Attachment 5 - Plover Specifications.pdf

SECTION C – DESCRIPTION /SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK Plover Marking Contract

C.1 SCOPE

The Plover Marking Contract is located on the Bessemer Ranger District. The project area is estimated at 176 acres and was determined through field reconnaissance and GIS calculations. The marking project involves an estimated 32 acres of northern hardwood selection and thinning harvests, 8 acres of red pine thinning, and 136 acres of plot cruising within 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 07, 09, 11, and 14. Plot cruising methods (PCME) will be utilized within Payment Units 01-06, 08, 10, 12-13, and 15.

(1) Hardwood SELECTION (Marking & STR Cruising)

Single Tree Selection Harvest

Payment Unit(s): 09, 11, 14: 32 acres

These stands are predominantly comprised of sugar maple and red maple, with lesser amounts of basswood, birch and other hardwoods and mixed conifer of various size classes. These stands contain both pulpwood and sawtimber Species/Products/Unit mixes. 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:

Payment Unit(s): 11, 14

Create one regeneration gap (66’x66’ canopy gap) per 2 acres, where trees are of high risk or poor quality, or gap opportunities can be placed adjacent to recent wind throw areas.

In areas where there are mature aspen trees favor the regeneration of the aspen clone over hardwoods, remove all the overstory (patch clearcut) to allow for the aspen to regenerate.

Payment Unit: 09

In areas where there are mature aspen trees favor the regeneration of the aspen clone over hardwoods, remove all the overstory (patch clearcut) to allow for the aspen to regenerate.

(2) Red Pine THINNING (Marking & STR Cruising)

Payment Unit(s): 07: 8 acres

This red pine stand is scheduled for a 2nd entry Commercial Thinning harvest. The Desired Future Condition of this stand is to promote healthy, vigorous, and resilient red pine plantation that is fully utilizing the site and putting growth on the best quality stems, by removing high risk red pine, aspen, balsam fir, spruce, and maple. Mark this unit to 90-100 ft2/ac, marking no more than 40% of the initial basal area. Refer to the Marking Guides for additional guidance on marking procedures.

(3) Aspen CLEARCUT (Plots, PCME Cruising)

Payment Unit(s): 01-06, 08, 10, 12-13, 15: 136 acres (68 plots)

These stands are primarily aspen stands with scattered mixed conifer species. The desired future condition of these stands is to regenerate an even-aged aspen stand that is growing vigorously, free of suppression and differentiating mainly through competition. The regeneration of mixed hardwood and conifer species is also a desired stand trait that should be achieved following this clearcut harvest.

SECTION C – DESCRIPTION /SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK Plover Marking Contract

Reserve all hemlock, white pine, red pine, white cedar, oak, and elm. Cut tree marking (CTM) and leave tree marking (LTM) is not required to be performed by the contractor for these units. Refer to the Cruise Plan for guidance on plot cruising standards within these units.

(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): 07, 09, 11, 14

In all Selection and Thinning units, 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 METHOD (PCME, Plot Cruising)

Aspen Clearcut Payment Unit(s): 01-06, 08, 10, 12-13, 15

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 Plover Timber Marking Contract is located on the Bessemer Ranger District and consists of an estimated 32 acres of cut tree marking within hardwood selection units, 8 acres of red pine thinning, and an estimated 136 acres of aspen clearcuts. The sale area is approximately 16 miles southeast of

Marenisco, MI. From Marenisco, the sale area is accessed by driving 5 miles south on Michigan State Highway 64,

5.3 miles east on Job Corps Road (FR 8220), 4 miles east on FR 6860, and an additional 1.2 miles east on FR 6862.

The majority of the Payment Units for the Plover project area are an additional 1-1.5 miles east of the junction of FR

6820 and 6862-H.

X

X

X

X X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

3231 33

-E

2-D

-H

6862-H7

6862-A686 0 6847-E

6862-A5

0223412

6818-M

6862-D3

6862-G

0223411

-K

6862-F

6862-H2

6860-E

6862-D5

0225215

6862-H5

USDA - APFO; USDA - USFS – RSAC

PLOVER #21003

Estimated Acres - Payment Units

Sarah Kilpela 03/18/20

Draft PUs

NON-FS

Streams All other roads

NFSR -

NATIONAL

FOREST

SYSTEM ROAD

NOT - NOT

NEEDED

UND -

UNDETERMIN...

X Section Corner

0 0.5 10.25 Miles

PU Acres 1 21 2 8 3 6 4 8 5 33 6 14 7 8 8 6 9 12 10 3 11 6 12 4 13 31 14 14 15 2

ESTIMATED ACRES

Payment Units - 176 ac

R.O.W. - 1 ac TOTAL ACRES = 177 ac

PLOVER T.S. CRUISE DESIGN

Sale Number: 21003

Estimated Sale Value: $94,000.00 Estimated CV Ranges: 19-44% Maximum Sampling Error: 14%

Based on Comparison Cruise Data: Uptown T.S., South Heart T.S., & Blue Jay Lake 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= 176 Acres)

STRATA 1: (CTM) [Single-Tree Selection Payment Units: 09, 11 & 14 (32 Acres) [Payment Unit

16 (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" 1:150 HL Hardwood/Pulpwood (02) Large 11.0"+. 1:25 SW Sugar Maple Sawtimber (01) 11.0"+ 1:10 OW Other Hardwood Sawtimber (01)* 11.0"+ 1:10 AS Aspen Pulpwood (02) Small 5.0" - 11.99" 1:50 AL Aspen Pulpwood (02) Large 12.0"+ 1:25 CW Spruce/Sawtimber (01)** 9.0"+ 1:1 CP Mixed Conifer/Pulpwood (02) 5.0"+ 1:20 PP Pine Pulpwood (02) 5.0”+ 1:1 RW Red & White Pine Sawtimber (01) 9.0”+ 1:1

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

Pine Pulpwood includes: all Red & Jack Pine.

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

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

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: (CTM) [Red Pine Thinning Payment Unit: 07 (8 Acres).]

Species/Product (Unit) DBH

Range

Sample Interval

HS Hardwood/Pulpwood (02) Small 5.0" - 10.99" 1:25

HL Hardwood/Pulpwood (02) Large 11.0"+ 1:5 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" 1:25

AL Aspen Pulpwood (02) Large 12.0"+ 1:10

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

Note: Cruise all Aspen and Balsam Fir as pulpwood. Mixed Conifer pulpwood includes:

Balsam Fir, Tamarack, Cedar, Hemlock, White Pine, White Spruce, & Black Spruce. Pine

Pulpwood includes: Red Pine & Jack Pine.

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

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

*** Red & White Pine Sawtimber includes: all Red & 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 3: (Plot Cruise) [Modified Clear Cut with retained trees/Wildlife Habitat

Regeneration: Payment Units: 01-06, 08, 10, 12, 13, & 15 (136 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 = 68 plots.

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"+ 1:1 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 1:5****

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, White Pine, Red Pine, Jack 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 & White Ash and Yellow & White Birch.

** Mixed Conifer pulpwood includes: all Balsam Fir, Tamarack, Jack Pine, 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 21 3 914/919/918 DxSPP (Plot Cruise) All Species-Except* P.U. 02 8 3 919/918 DxSPP (Plot Cruise) All Species-Except* P.U. 03 6 3 919 DxSPP (Plot Cruise) All Species-Except* P.U. 04 8 3 916 DxSPP (Plot Cruise) All Species-Except* P.U. 05 33 3 916/911/112 DxSPP (Plot Cruise) All Species-Except* P.U. 06 14 3 911 DxSPP (Plot Cruise) All Species-Except* P.U. 07 8 2 918/27 CTM All species P.U. 08 6 3 919 DxSPP (Plot Cruise) All Species-Except* P.U. 09 12 1 896 CTM All species P.U. 10 3 3 915 DxSPP (Plot Cruise) All Species-Except* P.U. 11 6 1 816 CTM All species P.U. 12 4 3 899 DxSPP (Plot Cruise) All Species-Except* P.U. 13 31 3 916 DxSPP (Plot Cruise) All Species-Except* P.U. 14 14 1 816/916 CTM All Species P.U. 15 2 3 915 DxSPP (Plot Cruise) All Species-Except* P.U. 16 (1) dummy 1 1 R.O.W. CTM All Species

*Hemlock, White Cedar, Elm, Red Oak, Red Pine, Jack Pine, and White Pine and ANY orange banded trees.

**Final Acres will be revised after layout is completed, and ROW clearing width (PU 16) is excluded for Plot Cruised units.

Cruise Design Prepared by: Brandon Pertile, Silviculture Technician Date: 03/13/2020

Cruise Design Reviewed by: Paul Dashner, Forest Check Cruiser Date: 03/13/2020

Cruise Design Approved by: Paul Tikusis, TMA Date: 03/13/2020

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 Acres MA LTA ELTP Habitat Type

Cover Type LSC

Year of

Origin Size

Density SI BA 1-02 252/18 20 3.1a 2 39C ATD, AVO 91 500 1980 4 80

252/19 3.1a 2 39C ATD, AVO 91 500 1924 8 65 95

252/70 3.1a 2 39C, 39D ATD, AVO 91 500 1934 9 80 110

2-02 252/19 10 3.1a 2 39C ATD, AVO 91 500 1924 8 65 95

252/80 3.1a 2 39C ATD, AVO 91 500 1924 9 65 130

2 44C ATD

3-02 252/06 10 8.1 2 46D ATD 91 880 1932 7 80 125

252/80 2 39C ATD, AVO 91 500 1924 9 65 130

4-02 252/25 10 8.1 2 39C ATD, AVO 81 880 1925 6 70 135

252/42 2 39C ATD, AVO 91 880 1973 6 80 130

5-02 252/02 35 8.1 2 39C ATD, AVO 95 880 1973 5 80 110

252/21 2 39C ATD, AVO 11 800 1966 6 76 130

252/42 2 39C ATD, AVO 91 880 1973 6 80 130

6-02 252/02 15 8.1 2 39C ATD, AVO 95 880 1973 5 80 110

8-02 252/70 10 3.1a 2 39C ATD, AVO 91 500 1934 9 80 110

252/81 3.1a 2 39C ATD, AVO 91 500 1940 8 70 195

10-02 252/26 5 3.1a 2 39C ATD, AVO 91 500 1974 5 80 100

12-02 252/23 4 8.1 2 39C ATD, AVO 89 880 1934 9 60 40

13-02 252/64 30 3.1a 2 39C ATD, AVO 91 880 1973 6 80 120

252/42 2

39D AVO, ATD 91 880 1973 6 80 130

15-02 252/48 5 3.1a 2 39C ATD, AVO 91 800 1974 5 80 100

47B ATD, TMC-Vac, TMC

252/64 3.1a 2 39C ATD, AVO 91 880 1973 6 80 120

STAND DESCRIPTION

These stands vary from 80-160 ft2/ac, and are a mix of pure aspen as well as mixed aspen with hardwood and softwood pulp. The mixed stands have maple and balsam fir in the 6-10 inch size class beginning to move into the overstory where the aspen beginning to decline. The midstory and understory are comprised of predominately maple. Some red and white pine of varying size and dominance exist scattered throughout the stands. Some areas within these stands have suffered from a wind event that caused considerable blowdown.

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Pomeroy VMP TIMBER SALE: Plover T.S.

PU:1-6,8,

10,12,13, & 15

DESIRED CONDITION

An even-aged aspen stand that is growing vigorously and free of competing vegetation. The canopy should be singular with some breaks due to small inclusions of failed aspen response and larger remnant trees (white pine, red pine, hemlock, cedar, oak and elm). Hardwood and softwood species are still present, but are subordinate to the dominant aspen overstory. Dense patches of sapling sized balsam fir, spruce, hemlock and other conifer species shall be maintained, however these areas should not exceed 20 percent 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, red pine, hemlock, cedar, oak and elm.

Achieve a stocking level of 3,200 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 stands through timely rotations to maintain the health and vigor of the aspen clone.

REMARKS

Within cutting units with an objective to regenerate aspen, retain all healthy existing white pine, red pine, hemlock, cedar, oak, and elm. These species can be cut to facilitate timber harvest operations where necessary.

Other species, such as healthy black cherry, and other hardwood species may be retained. Trees to be retained are 5.0 inches or larger and on average have a residual basal area that does not exceed 5 ft2/ac. The objective for retaining these species is to add species and structural diversity to the stand while not limiting successful aspen regeneration and future productivity. Oak and elm should be retained as a group of trees to protect from dieback. Lone white pine, hemlock and cedar can be left as lone trees.

MARKING GUIDE:

Name of Treatment - Stand Clearcut

Residual BA/Ac – <5 Ft2/Ac of trees to be retained

Acres - See attached cover sheet

Clearcut the mature aspen clones and retain healthy white pine, red pine, hemlock, cedar, oak and elm as Leave Trees. The oak and elm need to have adjacent trees retained to maintain the micro site surrounding the targeted reserve tree, this may include high risk aspen.

DESIGN CRITERIA AND MITIGATION MEASURES

Highlighted Design Criteria, see NEPA for all of the criteria

Payment unit 6; Stand 252/02 has a botanical TESP point located along the east boundary, this plant population may require special protection measures.

Cull trees should be left for wildlife, do not remove trees with little or no value unless they pose a safety hazard (A1). If cull trees need to be marked the silviculturist should be notified to look at the risk.

If any stick nests are found (A1) the wildlife biologist should be consulted.

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

Maintain small, dense patches of sapling-sized balsam fir, spruce, hemlock or other conifer species when practicable. Patches can vary in size and shape, but should not exceed 20 percent of the unit acreage. (A1)

VQO, FR 6862, Transition the edges of the forest between clearcut openings by shaping and feathering in a gradual manner rather than leaving peek-a-boo strips of vegetation. The intent is to reduce the appearance of sharp lines and the perception of a drastic change in vegetation coverage.

(A1)

POST HARVEST TREATMENTS

FACTS Code Name of Treatment Prescription

4493 Site Preparation for Natural Remove all residual sub-merchantable material except some patches of low to the ground conifer. Leave all trees noted above.

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

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

4381 Certification for Naturals w/SP Enter certification once regeneration goal is met.

ACTIVITIES SUMMARY

Year Facts Activity Code Description 2022 4113 Clearcut 2023 4493 Site preparation for naturals 2023 4341 1st Year Stocking Survey 2025 4341 3rd Year Stocking Survey 2025 4381 Certification for Naturals w/SP

Prepared by: Christopher R. Boroski

Reviewed by:

Reviewed by:

Approved by: Michael B. Strieter

Title: District Silviculturist

Title:

Title:

Title: Certified Silviculturist

Date: 03/18/2020

Date:

Date:

Date: 03/18/2020

Cover Type LSC

Year of

Origin Size

Density SI BA

9-02 252/32 15 3.1A 2 39C ATD, AVO 89 500 1925 6 66 120

11-02 252/25 10 8.1 2 39D AVO, ATD 81 880 1925 6 70 135

14-02 252/25 15 8.1 2 39D AVO, ATD 81 880 1925 6 70 135

252/60

39D ATD, AVO 89 880 1973 6 80 110

252/64 2 39C ATD, AVO 91 880 1973 6 80 120

The stands consist of predominantly sugar and red maple with small amounts of other hardwood species usually occurring in scattered distribution. The current basal area ranges from 80-140 ft2/acre. Quality can greatly vary from pockets of trees where most are unacceptable growing stock to trees with acceptable quality and height. The sawlog quality is marginal at best and the stands will produce primarily pulpwood. There are pockets of aspen forming small inclusions within the predominantly hardwood dominated stands. Regeneration is mostly sugar maple and ironwood.

Payment units 11 and 14 are within MA 8.1 and have additional design criteria

Payment Unit 9 - 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. Regeneration may be negatively impacted due to sedge competition and browse pressure.

Payment Unit 11 and 14 - An uneven aged northern hardwood stand with a basal area of 90 or greater where the current species diversity is maintained or increased and the stands exhibit large tree characteristics. 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. Regeneration may be negatively impacted due to browse pressure.

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

Target a residual basal area of 85 FT2/AC for payment unit 9 Target a residual basal area of 90-100 FT2/AC payment units 11 and 14 Retain or increase species diversity by retaining species other than sugar maple.

Payment Unit 11 and 14, retain all trees in the largest diameter class Retain and release 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 areas; do not designate any trees for removal in these areas.

Payment units 11 and 14 are within MA 8.1 and have additional design criteria

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Pomeroy VMP TIMBER SALE: Plover T.S. PU: 9, 11 & 14

Name of Treatment - Selection Harvest

Residual BA/Ac – See below

Payment Units 11 and 14: These stands are receiving structural improvement within MA 8.1, retain an average residual basal area of 90-100 FT2/AC; retain all trees in the largest diameter class; and try to fully release all hemlock, cedar and white pine within the treatment stands.

Payment Unit 9: Target a residual basal area of 85 FT2/AC. Remove high risk trees that are diseased/structurally damaged and most trees over 24” unless it’s cull or have wildlife use. Choose to retain and promote healthy yellow birch, ash, hemlock, basswood, oak, and occasionally a cherry, white pine, or cedar to maintain or increase diversity. Install one (1) Regeneration gap (66’x66’ measured edge of canopy to edge of canopy) per two (2) acres by utilizing removal of large diameter and/or poor quality trees. It is recommended to generate the opening before marking the surrounding area to the target residual basal area.

Order of Removal For All Payment Units:

1. Target high risk trees that are diseased or structurally damaged will most likely die within the next 15 years that still contain merchantable products. Trees lacking merchantable products can be retained for future wildlife snag/cavity trees.

2. Promote quality development though removing competing trees of lesser quality to release the best crop trees. Competition among closely spaced crop trees can be retained to preserve the quality of the stand while still maintaining the target residual BA.

3. If still above BA objective: continue to remove unacceptable growing stock my targeting all size classes that exhibit signs of structural/growth/disease that may be inhibiting the current or future growth potential while improving the growing space of the residual stems.

In areas where there are mature aspen trees favor the regeneration of the aspen clone over hardwoods, remove all the overstory (clearcut) to allow for the aspen to regenerate. Expanding the size of the clone by 1 tree length (75’) is acceptable if the clone will be most likely shaded out by neighboring trees. If immature aspen clones are present continue to favor the aspen by removing the hardwoods within the clone so there is potential to regenerate it in the future. Do not mark trees in wet areas where equipment can’t reach them. In areas of basswood and hemlock a slightly higher basal area should be left. I would expect the clearcut acres to total less than 5 in the hardwood units. Within Payment Units 11 and 14, retain existing white pine, hemlock, cedar, oak, and elm in the aspen regeneration gap, unless necessary to facilitate logging operations. Trees to be retained should not cumulatively exceed 10 percent canopy coverage.

Cull trees should be left for wildlife, do not remove trees with little or no value unless they pose a safety hazard (A1). If cull trees need to be marked the silviculturist should be notified to look at the risk.

If any stick nests are found (A1) the wildlife biologist should be consulted.

Reserve snags and den trees according to Forest Plan guidelines (p. 2-32); focus on retaining trees with features beneficial to the NLEB such as shaggy bark and cavities. (A1) If any archaeological sites are located during layout or implementation the Archaeologist should be consulted To meet the Visual Quality Objective (VQO) of Partial Retention in areas surrounding Pomeroy, Summit, Holly, Range, Moosehead, Dawn, Cyrus, Richard, Pigeon and Mastodon Lakes; Iris (portion), Pomeroy and Tenderfoot Creeks and the WSR; management activities shall be designed to maintain and protect the existing scenery as viewed from said lakes, streams and river. Temporary openings and stand boundaries shall be organically shaped. Straight lines and geometric shapes shall be avoided. Edges shall be shaped and/or feathered where appropriate to avoid a shadowing effect in the cut unit. Openings shall be oriented to contours and existing vegetation patterns to blend with existing landscape characteristics, as appropriate. (A1)

4493 Site Preparation for Natural Reduce ironwood and release hardwood regeneration 4341 Stocking Survey Survey to ensure adequate regeneration of 3200 TPA on 40% 1/1000 th ac plots 4341 Stocking Survey Survey to ensure adequate regeneration of 3200 TPA on 40% 1/1000 th ac plots 4381 Certification for Naturals w/SP Enter certification once regeneration goal is met.

2022 4151 Selection Harvest 2023 4494 Site Prep for Natural Regen - Mechanical 2023 4341 1st Year Stocking Survey 2025 4341 3rd Year Stocking Survey 2025 4381 Certification for Naturals w/SP

Reviewed by:

Approved by: Michael B. Strieter

Title: District Silviculturist

Title:

Title:

Title: Certified Silviculturist

Date: 03/18/2020

Date:

Cover Type LSC

Year of

Origin Size

Density SI BA

7-02 252/34 8 3.1a 2 39C, 39D ATD, AVO 91 810 1934 8 80 120

252/70 3.1a 2 39C ATD, AVO 91 500 1934 9 80 110

Stands 252/34 and 252/70 are red pine plantations that were established during the early 1930’s. Basal area is currently around 130-170 ft2/ac. The stands exhibit signs of good health, but are at the point where growing space will become limited, which can introduce stress decreasing resistance to insect and disease. These stands may not have adequate forwarding trails established and will require forwarding routes to be marked prior to thinning the stand to the objective.

Stand 252/70 contains Moosehead Lake Campground.

The desired future condition is to promote healthy, vigorous, and resilient red pine that are fully utilizing the site and putting growth on the best quality stems. Eventually, the expectation is that the plantations would develop big trees faster, over time, and have more of a heterogeneous structure and composition.

Thin red pine to achieve the desired spacing as described in the Marking Guide.

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

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

Promote and maintain red pine to maintain the health and vigor of the plantation.

Reduce hazard trees near Moosehead Lake Campground

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: Pomeroy VMP TIMBER SALE: Plover T.S. PU: 7

Name of Treatment - Commercial Thinning

Residual BA/Ac – See Below

Thin the red pine down to a basal area no lower than 90-100 FT2/AC, but do not remove greater than 40% of the initial BA (leaving the lower basal area when trees are smaller (12-14”) and leaving a higher basal area where residual dbh is closer to 16”). This will mean that some areas will have residual basal area higher than the prescribed residual. All high risk maple, fir, and pine should be harvested as well as all mature aspen and spruce. This may result in aspen/spruce/fir clear cut inclusions within the plantation, I would expect the clearcut acres to total less than 2.

Order of Removal:

1. Retain most non-red pine species in areas where densities are high – accept some poor quality; this will contribute to structural/habitat diversity objectives for the stand.

2. Remove all aspen/balsam/fir greater than 8”

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

4. Thin from below; work towards the development of co-dominant and dominant trees by removing the competing smaller diameter and suppressed trees.

5. 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.

6. If density still above desired then mark trees to improve the relative spacing; reference table below for general guidelines.

Spacing Guideline

AVE DBH OBSERVED SPACING

12” 10 14” 12 16” 14

Crop Tree Characteristics:

1. Live Crown Ratio >30%.

2. Dominant or co-dominant trees w/ good crown vigor and stem quality

3. Low risk of mortality or failure [e.g. main stem breakage].

Moosehead Lake Campground is adjacent to Payment Unit 7.

Cull trees should be left for wildlife, do not remove trees with little or no value unless they pose a safety hazard (A1). If cull trees need to be marked the silviculturist should be notified to look at the risk.

If any stick nests are found (A1) the wildlife biologist should be consulted.

Reserve snags and den trees according to Forest Plan guidelines (p. 2-32); focus on retaining trees with features beneficial to the NLEB such as shaggy bark and cavities. (A1) If any archaeological sites are located during layout or implementation the Archaeologist should be consulted.

To meet the Visual Quality Objective (VQO) of Partial Retention in areas surrounding Pomeroy, Summit, Holly, Range, Moosehead, Dawn, Cyrus, Richard, Pigeon and Mastodon Lakes; Iris (portion), Pomeroy and Tenderfoot Creeks and the WSR; management activities shall be designed to maintain and protect the existing scenery as viewed from said lakes, streams and river. Temporary openings and stand boundaries shall be organically shaped. Straight lines and geometric shapes shall be avoided. Edges shall be shaped and/or feathered where appropriate to avoid a shadowing effect in the cut unit. Openings shall be oriented to contours and existing vegetation patterns to blend with existing landscape characteristics, as appropriate. (A1)

None

2022 4220 Commercial Thinning

Reviewed by:

Approved by: Michael B. Strieter

Title: District Silviculturist

Title:

Title:

Title: Certified Silviculturist

Date: 03/18/2020

Date: