Attachment B6 SOW Brookie.pdf

Brookie PR Timber Sale (#30520) – Tepee Lake VMP 4/21/2023

SECTION C – DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATION/WORK STATEMENT

Scope of Contract This contract is for Payment Units (1-6) in the Brookie PR Timber Sale. It involves timber marking and volume estimation of approximately 176 acres in Northern Hardwood 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 6/1/2023, and modifications to estimated acreages will be made at that time. NOTE: Please contact Doug Sirrine (906)852-3500 for clarification.

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

Payment Units 1-4: approximately 162 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) PINE AND SPRUCE THINNING (even-age) (Marking & Cruising)

Payment Units 6: approximately 9 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.

Brookie PR Timber Sale (#30520) – Tepee Lake VMP 4/21/2023

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

Payment Units 5: approximately 5 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 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 a paint spot at eye level to verify the tree was counted – a stump mark is not generally required.

(8) SAMPLE TREE CRUISING METHOD

Payment Units 1-6: approximately 176 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 TBD 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.

This sale can be accessed from the following direction:

From intersection of M-28 and FH-16 south in Kenton, travel south on FH-16 approximately 9.1 miles to Robinson Lake Road. Head west on Robinson Lake Road for 1 mile and continuing down to the intersection of Robinson Lake Road and FR 3612 to reach the western portion of the sale. To reach the eastern portion of the sale, travel 9.4 miles south on FH-16 from Kenton. The sale is on either side of the road.

Brookie PR Timber Sale (#30520) – Tepee Lake VMP Marking Guides/Cruise Design

4/13/2023

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

Estimated Gross Sale Value: ~ $108,622.40

Maximum Sampling Error (Sale): +/- 12% (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 1-4 Hardwood Selection 162 5 Aspen Clearcut 5 6 Commerical Thinning 9

Total Approximate Acres: 176

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

Payment Unit Treatment Approx. Acres 7 ROW Right-of-way clearing – USFS will mark (1)

Instructions

Payment Unit 1-4– 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 Units 5- Aspen Clearcut/Sample Tree Cruising (STR)

ALL merchantable trees within these Payment Units are designated for removal EXCEPT hemlock, cedar, white and red pine (which are designated leave tree species) AND Leave Trees (LTs).

Merchantable trees (except hemlock, cedar, white and red 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 leave species (hemlock, cedar, white and red 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 and all LT’s will be marked by USFS. LT’s 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 too be left. LT’s will need to be marked around the lone oak or elm, if not a designated leave species. LT’s may also include healthy groups of hardwoods as stated in the Marking Guides. All banded LT’s 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 below.

Payment Units 6: Red Pine Thinning/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 TBD 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.

Brookie PR Timber Sale - #30520 Cruise Design-Strata 1 (Sample Tree Measure)

Sample Group Description DBH Range Sample Interval

A Aspen Pulpwood 5.0” + 1:5 CL Large Mixed Conifer Pulpwood (Fir, Spruce, White Pine, Cedar, Hemlock) 9.0” + 1:15

CS Small Mixed Conifer Pulpwood (Fir, Spruce, White Pine, Cedar, Hemlock)

5.0” - 8.9” 1:50

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

11.0” + 1:50

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

5.0” – 10.9” 1:400

FP Ash Pulpwood 5.0” + 1:10 XW Ash Sawtimber 11.0 + 1:10 OL Other Hardwood Sawtimber (Red Maple, Birch, Ash, Oak, Basswood, Elm) 18.0”+ 1:15

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

11.0” – 17.99” 1:25

SL Large Maple Sawtimber 18.0”+ 1:25 SS Small Maple Sawtimber 11.0” – 17.9” 1:50 JP Jack Pine Pulpwood 5.0” + 1:5 PP Red Pine Pulpwood 5.0” + 1:5 RW Red Pine Sawtimber 9.0” + 1:25 WW White Pine Sawtimber 9.0” + 1:15

Prepared by Mark Menigoz, Forestry Technician (TSP)

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.

JOHN

BOWERS

Digitally signed by JOHN

BOWERS

Date: 2023.04.13 14:37:43 -04'00'

Digitally signed by

JACKLYN PAUKERT

Date: 2023.04.13 14:32:22 -04'00'

MARK

MENIGOZ

Digitally signed by MARK

MENIGOZ

Date: 2023.04.13 16:07:37 -04'00'

Digitally signed by

DOUGLAS SIRRINE DOUGLAS SIRRINE

Date: 2023.04.18 15:52:47 -04'00'

Digitally signed by

BARBARA VAN ALSTINE

Date: 2023.04.19 15:59:10 -04'00'

Marking Prescriptions Written by:

John Bowers Date Silviculturist

Narrative by:

Jacklyn Paukert, Pre-Sale Forester Date

Cruise Design by:

Mark Menigoz, Forestry Technician (TSP) Date

Reviewed by:

Doug Sirrine Date North Zone TMA

Approved by:

Barbara C. Van Alstine Date District Ranger

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

(ft2/acre)

1 - 03 12-01

12-02 26 2.1 2 38C ATD 3

89 500 - 9 58’ – white pine

120-250

STAND DESCRIPTION

This is a mixed stand composed of northern hardwoods with eastern white pine, occasional red pine and hemlock.

Some northern white cedar also occurs. There is a significant component of very large relic eastern white pine across the stand (24” + DBH), especially in the southern half of the unit where the white pine composes >50% of the basal area. The mixed hardwood component of the stand is composed primarily of sugar maple and red maple with scattered yellow birch. Overall, stand densities generally range from 140 ft2/acre in the more hardwood-heavy sections up to 250 ft2/acre in the sections dominated by the large white pine. Occasional lower densities patches occur within the stand. For hardwoods, the average DBH is ~12”. For eastern white pine, the average DBH is ~26”.

The soils in this stand are classified as Gogebic end moraines composed of moderately well-drained coarse loamy sands.

DESIRED CONDITION

This stand should be maintained as an uneven-aged northern hardwood stand with the large relic white pine overstory generally kept intact. The current species diversity should be maintained or enhanced in the future stand.

Regenerating a new cohort of mixed hardwoods and pine that is free-to-grow from browse pressure is also desired.

Large relic overstory white pine greater than 24” should generally be retained from harvest.

Where large eastern white pine dominate the stand, only the smaller, more suppressed pines and midstory hardwoods should be removed, creating canopy gaps to promote white pine regeneration. These pine-dominated areas should be left with an open midstory and understory with an overstory composed of mostly large white pine with occasional desirable hardwoods.

SHORT- AND LONG-TERM OBJECTIVES

The short-term objective is to regenerate a new age class of mixed hardwoods and pine to perpetuate the uneven-aged structure by creating canopy gaps from the removal of individual trees or groups of trees. Another objective is to release any existing regeneration of mid-tolerant species, such as yellow birch, paper birch, red oak, white pine, and red pine. In the portions of the stand dominated by large eastern white, the majority of midstory hardwoods and smaller, more suppressed pines should be removed leaving an overstory of pine and scattered high-quality hardwoods of desirable species (sugar maple, birch, red oak).

The long-term objective is to maintain a healthy uneven-aged stand of mixed hardwoods and pine. The large relic white pine should persist into the next stand providing structural diversity, wildlife habitat, and a seed source/genetic legacy. In approximately 15-20 years, another selection harvest should be considered to further perpetuate the uneven-aged 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.

• The operating season for this units is generally Winter-only (Dec-Feb).

• Emerald ash borer (EAB) may be actively impacting ash trees in these units. If suspected EAB damage is identified, please consult the Kenton RD Silviculturist.

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Tepee Lake VMP TIMBER SALE: Brookie PU: 1

ONF-2400-2 3/1/07 Version

MARKING GUIDE:

Name of Treatment - Individual Tree Selection (4151)

Residual BA/Ac 70-80 ft2

Acres - see cover sheet

In the hardwood-dominated areas, implement a traditional individual tree selection treatment. Canopy gaps should be created by removing large trees or groups of smaller trees to create favorable canopy conditions for the regeneration of northern hardwoods. Canopy gaps should generally be 70’-100’ in diameter. Implement the following guidelines in the hardwood-dominated areas:

• Trees with poor form or poor health should be marked for removal first.

• Most hardwood 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.

• Select against maple to increase diversity within the stand where opportunities exist.

• Select most white ash and black ash for removal, only retaining these species if tree is dominant/codominant in the canopy and in good health (generally aim for < 20ft2/acre of BA in ash). Do not mark black ash in wet, poorly drained areas.

• Focus on leaving good quality crop trees with good form while improving their growing conditions, especially in the pole-heavy sections of the stand.

• Favor healthy yellow birch, oak, paper birch, black cherry, basswood, eastern hemlock, and cedar for retention. Always manage for the best tree in a location.

• Create large canopy gaps adjacent to healthy yellow birch and red oak.

• The target residual basal area for hardwood-dominated areas is 70-80 ft2/acre. Large relic white pine might inflate the residual basal area above the desired level in parts of the stand and this is acceptable.

• All mature aspen should be selected for removal. Aspen clones should be regenerated.

Where white pine dominates the stand (mostly the south half of unit), a modified individual tree selection/thinning approach should be taken. In general, all white pine greater than 24” DBH should be retained from harvest. Focus on removing a majority of hardwoods from the overstory and midstory, creating canopy gaps and a more exposed understory to promote pine regeneration and recruitment. Thin the denser areas of white pine by using a thin-from-below approach, where primarily suppressed and smaller size class pine are selected for removal. Mark all merchantable balsam fir for removal. Ensure sufficient drop zones are also marked out where large pine are selected for removal. Retain some hardwoods of highly desired species in this area, such as yellow birch, paper birch, oak, and cherry to provide a seed source. The residual basal area in the pine-dominated areas should be closer to 120-150 ft2/acre.

DESIGN CRITERIA AND MITIGATION MEASURES

Highlighted Design Criteria, see NEPA document 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. If cull trees need to be marked, the silviculturist should be notified to assess the risk.

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

• 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.

• If any archaeological sites are located during layout or implementation, the Archaeologist should be consulted.

Follow riparian matrix and riparian design criteria to protect all riparian features such as vernal ponds, streams, as well as, sensitive soils.

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 2025 4151 Individual Tree Selection 2026 4341 Stocking Survey 2028 4341 Stocking Survey 2028 4382 Cert for Naturals wo/SP

Prepared by: John Bowers

Approved by: John Bowers

Title: Silviculturist

Title: Certified Silviculturist

Date: 3/17/2023

Date: 3/17/2023

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Tepee Lake VMP TIMBER SALE: Brookie PU: 1

ONF-2400-2 3/1/07 Version

Type

Cover Type LSC

Year of Origin

Size Density SI

BA

(ft2/acre)

2 - 03 12-04 12-26 12-01

23 2.1 2 38C ATD

500 - 9 51’ – sugar maple

3 - 03

12-15 12-08 12-16 12-26 12-32

72 2.1

44C 44B 38C

ATD

ATD

ATD

500 - 9 51’ – sugar

These stands are mature, uneven-aged northern hardwood stands with a fair amount of species and size class diversity. They are composed primarily of sugar maple, red maple, yellow birch with scattered eastern hemlock and occasional northern white cedar. Occasional large eastern white pine also occurs. Balsam fir is common in the understory and midstory. Some black ash may occur in wet areas. Stand densities are fairly similar across the stands, averaging around 120ft2 to 160 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 ~12” to 14”.

The soils in this stand are classified as Gogebic end moraines composed of moderately well-drained coarse loamy sands.

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 yellow birch, northern red oak, basswood, and eastern hemlock. 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. Mature hemlock inclusions should be regenerated. Hemlock inclusions are generally kept intact. Large relic white pine should be maintained in the stand.

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. Where these stands contain high amounts of mid-tolerants like yellow birch, 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.

• 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.

• The operating season for these units is Winter only (Dec-Feb).

• A potential active raptor nest occurs in PU2 just east of FR 3610-C.

• Emerald ash borer (EAB) may be actively impacting ash trees in these units. If suspected EAB damage is

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Tepee Lake VMP TIMBER SALE: Brookie PU: 2 & 3

ONF-2400-2 3/1/07 Version

Residual BA/Ac 70-80 ft2

Canopy gaps should be created by removing large trees or groups of smaller trees to create favorable conditions for the regeneration of northern hardwoods. Canopy gaps should generally be approximately 70’-100’ in diameter.

A good mix of size classes exists in most stands, with a heavy concentration in the 12”-16” range. 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 first.

• 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.

• Select against sugar maple and red maple to increase diversity within the stand where opportunities exist.

• Mark all merchantable ironwood for removal.

• Select most white ash and black ash for removal, only retaining these species if tree is dominant/codominant in the canopy and in good health (generally aim for < 20ft2/acre of BA in ash). Do not mark black ash in wet, poorly drained areas.

• Create large canopy gaps adjacent to healthy yellow birch and red oak.

• Focus on leaving good quality crop trees with good form while improving their growing conditions, especially in the pole-heavy sections of the stand.

• Favor healthy yellow birch, oak, basswood, paper birch, black cherry, and eastern hemlock for retention.

Always manage for the best tree in a location.

• In general, retain large white pine and northern white cedar.

• The target residual basal area for this stand is 70-80 ft2/acre. In areas that are heavier to hemlock, leave the residual BA a little higher.

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. Young, healthy clones of aspen can be left intact and released from overstory competition.

• Cull Trees should be left for wildlife. Do not remove trees with little or no value unless they pose a safety hazard. If cull trees need to be marked, the silviculturist should be notified to assess the risk.

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

• 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.

• If any archaeological sites are located during layout or implementation, the Archaeologist should be consulted.

Follow riparian matrix and riparian design criteria to protect all riparian features such as vernal ponds, streams, as

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

2025 4151 Individual Tree Selection 2026 4341 Stocking Survey

Title: Silviculturist

Title: Certified Silviculturist

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Tepee Lake VMP TIMBER SALE: Brookie PU: 2 & 3

ONF-2400-2 3/1/07 Version

Type

Cover Type LSC

Year of Origin

Size Density SI

BA

(ft2/acre)

4 - 03 11-2

11-1 41 2.1 2 44C ATD 89

3 500 - 9 60’ – red

This unit is a mixed stand composed of mixed upland hardwoods with large relic white pine scattered across the overstory. The overstory is primarily sugar maple, red maple, northern red oak, paper birch, and quaking aspen with scattered eastern white pine. Occasional white spruce also occurs, some of which has succumbed to mortality.

Most of the eastern white pine in the overstory is large (>24” DBH) and mature. Balsam fir commonly occurs throughout the understory, in addition to occasional ironwood. Most of the hardwoods are of low-quality for timber value. Stand densities generally range between 100 ft2/acre to 160 ft2/acre. Average DBH for hardwoods is approximately 10”.

The soils in this stand are classified as Karlin, Keweenaw, and Sarona end moraines and are composed of moderately well-drained coarse loamy sands.

The desired condition for this stand is to be a multi-aged mix of upland hardwoods and conifers with the current species diversity maintained or enhanced. The future stand should feature hardwood species other than maple, including yellow birch, paper birch, and northern red oak. A new age class should be regenerated through this treatment. Low-quality hardwood stems should generally be removed from the stand. Following treatment, the midstory and understory should generally be open except for scattered clumps of hardwoods and pine (~0.1 to 0.25 acres in size). The overstory should be composed of a low-density mix of white pine, red oak, and paper birch.

The short-term objective is to regenerate a new age class to perpetuate the multi-aged structure by removing the majority of low-quality hardwoods and balsam fir from the midstory/understory and creating conditions favorable for the regeneration of a suite of hardwood and conifer species. Low-quality hardwood stems should be removed.

Large relic white pine, large healthy oak, and healthy paper birch should generally be retained to provide structure and a desirable seed source. Large canopy gaps should be created adjacent to healthy birch and oak seed trees.

Scattered clumps (0.1 to 0.25 acres) of hardwoods should be left intact where minimal trees are marked to provide structural diversity and wildlife habitat refuges.

The long-term objective is to maintain a healthy, diverse multi-aged stand of upland hardwoods and eastern white pine that is diverse in both species composition and structure.

• 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.

• The operating season for these units is Winter (Dec-Feb) and Dry Summer (July-Sept).

• Two potential active raptor nests occur in PU4 near FR 3600-D.

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Tepee Lake VMP TIMBER SALE: Brookie PU: 4

ONF-2400-2 3/1/07 Version

Residual BA/Ac 60-120 ft2

The majority of low-quality hardwoods should be selected for removal in order to release higher-quality hardwood and conifer stems and to create canopy gaps for the regeneration of diverse hardwood and conifer species.

Scattered “reserve” clumps of hardwoods should be left intact where minimal trees are marked to provide structural diversity and wildlife habitat refuges. In general, the following guidelines should be used:

• Select the majority of low-quality hardwoods for removal this includes most sugar maple, red maple, and basswood in the stand.

• Select most poor form, low-quality, or unhealthy red oak and paper birch for removal.

• Select all balsam fir and unhealthy spruce for removal.

• Select all mature aspen and jack pine for removal.

• Select all merchantable ash and ironwood for removal. Do not mark black ash in wet, poorly drained areas.

• Most hardwood 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 sufficient drop zones.

• Retain at least 20 to 30 ft2/acre of healthy red oak and paper birch in the overstory where opportunities exist.

• Retain the majority of large relic overstory white pine. In general, all pine over 24” should be retained.

• Create large canopy gaps adjacent to healthy yellow birch and red oak selected for retention.

• Retain scattered clumps of hardwoods (0.1 to 0.25 acres in size) where minimal trees are marked. Aim for one or two clumps per every five acres.

• The target residual basal area for this stand has a wide range of 60-120 ft2/acre. This is to allow for flexibility when marking the sale to adjust to variable on-the-ground conditions while still meeting the silvicultural objective of treatment.

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. Young, healthy clones of aspen can be left intact and released from overstory competition.

• Cull Trees should be left for wildlife. Do not remove trees with little or no value unless they pose a safety hazard. If cull trees need to be marked, the silviculturist should be notified to assess the risk.

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

• 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.

• If any archaeological sites are located during layout or implementation, the Archaeologist should be consulted.

Follow riparian matrix and riparian design criteria to protect all riparian features such as vernal ponds, streams, as

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

2025 4151 Individual Tree Selection 2026 4341 Stocking Survey

Title: Silviculturist

Title: Certified Silviculturist

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Tepee Lake VMP TIMBER SALE: Brookie PU: 4

ONF-2400-2 3/1/07 Version

Type

Cover Type LSC

Year of

Origin Size

Density SI

BA

(ft2/acre)

5-03 11-10 5 2.1 2 44C ATD 89 500 - 9

73’ – quaking aspen

70-120

This stand is a mixed hardwood-conifer stand composed of quaking aspen, northern red oak, paper birch, red maple, sugar maple, eastern white pine, and red pine. Balsam fir occurs commonly throughout the understory.

Much of the aspen and birch are mature to over-mature and are in decline. In general, the white pine, red pine, aspen, and oak occur in dominant canopy positions, while the maple, birch, and balsam fir comprise the lower canopy levels and midstory. Stand densities are variable, but generally range between 70 ft2/acre to 120 ft2/acre.

Maple and birch DBHs generally range between 5” to 12”, while the red pine and white pine generally fall between 16” to 22”. The average DBH for aspen is ~14”.

Most of this stand should be regenerated to a mix of dense, young aspen sprouts averaging ~>3200 trees per acre and scattered mixed hardwood/conifer seedlings. Existing oak regeneration should be released and left in a free-to-grow position. Red pine and white pine should be retained in the overstory to provide a seed source and structural diversity. Some oak and paper birch in good health should also be retained to provide a seed source and provide shelter for developing seedlings. The goal is to create a new age class of aspen and birch with scattered pine and oak regeneration, underneath a variable-density canopy of white pine, red pine, northern red oak, and paper birch.

The short-term objective is harvest all the high-risk aspen and most paper birch to regenerate aspen/paper birch, while retaining healthy overstory oak, red pine, and eastern white pine. Some healthy paper birch should be retained to provide a seed source where opportunities occur. All high risk and unhealthy trees should be removed from the site. Existing advance oak regeneration that is healthy and possesses a good crown should be released from overstory competition.

The long-term objective is to maintain a diverse stand of northern red oak, aspen, red pine, eastern white pine, and other native species that is diverse in structure.

• 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.

• The operating season for these units is Winter (Dec-Feb) and Dry Summer (July-Sept).

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Tepee Lake VMP TIMBER SALE: Brookie PU: 5

ONF-2400-2 3/1/07 Version

Name of Treatment - Clearcut w/ Leave Trees (4117)

Residual BA/Ac <10-50 ft2

Mark all mature aspen and the majority of paper birch for removal to regenerate the aspen/birch component. Mark all high-risk and poor-quality hardwoods for removal to create more room for aspen/birch regeneration, including all maple, basswood, ash, and ironwood. Mark all high-risk jack pine and balsam fir for removal. Mark all Scotch Pine for removal if any is encountered.

Retain most eastern white pine and red pine. Retain approximately 20-40 ft2/acre of healthy northern red oak and paper birch where opportunities exist. Try not to leave lone oaks by marking all the surrounding aspen. Retain a few trees around the oak in this situation to protect the microsite. Red pine, white pine, northern red oak and paper birch with poor form and/or poor health should be removed. Existing advanced regeneration of oak, pine, and birch in the understory should be released from overstory competition if possible.

The target BA for this stand is <10 ft2/acre to 50 ft2/acre. This represents a likely residual BA after removing all the aspen, most paper birch, and other undesirable trees as described above. This treatment is intended to be a clearcut to regenerate the aspen clones where they occur and to promote the regeneration of the paper birch, oak, and pine components in other areas of the stand by retaining enough healthy leave trees to provide a seed source and shelter for developing seedlings. There may be areas that need to be left at a higher or lower residual BA than the prescribed target.

Areas that are heavier to red pine and white pine should be thinned by approximately 40% to a BA of approximately 90-100 ft2 per acre.

• Cull Trees should be left for wildlife. Do not remove trees with little or no value unless they pose a safety hazard. If cull trees need to be marked, the silviculturist should be notified to assess the risk.

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

• 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.

• If any archaeological sites are located during layout or implementation, the Archaeologist should be consulted.

Follow riparian matrix and riparian design criteria to protect all riparian features such as vernal ponds, streams, as

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

2025 4117 Clearcut w/ Leave Trees 2026 4341 Stocking Survey

Title: Silviculturist

Title: Certified Silviculturist

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Tepee Lake VMP TIMBER SALE: Brookie PU: 5

ONF-2400-2 3/1/07 Version

Type

Cover Type LSC

Year of Origin

Size Density SI

BA

(ft2/acre)

6 - 03 11-1

11-10 9 2.1 2 44C ATD 3

89 500 - 9 54’ – red

This unit is composed of a small stand of mature planted red pine joined with a more mixed stand of red pine, white pine, red oak, paper birch, aspen, and low-quality maple that is similar in composition to PU4 and PU5. Balsam fir is common throughout the understory. The planted red pine is concentrated in the western half of the unit and has received thinning treatments in the past. This red pine area is approximately 160 ft2/acre of basal area. Red pine DBHs generally run between 10” to 24”. Scattered larger red pine and white pine occur across the stand, some of which are rather large (26”+).

The desired condition for this unit is to be a healthy, diverse stand of mature red pine joined with a healthy, variable density, mixed stand of pine and oak with desirable regeneration of pine, aspen, and mixed hardwoods developing in the understory.

The short-term objective is to thin the red pine by removing high-risk, poor form, and/or suppressed trees in order to provide more growing space for the residual pine stand. The stand should be opened op to allow the remaining trees more growing space, light, and nutrients. The current species diversity should be maintained. The stand should also be left in an operable condition for future access and timber operations. Where the mixed stand of pine and hardwoods occur, a variable-density thinning treatment should be implemented to remove all high-risk, poor formed, and low-quality trees leaving behind a residual canopy of desirable pine and oak with some paper birch.

The long-term objective is to maintain a healthy diverse stand of red pine, white pine, oak, paper birch, aspen, and other desirable species with a variable structure into the future. Another thinning and/or regeneration treatment will potentially occur in approximately 10-15 years.

• 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.

• The operating season for these units is Winter (Dec-Feb) and Dry Summer (Aug-Sept).

• Emerald ash borer (EAB) may be actively impacting ash trees in these units. If suspected EAB damage is

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Tepee Lake VMP TIMBER SALE: Brookie PU: 6

ONF-2400-2 3/1/07 Version

Name of Treatment - Commercial Thinning (4220)

Residual BA/Ac 90-100 ft2

Thin the red pine by about 40% to a target residual basal area of 90-100 ft2/acre.

• The target residual basal area is 90-100 ft2/acre. Remove less than half of the current basal area from the stands. As result, some high-density areas may be left higher than the target residual basal area.

• Use free thinning and thin-from-below techniques by removing trees from suppressed, intermediate, and some co-dominant crown classes as needed to improve the quality of the stand and achieve BA target.

• Establish skid trails in areas of the unit where they are needed to allow for harvest operability. This may result in slight alterations to the residual basal area target.

• All mature aspen inclusions should be marked for clearcut to promote the regeneration of the aspen clone.

• All high-risk aspen, maple, fir, jack pine, and spruce should be selected for removal. High risk trees are defined as trees with obvious health issues unlikely to survive until the next entry and those with poor form.

• Mark all Scotch Pine for removal if any is encountered.

• In general, retain northern red oak if it is healthy and displays good form. If needed to achieve desired basal area target, consider oak with poor health/form for removal.

• Retain healthy white pine and paper birch if it is encountered. Retain all large legacy white pine greater than 24”+.

• The target residual basal area for these units is generally 90-100 ft2/acre. Where the stand composition is more mixed pine-hardwoods, the residual basal area will potentially be lower.

• Cull Trees should be left for wildlife. Do not remove trees with little or no value unless they pose a safety hazard. If cull trees need to be marked, the silviculturist should be notified to assess the risk.

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

• 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.

• If any archaeological sites are located during layout or implementation, the Archaeologist should be consulted.

Follow riparian matrix and riparian design criteria to protect all riparian features such as vernal ponds, streams, as

2025 4220 Commercial Thinning

Title: Silviculturist

Title: Certified Silviculturist

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Tepee Lake VMP TIMBER SALE: Brookie PU: 6

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FDR3610

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26 25

35 36

Mitigwaki Creek

USDA - APFO; USDA - USFS – GTAC

Brookie Timber Sale #30520 Payment Unit/Vicinity Map

**ESTIMATED ACRES**

KTH 04/05/2023 0 0.25 0.5 0.75 10.125

Miles 1:15,840

Region 9 Supervisor, Forest, and District offices

APPROXIMATE ACRES

PU

1 - 26 2 - 23 (4+8+11) 3 - 72 (1+9+15+1+2+41+3) 4 - 41 (7+1+10+16+7) 5 - 5 6 - 9

7 (ROW) - 1

Total (1-6) = 176

Iron CountyVicinity Map Not to Scale

Brookie Timber Sale Area

T46N R37W

Legend Sale Area Boundary

Payment Units

X Monumented Corners

ALP Section

Private Ownership

Streams

Transportation System Ex isting

Decommissioned

BrookieRx

06BrookieRFCAMapESTIMATEDACRES040623