R1 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-99-1
EFFECTIVE 04/12/99
2409.17,6.4,Exs.,-6.8
Page 1 of 38
2409.17 - SILVICULTURAL PRACTICES HANDBOOK
R1 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-99-1
EFFECTIVE 04/12/99
6.4 - Exhibit 02
Worksheet for Contract Estimate
Name of Project
Prepared by
Date Prepared
Contract Time
1.
Number of Units
2.
Average Rate of Progress per Person per Day
3.
Reasonable Crew/s-Size/s
4.
Daily Production (Item x Item 3)
5.
Contract Time:
6.
Acres, Points, Days, Miles, etc.
a. Production Time (Item 1 ÷ Item 4):
b. Additional Time:
Mobilization
Weekends
Normal Weather Delays
Breakdowns
Other
Total Additional Time
c. Total Contract Time (a + b)
Days
Days
Days
Days
Days
Days
Days
Days
Costs:
1.
Labor:
a. Regular: 8 hours x $
(rate/hr) x
(crew#) =
$
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Page 2 of 38
b. Overtime:
(hours) x
(1.5 x regular) = $
c. Total Daily Salary (a = b):
$
d. Fringe Benefits and Payroll Taxes:
%** x $
(Daily Salary) =
$
**FICA:
Workmen's Compensation
%
Vacation
%
Holiday
%
Unemployment Insurance
%
Health and Welfare
%
e. Per Diem (per day)
Lodging and Meals:
(Crew) x $
(rate) = $
Total Labor Costs per Day
$
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Page 3 of 38
6.4 - Exhibit 02--Continued
Worksheet for Contract Estimate--Continued
2.
Supervision:
Regular: 8 hours x $
=
Overtime:
Hours x $
Fringe Benefits:
%x $
3.
(Labor) x $
(Supervision) =
(Total Labor Per Day) x
(Days):
$
$
Travel Per Day:
$
5.
$
$
$
$
Total Labor/Supervision Costs:
$
$
4.
1.5 Regular =
(daily salary) =
Total Supervision per Day
(Miles) x $
(Travel per Day)
(Rate per Mile) x (#vehicles)
x
(Contract Days):
$
$
Equipment (Chainsaws, Planting Tools, etc.):
a. Equipment Costs per Day:
b. Depreciation Costs per Day:
c. Total Equipment:
$
(Equipment) + $
6.
Project Materials:
7.
Mobilization:
$
$
(Depreciation):
$
(Rate)
x
(Contract Days):
Total Direct Costs: (3 + 4 + 5c + 6 + 7)
b.
Indirect Costs:
$
$
$
$
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2409.17,6.4,Exs.,-6.8
Page 4 of 38
Computed at 10-20% of Direct Costs: (Should include
clerical, bookkeeping, office expense, etc. All of the costs
of running a business that cannot be charged to a specific
project, but must be spread over all projects equitably.)
$
Total Direct and Indirect Costs
c.
Profit:
Computed at 10-20% of Total Direct and Indirect Costs;
includes risk:
TOTAL CONTRACT: TOTAL DIRECT, INDIRECT, AND
PROFIT
$
$
$
R1 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-99-1
EFFECTIVE 04/12/99
2409.17,6.4,Exs.,-6.8
Page 5 of 38
6.4 - Exhibit 03
Regional Supplements to Standard
Tree Thinning Contract
The following are approved supplemental specifications. The instructions or application of the supplements are
included. In many places, blanks are provided to allow shifting of criteria to meet prescription objectives. Other
situations allow for developing descriptions and terms as provided in the instructions. In these instances, all
requirements must be met.
REQUIRED - Project Description Table and/or Silvicultural Summary Prescriptions
(Instructions: Complete the Project Description Table or Silvicultural Summary Prescription. All units
included in the contract must be fully described. If the "Best Tree" provisions are used the Silvicultural
Summary Prescription is mandatory and is part of the contract.)
Project Description Table
Item No.
Unit
No.
Name
Acres
Average
Spacing
Feet
Number of Maximum Minimum
Leave
D.B.H. Cut Tree Height
Tree/Acre
Limit
To Be Cut
(Instructions: The information shown above in the current table is required. Additional optional headings may
include: Preferred species to be left; principal species to be cut; elevation; range of slope (assure that the variations
in the slope are indicated); hardwood species to be cut; range and average number of trees/acre (display the total
R1 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-99-1
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Page 6 of 38
range of variation in the payment item or sub-item and display the arithmetic mean number of stems per acre and
the range of the deviation of the average number calculated to one standard deviation. Footnote that the
calculation is to one standard deviation.)
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Page 7 of 38
6.4 - Exhibit 03--Continued
SILVICULTURAL SUMMARY PRESCRIPTION
Stand Description Sub-item No.
Acres
Unit Name Stand No. Location -
Legal -
Approx. Elev. -
Avg. Slope -
Avg. Stand Age -
Avg. Aspect -
Avg. Tree Htg. Silvicultural Objective
(Describe as necessary)
Best Tree Criteria
Competitive Area
varying radii).
radius in feet (must be defined in terms of area, i.e., circular area of
Crop Tree (Described optimal tree by species in terms of height and age).
Desired Condition
Trees/Acre:
Min.
Species Preference:
Approximate leave tree stand composition:
Max.
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Page 8 of 38
Maximum tree diameter (at DBH) to thin
Maximum stump height:
Minimum tree height to thin:
Insect, Disease, and Animal Damage:
Special Slash treatment other than described in general specs:
Other Treatments:
6.4 - Exhibit 03--Continued
Worksheet Examples
OPTIONAL - Salvage
(Instructions: If salvage is permitted, supplement with applicable language similar to example which should
control salvage operation. The utilization of thinning materials is encouraged to meet other resource and protection
needs. This provision provides an option for management possibly meeting firewood, post-pole, and other small
product buyer demands. Protection is provided under hold-back provisions. Not less than 5 percent payment
hold-back should be made. During the prework conference, Contracting Officers should inform the Contractor that
"prior arrangement" means prior to conducting the final inspection.)
1. Posts, poles, and other products may be salvaged from thinned materials under this contract.
2. Material may be removed by horses, crawler-tractor, or rubber tired tractor, maximum size not to exceed
inches outside tire or track width. Other methods of removal may be approved by the Contracting Officer.
3. Removal of salvage materials will be done concurrently with thinning. When an item (or sub-item) is
accepted for payment, no further salvage operation shall be permitted, except for removal of decked materials.
4. (Specify by item or sub-item). Salvage material is available to the Contractor. Any cut material shall
become the property of the Contractor on a salvage option basis upon written request to the Contracting
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Officer. It may be removed commensurate with work on the (Item or Sub-item) or ___*___number of days
from completion of contract or according to a prearranged written agreement with the Contracting Officer,
which ever occurs first. Rights to any material not removed from the project prior to the removal date or
expiration of contract time shall revert to the government.
(Special Instructions: Required language if salvage is permitted.
5. Products removed from National Forest land must be accounted for. Log removal permits and instructions for
use are to be obtained from the Contracting Officer. (Instructions: Some form of designation for the
products shall be assigned as well as a load receipt document. Check with the Timber Staff Officer or Forest
Checkscaler for additional details or assignments.)
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EFFECTIVE 04/12/99
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Page 10 of 38
6.4 - Exhibit 03--Continued
Worksheet Examples
OPTIONS TO PART I - THE SCHEDULE
SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATION/WORK STATEMENT
OPTIONAL - Best Tree
Instructions: Use to select "Best Tree" in the "Competitive Area". To include this provision, the
Silvicultural Summary Prescription must be utilized. A description of "Competitive Area" and "Crop Tree"
must be completed for "Best Tree Criteria."
SELECTION OF LEAVE TREES
(a) Leave trees shall be selected from trees that have potential for being a crop tree. The trees having the
potential for crop trees shall be rated in relation to the optimal tree of the same species and age in the
Competitive area of * feet. The selected leave tree will be the highest rated tree.
An example would be: A Western Larch (15 ft. tall and 10 yrs. old) within the decision area (area size dependent
upon trees per acres to be left) is rated less than optimal because the best Western Larch in the competitive area of
a similar age are 20 ft. tall. An Englemann Spruce (8 ft. tall and 5 yrs. old) a few feet away from the Western Larch
is rated as one of the best in the competitive area. The leave tree is the Englemann Spruce.
When there is more than one tree rated the highest for its species in the decision area then the selection shall made
based upon the species preference list.
Selected leave trees shall be potential crop trees of the best form and vigor, be of a species listed in the species
preference in the prescription, and be within the allowable stocking density.
(1) Indicators of Desirable Leave Trees are:
Straight stem
Small branch diameter
Good coloration
Well-formed crown
Branches horizontal or slightly angled to bole
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Free of insect and disease damage and/or symptoms
Vigorous annual terminal growth
Crown class
The indicators as well as overall tree vigor are important criteria for leave tree selection. The most prominent
indicator for vigor is annual terminal growth for the past 1 to 3 years.
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Page 12 of 38
6.4 - Exhibit 03--Continued
Worksheet Examples
(2) Indicators of Undesirable Trees are:
*Multiple tops
Poor crown form
Crook or sweep in bole
Dead or broken tops
Poor coloration
Large branch diameter
Insect and disease
Branches more than 45 degrees from horizontal
Physical or mechanical damage
Suppressed
Poor annual growth
* Multiple tops may be acceptable in any species when it is the best tree of the species and it is needed to maintain
species mixture.
These indicators shall determine trees to be cut, but defects will be acceptable for a particular leave tree if it is the
best selection within a decision area.
The number of leave trees per acre shall be within the maximum/minimum allowance specified for each sub-item in
the silvicultural prescription. The minimum distance allowed between leave trees will be * feet, allowable only if
the trees exhibit open crowns on three sides. The contractor shall monitor the number of leave trees using a sample
plot method.
The Contractor shall be responsible for recognizing any insect, disease, or animal damage problems and reporting
them to the Contracting Officer.
NOTE: The prescription objective is based on the overall composition and condition of the stand, and is intended to
be a guideline for achieving a high quality final product in a professional manner. The contractor is expected to
notify the Contracting Officer of any insect and disease conditions not addressed in the Silvicultural Prescription.
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EFFECTIVE 04/12/99
2409.17,6.4,Exs.,-6.8
Page 13 of 38
OPTIONS TO PART I - THE SCHEDULE
SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATION/WORK STATEMENT
OPTIONAL - Leave Tree Designation By Painting
(Instructions: This sentence shall be included when the Government has marked leave trees.)
Leave trees have been designated by
colored paint; all other trees shall be cut.
6.4 - Exhibit 03--Continued
Worksheet Examples
OPTIONAL - Acceptable Scarred Leave Tree Specifications
(Instructions: For use in partial cut areas of timber sales when insufficient leave trees are present. Indicate the
proportion of tree scarred.)
All trees with scars in the cambium larger than
percent of the tree's circumference shall be cut.
OPTIONAL - Cut Trees With Bole Cankers
(Instructions: Use when various rusts are a problem.)
All tree species with bole cankers shall be cut.
OPTIONAL - Dwarf Mistletoe Criteria
(Instructions: For stands containing dwarf mistletoe, vary description to meet silvicultural needs. May only
require one or two depending on stand size or condition. Use Hawksworth method to define.)
A diseased tree containing dwarf mistletoe with the following characteristics shall be cut:
1. Tree with dwarf mistletoe on the bole or main stem.
2. Tree up to 1.9 inches d.b.h. - Any visible dwarf mistletoe.
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3. Tree between 2.0 and 3.9 inches d.b.h. - Visible dwarf mistletoe in the upper 2/3 of the live crown.
4. Trees greater than 4.0 inches d.b.h. - Visible dwarf mistletoe in the upper 1/2 of the live crown.
OPTIONS TO PART I - THE SCHEDULE
SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATION/WORK STATEMENT
OPTIONAL - Additional Cut Tree Selection For Dwarf Mistletoe Infected Trees
Within categories 2 through 4 above, selections shall be made as follows:
OPTIONAL - Tree Selection
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Page 15 of 38
6.4 - Exhibit 03--Continued
Worksheet Examples
(Instructions: Optional. Use to retain mixed stand composition.)
The tallest, best formed tree of each species shall be favored to achieve a leave tree stand composition in item
(Sub-item
) of approximately
percent (species).
OPTIONAL - Species Selection Preferences
(Instructions: Required if Contractor selects leave trees in a mixed stand.)
The order of preference by species for leave trees is
and
.
,
,
,
OPTIONAL - Acceptable Leave Tree Specifications
(Instructions: Use if Contractor selects leave trees and certain species are not to be selected as leave trees. Use in
areas where hardwoods are to be felled.)
The following tree species are not considered acceptable as leave trees at any time:
the trees exceed
inches d.b.h.
,
, except when
OPTIONAL - Leave Tree Selection Variations
(Instructions: Use only in clumpy or open stands where appropriate spacing is extremely difficult to achieve.)
In (Item or Sub-item), should a conflict arise between spacing and selection of the tallest, best-formed leave tree, the
tallest, best formed leave tree shall take precedence over spacing; however, the number of trees per acre shall not be
materially increased or decreased.
OPTIONAL - Tree Species Not to be Cut
(Instructions: Use if a specific species is not be cut.)
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species shall not be cut.
OPTIONAL - Designation and Prefelling of Cull Trees
(Instructions: Use only when cull trees are minimal in number and are predesignated by a paint mark.)
Trees designated with a (Paint color) paint mark shall be felled prior to selecting leave trees within a distance equal
to the height of the tree in the direction of fall. These trees exceed the specified maximum d.b.h. cut limit specified.
6.4 - Exhibit 03--Continued
Worksheet Examples
OPTIONAL - Snag Felling
(Instructions: When snag felling is allowed.)
Snags need not be cut unless otherwise specified. However, if the Contractor elects to fall any snags for safety or
authorized salvage, they shall be cut prior to selecting leave trees within a distance equal to the height of the snag
in the direction of fall.
OPTIONAL - Girdling
(Instructions: Use applicable clauses.)
1. Girdling is required under this contract. Trees requiring girdling shall be at least
inches d.b.h.
and must have two strips approximately
inches which removes all bark and cambial tissue.
2. Girdling will be accomplished within
inches of the ground.
OPTIONS TO PART I, SECTION C (Continued)
3. All trees designated with (Specify type or color) shall be girdled with two
-inch wide strips separated
by___to_____inches removing all bark and cambial tissue. (May add girdling height above ground option.)
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OPTIONAL - Slash Piling
(Instructions: Use if slash piling is required.)
All material greater than
inches in diameter or
feet in length shall be piled. The height of
the piles shall not be less than
feet or greater than
feet. Width of piles shall not be less than
feet or greater than
feet. Piles shall be a minimum distance
feet from live trees and
physical structures.
Piles shall be covered with government-furnished waterproof material so that
covered.
percent of the pile is
OPTIONAL - Chipping
(Instructions: Use if chipping is required.)
6.4 - Exhibit 03--Continued
Worksheet Examples
All material resulting from the thinning operation greater than
inches in diameter and
feet in
length, but less than
inches in diameter, shall be chipped. The accumulated depth of chips cannot exceed
inches.
OPTIONAL - Slash Treatment Specifications
(Instructions: Use if bucking required. Bole height at crossing point may be lower than 24 inches.)
In those units requiring bucking, all cut trees and limbs over 10 feet in length and in excess of 3 inches in diameter,
shall be cut into a maximum of 6-foot length from the butt end and a maximum of 10-foot lengths for the remainder
of the tree. All trees felled so that boles cross shall be severed at the bole crossing points. (Additional optional
wording.) Bole crossing shall be permitted when total slash height is less than 24 inches measured from the ground
to the top of the highest bole.
OPTIONAL - Pull Back Slash Specifications
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(Instructions: Use if pull-back is required. Should be designated on project map.)
Item
Sub-item
. All thinning slash within
feet of the center line of designated
(Road, Firebreak, Unit Boundary), identified by (Flagging, Paint, Stakes), shall be pulled back and scattered
feet from the center line.
OPTIONS TO PART 1, SECTION E
SECTION E - INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE
OPTIONS - Plot Size Selection
(Instructions: Indicate if 1/20, 1/50, or 1/100 acre plot to be used. Plot sizes may be tailored to obtain a specific
number of trees based on spacing.)
Plots shall be
acre (Circular or linear - specify) plots.
OPTIONS - Trees Per Plot
(Instructions: In preparing Section E plot size, the following guidelines should be used):
The plot size should be based upon the average spacing needed to obtain the desired stocking level. The plot should
be large enough to average approximately four to five leave trees per plot. The following table may be used as a
guide:
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Page 19 of 38
6.4 - Exhibit 03--Continued
Worksheet Examples
Plot Size
Selection Guide
Minimum No. Plots per Plot Size
1/100-acre plots should not be
used for spacing greater than
10' x 10', 1/50-acre plots should
not be used for spacing greater
than 14' x 14', and 1/20-acre
plots will be used when spacing
exceeds 14' x 14'.
1/20-acre
1/50-acre
1/100-acre
1 plot/5 acres 1 plot/2 acres 1 plot/acre
Plot
Radius =
26.33 ft.
Plot
Radius =
16.65 ft.
Plot
Radius =
11.78 ft.
The Standard Clause states that at least a 1-percent sample shall be taken. In the administration of the contract, a
2-percent sample shall be required when the inspection results will cause a reduction in the Contractor's payment.
OPTIONAL - Unsatisfactory Thinning: Rework and Reinspection
(Instructions: Use to supplement standard contract provision in Exhibit 01 as needed. Fill in minimum acceptable
thinning quality for specific site classes (I-IV, V-VII).
If the percentage of satisfactory thinning falls below * percent, the Contracting Officer will immediately notify the
Contractor in writing and will direct him to improve the quality of his work. If the quality of future work is not
raised above the * percent minimum acceptable standard within two consecutive days after receipt of notice in
writing from the Contracting Officer of unsatisfactory work, the Contractor's right to proceed may be terminated
and the contract considered in default. Repeated failure to perform work at or above the * percent acceptable
standard will also be considered reason for contract termination and default action.
PART I, SECTION E (Continued)
When inspection results are below * percent and excess trees constitute any part of the deficiency, payment will
not be made until the excess tree deficiency has been corrected. Inspections after rework will be made in the same
manner as the first inspection, but will be on different plot lines. The Contractor shall pay for inspections
necessitated by the rework.
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If the percent of satisfactory thinning for a pay unit falls below * percent and rework cannot bring the quality
percentage above * percent, the contract will be considered in default and the Contractor's right to proceed may
be terminated.
SECTION G, CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATE
OPTIONAL
6.4 - Exhibit 03--Continued
Worksheet Examples
Basis of Payment
(Instructions: Supplement required provisions in Section G of exhibit 01 as needed.)
6. Inspection of Thinning Projects. All thinning work shall be inspected as it proceeds, both contract and force
account. The same inspection procedures shall generally be observed, except that contract inspections will be used
to calculate payments. Inspection includes quality control and quality assurance. The contractor is required to do
quality control in accordance to the FAR clauses. The government will do inspection for quality assurance for
payment.
In general, the items applicable to a Contractor's thinning are applicable to all force account activities. As a
minimum, the following broad categories shall be inspected for both jobs:
a. Conformance with instructions or technical specification. This should involve checking the tree choices
for cut and leave, spacing standards, stump height, and other technical requirements to reduce density levels.
b. Safety and general conformance to laws, regulations, and policy. With force account crews, this involves
checking equipment, procedures, and employees understanding of rules and requirements. It entails
checking fire equipment, mufflers, other state law requirements with contracts. This check on compliance
with Contractors also involves payment procedures to employees and other personnel employment
requirements, including the posting of appropriate Title VI and other notifications.
c. Meeting of other requirements. This often includes checking for slash disposal, fire trails, salvage, or
other associated activities for conformance with prescriptions, instructions, or specifications. In some cases,
resource protection or other requirements such as salvage load receipts requires checking off the project area.
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Complete a Thinning Plot Inspection Report, Form 2400-4 (Ex. 04), for all thinning projects, including force account.
A minimum of 1 percent of the area must be inspected using a circular or linear plot system. The inspection plot
size should be sufficient to sample four or five trees per point. In the case of contracts, a 2-percent area inspection
sample should be most suitable if any dispute is anticipated.
Instructions for completing the thinning plot inspection form are contained in exhibit 04. During inspection, make
sure the plot center is identified by a flagged stake, pin, or some other device that indicates the plot number. These
must be present so that verification checks can be made by other administrative personnel. An example of a
completed inspection report is shown in Exhibit 05.
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6.4 - Exhibit 04
USDA - FOREST SERVICE
ID
FOREST
DISTRICT
INSPECTOR
DATE
REMARKS:
THINNING INSPECTION PLOT FORM
CONTRACT SPECIFICATIONS
CONTRACT
CONTRACTOR
NUMBER
ITEM
SUB-ITEM
COMP/STD(S)
ACRES
ACCEPT.MIN/MAX TC/AC
PRIORITY SP. PREF.
PLOT SIZE
ACCEP. TREES/PLOT
VARIATION OF SPACING
%
OR +
FT.
SPECIES IGNORED**
MIN. CUT TREE HEIGHT
FT.
MAX. CUT TREE DBH.
IN.
ACCEP. CAT "C" PER AC.
WORK
ACCOMPLISHED
%
CONTRACT TIME
REMAINING
%
Plot
No.
(1)
TREE EVALUATION
(see back)
(2)
1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
TREES LEFT:
(INCL.SAT.,
TREES ABOVE
MAX DBH. &
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
EXCLUDES**)
S1,S2
(3)
TO
TO
TARGET
ACTUAL
BELOW MIN.HT.
TOTAL TREES/
ACRES
CREDIT SURPLUS
NONSTK. S2 AND
SPOTS
**
S3, S4
(4)
R4-2400-4 (12/97)
STAND SUM.
TR/AC.
TREES LEFT/AC
CATEGORY
"C"/AC/
**TREES/AC.
IGNORED
TREES/AC.
(5)
CAT. "A"
IMPROPER LEAVE
TREE SELECTION
UNCORRECTABLE
A1,A2,
A3
(6)
A4,A5
(7)
CAT. "B"
EXCESS
TREES
CORRECTABLE
B, B1
(8)
CAT. "C"
CORRECTABLE
C1-C7
(9)
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11
12
13
TOTAL ALL PLOTS
TOTAL PER ACRE
Quality Thinning Calculations:
1.00 -
NOTES:
[ COL. (6) + COL. (7) + COL. (8) ] x 100 =
%
1.
** = Species of trees ignored in thinning activity.
2.
If species of trees is needed, record species for each
tree tallied in Column (2).
Quality Thinning
COL. (3) + COL. (4)
TOTAL PER ACRE CALCULATIONS: TREES PER ACRE = "TOTAL ALL PLOTS" in column divided by total of plots, then multiplied by reciprocal of plot size.
6.4 - Exhibit 04--Continued
TREE EVALUATION CODING AND INSTRUCTIONS
ACCEPTABLE TREES and CREDITS FOR NON STOCKED SPOTS (3-5)
CATEGORY "C" TREES (9)
S1 - Meets all specifications and species preference
S2 - Tree meeting maximum d.b.h. cut limit
S3 - Credit leave tree due to insufficient original stocking
S4 - Credit for missing tree cut due to insects and disease
C1 - Not completely severed from stump
C2 - Hand-up tree
C3 - High stump
C4 - Tree left with excess damage
C5 - Tree left with excess disease
C6 - Tree not girdled
C7 - Tree improperly girdled
CATEGORY "A" TREES (6) AND (7)
A1 - Improper spacing relationship or too many cut
A2 - Tree cut exceeds the maximum d.b.h. cut limit
A3 - Leave tree damaged excessively by salvage or felling operations
A4 - Improper tree selection (does not meet specification)
A5 - Wrong tree cut
CATEGORY "B" TREES (8)
B - Improper spacing or too few trees cut (Excess Trees)
B1 - Stump with live limbs
R1 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-99-1
EFFECTIVE 04/12/99
INSTRUCTIONS:
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
2409.17,6.4,Exs.,-6.8
Page 24 of 38
1. The sum of Columns (3) and (4) cannot exceed maximum acceptable trees per plot.
2. If the total of Col. (3) and Col. (4) is less than the minimum acceptable trees per lot and there are no
improperly cut trees (Col. 6 and 7 -Category A), Column 4 must be increased to the extent the total of Col.
(3) and Col. (4) equals the average number of acceptable trees per plot.
If trees are improperly cut (Category A) the total of Columns 3 and 4 must not exceed the sum of maximum
acceptable trees per plot minus the number of Category A trees (Columns 6 and 7).
R1 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-99-1
EFFECTIVE 04/12/99
2409.17,6.4,Exs.,-6.8
Page 25 of 38
6.4 - Exhibit 04--Continued
INSTRUCTIONS - THINNING PLOT INSPECTION FORM R4-2400-4 (12/97)
1. Use Form 2400-4 to record the results of thinning. This form is designed for daily use to ascertain the
Contractor quality thinning percent. It will be used in force account thinning jobs, also.
2. Most of the items contained in the heading of the form can be obtained from the provisions in the contract.
Inspectors will have in their possession a copy of the contract. Force Account inspectors will have a copy of the
implementation instructions. Instructions for the use of the form are as follows:
a. ID Block. Complete all items prior to inspection.
b. Contract Block. Complete all items prior to inspection. The percent work accomplished should be
calculated by the following formula:
1.00 -
[
acres thinned to date
]
x 100 = Percent Work Remaining
total contract acres
c. Contract Specifications Block.
(1) Acceptable Minimum and Maximum Trees per Acre. This information is developed from the contract in
either the "Project Description Table" or the "Silvicultural Summary Prescription". A specific range of leave
trees is specified and then becomes the basis for the timber stand improvement treatment. Normally the
range of leave trees includes trees above and below the minimum DBH for thinning. Trees below minimum
height for thinning and any species to be ignored from thinning are excluded.
(2) Priority Species Preference. List the priority of species to be retained from the contract provisions. If
"Best Tree" provisions are part of the contract, the species preference will come from the "Silvicultural
Summary Prescription" (See 6.4 - Exhibit 03).
(3) Plot Size. The plot size must be recorded. The selected size should be large enough to sample 4 to 6 trees
based on the expected average prescribed stocking. Plot size is specified in the contract.
R1 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-99-1
EFFECTIVE 04/12/99
2409.17,6.4,Exs.,-6.8
Page 26 of 38
6.4 - Exhibit 04--Continued
INSTRUCTIONS - THINNING PLOT INSPECTION FORM R4-2400-4 (12/97)
(4) Acceptable Trees per Plot. The acceptable trees per plot is calculated from the acceptable
minimum/maximum trees per acre. For example, if the range was set at 400 to 500 trees per acre the average
spacing would be 9.8 feet (450 trees per acre). Rounding the spacing to the nearest whole foot becomes 10 feet.
Select the plot size to be used for example 1/100, 1/50, 1/20, etc. per acre. Divide the plot reciprocal into the
lower and upper range of trees per acre to determine the range of acceptable trees per plot. Assuming a 1/100
acre plot and acceptable range of leave trees to be 400 to 500 trees per acre the following calculations would
be made. (400/100= 4 trees per plot; 500/100= 5 trees per plot). In this case the range would be 4-5 trees per
plot. If a 1/50 acre plot was selected the range would be 8-10 trees per plot. (400/50= 8 trees per plot; 500/50=
10 trees per plot). The specified range allows for varying the spacing on poorly stocked plots to retain the
desired crop trees (Best Trees) per plot yet does not permit excessive numbers of trees to be left voiding the
purpose of the thinning treatment.
(5) Variation of Spacing. Variation of spacing is described as a percentage of average spacing or as a
specified measured distance between acceptable leave trees.
(6) Species Ignored. Tree species to be ignored within the thinning activity. These trees are not evaluated
within the calculation for thinning quality.
(7) Minimum Cut Tree Height. Enter the minimum cut tree height specified in the silvicultural
prescription and/or thinning contract, that is, trees at or below this height are not included for thinning.
(8) Maximum Cut Tree Diameter Breath height (DBH). Enter the maximum tree size included for thinning
in the contract.
(9) Acceptable Category "C" Trees per Acre. Enter the acceptable number of Category "C" Trees per acre
specified in the contract.
d. Stand Summary Trees per Acre Block. This block is used to record the average target stand and actual
stand resulting from the thinning activity. All numbers are expanded in terms of trees per acre. Information
can be used to update site/stand information in data bases, reporting accomplishments, and certifying
accomplishments.
R1 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-99-1
EFFECTIVE 04/12/99
2409.17,6.4,Exs.,-6.8
Page 27 of 38
(1) Trees Left per Acre. The target number of tree per acre is the average trees per acre. Actual trees per
acre are computed from column 3.
(2) Category "C" Trees per Acre. The target number of Category "C" Tree per acre comes from the
silvicultural prescription and/or thinning contract. The actual number of Category "C" Trees is computed from
column 9.
6.4 - Exhibit 04--Continued
INSTRUCTIONS - THINNING PLOT INSPECTION FORM R4-2400-4 (12/97)
(3) Surplus and ** Trees per Acre Ignored. The estimate of trees to be ignored by species and expected
surplus trees can be derived from the silvicultural prescription. Actual numbers of trees per acre can be
computed from column 5.
(4) Trees per Acre below Minimum Height. A target estimate for trees not included for thinning that are
below a minimum height can be found in the silvicultural prescription. The actual number of trees per acre
can be computed from additional plot information taken during the thinning plot inspections.
e. Plot Number - Column (1). Enter the plot number.
f. Tree Evaluation - Column (2). Utilize the backside of Form 2400-4 as a reference for tree evaluation
codes. Enter the tree evaluation codes for all trees found on the inspection plot that are to be used for
determining thinning quality. The codes describe tree characteristics, i.e. acceptable trees, credits for
nonstocked spots, Category "A", "B", and "C" trees.
Tree species can be included for each tree along with the tree evaluation code.
g. Trees Left - Column (3). Enter the total of all acceptable trees (S1's) and trees exceeding the maximum
DBH cut limit (S2's). If there are surplus (S2) tree(s) they will need to be recorded in Column (5). Surplus
trees can be determined after data for Columns (3) and (4) has been recorded. If the sum of Columns (3) and
(4) exceeds the maximum acceptable trees per plot Column (3) or (4) must be reduced to equal the maximum
acceptable number of trees per plot. A reduction of Column (3) due to surplus (S2) trees must be included in
Column (5).
If the sum of Columns (3) and (4) are less than the minimum acceptable trees per plot Column (4) must be
increased via (S3) credit for insufficient original stocking.
R1 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-99-1
EFFECTIVE 04/12/99
2409.17,6.4,Exs.,-6.8
Page 28 of 38
h. Credit Nonstocked Spots - Column (4). Record the number of nonstocked spots (S3) and credit for
missing tree(s) cut due to insects, disease, and/or damage (S4).
i. Surplus S2 and ** Trees - Column (5). Enter the extra (S2) trees from Column (3) and ** (number of trees
ignored via species designation).
j. Category "A" Trees - Columns (6) and (7). Enter the number of improper leave trees selected (A1, A2, A3)
and wrong trees cut (A4, A5).
k. Category "B" Trees - Column (8). Enter the number of excess trees (B,B1).
6.4 - Exhibit 04--Continued
INSTRUCTIONS - THINNING PLOT INSPECTION FORM R4-2400-4 (12/97)
l. Category "C" Trees - Column (9). Enter the number of trees that meet evaluation codes (C1-C6).
m. Percent (%) Quality Thinning. The sums of Columns (3-8) are used to compute the quality of thinning.
The following formula is to be used.
(rounded up to whole no.)
1.00 -
[
Col. 6 + Col. 7 + Col. 8
Col. 3 + Col. 4
]
x 100 = Percent Work Remaining
R1 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-99-1
EFFECTIVE 04/12/99
2409.17,6.4,Exs.,-6.8
Page 29 of 38
6.4 - Exhibit 05
USDA - FOREST SERVICE
ID
THINNING INSPECTION PLOT FORM
CONTRACT SPECIFICATIONS
CONTRACT
R4-2400-4 (12/97)
STAND SUM.
TR/AC.
GREEN NF
FOREST
20 %
ACCOMPLISHED
80
REMAINING
1
2
S1
S2
S2
S2
S1
S2
S2
S1
S2
S1
S1
S2
S1
3
4
5
6
7
S2 S2 S1 S1 C1
S2 S2 S2 S1 S1
S3 S3 S3 S3
B
B S1 S3 S3
A2 S1 S2
A4 A4 S1 S2 B
S1 A1 A1 A5
S1 S1 S4 ** **
S2 S2 S2 S2 S2
S2 S1 S2 S2
S2 S1 S3 S4
S3 S3 S3 S3
S1 S1 S1
50%
8
S1
9
C3
C1
**
S2
S2
TOTAL ALL PLOTS
TOTAL PER ACRE
10
11
7
TO
OR +
6
EXCLUDES**)
S1,S2
(3)
6
7
2
3
4
4
3
4
7
6
4
2
5
57
219
CREDIT
NONSTK.
SPOTS
S3, S4
(4)
15
12
10
23
325
254
TREES/AC.
AS
% ACCEP. CAT "C" PER AC.
219
**TREES/AC.
FT.
BELOW MIN.HT.
FT.
6.0
ACTUAL
300
IGNORED
MIN. CUT TREE HEIGHT
TREES LEFT:
(INCL.SAT.,
TREES ABOVE
MAX DBH. &
TREE EVALUATION
(see back)
(2)
S1
S1
S1
S1
S1
S1
S1
S1
S2
S1
S1
S1
S1
5
MAX. CUT TREE DBH.
CONTRACT TIME
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
"C"/AC/
SPECIES IGNORED**
WORK
Plot
No.
(1)
1/50
VARIATION OF SPACING
46
ACRES
TREES LEFT/AC
CATEGORY
ACCEP. TREES/PLOT
256/006
COMP/STD(S)
350
TO
DF, ES, SAF
PLOT SIZE
1.1
SUB-ITEM
REMARKS:
250
ACCEPT. MIN/MAX TC/AC
PRIORITY SP. PREF.
1
ITEM
7/20/00
DATE
32789-00
NUMBER
I.M.THIN
INSPECTOR
I.M.GOOD
CONTRACTOR
DISTRICT TOO DENSE RD
TARGET
TOTAL TREES/
IN.
ACRES
15
SURPLUS
S2 AND
**
(5)
CAT. "A"
IMPROPER LEAVE
TREE SELECTION
UNCORRECTABLE
A1,A2,
A3
(6)
A4,A5
(7)
CAT. "B"
EXCESS
TREES
CORRECTABLE
B, B1
(8)
CAT. "C"
CORRECTABLE
C1-C7
(9)
1
1
1
4
2
2
1
1
1
1
2
2
1
3
12
3
12
3
12
3
2
2
4
13
50
6
23
3
12
R1 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-99-1
EFFECTIVE 04/12/99
2409.17,6.4,Exs.,-6.8
Page 30 of 38
Quality Thinning Calculations:
NOTES:
(rounded up to whole no.)
3
1.00 -
3
3
[ COL. (6) + COL. (7) + COL. (8) ] x 100 =
57
87.1 ~ 88
%
1.
** = Species of trees ignored in thinning activity.
2.
If species of trees is needed, record species for each
tree tallied in Column (2).
Quality Thinning
COL. (3) + COL. (4)
13
TOTAL PER ACRE CALCULATIONS: TREES PER ACRE = "TOTAL ALL PLOTS" in column divided by total of plots, then multiplied by reciprocal of plot size.
R1 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-99-1
EFFECTIVE 04/12/99
2409.17,6.4,Exs.,-6.8
Page 31 of 38
6.4 - Exhibit 05--Continued
Interpretation examples from the sample Form 2400-4
Plot #1 - This plot has six acceptable trees, four below maximum DBH and 2 above maximum DBH, and one tree not
completely severed from stump. Enter 6 in Col. (3) and 1 in Col. (9).
Plot #2 - This plot has eight acceptable trees and one not completely severed from the stump. Seven is entered in
Col. (3) because 8 acceptable trees would be greater than the maximum number of trees allowed per plot (7 trees).
The extra S2 tree is placed in Col.(5). A one is entered on Col.(9).
Plot #3 - This plot has two acceptable trees and four nonstocked spots due to insufficient original stocking. Enter two
in Col. (3) and four in Col.(4).
Plot #4 - This plot has three acceptable trees, two credit trees for insufficient original stocking, two trees not cut that
should have been, and one tree not completely severed from the stump. Enter three in Col.(3), two in Col.(4), two in
Col.(8), and one in Col.(9).
Plot #5 - This plot has four acceptable trees and one wrong tree cut (tree with DBH above maximum allowed). Enter
four in Col.(3) and one in Col.(6). In this situation it is acceptable for the sum of Columns (3) and (4) to have less
than the minimum acceptable trees per plot.
Plot #6 - This plot has four acceptable trees, two improper leave trees, and one tree that should have been cut
because it was within four feet of an acceptable tree. Enter four in Col.(3), two in Col.(7), and one in Col.(8). In this
situation it is acceptable for the sum of Columns (3) and (4) to have less than the minimum acceptable trees per plot.
Plot #7 - This plot has three acceptable trees, two trees cut causing spacing to be too wide, and one tree cut that
should have been left as an acceptable leave tree. Enter three in Col.(3), two in Col.(6), and one in Col.(7).
Plot #8 - This plot has four acceptable trees and one tree cut because it had a high infection level of dwarf mistletoe.
If this tree was not infected it would have been as acceptable tree. Also on the plot were three aspen trees. Enter 4
in Col.(3), 1 in Col.(4), and 3 in Col.(5).
Plot #9 - This plot has nine trees exceeding the maximum DBH limit for thinning. Enter 7 in Col.(3) and 2 in Col.(5).
The reason for entering only seven of the S2 trees in Col. (3) is that the sum of Columns (3) and (4) cannot exceed
the maximum number of acceptable trees per plot.
Plot #10 - This plot has six acceptable trees, three below maximum DBH and three above maximum DBH. Enter 6
in Col.(3).
R1 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-99-1
EFFECTIVE 04/12/99
2409.17,6.4,Exs.,-6.8
Page 32 of 38
6.4 - Exhibit 05--Continued
Interpretation examples from the sample Form 2400-4
Plot #11 - This plot has three acceptable trees below maximum DBH, one acceptable tree above maximum DBH, one
non-stocked spot, and one potential acceptable tree cut because of infection by dwarf mistletoe. Enter 4 in Col.(3)
and 2 in Col.(4).
Plot #12 - Same as Plot #3.
Plot #13 - This plot has 5 acceptable trees. Enter 5 in Col.(3).
Quality Thinning Calculations: The quality of thinning is 88%. The payment for this project would be 88% of the
contract unit price. Since there are three excess trees per acre the contractor could correct the work by going back
over the acres and cutting the excess trees. This has the potential to bring the quality up to 92% and full payment of
the contract price. There are 12 Category "C" Trees per acre on the site. This contract allows up to 15 Category "C"
Trees per acre; therefore, no additional work is required for these trees.
R1 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-99-1
EFFECTIVE 04/12/99
2409.17,6.4,Exs.,-6.8
Page 33 of 38
6.5 - Protection. An annual sustained program of thinnings carried out on a Ranger District or Forest over a period
of years should result in a lowering of the general level of fire hazard. Temporary increased hazard in newly
treated areas should normally be more than offset by the reduced hazard on older treated areas. Thinning as well
as other timber stand improvement treatment must be carefully planned, controlled, and coordinated to avoid
creating excessive fuel hazards, even temporarily. Such fuel hazards that would expose the treated stand and
adjacent areas to hazards outside of the planned acceptable risk must be avoided or abated by treatment or disposal.
The acceptable levels of risk, area size, dispersal, location, quality, and type of fuel breaks or firebreaks, volume, and
condition of the slash, other resource objectives, and allowable burned acreage estimate must be considered. Many
problems of slash volume can be avoided by location and size of the treatment area, timing of the treatment, sizes of
the treatment area, techniques of disposal, and type of stands treated.
1. Location and size. Creation of slash adjacent to high risk zones, for example, storm paths, traveled roads
and trails, and camping areas, should be avoided unless the hazard can be economically and promptly reduced to an
acceptable planned level. When avoidance of such areas is inappropriate, specific fuels management plans should
be developed which will reduce hazards to acceptable levels established by area or Forest-wide plans.
Blocks of high fuel hazard created by timber stand improvement are to be dispersed in untreated areas and can be
broken up by fuelbreaks or firebreaks based on a project or other plan. The breaks can be natural or prepared, but
should be installed promptly. Size of treatment blocks should consider unfavorable terrain and aspect, presence of
other significant hazards such as logging debris, old natural fuels, adjacent stands of "dog hair" thickets, and
unfavorable access or control situations.
Fuel treatment block size and treatment plans should be reviewed with a fuel management specialist to ensure that
resource protection objectives can be met before treatments are applied. These plans should be an integral part of
the silvicultural prescription and implementation plans for the stand.
2. Timing. Do not mix timber stand improvement slash with logging slash on any area on which the logging
contractor already has contractual responsibilities. In most situations, the treatment of slash shall be
accomplished concurrently with the thinning or other treatments. Rapid application of fuel treatments reduces the
losses possibly due to fire and insects. This will protect the area, contractor, and investment.
3. Tree Size. Large tree sizes create excess fuel hazards and long term risks, besides being extremely
wasteful. Trees larger than 3 inches d.b.h. cause rapid fuel weight accumulation as well as create future logging
and other treatment difficulties. Material of large size maintains high heat levels once they are on fire. They also
contain more aerial fuels, thus causing high flame heights which increases the difficulty of fire control and damage
from fire. The large size trees are also slower to decay often causing residual stand damage during future entries.
R1 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-99-1
EFFECTIVE 04/12/99
2409.17,6.4,Exs.,-6.8
Page 34 of 38
4. Types of Stands. Relationship to adjacent stands and species composition of the stands to be treated will
strongly influence protection needs. Stands surrounded by extremely low risk vegetation may require little
treatment. In other instances, high fire risk stands surrounding a stand that creates little fuel from the thinning
may require special protection measures.
In some instances, stands located in sensitive areas for other resource constraints may require specific zonal
treatments to meet stand objectives. In a few cases, management constraints may be so confining as to make the
timber stand improvement operation uneconomical, requiring deferment of the operation.
To protect stands from wildfire, wider spacing and pruning may be necessary along and within high risk areas.
Species differ substantially in their ability to withstand fire. For that reason, each treatment or disposal method
must be tailored for the stand area being treated. Fuel management specialists are capable of providing this
information.
5. Disposal Techniques. When slash must be disposed of or is treated in order to meet fire management
objectives, stand improvement (R&SI) or K-V funds will be used for the treatment. Disposal can consist of a
number of methods and several individual or combinations of treatments can be used to meet the plan objectives.
The most economical method which results in the desired abatement is the one which should be used. The slash
work shall be kept current with the creation, or is to be completed as soon as possible before the start of the next fire
season. During disposal, excessive cleanup should be avoided. The disposal job must abate the hazard to an
appropriate risk level while being cost-effective. Other resource objectives must also be considered and should be
weighed in the disposal method. A partial list and description of the most commonly used slash disposal techniques
used are:
a. Lopping. This treatment requires the cutting of slash down to a specified height above the ground.
It should be performed concurrently with the TSI activity. The main purpose for this treatment is to
accelerate fuel breakdown due to decay and to help reduce flame height in the event of fire.
b. Piling. Most piling is performed by hand in TSI project areas. This treatment is designed to
concentrate created fuels for disposal usually by burning. Minimum and maximum pile sizes are usually
specified, and the minimum distance of the pile to the closest live tree is usually specified. Moving slash
up to a specified distance to meet the above requirements may also be required. Piling is most often done
in areas specified for fuel breaks.
c. Chipping. To perform this type of treatment, the area must be accessible to mechanized equipment.
The larger fuels are dragged to a predetermined location and fed through the chipping machine which
R1 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-99-1
EFFECTIVE 04/12/99
2409.17,6.4,Exs.,-6.8
Page 35 of 38
usually blows the chips back out onto the forest floor. This treatment is usually done in place of piling
and burning in fuel breaks.
d. Prescribed Burning. After careful analysis by both timber management and fuels management, fire
can be used an effective tool for providing stand protection. Great care should be used in stands where
thinning has taken place as risks can be high and investments are high.
6.6 - Insects And Disease.
1. Pine Engraver (Ips spp.). In ponderosa pine stands, the buildup of pine engraver (Ips spp.) is imminent
when extensive thinning projects are implemented. The pine engraver naturally occurs in ponderosa pine stands
with thinning slash attracting the beetle. They usually confine their attacks to the slash. In "Ips years," those
associated with drought, they may infest leave trees, slash, and unthinned adjacent stands.
Usually, two or three generations a year are produced depending on climatic conditions. Adults overwinter in
slash, soil, and litter. Overwintering beetles prefer weak trees or slash. The second generation, in July and August,
causes the most tree mortality. Slash created between February and July is most receptive to invasion. Where
slash must be created over many acres each year, a chain of slash should be kept available for the insect.
The green slash chain is not recommended in the Southwest (R-3) because winter temperatures may not be cold
enough to kill broods. In this situation keep thinning areas small and separated, and thin during periods of low
beetle activity.
Heat generated under the bark by direct sunlight causes most brood mortality. Stacked green wood and slash
provides an ideal incubator and should be avoided.
In areas where pine engraver may be a problem, an evaluation should be obtained from a Forest Health Protection
Entomologist.
2. Mountain Pine and Douglas-fir Beetles. Density control is the single best method of controlling mountain
pine beetle. High stand densities maintained for long periods encourage infestations by these insects.
Recommended density levels vary by species and by climatic conditions, but vary between 70 and 110 square feet of
basal area per acre for mountain pine beetle. Early thinnings often protect stands until the first commercial entry
is made.
3. Budworm and Defoliation. In areas with a history of budworm outbreaks, thinning may be used to reduce
the component of true firs in the stand.
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EFFECTIVE 04/12/99
2409.17,6.4,Exs.,-6.8
Page 36 of 38
4. Rots. One rot Heterobasidion annosum is a major concern. During the thinning, Annosus root disease
spores may enter on freshly cut stump surfaces, germinate, infect the stump, and grow down into the roots. Once
established, the fungus grows into the roots of neighboring trees through root contacts between the infected stump
and surrounding leave trees.
When this or other rots are suspected, contact Forest Health Protection Management for further assistance.
R1 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-99-1
EFFECTIVE 04/12/99
2409.17,6.4,Exs.,-6.8
Page 37 of 38
5. Mistletoe. Mistletoes are parasitic plants which use other plants as hosts. Dwarf mistletoe attacks most
coniferous species. They reduce growth, deform, and often kill infected trees. No biological or chemical controls
are available for control of this parasite.
Silvicultural treatments are the best methods of dwarf mistletoe control. Removal of infected trees during each entry
of the stand will help reduce the amount and spread. Thinnings should not be performed in stands where there is
an infected overstory of the same species. Thinning should not be performed where the average stand dwarf
mistletoe rating is greater than 2 (Hawksworth Rating System) after treatment. When thinnings are performed
under these conditions, spread rates through the stand increase.
6.7 - Other Resources. Other resource considerations, based upon the constraints and management objectives
contained in the Forest plan, should be a part of the silvicultural prescription and implementation plan for any
timber stand improvement treatment, especially thinning. Stand density management can have a profound effect
upon a number of resources. Some of the effects are short-term, while in other circumstances, the effect is
long-term, possibly precluding other treatment objectives.
The management constraints, objectives, and the silvicultural prescription should be developed using the
interdisciplinary process with the involved resource specialist. In many cases, thinning will provide multiple
benefits to resources. Tree numbers and species choices will affect future timber resource production, but may
immediately affect avian, terrestrial, and occasionally aquatic wildlife forms. Stand density levels have a distinct
impact on size, volume, and value of timber produced, but can also effect water regime, livestock forage volumes, use
rates by various wildlife species, wildlife species composition, and visual quality considerations. In some areas,
competitive brush or "wolf" trees should be retained to meet avian wildlife needs at the expense of timber
production. These few examples are provided to assure that all the positive and negative consideration of overall
intermediate stand management practices are considered both in the short- and long-term as silvicultural
prescriptions and management alternatives are developed.
6.8 - Accomplishment Reporting, Monitoring, Certification, Records, and Reporting.
1. Accomplishment Reporting. Accomplishment reporting for all timber stand improvement projects is
important for reporting, monitoring of Land Management Plans, and for maintaining current records of vegetation
management activities on National Forest Lands. Accomplishment reporting is done in two ways depending upon
whether the activity is "contract" or "force account." Contract activities must be reported as accomplished when the
contract is awarded. Force account activities must be reported when the project is completed on the ground.
2. Monitoring. Monitoring is an essential step in the timber stand improvement process. This is the only
method of tracking whether the decisions made about the stand needs were correct and if the treatments prescribed
R1 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-99-1
EFFECTIVE 04/12/99
2409.17,6.4,Exs.,-6.8
Page 38 of 38
are allowing the stand to respond as planned. As the Forest's Land Management Plans are implemented,
monitoring of prescriptions in the plan must also take place.
When the treatment is complete, a walk through or post treatment stand examination should be done and a short
report drafted as to whether the treatment was completed as prescribed. If it was not, documentation should also
be done as to the variance of the treatment from what was prescribed and any anticipated effects. A
re-examination date should also be established at that time to check on the response of the stand. It is suggested
that this re-examination take place 3-5 years after the completion of the treatment. If dwarf mistletoe was
identified as a stand problem, more than one follow-up examination should take place to monitor whether latent
infections are present. This information should then be filed in the compartment file.
Stand examination procedures are defined in each individual Region's handbooks; these are, FSH 2409.26b, FSH
2409.21d, FSH 2409.26d, and the RMSTAND Users Guide of June 1993.
3. Certification. If the completed treatment meets the specifications of the silvicultural prescription the
treatment unit must be given certification status and entered into the permanent record system.
4. Records and Reporting. Recording of all proposed and accomplished activities is accommodated within the
Rocky Mountain Resource Information System (RMRIS) for Regions 2, 3, and 4, and Timber Management Control
Handbook for Region 1. Each reporting unit shall maintain record(s) of timber stand improvements and other
intermediate treatments. The standards for the record system are found in FSM 2404, FSH 2409.13, and FSH
2409.14; FSH 2409.26b for Region 2; FSH 2409.21d for Region 3; and FSH 2409.26d for Region 4.