Attachment E - Rail Bender Specifications.pdf

Rail Bender PR Timber Sale (#51132) – Pori Junction VMP 4/2/2020

SECTION C – DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATION/WORK STATEMENT

C.1 Scope of Contract This contract is for Payment Units (1-8) in the Rail Bender PR Timber Sale. It involves timber marking and volume estimation of approximately 362 acres in Northern Hardwoods forest types, broken down by the following descriptions:

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

except for the common (shared) unit boundaries which will be marked with two slash mark on both sides of the tree above DBH and stump marks. The Forest Service will traverse all units with GPS equipment prior to 6/30/2020, and modifications to estimated acreages will be made at that time. NOTE: Please contact James Pelkola at 906-852-3500 ext 8524032 for clarification.

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

Payment Units 1-8: approximately 362 acres

Uneven aged stands or even-aged stands with uneven-aged or even-aged objectives consisting of a mixture of Northern Hardwood types of various size classes. These stands contain both pulpwood and sawtimber Species/Product/Unit mixes. Marking objectives are to remove trees considered high risk, defective, poor form, or mature and to maintain or develop size class structure with optimum growing stock, per the specific marking instructions.

(2) SAMPLE TREE CRUISING METHOD

Payment Units 1-8: approximately 362 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 (9) 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 KENTON 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: Refer to Marking Guides and Marking Instructions for payment unit specific information.

Attachment E - Rail Bender Marking Contract

C.2 LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION

The Double Bit Marking/Cruising Contract is located on the Kenton Ranger District and consists of 362 acres of hardwood selection.

This sale can be accessed from the following direction:

From M-38, go south on FH-16 for approximately 12 miles. Then, go west on FR 1460 for approximately 2.5 miles. Then, go north on FR 1470 for approximately 1.5 miles to FR 1470-G.

Turn west on FR 1470-G. Sale is on either side of the road.

From M-28 in Kenton, go north on FH-16 for approximately 7 miles. Then, go west on FR 1460 for approximately 2.5 miles. Then, go north on FR 1470 for approximately 1.5 miles to FR 1470-G. Turn west on FR 1470-G. Sale is on either side of the road.

ONF-2400-2 3/1/07 Version

OTTAWA NATIONAL FOREST

SILVICULTURAL PRESCRIPTION / MARKING GUIDES

STAND INFORMATION

PU-

Ranger District

Comp- Stand

Acres MA LTA ELTP

Habitat Type

Cover Type LSC

Year of Origin

Size Density SI BA

1-05 122033 36 2.1 ATD 103C 6 20 500 1926 9 78 135

ATD/TM 98D 6

2-05 122078 58 2.1 ATD/TM 98C 6 84 500 1939 9 62 130

122033 ATD/TM 98D 6 20 500 1926 78

ATD 103C 6

3-05 122054 48 2.1 ATD 103C 6 85 500 1930 9 70 140

122033 ATD 103D 6 20 500 1926 78

122056 20 500 1926 60

4-05 122054 64 2.1 ATD/TM 98C 6 85 500 1930 9 70 90

122078 ATD 103C 6 84 500 1939 62

122079 ATD/TM 98D 6 55 500 1921 55

5-05 122054 50 2.1 ATD 103C 6 85 500 1930 9 70 140

122059 ATD 103D 6 20 500 1926 65

122056 20 500 1926 60

6-05 122054 33 2.1 ATD 103C 6 85 500 1930 9 70 130

122056 ATD 103D 6 20 500 1926 60

7-05 122054 33 2.1 ATD/TM 98B 6 85 500 1930 9 70 170

122079 ATD/TM 98D 6 55 500 1921 55

8-05 122054 40 2.1 ATD/TM 98C 6 85 500 1930 9 70 125

122040 ATD 103C 6 89 500 1928 55

122095 ATD/TM 98D 6 20 500 - -

ATD 211B 14b

TOTAL

ACRES 362

STAND DESCRIPTION

These stands are composed of a variable mix of mature, mixed upland hardwoods and northern hardwoods. A substantial component of large northern red oak occurs throughout many of these stands, particularly in southern portions of PU2, PU4, and PU7. Species compositions across all stands include primarily sugar maple, northern red oak, and eastern hemlock with scattered red maple, yellow birch, and occasional basswood, paper birch, and black cherry. Mature aspen occur sporadically across the stands. Occasional eastern hemlock inclusions occur across the area. A small amount of ironwood is present in the stands.

Stand densities are variable, but generally range between 130 to 190 ft2/acre BA. There are several more dense areas where basal areas exceed 200 ft2/acre. Scattered, less dense areas with basal areas less than 100 ft2/acre also occur. All size classes are fairly well-represented. Diameters at breast height generally range between 6” and 22” and average ~14” for sugar maple. The oak-dominated portions of the stand have an average DBH of 16”, and many large oaks (22”+) occur throughout these areas. There are various amounts of advanced regeneration of sugar maple, red maple, yellow birch, red oak, white pine, and eastern hemlock. PU7 has scattered clumps of aspen regeneration.

These stands occur on upland sites with soils that are well drained and generally sandy to coarse-loamy.

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Pori Junction TIMBER SALE: Railbender PU: All

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 contain considerable percentages of oak, basswood, and black cherry. 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.

SHORT AND LONG TERM OBJECTIVES

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

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

REMARKS

Portions of these stands were cut in the Four Paws sale around the early 2000s. This harvest established advanced regeneration in the understory of these stands that should be released during this harvest.

There may be some relic marking paint from past timber sales in this area that should be blacked out during the marking of the new sale.

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.

MARKING GUIDE:

Name of Treatment - Selection Harvest (4151) Residual BA/Ac 70-80 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 and mixed upland hardwoods. Canopy gaps should generally be approximately 70’-100’ in diameter. There is a good mix of size classes in most stands, with a heavy concentration in the 14”-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. 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 to increase diversity within the stand. Focus on leaving good quality crop trees with good form and improving their growing conditions, especially in the pole-heavy sections of the stand. Favor healthy oak, black cherry, white ash, basswood, yellow birch, paper birch, and eastern hemlock for retention. 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.

In portions of the stand that have higher concentrations of oak, basswood, and black cherry, focus on releasing existing regeneration of these species in the subcanopy from overstory competition. Remove trees on one to two sides to release their crowns. If necessary to achieve BA target and release advanced regeneration, cut a few overstory oaks. Select oaks with suppressed crowns and poor form for removal. Create occasional canopy gaps through the removal of small groups of trees to encourage additional mid-tolerant regeneration to establish. Be sure to mark enough trees to create drop zones for large oaks. Retain any healthy black cherry.

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 for all of the criteria Cull trees should be left for wildlife, do not remove trees with little or no value unless they pose an insect or disease threat to the stand (14). If cull trees need to be marked the silviculturist should be notified to look at the risk.

If any stick nests are found (20) the wildlife biologist should be consulted.

If any archaeological sites are located during layout or implementation the Archaeologist should be consulted (66).

Winter or Dry Summer for most of the units.

Treat aspen inclusions in other forest type to favor aspen (5).

Remove all merchantable ironwood (8) Remove all white spruce 10 inches and greater (9)

POST HARVEST TREATMENTS

FACTS Code Name of Treatment Prescription

4341 Stocking Survey Survey to ensure adequate regeneration of 3200 TPA on 40% 1/1000th ac plots

4341 Stocking Survey Survey to ensure adequate regeneration of 3200 TPA on 40% 1/1000th ac plots

4382 Cert for Naturals wo/SP Enter certification once regeneration goal is met.

ACTIVITIES SUMMARY

Year Facts Activity Code Description 2021 4151 Individual Tree Selection 2022 4341 Stocking Survey 2024 4341 Stocking Survey 2025 4382 Cert for Naturals wo/SP

Prepared by: John Bowers

Approved by: Dave Steffenson

Title: Silviculturist

Title: Certified Silviculturist

Date: 3/30/2020

Date: 3/31/2020

Marking Guides/Cruise Design

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

Estimated Gross Sale Value: ~ $142,877.78

Maximum Sampling Error (Sale): +/- 10% (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 1-8 Hardwood Selection 362

Total Approximate Acres: 362

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

Payment Unit Treatment Approx. Acres 9 ROW Right-of-way clearing – USFS will mark (1)

Instructions

Payment Unit 1-8– Hardwood Selection/Sample Tree Cruising (STR) – ALL merchantable trees to be removed from this Payment Unit require two paint marks at DBH on opposite sides of the tree AND a corresponding stump mark (see specific Marking Instructions for this Payment Unit). Cruise marked trees using the Sample Groups and Sample Intervals below.

Payment Unit 9: 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 9 - road ROW at a later date.

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

Rail Bender PR Timber Sale - #51132 Cruise Design-Strata 1 (Sample Tree Measure)

Sample Group Description DBH Range Sample Interval

A Aspen Pulpwood 5.0” + 1:10 CP Mixed Conifer Pulpwood (Fir, Spruce, White

Pine, Cedar, Hemlock) 5.0” + 1:10

CW Mixed Conifer Sawtimber (Fir, Spruce, Cedar & Hemlock)

9.0” + 1:5

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

11.0” + 1:100

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

5.0” – 10.9” 1:400

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

Maple, Birch, Ash, Oak, Basswood, Elm) 24.0”+ 1:15

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

16.0” – 23.9” 1:50

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

11.0” – 15.9” 1:50

RP Red Pine Pulpwood 5.0” + 1:5 RW Red Pine Sawtimber 9.0” + 1:5 SL Large Sugar Maple Sawtimber 24.0” + 1:15 SM Medium Sugar Maple Sawtimber 16.0” – 23.9” 1:50 SS Small Sugar Maple Sawtimber 11.0” – 15.9” 1:100

WW White Pine Sawtimber 9.0” + 1:5

Prepared by Mitch Ives, Forestry Technician

MINIMUM TREE AND PIECE UTILIZATION STANDARDS

Minimum Tree Specifications

Minimum Piece Specifications

SPECIES PRODUCT DBH (inches) Length (feet)

DIB

(inches)

Minimum Net Scale in % of Gross

Hardwoods (except aspen)

Sawlogs 11.0 8 9.6-11.5 95% 1/

Hardwoods Sawlogs 11.0 8 11.6+ 50% 1/ Softwood Sawlogs 9.0 8 7.6 40 All Species Pulpwood 5.0 8 4.0 70 and reasonably straight 2/

1/ In Timber Sale Contracts, all hardwood sawlogs will use 50% minimum net scale in gross %, due to limitations in TIM. Cruising will use 95% minimum net scale for small diameter logs (9.6 – 11.5 DIB).

2/ Seventy percent applies to rot, voids, and char. Mechanical type defects such as sweep, crook, spider heart, and ring shake will not be considered.

Reasonably straight - When the true line of a minimum length piece does not deviate more than ½ the inside diameter of the small and plus two inches from a straight line drawn between the centers of the ends of a piece.

The maximum deflection allowed is what will fit in a 20-inch cylinder.

A minimum tree must include at least one piece that meets minimum specifications.

** Product heights are now measured to the nearest foot. All heights are measured in feet from the ground on the high side of the stump.

1. Conifers – measure total height (to the tip) in feet and the cruise program will calculate the 4” cut-off.

2. Hardwoods (includes Aspen) – measure the height in feet to the 4” top.

3. Sawtimber – cut-off point or “stoppers” will follow our regular practices. Measure sawtimber height in feet. Secondary product height will be measured as described in item 1 or 2 depending on the species.

4. Default dib’s are already built into the equations;

Pulpwood = 4.0” Sawtimber = 9.6” (hardwood) = 7.6” (mixed conifers, pine)

5. On trees with a broken, dead, or deformed top, record the height to the point where the 4” top or the tip would have been if the tree were still growing normally, then record defect to account for the missing volume.

Marking Prescriptions Written by:

John L. Bowers_______________________ 4-3-2020________________________ John L. Bowers Date Silviculturist

Narrative by:

/s/ Jacklyn Paukert________________________ 4-2-2020__________________________ Jacklyn Paukert, Forestry Technician(TSI) Date

Cruise Design by:

/s/ Mitch Ives______________________________ 4/6/2020__________________________ Mitch Ives, Forestry Technician Date

Reviewed by:

/s/ James K. Pelkola_______________________ 4-4-20_________________________ James K. Pelkola Date Supervisory Forester / TMA (North Zone)

Approved by:

/s/ Barbara C. Van Alstine____________________ 4/2/2020________________________ Barbara C. Van Alstine Date District Ranger

151617

-G

-P

1151-E2

13114

28 27

Newholm Creek

1470-G

1476-G

1470-D

-G

1151-F

1151-D

1470-GG

-G

U SDA - APFO; U SDA - U SFS – GTAC

0 0.25 0.5 0.75 10.125 Miles 1:15,840SAV 4/2/2020

Legend co nstructio n deco m m issio n m a intena nce reco nstructio n Strea m /River Ro a ds ALP Sectio n Ho b o PR Sa le Area Mo sey Do wn PR Sa le Area Ra ilb ender_ PU Ra ilro a d Ra ilb enderSa leBo unda ry W a terb o dy

NON-FS

Ra ilb ender PR T S Area

Regio n 9 Sup erviso r, Fo rest, a nd District o ffices

V icinity Ma p N o t to Sca le

Ra ilb ender PR #51132 Pa ym ent U nit/V icinity Ma p

**EST IMAT ED ACRES**

APPROX IMAT E ACRES

PU

1 - 36 2 - 58 3 - 48 4 - 64 5 - 50 6 - 33 7 - 33 8 - 40 (28+9+3)

9 (ROW ) - 1

T o ta l (1-8) = 362

T 49N R37W Ho ughto n Co unty