ATTACHMENTS.docx

DOCX document 2 MB Posted Aug 3, 2023

Attached to: UPPER SNOWMASS PCT
Solicitation number: DNRC-LimtSol-2024-1004
Issued by: Big Horn County, Montana

About this file

Written by GovTribe AI · May 21, 2025

The document is a detailed Attachment B prescription for the Upper Snowmass Pre-Commercial Thinning (PCT) project in Montana, prepared by Craig V. Nelson on June 27, 2023. The project involves hand thinning across four separate units totaling 126 acres (Units 1-4: 78, 6.5, 40, and 1.5 acres respectively), with specific prescriptions for each unit focused on removing overstocked understory trees, eliminating poor quality trees, decreasing beetle outbreak potential, and reducing fuel ladder concerns. The project requires hand thinning with specific spacing requirements (10-14 foot spacing between understory leave trees), hand piling in roadway-adjacent areas, and bucking and limbing trees to within 18 inches of the ground. Contractors are advised to conduct their own site walk-through prior to bidding, as plot estimates may not precisely reflect actual conditions.

The thinning units contain varied tree species including Douglas-fir, Western larch, Lodgepole pine, Ponderosa pine, Western White Pine, and Engelmann Spruce, with specific cutting and leave tree metrics detailed for each unit. The project includes specific boundary marking instructions (using colored flagging and paint stripes) and special considerations for certain tree species, such as "ghosting" Western White Pine trees with another quality tree species. The project is subject to Montana's Forest Fire Rules and Regulations, which outline extensive safety and fire prevention requirements for equipment, debris burning, campfires, and operational practices during the forest fire season from May 1st to September 30th.

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File	Type	Posted
NON CONSTRUCTION 2023.pdf	PDF	Aug 3, 2023
1165625-event.pdf	PDF	Aug 3, 2023
UPPER SNOWMASS PCT LS FINAL.doc	DOC document	Aug 3, 2023

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Upper Snowmass PCT

ATTACHMENT B

Upper Snowmass PCT Unit 1

Prescription: This is a 78 acre thinning unit. Only hand thinning is accepted. It is moderately heavy stocked with some clumpy areas and presents a concern of future tree growth and species represented in this stand. Conditions are very variable throughout this unit as it includes areas of extremely tight spacing, moderately heavily stocked areas, and openings. It was recently logged.

West boundary all areas adjacent to open roadways of this unit must be handpiled after pre-commercial thinning has been done. This area would be 100 feet in depth. Areas inside that boundary piling area shall be bucked and limbed to within 18 inches of the ground throughout the remainder of the unit. Total acreage of the piling would be approximately 13 acres. This treatment will remove overstocked understory trees, remove poor quality trees, decrease ability for beetle outbreaks, and reduce the fuel ladder concerns. The general spacing between the understory leave trees will be around 14 x 14 foot spacing in areas with multiple leave trees. Overstory trees will not be used in the spacing above, this applies to pre-commercial sized trees. Please see Attachment D for an example of spacing and piling.

Boundary flagging is BLUE SOLID. The painted boundary is marked with THREE BLUE STRIPES. Ownership lines are marked with RED flagging and THREE RED HORIZONTAL PAINT STRIPES

*CONTRACTORS AND OR BIDDERS ARE NOTIFIED THAT ESTIMATES WITHIN THIS CONTRACT WERE ESTABLISHED BY 1/250TH ACRE PLOTS AND MAY OR MAY NOT BE THE CONDITIONS THAT ARE SEEN WITHIN THE THINNING UNITS. YOUR OWN WALK THROUGH IS SUGGESTED AND EXPECTED PRIOR TO BIDDING.

THINNING PROJECT UNIT SUMMARY

Unit Name: Upper Snowmass PCT Unit 1

Acres:	78 acres
Name:	Craig V. Nelson

Date of plots: June 27, 2023

Number of plots:	31
Size of plots:	1/250 ac. (7.45 ft.)
Average slope:	20%

Species

Cut trees / acre

Total cut / total plots Leave trees /acre Total Lv / total plots

Average height of cut trees

Average height of leave trees

Average dbh of cut trees

Average dbh of leave trees

Douglas-fir

548

7’

15’

1.14”

2.56”

Western larch

15’

20’

2”

3”

Lodgepole pine

133

10’

18.3’

1.6”

3.33”

TOTALS

710

113

8.03’

16.4”

1.27”

2.79”

Minimum trees per plot:		0
Number of plots:			11
Maximum trees per acre per plot:	3,000 (3.8’ x 3.8’)
Number of plots:			1
Plots with over 750 trees per acre:	13 (750 TPA spacing; 7.6’ x 7.6’)
Plots with overstory:			0

Upper Snowmass PCT Unit 2

Prescription: This is a 6.5 acre thinning unit. Only hand thinning is accepted. It is moderately heavy stocked with some clumpy areas and presents a concern of future tree growth and species represented in this stand. Conditions are very variable throughout this unit as it includes areas of extremely tight spacing, moderately heavily stocked areas, and openings. It was recently logged.

Areas inside that boundary piling area shall be bucked and limbed to within 18 inches of the ground throughout the remainder of the unit. This treatment will remove overstocked understory trees, remove poor quality trees, decrease ability for beetle outbreaks, and reduce the fuel ladder concerns. The general spacing between the understory leave trees will be around 10 x 10 foot spacing in areas with multiple leave trees. Overstory trees will not be used in the spacing above, this applies to pre-commercial sized trees. Please see Attachment D for an example of spacing and piling.

Boundary flagging is YELLOW / RED CANDY STIPE and PINK / BLACK CHECKER. The painted boundary is marked with ONE ORANGE DOT.

THINNING PROJECT UNIT SUMMARY

Unit Name: Upper Snowmass PCT Unit 2

Acres:	6.5 acres
Name:	Craig V. Nelson

Date of plots: June 27, 2023

Number of plots:	6
Size of plots:	1/250 ac. (7.45 ft.)
Average slope:	20%

Species

Cut trees / acre

Total cut / total plots Leave trees /acre Total Lv / total plots

Average height of cut trees

Average height of leave trees

Average dbh of cut trees

Average dbh of leave trees

Ponderosa pine

Douglas-fir

125

5’

0.67”

Western larch

8’

18’

1”

3”

Lodgepole pine

3,625

167

9’

21.5’

1.41”

3.5”

TOTALS

3,792

250

9.2”

19.3”

1.4”

3.2”

Minimum trees per plot:		2,500
Number of plots:			1
Maximum trees per acre per plot:	4,500 (3.1’ x 3.1’)
Number of plots:			1
Plots with over 750 trees per acre:	6 (750 TPA spacing; 7.6’ x 7.6’)
Plots with overstory:			0

Upper Snowmass PCT Unit 3

Prescription: This is a 40 acre thinning unit. Only hand thinning is accepted. It is moderately heavy stocked with some clumpy areas and presents a concern of future tree growth and species represented in this stand. Conditions are very variable throughout this unit as it includes areas of extremely tight spacing, moderately heavily stocked areas, and openings. It was recently logged.

All areas adjacent to open roadways of this unit must be handpiled after pre-commercial thinning has been done. This area would be 100 feet in depth. Areas inside that boundary piling area shall be bucked and limbed to within 18 inches of the ground throughout the remainder of the unit. Total acreage of the piling would be approximately 5.8 acres. This treatment will remove overstocked understory trees, remove poor quality trees, decrease ability for beetle outbreaks, and reduce the fuel ladder concerns. THIS UNIT CONTAINS WESTERN WHITE PINE. IF THESE TREES ARE ACCEPTABLE, THEY WILL BE “GHOSTED” WITH ANOTHER QUALITY TREE OF ANOTHER SPECIES. THIS WILL BE DISCUSSED WITH THE FORESTER PRIOR TO WORK BEGINNING IN THIS UNIT. The general spacing between the understory leave trees will be around 14 x 14 foot spacing in areas with multiple leave trees. Overstory trees will not be used in the spacing above, this applies to pre-commercial sized trees. Please see Attachment D for an example of spacing and piling.

Boundary flagging is YELLOW / RED CANDY STIPE and PINK / BLACK CHECKER. The painted boundary is marked with ONE ORANGE DOT.

THINNING PROJECT UNIT SUMMARY

Unit Name: Upper Snowmass PCT Unit 3

Acres:	acres
Name:	Craig V. Nelson

Date of plots: June 27, 2023

Number of plots:	24
Size of plots:	1/250 ac. (7.45 ft.)
Average slope:	20%

Species

Cut trees / acre

Total cut / total plots Leave trees /acre Total Lv / total plots

Average height of cut trees

Average height of leave trees

Average dbh of cut trees

Average dbh of leave trees

Ponderosa pine

10’

2”

Douglas-fir

104

5’

6.3’

0.75”

1”

Western larch

104

7’

11.9’

0.95”

2”

Western White Pine

6’

12’

1”

2”

Englemann Spruce

135

7’

19’

0.92”

3.50”

Lodgepole pine

417

9’

14’

1.35”

3”

TOTALS

781

271

7.6’

11.3’

1.15”

2”

Minimum trees per plot:		0
Number of plots:			1
Maximum trees per acre per plot:	3,000 (3.8’ x 3.8’)
Number of plots:			2
Plots with over 750 trees per acre:	13 (750 TPA spacing; 7.6’ x 7.6’)
Plots with overstory:			0

Upper Snowmass PCT Unit 4

Prescription: This is a 1.5 acre thinning unit. Only hand thinning is accepted. It is moderately heavy stocked with some clumpy areas and presents a concern of future tree growth and species represented in this stand. Conditions are very variable throughout this unit as it includes areas of extremely tight spacing, moderately heavily stocked areas, and openings. It was recently logged.

All areas adjacent to open roadways of this unit must be handpiled after pre-commercial thinning has been done. This area would be 100 feet in depth. Areas inside that boundary piling area shall be bucked and limbed to within 18 inches of the ground throughout the remainder of the unit. Total acreage of the piling would be approximately 1 acre. This treatment will remove overstocked understory trees, remove poor quality trees, decrease ability for beetle outbreaks, and reduce the fuel ladder concerns. THIS UNIT CONTAINS WESTERN WHITE PINE. IF THESE TREES ARE ACCEPTABLE, THEY WILL BE “GHOSTED” WITH ANOTHER QUALITY TREE OF ANOTHER SPECIES. THIS WILL BE DISCUSSED WITH THE FORESTER PRIOR TO WORK BEGINNING IN THIS UNIT. The general spacing between the understory leave trees will be around 14 x 14 foot spacing in areas with multiple leave trees. Overstory trees will not be used in the spacing above, this applies to pre-commercial sized trees. Please see Attachment D for an example of spacing and piling.

Boundary flagging is YELLOW / RED CANDY STIPE and PINK / BLACK CHECKER. The painted boundary is marked with ONE ORANGE DOT.

THINNING PROJECT UNIT SUMMARY

Unit Name: Upper Snowmass PCT Unit 4

Acres:	acres
Name:	Craig V. Nelson

Date of plots: June 27, 2023

Number of plots:	24
Size of plots:	1/250 ac. (7.45 ft.)
Average slope:	20%

Species

Cut trees / acre

Total cut / total plots Leave trees /acre Total Lv / total plots

Average height of cut trees

Average height of leave trees

Average dbh of cut trees

Average dbh of leave trees

Douglas-fir

375

125

6’

9’

0.83”

1.5”

Western larch

125

14’

2”

Lodgepole pine

125

19’

3.5”

TOTALS

625

250

10.2’

11.5’

1.6”

1.75”

Minimum trees per plot:		750
Number of plots:			2
Maximum trees per acre per plot:	1,000 (6.6’ x 6.6’)
Number of plots:			2
Plots with over 750 trees per acre:	2 (750 TPA spacing; 7.6’ x 7.6’)
Plots with overstory:			0

UPPER SNOWMASS PCT

ATTACHMENT C

FOREST FIRE RULES & REGULATIONS

These rules apply to all activities on all classified forest lands within Montana during the legal Forest Fire Season, including any extension thereof (see 77-5-103(3), 76-11-101, 76-13-102(7), and 76-13-109 MCA). Reference also ARM 36.10.119 through 132.

Related State statute numbers are provided as a reference

RULE I - DEBRIS BURNING

1. The person conducting the burn shall obtain written authorization from the recognized fire protection agency before igniting any open fire during the legal forest fire season (required by 76-13-121 MCA). The recognized fire protection agency may deny, restrict, or rescind any authorization by notifying the person conducting the burn.

2. All burning must comply with the Department of Environmental Quality or State/county/local open burning regulations.

3. Written authorization is not required for campfires.

RULE II - CAMPFIRES

1. Campfires cannot be left unattended and must be completely extinguished (see 76-13-123 MCA).

2. All campfires must be constructed in cleared or bare areas, and not allowed to spread beyond the established ring, pit, grate, or container.

3. Anyone igniting a campfire is required to have fire tools listed in Rule VIII (4).

RULE III - RAILROADS AND POWERLINES

Railroad and powerline companies are required to prepare and annually update working agreements with recognized fire protection agencies. These agreements must stress safety and fire response procedures; and identify, remove, prevent, modify, abate, or correct forest fire hazards and risks associated with railroad and powerline company operations (see 69-14-721 MCA).

RULE IV - EQUIPMENT

1.	All internal combustion engines must be equipped with an approved and effective spark-arresting system, as established in the National Wildfire Coordinating Group’s Spark Arrester Guides. Spark-arresting devices must be marked, properly installed, and maintained in accordance with the Guides. The following vehicles are exempt:
a.	automobiles and light trucks of less than 23,000 GVW when all exhaust gases pass through a properly installed and maintained exhaust system, baffle-type muffler, and tailpipe. Vehicles with glass-pack mufflers do not qualify for the exemption.
b.	heavy-duty trucks of 23,000 GVW or greater, with a muffler and vertical stack exhaust system extending

above the cab.

c. vehicles with other spark-arresting systems providing equal or increased effectiveness. Such vehicles must be inspected and have written authorization from the recognized fire protection agency.

2. Equipment used for commercial, ranching, or industrial activities must meet the fire extinguisher and tool requirements listed in Rule VIII (5).

RULE V - FLAMING AND GLOWING SUBSTANCES

1. All flaming and glowing substances, including but not limited to, lighted cigarettes, cigars, ashes, and matches, must be extinguished before being discarded (see 76-13-124 MCA).

2. Smoking is allowed only at areas free of flammable or combustible material. Examples of these areas include a graveled road or an enclosed vehicle.

RULE VI - FIREWORKS

Use of fireworks is prohibited on all classified forest lands unless written authorization is obtained from the recognized fire protection agency. Authorization will only be considered between June 24 and July 5, inclusive, to coincide with the legal dates for the sale of fireworks in Montana (see 50-37-106 MCA).

RULE VII - WILDLAND/URBAN INTERFACE

1. County governments without subdivision wild-fire protection standards are encouraged to establish standards for all new subdivisions by January 1, 2000.

2. The Fire Protection Guidelines for Wildland/Residential Interface Development (DSL/DOJ, 1993) is available for use to assist counties in the development of standards.

RULE VIII - FIRE EXTINGUISHERS AND FIREFIGHTING TOOLS

1. Chainsaw operators shall carry a fully charged and operable fire extinguisher, minimum-capacity 8-ounce liquid or 1-pound dry chemical, with a 4BC or higher rating.

2.	Vehicles and equipment, mobile or stationary, with a combustion engine/motor used for commercial, ranching, or industrial activities must have one operable, dry-chemical fire extinguisher with a minimum 2-1/2 -pound capacity and 4BC or higher rating.
3.	Chainsaw operators shall maintain one usable shovel at chainsaw-fueling sites.
4.	All persons or parties igniting a campfire shall have one usable shovel and bucket. Persons igniting a barbecue need not have a shovel or bucket if the ashes are not removed from the container and the ashes or container are not placed on or near combustible material.
5.	All commercial, ranching, or industrial activities must have:
a.	one usable shovel or pulaski with each vehicle and equipment with an internal combustion engine/motor, mobile or stationary.

b. one backpack pump with each vehicle and with any equipment, used off road, mobile or stationary, with an internal combustion engine/motor, that cannot be used to build fireline and is being operated on combustible material.

6. Other types of firefighting tools that provide increased efficiency or effectiveness may be substituted by written authorization from the recognized fire-protection agency. For example, a combi firefighting tool may be substituted for a shovel or pulaski.

RULE IX - FOREST ACTIVITY RESTRICTIONS

In areas designated by public proclamation by the administrator, division of forestry, as areas of high fire hazard, the administrator may request all persons, firms, or corporations present or engaged in any activity in the areas to voluntarily cease operations or to adjust working hours to less critical periods of the day. In the event such a request is refused, the administrator may issue a written order directing compliance.

RULE X - FOREST CLOSURE

1. During periods of dangerous fire conditions, no person may enter or be upon those forest lands designated by public proclamation by the governor of the state of Montana as areas of dangerous fire hazard except under written permit issued by a recognized agency.

2. Permits to enter upon such areas during the closure may be issued by the recognized agency upon a showing of real need by the applicant. Permits may be issued to those persons having actual residence as a permanent or principal place of abode in the forest lands designated or to persons engaged in non-fire hazardous employment.

3. However, no permit may be required of persons engaged in either firefighting, fire prevention, or law enforcement who are engaged in official business.

RULE XI - CORRECTION OF HAZARD AND UNUSUAL CIRCUMSTANCES OR EVENTS

The recognized fire-protection agency may require identified wildland-fire hazards and/or risks be halted, prevented, abated, removed, disposed of, mitigated, or patrolled. This applies to public, private, nonprofit, commercial, and/or residential circumstances or events.

RULE XII - REQUEST FOR REVIEW

If any operator believes that in his case any requirement of a recognized agency is excessive, the operator may request the administrator, division of forestry, to review the requirements. If in the opinion of the administrator any or all are not necessary in the interest of public safety, he may make such changes as he considers advisable.

RULE XIII - DEFINITIONS

Backpack Pump: 5-gallon minimum; standard galvanized metal, fiberglass, or rubberized backpack water container with attached handpump; full of water at all times.

Bucket: Metal, plastic, canvas, or fiberglass container capable of holding at least one gallon of water. Motorcycle helmets qualify.

Campfire: means a fire set for cooking, warming, or ceremonial purposes; not more than 3 feet in diameter or height;

void of overhanging branches; with all combustible material cleared at least 1-1/2 times the diameter of the fire; or a barbecue in a noncombustible container.

Combi Tool: A tool combining a shovel and pick.

Fireworks: As defined in 50-37-101 MCA.

Forested Land: As defined in 76-13-102 MCA and 36.10.101 ARM.

Hazard: Condition that promotes the ignition and/or spread of a wildland fire.

Open Fire: The burning of a bonfire, rubbish fire, or other fire in an outdoor location where fuel being burned is not contained in a closed incinerator, or outdoor fireplace. Barbecue pits and burn barrels are considered open fires and therefore require a burning permit (Rule I).

Pulaski: An ax with a medium size sharp grub hoe opposite the ax blade.

Recognized Fire-Protection Authority: An agency organized for the purpose of providing fire protection and recognized by the board as giving adequate fire protection to forest lands in accordance with rules adopted by the board.

Risk: Action or device that could cause a wildland fire to ignite.

Shovel: Vehicle, equipment, and chainsaw operator shovels will have a minimum overall length of 36 inches with a round pointed shovel head with a minimum width of 6 inches. Shovels required for campfires must be at least 24-inches in length with a pointed shovel head. Folding handles qualify.

RULE XIV - APPLICABILITY

The forest fire rules, Rule I through Rule XIII, (ARM 36.10.119 through 30.10.132) are in effect each year on classified forest land during the forest fire season May 1st to September 30th inclusive, or any legal extension thereof. Requirements pertaining to motor vehicles do not apply to those being operated solely on roads that are a part of federal or State maintained highway systems or on any paved public road.

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File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated May 20, 2025.