Attachment 7 - West Eel Specifications.pdf

SECTION C – DESCRIPTION /SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK West Eel Stewardship Marking Contract

C.1 SCOPE

The West Eel Stewardship Marking Contract is located on the Bessemer Ranger District. The project area is estimated at 525 acres and was determined through field reconnaissance and GIS calculations. The marking project involves 149 acres of red pine commercial thinning, 130 acres of northern hardwood selection and thinning harvests, 33 acres of mixed hardwood selection harvests with aspen clearcut inclusions, and 213 acres of plot cruising in aspen and mixed conifer clearcuts. Volume estimation is required on all units and involves both sample tree and plot cruising methods. Sample tree cruising (STR) will be performed utilizing cut tree marking methods within Payment Units: 01, 03-04, 06, 09, 11-16, 17, 19-20, and 22. Plot cruising methods (PCME) will be utilized within Payment Unit(s) 05, 07-08, 10, 18, 21, 23-26.

(1) Hardwood SELECTION (Marking & STR Cruising)

Payment Unit(s): 06, 13, 15, 17, 19: 70 acres

These unevenaged hardwood 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. 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. Other actions include:

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.

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 for these units for more specific guidance.

(2) Hardwood THINNING (Marking & STR Cruising)

Payment Unit(s): 03-04, 22: 93 acres

These evenaged hardwood 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.

Refer to the marking guide for these units for more specific guidance.

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

Payment Unit(s): 01, 09, 11-12, 14, 16, 20: 149 acres

These stands are in varying states due to their diversity in age and density, even though they all exhibit signs of good health, they are at the point where growing space will become limited, which can introduce stress decreasing resistance to insect and disease. 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. Skid trails will need to be created within these units prior to marking these stands down to the appropriate residual BA/ac.

SECTION C – DESCRIPTION /SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK West Eel Stewardship Marking Contract

Refer to the marking guide for these units for more specific guidance

(5) Aspen CLEARCUT (Plots, PCME Cruising)

Payment Unit(s): 05, 07-08, 10, 18, 21, 23-26: 213 acres (73 plots)

These stands are primarily aspen stands with some scattered spruce/fir regeneration. 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. Cut tree marking (CTM) and leave tree marking (LTM) is not required by the contractor to complete for these units. Refer to the Cruise Plan for guidance on plot cruising standards within these units.

(6) 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 and Thinning Payment Unit(s): 03-04, 06, 13, 15, 17, 19, 22

Red Pine Thinning Payment Unit(s): 01, 09, 11-12, 14, 16, 20

In units where species require the cut tree marking (CTM) method, two-sided (opposite) marking at breast height with stump marks (18-24” tails) is required. 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

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

Aspen Clearcut Payment Unit(s): 05, 07-08, 10, 18, 21, 23-26

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.

o 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.

o 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.

o 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.

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

o 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.

SECTION C – DESCRIPTION /SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK West Eel Stewardship Marking Contract

C.2 LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION: The West Eel Stewardship Timber Contract is located on the Bessemer Ranger

District and consists of primarily of cut tree marking within hardwood selection and red pine thinning harvests. Plot cruising within aspen clearcut harvests is also required within this marking contract. The sale area is approximately

6 miles south of Marenisco, MI. From Marenisco, the majority of the sale area is accessed by driving 5.5 miles south on MI Hwy 64, and an additional 1-2 miles west on Forest Road (FR) 8100 to access Forest Road(s) 8109, 8133 and

8120. Several Payment Units are accessed off of FR 8120, as well as FR 8121. Payment Units 20-24 are accessed by driving FR 8120 to FR 8122, which connects to FR 8122-H and FR 8122-H1. During the summer of 2020, the reconstruction of the South Branch Presque Isle River crossing on FR 8100 will temporarily block access via the route mentioned above, to units that are accessed off of Forest Road 8100. Specific dates for bridge reconstruction are not available at this time. Plan for alternate access routes from the west to access the sale during periods of bridge reconstruction.

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

16 2414

2-H

0-H

-B

8131-A

8121-E

-D

02213009

8122-G

8122-H1

-I

8122-K

02214105

2-C

8131-C

1-A

8134-A 02203009

-F

02213015

02213023 02213029

8120-E

8131-D

02213027

8120-C

02215001

02213005

8121-A

8131-B2

8122-E

13022

02213016

8122-J 8122-C2

02215300

02214106

0221302502

02213014

02203012

8122-C5

02213007

1-D

02213006

02213019

-H

02214102

02214107

02213001

022141018121-C

23 24

11 12

27 26 25U SDA - APFO; U SDA - U SFS – RSAC

Draft PU Bou n dary Shelterwood Cu t Aspen Inclu sion Hardwood Area (in RP)

NON-FS

X Su rvey Corners

WEST EEL #20169

Estimated Acres - Payment Units

0 0.5 10.25 Miles

Sarah Kilpela 04/02/2020

ESTIMATED ACRES

Payment Units - 530 ac

ROW - 1 ac TOTAL ACRES = 531 ac

PU Acres 1 6 2 5 3 26 4 50 5 39 6 16 7 27 8 16 9 44 10 6 11 4 12 35 13 11 14 26 15 23 16 28 17 3 18 24 19 17 20 6 21 20 22 17 23 38 24 32 25 5 26 6

Shelterwood Cut Stand 214/04

WEST EEL STEWARDSHIP CRUISE DESIGN

Sale Number: 20169 Estimated Sale Value: $215,000.00 Estimated CV Ranges: 24-49% Maximum Sampling Error: 10% 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 = 531 Acres)

STRATA 1: (CTM) [Single-Tree Selection/Thinning Payment Units: 03-04, 06, 13, 15, 17, 19, & 22 (130 Acres).] [Red Pine Thinning Payment Units: 01, 09, 11, 12, 14, 16, & 20 (149 Acres).] [Payment Unit: 27 (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” 1:300 HL Hardwood/Pulpwood (02) Large 11.0” + 1:50 SW Sugar Maple Sawtimber (01) 11.0”+ 1:25 OW Other Hardwood Sawtimber (01)* 11.0”+ 1:20 AS Aspen Pulpwood (02) Small 5.0” - 11.99” 1:75 AL Aspen Pulpwood (02) Large 12.0”+ 1:50 CW Spruce/Sawtimber (01)** 9.0” + 1:5 CP Mixed Conifer/Pulpwood (02) 5.0” + 1:50 PP Pine Pulpwood (02) 5.0” + 1:50 RS Red & White Pine Sawtimber (01) Small*** 9.0” - 12.99” 1:150 RL Red & White Pine Sawtimber (01) Large*** 13.0”+ 1:200

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

*** 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 2: (Plot Cruise) [Modified Clear Cut with retained trees: Payment Units: *02, 05, 07-08, 10, 18, 21, 23-26 (218 Acres).] Cruise Method: Point Count/Measure Tree; Basal Area Factor: 10; Establish 1 plot per 3 acres based on 5 chain X 6 chain grid. Total plots for Strata 2 = 73 plots.

*Payment Unit 02 will be marked/cruised by the FS, and is not included in the marking contract.

Sample Group

Species/Product (Unit) DBH Range

Sample Interval

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

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

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

1:3**** 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 PP Pine Pulpwood (02) 5.0”+ 1:1 RW Red Pine/Sawtimber (01) 9.0”+ 1:1

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

Pine Pulpwood includes: all Red & Jack Pine.

*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, Cedar, Hemlock, and White & 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 6 1 2 CTM All Species P.U. 02*** 5 2 816 DxSpp (Plot Cruise) All Species-Except* P.U. 03 26 1 29/816 CTM All Species P.U. 04 50 1 816 CTM All Species P.U. 05 39 2 959/956/166 DxSpp (Plot Cruise) All Species-Except* P.U. 06 22 1 896/916 CTM All Species P.U. 07 27 2 958/916/119 DxSpp (Plot Cruise) All Species-Except* P.U. 08 16 2 956 DxSpp (Plot Cruise) All Species-Except* P.U. 09 42 1 29 CTM All Species P.U. 10 6 2 953 DxSpp (Plot Cruise) All Species-Except* P.U. 11 6 1 29 CTM All Species P.U. 12 35 1 29 CTM All Species P.U. 13 11 1 856 CTM All Species P.U. 14 26 1 29/896 CTM All Species P.U. 15 23 1 896 CTM All Species P.U. 16 33 1 29/953 CTM All Species P.U. 17 3 1 926 CTM All Species P.U. 18 24 2 916/816/95 DxSpp (Plot Cruise) All Species-Except* P.U. 19 17 1 81 CTM All Species P.U. 20 6 1 26 CTM All Species P.U. 21 20 2 959/919 DxSpp (Plot Cruise) All Species-Except* P.U. 22 17 1 816 CTM All Species P.U. 23 38 2 916 DxSpp (Plot Cruise) All Species-Except* P.U. 24 32 2 916 DxSpp (Plot Cruise) All Species-Except* P.U. 25 5 2 916 DxSpp (Plot Cruise) All Species-Except* P.U. 26 6 2 916 DxSpp (Plot Cruise) All Species-Except* P.U. 27 (1) dummy 1 1 R.O.W. CTM All Species

*Hemlock, Cedar, Elm, Red Oak, and White Pine.

**Payment unit 02 will be marked by the FS, and is not included in the marking contract.

Cruise Design Prepared by: Brandon Pertile, Silviculture Technician Date: 04/08/2020

Cruise Design Reviewed by: Paul Dashner, Forest Check Cruiser Date: 04/08/2020

Cruise Design Approved by: Paul Tikusis, TMA Date: 04/08/2020

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

2-02 214/04 5 8.1 9 323D ATD, AVO 81 880 1930 6 65 100

214/32 8.1 9 323B, 323C ATD, AVO 81 600 1930 6 65 100

5-02 213/37 40 2.1 2 44B; 44C ATD 95 500 1938 9 55 100

213/38 2.1 2 44B; 44C ATD 95 500 1935 6 55 90

214/08 2.1 2 44B; 46D ATD 16 600 1941 6 55 80

7-02 213/02 27 2.1 9 323D ATD 11 500 1920 9 58 130

213/04 2.1 9 310C ATD 95 500 1944 8 60 70

213/31 2.1 9 302B;

323D

TM-Coptis, ATD 91 500 1954 6 72 100

8-02 213/40 16 2.1 2 46D ATD 95 500 1956 9 60 110

213/54 2.1 2 44B; 44C ATD 95 500 1950 6 70 140

9 302C TM-Coptis, ATD

214/08 2.1 2 44B; 46D ATD 16 600 1941 6 55 80

10-02 213/16 6 2.1 2 46C; 46D ATD 95 500 1985 60 10

18-02 214/12 24 2.1 2 46C ATD 95 600 600 65 90

9 327 TMC

214/13 2.1 2 46C; 46D ATD 91 800 1928 6 55 90

214/28 2.1 2 46C ATD 81 600 1932 6 60 100

214/35 2.1 2 46C; 46D ATD 91 840

21-02 213/27 20 2.1 2 39B; 39C AVO, ATD 95 840 1908 9 85 110

213/53 2.1 2 39B; 39C AVO, ATD 91 840 1908 9 70 110

23-02 213/53 38 2.1 2 39B; 39C AVO, ATD 91 840 1908 9 70 110

214/18 8.1 39B AVO 91 880 1932 6 65 80

319D ATD

302B TM-coptis, ATD

214/21 2.1 2 35A TMC, ATD 91 600 1959 6 65 90

2 39B; 39C AVO, ATD

214/25 8.1 2 39B; 39C AVO, ATD 91 880 1959 6 65 90

24-02 214/18 32 8.1 2 39B AVO 91 880 1932 6 65 80

9 319D ATD

9 302B TM-coptis, ATD

214/21 2.1 2 35A TMC, ATD 91 600 1959 6 65 90

2 39B; 39C AVO, ATD

214/25 8.1 2 39B; 39C AVO, ATD 91 880 1959 6 65 90

25-02 213/16 5 2.1 2 46C;

46D ATD, AVO 95 500 1985 3 60 10

26-02 213/31 6 2.1 9 323D;

302B ATD 91 500 1954 6 72 100

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Redboat VMP TIMBER SALE: West Eel Stewardship PU: see table

STAND DESCRIPTION

These stands are primarily aspen with their average DBH ranging from 10’ – 14” with some stands being on the smaller end of that scale. There are pockets of poorly formed hardwoods within these stands where aspen has declined and the understory was able to develop further. The regeneration is highly variable and can range from 1”-4” and is comprised of maple, balsam, and aspen.

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. Stand 214/04 will still maintain some canopy closure and mimic a shelterwood initial entry for wildlife objectives.

SHORT AND LONG TERM OBJECTIVES

Aspen 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 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.

In payment unit 2, stand 214/04, this stand will have a residual basal area of 30-40 ft2/ac. This area is located along the east edge of the unit as identified on the marking contract map.

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.

MARKING GUIDE:

Name of Treatment - Stand Clearcut w/ leave trees

Residual BA/Ac – See Below

Acres - See attached cover sheet

Clearcut the mature aspen clones and areas where aspen is greater than 20 basal area. 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.

Residual basal area for retained trees should be less than 5 ft2/ac.

Payment Unit 2 – Stand 214/04 (the eastern 1/3 of the payment unit) This area has a higher percentage of hardwoods and will be treated as a small shelterwood within the clear cut unit. The Contractor will work with the COR to implement a small shelterwood for wildlife objectives with a residual basal area ranging from 30-40 ft2/ac. The order of removal should be as follows.

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Redboat VMP TIMBER SALE: West Eel Stewardship PU: see table

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

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

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

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

Then provide a release of quality-dominant trees >15” DBH, and then quality dominant/co-dominant trees

10-14” DBH by marking at least two main crown competitors (as long as residual BA supports it).

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

4. IF BA above 40ft2/ac: Mark suppressed and poor quality trees (typically sub-canopy and pole-sized) until Target Residual BA is met.

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

DESIGN CRITERIA AND MITIGATION MEASURES

Highlighted Design Criteria, see NEPA for all of the criteria

Special Plant Population – Between FR 8121 and PU 18, there is a buffer around a botanical feature that is to be protected from direct damage and changes to the light regime and/or microclimate.

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.

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

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.

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 4117 Clearcut w/ leave trees 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: Dave Steffensen

Title: District Silviculturist

Title:

Title:

Title: Certified Silviculturist

Date: 03/31/2020

Date:

Date:

Date: 04/01/2020

Cover Type LSC

Year of

Origin Size

Density SI BA

6-02 213/05 15 2.1 9 323D;

302B

ATD 89 500 1940 6 62 115

213/08 2.1 9 323D ATD 12 740 1933 6 50 80

13-02 213/23 10 2.1 2 39C ATD; AVO 85 500 1927 6 62 130

213/24 2.1 2 39C;

46C

ATD; AVO 2 500 1943 9 80 135

15-02 213/28 20 2.1 2 39C;

46C

ATD; AVO 89 500 1950 6 80 120

213/29 2.1 2 46C ATD 2 500 1953 9 75 180

17-02 213/15 5 2.1 2 46C ATD 92 500 1939 6 65 110

213/52 2.1 2 46C ATD 2 500 1943 9 80 170

19-02 214/05 20 8.1 2 46C ATD 18 880 1940 6 35 70

214/11 8.1 9 327;

46C

TMC, TMC-dry 81 810 60 100

The stands consist of predominantly sugar and red maple with small amounts of other hardwood species usually occurring in scattered distribution. Quality can greatly vary from pockets of trees where most are unacceptable growing stock to trees with acceptable quality and height. There are pockets of quaking and big tooth aspen forming small inclusions within the predominantly hardwood dominated stands. Regeneration is mostly sugar maple with balsam fir; advanced regeneration mostly ironwood, balsam fir and sugar maple.

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.

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

Target a residual basal area of 85 FT2/AC.

Reduce the prevalence of canker.

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

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

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

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

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

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Redboat VMP TIMBER SALE: West Eel Stewardship PU: 6, 13, 15, 17, 19

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 - Selection Harvest

Residual BA/Ac – 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:

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 25 in the hardwood units.

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.

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: Dave Steffensen

Title: District Silviculturist

Title: TMA

Title:

Title: Certified Silviculturist

Date: 03/09/2020

Date:

Date: 03/18/2020

Cover Type LSC

Year of

Origin Size

Density SI BA

3-02 213/38 30 2.1 2 44B ATD 95 500 1935 6 55 90

213/50 2.1 2 44B ATD 2 500 1953 9 75 130

214/03 8.1 9 323C ATD, AVO 81 500 1930 6 65 90

2.1 9 323D ATD, AVO 81

214/04 2.1 9 323D ATD, AVO 81 880 1930 6 65 100

214/06 2.1 2 44B, 46D ATD 81 500 1930 6 65 90

9 323D ATD, AVO

214/32 2.1 9 323B, 2 46D ATD

4-02 213/47 50 2.1 2 46C ATD 85 500 1936 6 75 120

213/54 2.1 2 44B ATD 95 500 1950 6 70 140

9 302C TM-Coptis, ATD

214/04 8.1 9 323D ATD, AVO 81 880 1930 6 65 100

214/06 2.1

44B, 46D ATD 81 500 1930 6 65 90

9 323D ATD, AVO

214/08 2.1 2 44B, 46D ATD 16 600 1941 6 55 80

214/32 2.1

323B, 2 46D ATD

22-02 214/19 20 2.1 2 39C AVO, ATD 81 840 1932 6 65 120

214/20 2.1 2 39C AVO, ATD 18 840 5 30 60

214/27 2.1 2 39C AVO, ATD 18 840 40 90

These payment units are dominated by upland northern hardwood species and range in basal area from 110-190 ft2/ac. The species composition consists of predominantly sugar maple, yellow birch, and basswood with small amounts of other hardwood species usually occurring in scattered distribution. Quality can greatly vary from pockets of trees where most are unacceptable growing stock to trees with acceptable quality and height. There are also pockets of aspen that are showing signs of decay and are beginning to decline. Regeneration is mostly sugar maple and balsam fir; advanced regeneration is mostly sugar maple, ash and balsam fir.

Within these payment units, there are pockets of red pine that have a basal area of 160-190 ft2/ac. These pockets vary in size, age, and density, even though they all exhibit signs of good health, they are at the point where growing space will become limited, which can introduce stress decreasing resistance to insect and disease. Some of the stands may not have adequate forwarding trails established and may require forwarding routes to be marked prior to thinning the stand to the objective.

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Redboat VMP TIMBER SALE: West Eel Stewardship PU: 3,4, An even aged northern hardwood stands 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. To further increase species diversity, the healthy, vigorous, and resilient red pine that are fully utilizing the site and putting growth on the best quality stems will be promoted. Eventually, the expectation is that the plantations would develop big trees faster, over time, and have more of a heterogeneous structure and composition.

Apply silvicultural treatments to thin and restore a healthy northern hardwood stand.

Target a residual basal area of 85 Ft2/Ac 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 plantations.

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.

Within Payment Unit 3, the eastern ¼ of the payment unit will be treated as a shelterwood (as identified on the Marking Contract Map). The Contractor will need to work with the COR to implement.

Name of Treatment - Commercial Thinning

All Payment Units: 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. Where feasible, try to release mid tolerant regeneration where present and currently being shaded; for example red oak. Target a residual basal area of 85 FT2/AC.

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. 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 30 in the hardwoods.

Payment Unit 3 – (Stand 214/04, Eastern ¼ of payment unit), This area will be treated as a small shelterwood within the thinning. The Contractor will work with the COR to implement a small shelterwood for wildlife objectives with a residual basal area ranging from 30-40 ft2/ac. The order of removal should be as follows.

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

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

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

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

Then provide a release of quality-dominant trees >15” DBH, and then quality dominant/co-dominant trees

10-14” DBH by marking at least two main crown competitors (as long as residual BA supports it).

Favor healthy minority species such as yellow birch and basswood with good form. Consider a two-sided

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Redboat VMP TIMBER SALE: West Eel Stewardship PU: 3, 4, release for these trees before releasing a quality sugar maple, but not release a marginal tree at the expense of marking a quality sugar maple. We still want to improve the overall quality of the stand.

4. IF BA above 40ft2/ac: Mark suppressed and poor quality trees (typically sub-canopy and pole-sized) until Target Residual BA is met.

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

Red Pine Thinning within Hardwoods:

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.

Order of Removal:

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

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

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

4. If density still above desired then mark trees to improve the relative spacing; 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 archaeological sites are located during layout or implementation the Archaeologist should be consulted.

None

2022 4220 Commercial Thinning

Reviewed by:

Approved by: Dave Steffensen

Title: District Silviculturist

Title:

Title:

Title: Certified Silviculturist

Date: 03/09/2020

Date:

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Redboat VMP TIMBER SALE: West Eel Stewardship PU: 3, 4, Cover Type LSC

Year of

Origin Size

Density SI BA

1-02 214/34 10 8.1 9 323C ATD, AVO 2 810 65 90

9-02 213/13 40 2.1 2 46C ATD, AVO 2 500 1920 6 70 135

213/14 2.1 2 46C ATD, AVO 16 500 1920 50 175

213/47 2.1 2 46C ATD, AVO 85 500 1936 9 75 120

11-02 213/45 5 2.1 2 46D ATD, AVO 2 500 1930 9 60 150

12-02 213/12 35 2.1 2 46D ATD, AVO 2 500 1940 9 65 145

213/24 2.1 2 46C;

46D ATD, AVO 2 500 1943 9 80 135

9 323C ATD, AVO

213/44 2.1 2 46D ATD, AVO 95 500 1989 3 80

213/51 2.1 2 46D ATD, AVO 95 500 1989 3 65

14-02 213/21 30 2.1 2

46D ATD, AVO 89 500 1950 6 85 120

213/24 2.1 2 46C;

46D ATD, AVO 2 500 1943 9 80 135

213/29 2.1 2 46C;

46D ATD, AVO 2 500 1953 9 75 180

213/44 2.1 2

46D ATD, AVO 95 500 1989 3 80

16-02 213/24 30 2.1 2

46D ATD, AVO 2 500 1943 9 80 135

213/52 2.1 2 46D ATD, AVO 2 500 1943 9 80 170

213/56 2.1 2 46C ATD, AVO 95 500 1974 5 70 60

20-02 213/48 10 2.1 9 324D TMV, ATD 2 840 1934 6 65 200

2 39C AVO, ATD

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Redboat VMP TIMBER SALE: West Eel Stewardship

PU: 1, 9,

11, 12, 14, 16, 20

These payment units contain red pine plantations that were established from the 1920’s to the 1980’s. Basal area is currently around 150-240 ft2/ac. These stands are in varying states due to their diversity in age and density, even though they all exhibit signs of good health, they are at the point where growing space will become limited, which can introduce stress decreasing resistance to insect and disease. Some of the younger stands may not have adequate forwarding trails established and may require forwarding routes to be marked prior to thinning the stand to the objective. Within the stands, pockets of hardwood or aspen may be present and will need to be considered when marking.

Within these units, there are areas that are dominated by upland northern hardwood species and range in basal area from 110-190 ft2/ac. The species composition consists of predominantly sugar maple, yellow birch, and basswood with small amounts of other hardwood species usually occurring in scattered distribution. Quality can greatly vary from pockets of trees where most are unacceptable growing stock to trees with acceptable quality and height. There are also pockets of aspen that are showing signs of decay and are beginning to decline.

Regeneration is mostly sugar maple and balsam fir; advanced regeneration is mostly sugar maple, ash and balsam fir.

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 the health and vigor of the plantations.

Promote and maintain aspen inclusions to maintain the health and vigor of the aspen clones while increasing species diversity within the pine 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

Skid trails should be established where necessary prior to thinning the stand. Skid trails should be a 12’ wide, spaced about every 50’, generally straight with gradual corners, if any. Work closely with the COR to establish the location of these corridors prior to marking to the targeted residual BA.

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.

Order of Removal:

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

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

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

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

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].

Aspen/Hardwood Pockets:

All high risk maple, fir, and pine should be harvested as well as all mature aspen and spruce. This may result in aspen/spruce clear cut inclusions within the plantations, I would expect the clearcut acres to total less than 20. In the hardwood dominated areas, 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. Where feasible try to release mid tolerant regeneration where present and currently being shaded; for example red oak. Target a residual basal area of 80 FT2/AC. 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. 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.

Spacing Guideline

AVE DBH OBSERVED SPACING

12” 10 14” 12 16” 14

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

None

2022 4220 Commercial Thinning

Reviewed by:

Approved by: Dave Steffensen

Title: District Silviculturist

Title:

Title:

Title: Certified Silviculturist

Date: 03/09/2020

Date: