Attachment C-ONF North Zone Prescriptions.pdf

OTTAWA NATIONAL FOREST

SILVICULTURAL PRESCRIPTION

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)

1-04 193-8 11 2.1 14 63B AQV 2 500 1939 9 58’ –

red pine 170

STAND DESCRIPTION

PU1 is a mature red pine plantation established in 1939. The overstory is almost exclusively red pine.

Scattered advanced regeneration and saplings of balsam fir, cherry, and red maple also occur. The stand density generally ranges between 150 to 200 ft2/acre. The DBH range for red pine is 10”-16” with an average DBH of ~14”. The red pine are mostly high quality sawtimber trees.

Soils in the stand are somewhat excessively drained loamy sands from the Vilas-Rubicon Complex series.

DESIRED CONDITION

The desired condition for this stand is to be a healthy, mature red pine plantation with the current species diversity maintained or enhanced. All high-risk trees should be removed. The stand should be considered for another thinning entry or regeneration harvest in 10-15 years.

SHORT- AND LONG-TERM OBJECTIVES

The short-term objectives are to thin the red pine to alleviate the overstocked conditions and redistribute growing space, light, and nutrients to the residual stand. Other objectives are to harvest all high-risk material in the stand and regenerate any aspen inclusions.

The long-term objective is to maintain a healthy stand of mature red pine with some diversity in species and structure into the future.

REMARKS

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 unit is year-round.

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Tepee Lake VMP TIMBER SALE: Bullhead Stewardship PU: 1

Ottawa National Forest North Zone Marking and Cruising RFQ 12363N23Q4244

MARKING GUIDE:

Name of Treatment - Commercial Thinning (4220) Residual BA/Ac 90-100 ft2 Acres - see cover sheet Thin the red pine/white pine down by about 40% to a basal area no lower than 90-100 ft2 per acre.

Where the residual DBH will be closer to 12”, leave a slightly lower BA of around 90 ft2. Where the residual DBH is closer to 16”, leave the BA a little higher. Thin from below 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. Remove all high-risk jack pine and over-mature aspen. Mark enough trees for removal to allow for harvest operability. In more open areas where the current BA is already less than 90-100 ft2/acre, leave a majority of trees and only mark poor formed, high risk individuals for removal. All high-risk aspen, maple, fir, pine, and spruce should be selected for removal throughout all three units.

Retain healthy northern red oak and release from overstory competition if possible.

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

ACTIVITIES SUMMARY

Year Facts Activity Code Description

0 4220 Commercial Thinning

Prepared by: John Bowers

Approved by: John Bowers

Title: Silviculturist

Title: Certified Silviculturist

Date: 4/13/2023

Date: 4/13/2023

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Tepee Lake VMP TIMBER SALE: Bullhead Stewardship PU: 1

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)

2-04 193-59

193-10 18 2.1 2 43C TM 20

91 500 - 1977 9

59’ – red maple 130-180

5-04 193-35 24 2.1

44B 44C 47B

ATD

ATD

ATD

81 500 1920 9 62’ – red maple 130-180

6-04 193-20 193-16 193-35

21 2.1 2 44C ATD

56’ – red maple 130-180

7-04 193-20 11 2.1 2 44C ATD 20 500 - 9

56’ – red maple 130-180

8-04 193-16

193-20 59 2.1 2 44C ATD 89

20 500 -

- 9

50’ – sugar maple

130-180

9-04 193-20

193-22 21 2.1 2 44C ATD 20

89 500 - 1950 9

56’ – red maple 130-180

12-03 08-3 13 2.1 2 47B ATD 20 500 1875 9

54’ – red maple 130-180

STAND DESCRIPTION

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 and red maple with varying amounts of eastern hemlock and yellow birch, northern white cedar, basswood, white ash, black ash, and northern red oak. Inclusions of dense eastern hemlock occur within several of the units, especially PU2, PU6, PU8, and PU9. A small amount of mature quaking aspen and/or paper birch may also be found in the units. Advanced regeneration of sugar maple and hemlock is relatively common.

Hardwood DBHs range from <5” up to 24”+. The average DBH is approximately 12”. Stand densities generally range between 120 ft2/acre to 180 ft2/acre. Hemlock inclusions tend to be denser, closer to the 180 ft2/acre to 220 ft2/acre range.

The soils for these stands are primarily well-drained sandy soils from the Karlin-Keweenaw Sarona Complex series.

Habitat types are mostly ATD, suggesting these are productive sites for growing northern hardwoods. Some of the topography within the units is hilly.

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Tepee Lake VMP TIMBER SALE: Bullhead Stewardship PU: 2, 5-9, 12

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 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. Promoting hemlock regeneration is 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. 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.

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 these units is generally Winter (Dec-Feb) and Dry Summer (Jul-Sept).

White ash and black ash in these stands are under threat from emerald ash borer (EAB). EAB-infested ash trees have been located on the Ontonagon and Kenton Ranger Districts further north of this site.

If suspected EAB damage is identified, please consult the Kenton RD Silviculturist.

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Tepee Lake VMP TIMBER SALE: Bullhead Stewardship PU: 2, 5-9, 12

Name of Treatment - Individual Tree Selection (4151) Residual BA/Ac 70-80 ft2 Acres - see cover sheet 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.

• 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 (as a rule of thumb – aim for ≤ 20ft2/acre of BA in ash).

• Mark all merchantable ironwood for removal.

• 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.

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

• In areas of heavy-hemlock, thin out some poor-form, lower vigor individuals and an occasional larger overstory hemlock to create canopy gaps for hemlock regeneration. Try to target canopy openings to areas of existing hemlock advanced regeneration.

• 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.

Do not mark trees for removal on or near boulders/large rocks or in overly wet/poorly drained areas.

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

0 4151 Individual Tree Selection 1 4341 Stocking Survey 3 4341 Stocking Survey 3 4382 Cert for Naturals wo/SP

Prepared by: John Bowers

Approved by: John Bowers

Title: Silviculturist

Title: Certified Silviculturist

Date: 4/13/2023

Date: 4/132023

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Tepee Lake VMP TIMBER SALE: Bullhead Stewardship PU: 2, 5-9, 12

STAND INFORMATION

PU-

Type

Cover Type LSC

Year of

Origin Size

Density SI

BA

(ft2/acre)

3-04 193-15

193-18 52 2.1 2 43C TM 5

20 500

- 9

56’ – red maple 130-200

4-04 193-15 15 2.1 2 43C TM 5 500 - 9 28’ – e.

hemlock 130-200

STAND DESCRIPTION

These stands are composed primarily of eastern hemlock and northern hardwoods. Hemlock is dominant across much of the units, but yellow birch, sugar maple, and northern white cedar are also common.

Occasional northern red oak can also be found, in addition to occasional sugar maple, red maple, basswood, and quaking aspen. Some large legacy eastern white pine occurs in PU3. Advanced regeneration of hemlock is significant in portions of the stands. The DBH range for hardwoods generally spans between 6” to 22”, and the average hardwood DBH is approximately 12”. The DBH range for hemlock runs between 6” – 24”+, and the average hemlock DBH is approximately 18”. Stand densities generally range between 160 ft2/acre to 220 ft2/acre.

The soils for these stands are primarily well-drained sandy soils from the Karlin Complex series. Some of the topography within the units is hilly.

DESIRED CONDITION

The desired conditions for these stands are to be uneven-aged northern hardwood and hemlock stands with the current species diversity maintained or enhanced. The future stand should feature mature and healthy hemlock, in in addition to yellow birch, sugar maple, yellow birch, and other desirable species.

Regenerating a new age class of hemlock, yellow birch, sugar maple and other desirable species that is free from browse pressure while also improving stand health is also highly desired. Mature hemlock inclusions should generally be kept intact, while also creating some regeneration opportunities within the hemlock by establishing occasional canopy gaps.

SHORT- AND LONG-TERM OBJECTIVES

The short-term objective is to regenerate a new age class of hemlock and hardwoods 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 hemlock and yellow birch in the sub-canopy from overstory competition.

Where these stands contain high amounts of mid-tolerants in the canopy like yellow birch, large canopy gaps to promote their regeneration should be created.

The long-term objective is to maintain a healthy uneven-aged northern hardwood-hemlock 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.

• The operating season for these units is Year-Long except spring break-up. A winter harvest is preferred so the snow pack can protect and minimize damage to existing hemlock regeneration.

• Emerald ash borer (EAB) is likely to 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: Bullhead Stewardship PU: 3 & 4

Name of Treatment - Individual Tree Selection (4151) Residual BA/Ac 70-80 ft2 Acres - see cover sheet Where hemlocks dominate the stand, selectively remove poor form or suppressed hemlocks, hemlocks negatively impacting harvest equipment operability, and an occasional large overstory to hemlock to create regeneration .

Where hardwoods occur within the stands, focus on creating canopy gaps by removing large trees or groups of smaller trees to create favorable conditions for the regeneration of northern hardwoods and hemlock. In general, the following guidelines should be utilized:

• 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 most white ash and black ash for removal, only retaining these species if tree is dominant/codominant in the canopy and in good health (as a rule of thumb – aim for ≤ 20ft2/acre of BA in ash).

• Mark all merchantable ironwood for removal.

• 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 where opportunities exist. Always manage for the best tree in a location.

• Create large canopy gaps adjacent to healthy yellow birch.

• The target residual basal area for the hardwood-heavy areas of the stand is 70-80 ft2/acre.

• In hemlock-heavy areas, the target residual basal area will likely be much higher (~120-160 ft2/acre).

• In hemlock-heavy areas, focus on removing the hardwood components to create regeneration canopy gaps for hemlock and hardwoods. Only mark mature healthy hemlock for removal on a case-by-case basis.

• Retain any large legacy eastern white pine in overstory.

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.

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

0 4151 Individual Tree Selection 1 4341 Stocking Survey 1 4341 Stocking Survey 3 4382 Cert for Naturals wo/SP

Prepared by: John Bowers

Approved by: John Bowers

Title: Silviculturist

Title: Certified Silviculturist

Date: 4/13/2023

Date: 4/13/2023

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Tepee Lake VMP TIMBER SALE: Bullhead Stewardship PU: 3 & 4

STAND INFORMATION

PU-

Type

Cover Type LSC

Year of

Origin Size

Density SI

BA

(ft2/acre)

10-04 193-12

193-11 9 2.1 2 44C ATD 20

89 500 1910 1967 9

59’ – balsam fir

11-04 193-37 12 2.1 2 47B ATD 18 500 1940 9

60’ – red maple 100-160

STAND DESCRIPTION

These stands are complex mixes of mature quaking aspen, balsam fir, paper birch, sugar maple, red maple and yellow birch. Occasional hemlock, spruce, cedar, and white pine also occur. Most of the aspen is approaching over-maturity and is beginning to decline. The DBH range for aspen is generally 10”-20”. Hardwoods generally range between 6”-14”. Stand densities generally range between 100 ft2/acre to 160 ft2/acre.

The soils for these stands are primarily well-drained sandy soils from the Karlin and Karlin-Keweenaw Sarona Complex series.

DESIRED CONDITION

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 birch and 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 paper birch, yellow birch, and oak 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 low-density canopy of white pine, red pine, northern red oak, and paper birch.

SHORT- AND LONG-TERM OBJECTIVES

The short-term objective is harvest all the high-risk aspen, all undesirable hardwoods and conifers, and most paper birch to regenerate aspen/paper birch, while retaining some 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, birch, and pine 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 primarily aspen with scattered components of paper birch, northern red oak, red pine, eastern white pine, and other native species that has some structural diversity.

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 these units is Winter (Dec-Feb) and Dry Summer (Aug-Sept).

Emerald ash borer (EAB) is likely to 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: Bullhead Stewardship PU: 10 & 11

Name of Treatment - Clearcut w/ Leave Trees (4117) Residual BA/Ac <10 ft2 – 40ft2 Acres - see cover sheet 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 spruce, balsam fir, and any jack pine for removal. Mark all scotch pine for removal if any is encountered.

Retain most eastern white pine and red pine. Retain approximately 2-3 trees per acre of healthy paper birch and northern red oak where opportunities exist. Try not to leave lone oaks and elms by marking all the surrounding trees. Retain a few trees around the oak/elm 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 birch, oak, hemlock, and pine in the understory should be released from overstory competition if possible.

The target BA for this stand is <10 ft2/acre to 40 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 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.

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

0 4151 Individual Tree Selection 1 4493 If needed, remove non-merchantable stems of undesirable species to promote aspen regeneration.

1 4341 Stocking Survey 3 4341 Stocking Survey 3 4382 Cert for Naturals wo/SP

Prepared by: John Bowers

Approved by: John Bowers

Title: Silviculturist

Title: Certified Silviculturist

Date: 4/13/2023

Date: 4/13/2023

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Tepee Lake VMP TIMBER SALE: Bullhead Stewardship PU: 10 & 11

STAND INFORMATION

PU -

District

Type

Cover Type LSC

Year of

Origin Size

Density SI

BA

(ft2/acre)

1 - 05 109-50 109-15 4 4.1a 17sa3 146B TMV 95

20 600 - 8 75’ – quaking aspen

2 - 05 109-16 109-57 7 4.1a 17sa3 146B TMV 89

500 - 8

70’ – red maple

STAND DESCRIPTION

These units are variable stands of mixed hardwoods with scattered eastern white pine, red pine, eastern hemlock, and occasional aspen inclusions. Hardwoods in the stand include sugar maple, red maple, northern red oak, paper birch, and occasional yellow birch. Some of the eastern white pine in the overstory is rather large (24”+). Advanced regeneration of pine and oak is common, especially in PU2. There is a concentrated inclusion of mature quaking aspen in the north half of PU1. Stand densities generally range between 100-150 ft2/acre BA. DBHs for hardwoods generally range between <6” to 22”. The average hardwood DBH is approximately 11”.

Soils in these units are well-drained fine sands classified as Rosseau FS.

DESIRED CONDITION

The desired conditions for these stands to be uneven-aged mixed hardwood stands with the current species diversity maintained or enhanced. The future stand should feature diverse species already present on site, especially white pine, red pine, red oak, paper birch, and yellow birch. Regenerating a new age class that contains these 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. Aspen inclusions should be regenerated. Risk of insect/disease outbreaks should be minimized.

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Baraga II TIMBER SALE: Flashback Stewardship PU: 1 & 2

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. Another short-term objective is to regenerate the aspen inclusions by clearcutting the mature aspen clones.

The long-term objective is to maintain a healthy uneven-aged stand of mixed hardwoods, aspen 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 year-round.

• 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: Baraga II EA TIMBER SALE: Flashback Stewardship PU: 1 & 2

Name of Treatment - Individual Tree Selection (4151) Residual BA/Ac: 70 ft2 – 80 ft2 Acres - see table above Implement a modified individual tree selection treatment across the units, managing for hardwoods where they dominate the stand and regenerating the aspen inclusions where they occur. 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, red oak, and large eastern white pine.

• The target residual basal area for hardwood-dominated areas is 70-80 ft2/acre. Large white pine and/or eastern hemlock 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.

The aspen inclusion in PU1 should be marked for a clearcut in order to regenerate the aspen component. In these areas, mark all trees for removal except for white pine, red pine, hemlock, cedar, and elm. An occasional heathy paper birch and/or oak can be retained in these inclusions if available.

DESIGN CRITERIA AND MITIGATION MEASURES

Highlighted Design Criteria, see Baraga II NEPA for all of the criteria

• To address soil productivity concerns in stands located on droughty or sandy upland sites, slash from cut trees should remain at the stump or be evenly distributed throughout the stand or opening as specified in contract (1e).

• If any raptor nests are found during sale layout or marking, the wildlife biologist should be consulted. Nests will be verified by wildlife biologist to determine if a nest protection area is needed (9b, 9c, 9d).

• When available, retain 2-3 wildlife trees/acre (9j).

• To protect the federally-listed Northern Long-Eared Bat (NLEB), protection zones may be needed if NLEB hibernacula or maternity roosts are present. Consult wildlife biologist if roost trees or hibernacula are encountered (9e).

• 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 (14). If cull trees need to be marked the silviculturist should be notified to look at the risk.

• If any archaeological sites are located during layout or implementation the Archaeologist should be consulted (3g).

POST HARVEST TREATMENTS

FACTS Code Name of Treatment Prescription

4341 Stocking Survey 1St Year Stocking Survey to evaluate the progress of natural regeneration following harvest.

4341 Stocking Survey 3rd Year Stocking Survey to evaluate the progress of natural regeneration following harvest.

4382 Certification of Nat. Regen without Site Prep

Certification of natural regeneration without site preparation

ACTIVITIES SUMMARY

Year Facts Activity Code Description

0 4151 Individual Tree Selection

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Baraga II EA TIMBER SALE: Flashback Stewardship PU: 1 & 2

1 4341 1st Year Stocking Survey 3 4341 3rd Year Stocking Survey 3 4382 Certification of Natural Regeneration without site prep.

Prepared by: John Bowers

Approved by: John Bowers

Title: Certified Silviculturist

Title: Certified Silviculturist

Date: 4/17/2023

Date: 4/17/2023

OTTAWA NATIONAL FOREST

SILVICULTURAL PRESCRIPTION / MARKING GUIDES

STAND INFORMATION

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Baraga II EA TIMBER SALE: Flashback Stewardship PU: 3

PU -

Type

Cover Type LSC

Year of

Origin Size

Density SI

BA

(ft2/acre)

3 - 05

109-38 109-24 109-39 108-26

55 4.1a 17sa3 146B TMV 49 500 - 9 57’ – quaking aspen

130-200

STAND DESCRIPTION

This unit is variable mix of mature red pine, eastern white pine, northern red oak, and paper birch. Scattered quaking aspen, jack pine, and maple also commonly occur. Balsam fir and advanced regeneration of maple is common in the understory. There are areas of denser red pine/white pine where the average pine DBH is closer to 10”. There are also other areas of more mixed pine-oak where the average DBH is closer to 14”. Overall, stand densities range between 100 ft2/acre up to 200 ft2/acre.

Soils in these units are well-drained fine sands classified as Rosseau FS.

DESIRED CONDITION

The desired condition for this stand is to be a healthy, productive pine-oak stand with the current species diversity maintained or enhanced. The pine-heavy sections of the stand should be thinned to allow more growing space and resources for the residual stand. Where red oak, paper birch, and other desirable hardwoods are more common amongst the pine, a shelterwood establishment cut should be conducted to create favorable conditions for the regeneration of oak, paper birch, and pine.

MARKING GUIDE:

Name of Treatment - Shelterwood Establishment Cut (4131) Residual BA/Ac: 40 – 100 ft2 Acres - see table above

SHORT- AND LONG-TERM OBJECTIVES

The short-term objective is to thin the red pine/white pine areas of the stand by removing high-risk, poor form, and/or suppressed trees in order to provide more growing space for the residual stand. Where the composition is more mixed between pine and oak, a shelterwood seed cut should be implemented in order to create favorable conditions for the regeneration of oak, pine, and birch.

The long-term objective is to maintain a healthy stand of mixed pine and red oak with some diversity in species and structure into the future. Another thinning and/or overstory removal treatment will potentially occur in approximately 10-15 years to release the regenerated cohort.

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 year-round.

• 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.

• Old blue boundary paint may still be visible in some portions of the unit. If encountered, inform the COR so the old paint can be blacked out.

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Baraga II EA TIMBER SALE: Flashback Stewardship PU: 3

There are two primary objectives for this treatment:1) Thin the red pine/white pine dominated areas, & 2) conduct a Shelterwood Establishment Cut where the pine-oak is more mixed.

• For pine areas Thin the red pine and white pine down by about 40% to a residual basal area of 90 to 100 ft2/acre.

o The target residual BA for the pine areas is 90-100 ft2/acre.

o 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.

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

o 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.

• For mixed pine-oak areas conduct a shelterwood establishment cut leaving a variable residual basal area of 40-60 ft2/acre.

o Favor healthy oak, paper birch, red pine, and white pine for retention. These trees should make up majority of residual BA.

o Mark all maple, fir, jack pine, aspen, and other undesirable trees for removal in these areas.

• General guidelines for entire unit:

o Aspen clones should be marked for clearcut to regenerate the clone o 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.

o 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.

o Retain healthy white pine and paper birch if it is encountered.

o The target residual basal area for these units is 40-100 ft2/acre. This residual basal area range represents the likely BA after the pine-heavy areas are thinned and the mixed oak-pine areas have received a shelterwood establishment treatment.

DESIGN CRITERIA AND MITIGATION MEASURES

Highlighted Design Criteria, see Baraga II NEPA for all of the criteria

• To address soil productivity concerns in stands located on droughty or sandy upland sites, slash from cut trees should remain at the stump or be evenly distributed throughout the stand or opening as specified in contract (1e).

• If any raptor nests are found during sale layout or marking, the wildlife biologist should be consulted. Nests will be verified by wildlife biologist to determine if a nest protection area is needed (9b, 9c, 9d).

• When available, retain 2-3 wildlife trees/acre (9j).

• To protect the federally-listed Northern Long-Eared Bat (NLEB), protection zones may be needed if NLEB hibernacula or maternity roosts are present. Consult wildlife biologist if roost trees or hibernacula are encountered (9e).

• 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 (14). If cull trees need to be marked the silviculturist should be notified to look at the risk.

• If any archaeological sites are located during layout or implementation the Archaeologist should be consulted (3g).

POST HARVEST TREATMENTS

FACTS Code Name of Treatment Prescription

4341 Stocking Survey 1St Year Stocking Survey to evaluate the progress of natural regeneration following harvest.

4341 Stocking Survey 3rd Year Stocking Survey to evaluate the progress of natural regeneration following harvest. Assess the need to release jack pine, spruce, and oak regeneration.

4381 Certification of Nat.

Regen without Site Prep

Certification of natural regeneration without site preparation

4511 Tree Release and Weed Release regeneration of oak, pine, and other desirable species from competition.

ACTIVITIES SUMMARY

Year Facts Activity Code Description

0 4131 Shelterwood Establishment Cut 1 4341 1st Year Stocking Survey 3 4341 3rd Year Stocking Survey 3 4383 Certification of Natural Regeneration with site prep.

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Baraga II EA TIMBER SALE: Flashback Stewardship PU: 3

5 4511 Tree Release and Weed

Prepared by: John Bowers

Approved by: John Bowers

Title: Certified Silviculturist

Title: Certified Silviculturist

Date: 4/17/2023

Date: 4/17/2023

OTTAWA NATIONAL FOREST

SILVICULTURAL PRESCRIPTION / MARKING GUIDES

STAND INFORMATION

PU -

District

Type

Cover Type LSC

Year of

Origin Size

Density SI

BA

(ft2/acre)

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Baraga II EA TIMBER SALE: Flashback Stewardship PU: 4

4 - 04 110-3 33 4.1a 17sa3 146B TMV 2 500 1986 6 74’ – red pine

STAND DESCRIPTION

These stands are young red pine plantations established in early to mid-1980s, making them all approximately 35- 40 years old. The stands are dominated by planted red pine, but eastern white pine also commonly occurs.

Occasional jack pine, quaking aspen, paper birch, northern red oak, and maple may also occur. Balsam fir and maple regeneration is common in the understory. Occasional pockets of sub-merch aspen and mixed hardwoods also occur.

Soils in these units are well-drained fine sands. The terrain is gently rolling.

DESIRED CONDITION

The desired conditions for these stands are to be healthy, developing red pine stands with some species diversity.

This will be the first thinning treatment in these stands. Skid trails need to be established through the plantations. Fuel break will be established along the eastern PU boundary. Overstocked conditions should be alleviated. These stands should be left in an operable condition following the timber harvest with skid trails established where necessary.

MARKING GUIDE:

Name of Treatment - Commercial Thinning (4220) Residual BA/Ac: 90-100 ft2 Acres - see table above

SHORT- AND LONG-TERM OBJECTIVES

The short-term objective is to thin the stands by establishing skid trails and removing high-risk trees. These stands should be opened up to allow the remaining trees more growing space, light, and nutrients. This will improve the stand’s growth and vigor over time.

The long-term objective is to maintain a healthy red pine stand with some diversity in species and structure into the future. Another thinning treatment to perpetuate the development of the stand should be performed in 10 to 15 years.

REMARKS

The stands can be accessed off FR-2240.

These units generally have year-round or winter plus dry summer operability.

Contact the Kenton RD Silviculturist if you have questions on this prescription.

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Baraga II EA TIMBER SALE: Flashback Stewardship PU: 4

This will be the first thinning entry into this red pine plantation. The main objectives are establishing skid trails through the plantations to allow for equipment operability and to establishment of a fuel brake along the Forest Boundary. Skid trails should be 14’ wide. There should be a minimum of 28’ between skid trails, but not more than 38’. Skid trails should run as straight as possible.

Fuel Break To create the Fuel Break along the eastern boundary of the PU follow diagram below. Any questions direct them to the Forest Silviculturist or Fuels Planner.

• From the eastern boundary there will be a 20’ strip cleared of all merchantable trees

• Going west from the edge of the 20’ strip a 80’ strip will be marked down to 30 Ft2/Ac with no crowns touching.

• From the edge of the 30 BA strip an additional 100’ will be marked down to a residual BA of 60 Ft2/Ac with no crowns touching.

Outside the Fuel Break

• From the edge of the 60 BA strip follow the marking guide above by establishing skid trails and removing some red pine the exhibits poor health, but the establishment of skid trails is the main priority. In general, the red pine should be thinned by about 40% to a target residual basal area of 90-100 ft2/acre. This may differ slightly with the establishment of rows. Remove less than half of the current basal area. This means that some high-density areas may be left higher than the prescribed residual basal area.

DESIGN CRITERIA AND MITIGATION MEASURES

Highlighted Design Criteria, see Baraga II NEPA for all of the criteria

• To address soil productivity concerns in stands located on droughty or sandy upland sites, slash from cut trees should remain at the stump or be evenly distributed throughout the stand or opening as specified in contract (1e).

• If any raptor nests are found during sale layout or marking, the wildlife biologist should be consulted. Nests will be verified by wildlife biologist to determine if a nest protection area is needed (9b, 9c, 9d).

• When available, retain 2-3 wildlife trees/acre (9j).

• To protect the federally-listed Northern Long-Eared Bat (NLEB), protection zones may be needed if NLEB hibernacula or maternity roosts are present. Consult wildlife biologist if roost trees or hibernacula are encountered (9e).

• 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 (14). If cull trees need to be marked the silviculturist should be notified to look at the risk.

• If any archaeological sites are located during layout or implementation the Archaeologist should be consulted (3g).

POST HARVEST TREATMENTS

FACTS Code Name of Treatment Prescription

ACTIVITIES SUMMARY

Year Facts Activity Code Description

0 4220 Commercial Thinning

Prepared by: Michael Strieter

Approved by: Michael Strieter

Title: Forest Silviculturist

Title: Certified Silviculturist

Date: 6/8/2023

Date: 6/8/2023

OTTAWA NATIONAL FOREST

SILVICULTURAL PRESCRIPTION / MARKING GUIDES

STAND INFORMATION

PU -

District

Type

Cover Type LSC

Year of

Origin Size

Density SI

BA

(ft2/acre)

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Baraga II EA TIMBER SALE: Flashback Stewardship PU: 5 - 13

5 - 04 110-6 14 4.1a 17sa3 144C QAE 2 500 1984 6 68’ – red pine

6 - 04 110-36 14 4.1a 17sa3 17sa3

146B 144C

TMV

QAE 2 500 1982 6

56’ – red pine

7 - 04 110-15 18 4.1a 17sa3 17sa3

146B 144C

TMV

QAE 2 500 1982 6

62’ – red pine

8 - 04 110-37 41 4.1a 17sa3 17sa3

146B 146C

TMV

TMV 2 500 1982 6

62’ – red pine

9 - 04 110-35 40 4.1a 17sa3 146B TMV 2 500 1982 6 60’ – red pine

10 - 04 110-38 43 4.1a 17sa3 146B TMV 2 500 1982 6 62’ – red pine

11 - 04 110-29 26 4.1a 17sa3 146B TMV 2 500 1986 6 - 190

12 - 04 110-31 23 4.1a 17sa3 17sa3

146B 146C

TMV

TMV 2 500 1986 5

75’ – red pine

140-200

13 - 04 110-26 39 4.1a 17sa3 17sa3

146B 146C

TMV

TMV 2 500 1986 5

70’ – red pine

120-170

STAND DESCRIPTION

These stands are young red pine plantations established in early to mid-1980s, making them all approximately 35- 40 years old. The stands are dominated by planted red pine, but eastern white pine also commonly occurs.

Occasional jack pine, quaking aspen, paper birch, northern red oak, and maple may also occur. Balsam fir and maple regeneration is common in the understory. Occasional pockets of sub-merch aspen and mixed hardwoods also occur. Except for PU13, these units have not been thinned before and as result are reaching overstocked conditions. Stand densities generally range between 180-220 ft2/acre. The DBH range for red pine is 6”-12” and the average red pine DBH is ~8”.

PU13 was first thinned approximately 10 years ago in the Sourdough Stewardship sale. It is generally less dense than the other units (110-170 ft2/acre BA), but is approaching overstocked conditions and could benefit from another thinning this entry. PU13 also has scattered pockets of pole-size mixed hardwoods (aspen, paper birch, oak, maple) and pine between 3”-6” in DBH.

Soils in these units are well-drained fine sands classified as Rosseau FS. The terrain is gently rolling.

DESIRED CONDITION

The desired conditions for these stands are to be healthy, developing red pine stands with some species diversity.

This will be the first thinning treatment in these stands. Skid trails need to be established through the plantations. Overstocked conditions should be alleviated. These stands should be left in an operable condition following the timber harvest with skid trails established where necessary.

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Baraga II EA TIMBER SALE: Flashback Stewardship PU: 5 - 13

SHORT- AND LONG-TERM OBJECTIVES

Name of Treatment - Commercial Thinning (4220) Residual BA/Ac: 90-100 ft2 Acres - see table above

The short-term objective is to thin the stands by establishing skid trails and removing high-risk trees. These stands should be opened up to allow the remaining trees more growing space, light, and nutrients. This will improve the stand’s growth and vigor over time.

The long-term objective is to maintain a healthy red pine stand with some diversity in species and structure into the future. Another thinning treatment to perpetuate the development of the stand should be performed in 10 to 15 years.

REMARKS

The stands can be accessed off FR-2240, FR-2248, & FR-2285.

These units generally have year-round or winter plus dry summer operability.

Contact the Kenton RD Silviculturist if you have questions on this prescription.

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Baraga II EA TIMBER SALE: Flashback Stewardship PU: 5 - 13

This will be the first thinning entry into these red pine plantations (except for PU13). The main objective is to establish skid trails through the plantations to allow for equipment operability. Skid trails should be 14’ wide. There should be a minimum of 28’ between skid trails, but not more than 38’. Skid trails should run as straight as possible.

Some red pine on the retained rows can be removed if it exhibits poor health, but the establishment of skid trails is the main priority. In general, the red pine should be thinned by about 40% to a target residual basal area of 90-100 ft2/acre. This may differ slightly with the establishment of rows. Remove less than half of the current basal area.

This means that some high-density areas may be left higher than the prescribed residual basal area.

All high-risk aspen, maple, fir, jack pine, and spruce should be selected for removal. High risk trees are defined as trees that are over-mature or have obvious health issues and are unlikely to survive until the next entry.

Retain healthy white pine and paper birch if it is encountered unless it is impeding row establishment or operability.

In…