Attachment4_Prescriptions.pdf

Tiny G-Z IRSC Fremont-Winema National Forest Page 1 of 12 ATTACHMENT 4 – PRESCRIPTIONS Chemult Ranger District

C2.355# - DESIGNATION BY PRESCRIPTION. (7/22)

Within Subdivision(s) or cutting unit(s) #####, as shown on Contract Area Map, the following criteria describing the desired end results shall be used by Contractor to designate trees and other products for cutting and removal that meet Utilization Standards:

(a) See description on the following pages.

(b) Additional trees to be cut, if any, are Marked by Forest Service with Green tracer paint.

(c) Other trees that shall be left uncut are Marked with Orange tracer paint.

Contractor is not required to mark cut or leave trees meeting the criteria in (a) in advance of felling.

As an operational convenience and upon approval of the Contracting Officer, Contractor may mark leave trees and/or cut trees Contractor identifies in criteria (a). Leave trees may be marked with Contractor’s non-tracer N/A paint. Cut trees may be marked with Contractor’s non-tracer N/A paint. Cut trees shall not be marked with paint applied below stump height. Contractor shall bear all costs associated with such marking.

Forest Service will not approve or accept Contractor’s tree marking in advance of cutting.

Red text shall be updated via modification prior to implementation

Page 2 of 12 ATTACHMENT 4 – PRESCRIPTIONS Chemult Ranger District

DESCRIPTION PURSUANT TO C2.355# - DESIGNATION BY PRESCRIPTION. (7/22)

Definitions: For all trees that meet A.2 log removal specifications

Aspen Clump: At least 5 healthy (white bark with little to no evidence of disease or damage) live aspen trees at least 5 feet tall. Trees are members of the same clump if they are within 30 feet of at least one other tree in the clump.

Clump: a grouping of 2 or more merchantable trees with interacting crowns. Trees are members of the same clump if they are within 20 feet (measured face-to-face) of at least one other tree in the clump.

• Small clump: a clump of 2-4 trees

• Medium clump: a clump of 5-9 trees

• Large clump: a clump of 10-15 trees

Individual Tree: A tree that has no other merchantable tree within 20 feet of its bole.

Mature Tree: A tree classified as greater than 150 years of age as determined using Robert Van Pelt’s guide. See figures below.

Codominant/Dominant Tree: Trees that form, or extend above, the general level of the main canopy (from the Dictionary of Forestry, Society of America Foresters).

Dead or Dying Tree: Tree that does not contain live green foliage or needles. Foliage or needles may be absent, yellow, redo or brown. The tree must contain zero amount of dead needs to be considered dead.

Diameter at Stump Height (DSH): Diameter of a tree measured perpendicular to the stem outside of the bark at 4 inches on the uphill side of the tree.

Diameter at Breast Height (DBH): Diameter of a tree measured at 4.5 feet above the ground on the uphill side of the tree.

Drip Line: The dripline of a tree is defined as the area located directly under the outer circumference of its branches.

Healthy Tree: live tree with little evidence of insects or disease (Dwarf Mistletoe Rating less than 3, few to no insect pitch tubes), with full crowns (at least 30% live crown ratio) and healthy foliage (not thinning or yellowing). Tree is vigorous, meaning the tree is growing, as can be seen by pointy tops and observable internodes.

• See Dwarf Mistletoe Rating diagram (Figure 4).

Unhealthy Tree: An unhealthy tree will generally have some combination of the following characteristics: small crown (less than 30 percent crown ratio), dead top, multiple dead branches in the crown, sparse crown (reduced needle retention giving a tufted appearance), fading coloration of the crown, dwarf mistletoe in upper and middle thirds of the crown, multiple pitch tubes and/or large patches of missing bark.

Suppressed Tree: A tree whose crown is completely overtopped by the crowns of one or more neighboring trees (Dictionary of Forestry, Society of American Foresters). Suppressed trees often have a low crown ratio (less than 30 percent).

Distances are measured slope distance to face of the tree at DSH.

All live conifer trees within the subdivision, including boundary trees, greater than or equal to minimum DBH in A.2 count towards residual stocking.

Page 3 of 12 ATTACHMENT 4 – PRESCRIPTIONS Chemult Ranger District

These specifications apply only to trees that meet the minimum tree diameter stated in A.2.

For all trees that meet A.2 log removal specifications

Subdivisions #####: Dry Ponderosa Pine

End Result: After treatment these areas will have an average stand density of 60 ft2 per acre of basal area and increased variability in the structure and spatial arrangement of the residual trees in the form of individual trees, clumps, openings, and retention patches. The residual area will have an increase in its mean diameter, a reduction in ladder fuels, as well as a shift in composition and structure towards mature trees, larger trees, fire-adapted conifers, and other desirable species.

A basal area factor of 10 will be used to determine stocking compliance.

Residual stocking objectives: Perform these in order; subsequent objectives do not override any before them:

1. Retain all mature trees, orange-marked trees, hardwoods, trees greater than or equal to 21” DBH, and trees greater than or equal to 26” DSH. Because this is the first objective in this list, no other objective can override this requirement.

2. Within 30 feet of healthy mature ponderosa pine and healthy mature sugar pine, cut all conifers.

3. Within 30 feet of healthy 21” DBH and/or 26” DSH or greater ponderosa pine and sugar pine, cut all lodgepole pine and white fir.

4. Within 50 feet of an aspen clump, cut all conifers.

5. Cut all dead and dying trees. Leave 5 dead trees per acre.

6. Thin residual stand to a target basal area of 60 square feet with an acceptable range of 50-70 square feet. Because this is the last objective in this list, previous objectives can override this requirement.

Tree selection objectives:

1. Cut trees shall be selected by thinning from below so that the residual stand will be comprised of healthy dominant and codominant trees. Species preference for leave trees from highest priority to lowest is sugar pine, ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, incense cedar, white fir, and lodgepole pine. White fir and lodgepole pine are the least desirable leave trees.

2. 30% of all residual trees should be individual trees. Acceptable individual tree target is 20-40% of residual trees per acre. See Table 1 for an example of how individual trees should be retained.

3. Leave remaining residual trees as clumps consisting of 2 to 4 ponderosa pine, followed by the most preferred species, throughout the subdivision. Leave tree preference will be given to the healthiest tree first and then preferred species. See Table 1 for an example of how clumps of trees should be retained.

Page 4 of 12 ATTACHMENT 4 – PRESCRIPTIONS Chemult Ranger District

4. Do not leave trees with one-sided crowns. When two or more trees have developed one-sided crowns due to proximity, either cut or retain all to meet the desired stocking level.

Subdivisions #####: Dry Mixed Conifer

End Result: After treatment these areas will have an average stand density of 80 ft2 per acre of basal area and increased variability in the structure and spatial arrangement of the residual trees in the form of individual trees, clumps, openings, and retention patches. The residual area will have an increase in its mean diameter, a reduction in ladder fuels, as well as a shift in composition and structure towards mature trees, larger trees, fire-adapted conifers, and other desirable species.

A basal area factor of 10 will be used to determine stocking compliance.

Residual stocking objectives: Perform these in order; subsequent objectives do not override any before them:

1. Retain all mature trees, orange-marked trees, hardwoods, trees greater than or equal

5. Thin residual stand to a target basal area of 80 square feet with an acceptable range of 60-100 square feet. Because this is the last objective in this list, previous comprised of healthy dominant and codominant trees. Species preference for leave trees from highest priority to lowest is sugar pine, ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, incense

Page 5 of 12 ATTACHMENT 4 – PRESCRIPTIONS Chemult Ranger District

4. Do not leave trees with one-sided crowns. When two or more trees have developed one-

Subdivisions #####: Dry and Moist Lodgepole Pine

End Result: After treatment these areas will have an average stand density of 60 ft2 per acre of basal area and increased variability in the structure and spatial arrangement of the residual trees by creating an uneven-aged multistoried stand with multiple age classes. Both healthy overstory and understory lodgepole pine will be retained, allowing for the presence of multiple cohorts of healthy trees able to replace each other.

A basal area factor of 10 will be used to determine stocking compliance.

Residual stocking objectives: Perform these in order; subsequent objectives do not override any before them:

1. Retain all mature trees, orange-marked trees, hardwoods, trees greater than or equal

5. Cut all dead and dying trees. Leave 5 dead trees per acre

6. Thin residual stand to a target basal area of 60 square feet with an acceptable range of 50-70 square feet. Because this is the last objective in this list, previous

1. Leave trees shall be selected by favoring the healthiest trees across age classes. If species other than lodgepole pine are present, then leave tree preference from highest priority to lowest is sugar pine, ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, incense cedar, lodgepole pine, and white fir.

2. Healthy overstory trees should be favored in general when meeting the basal area target, but when an overstory tree is likely dying, a healthy understory tree may be retained instead. Ideally, when ensuring that multiple age cohorts are retained in the stand, the overstory trees least likely to survive will be removed, retaining and releasing the healthier understory trees to grow freely.

Page 6 of 12 ATTACHMENT 4 – PRESCRIPTIONS Chemult Ranger District

Subdivisions #####: Lodgepole Pine Overstory Removal

End Result: Lodgepole pine will remain the dominant species in these areas. After treatment, these areas will have a multi-aged, multistoried structure consisting of three or more vertical layers. The residual area will have an increase in structural heterogeneity, improved tree vigor, and enhanced resilience to widespread mountain pine beetle mortality and large-scale high-severity fire.

A one-acre grid will be sampled to ensure stocking compliance.

Note: Overstory removal treatments should only be implemented in lodgepole-dominated areas where there are three vertical layers present:

1. An overstory of trees >9” DBH experiencing decline due to age, competition, or disease.

2. An intermediate layer of healthy 4-9” DBH trees capable of recruitment.

3. An understory layer of seedlings and saplings (<4” DBH) ensuring long-term regeneration.

Residual stocking objectives: Perform these in order; subsequent objectives do not override any before them:

1. Retain all mature trees, orange-marked trees, hardwoods, trees greater than or equal

2. Within 50 feet of an aspen clump, cut all conifers.

3. Retain 10-15 large overstory lodgepole pine trees per acre, prioritizing the largest and most vigorous individuals to ensure seed source and structural diversity.

4. Retain 3-5 green wildlife trees per acre. Prioritize large trees with defects such as forks, broken tops, branch platforms, heart rot, burls, internal decay, wounds, or scars.

5. Cut all remaining lodgepole pine greater than 9” DBH.

6. Identify and create openings ranging from .25 to 3 acres where appropriate to encourage natural regeneration. Target areas with high insect and disease activity or undergoing stem exclusion (i.e., single-aged, closed canopy with poor understory development). Openings should not total over 10% of the subdivision area. Cut all conifers within openings.

1. Leave trees shall be selected by favoring the healthiest, most vigorous lodgepole pine for retention. If present, also retain desirable species like ponderosa pine, sugar pine, incense cedar, and Douglas-fir.

2. Prioritize removal of overstory lodgepole pine least likely to survive, allowing healthier intermediate and understory trees to grow freely.

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Subdivisions #####: Plantations

End Result: After treatment these planted stands will have an average stand density of 45 ft2 per acre of basal area. Clumps of trees will be left at their original spacing, providing increased variability in the structure and spatial arrangement of the residual trees in the form of individual trees, clumps, and openings. The residual area will have an increase in its mean diameter, a reduction in ladder fuels, as well as a shift in composition and structure towards mature trees, larger trees, fire-adapted conifers, and other desirable species.

A basal area factor of 10 will be used to determine stocking compliance.

Residual stocking objectives: Perform these in order; subsequent objectives do not override any before them:

1. Retain all mature trees, orange-marked trees, hardwoods, trees greater than or equal

5. Thin residual stand to a target basal area of 45 square feet with an acceptable range of 30-60 square feet. Because this is the last objective in this list, previous comprised of healthy dominant and codominant trees. Species preference for leave trees from highest priority to lowest is sugar pine, ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, incense

Page 8 of 12 ATTACHMENT 4 – PRESCRIPTIONS Chemult Ranger District

Subdivisions #####: Control Feature

End Result: After treatment these areas will have an average stand density of 50 ft2 per acre of basal area and increased variability in the structure and spatial arrangement of the residual trees in the form of individual trees, clumps, and openings. The residual area will have an increase in its mean diameter, a reduction in ladder fuels, as well as a shift in composition and structure towards mature trees, larger trees, fire-adapted conifers, and other desirable species.

A basal area factor of 10 will be used to determine stocking compliance.

Residual stocking objectives: Perform these in order; subsequent objectives do not override any before them:

1. Retain all mature trees, orange-marked trees, hardwoods, trees greater than or equal

5. Cut all dead and dying trees. Leave 5 dead trees per acre.

6. Thin residual stand to a target basal area of 50 square feet with an acceptable range of 40-60 square feet. Because this is the last objective in this list, previous comprised of healthy dominant and codominant trees. Species preference for leave trees from highest priority to lowest is sugar pine, ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, incense

Page 9 of 12 ATTACHMENT 4 – PRESCRIPTIONS Chemult Ranger District

Table 1. Preferences for individual trees and small clumps of trees.

Figure 1. Visual characteristics for determination of mature ponderosa pine trees greater than 150 years old (excerpt from Identifying Old Trees and Forests in Eastern Washinton by Robert Van Pelt).

Individual Tree Single tree – 20 feet away, or more, from others

Small Clump 2 to 4 trees within 20 feet of each other

Created by releasing large and/or mature trees (ponderosa or sugar pine only) where available, or desirable young trees where they are not.

Created by releasing existing large and/or mature trees (ponderosa or sugar pine only) where available or using desirable young trees where they are not.

Page 10 of 12 ATTACHMENT 4 – PRESCRIPTIONS Chemult Ranger District

Figure 2. Visual characteristics for determination of mature Douglas-fir tree greater than 150 years old (excerpt from Identifying Old Trees and Forests in Eastern Washinton by Robert Van Pelt)

Figure 3. Visual characteristics for determination of mature white fir tree greater than 150 years old.

Young or immature trees will have intact canopies, bark fissures less than 2 inches deep, and numerous fine branches less than 1/16” in diameter near the ground.

Mature trees have bark fissures more than 2 inches deep, no fine branches near the ground, and may have multiple tops or extensive mortality in the upper canopy/crown.

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Image 1: Immature white fir Image 2: Mature (>150 yrs) white fir

Image 3: Crown Condition of older white fir Trees

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Figure 4: Dwarf Mistletoe Rating guide.