Attachment 6 - Ringneck Specifications.pdf

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

C.1 SCOPE

The Ringneck Marking Contract is located on the Bessemer Ranger District. The project area is estimated at 166 acres and was determined through field reconnaissance and GIS calculations. The marking project involves 27 acres of cut tree marking in a northern hardwood selection harvest, 96 acres of plot cruising within hardwood shelterwood and overstory removal harvests, and 43 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 Unit 06. Plot cruising methods (PCME) will be utilized within Payment Units 01-05, 07-08.

(1) Hardwood SELECTION (Marking & STR Cruising)

Single Tree Selection Harvest

Payment Unit(s): 16: 11 acres

This stand is 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:

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.

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

(2) Hardwood SHELTERWOOD and OVERSTORY REMOVAL (Plots, PCME Cruising)

Shelterwood Establishment Cut

Payment Unit(s): 02-03: 50 Acres (25 plots)

These stands are a mix of birch and sugar maple in the 10 – 14 inch diameter class. This area has an average basal area of 90-110 ft2/ac and the understory is currently dominated by mixed hardwoods and balsam fir. Currently the overstory is shading out the regeneration. The stands were previously under-planted with oak and white pine seedlings. The desired future condition of these stands are to create an even-aged hardwood stand with aspen inclusions and mixed conifer species. The release of planted oak and white pine is also a desired objective of this treatment.

Overstory Removal with Leave Trees

Payment Unit(s): 01: 22 Acres (11 plots)

This stand is a mix of mature aspen and upland hardwoods containing scattered aspen in as single trees or clumps as part of the overstory. This area has an average basal area of 70-80 ft2/ac and the understory is currently dominated maple, aspen and birch. Currently the overstory, midstory and understory are shading out the regeneration. There are pockets of birch regeneration that are 15-20 feet tall that have been released due to natural succession. The desired future condition of these stands are to create an even-aged hardwood stand with aspen inclusions and mixed conifer species.

Leave tree marking (LTM) is not required to be performed by the contractor for these units, all leave trees will be marked by Forest Service personnel.

Overstory Removal

Payment Unit(s): 05: 24 Acres (12 plots)

This stand is a mix of mature aspen and upland hardwoods containing scattered aspen in as single trees or clumps as part of the overstory. This area has an average basal area of 90-150 ft2/ac and the understory is currently dominated by spruce, balsam fir, and mixed hardwoods. Currently the overstory is shading out the regeneration.

The desired future condition of these stands are to create an even-aged hardwood stand with aspen inclusions and mixed conifer species.

Leave tree marking (LTM) is not required to be performed by the contractor for these units, all leave trees will be marked by Forest Service personnel.

(3) Aspen CLEARCUTTING with Reserves (Plots, PCME Cruising)

Payment Unit(s): 04, 07-08: 43 acres (22 plots)

These stands are primarily aspen stands with scattered mixed conifer and hardwood 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.

Reserve all hemlock, white pine, red pine, white cedar, oak, and elm. Leave tree marking (LTM) is not required to be performed by the contractor for these units, all leave trees will be marked by Forest Service personnel.

(4) 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: 06

In Payment Unit 06 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.

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

Hardwood Shelterwood and Overstory Removal, Payment Unit(s): 01-03, 05

Aspen Clearcut, Payment Unit(s): 04, 07-08

In Hardwood Shelterwood, Hardwood Overstory Removal, and 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 Ringneck Marking Contract is located on the Bessemer Ranger District. The project area is estimated at 166 acres and was determined through field reconnaissance and GIS calculations. The marking project involves 27 acres of cut tree marking in a northern hardwood selection harvest, 96 acres of plot cruising within hardwood shelterwood and overstory removal harvests, and 43 acres of plot cruising within aspen clearcut units. The sale area is approximately

12 miles southeast of Marenisco, MI. From Marenisco, the sale area is accessed by driving 5 miles south on MI State

Highway 64, and an additional 5.5 miles southeast on FR 8220. From FR 8220, drive an additional 3 miles east on FR

6860 to the intersection of FR 6864 to reach a central point within the project area. Payment Units for the Ringneck project area are accessed off of FR 6860 and FR 6864, utilizing existing and planned Forest Service system roads for access.

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X X

X

X

X

26860

2-D

-J

6862-D6

6874-B

6864-D

6860-F

6874-A

6862-D3

-M

0225108

-J4

6874-D

6864-B

6860-E

6864-C

6862-A

6862-F

6860-J1

6887-C

6882-B

0223604

6862-D5

-K

-K

0225107

6862-C

0225106

6860-H

6860-G

26 30

US DA - APFO; US DA - US FS – RS AC

RINGNECK #21002

Estimated Acres - Payment Units

Ringn eck Draft PUs

NON-FS

All Other Roads

C - COUNTY,

PARIS H, BOROUGH

NFS R - NATIONAL

FORES T S YS TEM

ROAD

NOT - NOT NEEDED

UND -

UNDETERMINED

S tream s

X S urvey Corn ers

Pert 4/17/2020

0 0.5 10.25 Miles

PU Acres 1 22 2 6 3 44 4 9 5 24 6 27 7 23 8 11

ESTIMATED ACRES

Payment Units - 166 Acres

R.O.W. - 1 Acre

TOTAL ACRES = 167

RINGNECK T.S. CRUISE DESIGN

Sale Number: 21002 Estimated Sale Value: $85,000.00 Estimated CV Ranges: 20-40% Maximum Sampling Error: 14% Based on Comparison Cruise Data: Craigsmere T.S., Blue Jay Lake T.S., & 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 = 166 Acres)

STRATA 1: (CTM) [Single-Tree Selection Payment Unit: 06 - (27 Acres)] [Payment Unit 09 (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” 1:100 HL Hardwood/Pulpwood (02) Large 11.0”+ 1:25 SW Sugar Maple Sawtimber (01) 11.0”+ 1:5 OW Other Hardwood Sawtimber (01)* 11.0”+ 1:10 AS Aspen Pulpwood (02) Small 5.0” - 11.99” 1:30 AL Aspen Pulpwood (02) Large 12.0”+ 1:25 CW Spruce/Sawtimber (01)** 9.0”+ 1:1 CP Mixed Conifer/Pulpwood (02) 5.0”+ 1:30 PP Pine/Pulpwood (02)*** 5.0”+ 1:1 PW 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 Spruce, & Black Spruce.

*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/Pulpwood includes: all Red Pine and Jack Pine.

****Pine/Sawtimber includes: all Red Pine and 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: (Plot Cruise) [Modified Clear Cut with retained trees: Payment Units: 04, 07 & 08 (43 Acres). Overstory Removal with retained trees: Payment Unit: 01 (22 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 = 33 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 SW Sugar Maple/Sawtimber (01) 11.0”+ 1:1 OW Other Hardwood/Sawtimber (01)* 11.0”+ 1:1 AS Aspen Pulpwood (02) Small 5.0” - 11.99” 1st tree, then

1:3**** AL Aspen Pulpwood (02) Large 12.0”+ 1st tree, then

1:2**** 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 plot cruised units 01, 04, 07, & 08.

*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.

STRATA 3: (LTM and PCMTRE) [Shelterwood Establishment Cut, Payment Units: 02 & 03 (50 Acres). Overstory Removal (No leave trees), Payment Unit: 05 (24 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 3 = 37 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”+ 1st tree, then 1:2****

SW Sugar Maple/Sawtimber (01) 11.0”+ 1:1 OW Other Hardwood/Sawtimber (01)* 11.0”+ 1:1 A Aspen Pulpwood (02) 5.0”+ 1:1 CP Mixed Conifer/Pulpwood (02)** 5.0”+ 1:1 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 plot cruised units 02, 03, & 05.

*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 22 2 954 DxSpp. (Plot Cruise) All Species* P.U. 02 6 3 896 LTM/DxSpp. (Plot Cruise) All Species* P.U. 03 44 3 896 LTM/DxSpp. (Plot Cruise) All Species* P.U. 04 9 2 915 DxSpp. (Plot Cruise) All Species* P.U. 05 24 3 896 LTM/DxSpp. (Plot Cruise) All Species* P.U. 06 27 1 896 CTM All Species* P.U. 07 23 2 915/117 DxSpp. (Plot Cruise) All Species* P.U. 08 11 2 897/856 DxSpp. (Plot Cruise) All Species* P.U. 09 (1) dummy 1 1 R.O.W. CTM All Species

*All Red Oak, Elm, White Cedar, Hemlock, White Pine, Red Pine, and ANY orange banded trees will be retained within ALL units, unless removal is needed to facilitate logging operations.

Cruise Design Prepared by: Brandon Pertile, Silviculture Technician Date: 04/17/2020

Cruise Design Reviewed by: Paul Dashner, Forest Check Cruiser Date: 04/17/2020

Cruise Design Approved by: Paul Tikusis, TMA Date: 05/01/2020

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

4-02 251/08 10 3.1a 2

39B, 39C, 39D AVO, ATD 91 500 1974 5 70 130

7-02 251/29 25 3.1a 2 41, 39C TTS, AVO, ATD 11 500 1940 7

251/08 3.1a 2

39B, 39D AVO, ATD 91 500 1974 5 70 130

8-02 251/37 10 3.1a 2 39C AVO, ATD 89 500 1936 7 65 100

251/14 2

39D AVO, ATD 85 500 1934 6 55 130

STAND DESCRIPTION

These stands vary from 110-180 ft2/ac, and are a mix of aspen with hardwood and softwood pulp. In payment units 4 and 7, the overstory is in the 6-14 inch dbh class, whereas payment unit 8 has an aspen overstory in the 16-20 inch dbh class with 6-8 inch balsam fir and spruce. The midstory and understory are a mix of hardwood species and balsam fir.

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: Pomeroy VMP TIMBER SALE: Ringneck PU: 4, 7, 8

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: 04/28/2020

Date:

Date:

Date: 04/30/2020

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Pomeroy VMP TIMBER SALE: Ringneck PU: 4, 7, 8

Cover Type LSC

Year of

Origin Size

Density SI BA

2-02 251/31 10 3.1a 2

39B AVO, ATD 89 500 1932 6 64 75

3-02 251/31 45 3.1a 2

39B AVO, ATD 89 500 1932 6 64 75

251/04 2

39B AVO, ATD 89 500 1936 6 62 72

These stands are a mix of birch and sugar maple in the 10 – 14 inch diameter class. This area has an average basal area of 90-110 ft2/ac and the understory is currently dominated by mixed hardwoods and balsam fir.

Currently the overstory is shading out the regeneration. The stands were previously under-planted with oak and white pine seedlings.

An even-aged hardwood stand with aspen inclusions that is growing vigorously. The canopy should be singular with some breaks due to small inclusions of failed aspen/hardwood response and larger remnant trees (white pine, hemlock, cedar, oak and elm). Hardwood mid-tolerant regeneration will be released and allowed to start a new age class, free from suppression from an overstory. Previously planted oak and white pine will be released.

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

Target a residual basal area of 40 FT2/AC. Once existing regeneration has released, an overstory removal of the residual trees will occur.

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.

These stands were previously under-planted with oak and white pine seedlings. Care should be taken to protect these seedlings and mid-tolerant species regeneration from excessive damage during the overstory removal process.

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: Ringneck PU: 2 & 3

Name of Treatment - Shelterwood Establishment Cut

Residual BA/Ac – 40 ft2/ac

Target a residual basal area of 40 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.

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 7 years that still contain merchantable products.

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.

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.

4143 Overstory Removal Cut Remove existing overstory to release advanced regeneration from

Shelterwood Establishment Cut 4511 Tree Release and Weed Release seedlings from undesirable competing vegetation 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 wo/SP Enter certification once regeneration goal is met.

2022 4131 Shelterwood Establishment Cut 2029 4143 Overstory Removal Cut (from advanced regeneration) 2030 4511 Tree Release and Weed 2030 4341 1st Year Stocking Survey 2032 4341 3rd Year Stocking Survey 2032 4382 Certification for Naturals wo/SP

Reviewed by:

Approved by: Michael Strieter

Title: District Silviculturist

Title:

Title:

Title: Certified Silviculturist

Date: 04/28/2020

Date:

Date:

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Pomeroy VMP TIMBER SALE: Ringneck PU: 2 & 3

Cover Type LSC

Year of

Origin Size

Density SI BA

5-02 251/12 25 3.1a 2 39B, 39C AVO, ATD 89 500 1927 6 64 100

This stand is a mix of mature aspen and upland hardwoods containing scattered aspen in as single trees or clumps as part of the overstory. This area has an average basal area of 70-80 ft2/ac and the understory is currently dominated maple, aspen and birch. Currently the overstory, midstory and understory are shading out the regeneration. There are pockets of birch regeneration that are 15-20 ft tall that have been released due to natural succession.

An even-aged hardwood stand with aspen inclusions that is growing vigorously. The canopy should be singular with some breaks due to small inclusions of failed aspen/hardwood response and larger remnant trees (white pine, hemlock, cedar, oak and elm). Hardwood and aspen regeneration will be released and allowed to start a new age class, free from suppression from an overstory.

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

Retain healthy white 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

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

Name of Treatment - Overstory Removal Cut

Residual BA/Ac – See Below

Remove all trees greater than 5 inches dbh to release existing regeneration as a new age class.

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Pomeroy VMP TIMBER SALE: Ringneck PU: 5

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.

4511 Tree Release and Weed Release seedlings from undesirable competing vegetation 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

2022 4143 Overstory Removal Cut (from advanced regeneration) 2023 4511 Tree Release and Weed 2023 4341 1st Year Stocking Survey

2025 4382 Certification for Naturals wo/SP

Reviewed by:

Approved by: Michael Strieter

Title: District Silviculturist

Title:

Title:

Title: Certified Silviculturist

Date: 04/28/2020

Date:

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Pomeroy VMP TIMBER SALE: Ringneck PU: 5

Cover Type LSC

Year of

Origin Size

Density SI BA

1-02 251/01 20 3.1a 2

39B AVO, ATD 89 500 1936 6 62 70

This stand is a mix of mature aspen and upland hardwoods containing scattered aspen in as single trees or clumps as part of the overstory. This area has an average basal area of 90-150 ft2/ac and the understory is currently dominated spruce, balsam fir and mixed hardwoods. Currently the overstory is shading out the regeneration.

An even-aged hardwood stand with aspen inclusions that is growing vigorously. The canopy should be singular with some breaks due to small inclusions of failed aspen/hardwood response and larger remnant trees (white pine, hemlock, cedar, oak and elm). Hardwood and aspen regeneration will be released and allowed to start a new age class, free from suppression from an overstory.

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

Retain healthy white 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

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

Name of Treatment - Overstory Removal Cut

Below

Remove all trees greater than 5 inches dbh to release a new age class. 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. Trees to be retained should be greater than 5 inches dbh.

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Pomeroy VMP TIMBER SALE: Ringneck PU: 1

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.

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

2022 4145 Overstory Removal Cut (w/ leave trees) 2023 4341 1st Year Stocking Survey

2025 4382 Certification for Naturals wo/SP

Reviewed by:

Approved by: Michael Strieter

Title: District Silviculturist

Title:

Title:

Title: Certified Silviculturist

Date: 04/28/2020

Date:

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Pomeroy VMP TIMBER SALE: Ringneck PU: 1

Cover Type LSC

Year of

Origin Size

Density SI BA 6-02 251/12 55 3.1a 2 41 TTS 89 500 1927 6 64 100

39B, 39D AVO, ATD

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 is around 100 ft2/acre. Quality can greatly vary from pockets of trees where most are unacceptable growing stock to trees with acceptable quality and height. There are pockets of aspen forming small inclusions within the predominantly hardwood dominated stands.

Regeneration is mostly balsam fir and ironwood.

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.

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

Target a residual basal area of 80 FT2/AC Retain or increase species diversity by retaining species other than sugar maple.

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.

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Pomeroy VMP TIMBER SALE: Ringneck PU: 6

Name of Treatment - Selection Harvest below

Target a residual basal area of 80 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. 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) consulted

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Pomeroy VMP TIMBER SALE: Ringneck PU: TBD

4494 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 4381 Certification for Naturals w/SP

Reviewed by:

Approved by: Michael Strieter

Title: District Silviculturist

Title:

Title:

Title: Certified Silviculturist

Date: 04/15/2020

Date:

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Pomeroy VMP TIMBER SALE: Ringneck PU: TBD