EXHIBIT G 2023 TREE CORE COLLECTION PROCEDURES WITH LIST_NV.pdf

EXHIBIT G: TREE CORE COLLECTION PROCEDURES 2023 AND LIST OF PLOTS AND

TREE SPECIES TO COLLECT

Which tree cores do we collect?

Wyoming: collect a tree core for all trees where a new tree age is required on a plot located in Wyoming.

Populus, Betula, and Prosopis (mesquite) spp. anytime a new age is required – you will not receive a warning from the PDR for these trees unless the tree is a site tree.

INVYR 2020 plots and 2023 Climate Study cores: Plots carried over since 2020 have three lists of plots/trees where we want specific trees cored on specific plots. The 2023 plots have two list of plots/trees where we want cores: one for contractors and one for federal/Colorado State crews (standby for the federal crew list).

The three list of plots/trees to core for 2020 are kept here: External RMRS FIA Field Reference Library\Data Collection Resources\Protocols\Additional Procedures\Tree cores\ 2020_Site_Larch_Fill_ActualPlot_editsRS

The two lists of plots/trees to core for 2023 are kept here:

• The list of “climate study” plots/trees to core for 2023 is kept here for 2023 contract plots: External RMRS FIA Field Reference Library\Data Collection Resources\Protocols\Additional Procedures\Tree cores\ 2023TreeRing_Contract_TargetSppByPlot

• And here for 2023 Government/Colorado State crew plots: (not yet made…standby)XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

It’s a good idea for crews to identify these plots/trees ahead of time by accessing the abovementioned lists and writing on the front of the plot packet each subplot and tree number for the cores that are slated for collection in their area from each of these lists. Refer to the red tabs associated with each state in the spreadsheet to see what is designated for collection in your area. Then, do the following for tree cores from each of the following tree core study types:

(2020 and 2023) Climate Study plot/trees If a tree/plot is indicated that a core is to be collected for climate and/or fill, do the following:

1. Collect a core from the largest diameter tree for any of the target species (ponderosa pine, pinyon pine, or Douglas-fir) found on plot. The spreadsheet linked above will tell you which of these target species had the largest diameter on that plot. If the tree with the largest diameter is no longer alive, find a comparable ponderosa, pinyon, or Douglas-fir 8”dbh or greater elsewhere on the plot and collect that core. If no 8” dbh or larger tree of these three species is available on plot, do not collect a core.

From J. Shaw: “The general idea is to get a dominant tree with relatively good form. For any plot where we have only records of smaller trees from past visits (or no diameters available), collections can be made off-plot. If it’s just a big burn-over with only seeds and saps (or nothing) and no off-plot trees are available, the plot can be a pass.”

2. Do not collect marginal crumbly cores. Try for another suitable core of a similar age from a tree that has been bored in the past on the plot.

3. If the condition has been subjected to a stand-replacing event (i.e., no mature trees remaining), it is not necessary to obtain a core.

(2020 only) Western larch trees from subplots included in the root disease study (2020 plots)– collect a core from a single western larch tree (no saplings) on the subplot when prompted by the PDR. Try to obtain a core from the largest western larch on the subplot but it’s more important to get a larch from the subplot than that specific larch. A list of subplots requiring collection of western larch cores can be found by pressing F5 and https://usfs.box.com/s/ntgr82fug5dt0e42ao4ip62fohed0e8n https://usfs.box.com/s/yy1khc589iy8xjn9i4wk5bybzjkz0ktr choosing ‘RMRS Plot Tree Core List’ from any menu on the PDR. Do not collect a core if there is no live western larch on the subplot.

(2020 only) Site trees on conditions/plots where site tree issues have been identified (2020 plots) – you will receive a warning from the PDR on these plots. You can determine if collection of site trees cores is required by pressing F5 and choosing ‘RMRS Plot Tree Core List’ from any menu on the PDR. These plots contain conditions where only a single site tree was collected during the previous visit or where site indexes calculated from the previous visit differed by more than 25%.

Carefully evaluate existing and any potential new site trees with the goal of selecting two appropriate trees for each condition (if available). Do not select marginal trees just to fulfill the 2-tree goal. Collect cores from each site tree that is selected for all conditions on the plot. You will need to collect a core even if the tree has been aged by the previous crew.

How do we collect cores?

1. Core the tree – if the core is crumbly and in many tiny pieces, or has rot, do not collect. Either core the tree again or pick another tree of the same species in the same diameter class (if available). If a suitable core can’t be collected, count the rings in the field or estimate tree age (if possible) and enter this data into the PDR.

2. Count the rings (if necessary, see below):

Plot trees: (that do not also serve as site trees including off-plot Betula and Populus spp.)

• You do not need to count these rings in the field if the tree has been identified for core collection. The lab will count them and the age will be filled in at a later date.

• Do collect radial growth measurement if the PDR indicates it is needed for that tree.

• Enter in the PDR:

o RADIAL GROWTH/AGE CODE = 3 (Yes. Collect Radial Growth, age will be determined from the core).

o RADIAL GROWTH AGE CHECK = 3 (Age measured from a collected core – for cores collected and sent into the office for aging). Note: use of this code is valid in 2020 for Betula and Populus spp.

that are cored off plot and do not also serve as site trees. If an off-plot Betula or Populus spp.

also serves as a site tree, see the site tree section below.

If the core was taken from a tree that was actually cored on the subplot make sure the proper tree number is recorded on the core label. If the core was taken from a tree that was actually cored off the subplot (required for Populus and Betula) make a note in the PDR that the core was collected off plot and be sure to label the core with ‘OFF’ in the space normally used for the tree number and include the diameter of both the tree on the subplot and the one that was actually cored off the subplot.

Site Trees:

• You will need to count the age of all site trees and mesquite before packaging the core to send in.

• Enter in the PDR:

If the core was taken from a tree that was actually cored on the subplot enter the field counted radial growth and tree age in the tree menu and use the following codes:

o RADIAL GROWTH/AGE CODE = 2 (Yes. Collect both Radial Growth and age information), or 5

(Yes. Collect age information. Use past/current diameters for growth (place radial) (do not use code 3).

o RADIAL GROWTH AGE CHECK = 3 (Age measured from a collected core – for cores collected and sent into the office for aging).

If the core is from a site tree that was actually cored off the subplot enter the relevant information for the off-plot site tree (azimuth, distance, diameter, and length) including the field counted tree age in the site tree menu and code RADIAL GROWTH AGE CHECK = 3 (Age measured from a collected core – for cores collected and sent into the office for aging). Be sure to label the core with ‘SITE’ in the space normally used for the tree number.

If this off-plot site tree also serves as an ‘age tree’ (i.e. as a stand-in for a tree that was tallied on the subplot) you will also need to enter the field counted radial growth and tree age in the tree menu under the appropriate tree number as well as the following codes:

o RADIAL GROWTH/AGE CODE = 2 (Yes. Collect both Radial Growth and age information) (do not use code 3).

o RADIAL GROWTH AGE CHECK = 2 (Age/radial growth was based on a similar tree off the subplot).

Thus, data for off-plot trees that serve as both site trees and as stand-in ‘age’ trees for a tree that was tallied on the subplot will be entered in both the site tree menu and the tree menu if a core is collected, with different radial growth age check codes used depending on the menu.

3. Place the core in a paper straw. Trim the paper down, leaving about an inch of empty space on both ends of the core. Fold the ends of the paper over a couple times.

4. Label the straw. It is important to accurately and legibly label each straw in pencil with ALL the information below:

Plot trees:

State code – County code – Location code – Subplot # – Tree # – Species code – Diameter

Example: 08 – 51 – 3002 – 3 – 18 – 202 – 18.6 Off plot site trees:

State code – County code – Location code – Subplot # – SITE – Species code – Diameter

Example: 08 – 51 – 3002 – 3 – SITE – 202 - 18.6 Off plot “other” trees (e.g., aspens, birch):

State code - County code – Location code – Subplot # – OFF – Species code – Diameter of tree on the plot—(Diameter of tree cored off plot)

Example: 08 – 51 – 3002 – 3 – OFF – 202 – 18.6 (18.9)

5. Store straws in a map tube or some other protective container.

6. Send cores in approximately once a month to the Ogden Office:

OGDEN FORESTRY SCIENCES LABORATORY

USDA Forest Service 4919 S 1500 W, Ste. 200 Riverdale, UT 84405

List of Tree Cores to Collect by Plot and Tree Species (Nevada)

County Code

County Name

Plot Species Code

Common Name Genus species PLANTS code

Number of SPP on Plot

Max DIA of SPP on plot

7 Elko 206 113 limber pine Pinus flexilis PIFL2 2 7.5 7 Elko 253 113 limber pine Pinus flexilis PIFL2 34 24.7 7 Elko 1155 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 27 17.4 7 Elko 1387 113 limber pine Pinus flexilis PIFL2 1 6.9 7 Elko 1400 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 24 20.9 7 Elko 1505 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 18 19.6 7 Elko 1513 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 2 8.2 7 Elko 1642 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 19 14 7 Elko 1648 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 2 9 7 Elko 1671 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 3 23.5 7 Elko 1742 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 1 9.7 11 Eureka 261 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 3 10.4 11 Eureka 396 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 3 13.8 11 Eureka 401 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 11 12.1 11 Eureka 3045 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 4 5.6 15 Lander 211 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 10 20.3 15 Lander 312 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 11 12.6 15 Lander 331 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 15 15.3 15 Lander 522 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 23 16.2 15 Lander 532 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 28 21.3 15 Lander 3058 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 1 10.3 15 Lander 3066 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 5 28.4 17 Lincoln 3 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 30 12.5 17 Lincoln 39 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 20 14 17 Lincoln 54 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 13 19 17 Lincoln 108 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 10 9.6 17 Lincoln 168 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 19 16.1 17 Lincoln 176 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 2 6.9 17 Lincoln 257 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 17 14.4

County Name

Plot Species Code

Common Name Genus species PLANTS code

Number of SPP on Plot

Max DIA of SPP on plot

17 Lincoln 262 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 5 7.1 17 Lincoln 267 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 29 13.4 17 Lincoln 329 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 17 11.7 17 Lincoln 334 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 7 10.7 17 Lincoln 457 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 2 16 17 Lincoln 481 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 5 9.8 17 Lincoln 486 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 11 7.8 17 Lincoln 498 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 23 11.3 17 Lincoln 577 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 3 12.3 17 Lincoln 588 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 4 6.2 17 Lincoln 682 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 19 14.5 17 Lincoln 687 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 11 8.8 17 Lincoln 699 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 3 6 17 Lincoln 709 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 12 12.1 17 Lincoln 717 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 29 13 17 Lincoln 3024 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 15 12.1 17 Lincoln 3048 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 9 17 23 Nye 3 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 25 24.7 23 Nye 9 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 16 17.3 23 Nye 42 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 10 14.3 23 Nye 106 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 20 17.1 23 Nye 134 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 8 15.4 23 Nye 164 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 22 12.7 23 Nye 169 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 29 14.9 23 Nye 336 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 20 10.7 23 Nye 342 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 7 19.7 23 Nye 356 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 4 18.6 23 Nye 477 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 13 10.1 23 Nye 510 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 38 15 23 Nye 528 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 3 11.2 23 Nye 644 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 25 9.4

County Name

Plot Species Code

Common Name Genus species PLANTS code

Number of SPP on Plot

Max DIA of SPP on plot

23 Nye 949 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 9 12.3 23 Nye 3015 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 20 25.7 23 Nye 3028 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 8 19 27 Pershing 593 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 6 14.5 33 White

Pine 270 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 29 26.3

33 White Pine

419 133 singleleaf pinyon Pinus monophylla PIMOF 6 17.6