design Reviewed by: Paul Dashner, Forest Check Cruiser Date:

Cruise Design Approved by: Paul Tikusis, TMA Date:

MINIMUM TREE AND PIECE UTILIZATION STANDARDS (11/02/2015 revision)

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.

ONF-2400-2

3/1/07 Version

OTTAWA NATIONAL FOREST

SILVICULTURAL PRESCRIPTION / MARKING GUIDES

STAND INFORMATION

PU-

Ranger District

Comp- Stand

Est.

Acres MA LTA ELTP Habitat Type

Cover Type LSC

Year of

Origin Size

Density SI BA

01-02 201-05

41 8.1 14 323C ATD,AVO 89 810 1930 6

60 110

201-29 64 80

201-30 65 130

201-52 60

02-02 202-01

13 8.1 14 318B ATD 85 880 1937 6

53 130

202-02 51 90

202-20

STAND DESCRIPTION

The stands consist of predominantly sugar and red maple with small amounts of other hardwood species usually occurring in scattered distribution. Quality can greatly vary from pockets of trees where most are unacceptable growing stock to trees with acceptable quality and height. There are areas where basswood or hemlock/yellow birch dominates the overstory and maple is either co-dominant or suppressed.

DESIRED CONDITION

An uneven aged northern hardwood stand with the current species diversity maintained or increased. There will be minor amounts of clearcut inclusions, but selection can be applied to areas where the stocking is high and there is no need to regenerate a new age class. A stand the exhibits large tree characteristics.

SHORT AND LONG TERM OBJECTIVES

Apply silvicultural treatments to regenerate and restore a healthy uneven-aged northern hardwood stand.

Target a residual basal area of 90 FT2/AC.

Retain or increase species diversity by retaining species other than sugar maple.

Retain healthy white pine, hemlock, cedar, oak and elm.

Achieve a stocking level of 3,000 seedlings per acre of native species.

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

Promote and maintain aspen inclusions to maintain the health and vigor of the aspen clones.

REMARKS

There are scattered, small, poorly drained pockets, seeps, steep slopes, perched water tables, or shallow bedrock areas; do not designate any trees for removal in these areas.

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Redboat RMP TIMBER SALE: Sixty - Four PU: See Table

MARKING GUIDE:

Name of Treatment - Selection Harvest

Residual BA/Ac – 90 Ft2/Ac*

Acres - See table

The goal with these PU’s is to increase structural and species diversity within these stands.

1. If present retain ALL hemlock, cedar, pine, white spruce, elm, oak and healthy paper birch. Do not mark yellow birch, basswood or white ash unless exhibiting poor health (see criteria #4 below).

2. Retain all trees ≥ 15” DBH unless removal is needed for logging operations, except for aspen.

3. Crop Tree Release: identify the “best of the best” trees.

First priority would be to mark a three-sided release all non-sugar maple.

Then provide a release of quality-dominant trees >15” DBH, and then quality dominant/co-dominant trees 10-14” DBH by marking at least two main crown competitors (as long as residual BA supports it).

Favor healthy minority species such as yellow birch and basswood with good form. Consider a two-sided release for these trees before releasing a quality sugar maple, but not release a marginal tree at the expense of marking a quality sugar maple. We still want to improve the overall quality of the stand.

It would be acceptable to leave the highest quality trees in lieu of optimal released conditions, which in this case can provide an opportunity to maintain some areas with residual basal area exceeding 90 FT2/Ac and meet variable density objectives. Again, consider logging operability when doing this and notify COR.

4. High Risk/Poor Form/Spacing: Consider all mature aspen high risk. If quality can be improved, and above target BA, improve growing space by first removing trees <15” DBH, that will likely die or fail in the next 15-20 years, or trees with severe poor form and/or damaged. Keep in mind that trees that are mostly cull should be left for wildlife. Then focus marking of trees <15” DB to further improve spacing. If concentrations of healthy, intermediate/co-dominant yellow birch, black cherry, basswood and ash are present, it would be acceptable to thin out those areas to release better quality stems of those species. Favor all other species over red maple (first), and then sugar maple if necessary.

5. IF BA above 90FT2/Ac: Mark suppressed and poor quality trees (typically sub-canopy and pole-sized) until Target Residual BA is met.

6. Other Species: Make efforts to keep representation of all species in every cutting unit.

7. Canopy Gaps: Look for opportunities to create 50’x50’ gaps, from canopy edge to canopy edge, in areas where trees are either high risk or poor quality. Also look for recent wind throw; where only marking a few high risk/poor quality trees would achieve that size of gap. Limit 3 gaps per payment unit.

DESIGN CRITERIA AND MITIGATION MEASURES

Any observations, potential sightings or signs suggesting potential use by a Threatened, Endangered or Regional Forester’s Sensitive plants and animals during any activities associated with the proposed treatments must be reported to the project biologist/botanist.

A 30‐acre nest protection area where no disturbance‐causing activities will be allowed between March 15 and August 1 for northern goshawks and March 15 to September 1 for red‐shouldered hawks. Disturbance‐causing activities including marking, layout, road work, logging, hauling, opening maintenance, tree planting and timber stand improvement efforts.

Small wetlands or drainways identified during sale preparation activities may be excluded from the sale area by paint (larger areas) or no trees will be marked in these areas to protect sensitive soils. Notify COR when encountering these areas to determine best course of action.

Equipment operations on slopes between 18% ‐ 35% will be evaluated on a case by case basis by Forest Service personnel. If necessary, sale area layout may exclude these slopes within cutting units or areas will not be marked to avoid soil resource damage. Notify COR.

On and around large boulders and rock outcrops, eight feet (approximately) in diameter and larger, implement a

75 foot no‐cut zone during sale layout or marking. For areas of exposed (forest floor) rock larger than approximately 20 feet in diameter, implement a 75‐foot (one tree length) no‐cut zone from the perimeter during sale layout or marking.

If any new cultural resources are discovered, then activity must cease around the site and a Forest Service Archaeologist notified.

POST HARVEST TREATMENTS

FACTS Code Name of Treatment Prescription

4341 Stocking Survey Survey to ensure adequate regeneration of 3200 TPA on 40% 1/1000th ac plots

4341 Stocking Survey Survey to ensure adequate regeneration of 3200 TPA on 40% 1/1000th ac plots

4382 Certification for Naturals wo/SP

Enter certification once regeneration goal is met.

ACTIVITIES SUMMARY

Year Facts Activity Code Description

2022 4151 Selection Harvest

2023 4341 1st Year Stocking Survey

2025 4341 3rd Year Stocking Survey

2025 4382 Certification for Naturals wo/SP

Prepared by: Michael Strieter

Reviewed by:

Approved by: Michael Strieter

Title: Forest Silviculturist

Title: TMA

Title:

Title: Certified Silviculturist

Date: 05/11/2020

Date:

Date:

Date: 05/11/2020

Cover Type LSC

Year of

Origin Size

Density SI BA

03-02 202-03

28 2.1 14 301A ATD

81 500 1932 6 144

202-6 18 500 1928 50 40

The stands consist of predominantly sugar and red maple with small amounts of other hardwood species usually occurring in scattered distribution. Quality can greatly vary from pockets of trees where most are unacceptable growing stock to trees with acceptable quality and height. There are areas where basswood or hemlock/yellow birch dominates the overstory and maple is either co-dominant or suppressed. Stand 6 is a aspen fir spruce stand.

An uneven aged northern hardwood stand with the current species diversity maintained or increased. There will be minor amounts of clearcut inclusions, but selection can be applied to areas where the stocking is high and there is no need to regenerate a new age class. A stand the exhibits large tree characteristics.

Apply silvicultural treatments to regenerate and restore a healthy uneven-aged northern hardwood stand.

Target a residual basal area of 85 FT2/AC.

Retain or increase species diversity by retaining species other than sugar maple.

Retain healthy white pine, hemlock, cedar, oak and elm.

Achieve a stocking level of 3,000 seedlings per acre of native species.

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

Promote and maintain aspen inclusions to maintain the health and vigor of the aspen clones.

There are scattered, small, poorly drained pockets, seeps, steep slopes, perched water tables, or shallow bedrock

Name of Treatment - Selection Harvest

Residual BA/Ac –85 Ft2/Ac*

Acres - See table

MARKING GUIDE STANDARDS:

GENERALLY RETAIN: Most hemlock, white pine, red pine, elm, oak and cedar unless needed for logging operations.

GENERALLY FAVOR ALL SPECIES OTHER THAN MAPLE AND IRONWOOD. Favor less common species but not at the expense of the best quality trees. This is usually addressed in Step #3, where if most conditions are relatively equal, continue to improve the relative spacing by marking ironwood, red and sugar maple to meet desired BA.

MARK BY ORDER OF REMOVAL

1. HIGH RISK: Mark diseased/structurally damaged trees of any size class (die within next 15 years) that still contain merchantable products unless needed for other resource values (cavity trees). Consider most mature aspen, black ash, fir and spruce as high risk. QUALITY DEVELOPMENT: Identify the best crop trees in the stand and provide a release by marking one or two main competing trees of lesser quality. Generally allow competition among closely spaced crop trees to preserve as much quality as possible while adhering to desired BA. Where aspen is present expand gap by 1 tree length (75 feet) to improve aspen regeneration.

2. DENSITY/MATURITY/SPACING: If BA still above desired, continue to improve stand-quality and growing space by marking fair- and marginal quality trees [mostly 6-10” DBH class]. First identify trees that are:

3a - Unacceptable Growing Stock: All merchantable-sized trees that are likely to survive for a decade+, but have structural/growth/disease issues; and/or exhibit signs of marginal improvement or significant volume loss; and/or trees that exhibit signs of suppression and are less likely to develop sawlog potential.

Assume black cherry having disease issues if black knot >33% of crown. Once completing this step and the BA is still greater than desired…

3b - Acceptable Growing Stock: Trees that have sawlog potential but possess slight quality issues specific to form, structure, soundness. Examples are sweep, low branching, old branch stubs or epicormic sprouting. This category can also include hardwood trees that are arriving at biological maturity and includes: black cherry >15” DBH; sugar maple and yellow birch >19” DBH; white ash and basswood >21” DBH. NOTE: This step can come first in step #3 if forming closely-spaced groups.

If is still above Desired, then continue marking other additional trees to improve the relative spacing and achieve desired basal

REGENERATION GAPS: Install one (1) 66’ x 66’ gap per every acre utilizing the removal of large sawtimber trees, large aspen trees needing drop zones that would include poor quality trees. It is recommended to do this first, and then mark remainder of stand to 85 FT2/ac; this should average out to 75 Ft2/Ac.

Any observations, potential sightings or signs suggesting potential use by a Threatened, Endangered or Regional Forester’s Sensitive plants and animals during any activities associated with the proposed treatments must be reported to the project biologist/botanist.

A 30‐acre nest protection area where no disturbance‐causing activities will be allowed between March 15 and

August 1 for northern goshawks and March 15 to September 1 for red‐shouldered hawks. Disturbance‐causing activities including marking, layout, road work, logging, hauling, opening maintenance, tree planting and timber stand improvement efforts.

Small wetlands or drainways identified during sale preparation activities may be excluded from the sale area by paint (larger areas) or no trees will be marked in these areas to protect sensitive soils. Notify COR when encountering these areas to determine best course of action.

Equipment operations on slopes between 18% ‐ 35% will be evaluated on a case by case basis by Forest Service personnel. If necessary, sale area layout may exclude these slopes within cutting units or areas will not be marked to avoid soil resource damage. Notify COR.

On and around large boulders and rock outcrops, eight feet (approximately) in diameter and larger, implement a 75 foot no‐cut zone during sale layout or marking. For areas of exposed (forest floor) rock larger than approximately 20 feet in diameter, implement a 75‐foot (one tree length) no‐cut zone from the perimeter during sale layout or marking.

If any new cultural resources are discovered, then activity must cease around the site and a Forest Service

4341 Stocking Survey Survey to ensure adequate regeneration of 3200 TPA on 40% 1/1000th ac plots

4341 Stocking Survey Survey to ensure adequate regeneration of 3200 TPA on 40% 1/1000th ac plots

4382 Certification for Naturals wo/SP

Enter certification once regeneration goal is met.

2022 4151 Selection Harvest

2023 4341 1st Year Stocking Survey

2025 4382 Certification for Naturals wo/SP

Title: TMA

Title:

Title: Certified Silviculturist

Date: 05/11/2020

Date:

Cover Type LSC

Year of

Origin Size

Density SI BA

04-02 202-19 17 2.1 14 322B TMC 91 500 1950 9 75 128

06-02 217-33 5 2.1 9 315 TM 91 500 1929 9 80 90

07-02 203-13 12 2.1 9 322B ATD 91 500 1940 9 70 70

08-02 217-28

40 2.1 9 318B

TM 91 500

70 70

215-01 1970 70

215-16 319B 1970 70 30

09-02 215-22

2.1

319C

TM 91

1970 9 80 70

215-13 8.1 327 880

10-02 215-10 24 2.1 2 39C ATD 81 500 1919 6 55 110

These stands are primarily aspen stands with some scattered spruce/fir regeneration. The DBH range from 10” – 14” on average. The majority are diseased and are on their way out.

An even-aged aspen stand that is growing vigorously, free of suppression and differentiating mainly through competition. The canopy should be singular with some breaks due to small inclusions of failed response.

Hardwood and conifer species are still present but are subordinate to a near dominated aspen overstory.

Apply silvicultural treatment to best capture carbohydrate reserves and effectively regenerate aspen before opportunity is lost.

Retain remnant long-lived conifer that healthy and tolerate the changing environment.

Accept that native pathogens occur in retained trees to provide unique habitat niches for cavity nesting birds, insects, and mammals.

Attention is given to maintaining ecological processes and functions in and around riparian areas where they occur in the sale area.

Strike a balance between ecological considerations and providing for improved resistance and resilience for uncertain future climate. This should also include timely rotations between harvests to avoid stand becoming overmature and regressing in ability to regenerate.

Acceptable stocking would achieve approximately 5000-6000 seedlings per acre for native species.

There are scattered, small, poorly drained pockets, seeps, steep slopes, perched water tables, or shallow bedrock

Name of Treatment - Clearcut

Residual BA/Ac – See below*

Acres - See Table

*The resultant stand appearance should have most acres having 0-5% canopy cover; with other acres having few retained trees that can be scattered or usually form small groups. This will ensure adequate sunlight to warm the ground to encourage suckering, and provide a long-term free to grow condition for long term establishment of aspen.

** In PU 10 leave a residual BA of 40 Ft2/Ac adjacent to M-64 of healthy hardwood trees to serve as a visual screen.

Don’t cut species such as hemlock, white pine, red pine, cedar, oak species, elm species, and yellow birch unless needed for safe operations. These species are to remain on site and not be marked (LT’s). Any other species that exhibit wildlife characteristics, cavities, dead tops, etc., should be left to increase wildlife habitat.

Mark all other merchantable-sized species to prepare the area for the regeneration of a new stand. If trees need to be retained during marking, work with the COR to identify which trees need to be LT’s.

Any observations, potential sightings or signs suggesting potential use by a Threatened, Endangered or Regional Forester’s Sensitive plants and animals during any activities associated with the proposed treatments must be reported to the project biologist/botanist.

Within cutting units with an objective to regenerate aspen (including aspen inclusions within nonclearcut units), retain existing white pine, hemlock, cedar, oak, elm and black cherry that are 5.0 inches or larger, with the total basal area retained not exceeding 10 feet2/acre.

Small wetlands or drainways identified during sale preparation activities may be excluded from the sale area by paint (larger areas) or no trees will be marked in these areas to protect sensitive soils.

If any new cultural resources are discovered, then activity must cease around the site and a Forest Service

4493 Aspen site prep Site prep to enhance the success of aspen natural regeneration.

4341 Stocking Survey Survey to ensure adequate regeneration of 3200 TPA on 40% 1/1000th ac plots

4341 Stocking Survey Survey to ensure adequate regeneration of 3200 TPA on 40% 1/1000th ac plots

4382 Certification for Naturals w/SP Enter certification once regeneration goal is met.

2022 4117 Stand Clearcut w/leave trees

2023 4493 Aspen site prep

2023 4341 1st Year Stocking Survey

2025 4382 Certification for Naturals w/SP

Title: TMA

Title:

Title: Certified Silviculturist

PU-

Acres MA LTA ELTP

Habitat Type

Cover Type LSC

Year of Origin

Size Density SI BA

05-02 202-14 9 2.1 14 324D ATD 2 500 1968 6 70 167

These stands are red pine plantations planted in 1968 with an avg. DBH 12” – 14”. This is a long narrow stand along M-64.

The short term objective is to reduce stand densities in these overstocked stands through primarily removing the suppressed, poor quality, and high risk trees. Long term is to maintain healthy and productive red pine stands with structural and compositional complexity.

To provide for future sustainability and maintain a long-term source of timber products.

Future harvests should be on a 12-15 year cutting cycle; 15 years after the next entry.

Maintain and/or enhance the adaptation, resistance and resilience of the stand by reducing competition and improving vigor; thinning for quality development; and maintaining/enhance species diversity, where possible (specifically, hemlock, white pine, and oak regeneration) respectively in response to uncertainties in future climate

The desired future condition is to promote healthy, vigorous, and resilient red pine plantations that are fully utilizing the site and putting growth on the best quality stems, while supporting small inclusions of aspen/birch and the diversity of other species such as eastern white pine and northern red oak. Eventually, the expectation is that the plantations would develop a heterogeneous structure and composition.

The majority of these stands have had treatments in the past however skid trails may not be evident.

Any observations, potential sightings or signs suggesting potential use by a Threatened, Endangered or Regional Forester’s Sensitive plants and animals during any activities associated with the proposed treatments must be reported to the project biologist/botanist.

A 30‐acre nest protection area where no disturbance‐causing activities will be allowed between March 15 and August 1 for northern goshawks and March 15 to September 1 for red‐shouldered hawks. Disturbance‐causing activities including marking, layout, road work, logging, hauling, opening maintenance, tree planting and timber stand improvement efforts.

Small wetlands or drainways identified during sale preparation activities may be excluded from the sale area by paint (larger areas) or no trees will be marked in these areas to protect sensitive soils. The method used will be at the discretion of sale preparation personnel. Notify COR when encountering these areas to determine best course of action.

Equipment operations on slopes between 18% ‐ 35% will be evaluated on a case by case basis by Forest Service personnel. If necessary, sale area layout may exclude these slopes within cutting units or areas will not be marked to avoid soil resource damage. Notify COR.

On and around large boulders and rock outcrops, eight feet (approximately) in diameter and larger, implement a

75 foot no‐cut zone during sale layout or marking. For areas of exposed (forest floor) rock larger than approximately 20 feet in diameter, implement a 75‐foot (one tree length) no‐cut zone from the perimeter during sale layout or marking.

If any new cultural resources are discovered, then activity must cease around the site and a Forest Service

Name of Treatment – Free Thinning

Residual BA/Ac – 100 FT2/Ac

Acres - See Table

This will be a “Free Thin” (combination of thin from above and thin from below). This stand is along M-64 use caution not to reduce the BA too much to make stand susceptible to wind throw.

Mark to 100 FT2/Ac, marking no more than 40% of initial basal area.

The main objective will be to favor the best red pine and in some cases hardwood crop trees, along with improving the growing space by reducing stand density. Crop trees should exhibit the following criteria:

o Live Crown Ratio >30%.

o Dominant or co-dominant trees w/ good crown vigor and stem quality o Low risk of mortality or failure [e.g. main stem breakage].

Marking Criteria:

1. Retain most healthy mast producing species this will improve species diversity of the stand.

2. Mark all high risk trees and poor vigor; consider marking most red pine with crown decline as low vigor.

3. If density still above desired then mark stems within the small and larger sawtimber category that exhibit sweep, crook and forks within the merchantable bole.

4. If density still above desired then mark trees to improve the relative spacing; provide about 12-15 foot spacing.

NEPA DECISION DOUMENT: Redobat RMP TIMBER SALE: Sixty - Four PU: See Table

Year Code

FACTS

Code

Name of Treatment Prescription

NONE

ACTIVITIES SUMMARY

Year Code

FACTS

Code

Name of Treatment Prescription 2022 4220 Commercial Thinning

Prepared by: Michael Strieter

Title: TMA

Title:

Title: Certified Silviculturist

Date: 05/11/2020

Date: