Attachment B2 SOW Lobster.pdf

FY23MC3: Lobster PR 4/21/2023

SECTION C – DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATION/WORK STATEMENT

Scope of Contract This marking contract package includes the following nine timber sales:

- Lobster PR T.S. (Estimated Acres) – Payment Units 01-14; 408 acres

This marking contract package involves timber marking and volume estimation of approximately 408 acres in Northern Hardwoods, Red Pine, Hemlock, and Aspen forest types, broken down by the following descriptions:

(1) HARDWOOD SINGLE-TREE SELECTION/IMPROVEMENT CUT (uneven-age) (Marking & Cruising)

SELECTION:

Lobster PR T.S. – Payment Units 01, 02, 07, 11 & 13; approximately 234 acres

(2) 1ST PINE THINNING (even-age) (Marking & Cruising)

Lobster PR T.S. – Payment Unit 12; approximately 5 acres

These stands consist of a higher basal area of pole-sized trees and are predominately uniform plantations. Some stands may contain damage from disease or insects. Stands that have not been on “regular entry cycle for thinning” could also include a sawtimber-sized component. Marking objectives include establishing skid trails prior to thinning to the desired residual basal area and spacing guidelines between trails

(3) 2ND/3RD PINE THINNING (even-age) (Marking & Cruising)

Lobster PR T.S. – Payment Units 03 & 04; approximately 52 acres

These stands are second and third entries, and generally are heavier to sawtimber-sized trees.

The objectives are to remove high risk trees and thin the remainder of the stand to the desired residual basal area and spacing specifications. Skid trails are generally in place from previous harvest. When applicable and at the discretion of the COR, marking objectives include establishing skid trails prior to thinning to the desired residual basal area and spacing guidelines between trails. Contractor will provide a map with skid trail locations and directions.

(4) CLEARCUT/REMOVAL CUT (Marking & Cruising - where all trees are counted)

Lobster PR T.S. – Payment Units 05, 06, 08-10, & 14; approximately 117 acres

Generally, in a clearcut or removal cut, where all LIVE and/or DEAD trees that meet minimum specifications for size or species are designated for removal EXCEPT for

FY23MC3: Lobster PR 4/21/2023 trees marked as RESERVE TREES, LEAVE TREES, or trees within PROTECTED

AREAS.

In Payment Units where designated Species are too variable for Area Estimate Cruising methods, trees designated for removal will be marked with an intentional and discernable paint spot at eye level no smaller than 1 square inch to verify the tree was counted. Minimize over spray on non-designated species to avoid confusion. A stump mark is not generally required. Paint spots will face in generally the same direction. If any designated leave species (per marking instructions) are marked with a CTM designation, contractor will indicate this on tally card.

(5) SAMPLE TREE CRUISING METHOD

Applies to ALL Payment Units within the Lobster PR Timber Sale

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 R.O.W. units for any of these sales yet. 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: Some of these timber sales are being advertised as Estimated Acres. All payment unit boundaries and acres will be finalized before contract marking begins in each timber sale.

NOTE: Government furnished tree marking paint (TMP) will be issued, or returned, by appointment only at the WATERSMEET 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 these sales.

NOTE: USFS will mark any and all Leave Trees.

These sales can be accessed from the following directions:

Lobster PR T.S.: From Watersmeet, travel north on US-45 for 0.6 miles. Turn east on GOG-208 and travel for 7.6 miles. Turn south on to FR 4460 to reach the Sale Area. The majority of the payment units are south of GOG-208 but there's a few north of the road. Additional access to the payment units can be found along various forest roads within the Sale Area.

LOBSTER PR T.S. – ESTIMATED ACRES

CRUISE DESIGN & MARKING INSTRUCTIONS

Sale Number: 61048 Estimated Sale Value: $217,324.85 Estimated CV Ranges: 15-45% Maximum Sampling Error: 10% Based on Cruise Data: Lobster PR Pre-Cruise Plots Cruise Methods: Sample Tree (STR) [Reference attached Minimum Tree and Piece Utilization Standards, dated 11/02/2015] [Total Estimated Sale Acres = 409 Acres including 1 acre ROW)]

Lobster PR Payment Unit & Acreage Summary Table

P.U. # Estimated

Acres Final Acres

Strata Marking Method Species

P.U. 01 70 - 1 CTM All Species P.U. 02 68 - 1 CTM All Species P.U. 03 30 - 1 CTM All Species P.U. 04 22 - 1 CTM All Species P.U. 05 7 - 1 DxSpp (100% Count) All Species Except* P.U. 06 17 - 1 DxSpp (100% Count) All Species Except* P.U. 07 54 - 1 CTM All Species P.U. 08 25 - 1 DxSpp (100% Count) All Species Except* P.U. 09 40 - 1 DxSpp (100% Count) All Species Except* P.U. 10 20 - 1 DxSpp (100% Count) All Species Except* P.U. 11 37 - 1 CTM All Species P.U. 12 5 - 1 CTM All Species P.U. 13 5 - 1 CTM All Species P.U. 14 8 - 1 DxSpp (100% Count) All Species Except* P.U. 15 R.O.W.

- (1) #dummy#

1 CTM (USFS) All Species

* In PUs 05, 06, 08, 09, 10, & 14, all Oak, Elm, Cedar, Hemlock, White Pine, Red Pine, and ANY orange-banded trees will be retained.

STRATA 1: (CTM)

Single-Tree Selection Payment Units: 01, 02, 07, 11, & 13 (234 Acres).

1st Red Pine Thinning Payment Unit: 12 (5 Acres).

2nd/3rd Red Pine Thinning Payment Units: 03 & 04 (52 Acres).

100% Count Clearcut Payment Units: 05, 06, 08-10, & 14 (117 Acres).

Payment Unit 15 (R.O.W.) (1 acre) will be marked and cruised by USFS.

Sample Group

Species/Product (Unit) DBH Range Sample Interval

HS Small Hardwood/Pulpwood (02) 5.0”-10.99” 1:500 HL Large Hardwood/Pulpwood (02) 11.0”+ 1:100 SS Small Sugar Maple/Sawtimber (01) 11.0”-16.99” 1:25 SL Large Sugar Maple/Sawtimber (01) 17.0”+ 1:15 OS Small Other Hardwood/Sawtimber (01)

[includes Red Maple, Basswood, Black Cherry, Yellow Birch, & White Birch]

11.0”-13.99” 1:20

OL Large Other Hardwood/Sawtimber (01) [includes Red Maple, Basswood, Black Cherry, Yellow Birch, & White Birch]

14.0”+ 1:10

BP Ash/Pulpwood (02) [includes Black Ash & White Ash]

5.0”-10.99” 1:20

BW Ash/Sawtimber (01) [includes Black Ash & White Ash]

11.0”+ 1:5

AS Small Aspen/Pulpwood (02) 5.0”-14.99” 1:75 AL Large Aspen/Pulpwood (02) 15.0”+ 1:50 CS Small Mixed Conifer/Pulpwood (02)

[includes Balsam Fir, Tamarack, Cedar, Hemlock, White Pine, Scots Pine, White Spruce, Black Spruce, & Norway Spruce]

5.0”-8.99” 1:25

CL Large Mixed Conifer/Pulpwood (02) [includes Balsam Fir, Tamarack, Cedar, Hemlock, Scots Pine, White Spruce, Black Spruce, & Norway Spruce]

9.0”+ 1:10

PP Pine/Pulpwood (02) [includes Red Pine & Jack Pine]

5.0”+ 1:25

PW Pine/Sawtimber (01) [includes Red Pine & White Pine]

9.0”+ 1:100

Note: Cruise all Aspen, Spruce, & Balsam Fir as pulpwood.

Marking Instructions

Hardwood Selection/Sample Tree Cruising (STR) : Payment Units 01, 02, 07, 11, & 13 (234 Acres) 1st Red Pine Thinning/Sample Tree Cruising (STR) : Payment Unit 12 (5 Acres) 2nd/3rd Red Pine Thinning (Sample Tree Cruising (STR) : Payment Units 03 & 04 (52 Acres)

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 above.

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.

Clearcut/Sample Tree Cruising (STR, 100% Count) : Payment Units 05, 06, 08-10, & 14 (117 Acres)

ALL merchantable trees within these Payment Units are designated for removal EXCEPT Oak, Elm, Cedar, Hemlock, Red Pine, & White Pine (which are designated retain tree species) AND Leave Trees (LTs). Merchantable trees (except Oak, Elm, Cedar, Hemlock, Red Pine, & White Pine) to be removed from these Payment Units only require a paint mark at DBH to verify the tree has been counted; a stump mark is not required. Designated retain species (Oak, Elm, Cedar, Hemlock, Red Pine, & White Pine) require a paint mark at DBH AND at the stump only when chosen for removal (operability, disease/insect, or other conditions that may be described in the Marking Guides). Any designated retain trees marked with Cut Tree designation will documented. Any and all LTs will be marked by USFS. LTs are to be marked with a single orange band at DBH and a corresponding orange stump mark.

As stated in the “REMARKS” and “MARKING GUIDE” section, no lone Elm or Oak are to be left. LTs will need to be marked around the lone oak or elm, if there is not a designated retain species adjacent to the elm/oak. LTs may also include healthy groups of hardwoods as stated in the Marking Guides. All banded LTs are to be counted and recorded by species and by payment unit during the cruise, preferably with provided Leave Tree Form and turned in with Tally Cards for each payment unit (see specific Marking Instructions for these Payment Units). Cruise marked trees using the Sample Groups and Sample Intervals above.

Right-of-Way Clearing (USFS mark)/Sample Tree Cruising (STR) : Payment Unit 15 (1 acre)

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 above.

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

NOTE: Lobster PR T.S. is being advertised as an estimated acres contract. Payment unit boundaries and acreages will be finalized before contract marking begins.

* USFS personnel will be marking Payment Unit 15 - road R.O.W. at a later date.

NOTE: Government furnished tree marking paint (TMP) will be issued or returned by appointment only, at the WATERSMEET 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.

Cruise Design Prepared by: Brandon Pertile, Forestry Technician Date: 2/15/2023

Cruise Design Reviewed by: Paul Dashner, Forest Check Cruiser Date: 2/15/2023 Cruise Design Reviewed & Updated by: Sara Vial, TMA Date: 3/15/2023

Marking Contract Narrative by: Sarah Kilpela, Forestry Technician Date: 3/6/2023

Cruise Design & Marking Instructions Approved by: Sara Vial, TMA Date: 3/15/2023

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

Est.

Acres MA LTA ELTP Habitat Type

Cover Type LSC

Year of Origin

Size Density SI BA

5 – 06 121-40 7 2.2 2 38B ATD 11 600 1910 6 63 80

6 – 06 85-55 17 2.2 2 43C TM 89 500 6 56 110

85-56 37B TMC 16 1915 9 59 130

8 – 06 121-57 25 2.2 2 38B ATD 95 500 1926 9 75 180

9 – 06 121-51 40 2.2 2 38B ATD 95 500 1926 9

73 170

121-52 85 60 140

10 – 06 121-43 20 2.2 2 38B/C ATD 95 500 1916 9 75 120

14 – 06 121-38 8 2.2 2 38B ATD 85 600 1921 6 55 120

STAND DESCRIPTION

These stands are predominantly aspen throughout the overstory with hardwoods, balsam fir and spruce mixed throughout the mid-story. Few hemlock are scattered throughout the overstory as well. The average basal area is 130 ft²/acre with majority of the aspen between 12-18” in diameter and of fair to good quality, although there is some stocking in all size classes. The hardwood mainly consists of sugar maple, red maple, yellow/paper birch, and very minor amounts of basswood. Most of the hardwood is between 6-10” in diameter and of poor quality, although there are larger diameter trees scattered throughout of which are mostly sugar maple. Yellow/paper birch are of fair quality overall, therefore some may be good candidates for potential seed trees to enhance species diversity. The white spruce in PU 6 is rapidly declining or already dead.

Regeneration varies with sugar maple, red maple, and dense patches of balsam fir and spruce. Aspen has started suckering on the edges of these stands from adjacent aspen clearcuts. PU 5’s northern boundary runs along Old

US-HWY2/GOG-208.

DESIRED CONDITION

An even-aged aspen stand that is growing vigorously and free of competing vegetation. Long lived conifer species will be present but subordinate to the dominant aspen forest type. Accept mixed hardwood species in areas where aspen fails. Maintain small, dense patches of sapling-sized balsam fir, spruce, and hemlock when practicable. Patches should not exceed 20 percent of the unit acreage.

SHORT AND LONG TERM OBJECTIVES

• Apply silvicultural treatments to regenerate and restore a healthy even-aged aspen/birch stands.

• Retain remnant long-lived conifer that are healthy and tolerate the changing environment.

• Accept that native pathogens occur in retained trees to provide unique habitat niches for cavity nesting birds, insects, and mammals.

• Attention is given to maintaining ecological processes and functions in and around riparian areas where they occur in the sale area.

• Acceptable stocking would achieve approximately 3200 seedlings per acre for native species.

REMARKS

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: Sun Lake VMP TIMBER SALE: Lobster PU: see below

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Sun Lake VMP TIMBER SALE: Lobster PU: see table

MARKING GUIDE:

Name of Treatment - 4117 (Clearcut w/leave trees)

Residual BA/Ac – see below

Acres - see table

The resultant stand appearance should have most acres having 0-10% canopy cover. This will ensure adequate sunlight to warm the ground to encourage suckering and provide a long-term free to grow condition for long term establishment of aspen.

• Don’t cut species such as hemlock, red pine, white pine, cedar, oak, and elm species unless necessary to facilitate timber harvest operations. 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.

• Retain infrequent and widely spaced overstory trees as individuals or in groups with at least 50% deciduous trees to encourage golden-winged warbler nesting habitat. Retained trees in the intermediate and suppressed crown classes should be left in clumps distributed throughout the unit. Trees to be retained should not cumulatively exceed 10% canopy coverage. Retain species listed above will count towards golden-winged warbler retention. When retaining hardwood species favor healthy yellow/paper birch and black cherry.

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)

• 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)

POST HARVEST TREATMENTS

FACTS Code Name of Treatment Prescription 4493 Aspen site prep Site prep to enhance the success of aspen natural regeneration 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 Certification for naturals w/SP Enter certification once regeneration goal is met

ACTIVITIES SUMMARY

Year Facts Activity Code Description 2028 4117 Clearcut w/leave trees 2028 4493 Site preparation for naturals 2029 4341 1st year stocking survey 2031 4341 3rd year stocking survey 2031 4382 Certification for naturals w/SP

Prepared by: Eric Lane

Reviewed by:

Reviewed by:

Approved by:

Title: Silviculture Forester

Title:

Title:

Title: Certified Silviculturist

Date: 02/23/2023

Date:

Date:

Habitat Type

Cover Type LSC

Year of Origin

Size

1 – 06 121-13 70 2.2 2 38B ATD 85 600 1906 6 59 120

2 – 06 121-22

68 2.2

38B ATD

3 800 1870 8 56 110

121-39 2 85 600 1928 6 65 140

121-38 1921 55 130

7 – 06 121-53

54 2.2 2 38B

ATD 85 600

67 140

121-54 38C 1930 62 110 121-41 38B/C 82 1927 65 140

11 – 06 121-49 37 2.2 2 38B ATD 85 500 1941 3 57 100

121-50 800 1860 9 65 120

13 – 06 121-46 5 2.2 2 38B ATD 84 500 1912 6 44 130

These are un-even aged hardwood stands that consist of a dominant sugar maple overstory with components of red maple, yellow birch, basswood, and black cherry. Hemlock is scattered throughout the overstory within these stands and occurs singularly and in groups, generally 18” dbh or larger. The average basal area is 120 ft²/acre with majority of the diameters between 12-18”. Portions of PU 11 and 13 exhibit more of a pole timber type stand with diameters between 6-10”. Overall the quality is fair, with exception to PU 13 where lower quality trees are persistent. Large diameter aspen is scattered throughout these stands which will present opportunity for small aspen clearcut inclusions. Few of the aspen present are of poor quality and may be better suited for wildlife purposes. There are 20”+ diameter white pine near the NW portion of PU 2 that will be retained.

Regeneration varies but mostly consists of sugar maple and red maple. Black cherry, yellow birch, balsam fir and spruce exist throughout the understory as well but is subordinate to maple. With the removal of large diameter trees, drop zones will be necessary throughout these stands.

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. In areas where the objective is to regenerate aspen, maintain small, dense patches of sapling-sized balsam fir, spruce, and hemlock when practicable. Patches should not exceed 20 percent of the unit acreage.

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

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

• 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.

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

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

Name of Treatment – 4151 (Single tree selection)

Residual BA/Ac – 75-85 ft²/ac

Acres – see table

MARKING GUIDE STANDARDS:

• RETAIN: hemlock, white pine, elm, oak and cedar unless needed for logging operations.

• Consider all aspen, spruce and balsam high risk and remove all.

• Where groups of aspen are present, expand by 1 tree length (75 feet) to improve aspen regeneration.

• Generally, remove 1/3 of the initial basal area to achieve the target residual basal area of 75-85 ft²/ac. In pole timber stands (PU 11 and 13) residual basal area may be below the target BA to improve growing space but do not mark below 60 ft²/AC.

• Drop zones will be necessary when removing large diameter trees.

MARK BY ORDER OF REMOVAL

• HIGH RISK: Mark diseased/structurally damaged trees of any size class (die within next 15 years) that still contain merchantable products unless needed for other resource values (cavity trees). Consider mature aspen, black ash, fir and spruce as high risk. QUALITY DEVELOPMENT: Identify the best crop trees in the stand and provide a release by marking one or two main competing trees of lesser quality. Generally: allow competition among closely spaced crop trees to preserve as much quality as possible while adhering to desired BA.

• DENSITY/MATURITY/SPACING: If BA still above desired, continue to improve stand-quality and growing space by marking fair- and marginal quality trees [mostly 6-10” DBH class]. First identify trees that are:

• 3a - Unacceptable Growing Stock: All merchantable-sized trees that are likely to survive for a decade+, but have structural/growth/disease issues; and/or exhibit signs of marginal improvement or significant volume loss; and/or trees that exhibit signs of suppression and are less likely to develop sawlog potential.

• 3b - Acceptable Growing Stock: Trees that have sawlog potential but possess slight quality issues specific to form, structure, soundness. Examples are sweep, low branching, old branch stubs or epicormic sprouting. This category can also include hardwood trees that are arriving at biological maturity and includes: sugar maple >19” DBH; and basswood >20” DBH.

• If is still above Desired, then continue marking other additional trees to improve the relative spacing and achieve desired basal area

• 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.

• 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)

• Equipment operations on slopes greater than 35% will be avoided to prevent resource damage.

FACTS Code Name of Treatment Prescription 4341 Stocking survey Survey to ensure adequate regeneration of 3000 TPA on 40% 1/1000th ac plots 4341 Stocking survey Survey to ensure adequate regeneration of 3000 TPA on 40% 1/1000th ac plots 4382 Certification for naturals wo/SP Enter certification once regeneration goal is met

2028 4151 Selection harvest 2029 4341 1st year stocking survey 2031 4341 3rd year stocking survey 2031 4382 Certification for naturals wo/SP

Reviewed by:

Approved by:

Title: Silviculture Forester

Title:

Title:

Title: Certified Silviculturist

Date: 02/23/2023

Date:

Habitat Type

Cover Type LSC

Year of Origin

Size

3 – 06 121-18 30 2.2 2 43B/D TM 2 500 1936 9 66 140

4 - 06 85-52 22 2.2 2 43C, 47B TM,TMC 2 500 1938 9 71 150

12 - 06 121-48 5 2.2 2 47B TMC,ATD 2 600 1974 2 55 220

These red pine plantations were established between 1930-1970’s. PU’s 3 and 4 have an average basal area of 145 ft²/acre.

Majority of the red pine present range from 10-14” in diameter and are of fair-good quality. Some stems have old wounds from previous harvest’s, forked tops and sweep. There will be a small jack pine clearcut inclusion in PU 4 that’s approximately one acre. This area has an average basal area of 70 ft²/acre with diameters ranging from 8-14”. The understory consists of maple, balsam fir, spruce, and hazel brush.

PU 12 is a first entry red pine stand that has an average basal area of 220 ft²/acre. The average diameter of this stand is 6-10”, but with some stocking in other size classes. There are many stems that exhibit poor form, including forked tops. Low densities of black cherry and aspen are scattered throughout the mid story, generally 5-8” in diameter. With aspen present, there is opportunity for small aspen clearcut inclusions within this stand. The understory is comprised of maple, balsam fir, spruce, and hazel brush. Establishing skid trails and improving growing space by removing poorly formed stems are the objectives for this stand.

There are lowlands/wet areas in the center of PU 4 and near the northern boundary of PU 3 that will be excluded and buffered accordingly during layout.

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 while supporting small inclusions of aspen and the diversity of other species. 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

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

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

• within the sale

• Promote and maintain red pine to maintain the health and vigor of the plantation

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

Name of Treatment - 4220 (Commercial Thinning)

Residual BA/Ac – see below

Acres - see table

• Consider all jack pine, spruce, balsam fir and aspen as high risk and should be removed. Retain all white pine, oak, cedar, elm, and hemlock. Small aspen and jack pine clear cut inclusions will be present within these plantations.

PU’s 3 and 4 - Thin red pine down to a basal area of 90-100 FT2/AC but don’t remove more 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 18”). This will mean that some areas will have residual basal area higher than the prescribed residual. If groups of aspen are present, expand the group by one tree length to encourage aspen regeneration.

PU 12 – establish skid trails, generally every 50 feet and 12 feet wide prior to thinning the stand. Work with the COR when establishing these trails. Reduce stocking between skid trails by removing no more than 30% of the initial BA.

Order of Removal:

1. Retain most non-red pine species in areas where densities are high, accept some poor quality; this will contribute to structural/habitat diversity objectives for the stand

2. Remove all jack pine, spruce, balsam fir and aspen

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

4. Think 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 (feet)

12” 10 14” 12 16” 14 18” 16

Crop Tree Characteristics:

1. Live Crown Ration ˃30%

2. Dominant or co-dominant trees with good crown vigor and stem quality

3. Low risk of mortality or failure

• 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.

• 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)

• Designate skid trails to direct activities outside of riparian corridors as quickly as possible, minimize the number of skid trails within riparian corridors, and to avoid steep slopes (18% and greater) within the riparian corridors to avoid sedimentation and impacts on riparian function.

FACTS Code Name of Treatment Prescription

None

2028 4220 Commercial Thinning

Reviewed by:

Approved by:

Title: Silviculture Forester

Title:

Title:

Title: Certified Silviculturist

Date: 02/23/2023

Date:

X

X

X

X

X

X X

X

¬«1

¬«2

¬«7

¬«11

¬«9

¬«3

¬«8

¬«10

¬«4

¬«6

¬«14

¬«5

¬«13

¬«12

¬«4

3960-P

3960-R

-B

4447-A

4463-A44

-C

3968-C

3340-Z

3960-V

3968-A

0-T

4470-B

GOG-208

Draft PUs Private Property Construction Decommission No Maintenance

Reconstruction Regular Maintenance Other Jurisdiction

X Survey Corner

Tamarack River

ESTIMATED ACRES

1 - 70 (CTM)

2 - 68 (CTM)

3 - 30 (CTM)

4 - 22 (CTM)

5 - 7 (100% Count) 6 - 17 (100% Count)

7 - 54 (CTM)

8 - 25 (100% Count) 9 - 40 (100% Count) 10 - 20 (100% Count)

11 - 37 (CTM)

12 - 5 (CTM)

13 - 5 (CTM)

14 - 8 (100% Count)

15 R.O.W. - 1 [USFS]

Scale 1:15,840 T45N R38W

Middle Branch Ontonagon River

0 0.5 10.25 Miles

LOBSTER PR #61048

Estimated Acres - Payment Unit & Vicinity Map

Sarah Kilpela 02/23/2023

EST. TOTAL SALE

(1-14) = 409 ac

EST. CONTRACT

(1-14) = 408 ac

Vicinity Map (Not to scale)

Lobster PR Sale Area