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FOREST SERVICE MANUAL
ALASKA REGION (REGION 10)
JUNEAU, ALASKA
FSM 2400 – TIMBER MANAGEMENT
CHAPTER 2470 – SILVICULTURAL PRACTICES
Supplement No.: R-10 2400-2005-1
Effective Date: May 11, 2005
Duration: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
Approved: /s/ Steven A. Brink (for)
DENNIS E. BSCHOR
Regional Forester
Date Approved: 04/20/2005
Posting Instructions: Supplements are numbered consecutively by title number and calendar
year. Post by document; remove the entire document and replace it with this supplement. Retain
this transmittal as the first page(s) of this document. The last supplement to this title was R-10
supplement 2400-2002-5 to zero code chapter.
New Document
2470
9 Pages
Superseded Document(s) by
Issuance Number and
Effective Date
2470 (2400-2000-2, dtd 8/18/2000)
18 Pages
Digest:
2470.41 - Establishes the Forest Activities Tracking System (FACTS) as the Region's stand level
silvicultural activity tracking database. Establishes the FACTS as the database used for upward
accomplishment reporting of silvicultural activities.
2470.5 - Clarifies definitions for silvicultural practices with terms compatible with the Society of
American Foresters 1998, The Dictionary of Forestry and the National Amendment No. 24002004-6 to FSM2400 Chapter 2470 . Removes clearcutting with reserves as an even-aged
regeneration definition consistent with SAF Dictionary and National direction.
R-10 SUPPLEMENT 2400-2005-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 05/11/2005
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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2471.11 - Clarifies direction on the seven circumstances involved in determination that
clearcutting is the optimum regeneration method to meet forest plan objectives. Emphasizes
that only clearcutting as an even-aged regeneration method must include an optimality finding.
Two-aged clearcuts must be deemed an appropriate regeneration method.
Adds clarification on thresholds and definitions for two-aged regeneration methods.
2471.12 - Defines even-aged regeneration methods as clearcutting, seed-tree, shelter wood and
coppice and eliminates even-aged clearcutting with reserves as an even aged method.
Defines two-aged regeneration methods as clearcutting with reserves, seed-tree with reserves,
shelter wood with reserves and coppice with reserves and eliminates even-aged clearcutting with
reserves as an even aged method.
2472.04b - Assigns to the Forest Supervisor responsibility for certifying completed reforestation
work, that FACTS and the Corporate Data Warehouse is used to report reforestation needs, and
training for reforestation personnel is provided.
2472.04c - Assigns to the District Ranger responsibility for ensuring that FACTS is used to
record all areas that have been examined and have a reforestation prescription completed.
2472.2 - Establishes FACTS as the database used to track areas identified as being in need of
reforestation.
2472.2 4 - Clarifies that the Tongass Land and Resource Management Plan (page 4-99)
eliminates the requirement for first year stocking surveys if the silvicultural prescription
anticipates natural regeneration.
R-10 SUPPLEMENT 2400-2005-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 05/11/2005
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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CHAPTER 2470 – SILVICULTURAL PRACTICES
The references used for this supplement are:
1. FACTS Users Guide and Data Dictionary. National reports FS-2400-D "Silvicultural
Accomplishment Report" and FS-2400-K "Annual Reforestation and Timber Stand Improvement
Needs Report" (FSH 1309.14) are generated by part of the Timber Management Information
System (FSH 2409.14) called the Timber Activity Control System (TRACS), specifically the
SILVA subsystem soon to be replaced with the Corporate Data Warehouse.
2. Forest Activities Tracking System (FACTS) Guide. Contains directions for use of,
and valid codes for, the Region 10’s stand-level activity database and upward reporting tool.
3. The Dictionary of Forestry. Helms, John A. 1998. The Society of American
Foresters, 5400 Grosvenor Lane, Bethesda, Maryland 20814.
2470.4 - Responsibility
2470.41 - Line Officers
2. The Forest Activities Tracking System (FACTS) is Region 10's stand level
silvicultural activity tracking database. The FACTS is also the database used for
accomplishment reporting. All silvicultural activities will be reported in this database as
described in the FACTS User Guide. Stand records in the FACTS should relate to a polygon in
the FACTS Accomplishments layer through the ten-character FACTS-ID number which consists
of the four character VCU number, one character Compartment number, a zero, followed by the
four character stand number.
2470.5 - Definitions
Clearcutting Regeneration Method with Reserves. (Also referred to as Two-Aged
Clearcutting Regeneration Method with Reserves). The Clearcutting Regeneration method with
Reserves will result in a two-aged stand.
Final Removal Cut. A type of cut that releases established regeneration from competition
with seed or shelter trees under the seed tree and shelter wood regeneration methods. Reserve
trees may or may not be retained.
Group Selection Regeneration Method. Linear groups with widths equal to or less than
approximately twice the height of the mature trees across the shortest dimension are acceptable
even though the long axis exceeds twice the height of mature trees. However, groups should not
exceed approximately two acres in size (see the clearcut definition regarding patch cuts).
Harvest Activity. A reference to a specific type of cut applied under a regeneration
method or intermediate treatment. Refer to the FACTS User Guide for valid codes.
R-10 SUPPLEMENT 2400-2005-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 05/11/2005
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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Reserve Trees. Trees are retained for resource purposes other than regeneration.
Salvage Cutting. The removal of dead, damaged, or dying trees due to injurious agents
other than competition, to recover value that would otherwise be lost. NOTE: Even if the
salvage cutting is "heavy" enough that a reforestation need is created, the harvest activity should
be considered and coded in FACTS as a salvage cutting. The reforestation need created through
a salvage cutting should not be attributed to a timber harvest activity but rather the appropriate
damage agent.
Silvicultural System. A planned process whereby a stand is tended, harvested, and reestablished. The system name is based on the number of age classes (see Even-Aged, TwoAged, and Uneven-Aged) and/or the regeneration method used (see Clearcutting, Seed Tree,
Shelterwood, Selection, Coppice, Coppice with Reserves).
2471 - HARVEST CUTTING
2471.02 - Objective
Provide for regeneration, protection, enhancement, and sustained yield of forest resources in
accordance with desired conditions set forth in forest plans and stand-level silvicultural
prescriptions. Create and maintain healthy ecological conditions leading to a sustainable flow of
forest products for current and future generations.
2471.1 - Even-aged Stands
2471.11 - Considerations
1. Apply the clearcutting method only where it has been found to be the optimum
method of regeneration to meet multiple-use objectives and is essential to meet forest plan
objectives, involving one or more of the following circumstances:
a. To establish, enhance, or maintain habitat for threatened, endangered, or sensitive
species.
b. To enhance wildlife habitat or water yield values, or to provide for recreation,
scenic vistas, utility lines, road corridors, facility sites, reservoirs, or similar
development.
c. To rehabilitate lands adversely affected by events such as fires, windstorms, or
insect or disease infestations.
d. To preclude or minimize the occurrence of potentially adverse impacts or disease
infestations, wind throw, logging damage, or other factors affecting forest health.
R-10 SUPPLEMENT 2400-2005-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 05/11/2005
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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e. To provide for the establishment and growth of desired trees or other vegetative
species that are shade intolerant.
f. To rehabilitate poorly stocked stands due to past management practices or natural
events.
g. To meet research needs.
2. Two criteria must be met for a stand to be considered two-aged. These criteria are
based upon:
a. Density of Residual Trees Basal Area. The residual stand must have an average of
15% of the pre-treatment basal area, based on standing green trees that constitute a
distinct age class separated in age by more than 20 percent of rotation.
b. Distribution of Residual Trees. Retention may be in clumps or as individual trees.
Distribute the reserves or clumps somewhat evenly across harvest unit/stand.
Clumping all or the majority of the reserve trees along the unit boundary does not
qualify for two-aged management.
The thresholds for each criterion are minimum values. However, all criteria must be met for a
stand to be considered and reported as two-aged. If all criteria are not met, the stand is
considered and reported as even-aged.
2471.12 - Methods
1. Even-aged Stands. Reserve trees under each of the even-aged methods (Clearcutting,
Seed-tree cutting, Shelterwood cutting, Coppice) may be left to achieve goals other than
regeneration and to provide for other resource considerations and needs. The number of reserve
trees and the distribution of reserve trees (clumped and/or scattered individual trees) depend
upon the needs of the resource(s) for which the trees are being left.
2. Two-aged Stands. If sufficient trees are reserved (a minimum of 15 percent of the
pre-treatment stand basal area), two-aged stands are created using the following regeneration
methods:
1. Clearcutting with reserves.
2. Seed-tree with reserves.
3. Shelterwood with reserves.
4. Coppice with reserves.
R-10 SUPPLEMENT 2400-2005-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 05/11/2005
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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Reserve trees under each of the two-aged methods listed above may be left to achieve goals other
than regeneration and to provide for other resource considerations and needs. The number of
reserve trees and the distribution of reserve trees (clumped and/or scattered individual trees)
depend upon the needs of the resource(s) for which the trees are being left
2471.2 - Uneven-aged Stands
2471.22 - Methods
Reserve trees under each of the uneven-aged methods (Single-tree selection, Group selection)
may be left to achieve goals other than regeneration and to provide for other resource
considerations and needs. The number of reserve trees and the distribution of reserve trees
(clumped and/or scattered individual trees) depend upon the needs of the resource(s) for which
the trees are being left.
2471.3 - Intermediate Cutting
2471.31 - Cautions
Do not use intermediate cutting to begin the regeneration of even-aged and two-aged stands. If
salvage cutting will be heavy enough to begin the regeneration process, prescribe salvage
treatment and attribute the reforestation need to the appropriate damage agent. Before
scheduling these stands for regeneration harvest on forest land suitable for timber management,
ensure stands can be adequately restocked within 5 years of final harvest (cut) (FSM 2470.3).
2472 - REFORESTATION
2472.04 - Responsibility
2472.04b - Forest Supervisor
It is the responsibility of the Forest Supervisors and Assistant Forest Supervisors to plan and
program reforestation to meet the objectives of the forest plan. This includes, but is not limited
to, the following:
1. Certify that reforestation work has been accomplished according to approved plans
and prescriptions. This can generally be done through the annual accomplishment reporting
done through FACTS and other required reports.
2. Ensure that annual reforestation needs and accomplishments are reported in FACTS.
R-10 SUPPLEMENT 2400-2005-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 05/11/2005
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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3. Ensure that FACTS is used to track each area identified as being in need of
reforestation, whether it be due to natural causes, fire, or harvest. Areas identified as being in
need of reforestation shall be monitored until they are either certified as restocked or the
determination made that no further reforestation treatments are justified.
4. Provide training for reforestation supervisors or inspectors responsible for high quality
regeneration and achieving maximum success.
2472.04c - District Ranger
It is the responsibility of the District Ranger to:
2. Use FACTS to record all areas that have been examined and have a reforestation
prescription completed.
2472.2 - Setting and Tracking Priorities
FACTS shall be used to track each area identified as being in need of reforestation, whether it be
due to natural causes, fire, or harvest. Areas identified as being in need of reforestation shall be
monitored until certified as restocked or the determination made that no further reforestation
treatments are justified.
District Rangers must use FACTS to record all areas that have been examined and have a
reforestation prescription completed. For each project listed, specify the location of the area,
acreage, species to be established, and the cubic foot site productivity class (FSM 2496). R10
requirements also include tracking of associated NEPA documents and Sale layout.
2472.21 - Economic Analysis
The forest plan provides the overall framework for economic analysis to determine the types of
reforestation treatments needed. Although the economic analysis within the framework of the
forest plan provides information on the types and amounts of reforestation needed, further
economic analysis may be necessary to determine the most cost effective method to carry out a
treatment or to set priorities among projects when not all of the projects can be financed. When
using economic analysis to help set priorities, do not analyze each stand individually. Analyze
representative types of stands and treatments, and then apply the analysis results to similar types
of stands. It is the responsibility of the Forest Supervisor to ensure that the most cost effective
reforestation method is used to carry out treatments and to set priorities among projects when not
all of the projects can be financed.
R-10 SUPPLEMENT 2400-2005-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 05/11/2005
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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2472.3 - Reforestation Process
2472.32 - Regeneration Methods
Natural regeneration without site preparation should always be the first regeneration method
considered, as it is the most economical. If natural regeneration without site preparation is not
anticipated to result in a fully stocked stand or meet project objectives as described in the
silvicultural prescription, other natural or artificial methods should be considered. Always use
the most cost effective regeneration method to meet project objectives.
2472.4 - Regeneration Examinations
1. Stocking Surveys. The Tongass Land and Resource Management Plan (page 4-99)
eliminates the requirement for first year surveys if the silvicultural prescription anticipates
natural regeneration.
For natural regeneration without site preparation, conduct stocking surveys and survey
regeneration prior to the over story removal cut, shelter wood removal cut, or seed-tree removal
cut. After examination, promptly schedule those areas for retreatment which fail to meet
Regional stocking standards (FSH 2409.17, Chapter 2), unless satisfactory stocking can be
assured without need for a subsequent reforestation treatment. Establish additional types,
frequencies, and quality standards for stocking surveys, as necessary, for program monitoring.
The seed cut in the seed-tree regeneration method and the shelter wood, or establishment cut in
the shelter wood regeneration method create reforestation treatment needs for prescriptions
involving natural regeneration without site preparation.
For the third growing season, survey regenerated areas to estimate the number of acceptable trees
per acre consistent with regional standards. For the first growing season survey, "walk-through"
surveys may be used, if the survey is documented.
2. Seedling Survival. Each Ranger District with a reforestation program must establish
seedling survival samples for first and third year reporting. Use Regional direction for sample
selection or layout. Use samples for survival counts on sample areas representing major species
as the basis for reporting seedling survival (FSM 2496.1). The sample strategy may consist of
either fixed plots or staked trees. Take more intensive samples, as necessary, for specific
problem units or mortality cause determinations. Determine causes of seedling mortality and
take corrective action before replanting an unsuccessful area.
For reporting purposes, a satisfactorily reforested area contains desired levels of acceptable live
seedlings, and will not require any additional regeneration treatments to meet the minimum
stocking level set forth in the prescription (FSM 2478). A certified silviculturist shall make the
determination as to whether or not additional regeneration treatments will be needed.
R-10 SUPPLEMENT 2400-2005-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 05/11/2005
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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1. Timing. Evaluate reforestation certification status by the end of the third growing
season or earlier on sites regenerated by planting, and by the end of the fifth growing season on
sites regenerated by artificial seeding or natural regeneration with site preparation. For natural
regeneration without site preparation, evaluate reforestation certification status prior to overstory
removal cut, shelter wood removal cut, or seed-tree removal cut. After final harvest, conduct a
post-treatment exam to validate reforestation certification status.
2. Reforestation Certification Evaluations. The three possible outcomes when evaluating
reforestation certification status are:
a. "Certify," if the area is satisfactorily stocked.
b. "Fail," if the area is not satisfactorily stocked and satisfactory stocking is not
anticipated within two growing seasons, based upon an evaluation by a silviculturist.
Promptly report as a reforestation need arising from reforestation failure and schedule
retreatment (FSM 2496.11).
c. "Reevaluate," if the area is not satisfactorily stocked and, based upon an evaluation
by a silviculturist, satisfactory stocking will be achieved within two growing seasons.
Reevaluate the area after each of these two growing seasons. Upon the second
reevaluation, if satisfactory stocking has not been achieved, declare a failure and
schedule for prompt retreatment.