Attachment G - Fox Fire Specifications.pdf

Fox Fire Timber Sale (#41335) – Red Pine/Aspen VMP 03/26/2020

SECTION C – DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATION/WORK STATEMENT

C.1 Scope of Contract This contract is for Payment Units (1-7) in the Fox Fire Timber Sale. It involves timber marking and volume estimation of approximately 109 acres in Aspen and Red Pine forest types, broken down by the following descriptions:

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

Payment Units 1-7: approximately 109 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.

(2) SAMPLE TREE CRUISING METHOD

Payment Units 1-7: approximately 109 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 (8) 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. GREEN paint has been designated for this sale.

NOTE: USFS will mark any and all Leave Trees.

NOTE: Refer to Marking Guides and Marking Instructions for payment unit specific information.

Attachment G- Fox Fire Marking Contract

C.2 LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION

The Fox Fire Marking/Cruising Contract is located on the Kenton Ranger District and consists of 109 acres of aspen clearcuts.

This sale can be accessed from the following direction:

From the Kenton Office on M-28, travel approximately 2 miles west to Old M-28. Turn right on Old M-28 for approximately 0.5 miles to FR 950 and head north. The 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

(ft2/acre)

1 - 04 99-26 3 3.1A 19M 84B TMC/TMV 91 500 1920 65 150

19M 235B TMV-C

2 – 04 99-11 23 3.1A 19M 68B AQV 95 500 1930 55 110

19M 68C AQV

19M 122A FI

3 – 04 99-21 21 3.1A 19M 235B TMV-C 91 500 1930 65 110

99-11 19M 68B AQV 95 55

4 – 04 99-14 16 3.1A 19M 84B TMC/TMV 91 500 1930 65 120

5 – 04 100-27 13 3.1A 19M 84B TMC/TMV 91 500 60 100

19M 229 FMC

6 – 04 100-11 10 3.1A 19M 235B TMV-C 91 500 1910 60 160

7 – 04 100-10 25 3.1A 19i 217A TTP 91 500 1972 60 130

99-17 19M 235B TMV-C 1945 70

19M 84B TMC/TMV

TOTAL

ACRES

STAND DESCRIPTION

These stands feature an overstory of declining, over-mature aspen and paper birch with scattered large eastern white pine and red pine. Red maple, balsam fir, and white spruce occur throughout the midstory, as well as, an occasional tamarack. Several of the overstory white pine and red pine are quite large (18”-22”+) and likely legacy trees from prior to the last harvest in this area. There are pockets throughout the stands (mostly PU2, PU3, & PU6) where pole-size eastern white pine (4”-8”) and bursts of white pine regeneration occur. PU5 and PU6 contain a slightly higher percentage of red pine than other stands in the sale area, including a small inclusion of planted red pine (8”-16” DBH) in the northeast corner of the PU5. The overstory aspen component throughout these stands is declining and falling out. Densities vary throughout the stands, but generally range between 100 to 150 ft2/acre BA.

Aspen BA ranges between 30-70 ft2/acre. Aspen diameters range between 8” – 18”, with an average DBH of 12”.

Soils are mostly sandy with some areas of sandy-clay. The majority of these stands occur on moderately well-drained to well-drained soils, but portions of PU7 are more poorly drained.

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Aspen EA TIMBER SALE: Fox Fire PU: All

DESIRED CONDITION

The desired condition is a variable stand with large areas of young, dense aspen seedlings averaging a density of ~3200 trees per acre amongst advanced white pine and red pine regeneration, with scattered healthy white pine and red pine occurring occasionally throughout the overstory. The areas of the stands that are heavier to red pine should be left intact and thinned to encourage the growth and development of the residual stand.

SHORT AND LONG TERM OBJECTIVES

The short term objective is to remove most of the material from the site and regenerate the aspen component, while promoting as existing pine regeneration as possible and retaining some of the overstory white pine/red pine legacy structure.

The long term objective is develop a mature aspen stand with a component of eastern white pine, red pine, and paper birch. Some overstory white pine and red pine will hopefully persist into the next stand, providing additional structural diversity.

REMARKS

Some of this area was previously harvested in the Cabin Pole TS.

A legacy eagle nest occurs near PU1.

The Davidson Lake Hunter-Walking Trail system occurs immediately to the north of this sale area.

This prescription was written to allow maximum flexibility on the ground to the timber marker. The overall goal is to regenerate aspen while promoting existing white pine/red pine regeneration and retaining some of the overstory white pine/red pine legacy structure. If you have any questions, please contact Kenton Ranger District Silviculturist.

MARKING GUIDE:

Name of Treatment - Clearcut

Residual BA/Ac: < 10 ft2/acre

Acres - see above

The objective is to remove most of the trees from the site and regenerate a new aspen stand, while retaining some existing pockets of white pine and red pine advanced regeneration to allow it to progress into the future stand. Areas with higher overstory percentages of red pine and white pine than aspen should be thinned down to 80-90 ft2/acre BA. Mark all aspen and other high risk or poor health trees, regardless of species, for removal.

Reserve groups can be left amongst the aspen and should be composed of healthy white pine, red pine, and paper birch. Try to target reserve groups for the occasional pocket of pole-size white pine (4”-8” DBH), especially in PU2, PU3, & PU6. An occasional large, healthy overstory white pine or red pine can be left. Reserve groups and trees should not exceed 10% of the area.

The section of red pine plantation in PU5 should be thinned by 40% of current BA to approximately 90-100 ft2/acre BA. Mark enough trees for removal here to ensure operability during the timber harvest.

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

ACTIVITIES SUMMARY

Year Facts Activity Code Description 2021 4113 Clearcut 2022 4341 Stocking Survey 2024 4341 Stocking Survey 2025 4382 Cert for Naturals wo/SP

Prepared by: John Bowers

Reviewed by: Dave Steffenson

Reviewed by:

Approved by:

Title: Silviculturist

Title: Certified Silviculturist

Title:

Title:

Date: 3-25-2020

Date: 3-26-2020

Date:

Date:

Marking Guides/Cruise Design

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

Estimated Gross Sale Value: ~ $55,721.45

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

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

Payment Unit Treatment Approx. Acres

1-7 Aspen Clearcut 109 Total Approximate Acres: 109

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

Payment Unit Treatment Approx. Acres

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

Instructions

Payment Units 1-7- 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 Unit 8: 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.

Fox Fire Timber Sale (#41335) – Red Pine/Aspen VMP 3/26/2020

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

* USFS personnel will be marking Payment Unit 8 - 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. GREEN paint has been designated for this sale.

Fox Fire Timber Sale - #41335 Cruise Design-Strata 1 (Sample Tree Measure)

Sample Group Description DBH Range Sample Interval

AL Large Aspen Pulpwood 18.0” + 1:50 AM Medium Aspen Pulpwood 11.00”-17.99” 1:300 AS Small Aspen Pulpwood 5.0” – 11.00” 1:150 CP Mixed Conifer Pulpwood (Fir, Spruce, White

Pine, Cedar, Hemlock) 5.0” + 1:200

CW Mixed Conifer Sawtimber (Fir, Spruce, Cedar

& Hemlock) 9.0” + 1:15

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

11.0” + 1:30

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

5.0” – 10.99” 1:400

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

11.00”+ 1:20

SW Sugar Maple Sawtimber 11.00”+ 1:5 JP Jack Pine Pulpwood 5.0”+ 1:5 PP Red Pine Pulpwood 5.0”+ 1:5

RW Red Pine Sawtimber 9.00”+ 1:5 WW White Pine SawTimber 9.0” + 1:50

Prepared by David Vogt, Forestry Technician

MINIMUM TREE AND PIECE UTILIZATION STANDARDS

Minimum Tree Specifications

Minimum Piece Specifications

SPECIES PRODUCT DBH (inches) Length (feet)

DIB

(inches)

Minimum Net Scale in % of Gross

Hardwoods (except aspen)

Sawlogs 11.0 8 9.6-11.5 95% 1/

Hardwoods Sawlogs 11.0 8 11.6+ 50% 1/

Softwood Sawlogs 9.0 8 7.6 40 All Species Pulpwood 5.0 8 4.0 70 and reasonably straight 2/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Marking Prescriptions Written by:

/s/ John L. Bowers______________________ 03/27/2020____________________ John L. Bowers Date Silviculturist

Narrative by:

/s/ Jacklyn Paukert__________________________ 03/30/2020_________________________ Jacklyn Paukert, Forestry Technician(TSI) Date

Cruise Design by:

David Vogt_________________________________ 03/31/2020____________________________ David Vogt, Forestry Technician Date

Reviewed by:

/s/ James K. Pelkola________________________ 03/26/2020__________________________ James K. Pelkola Date Supervisory Forester / TMA (North Zone)

Approved by:

/s/ Barbara C. Van Alstine____________________ 03/27/2020__________________________ Barbara C. Van Alstine Date District Ranger

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Ea s t Bra nc h O ntona gon Rive r

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FDR950

MI-28

O L D M28

MI-28 MI-28

O L D M28

FD

R9

FDR1100

FDR955

FDR820

FDR826

FDR958

FD

R9

FDR953

FDR930 U SDA - APFO; U SDA - U SFS – RSAC

²0 0.25 0.5 0.75 10.125 Mile s

JL P 5/19/2020

Legend Exclus ion FoxFire PU FoxFire Sa le Bound a ry Roa d

OWNERCLASSIFICATION

NON-FS

R9 OTT up_s e c tions

X R9 OTT Corne rs NHD Flowline

Te xtTe xt

Approxim a te Ac re s 1 - 3 (2+1) 2 - 24 (14+10) 3 - 21 (17+4) 4 - 15 5 - 11 6 - 10 7 - 25 (15+10)

8 (ROW) - 1

Tota l (1-7) = 109

Fox Fire TS #41335

1:15,840

Houghton County T47N R37W

Re gion 9 Supe rvis or, Fore s t, a nd Dis tric t offic e s

Fox Fire Sa le Are a Bound a ry

V ic inity Ma p Not to Sc a le