Attachment 8 - Woodsdrummer Specifications.pdf

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

C.1 SCOPE

The Woodsdrummer Marking Contract is located on the Bessemer Ranger District. The project area is estimated at 254 acres and was determined through field reconnaissance and GIS calculations. The marking project involves 17 acres of northern hardwood selection and shelterwood harvests, 46 acres of red pine thinning and improvement harvests, 71 acres of red pine thinning in combination with aspen clearcutting, 16 acres of plot cruising within a hardwood overstory removal harvest, and 104 acres of plot cruising within aspen clearcut units. Volume estimation is required on all units and involves both sample tree and plot cruising methods. Sample tree cruising (STR) will be performed utilizing cut tree marking methods within Payment Units 02-03, 05, 07-09, 11, 13-14, 16, 18-19, and 21-22. Plot cruising methods (PCME) will be utilized within Payment Units 01, 04, 10, 12, 15, 17, 20, and 23.

(1) Hardwood SELECTION and SHELTERWOOD (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.

Shelterwood Preparatory Harvest

Payment Unit(s): 07: 6 acres

This stand is an even aged stand that was established around 1930. It consists of predominantly sugar and red maple with small amounts of other hardwood species usually occurring in scattered distribution. The current basal area ranges from 80-170 ft2/acre and the diameter ranges from 10-14 inches dbh. 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 stand. Regeneration is predominately balsam fir. The desired future condition of this stand is to regenerate an even-aged hardwood stand, through the promotion and release of seed trees, for natural regeneration of desired species.

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

(2) Red Pine COMMERCIAL THINNING and IMPROVEMENT CUT (Marking & STR Cruising)

Commercial Thinning

Payment Unit(s): 05, 08, 13-14, 18-19: 42 Acres

These stands are red pine plantations that were established from the 1930’s to 1970’s. The basal area ranges from 150-260 ft2/ac and range from 8-14” dbh. 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.

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.

Improvement Cut

Payment Unit(s): 21: 4 acres

This stand is a red pine plantation that was established in the mid-1930’s. The desired future condition of this stand is to promote a healthy, vigorous, and resilient red pine stand with a greater amount of species diversity.

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.

Commercial Thinning with Aspen Clearcutting

Payment Unit(s): 02, 09, 11, 22: 67 acres

These stands are red pine plantations that were established from the 1930’s to 1970’s. The basal area ranges from 150-260 ft2/ac and range from 8-14” dbh. 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 contain mature aspen inclusions that should be regenerated with patch clearcutting. The Desired Future Condition is to manage for a healthy red pine stand with aspen inclusions.

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.

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. 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.

(3) Aspen CLEARCUTTING with Reserves (Marking & STR Cruising)

Payment Unit(s): 03: 4 acres

This stand is predominantly comprised of a mixture of red pine and aspen with other scattered conifer and hardwood species. This stand will be clearcut, however will be employing CTM and 100% count marking methods (see cruise plan).

The Desired Future Condition of this stand is to regenerate a vigorous aspen stand with species and structural diversity. Within this unit, red pine to be retained will be pre-identified by the Forest Service, Wildlife Program. All other red pine trees will be removed. This unit is within the Blue Bill Creek GEMS site, management activities will have an emphasis on grouse habitat management.

(4) Hardwood OVERSTORY REMOVAL (Plots, PCME Cruising)

Payment Unit(s): 06: 16 acres (8 Plots)

These stands are 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 150-180 ft2/ac and the understory is currently dominated by red and sugar maple with balsam fir. Currently the overstory, midstory and understory are shading out the regeneration, and an overstory removal is required to achieve objectives as addressed in the

Desired Future Condition.

(5) Aspen CLEARCUT (Plots, PCME Cruising)

Payment Unit(s): 01, 04, 10, 12, 15, 17, 20, 22, 23: 104 acres (73 plots)

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

Payment Units 10 and 12 contain red pine inclusions, which will require leave tree marking, prior to plot cruising by the contractor. The leave tree marking will be completed by USFS personnel.

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

(5) SAMPLE TREE CRUISING METHOD (STR)

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

Hardwood Selection, Shelterwood; Payment Unit(s): 07, 16

Red Pine Commercial Thinning, Improvement Cut; Payment Unit(s): 05, 08, 13-14, 18-19, 21

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

Aspen Clearcutting with Reserves; Payment Unit(s): 03

Red Pine Commercial Thinning with Aspen Clearcutting; Payment Unit(s): 02, 09, 11, 22

Within these payment units, a combination of CTM and 100% count methods will be employed.

ALL Aspen, Balsam Fir, White Spruce, Black Spruce, Tamarack, Jack Pine, and ALL Hardwoods are designated for removal and will only require a splash of paint at breast height. Stump marks will not be painted on these trees that are designated for removal, and 100% counted.

The removal of ANY other species in these units will require CTM marking and cruising methods. 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.

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

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

Hardwood Overstory Removal Payment Unit(s): 06

Aspen Clearcut Payment Unit(s): 01, 04, 10, 12, 15, 17, 20, 22, 23

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

C.2 LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION: The Woodsdrummer Timber Marking Contract is located on the Bessemer Ranger

District and consists of an estimated 254 acres and was determined through field reconnaissance and GIS calculations. The marking project involves 17 acres of northern hardwood selection and shelterwood harvests, 46 acres of red pine thinning and improvement harvests, 71 acres of red pine thinning in combination with aspen clearcutting, 16 acres of plot cruising within a hardwood overstory removal harvest, and 104 acres of plot cruising within aspen clearcut units. The sale area is approximately 9 miles southeast of Marenisco, MI. From Marenisco, the sale area is accessed by driving 5.3 miles east on US Highway 2, and an additional 9.2 miles south on FR 7300. From

FR 7300, drive an additional 1 mile east on CR 525 to the intersection of CR 527 to reach a central point within the project area. The majority of the Payment Units for the Woodsdrummer project area are located directly off of CR

525 and CR 527, while also utilizing existing and planned Forest Service system roads for access.

13 15

GOG-525

6835-A

-B

6845-C 68

6845-D1 7173

6828-A

6845-D 6827-C

0222406

6834-E

-B

0222407

4-D

0222409

0222505

6828-C

-B

6821-A

6828-B 6821-B

6827-D

USDA - APFO; USDA - USFS – RSAC

Draft PUs

NON-FS

Construction Convert to trail Decommission No Maintenance Reconstruction Reg ular Maintenance Other Jurisdiction

WOODSDRUMMER #21016

Estimated Acres - Payment Units

0 0.5 10.25 Miles

Sarah Kilpela

04/29/20

ESTIMATED ACRES

Payment Units - 254 ac

R.O.W. - 1 ac

TOTAL ACRES = 255

GOG-525

PU Acres 1 22 2 44 3 4 4 6 5 7 6 16 7 6 8 6 9 9 10 24 11 11 12 18 13 12 14 4 15 14 16 11 17 3 18 7 19 6 20 13 21 4 22 3 23 4

WOODSDRUMMER STEWARDSHIP CRUISE DESIGN

Sale Number: 21016 Estimated Sale Value: $250,000.00 Estimated CV Ranges: 20-43% 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 = 255 Acres)

STRATA 1: (CTM) [Hardwood Single-Tree Selection and Shelterwood, Payment Units: 07 & 16 (17 Acres).] [Red Pine Thinning and Improvement Cut, Payment Units: 05, 08, 13, 14, 18, 19, & 21 (46 Acres).] [Payment Unit 24 (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” 1:50 AL Aspen Pulpwood (02) Large 12.0”+ 1:50 CW Spruce/Sawtimber (01)** 9.0” + 1:3 CP Mixed Conifer/Pulpwood (02) 5.0” + 1:30 PP Pine Pulpwood (02) 5.0” + 1:75 PS Pine Sawtimber (01) Small*** 9.0” - 12.99” 1:150 PL 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, White Spruce, & Black Spruce. Pine Pulpwood includes Red & Jack Pine.

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

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

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

A random start should be used for each sample group at the start of marking in each payment unit.

Select a random interval that is less than the required sample interval for the first tally in each sample group, thereafter, sample at the specified sample interval.

Maintain an accurate tree count by payment unit for each sample group. Original field records used for tracking tree counts must be with the tally cards or data recorder sheets when each unit is completed. Do not recopy field notes of tree counts or tally cards.

STRATA 2: (DxSPP, Plot Cruise) [Modified Clear Cut with retained trees, Payment Units:

01, 04, 15, 17, 20, and 23 (62 Acres).] [Overstory Removal Harvest, Payment Unit: 06 (16 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 = 39 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*****

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

STRATA 3: (DxSPP, Plot Cruise) [Modified Clear Cut with retained trees: Payment Units:

10 & 12 (42 Acres).] Cruise Method: Point Count/Measure Tree; Basal Area Factor: 10; Establish 1 plot per 1 acre based on 3 chain X 3 chain grid. Total plots for Strata 3 = 42 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*****

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”+ 1st tree, then

1:2***** 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 Pine & Jack Pine.

**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 4: (CTM/DxSPP) [Red Pine Thinning with Aspen Clearcut Inclusions, Payment Units: 02, 09, 11, & 22 (67 Acres).] [Aspen Clearcut with Red Pine Leave Trees, Payment Unit: 03 (4 acres)] See specific instructions on page 5 of this cruise design, as well as following the silvicultural prescription guides.

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” + 1:5 AS Aspen Pulpwood (02) Small 5.0” - 11.99” 1:50 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 Red Pine/Pulpwood (02) 5.0” + 1:50 RS Red Pine/Sawtimber (01) Small 5.0” - 12.99” 1:100 RL Red Pine/Sawtimber (01) Large 13.0”+ 1:150

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

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.

P.U. # Estimated Acres

Final Acres

Strata Forest Type Marking Method Species

P.U. 01 22 2 914/915/918 DxSPP (Plot Cruise) All Species-Except** P.U. 02 44 4 29/115 CTM/DxSPP All Species* P.U. 03 4 4 956 CTM/DxSPP All Species* P.U. 04 6 2 915 DxSPP (Plot Cruise) All Species-Except** P.U. 05 7 1 28 CTM All Species P.U. 06 16 2 959/958/896 DxSPP (Plot Cruise) All Species-Except** P.U. 07 6 1 896 CTM All Species P.U. 08 6 1 28 CTM All Species P.U. 09 9 4 27 CTM/DxSPP All Species* P.U. 10 24 3 915/918 DxSPP (Plot Cruise) All Species-Except*** P.U. 11 11 4 27 CTM/DxSPP All Species* P.U. 12 18 3 959/896 DxSPP (Plot Cruise) All Species-Except*** P.U. 13 12 1 29 CTM All Species P.U. 14 4 1 29 CTM All Species P.U. 15 14 2 929/919/896 DxSPP (Plot Cruise) All Species-Except** P.U. 16 11 1 896 CTM All Species P.U. 17 3 2 959 DxSPP (Plot Cruise) All Species-Except** P.U. 18 7 1 29 CTM All Species P.U. 19 6 1 29 CTM All Species P.U. 20 13 2 953 DxSPP (Plot Cruise) All Species-Except** P.U. 21 4 1 28 CTM All Species P.U. 22 3 4 914 CTM/DxSPP All Species* P.U. 23 4 2 959 DxSPP (Plot Cruise) All Species-Except** P.U. 24 (1) dummy 1 1 R.O.W. CTM All Species

*Payment units 02, 03, 09, 11, and 22 (CTM/DxSPP) will require two marking methods within the units. ALL Aspen, Balsam Fir, White Spruce, Black Spruce, Tamarack, Jack Pine, and ALL Hardwoods are designated for removal and will only require a splash of paint at breast height. The removal of ANY other species will require a breast mark on opposite sides of the tree with corresponding product stump marks, ie: one stump mark for pulpwood and two stump marks for sawtimber.

**All Red Oak, Elm, White Cedar, Hemlock, Red Pine, White Pine, and ANY orange banded trees will be retained within plot cruised units 01, 04, 06, 15, 17, 20, & 23.

***All Red Oak, Elm, White Cedar, Hemlock, White Pine, and ANY orange banded trees will be retained within plot cruised units 10 & 12.

Cruise Design Prepared by: Brandon Pertile, Silviculture Technician Date: 03/25/2020

Cruise Design Reviewed by: Paul Dashner, Forest Check Cruiser Date: 03/25/2020

Cruise Design Approved by: Paul Tikusis, TMA Date: 03/25/2020

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

Cov er

Typ e LSC

Year of

Origin Size

Density SI BA

1-02 225/07 40 3.1a 9 306B, 306C

TMV, TMC 91 500 1972 5 100

318B, 318C, 318D

ATD-Athyr, AVO, ATD

323D ATD, AVO

225/08 9 306B TMV, TMC 91 500 1933 8 60

4-02 226/06 10 3.1a 9 318C, 318D

ATD-Athyr, AVO, ATD

91 800 1979 5 62 70

226/35 9 318C ATD-Athyr, AVO, 95 500 1964 8 150

10-02 226/19 25 3.1a 9 310B ATD, TMC-Dry 91 500 1981 5 60

9 314A TMC-Dry, TMC-

Cop, TMC

9 318B

226/35 9 317C AVO, ATD, AOC 95 500 1964 8 150

12-02 226/11 20 3.1a 9 314A

Cop, TMC 95 500 1968 9 90

9 318C

226/38 9 314A

Cop, TMC 95 500 1933 9 70

9 318C

226/40 9 314A

89 500 1933 6 130

15-02 226/14 15 3.1a 9 318B

ATD

89 500 1928 6 120

226/15 9 314A TMC-Dry, TMC-

Cop, TMC 92 500 1968 9 105

226/24 9 310B ATD, TMC-Dry 95 500 1937 9 70

226/33 9 314A TMC-Dry, TMC-

91 500 1965 9 100

17-02 226/21 5 3.1a 9 310C ATD, TMC-Dry 95 500 1940 9 130

20-02 226/15 15 3.1a 9 314A

Cop, TMC 92 500 1968 9 105

9 318B

22-02 226/43 5 3.1a 9 314A TMC-Dry, ATD-

Cop, TMC 95 500 1933 8 65

9 318D ATD-Athyr, ATD

23-02 226/38 4 3.1a 9 314A

Cop, TMC 95 500 1933 9 70

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Pomeroy VMP TIMBER SALE: Woodsdrummer PU: see table

STAND DESCRIPTION

These stands vary from 90-230 ft2/ac, and are a mix of pure aspen as well as mixed aspen with hardwood and softwood pulp with inclusions of red pine plantation. The diameter distribution ranges from 6-18 inches with the majority of the aspen in the 10-14 inch class. The midstory and understory are comprised of predominately maple and balsam. Some red and white pine of varying size and dominance exist scattered throughout the stands. There are scattered inclusions of red pine plantations that are in the 10-14 inch class and are heavily stocked.

DESIRED CONDITION

Aspen 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, 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.

Red Pine Inclusions 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.

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.

Red Pine Inclusions

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.

REMARKS

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.

Red pine plantation inclusions shall be treated as red pine thinnings. Skid trails must be marked established prior to marking to the target basal area, many stands do not have skid trails established.

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

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

Acres - See attached cover sheet

Aspen 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 Inclusions –

Trees to be retained will be marked as Leave Trees.

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. Ensure skid trails are established, if not, install skid trails for current and future harvests.

2. 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.

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].

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: Dave Steffensen

Title: District Silviculturist

Title:

Title:

Title: Certified Silviculturist

Date: 04/08/2020

Date:

Date:

Date: 04/09/2020

Cov er

Typ e LSC

Year of

Origin Size

Density SI BA

3-02 226/07 5 3.1a 9 318C ATD-Athyr, AVO, 95 500 1969 6 120

This stand varies from 150-170 ft2/ac, and is a mix of red pine and aspen. The diameter distribution ranges from 6- 18 inches. The midstory and understory are comprised of predominately maple and balsam.

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, 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 all white pine, hemlock, cedar, oak and elm.

Retain some red pine for structural diversity.

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 this unit, red pine to be retained will be pre-identified by the Forest Service, Wildlife Program. All other red pine trees will be removed. This unit is within the Blue Bill Creek GEMS site, management activities will have an emphasis on grouse habitat management.

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

Name of Treatment - Stand Clearcut

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

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. Some red pine will be retained to meet wildlife objectives.

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Pomeroy VMP TIMBER SALE: Woodsdrummer PU: 3

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)

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

2022 4117 Clearcut with Leave Trees 2023 4493 Site preparation for naturals 2023 4341 1st Year Stocking Survey

Reviewed by:

Approved by: Dave Steffensen

Title: District Silviculturist

Title:

Title:

Title: Certified Silviculturist

Date: 04/23/2020

Date:

Date: 04/23/2020

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Pomeroy VMP TIMBER SALE: Woodsdrummer PU: 3

Cover Type LSC

Year of

Origin Size

Density SI BA

7-02 226/40 10 3.1a 89 318C ATD-Athyr, AVO, ATD

89 500 1933 6 130

This stand is an even aged stand that was established around 1930. It consists of predominantly sugar and red maple with small amounts of other hardwood species usually occurring in scattered distribution. The current basal area ranges from 80-170 ft2/acre and the diameter ranges from 10-14 inches dbh. 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 stand. Regeneration is predominately balsam fir.

The desired condition is even aged northern hardwood stands with the best stems promoted or released as future seed trees. There will be minor amounts of clearcut inclusions, but thinning can be applied to areas where the stocking is high. The Forest Plan identifies the rotation age for northern hardwoods as 60-180 years old. This stands are currently near the bottom end of the rotation age, and based off the current conditions, a shelterwood preparatory cut to promote the growth and vigor of the best quality stems as future seed trees is the best course of action to maintain these stands as even aged northern hardwoods.

Apply silvicultural treatments to maintain healthy even-aged northern hardwood stands to further develop stand quality.

Prepare the stand for a future shelterwood harvest by promoting growth of best quality trees as future seed sources.

Target a residual basal area of 85 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.

Maintain and protect ecological processes and functions in and around riparian areas where they occur

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

This stand was planned for overstory removal; however at this time, the current stand conditions do not support this level of management. The objective of this entry is to further develop seed trees for a future shelterwood establishment cut to support the proposed overstory removal in the future.

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: Woodsdrummer PU: 7

Name of Treatment - Shelterwood Preparatory Cut

Residual BA/Ac – See below

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 trees 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. I would expect the clearcut acres to total less than 5 in the hardwoods.

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 4121 Shelterwood Preparatory Cut 2037 4131 Shelterwood Establishment (Seed) Cut

Reviewed by:

Approved by: Dave Steffensen

Title: District Silviculturist

Title:

Title:

Title: Certified Silviculturist

Date: 04/08/2020

Date:

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Pomeroy VMP TIMBER SALE: Woodsdrummer PU: 7

Cover Type LSC

Year of

Origin Size

Density SI BA

6-02 226/10 15 3.1a 9 318C ATD-Athyr, AVO, ATD 95 500 1933 9 130

226/40 3.1a 9 317C AVO, ATD 89 500 1933 6 130

9 318C

These stands are 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 150-180 ft2/ac and the understory is currently dominated by red and sugar maple with balsam fir. Currently the overstory, midstory and understory are 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 clone.

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.

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

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.

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 wo/SP Enter certification once regeneration goal is met.

2022 4143 Overstory Removal Cut (from advanced regeneration) 2023 4341 1st Year Stocking Survey

2025 4382 Certification for Naturals wo/SP

Reviewed by:

Approved by:

Title: District Silviculturist

Title:

Title:

Title: Certified Silviculturist

Date: 04/08/2020

Date:

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

Cover Type LSC

Year of

Origin Size

Density SI BA 16-02 226/14 10 3.1a 9 310B ATD, TMC-Dry 89 500 1928 6 120

The stands consist of predominantly sugar and red maple with small amounts of other hardwood species usually occurring in scattered distribution. The current basal area ranges from 120-140 ft2/acre. Quality can greatly vary from pockets of trees where most are unacceptable growing stock to trees with acceptable quality and height. The sawlog quality is marginal at best and the stands will produce primarily pulpwood. There are pockets of aspen forming small inclusions within the predominantly hardwood dominated stands. Regeneration is mostly sugar maple and balsam fir.

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 85 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

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: Woodsdrummer PU: 16

Name of Treatment - Selection Harvest below

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

Order of Removal For All Payment Units:

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

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

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

In areas where there are mature aspen trees favor the regeneration of the aspen clone over hardwoods, remove all the overstory (clearcut) to allow for the aspen to regenerate. Expanding the size of the clone by 1 tree length (75’) is acceptable if the clone will be most likely shaded out by neighboring trees. If immature aspen clones are present continue to favor the aspen by removing the hardwoods within the clone so there is potential to regenerate it in the future. Do not mark trees in wet areas where equipment can’t reach them. In areas of basswood and hemlock a slightly higher basal area should be left. I would expect the clearcut acres to total less than 2. 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

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

2022 4151 Selection Harvest 2023 4494 Site Prep for Natural Regen - Mechanical 2023 4341 1st Year Stocking Survey

Reviewed by:

Approved by: Dave Steffensen

Title: District Silviculturist

Title:

Title:

Title: Certified Silviculturist

Date: 04/08/2020

Date:

Cover Type LSC

Year of

Origin Size

Density SI BA 21-02 226/23 5 3.1a 9 322C TM, ATD-Athyr 2 500 1937 9 190

Stand 226/23 is a red pine plantation that was established during the mid-1930’s. Basal area is currently around 170 ft2/ac. The stand exhibits signs of good health, but is at the point where growing space will become limited, which can introduce stress decreasing…