Exhibit 6_Mid-cycle Remeasurement of FIA Plots.pdf

R1 FIA Remeasurement Protocols x = ∑x n

Report 19-1 v2.5

August 5, 2019

Mid-cycle Remeasurement of FIA Plots Using IM Protocols

Table of Contents

SECTION 1: OVERVIEW

Safety Plot Layout

Figure 1.1: Plot and Subplot Layout Sample Design

Table 1.2: Sample Designs Figure 1.3: Down-woody Material and Surface Cover Transect Layout- Figure 1.4: Ground Surface Cover Transects Configuration

Uncommon data anomalies that may be encountered:

Plot Packet Contents:

On Plot Packet envelope:

Within Plot Packet:

Locating the Plot Order of Data Collection

SECTION 2: SETTING FORM

CSE 2.34 Setting User Code (4-character) Required if plot area contains a situation that prohibits data collection Table 2.2: Setting User Code

SECTION 3: SAMPLE DESIGN FORM –

Figure 3.1: Tree Sample Design Form Figure 3.2: Veg Composition Sample Design Form Figure 3.3: Ground Surface Cover Sample Design Form Figure 3.4: Down Woody Material Sample Design Form

SECTION 4: PLOT DATA FORM

4.A Plot Re-establishment Protocols 4.B Plot Measurements

Table 4.1: Plot Data Form CSE 4.15 Plot User Code (Required) Table 4.2: Plot User Codes CSE 4.18 Plot History/Remarks (Required)

SECTION 5: TREE FORM

Table 5.1: Tree Form attributes

5.A Tally Tree Procedures CSE 5.3 Tree Status (1-character) Table 5.2: Tree Status Codes CSE 5.4 Tree Class (2-characters) CSE 5.20 Snag Decay Class (1-digit) Required for dead trees Table 5.4: Snag Decay Classes CSE 5.22 Tree Damage Category:

Table 5.5: Scorched Foliage Assessment Summary Table 5.6: Bark Char Magnitude Descriptions Table 5.7: Species Cambium Kill Indicator Table CSE 5.27 Tree User Code:

Table 5.8: Tree User Code Definitions

5.B Sapling Tally (Microplot) Procedures:

5.C Seedling Counts (Microplot)

SECTION 6: VEGETATION COMPOSITION AND GROUND SURFACE COVER TRANSECTS

FORMS

A. Vegetation Composition - Cover by Lifeform Form

Figure 6.1: Exams Cover by Lifeform Form Table 6.2: Cover By Lifeform Attributes Canopy Cover by Lifeform (trees, shrubs, forbs, grass) Canopy Cover by Lifeform by Layer (TOV, TSA, ST, SM, SL) Table 6.3: Canopy Cover Layer

B. Vegetation Composition – Cover by Species Form Figure 6.4: Exams Cover by Species Form Figure 6.5: Layer Codes For All Lifeforms

C. Ground Surface Point Intercept Form Figure 6.6: Exams Ground Surface Cover Transects Form Table 6.7: Ground Surface Cover codes Figure 6.7: Ground Surface Cover Form

SECTION 7: DOWN-WOODY MATERIALS FORM

A. Definition of Down-Woody Materials

Coarse Woody Debris (CWD) Fine Woody Debris (FWD)

B. Locating and Establishing Line Transects Table 7.1: Azimuth of DWM transects by subplot Table 7.2: Portion of transect and length for measuring DWM Table 7.3: Slope Correction DWM transect lengths

C. Down-Woody Materials Items

7.1 Plot Number (3-digit) Default

7.2 and 7.3 First Duff and Second Duff (2.1-digit; xx.y) Required

Sampling Methods for Fine Woody Debris (Items 7.5.1, 7.5.2, and 7.5.3):

FWD Tally Rules:

7.5.1 1-hour (0.01 to 0.24 inch) (3-digit) Required

7.5.2 10-hour (0.25 to 0.99 inch) (3-digit) Required

7.5.3 100-hour (1.00 to 2.99 inches) (3-digit) Required

Sampling Methods for Coarse Woody Debris (Items 7.8, 7.9, 7.10, 7.11, and 7.12):

CWD Tally Rules:

Figure 7.5 – Tally rules for CWD

7.8 CWD Transects Piece Count (3-digit) Required

7.9 Log Decay Class (1-character) Required

Table 7.7: Log Decay Class Definitions

7.10 Diameter (at point of intersection) (3,1-digit; xxx.y) Required Figure 7.5: Diameter measurements Figure 7.6: Estimating the diameter of pieces that are not round in cross-section Figure 7.7: Example of decayed end intersecting the transect

7.11 Piece Length (3,1-digit; xxx.y) Required

7.12 Diameter Large End (3,1 digit; xxx.y) Required

LITERATURE CITED

APPENDIX A: PLANTS SPECIES CODE/ FIA NUMERIC TREE CODE CROSSWALK

APPENDIX B: SUPPLEMENTAL DATA COLLECTION FORMS

*Setting/Plot/Witness Form Data Collection Microplot Seedling Data Collection Form

APPENDIX C: RECOMMENDED FIELD GEAR

APPENDIX D: NOXIOUS WEED LIST FOR MONTANA

Section 1: Overview Region 1, in collaboration with the Remote Sensing Application Center (RSAC) and IW-FIA, developed a set of protocols to re-measure FIA and intensified grid plots after they have been burned by wildfire.

Data from the previous measurement will be retrieved from FSVeg and loaded into an Exams software .IM file. Although much of this data was collected using FIA protocols, any codes that are displayed or recorded will use definitions and codes defined in the R1 Common Stand Exam and Inventory and Monitoring Field Guide. All attribute tolerances, unless otherwise specified in this protocol, are found in Appendix T of the R1 Common Stand Exam and Inventory and Monitoring Field Guide.

*Note: the purpose of this inventory is to update the inventory data to reflect the effects of fire and/or insects post disturbance. In general, natural succession changes will not be measured, such as remeasurement of diameters, however, microplot data, on seedling, will be done as will looking for the presence of aspen on the plot. Errors and omissions made in the last measurement will not be fixed since Interior West FIA is responsible for the oversight of the production plots and, at this time, there is not a mechanism to provide them such feedback.

Safety Working in burned areas is dangerous. Many snags may appear sound, but the root systems have been compromised by fire making them extremely prone to falling over. Tops of trees are often precariously attached as fire frequently burns around and in pre-existing cavities.

Always wear a hard hat, and use sound judgment when working in burned areas in windy conditions.

Park vehicles wisely relative to unstable snags and potential flash floods. Carry a FS radio cloned for the project area and know how to use it. Check in with local dispatch, some districts require daily notification. Soil that has been subject to high temperatures often becomes slick when saturated making for difficult walking conditions. If you feel you are in danger, leave the area.

Plot Layout Note:

Declination, for plot layout, is set to 0 degrees

Figure 1.1: Plot and Subplot Layout

Note: Correct subplot radius for slope if greater than 10%.

Sample Design

Table 1.2: Sample Designs

Population of Interest

Type/Size of plot Information to collect Section

Vegetation Composition

Lifeform 6

Cover by Lifeform Tree, Shrub, Forb, Grass

Fixed Radius/24.0’ Complete new % cover

6A

Cover by Lifeform by Layer

Tree, Shrub Fixed Radius/24.0’ Complete new % cover

6A

Cover of noxious species

MT noxious species

Fixed Radius/24.0’ Complete new % cover

6B

Cover of aspen Aspen Fixed Radius/24.0’ % cover 6B

Surface Cover Transect/ 4 x 25.0 feet (slope distance)

Complete cover transects

6C

Down Woody Material

Diameter Range (cross section)

1-hour 0.01 to 0.24 in Transect/ 6.0’ (horizontal)

14 to 20 feet 7.5.1

10-hour 0.25 to 0.99 in Transect/ 6.0’ (horizontal)

14 to 20 feet 7.5.2

Population of Interest

Type/Size of plot Information to collect Section

100-hour 1.00 to 2.99 in Transect/ 10.0’ (horizontal)

14 to 24 feet 7.5.3

3”+ CWD

measurements

3.00”+ Transect/ 2 x 48.0’ (horizontal)

0 to 24 feet 7.8- 7.12

Trees Tree Size

(DBH/DRC)

All live trees and snags

≥ 5.0 inches Fixed Radius/24.0’ (horizontal)

Update trees as per protocols

5.A

Saplings 1.0- to 4.9-inches Fixed Radius/6.8’ (horizontal)

Update trees as per protocols

5.B

Seedling Count < 1” DBH or 1’ < ht < 4.5’ tall

Fixed Radius/6.8’ (horizontal)

Complete new seedling count

5.C

Figure 1.3: Down-woody Material and Surface Cover Transect Layout-

NOTE: DWM transects are corrected for slope if slope exceeds 10%.

Figure 1.4: Ground Surface Cover Transects Configuration

The following figure shows the surface cover layout for subplots 1 and 2 with 25’ transects at 360, 90, 180, and 270 degrees. On subplots 3 and 4, transects are in the azimuths of 45, 135, 225, and 315 degrees.

Uncommon data anomalies that may be encountered:

Macroplots were part of the sample design ¼ acre macroplots were installed on FIA plots that were installed/measured from 1998-2002 on the Nez Perce-Clearwater and Idaho Panhandle National Forests. Trees 5.0-20.9” DBH were sampled on the 1/24th acre subplot and trees 21.0”+ DBH were measured on the ¼ acre macroplot. The mid-cycle remeasurement will remeasure all trees 5”+ DBH on the 1/24th acre subplot, which mimics current FIA protocols. However, be aware that you may find nails on trees that are not tallied, because they were on the macroplot. Macroplot trees had tree numbers greater than 100.

Information included in the Plot Packet may be from a measurement that is more recent than what is loaded into FSVeg In rare cases, the information provided in the Plot Packet, from FIA, is from a very recent measurement of the plot, whose data has not been migrated from FIA into FSVeg, and therefore is not in Exams software. If this is the case, it will be clearly indicated on the Plot Packet.

Plot Packet Contents:

Each plot packet contains the following:

On Plot Packet envelope:

State, County, and plot number (referred to as LOC) Plot Center coordinates are written in red after NAD83 LC Coords.

Within Plot Packet:

NAIP photo with plot identified. At the bottom of the map is the plot number (state-county-plot), scale of the map, mileage reference, date of imagery, and 2 red circles, one that is 1 acre in size, one that is 2.5 acres in size. These circles are for reference only.

Quad map with the plot identified. At the bottom of the map is the plot number (state-county-plot), scale of the map, and mileage reference.

Field Location Reference Form(s) from FIA. Review these sheets, one will be a copy of hand-written notes about finding the plot. What is provided varies between the various measurement years but, there should be:

Start “hits” at 1-foot mark (25 hits per transect direction)

0°

90°

180°

270°

Plot Center o Travel Notes or Travel Description which describes the roads to take to drive as close to the plot as possible.

o Truck coordinates: which provides information about where the truck was parked the last time. Note: always get truck coordinates before heading in the field. This is for safety purposes.

o Plot Center (PC) or Location Center (LC) coordinates which are the coordinates for subplot stake 1. These are in NAD83 projection.

o PC or LC Witness Tree coordinates.

o Field Location Map which may be useful in relocating the plot.

FIA inventory datasheets from the most recent measurement. The species codes used by FIA are in Appendix A. There will be more than one version of data from FIA. One of the reports has more columns of information, including a field named Standing Dead. Make note of this field, if it is blank, it means the tree was alive and standing during the last measurement, if it is a 1, it means the tree was dead and standing, if it is a 0, it means the tree was tallied in a previous measurement but now is down or missing from the plot. These forms are provided for reference if needed to identify trees on the ground only. Field crews should use the data provided in the PDR and in the FSVeg print-outs as the base data they will be updating.

FIA Inventory data pulled from FSVeg.

o The Data Report printed through Exams contains a full set of information collected by

FIA during the last measurement. The codes used align with the information in Exams software.

o A spreadsheet of the tree data extracted from FSVeg. This provides information about subplot number, measurement date, tree tag number, azimuth, distance, tree status, species symbol, diameter, and other attributes that are not included in the Exams Data Report.

Locating the Plot Review the travel descriptions, located in the Plot Packet prior to traveling to the plot. Once you park the vehicle, collect a GPS location for the truck and store on your GPS unit.

Use the map, photos and the red PC/LC coordinates, found on the envelope, to navigate to the plot as well as the crew notes. Review the Field Location Reference Form included in the plot packet.

A reference point (RP) and witness trees were established in the previous inventory to aid in relocating the plot. The RP is a landmark (usually a tree) that is identifiable on both the ground and the plot photo, and is described on the Field Location Reference Form. Trees used as RPs were marked with aluminum tags: one tag nailed below stump height (1-foot) facing in the direction of the plot center, and two other tags nailed approximately 6 feet above the ground. One of the tags is silver and facing the direction of approach to the plot and the other is a black diamond shaped tag which will face the location of the plot center.

Once the crew arrives in the vicinity of the plot, based on the GPS reading, they should look for the witness trees (X and Y) to help locate the plot center. The crew should also look for old flagging, plot stakes, and nails in trees at 4.5’ (DBH).

The X tree was either scribed with an “X” or was marked with a silver tag with the letter “X” scribed on it above DBH. Both the X and Y trees should have silver tags with “X” or “Y” scribed on them nailed below 1 foot, facing the plot center. The Y tree should be located at a right angle to the line from the X tree to the plot center. The X and Y trees can be used to triangulate the center stake location. In general, the crews try to select X and Y trees that are within the subplot perimeter.

To triangulate the plot center location using the witness trees, measure the slope distance from the base of the X tree specified on the Field Location Reference Form in the direction of the back azimuth to the azimuth specified for the X tree. Use the same procedure on the Y tree, measuring the Y slope distance in the direction of the back azimuth from the Y tree. The slope distances from the X and Y trees should intersect at the location of the center stake for the plot. Remove duff and soil, and search through vegetation for the plot stake (a thin, bent aluminum rod, or a short piece of rebar). There will also likely be a stake 6.8’ at 90o from the center stake to mark the center of the microplot. Do not mistake the microplot stake for the plot center stake.

Depending on the severity of the fire at the LC/PC, standing live trees may be missing, may have died, or may be logs on the ground. Tags and nails may be blackened, deformed, and/or missing. Witness trees may have died, fallen over, or in rare cases, may be missing. When the witness trees can’t be found, two plot trees can be used to triangulate the center, keep in mind that the horizontal distance is recorded for plot trees. The tree number was scribed or written on the tree nails.

Once you have subplot 1 located, be ready to use the plot layout information to chain to the other subplot locations.

Location Monumentation on Reserved Land/Wilderness Areas: In Wilderness areas, less visible markings are used: no flagging is left; there is only one tag on the RP and X and Y tree, which are brown, and nailed below the 1’ mark (stump height), facing plot center; nail heads are painted brown, at ground surface, if the plot is facing a trail, the nails will be away from the trail; subplot center is monumentated with a staple or rebar, but rebar will only extend up to 1” above ground. The center stake of subplot 1 is either referred to as Location Center (LC) or Plot Center (PC).

Order of Data Collection Data Collection Checklist (In suggested order of collection)

Surface Cover Down Woody Vegetation Composition Tree Data Plot Data Setting Data

After all field data has been collected, fill out the Setting Form. Review to ensure that all data has been filled out as specified.

Section 2: Setting Form The following fields will be displayed on the Setting Form. Only update the following fields if indicated.

Much of the data in the Setting Form is already populated with the information from the previous measurement or has been updated prior to going in the field.

Some of the attributes in the Setting Form are best updated after visiting all of the subplots. Be sure to review this form after completing measurements on the plot.

Table 2.1: Setting Form Attributes

CSE

Attribute

Name Value Comments

2.1 Project Name FIA MC

REMEAS

All FIA plots that are remeasured by NFS crews using Exams software must have this Project Name.

2.2 Proclaimed

Region

01 Already populated in Exams software. Do NOT change this value. If county is incorrect, make note of it in the Setting Remarks Form.

2.3 Proclaimed

National Forest

Default Already populated in Exams software. Do NOT change this value. If county is incorrect, make note of it in the Setting Remarks Form.

2.4 District Should be populated in Exams software data file. If this value is incorrect, update and put explicit information in the Setting Remarks field. NOTE: This is the District number that is associated with the Proclaimed Forest.

2.5 Location 01 Already populated in Exams software. Note: this is NOT the LOC (plot number) from FIA, as it is called in the plot packet.

2.6 Stand Number Already populated in Exams software. Note: this is the FIA LOC, i.e. plot number, as it is called in the plot packet.

2.7 Owner USFS Already populated in Exams software.

2.8 State Default Already populated in Exams software. Do NOT change this value. If county is incorrect, make note of it in the Setting Remarks Form.

2.9 County Default Already populated in Exams software. Do NOT change this value. If county is incorrect, make note of it in the Setting Remarks Form.

2.10 Administrative

Forest

Default Already populated in Exams software.

2.11 Date Update in the field. This should reflect the day that data collection started (if more than one day).

2.12 Photo ID Not used

2.13 Exam Level 2221 Already populated in Exams software. If Exam Level is NOT set to this, then update.

2.14 Exam Purpose FI Already populated in Exams software.

2.15 Stratum null Not used.

2.16 Existing Veg

Reference null Not used.

2.17 Existing Veg

Composition Type.

null Not used.

2.18 Potential

Vegetation Reference

Default Already populated in Exams software.

2.19 Potential

Vegetation

Already populated in Exams software. Do not change.

2.20 Structure Null Not used.

2.21 Setting Capable

Growing Area

Null Not used.

CSE

Attribute Name

Value Comments

2.22 Setting Fuel

Model

Null Not used.

2.23 Setting Elevation Should be populated in Exams software data file. This is the elevation at subplot 1. If this value is not within tolerance, update and put explicit information in the Setting Remarks field.

2.24 Setting Aspect Should be populated in Exams software data file. This is the predominate aspect for the 4 subplots.

2.25 Setting Slope Should be populated in Exams software data file. This is the predominate aspect for the 4 subplots.

2.26 Setting Slope

Position

Null Not used.

2.27 Acres Null Not used.

2.28 Examiner Required. See CSE Field Guide.

2.29 Precision

Protocol

CSE Already populated in Exams software. If Precision Protocol is NOT set to this, then update.

2.30 Radial Growth

Interval

10 Already populated in Exams software.

2.31 Radial Growth

Interval 2

Null Not used.

2.32 Height Growth

Interval

5 Already populated in Exams software.

2.33 Fuel Photo

Reference

Null Not used.

2.34 Setting User

Code

If an entire plot or portion of a plot has become inaccessible due to fire, record the appropriate four digit code as indicated, below.

2.35 Setting Lat Long

Reference Datum

NAD 83 Already populated in Exams software.

2.36 Magnetic

Declination

0 Already populated in Exams software. Make sure compass declination is set to 0.

2.37 Measurement

Number

Do not change. Already populated in Exams software.

2.38 Setting Remarks If updates have been made to any Setting Form attributes and protocols specify to make note in the Setting Remarks Form, include note here.

CSE

Attribute Name

Value Comments

2.39 Setting Damage

Category

Update with setting damages that are caused by the fire, that have occurred since previous measurement and are not recorded on the tree form. Valid damage categories are:

11 Bark Beetles 70 Human activities 71 Harvest

For definition of setting damage category and valid codes, see R1 Common Stand Exam field guide item 2.36 and appendix R. Up to three setting damage categories, agents, and severities can be recorded.

2.40 Setting Damage

Agent

Update setting damage agents that are caused by the fire and related effects that have occurred since inventory. Valid damage agents are found under the categories listed above.

For definitions of damage agents and codes, see R1 Common Stand Exam field guide item 2.37 and appendix R.

If a category is coded, record an agent.

2.41 Setting Damage

Severity

Update with setting damage severities that are caused by the fire that has occurred since inventory. Valid damage severities are associated with each agent. For definitions of severities and valid codes, see R1 Common Stand Exam field guide item 2.38 and appendix R. If a category is coded, record a severity.

2.42 Species of

Management Interest

Not used.

CSE 2.34 Setting User Code (4-character) Required if plot area contains a situation that prohibits data collection

If an entire subplot, or portion of a subplot, cannot be sampled, record SETTING USER CODE to indicate the following: (a) the reason why data could not be collected, and (b) the portion of the plot that has missing data.

Record Setting User Code as a four-digit code. Use the first digit to indicate the situation/condition that prohibits data collection; use the last three digits to indicate the percentage of the plot that is nonsampled. Zero fill leading digits as shown below.

If a plot has a subplot that was not measured by the FIA crew because they ran out of time, do not measure any data that was not measured by FIA on that subplot. Record Setting User Code

Table 2.2: Setting User Code

For the first digit, record one of the following codes.

First digit Code

Situation prohibiting data collection:

1 inaccessible/hazardous 2 private land

3 Hazardous water – too deep or fast to sample in other (use this code if any other situation/condition prohibits data collection, such as an improved road, maintained rights-of-way, developed structure, etc)

5 Other fire related reason

Example: If 80% of the plot is located in a lake, then record “3080” for Setting User Code (first digit = 3, for water; last three digits = 080, for 80%).

Section 3: Sample Design Form –

Figure 3.1: Tree Sample Design Form

Figure 3.2: Veg Composition Sample Design Form

Figure 3.3: Ground Surface Cover Sample Design Form

Figure 3.4: Down Woody Material Sample Design Form

Section 4: Plot Data Form

4.A Plot Re-establishment Protocols If any of the subplot or microplot stakes need to be reinstalled, triangulate the correct location for the subplot, or microplot center, and install a new stake. Double check the new stake with the distance and azimuth information on some of the trees to make sure that the new stake has been put in the correct location. Make a note in the Plot History|Remarks form.

4.B Plot Measurements Follow the definitions and procedures for measurement indicated in section 4 of the R1 CSE/IM Field Guide for the attributes listed below unless specifically indicated in this section. Enter all plot data items into Exams software. If an attribute is listed in the R1 CSE Field Guide but not listed here, do not record the attribute.

Table 4.1: Plot Data Form

CSE

Attribute # Attribute Name Comments

4.1 Plot Number Use the pre-assigned plot number.

4.4 Plot Aspect Use the subplot values on the FIA electronic data sheet in the plot packet. (Declination is set to 0 degrees) Do not update unless values is outside of tolerance. Tolerance + 10 degrees.

4.5 Plot Slope Use the subplot values on the FIA electronic data sheet in the plot packet. Do not update unless values is outside of tolerance.

Tolerance + 10%.

4.11 Plot Potential

Veg.

Should be populated in Exams software data file. If this value is outside of tolerance, update and put explicit information in the Plot History|Remarks form. Remember, this is pre-fire habitat type, which will probably represent the true potential vegetation if the fire has greatly disturbed the site.

4.15 Plot User Code Enter the code for the fire related impacts to the plot. See the code definitions provided below.

4.18 Plot

History/Remarks Form

Record code for the evidence of maximum flame length observed on the plot. See 4.18 Plot History/Remarks below for more information.

Record code for crown fire evidence from the last fire.

If the subplot stake was replaced, note here.

CSE 4.15 Plot User Code (Required)

Record every PLOT USER CODE that is applicable, for the fire related impacts, seen on the plot. If more than one fire related impact is seen within the 1/24th acre subplot, enter all applicable codes without spaces, commas or dashes between codes. For example, if evidence of fire is seen on the subplot in addition to secondary insects and salvage logging, record FIL in the PLOT USER CODE.

Table 4.2: Plot User Codes

Plot User Code Description F Indication that fire has occurred within the 1/24th acre subplot E Evidence of post-fire erosion within 1/24th acre subplot I Insects, such as beetles, have attacked since fire L Salvage logging after fire suppression within 1/24th acre subplot P Evidence of planting after fire observed within 1/24th acre subplot S Evidence of fire suppression within 1/24th acre subplot, such as fireline T Tree felling for fire suppression within 1/24th acre subplot All All of the above appear to have happened on the plot None No fire effects on plot

CSE 4.18 Plot History/Remarks (Required)

This field is used to enter information about the plot that is not captured elsewhere. Separate the following information with a space between each entry.

A. Flame length information Record the highest observed char height, based on the height of bole char seen on any of the trees, observed within the 24’ radius subplot. Record FLXX, where XX is the height (feet) rounded to the nearest foot.

B. Active crown fire evidence An active crown fire spreads from tree crown to tree crown to consume most-to-all needles in the forest canopy. If there is evidence that a crown fire occurred on the subplot, then record CRYXXX, where XXX is the percent of the subplot with evidence of crown fire. If there is no evidence a crown fire occurred, then record CRN.

C. If the plot stake was not relocated by the crew and a replacement was installed, make a note here.

PC Install = crew could not relocate the plot center stake and installed a temporary replacement.

MP Install = crew could not relocate the microplot center stake and installed a temporary replacement.

Section 5: Tree Form The following fields will be displayed on the Tree Form. Only update the fields that are indicated.

Follow the definitions and procedures for measurement indicated in 5 of the R1 CSE/IM Field Guide for the attributes listed below unless specifically indicated in this section. If an attribute is not listed in table 5.1, it is not recorded. Field number, name, and size (digit/character width) are as defined in the R1 Common Stand Exam and Inventory and Monitoring Field Guide. See Appendix T of the R1 Common Stand Exam and Inventory and Monitoring Field Guide Tree Data Form – Intensive Exam Level for attribute tolerances. Enter all tree data items into Exams software.

Table 5.1: Tree Form attributes

R1 CSE

Field Guide Item No.

Attribute Comments

5.1 Plot Number Do not update.

5.2 Tag ID Number

Do not update for prior tallied trees. Do not add missed, or ingrowth tally trees (> 5” DBH). New saplings and seedling counts from the microplots will use the next available tag numbers.

If, the data in Exams software is not from the most recent measurement (as indicated on the Plot Packet), and is a recognized, but rare event, any additional trees that are indicated in the electronic data from FIA, should be added into Exams, using the tree number written on the nail.

5.3 Tree Status

Update tree status if it has changed for all tally trees and saplings. See codes below.

Record for new tallied saplings seedling groups from the microplot.

5.4 Tree Class

Update for all tally trees as per specifications below.

Record for new saplings and seedling groups on microplot (see protocols below).

5.5 Growth Sample Tree

Do not update.

5.6 Tree Species

If this value is incorrect, update and put explicit information in the Tree Remarks field.

Record for new saplings and seedling groups on microplot (see protocols below).

5.7 Tree Count

Do not update for tally trees and saplings.

Record for new saplings and seedling groups on microplot (see protocols below).

5.8 Number of Stems Woodland species ≥ 1.0” DRC

Field Guide Item No.

Attribute Comments

5.9 DBH

Do not update for tally trees and saplings.

Record for new tallied sapling and seedling groups on microplot (see protocols below).

5.10 Height Record for all tally trees and for saplings on the microplot with tops that have broken or broken further since the previous measurement.

Record for new saplings and seedling groups (which do not have an average DBH recorded) on microplot (see protocols below).

5.12 Radial Growth Do not update.

5.14 Height Growth Do not record.

5.15 Tree Age Do not update.

5.16 Crown Ratio

Update for all live tally trees. This is the live crown ratio.

Record for new saplings and seedling groups on microplot (see protocols below).

5.17 Crown Class

Do not update for tally trees and saplings on the microplot.

Record for new saplings and seedling groups on microplot (see protocols below).

5.20 Snag Decay Class

Record for all trees and saplings on the microplot that have changed TREE STATUS from Live to Dead. Update, if needed, for trees that were dead in the previous measurement. See protocols below.

Field Guide Item No.

Attribute Comments

5.22 Tree Damage Category

If one of the fire related damages listed below is present, delete prior damages and update with the current damage code(s). If none of the fire related damages listed below are present, leave damages coded during prior measurement. For live trees and saplings on the microplot, record up to three tree damage categories, agents, and severities. Damages due to fire, or secondary effects of the fire must be noted

For definitions of these damage categories and valid agent and severity codes, see R1 Common Stand Exam field guide Items

5.22 – 5.25 and Appendix R.

Damage categories associated with fire are:

11 Bark Beetles 30 Fire 70 Human Activities 71 Harvest 99 Physical Effects: Note especially, the following:

18 – Uprooted 19 – Scorched Foliage, See 5.22 below.

20 – Scorched Bark (severity is % of the bark that is charred), See 5.22 below for detailed information on how to collect these attributes.

Please note: if a tree died since fire because of one of the above fire related reasons, record damage category that is cause of death.

5.23 Tree Damage Agent

For live trees and saplings on the microplot, record up to three tree damage categories, agents, and severities if it is a result of the fire that occurred since inventory. For definition of these damage agents, see R1 Common Stand Exam field guide item

5.23 and Appendix R. For fire caused dead trees record damage agent that is cause of death.

5.25 Tree Damage Severity

For live trees and saplings on the microplot, record tree damage categories, agents, and severities, if a result of the fire that occurred since inventory. For definition of damage severities see R1 Common Stand Exam field guide item 5.25 and Appendix R. For fire related mortality trees, code highest severity.

5.26 Tree Remarks

Record information about tree damage that was caused by fire and was not collected in another field.

5.27 Tree User Code

Record Tree User Code for all tally trees and for saplings on the microplot. See protocols below.

5.29 Tree Distance Do not update. Record for ingrowth and missed saplings.

5.30 Tree Azimuth

Do not update. Record for ingrowth and missed saplings.

NOTE: be sure that declination is set to 0 as indicated in the Magnetic Declination field on the Setting Form.

5.A Tally Tree Procedures Do not replace tree nails, tags or any other permanent tree monumentation. Flagging may be used to mark trees during measurement, but all flagging shall be removed before leaving the plot.

CSE 5.3 Tree Status (1-character)

Review TREE STATUS and update as needed.

Table 5.2: Tree Status Codes

Code Tree Status Description

L Live

Trees that have at least one green point of growth.

Includes deciduous trees that have lost their foliage for the season and trees that have recently lost their leaves to defoliators or crown scorch but will re-flush.

D Dead

Trees that are 4.5 feet or taller, without a green point of growth. Trees that have been uprooted and no longer have any roots in the soil are considered dead. Note:

Many of the Tree Data fields are not used for dead trees and if a tree changes status, certain fields should automatically null out. SNAG DECAY CLASS (item 5.20) is required to be collected/reviewed.

X Down dead/ Stump/ Missing

Includes all dead trees that are leaning 45 degrees or more or have their main stem lying on the ground.

CSE 5.4 Tree Class (2-characters)

(2-characters) Required for tally trees Update for all tally trees and saplings that are live or standing dead. Note: the merchantable bole on a timber species is defined as the portion of a tree, 5.0-inches DBH or larger, between a 1-foot stump and a 4.0-inch top diameter.

Table 5.3: Tree Class Codes

Code Tree Class Live Must have the following characteristics:

GS

Growing Stock

All trees species except JUSC2 or CELE3:

A live sapling (1.0- to 4.9-inches DBH) with minor or no evidence of form defects, insects, or disease, that is expected to become a growing-stock (sound) tree 5.0 inches DBH or larger with good form or vigor.

A live tree, 5.0 inches DBH or larger, that has less than 67 percent of the merchantable voulume cull, and contains at least one solid 8-foot section (now or prospectively for poletimber-sized trees), reasonable free of form defect, on the merchantable bole.

JUSC2 and CELE3 (all live) are always GS

Code Tree Class Live Must have the following characteristics:

RF Rough Y

All trees species except JUSC2 or CELE3:

A live sapling (1.0- to 4.9-inches DBH) with form defects or evidence of insects and disease that will preclude it from becoming a growing-stock (sound) tree of good form, 5.0 inches DBH or larger.

A live tree, 5.0 inches DBH or larger with 67 percent or more of the merchantable volume cull, and more than half of this cull due to sound-dead wood volume loss or severe form-defect volume loss.

A live tree, 5.0 inches DBH or larger, that does not now, nor prospectively, have at least one solid 8 foot section, reasonably free of form defect, on the merchantable bole.

RN Rotten Y All live trees species (except JUSC2 or CELE3), 5.0 inches DBH or larger, with 67 percent or more of the merchantable volume cull, and more than half of this cull due to rotten and/or missing volume loss.

SV

Salvable dead (Hard)

N A standing dead timber species tree, 1.0 inch DBH or larger, that has a minimum of 33 percent of the original merchantable volume sound (less than 67 percent rotten and/or missing).

US

Non-salvable dead (Soft)

N A standing dead timber species tree, 1.0 inch DBH or larger, that has less than 33 percent of the original merchantable volume sound (more than 67 percent rotten and/or missing).

CSE 5.20 Snag Decay Class (1-digit) Required for dead trees

For standing dead trees (snags), record a SNAG DECAY CLASS code to indicate the condition of the tree. The pictures and descriptions below are adapted from: Wildlife Habitats in Managed Forests of the Blue Mountains of Oregon and Washington (Agriculture Handbook No. 553). Jack Ward Thomas.

September 1979. USDA Forest Service.

When assessing recently burned areas, base Snag Decay Class code on the characteristics of the snag because of the fire and not on the time since death. Heartwood decay, sapwood decay and bole form are the most important characteristics in this assessment.

Table 5.4: Snag Decay Classes:

Code Bark Heartwood Decay

Sapwood Decay

Limbs Top Breakage

Bole Form Time Since Death

Tight, intact

Minor None to incipient

Mostly Present

May be present

Intact 1-5 years

50% loose or missing

None to advanced

None to incipient

Small limbs missing

May be present

Intact > 5 years

75% missing

Incipient to advanced

None to 25%

Few remain

Approx. ⅓ Mostly intact

> 5 years

Code Bark Heartwood Decay

Sapwood Decay

Limbs Top Breakage

Bole Form Time Since Death

75% missing

Incipient to advanced

25% + Few remain

Approx.

⅓ to ½

Losing Form, soft

> 5 years

75%+ missing

Advanced to crumbly

50% + advanced

Absent Approx.

½ +

Form mostly lost

> 5 years

Tolerance (Snag Decay Class): ± 1 class

CSE 5.22 Tree Damage Category:

For live trees and saplings, review the damages that have been recorded in the previous measurement.

Up to three tree damage categories, agents, and severities may be recorded for a tree. Give precedence to recording damages that are a result of the fire that occurred since previous measurement. Otherwise, do not change the prior damages entered by the FIA crew. Valid categories are listed below. For definitions of these damage categories and valid agent and severity codes, see R1 Common Stand Exam field guide Items 5.22 – 5.25 and Appendix R. For recently dead trees (those that died within the last 5 years with Snag Decay Class =1), record damage category as cause of death. If TREE DAMAGE CATEGORY is recorded, also record TREE DAMAGE AGENT (CSE 5.23) and TREE DAMAGE SEVERITY (CSE 5.25).

Acceptable TREE DAMAGE AGENTS are:

11 Bark Beetles 30 Fire 70 Human Activities 71 Harvest 99 Physical Effects

For TREE DAMAGE CATEGORY 99:

TREE DAMAGE AGENT 19 – Scorched Foliage:

For Scorched Foliage, TREE DAMAGE SEVERITY Percent scorched foliage is the percent pre-fire crown volume killed by fire. This assessment consists of the pre-fire crown volume that is currently composed of residual scorched foliage, burned or consumed foliage, and branches that have burned but probably were alive and had foliage prior to the fire. Branches lacking fine twigs were likely dead before the fire unless you are in an area of that burned as a very intense active crown fire. To assess pre-fire live crown volume (Hood et al., 2007) for all species except for PIPO and LALY OR LAOC that have lost their needles:

Be certain the entire tree crown is visible.

Optimum viewing of the crown is at right angles to the direction of the fire spread and against a blue sky. It is important to stand back from the tree to fully view the entire crown. Assessment cannot be done while standing at the tree base.

Next reconstruct what the crown looked like before the fire. A tree with areas completely lacking bark and charred wood on the bole was dead before the fire. Pre-fire crown volume can be estimated by looking at the fine branch structure and foliage. Branches lacking fine twigs were likely dead before the fire.

For asymmetrical crowns, “move” lower branches to even out the crown base. Do not compact crowns beyond their normal growth form.

Focus on the green foliage rather than the orange and black to determine the percentage of remaining live crown and then subtract from 100 to get the percent scorched foliage.

PIPO Scorched Foliage: Ponderosa pine trees are assessed slightly differently because PIPO branches and buds can survive even if the needles on the branch are scorched and killed.

However, sometimes both the buds and needles are killed. You are still assessing the percent of pre-fire crown volume killed by fire. Look for green tufts at the ends of branches and live buds to make this distinction. Do not include portions of ponderosa pine crowns that are scorched, but currently have green tufts at the branch ends and less than 10% blackened or consumed needles because scorched ponderosa pine branches with buds that survived the fire can recover the following year. See the following example.

LALY/LAOC that have lost needs: if Larch still have needles on, record the percent of scorched foliage, as defined above (still the percent of pre-fire crown volume killed by fire) .

However, in the event larch must be assessed after needle drop estimate scorched foliage based on the height of the charring over the length of the bole. All charred branches and branches within the length of the charred bole are considered charred and killed.

Table 5.5: Scorched Foliage Assessment Summary

Species Scorched Foliage Assessment Method All species except for PIPO and LAOC/LALY after needle drop

Volume of scorched crown / Estimated pre-fire live crown volume. This is an estimate of the percentage of pre-fire crown volume killed by fire.

PIPO: ponderosa pine Volume of crown with blackened or consumed needles (red needles on branches with unscorched, living buds are considered unscorched) / Estimated pre-fire live crown volume. This is an estimate of the percentage of pre-fire crown volume killed by fire. The assessment differs from other species because PIPO branches and buds can survive even if the needles on the branch are scorched and killed. However, sometimes both the buds and needles are killed. Look for green tufts at the ends of branches and live buds to make this distinction.

LAOC: western larch LALY: subalpine larch After needle drop

If needles have dropped, estimate volume of scorched crown based on scorched branches and branches below the height of bole char / Estimated pre-fire live crown volume based on scorched and unscorched branches

TREE DAMAGE AGENT 20 – Scorched Bark (Charred Bark)

For Scorched Bark, TREE DAMAGE SEVERITY The Scorched Bark (charred bark) Severity is the percent of the tree bole circumference that is charred. Cambium death is caused by high or sustained heating of the tree bole or root collar.

The extent and magnitude of bark char at the root collar can be used as a surrogate for estimating the amount of cambium kill by fire in place of direct cambium sampling. The relationship of bark char to cambium kill varies by species (Hood et al. 2008).

Any charring on thin barked species, like subalpine fir (ABLA), is indicative that the underlying cambium is dead, and therefore the full percentage of the bole circumference that is charred will be recorded.

The percentage of char for thick barked species, on the other hand, requires consideration of the magnitude of the char in order to calculate the severity of charred bark. For example, if a PIPO has light and moderate charring around 75% of its bole and deep charring around 10% of the bole, 10% is recorded as the Severity of Charred Bark.

Table 5.6: Bark Char Magnitude Descriptions

Bark Char Magnitude

Bark Appearance

Unburned No char Light Evidence of light scorching; can still identify species based on bark characteristics; bark is not completely blackened; edges of bark plates are charred

Moderate Bark is uniformly black except possibly some inner fissures; species bark characteristics still discernable

Deep Bark has been burned into, but not necessarily to the wood; outer bark species characteristics are lost; bark looks smoothed because all ridges are gone.

Assess bole char magnitude at the base of the tree near the root collar. Bole charring may only occur very low on the bole, but if the underlying cambium is killed then the nutrient translocation is still severed from the crown to the roots. See the following examples.

Deep char on Douglas-fir where outer bark species characteristics are lost (left arrow) and completely burned away to expose wood (right arrow).

Moderate and deep bole char on western hemlock (TSHE). Moderate charring has bark that is uniformly black except possibly some inner fissures and species bark characteristics are still discernable. Species bark characteristics are lost with deep charring.

The extent of bark char is based on the percent of the circumference of the root collar of the tree burned. The following table displays the magnitude and extent of bark char observed at the root collar needed to cause cambium kill.

Table 5.7: Species Cambium Kill Indicator Table

Species Magnitude of bark char at root collar to be considered cambium kill must be ≥ 50% of bole circumference

Thin barked species:

ABLA: subalpine fir BEPA: paper birch PIAL: whitebark pine PICO: lodgepole pine PIEN: Engelmann spruce PIFL2: limber pine PIMO3: western white pine POBA2: balsam poplar POBAT: black cottonwood POTR5: quaking aspen THPL: western redcedar TSHE: western hemlock TSME: mountain hemlock ABGR: grand fir (<7” dbh)

Any bole charring

ABGR: grand fir (≥7” dbh) LALY: subalpine fir (<5” dbh) LAOC: western larch (<5” dbh) PIPO: ponderosa pine (<5” dbh) PSME: Douglas fir (7”-16.9”dbh)

Moderate or deep charring

Thick bark species:

LALY: subalpine fir (≥5” dbh)

Deep charring

Species Magnitude of bark char at root collar to be considered cambium kill must be ≥ 50% of bole circumference

LAOC: western larch (≥5” dbh) PIPO: ponderosa pine (≥5” dbh) PSME: Douglas fir (17”+ dbh)

CSE 5.27 Tree User Code:

Record Tree User Code for each tallied tree and tallied sapling on the microplot. This will help to account for how the tree has changed since the previous measurement.

Table 5.8: Tree User Code Definitions

Tree User Code

Previous Inventory

Post Fire

N No Change

1 Standing Live

Standing Dead To qualify as a standing timber species, the main tree stem/bole must be at least 4.5 feet tall (i.e., a standing timber species cannot be broken below 4.5 feet) and lean less than 45 degrees from vertical. Trees supported by other trees or by their own branches are considered standing if lean is < 45 degrees.

2 Standing Live Down Dead 3 Standing Live Tree Cut, Removed, or Missing 4 Standing Dead Down Dead 5 Standing Dead Tree Cut, Removed or Missing

6 Standing Live

Down Live Live tree that is leaning 45 degrees or more. A portion of the roots are still intact with the ground and at least a portion of the foliage is green.

5.B Sapling Tally (Microplot)

Procedures:

Stand directly over the microplot stake. Starting at 1 degree azimuth (declination set at zero), rotate clockwise and tally all qualifying trees that fall within the perimeter of the microplot (6.8-ft horizontal distance) by species. For a qualifying tree to be tallied, the horizontal distance from the microplot stake to the geographic center of the stem(s), or the center of the bole (pith) at the base of the tree, must be 6.8 feet or less. Trees are tallied and numbered clockwise starting with the last number recorded on the subplot.

Qualifying trees.

All live trees that are not JUSC2 or CELE3 that are 1.0- to 4.9-inches DBH (saplings)

Live JUSC2 or CELE3 saplings (1.0- to 4.9-inches DRC).

o For a multi-stemmed woodland species sapling to qualify for tally, at least one measured stem must be 1.0-inch DRC or larger, and the cumulative (calculated) DRC must be between 1.0 and 4.9 inches DRC and 1 foot in length.

Review and update the tallied sapling trees from the last measurement. If trees have grown into the sapling size class, that were not previously tallied, record: Tree Status, Tree Class, Tree Species, Tree Count, DBH, Age, Crown Class.

5.C Seedling Counts (Microplot) Within the perimeter of the microplot area (6.8 feet horizontal distance), record the number of live tree seedlings by species. Only include species listed as tally tree species (refer to appendix A).

To Qualify for the Seedling Count.

Conifer seedlings must be at least 1.0 foot in height (length) and less than 1.0 inch at DBH in order to qualify for counting. Hardwood seedlings must be at least 1.0 foot in length and less than 1.0 inch at DBH to qualify for counting. For JUSC2/CELE3 species, each stem on a single tree must be less than 1.0 inch at DRC and at least 1.0 foot in length.

Multiple “suckers” of aspen that originate from the same location and stump sprouts are considered one seedling. Do not count fir “layers” (undetached branches partially or completely covered by soil, usually at the base) as seedlings. Once a stem within a fir layer meets sapling tree qualifications, then tally the stem as a sapling.

Record: Tree Staus, Tree Class, Tree Species, Height (average), DBH (average, if average height is above 4.5’), Crown Ratio (average), Crown Class

Section 6: Vegetation Composition and Ground Surface Cover Transects Forms This section contains the following subsections: (A) Vegetation Composition – Cover by Lifeform Form,

(B) Vegetation Composition – Cover by Species Form, and (C) Ground Surface Cover Transects Form.

Special note: Region One is interested in knowing if any aspen, even if only one seedling, are present on the plot. Follow instructions below for tallying aspen, even to a trace percent.

On the subplot sample area (24.0-ft radius), estimate and record vegetation composition data using the following sampling methods.

Base all estimates on the cover by lifeform, lifeform by layer, and cover for specified species on vegetation and plant parts that are (or were) alive during the current growing season, and are located within the subplot perimeter (24.0-ft radius, horizontal distance).

Remember the area of a circle = πr², therefore the area of a 24 ft radius circle = 3.14 (24²) = 1808 ft².

Five percent of this = 1808 ft² (.05) ≈ 90 ft² and the radius of a 90 ft² circle = √(90/3.14) ≈ 5.4 ft which is approximately the arm span of a 5.5 ft tall person. This same process can be used to determine the area of any percentage of any fixed radius plot.

Complete the following forms:

Cover by Lifeform (1/24th-acre subplot area) Cover by Species (1/24th-acre subplot area) o noxious weeds (see Appendix D) and aspen Ground Surface Cover (transects): Collect ground surface cover data on four transects that originate from plot center and extend outward for 25.0 feet slope distance at azimuths of 0, 90, 180, and 270 degrees for subplots 1 and 2; and azimuths of 45, 135, 225, and 315 degrees for subplots 3 and 4.

A. Vegetation Composition - Cover by Lifeform Form

Cover by Lifeform

For the 1/24th-acre subplot area, determine canopy cover, to the nearest percent, for the following categories (procedures specified below):

Cover by Lifeform Cover by Lifeform by Layer

Base all estimates on the cover of vegetation and plant parts that are (or were) alive during the current growing season, and are located within the subplot perimeter (24.0-ft radius, horizontal distance).

Figure 6.1: Exams Cover…