C04_12363N26Q4181Attachment4_Prescriptions.pdf

Corral G-Z IRSC

Fremont-Winema National Forest Bly Ranger District ATTACHMENT 4 – PRESCRIPTIONS

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.

Green text shall be updated via modification prior to implementation

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

Definitions:

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.

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 American Foresters).

Dead Tree: Tree that does not contain live green foliage or needles. Foliage or needles may be absent, yellow, red or brown.

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.

For all trees that meet A.2 log removal specifications

Subdivisions #####: Dry Ponderosa Pine

End Result: After treatment, these stands will have an 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 stands 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 five-needled pine, hardwoods, orange-marked trees, mature trees (see figures below), and ponderosa pine and incense-cedar ≥26” DSH. Because this is the first objective in this list, no other objective can override this requirement.

2. Retain at least 15-20% of the area within the stand as wildlife retention areas ranging from ¼ acre to 5 acres in size (See Attachment 2 – Design Features and Attachment 5 – Project Design Criteria for specifications regarding the placement and layout of wildlife retention areas).

3. Remove all western juniper.

4. Within 30 feet of healthy ponderosa pine and five-needled pine, cut all lodgepole pine and white fir.

5. Within 50 feet of an aspen clump, thin to 30 square feet per acre basal area, with an acceptable range of 20-40 ft2 per acre. Five-needled pine and ponderosa pine ≥26” DSH count towards residual BA within these buffers.

6. Where timber units overlap with Cut, Skid, Deck – Control Features, thin trees to a residual BA of 40 ft2 per acre, with an acceptable range from 30-50 ft2 per acre.

Five-needled pine and ponderosa pine ≥26” DSH count towards residual BA within Control Features.

7. Where current conditions are at ≤ 20 square feet per acre basal area of ≥ 26” DSH ponderosa pine, thin stand to a target basal area of 50 square feet per acre with an acceptable range of 30-70 square feet per acre, not counting ≥ 26” DSH ponderosa pine towards target basal area. Where current conditions are at ≥ 30 square feet per acre BA of ≥ 26” DSH ponderosa pine, thin stand to a target basal area of 30 square feet per acre with an acceptable range of 20-50 square feet per acre, not counting ≥ 26” DSH ponderosa pine towards target basal area. 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 ponderosa pine, incense-cedar, white fir, and lodgepole pine.

2. 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.

3. Trees selected for retention shall be healthy and vigorous, not suppressed, deformed, or show signs of insect or disease such as mountain pine beetle. Leave trees shall be at least 9” DBH for ponderosa pine, and 7” DBH for all other species.

4. 30% of all residual trees shall 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.

5. Leave remaining residual trees as clumps consisting of healthy ponderosa pine, or the most-preferred species available, throughout the subdivision. Leave tree selection shall prioritize tree health over species.

Subdivisions #####: Dry Mixed Conifer

End Result: After treatment these stands 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 stands will have an increase in 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 five-needled pine, orange-marked trees, hardwoods, mature trees (see figures below), and ponderosa pine and incense-cedar ≥26” DSH. Because this is the first objective in this list, no other objective can override this requirement.

2. Retain at least 15-20% of the area within the stand as wildlife retention areas ranging from ¼ acre to 5 acres in size (See Attachment 2 – Design Features and Attachment 5 – Project Design Criteria for specifications regarding the placement and layout of wildlife retention areas).

3. Within 30 feet of healthy ponderosa pine and five-needled pine, cut all lodgepole pine

<26” DSH, and all white fir.

4. Where timber units overlap with Cut, Skid, Deck – Control Features, thin trees to a residual BA of 40 ft2 per acre, with an acceptable range from 30-50 ft2 per acre.

5. Thin residual stand to a target basal area of 60 ft2 per acre of basal area with an acceptable range of 50-70 ft2 per acre. Because this is the last objective in this list, previous objectives can override this requirement.

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: ponderosa pine, incense-cedar, white fir, and lodgepole pine.

2. 30% of all residual trees shall 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 healthy trees, 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.

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 #####: Moist 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 five-needled pine, orange-marked trees, hardwoods, mature trees (see figures below), and ponderosa pine and incense-cedar ≥26” DSH. Because this is the first objective in this list, no other objective can override this requirement.

2. Retain at least 15-20% of the area within the stand as wildlife retention areas ranging from ¼ acre to 5 acres in size (See Attachment 2 – Design Features and Attachment 5 – Project Design Criteria for specifications regarding the placement and layout of wildlife retention areas).

3. Within 30 feet of healthy ponderosa pine and five-needled pine, cut all lodgepole pine

<26” DSH, and all white fir.

4. Where timber units overlap with Cut, Skid, Deck – Control Features, thin trees to a residual BA of 40 ft2 per acre, with an acceptable range from 30-50 ft2 per acre.

5. Thin residual stand to a target basal area of 80 ft2 per acre of basal area with an acceptable range of 70-90 ft2 per acre. Because this is the last objective in this list, previous objectives can override this requirement.

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: ponderosa pine, incense-cedar, white fir, and lodgepole pine.

2. 30% of all residual trees shall 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 healthy trees, 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.

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 #####: Cut, Skid, Deck: Control Feature

End results: Reduce fuel loading and change spatial arrangement of fuels to create green fuel breaks. Increased representation of fire-resistant species through selective removal of fire-intolerant species.

Project description: Thin submerchantable trees and remove ladder fuels within control features. Control Features are measured either 500 feet off the road on each side, or, where not associated with a road, 1000’ in total width. All control features are shown on the Contract Area Map.

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

1) Retain all hardwoods, five-needled pines, mature trees (see figures below), orange-marked trees, and ponderosa pine and incense-cedar ≥26” DSH.

2) Fell all snags within 1.5 tree lengths of a road generally, or within 2 tree lengths of a road on uphill slopes, except those which Contractor determines cannot be felled safely. Retain all other snags unless felling is required for operational safety. Leave felled snags >20” DBH in the unit, but remove all other felled snags to landing piles.

3) Remove all western juniper >2” DBH.

4) Remove all white fir and lodgepole pine >2” DBH within 30’ of a healthy, mature ponderosa pine.

5) Remove all ponderosa pine 2-8.9” DBH and all incense-cedar 2-6.9” DBH within

30’ of a healthy, mature ponderosa pine.

6) In areas with residual merchantable trees, remove all white fir and lodgepole pine between 2-6.9” DBH, and thin ponderosa pine and incense-cedar between 2- 6.9” DBH to a variable spacing ranging from 30 x 30 to 40 x 40 feet, with an average spacing of 35 x 35 feet.

7) In areas with no residual merchantable trees, thin sub-merchantable trees to a variable spacing ranging from 20 x 20 to 30 x 30 feet, with an average spacing of 25 x 25 feet.

Cut trees shall be completely severed from the stump after felling. Stump height shall not exceed six (6) inches above ground level, or four (4) inches above natural obstacles, such as large rocks.

Tree selection criteria:

a) Species preference for retention in descending order: ponderosa pine, incense-cedar, white fir, lodgepole pine.

b) If all leave trees are the same species, preference shall be given to the largest, healthiest tree.

Slash Treatment Specifications: Whole-tree yard cut trees that are less than A.2 specifications to approved landing locations. Machine pile all cut trees and slash at least three inches diameter and three feet in length. Refer to provision C6.74# - Slash Treatment Requirements for pile location, size and arrangement in Appendix B.

Within the Control Features, there are pre-existing slash piles from previous timber removals. Move the slash from these old piles to new landing piles constructed as part of operations for Corral G-Z IRSC.

Subdivisions #####: Cut, Skid, Deck: Timber Units

End results: Reduction of ladder fuels and understory density in order to reduce risk of catastrophic wildfire. Shift in understory species composition towards historical conditions by reducing competition between fire-intolerant species and fire-adapted species.

Project description:

Perform these in order; subsequent objectives do not override any before them. These items apply only to trees below minimum merchantable specs (see Section A.2, Appendix B):

1) Retain all hardwoods, five-needled pines, mature trees (see figures below), orange-marked trees, and ponderosa pine and incense-cedar ≥26” DSH.

2) Remove all western juniper >2” DBH.

3) Remove all white fir and lodgepole pine 2-6.9” DBH within 10 ft. of a road.

4) Remove all white fir and lodgepole pine 2-6.9” DBH within 1.5 driplines of a healthy, merchantable leave tree.

5) Remove all white fir and lodgepole pine 2-6.9” DBH within 15’ of a healthy, sub-merchantable ponderosa pine (<9” DBH) and incense-cedar (<7” DBH).

6) Thin remaining 2-6.9” DBH white fir and lodgepole pine to a minimum spacing of

20’ x 20’.

7) Within 10 feet of a road, thin 2-8.9” DBH ponderosa pine and 2-6.9” DBH incense-cedar to a minimum spacing of 20’ x 20’.

Tree selection objectives:

a) Species preference for retention in descending order: ponderosa pine, incense- cedar, white fir, lodgepole pine.

Cut trees shall be completely severed from the stump after felling. Stump height shall not exceed six (6) inches above ground level, or four (4) inches above natural obstacles, such as large rocks.

least three inches diameter and three feet in length. Refer to provision C6.74# - Slash Treatment Requirements for pile location, size and arrangement in Appendix B.

Subdivisions #####: Cut, Skid, Deck: Plantations

End Result: Plantations will have their average spacing increased, improving health and growth of residual trees, and reducing ladder fuels.

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

1. Retain all mature trees (see figures below), orange-marked trees, hardwoods, and ponderosa pine greater than or equal to 26” DSH. Because this is the first objective in this list, no other objective can override this requirement.

2. Remove all western juniper >2” DBH.

3. Remove all lodgepole pine and white fir >2” DBH within 1.5 driplines of healthy ponderosa pine, or within 10 ft. of a road.

4. Thin ponderosa pine to average of 21 x 21 feet (96 TPA), with an acceptable range from

15 x 15 to 25 x 25 feet.

Tree selection objectives:

a. Select leave trees based on (1) health, (2) crown class, (3) stem form, (4) live crown ratio, and (5) diameter class, in that order. Favor leave trees that are healthy, dominant/co-dominant, lack sweeps or forks, have ≥40% live crown, and meet A.2 log specs, where possible. Prioritize retaining high-quality crop trees over maintaining exact spacing.

b. Species preference: ponderosa pine, incense-cedar, white fir, and lodgepole pine.

least three inches diameter and three feet in length. Refer to provision C6.74# - Slash Treatment Requirements for pile location, size and arrangement in Appendix B.

Subdivisions #####: Cut, Skid, Deck: Natural Stands

End Results: Reduce competition, stand density, and ladder-fuels to increase forest stand health and resistance to catastrophic high-severity fire.

Project Description:

1. Retain all mature trees (see figures below), orange-marked trees, hardwoods, five-needled pine, and ponderosa pine and incense-cedar greater than or equal to 26” DSH.

Because this is the first objective in this list, no other objective can override this requirement.

2. Remove all western juniper >2” DBH.

3. Remove all conifers greater than or equal to 2” DBH, up to minimum merchantable specs, from within 1.5 driplines of a healthy, mature ponderosa pine (see figures below for how to identify a mature ponderosa pine).

4. Where live overstory trees are present, thin conifers greater than or equal to 2” DBH, up to minimum merchantable specs, to a variable spacing ranging from 25 X 25 to 35 X 35 feet, with an average spacing of 30 x 30 feet.

5. Where no live overstory trees are present, thin conifers greater than or equal to 2” DBH, up to minimum merchantable specs, to a variable spacing ranging from 15 X 15 to 25 X 25 feet, with an average spacing of 20 x 20 feet.

a) Species preference for retention in descending order: ponderosa pine, incense-cedar, white fir, lodgepole pine, and western juniper.

b) If all leave trees are the same species, preference shall be given to the largest, healthiest tree.

c) A clump of 10-20 trees shall be left every 3 acres to increase variability in spatial arrangement of residual trees. Retention patches shall be spaced more than 1.5 driplines from mature overstory trees. Leave trees shall be the largest, healthiest trees in the area.

Slash treatment specifications: Whole-tree yard cut trees to approved landing locations.

Contractor will remove all material over three inches diameter, and three feet in length.

Machine pile all cut trees and slash at least three (3) inches diameter, and three (3) feet in length. Refer to provision C6.74# - Slash Treatment Requirements, on pile size and arrangement.

Subdivisions #####: Small-Tree Thinning: Old-Growth

End result: Risk of catastrophic wildfire in old growth stands will be reduced by removing ladder fuels and reducing stand density.

Project Description: Reduce risk of catastrophic wildfire in old growth stands through small-tree thinning and ladder fuel reduction.

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

1) Retain all hardwood trees, five-needled pine, and mature trees (see figures below).

2) Leave 15-20% of unit area as untreated retention patches ranging in size from 0.25 to 5 acres. Incorporate danger snags into these retention areas wherever possible.

3) Remove all western juniper >2” DBH.

4) Cut all conifers between 2” DBH and minimum merchantable specs which are within the dripline of a large (>21” DBH) tree.

5) Thin conifers between 2” DBH and minimum merchantable specs to a variable spacing ranging from 20 X 20 to 40 X 40 feet, with an average spacing of 30x30 feet.

Tree selection objectives:

a) Species preference for retention in descending order: ponderosa pine, incense-cedar, white fir, and lodgepole pine.

b) If all leave trees are the same species, preference shall be given to the healthiest tree.

c) Wider spacing shall be used where the species composition of sub-merchantable trees is dominated by white fir and lodgepole pine. Tighter spacing shall be used in natural openings or areas with a high prevalence of ponderosa pine and incense-cedar.

Slash treatment specifications: Whole-tree yard cut trees to approved landing locations.

Contractor will remove all material over three inches diameter, and three feet in length.

Machine pile all cut trees and slash at least three (3) inches diameter, and three (3) feet in length. Refer to provision C6.74# - Slash Treatment Requirements, on pile size and arrangement.

Subdivisions #####: Hand-piling: Woodland, Shrubland, and Meadow Restoration

End Result: Species composition will be shifted towards the historical range of variability, favoring native grasses, hardwoods, and shrubs over conifers like western juniper and ponderosa pine. Removal of encroaching conifers will restore the natural hydrology and ecology of these ecosystems.

Project description: Hand-fall and hand-pile encroaching conifers within units. Only hand methods are allowed in these units to reduce damage to sensitive soils. Cut trees shall be completely severed from the stump after felling. Stump height shall not exceed six (6) inches above ground level, or four (4) inches above natural obstacles, such as large rock.

Within Hand-piling units as shown on contract area map, perform these in order;

subsequent items do not override any item preceding it:

1) Retain all mature trees (see figures below), five-needled pine, hardwoods, orange-marked trees, and trees ≥26” DSH.

2) Hand fall and pile all western juniper, ponderosa pine, lodgepole pine, and white fir >2” DBH.

Slash Treatment Specifications:

i. Hand pile all slash at least three inches diameter and three feet in length, resulting from hand- thinning.

ii. Unless otherwise agreed, slash piles shall be located at least 25 feet from the crown, or drip line of any dead or live tree or equal distance between standing dead or live trees, whichever is greater.

iii. Avoid piling slash on biological soil crusts wherever possible.

iv. Piles will be a minimum of five (5) feet in height and five (5) feet in diameter where possible. Piles shall be as free of dirt and rocks as practicable.

v. All material extending beyond the general contour of the piled slash shall be trimmed off and added to the pile.

Subdivisions #####: Small- and Large-Tree Thinning: Whitebark Pine Restoration

End result: Growing conditions for whitebark pine in mixed conifer stands will be improved by removing competing vegetation to increase access to light, water, and nutrients for whitebark pine

Project description: Reduce fuel loading to protect whitebark pine from wildfire and reduce competing vegetation to promote its growth and health. Fuels reduction will be accomplished through a combination of large-tree thinning, cut-skid-deck, and downed wood removal.

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

1) Retain all five-needled pine, orange-marked trees, hardwoods, and mature trees (see figures below).

2) Cut all lodgepole pine and white fir >2” DBH within 30 feet of a five-needled pine.

3) Thin residual merchantable trees to an average basal area of 60 ft2/ac, with a range of 50-70 ft2/ac.

4) Thin all trees greater than or equal to 2” DBH, up to A.2. specifications, to a variable spacing of 20 x 20 to 40 x 40 feet, with an average spacing of 30 x 30 feet.

a) Prioritize the largest, healthiest trees as leave trees.

b) Species preference for leave trees: ponderosa pine, white fir, lodgepole pine.

Leave all five-needled pines, regardless of size, health, or merchantability.

c) Don’t leave trees with one-sided crowns. When multiple trees in a clump have developed one-sided crowns, either leave or take all of them.

Slash Treatment Specifications: Whole-tree yard cut trees that are less than A.2 specifications to approved landing locations. Machine pile all cut trees and slash at least three inches diameter and three feet in length. Refer to provision C6.74# - Slash Treatment Requirements for pile location, size and arrangement in Appendix B.

Skid pre-existing downed wood to landings and process it into firewood. Leave 15-20 8’ logs per acre with minimum diameter 8”. A single log that is longer than 8’ can count as multiple leave logs; do not cut logs into smaller segments. Leave all downed wood which has >50% contact with the ground along its lower surface, as well as all logs that are partially buried or decomposed. Leave all large (>20” DBH) downed wood on site.

Subdivisions #####: Transmission Line Treatments

End Results: Reduced wildfire risk in the vicinity of transmission lines in order to safeguard the supply of electricity to rural communities.

Project Description: Reduce fuel loading, remove ladder fuels, and promote fire-resistant trees in stands adjacent to transmission lines through a combination of large-tree and small-tree thinning.

Large-tree thinning Perform these in order; subsequent objectives do not override any before them:

1) Retain all hardwoods, five-needled pine, mature trees (see figures below), ponderosa pine and incense-cedar ≥26” DSH, and orange-marked trees.

2) Remove all western juniper >2” DBH.

3) Within 30 feet of healthy ponderosa pine >9” DBH and five-needled pine >7” DBH, cut all lodgepole pine and white fir >2” DBH.

4) Within 50 feet of an aspen clump, thin to 30 square feet per acre basal area, with an acceptable range of 20-40 sq. ft./acre. Five-needled pine and ponderosa pine ≥ 26” DSH count towards residual BA within these buffers.

5) Where current conditions are at ≤ 20 square feet per acre basal area of ≥ 26” DSH ponderosa pine, thin stand to a target basal area of 50 square feet per acre with an acceptable range of 30-70 square feet per acre, not counting ≥ 26” DSH ponderosa pine towards target basal area. Where current conditions are at ≥ 30 square feet per acre BA of ≥ 26” DSH ponderosa pine, thin stand to a target basal area of 30 square feet per acre with an acceptable range of 20-50 square feet per acre, not counting ≥ 26” DSH ponderosa pine towards target basal area. Because this is the last objective in this list, previous objectives can override this requirement.

Small-tree thinning

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

1) Retain all hardwoods and five-needled pine.

2) Cut all western juniper >2” DBH.

3) Cut all sub-merchantable trees within the dripline of a healthy, mature ponderosa pine (see figures below).

4) In areas with residual merchantable trees, cut all white fir and lodgepole pine less than A.2 log removal specifications, and thin ponderosa pine and incense-cedar trees to a variable spacing ranging from 30 by 30 to 40 by 40 feet, with an average spacing of 35 by 35 feet.

5) In areas with no residual merchantable trees, thin sub merchantable trees to a variable spacing ranging from 20 by 20 to 30 by 30 feet, with an average spacing of 25 by 25 feet.

Tree Selection Objectives:

a) Species preference for retention in descending order: ponderosa pine, incense-cedar, white fir, lodgepole pine.

Slash Treatment Specifications: In units where removal of trees is possible, whole-tree yard cut trees that are less than A.2 specifications to approved landing locations.

Machine pile all cut trees and slash at least three inches diameter and three feet in length. Refer to provision C6.74# - Slash Treatment Requirements for pile location, size and arrangement in Appendix B.

Where trees cannot be removed from the Contract Area, cut and pile trees and slash within the unit. Pile all cut trees and slash at least three inches diameter and three feet in length. Refer to provision C6.74# - Slash Treatment Requirements for pile location, size and arrangement in Appendix B.

Subdivisions #####: Conifer Removal: Aspen

End Results: Stand density will be reduced and species composition will be shifted in accordance with the historical range of variation for aspen woodlands.

Project Description:

1. Retain all hardwood trees and brush, all five-needled pine, all ponderosa pine and incense-cedar 12” or greater in DBH, lodgepole pine with 26” or greater DSH, all mature trees (see figures below), all dead trees (unless they pose a safety hazard), and all orange-marked trees.

2. Cut all ponderosa pine and incense-cedar less than 12" in DBH and greater than one (1) foot in height.

3. Cut all lodgepole pine less than 26" DSH and greater than one (1) foot in height.

4. Cut all juniper and white fir >2” DBH.

Conifer removal specifications: Hand-felling and hand-piling shall be used to reduce impacts on soils. Felling shall be done in a manner that does not damage leave trees.

Trees must be felled away from all roads, streams, telephone lines, established trails, stock driveways, fence lines, and land corners. All limbs must be removed from the boles of cut trees. Material that meets minimum merchantable specs (see Section A.2, Appendix B) may be skidded out of units where potential soil impacts are deemed to be negligible, as agreed to by Forest Service.

Slash treatment specifications: Material to be piled consists of all slash generated by cutting operations between three (3) inches and eight (8) inches in diameter at the small end. Piles shall be located at least 25' from green trees so that later burning will not damage green trees and seedlings. Piles shall be at least four (4) feet high and four (4) feet diameter. Piles shall be located at least 50 feet away from perennial streams. Piles shall be located a minimum of five (5) feet from another pile, road edges, subdivision boundaries, fences, monuments, markers, improvements, and snags and downed wood >20" DBH.

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

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

Clump 2 or more trees, each within 20 feet of another

Created by releasing large and/or mature trees where available, or desirable young trees where they are not.

Created by releasing existing large and/or mature trees where available, or using desirable young trees where they are not.

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 Washington by Robert Van Pelt

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

Figure 2. 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.

Figure 3. Crown conditions of mature (>150 year-old) white fir trees

Figure 4. Dwarf Mistletoe Rating guide.

Figure 5. Development of old-growth bark characteristics across several age classes of western juniper (Miller et al. 2005).

Figure 6. Old growth juniper with rounded asymmetrical top and dead spike top, large low diameter limbs, twisted limbs, lichen, and portions of dead cambium. Warner Mountains, Fremont-Winema NF.