Attachment 6 - Golden Paint Specifications.pdf

SECTION C – DESCRIPTION /SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK Golden Paint Marking Contract

C.1 SCOPE

The Golden Paint Timber Sale Marking Contract is located on the Watersmeet/Iron River Ranger District. The project area is estimated at 339 acres and was determined through GIS calculations. The marking project involves

154 acres of red pine commercial thinning, 115 acres of jack pine/red pine clearcuts that will be plot cruised, and 70 acres of aspen clearcuts that will be plot cruised. 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 03-06, 11, 13 & 14. Plot cruising methods (PCME) will be utilized within Payment

Units 01, 02, 07-10 & 12.

(1) Jack Pine Clearcut (Plots, PCME cruising)

Payment Unit(s): 08, 12: 49 acres (25 plots)

These stands are a mix of red pine, jack pine, spruce, balsam and aspen. The Jack Pine is declining and creating pockets of mortality.

The marking objectives are to remove the entire stand except for healthy white pine, hemlock, cedar, oak and elm trees.

Refer to the Cruise Plan and Marking Guides for more detailed information and specifications.

(2) Clearcut with Red Pine Leave Trees (Plots, PCME Cruising)

Payment Unit: 01, 02: 66 acres (33 plots)

This stand has some red pine scattered throughout with the majority of the stand being a spruce/fir/aspen mix.

Current basal area is around 80 ft2/ac.

The marking objectives are to clearcut the mature aspen clones and retain healthy white pine, hemlock, cedar, oak and elm.

There are pockets of Red Pine within these payment units that will be marked with orange paint as leave trees by the Forest Service prior to the contractor cruising.

Refer to the Cruise Plan and Marking Guides for more detailed information and specifications.

(3) Aspen CLEARCUT (Plots, PCME Cruising)

Payment Unit(s): 07, 09, 10: 70 acres (36 plots)

These stands are a mix of aspen with spruce, balsam, mixed hardwood and white pine. The spruce and fir are beginning to decline. The midstory and understory are comprised of predominately maple, balsam fir and spruce.

Some red and white pine of varying size and dominance exist scattered throughout the stands.

The marking objective for these stands is to clearcut the mature aspen clones and retain healthy white pine, red pine, hemlock, cedar, oak and elm.

Refer to the Cruise Plan and Marking Guides for more detailed information and specifications.

(4) Red Pine Thinning (STR Cruising)

Payment Unit(s): 03-06, 11, 13-15: 154 acres

These stands are red pine plantations that were established from the 1930’s to 1960’s. Basal area is currently around 100-200 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.

The marking objectives for these stands are to 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.

Refer to the Cruise Plan and Marking Guides for more detailed 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.

Red Pine Thinning Payment Unit(s): 03-06, 11, 13-15

(CTM) 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. In all units, two-sided (opposite) marking of breast marks is required for all of these Cut-Tree Mark units with stump marks (18-24” tails). Refer to Silvicultural Prescription/Marking Guides for trees to be removed and retained.

(6) POINT COUNT MEASURE TREE (PCME, Plot Cruising)

Clearcut Payment Unit(s): 01, 02, 07-10, 12

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.

Refer to Cruise Design for more information on cruising standards within these units.

C.2 LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION:

The Golden Paint Timber Marking Contract is located on the Watersmeet/Iron River Ranger District. The sale area is approximately 11 miles NW of Iron River, MI. From Iron River, the sale area is accessed by driving 2.6 miles west to

Gibbs City Rd., head north on Gibbs City Rd. for 9.25 miles where Gibbs City Rd. and Ponozzo Rd. intersect. Continue

West on Gibbs City Rd. for 2.25 miles to FR 3270, l payment units 12-14 can be found down FR-3270, PU 09 and 10 can be found down 3458, PU 07, 08 are accessed by a temp road within a half mile of Gibbs City Rd., PU 06 can be found down FR 3452, PU 02, 03 & 05 can be accessed down FR 3350 and PU’s 01, 11 & 15 are accessed off of Gibbs

City Rd.

2 Gibbs City Rd.

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USDA - APFO; USDA - USFS – GTAC

Ma rking Contra ct Ma p Golden Pa int Timber Sa le Bessemer-Iron River-Wa tersmeet Ra nger District Otta w a Na tiona l Forest T44N R35W Sec. 6 T44N R36W Sec. 1 & 2 T45N R35W Sec. 31

Ë 0 0.3 0.6 0.9 1.20.15

Miles

South Branch Paint River

Legend EW_GoldenPine_Tra nsp

OWNERCLASSIFICATION

NON-FS

X R9 OTT Corners Golden Pa int Dra ft PU

Estimated Acres- 339 ROW Acres- 1 Total Estimate Acres 340

PU Acres 01 24 02 42 03 10 04 37 05 15 06 16 07 36 08 33 09 23 10 11 11 19 12 16 13 21 14 22 15 14

16 (ROW) 1

Total 340

GOLDEN PAINT TIMBER SALE CRUISE DESIGN

Sale Number: 30455 Estimated Sale Value: $150,000.00 Estimated CV Ranges: 22%-50% Based on: Comparison Cruise: Crowfoot T.S., Cooked Trout T.S. & Twist Lake T.S.

Maximum Sampling Error: 10% Cruise Methods: Plot Cruise (PCME) & Sample Tree (STR) [Reference attached Minimum Tree and Piece Utilization Standards, dated 11/02/2015]

Commercial Thinning (Red Pine Thinning) Payment Units: 03-06, 11, & 13-15 (154 Acres) Clearcut Payment Units: 01, 02, 07-10 & 12 (185 Acres)

STRATA 1: Commercial Thinning (Red Pine Thinning). Payment Units: 03-06, 11, 13, 14 & 16 (ROW) (155 Acres). (Total Sale Estimated Acres: 340 acres, including R.O.W.)

[Payment Unit 16-(R.O.W.) = 1 Acre #dummy#] 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” 1:50 HL Hardwood/Pulpwood (02) Large 11.0”+ 1:10 HW All Hardwood/Sawtimber (01)* 11.0”+ 1:1 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”+ 1:10 CP Mixed Conifer Pulpwood (02) 5.0”+ 1:50 JP Jack Pine Pulpwood (02) 5.0”+ 1:50 PP Red Pine Pulpwood (02) 5.0”+ 1:150 RS Red Pine Sawtimber (01) Small 9.0”-11.99” 1:75 RL Red Pine Sawtimber (01) Large 12.0”+ 1:50

WW White Pine Sawtimber (01) 9.0”+ 1:5

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

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

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: Modified Clear Cuts with retained trees: Payment Units: 07, 09 & 10 (70 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.

Species/Product (Unit) DBH Range

Sample Interval

HP Hardwood/Pulpwood (02) Small 5.0” + 1st tree, then 1:2****

HW All Hardwood/Sawtimber (01)* 11.0” + 1:1 AS Aspen Pulpwood (02) Small 5.0” - 12.99” 1st tree, then

1:2**** AL Aspen Pulpwood (02) Large 13.0” + 1st tree, then

1:2**** CP Mixed Conifer/Pulpwood (02) Small** 5.0” - 12.99” 1st tree, then

1:2**** CL Mixed Conifer/Pulpwood (02) Large** 13.0” + 1:1 CW Mixed Conifer/Sawtimber (01)*** 9.0”+ 1:1 JP Jack Pine Pulpwood (02) 5.0” + 1st tree, then

1:3****

All White Pine, Red Pine, hemlock, cedar, oak, elm and ANY orange banded trees should be retained within all plot cruised units.

* All Hardwood Sawtimber includes all Sugar Maple, Red Maple, Basswood, Black Cherry, Black & White Ash and Yellow & Paper Birch.

**Mixed Conifer pulpwood includes all Balsam Fir, Black Spruce, and White Spruce.

***Mixed Conifer Sawtimber includes all Black 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.

STRATA 3: Modified Clear Cuts with retained trees: Payment Units: 01, 02, 08, 12 (115 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.

Species/Product (Unit) DBH Range

Sample Interval

HP Hardwood/Pulpwood (02) Small 5.0” + 1st tree, then 1:2****

HW All Hardwood/Sawtimber (01)* 11.0” + 1:1 AS Aspen Pulpwood (02) Small 5.0” - 12.99” 1st tree, then

1:3**** AL Aspen Pulpwood (02) Large 13.0” + 1st tree, then

1:2**** CS Mixed Conifer/Pulpwood (02) Small** 5.0”-12.99” 1st tree, then

1:3**** CL Mixed Conifer/Pulpwood (02) Large** 13.0”+ 1:1 CW Mixed Conifer/Sawtimber (01)*** 9.0”+ 1:1 JP Jack Pine Pulpwood (02) 5.0” + 1st tree, then

1:3**** WW White Pine/Sawtimber (01) 9.0”+ 1:1 PP Red Pine/Pulpwood (02) 5.0”+ 1st tree, then

1:3**** RW Red Pine/Sawtimber (01) 9.0”+ 1st tree, then

1:2****

All White Pine, hemlock, cedar, oak, elm and ANY orange banded trees should be retained within all plot cruised units.

* All Hardwood Sawtimber includes all Sugar Maple, Red Maple, Basswood, Black Cherry, Black & White Ash and Yellow & Paper Birch.

**Mixed Conifer pulpwood includes all Balsam Fir, Black Spruce, and White Spruce.

***Mixed Conifer Sawtimber includes all Black 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

01 24 3 176 DxSpp (Plot Cruise)

See Strata 3*

02 42 3 176 DxSpp (Plot Cruise)

See Strata 3*

03 10 1 29/176 CTM All Species 04 37 1 26/25 CTM All Species 05 15 1 26/25 CTM All Species 06 16 1 26 CTM All Species 07 36 2 169 DxSpp (Plot

Cruise) See Strata

2** 08 33 3 176 DxSpp (Plot

Cruise) See Strata

3* 09 23 2 955 DxSpp (Plot

Cruise) See Strata

2** 10 11 2 959 DxSpp (Plot

Cruise) See Strata

2** 11 19 1 26/116 CTM All Species 12 16 3 19/16 DxSpp (Plot

Cruise) See Strata

3* 13 21 1 26 CTM All Species 14 22 1 23 CTM All Species 15 14 1 29 CTM All Species 16 (1)#dummy# 1 R.O.W CTM All Species

*All Hemlock, Cedar, Elm, White Pine, Oak, and any ORANGE banded trees will be left unless needed for removal for safe logging operations.

**All Hemlock, Cedar, Elm, White Pine, Red Pine, Oak, and any ORANGE banded trees will be left unless needed for removal for safe logging operations.

Note: Refer to marking guides for unit specifics as to what species are to be retained and not marked

Cruise Design Prepared by: Kurt Lehmann, Forester _____________ Date: 5/28/2020

Cruise Design Reviewed by: ________________Forest Check Cruiser Date:

Cruise Design Approved by: _________________________TMA_____Date:

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

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

7-03 63/49 35 4.1a 7 13C, 13B ATD, AVO 16 500 1932 9 45 90

14a 20B TMV, TM

9-03 63/31 20 4.1a 14a 17B TM, TMV 95 500 1920 5 65 35

10-03 63/30 10 4.1a 7 13B ATD, AVO 95 500 1920 9 60 100

7 33C TM

STAND DESCRIPTION

These stands are a mix of aspen with spruce, balsam, mixed hardwood and white pine. The spruce and fir are beginning to decline. The midstory and understory are comprised of predominately maple, balsam fir and spruce.

Some red and white pine of varying size and dominance exist scattered throughout the stands.

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.

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Aspen EA TIMBER SALE: Golden Paint PU: 7, 9 & 10

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

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)

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 Strieter

Title: District Silviculturist

Title:

Title:

Title: Certified Silviculturist

Date: 05/22/2020

Date:

Date:

Date: 05/26/2020

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Aspen EA TIMBER SALE: Golden Paint PU: 7, 9 & 10

Cover Type LSC

Year of

Origin Size

Density SI BA 8-03 63/18 30 4.1a 14a 20B TM, TMV 17 500 1951 30 90

12-03 64/01 20 4.1a 14a 17B TM, TMV 1 500 1938 9 55 100

65/72 4.1a 14a 17B TM, TMV 1 500 1940 6 55 110

63/18 – This stand is a mix of black spruce, aspen, red pine and jack pine with a current basal area of 110 ft2/ac. The dbh ranges from 6 – 16 inches. The aspen comprises about 30 ft2/ac of the current basal area. The midstory and understory are comprised of balsam fir and red maple.

Stands 64/01 was a mixed pine stand comprised of jack pine and red pine. The stand was previously harvested as part of the Jackknife Timber sale, during which the jack pine was mostly removed. The current basal area is 90-100 ft2/ac of predominately red pine with interspersed jack pine. The jack pine is declining and creating pockets of mortality, which can introduce stress decreasing resistance to insect and disease while increasing fire fuel loads.

Stand 65/72 contains 110 ft2/ac of basal area of mixed red pine and jack pine. The jack pine is declining. Remove all jack pine and thin red pine accordingly.

An even-aged jack pine stand that is growing vigorously and free of competing vegetation. The canopy should be singular with some breaks due to small inclusions of failed jack pine response and larger remnant trees.

Hardwood and softwood species are still present, but are subordinate to the dominant jack pine overstory.

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

Achieve a stocking level of 280 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.

Prepare stands to regenerate a new jack pine stand.

Name of Treatment - Stand Clearcut

Clearcut entire stand and retain healthy white 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.

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Spruce Fir CE TIMBER SALE: Golden Paint PU: 8 &

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.

4474 Site Preparation for Planting

(mechanical) Anchor chaining to prepare seed bed for planting.

4431 Plant Trees Hand planting 4341 Stocking Survey Survey to ensure adequate regeneration of 280 TPA on 40% 1/1000th ac plots 4341 Stocking Survey Survey to ensure adequate regeneration of 280 TPA on 40% 1/1000th ac plots 4383 Certification for planted Enter certification once planted area regeneration goal is met.

2022 4113 Stand Clearcut 2023 4474 Site Preparation for Planting - Mechanical (Anchor Chaining) 2025 4431 Hand Planting 2026 4341 1st Year Stocking Survey 2028 4341 3rd Year Stocking Survey 2028 4383 Certification for Naturals w/SP

Reviewed by:

Approved by: Michael B. Strieter

Title: District Silviculturist

Title:

Title:

Title: Certified Silviculturist

Date: 05/22/2020

Date:

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Spruce Fir CE TIMBER SALE: Golden Paint PU: 8 &

Cover Type LSC

Year of

Origin Size

Density SI BA

1-03 44/23 25 4.1a 14a

20B, 25B, 17B

TM, TMV, TMC-

Dry 17 500 1946 6 55 35

2-03 44/23 45 4.1a 14a

20B, 25B, 17B

44/23 – This stand has some red pine scattered throughout spruce/fir/aspen mix. Current basal area is around 80 ft2/ac. Clear cut the stand north of Gibbs City Road, south of Gibbs City, clear cut with LT and group dense red pine with stand 44/38 to the south as a thinning.

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.

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.

Within cutting units with an objective to regenerate aspen, retain all healthy existing white 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.

Name of Treatment - Stand Clearcut (with leave trees)

Clearcut the mature aspen clones and retain healthy white 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. Red pine Leave Trees will be marked, all other red pine will be harvested.

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Spruce Fir CE TIMBER SALE: Golden Paint PU: 1 & 2

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)

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 4117 Clearcut (with leave trees) 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: 05/22/2020

Date:

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Aspen EA TIMBER SALE: Golden Paint PU: 1 & 2

Cover Type LSC

Year of

Origin Size

Density SI BA

3-03 44/38 10 4.1a 14a 17B TM, TMV 2 500 1940 9 65 160

44/23 4.1a 14a

20B, 25B, 17B

4-03 63/01 40 4.1a 14a 17B TM, TMV 2 500 1954 6 50 160

63/02 4.1a 14a 17B TM, TMV 2 500 1947 5 45 140

5-03 63/03 15 4.1a 14a 17B TM, TMV 2 500 1945 6 60 160

63/02 4.1a 14a 17B TM, TMV 2 500 1947 5 45 140

6-03 63/21 15 4.1a 14a 17B TM, TMV 2 500 1952 6 60 100

11-03 65/34 20 4.1a 14a 20B TMV, TM 2 500 1938 40 180

65/105 4.1a 14a 20B TMV, TM 11 500 1928 6 60 110

13-03 64/02 20 4.1a 14a 17B TM, TMV 2 500 1938 50 110

14-03 64/6 20 4.1a 17B TM, TMV 2 500 1988 3 60

15-03 44/27 15 4.1a 7

13B, 13C, 24A

ATD, AVO,TMC,

TMC-Vac 2 500 1962 9 70 180

These stands are red pine plantations that were established from the 1930’s to 1960’s. Basal area is currently around 100-200 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 44/23 is covered under the Spruce Fir CE. The southern portion of this stand is dominated by red pine with some scattered aspen, white spruce, balsam fir, and mixed hardwoods.

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.

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Red Pine EA / Spruce Fir

CE

TIMBER SALE: Golden Paint PU: see table

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.

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.

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/jack pine 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].

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.

None

2022 4220 Commercial Thinning

Reviewed by:

Approved by: Michael Strieter

Title: District Silviculturist

Title:

Title:

Title: Certified Silviculturist

Date: 05/22/2020

Date: