Attachment 9 - Raptor Specifications.pdf

Raptor Timber Sale (#51166) – Prickett VMP 04/30/2020

SECTION C – DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATION/WORK STATEMENT

C.1 Scope of Contract This contract is for Payment Units (1-6) in the Raptor Timber Sale. It involves timber marking and volume estimation of approximately 193 acres in Northern Hardwoods forest types, broken down by the following descriptions:

NOTE: Layout has NOT been completed in these units. Unit boundaries will be marked with three orange slashes above DBH, facing into the unit, and stump marks made with orange paint;

except for the common (shared) unit boundaries which will be marked with two slash mark on both sides of the tree above DBH and stump marks. The Forest Service will traverse all units with GPS equipment prior to 6/30/2020, and modifications to estimated acreages will be made at that time. NOTE: Please contact James Pelkola at 906-852-3500 ext8524032 for clarification.

(1) HARDWOOD SELECTION, IMPROVEMENT, THINNING (Marking & Cruising)

Payment Units 1-6: approximately 193 acres

Uneven aged stands or even-aged stands with uneven-aged or even-aged objectives consisting of a mixture of Northern Hardwood types of various size classes. These stands contain both pulpwood and sawtimber Species/Product/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.

(2) SAMPLE TREE CRUISING METHOD

Payment Units 1-6: approximately 193 acres

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

NOTE: USFS has not marked the Road ROW unit (7) yet for this sale. This will be done by USFS at a later date. For units that have a road running through them, contractor should still mark/cruise trees up to the edge of the existing road clearing.

NOTE: Government furnished tree marking paint (TMP) will be issued, or returned, by appointment only at the ONTONAGON RANGER DISTRICT OFFICE. The primary point of contact for all TMP transactions will be the paint custodian. This person will be identified at the pre-work meeting. BLUE paint has been designated for this sale.

NOTE: USFS will mark any and all Leave Trees.

C.2 LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION

The Raptor Marking/Cruising Contract is located on the Ontonagon Ranger District andconsists of 193 acres of hardwood selection.

This sale can be accessed from the following direction:

From M-38 at FH-16, travel east on M-38 for approximately 8.4 miles to Alston Cemetery Road.

Turn south on Alston Cemetery Road and travel approximately 1 mile. Sale is on either side of the road.

ONF-2400-2 3/1/07 Version

OTTAWA NATIONAL FOREST

SILVICULTURAL PRESCRIPTION / MARKING GUIDES

STAND INFORMATION

PU-

Ranger District

Comp- Stand

Acres MA LTA ELTP

Habitat Type

Cover Type LSC

Year of Origin

Size Density SI BA

1-05 40-41 27 6.2 3128B 89 600 1932 69 140

40-40 12 126B ATD 91 600 1937 67

2-05 40-39 27 6.2 12 126B ATD 89 500 1918 45 150

40-44 12 127B ATD 89 500 1928 59

3-05 40-33 40 6.2 12 126B ATD 20 600 1930 55 150

40-30 12 127B ATD 89 500 1935 60

40-31 89 500 1940 50 40-37 20 500 1923 56

4-05 40-48 21 6.2 12 126B ATD 89 500 1939 68 150

5-05 40-20 50 6.2 12 126B ATD 20 600 1924 60 170

40-49 89 600 1921 50 40-37 20 500 1923 56

6-05 4-50 28 6.2 12 126B ATD 20 600 1887 43 140

42-4 81 600 1952 65

STAND DESCRIPTION

These stands are mature, uneven-aged northern hardwood stands with a good amount of species and size class diversity. They are composed primarily of sugar maple and red maple with scattered black cherry, eastern hemlock, basswood, and yellow birch. Occasional eastern white pine, northern white cedar, and white spruce occur in the stands. There are scattered mature aspen stems and several small inclusions of aspen. Scattered hemlock-dominated patches also occur across the area. Stand densities are fairly similar across the stands, averaging around 140ft2 to 200 ft2 BA. There are more heavily-stocked, denser areas and areas that are more open. Amongst the hardwoods, all size classes are fairly well-represented with diameters ranging from <6” to 24”.

Average DBH is ~14”.

Soils are moderately well-drained, coarse loams. These stands occur on generally productive hardwood growing sites.

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Prickett VMP TIMBER SALE: Raptor PU: All

ONF-2400-2 3/1/07 Version

DESIRED CONDITION

The desired conditions are uneven-aged northern hardwood stands with the current species diversity maintained or enhanced. The future stand should feature species other than sugar maple and red maple, including black cherry, yellow birch, basswood, and white ash. Regenerating a new age class that contains more mid-tolerant species, as well as sugar maple, and is free-to-grow from browse pressure is also desired. Hemlock inclusions are generally kept intact.

SHORT AND LONG TERM OBJECTIVES

The short term objective is to regenerate of a new age class to perpetuate the uneven-aged structure by creating canopy gaps from the removal of individual or groups of trees. Another objective is to release any existing regeneration of mid-tolerant species in the sub-canopy from overstory competition. The current species diversity should be maintained or increased by favoring species other than sugar maple. With these stands containing high amounts of mid-tolerants like white ash and northern red oak, large canopy gaps to promote their regeneration should be created.

The long term objective is maintain a healthy uneven-aged northern hardwood stand that is diverse in both species composition and structure.

REMARKS

There may be 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.

This prescription was written to allow flexibility to the timber marker on the ground for achieving the objective with the variety in the area. Always manage for the best tree in place. If you have questions, please contact the Kenton RD silviculturist.

This sale potentially contains one or more active Northern Goshawk nests. If any stick nests are found, the wildlife biologist should be consulted.

Potential damage to black ash and white ash trees from emerald ash borer was identified during sale layout. If additional damage is identified, please consult the Kenton RD silviculturist.

ONF-2400-2 3/1/07 Version

MARKING GUIDE:

Name of Treatment - Selection Harvest

Residual BA/Ac 70-80 ft2

Acres - see cover sheet

Thin the stand to a residual basal area of 70-80 ft2/acre. Establish canopy gaps by removing large trees or groups of smaller trees. Create approximately 0.5 to 1 canopy gaps per acre. Canopy gaps should generally be approximately 70’-100’ in diameter. This will create favorable conditions for the regeneration of northern hardwoods and mixed upland hardwoods.

Try to maintain the diversity in size classes while focusing on removing high risk trees. Trees with poor form or poor health should be marked for removal. Most trees over 24” should be marked for removal unless it is cull or has wildlife value. Where large trees are selected for removal, mark enough smaller trees to create drop zones for the large trees. In hemlock-heavy and cedar-heavy areas, it may be necessary to select some hemlock and/or cedar for removal to create drop zones. Select against sugar maple and red maple to increase diversity within the stand where opportunities exist. Focus on leaving good quality crop trees with good form and improving their growing conditions, especially in the pole-heavy sections of the stand. Favor healthy oak, white ash, basswood, yellow birch, black cherry, paper birch, and eastern hemlock for retention. Always manage for the best tree in a location. Try to create larger canopy openings adjacent to desirable mid-tolerant overstory trees, like oak and white ash, to promote their natural regeneration. The target residual basal area for these stands is 70-80 ft2/acre. In areas that are heavier to hemlock, leave the residual BA a little higher. Try to release groups of established desirable saplings in the understory from overstory competition.

If any mature aspen clones are encountered in the stand, favor the regeneration of the aspen clone over the hardwoods by removing all the overstory (clearcut) in that area. For example, PU1 has a pocket of aspen in the west end that should be clearcut and regenerated. Young, healthy clones of aspen can be left intact and released from overstory competition.

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 an insect or disease threat to the stand (A2). If cull trees need to be marked the silviculturist should be notified to look at the risk.

Treat aspen inclusions in other forest type to favor aspen.

If any stick nests are found, the wildlife biologist should be consulted.

Remove all merchantable ironwood Remove all white spruce 10 inches and greater

POST HARVEST TREATMENTS

FACTS Code Name of Treatment Prescription 4341 Stocking Survey Survey to ensure adequate regeneration of 3200 TPA on 40% 1/1000th ac plots 4341 Stocking Survey Survey to ensure adequate regeneration of 3200 TPA on 40% 1/1000th ac plots 4382 Cert for Naturals wo/SP Enter certification once regeneration goal is met.

ACTIVITIES SUMMARY

Year Facts Activity Code Description 2021 4151 Individual Tree Selection 2022 4341 Stocking Survey 2024 4341 Stocking Survey 2024 4382 Cert for Naturals wo/SP

Prepared by: John Bowers

Reviewed by:

Approved by: Dave Steffensen

Title: Silviculturist

Title:

Title: Certified Silviculturist

Date: 4/27/2020

Date:

Date: 4/28/2020

Marking Guides/Cruise Design

CRUISE DESIGN - STRATA 1 - Sample Tree Measure (STR)

Estimated Gross Sale Value: ~ $64,006.52

Maximum Sampling Error (Sale): +/- 16% (per FSH 2409.12, Chapter 40, 41.1 – Exhibit 01) Maximum Sampling Error (Stratum): +/- 40% for tree measurement sales

******** Marking Contract Acres ********

Payment Unit Treatment Approx. Acres 1-6 Hardwood Selection 193 Total Approximate Acres: 193

******** USFS Marking Acres ********

Payment Unit Treatment Approx. Acres

7 ROW Right-of-way clearing – USFS will mark (1)

Instructions

Payment Unit 1-6– Hardwood Selection/Sample Tree Cruising (STR) – ALL merchantable trees to be removed from this Payment Unit require two paint marks at DBH on opposite sides of the tree AND a corresponding stump mark (see specific Marking Instructions for this Payment Unit). Cruise marked trees using the Sample Groups and Sample Intervals below.

Payment Unit 7: Right-of-way Clearing (USFS mark) - Sample Tree Cruising (STR) ALL merchantable trees to be removed from this Payment Unit require paint marks at DBH on opposite sides of the tree AND a corresponding stump mark. Cruise marked trees using the Sample Groups and Sample Intervals below.

NOTE: Refer to Marking Guides for specific marking instructions for these Payment Units.

* USFS personnel will be marking Payment Unit 7 - road ROW at a later date.

NOTE: Government furnished tree marking paint (TMP) will be issued, or returned, by appointment only at the ONTONAGON RANGER DISTRICT OFFICE. The primary point of contact for all TMP transactions will be the paint custodian. This person will be identified at the pre-work meeting. BLUE paint has been designated for this sale.

Raptor Timber Sale - #51166 Cruise Design-Strata 1 (Sample Tree Measure)

Sample Group Description DBH Range Sample Interval

A Aspen Pulpwood 5.0” + 1:20 CP Mixed Conifer Pulpwood (Fir, Spruce, White

Pine, Cedar, Hemlock) 5.0” + 1:20

CW Mixed Conifer Sawtimber (Fir, Spruce, Cedar

& Hemlock) 9.0” + 1:20

HL Large Mixed Hardwood Pulpwood (Maple, Birch, Ash, Ironwood, Cherry, Oak, Basswood, Elm)

11.0” + 1:100

HS Small Mixed Hardwood Pulpwood (Maple, Birch, Ash, Ironwood, Cherry, Oak, Basswood, Elm)

5.0” – 10.9” 1:500

JP Jack Pine Pulpwood 5.0”+ 1:5 OL Large Other Hardwood Sawtimber (Red

Maple, Birch, Ash, Oak, Basswood, Elm) 17.0”+ 1:20

OS Small Other Hardwood Sawtimber (Red Maple, Birch, Ash, Oak, Basswood, Elm)

11.0” – 16.9” 1:100

SL Large Sugar Maple Sawtimber 17.0”+ 1:20 SS Small Sugar Maple Sawtimber 11.0” – 16.9” 1:50 RS Red Pine Pulpwood 5.0”+ 1:5 RW Red Pine Sawtimber 9.0”+ 1:5 WW White Pine Sawtimber 9.0” + 1:5

Prepared by Jacklyn Paukert, Forestry Technician

MINIMUM TREE AND PIECE UTILIZATION STANDARDS

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.

Marking Prescriptions Written by:

/s/ John L. Bowers_____________________ 05/01/2020______________________ John L. Bowers Date Silviculturist

Narrative by:

/s/ Jacklyn Paukert________________________ 04/30/2020_________________________ Jacklyn Paukert, Forestry Technician(TSI) Date

Cruise Design by:

/s/ Jacklyn Paukert________________________ 04/30/2020_________________________ Jacklyn Paukert, Forestry Technician Date

Reviewed by:

/s/ James K. Pelkola____________________ 5/5/2020_________________________ James K. Pelkola Date Supervisory Forester / TMA (North Zone)

Approved by:

/s/ Barbara C. Van Alstine________________ 5/5/2020__________________________ Barbara C. Van Alstine Date District Ranger

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R econ struction New Con struction Decom m ission ed R oad State R oads R aptorP U Estim ated R aptorBotan yBuffers

Basic Ownership

NO N-FS

U SDA FO R EST SER V ICE

LakeP on d Stream s

0 0.25 0.5 0.75 10.125 Miles 1:15,840JLP 04/027/2020

R aptor T S #51166 P aym en t U n it/V icin ty Map

**EST IMAT ED ACR ES**

Approxim ate P U Acres 1 - 27 (23+40) 2 - 27 (6+1+5+4+11) 3 - 40 4 - 21 (6+7+8) 5 - 50 (8+13+10+2+2+8+7) 6 - 28 (2+1+1+24) 7 (R O W ) - 1 T otal (1-6) = 193

R egion 9 Supervisor, Forest, an d District offices

R aptor Sale Area Boun dary

V icin ity Map Not to Scale

T 50N R 35WT 50N R 36W

Houghton Coun ty