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FOREST SERVICE HANDBOOK
OGDEN, UTAH
FSH 2409.17 - SILVICULTURAL PRACTICES HANDBOOK
Region 4 Supplement No. 2409.17-95-1
Effective December 7, 1995
POSTING NOTICE: Supplements are numbered consecutively by Handbook number and
calendar year. Post by document name. Remove entire document and replace with this
supplement. Retain this transmittal as the first page of this document. The last supplement to
this Handbook was Supplement 2409.17-95-2 to 2409.17,10.
Document Name
2409.17,8
2409.17,8.1-8.4
2409.17,8.1,Ex.08
(New document names)
Superseded New
(Number of Pages)
24
19
6
Digest:
8.1 - Revises and updates entire chapter to include direction for Regions 1, 2, 3 and 4. Future
supplements to this chapter will be issued concurrently to all four regions enabling silviculture
programs to be managed consistently throughout the entire area.
DALE N. BOSWORTH
Regional Forester
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FSH 2409.17 - SILVICULTRUAL PRACTICES HANDBOOK
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CHAPTER 8 - SILVICULTURAL EXAMINATIONS, PRESCRIPTIONS, AND
EVALUATIONS
The direction included in this chapter has been developed through the coordinated effort of
Regions 1, 2, 3, and 4. This coordination was initiated by the leadership of each region under the
concept of shared services. All four regions must concur on future changes to this direction.
8.1 - Silvicultural Examinations. (Direction applies to silviculture prescription process also).
The role of silvicultural prescriptions is to translate land management objectives into
silviculturally sound treatments that can be implemented as part of the forest vegetation
management program.
1. Purposes of a Silvicultural Prescription. A prescription serves three purposes:
a. To develop treatment alternatives that are technically correct and ecologically
sound.
b. To clearly show how the proposed and alternative treatments will develop a stand
that can meet land management objectives.
c. To provide the necessary direction for implementation of the preferred treatment.
2. Land Management Objective. The land management objective and related guidance
provides the basic direction for development and implementation of a silvicultural prescription.
Develop the prescription to benefit all allocated resources and to provide an acceptable level of
protection from windthrow, fire, insects, and disease.
3. The Prescription Area. Write Prescriptions for all cultural treatments on forest stands.1
Forest stands include stands where conifers and/or hardwoods are in sufficient quantity to be a
primary site influence.
The area defined by a forest stand may be adjusted for differences in: (1) physical site factors,
and (2) land management objectives.
In most cases, differences in vegetation, timber, site factors, and management guidance between
stands dictate that separate prescriptions be made for each stand. When these differences are not
significant enough to change the prescription from one forest stand to another, stands may be
combined for prescription writing purposes.
1
Ford-Robertson, F.C. (Ed.) 1971 Terminology of forest science, technology, practice and product. Society of
American Foresters, Wash. D.C. xxi + 349 p.
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4. Documentation. The prescription must be a written statement that can be used and
preserved as a single and complete document.
Each step of the prescription process requires documentation to meet the direction of FSH
2409.17 and to adequately fulfill the three purposes of a prescription. Ensure documentation is
factual and brief. The prescription document is a technical report written for people working in
the general field of forestry. It may require interpretation when used by the public and other
professions.
5. Storage and Retention. Store written silvicultural prescriptions in the
stand/LOCATION-SITE folder component of the Timber Stand Management Record System
(TSMRS) or the Rocky Mountain Resource Inventory System (RMRIS) as applicable to the
various Regions. (Regions 2-4 now use Location for compartment and Site for stand.)
6. Responsibility. A Certified Silviculturist who has met the four Region standards for
experience, education, and examination should prepare or supervise preparation of prescriptions
(FSH 2409.17). A Certified Silviculturist must review all prescriptions, and silviculture
prescriptions shall be approved by a line officer with the signing of the decision document. Date
each prescription and show the name of the author. If the author is not certified, record the
reviewer's name and date of review also.
7. Broadscale Assessment. Base the prescription on the characterization, assessment, and
synthesis of ecological, social, and economic attributes for the host landscape. The scale used for
the landscape assessment should be effective for addressing the majority of questions at the forest
planning level. Include the use of hierarchies in the landscape assessment to address questions at
larger and smaller scales. Define a desirable range of conditions for ecological, social, and
economic considerations to illustrate where ecosystems can be sustained in the long term.
Express the range of conditions in measurable terms to facilitate comparison with desired
conditions specified in the Forest Plan.
8. Prescription Process. A sequence of five steps is followed to complete the prescription
process. Each step serves a specific function and supports the next step in the process. The steps
are: Stand Examination, Diagnosis, Detailed Prescription, Implementation, and Monitoring and
Evaluation.
a. Stand Examination. The stand examination step may have been completed some
time before the diagnosis and prescription is prepared.
(1) Begin this step by identifying the stand which will be the subject of the
prescription. If the stand is new, delineate it on the index map of the TSMRS or
RMRIS and the compartment/location, subcompartment (if used), stand number/site,
and area in acres must be submitted to the automated portion of the data base.
(2) Before the stand is examined, the silviculturist should review the land
management objective and the broadscale analysis, to ensure that data are obtained
for all pertinent stand attributes.
(3) Make an office search for data about the site before going to the field so that
missing information can be gathered with the stand examination.
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(4) Regional stand examination procedures provide the information needed to
diagnose treatment needs and prepare detailed prescriptions. The kinds and amounts
of data gathered and their reliability will depend upon the resources to be managed
and intensity of management to be applied. Obtain enough information to adequately
describe the current condition of the stand or nonstocked area in relation to the
objectives.
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The following exhibit identifies information required as part of the silvicultural diagnosis and
prescription document.
8.1 - Exhibit 01
DOCUMENTATION STANDARDS FOR THE STAND EXAMINATION STEP
(1) Stand Identification. Minimum requirements: compartment, subcompartment (if used),
stand number, (or location and site) and area.
(2) Land Management Objective. Minimum requirement: The land management direction from
the Forest Plan for the area covered by the prescription must be stated. Lengthy management
direction should be summarized and its source referenced, including direction resulting from
landscape level analysis.
(3) Site Data. Although information about the site is recorded elsewhere, it is an integral part of
the technical justification for the treatment and will, therefore, be documented as part of the
prescription.
Minimum requirements:
(a) slope
(b) aspect
(c) elevation
(d) soil description
(e) habitat type
(f) relative productivity
(g) ecological unit
(h) hydrology: (as directly related to stand/site)
(i) limiting factors specific to the site: For the above factors, describe if a combination
of site conditions exist that may make it difficult for the site to regenerate within 5 years
if a regeneration harvest were to occur. Some considerations are: high, or very low
micro site temperatures, very poorly drained soil, a high amount of exposed surface rock,
flood potential, soil erosion or compaction potential, and so forth. Are mitigation
measures necessary?
(4) Stand Data: This information shall be documented in the Diagnosis Step.
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b. Diagnosis. The diagnosis of treatment needs is the most important element of the
prescription process. The diagnosis step begins during the National Forest
Management Act (NFMA) analysis, prior to the analysis of the proposed action
during the NEPA process, using the broadscale analysis to help direct which stands
should be considered for treatment in the proposed action. The diagnosis provides
the NEPA ID team and the line officer with a basis to build alternatives considered in
the NEPA process. The diagnosis must show that alternative treatments will result in
a stand that, over time, will best contribute to achieving resource objectives for the
area. Treatment alternatives are those cultural practices that will contribute to the
desired condition of the landscape.
A stand description compares the existing condition to a defined DESIRED STAND
CONDITIONS (DSC), and identifies treatments that will effect the indicated change.
This can be an iterative process as there may be a need to define alternative desired
conditions or treatments to respond to NEPA issues during scoping and alternative
development in the NEPA process (see exhibit 06). Use the following steps for all
silvicultural prescriptions.
Step 1. Each site has an inherent potential for stand development. Climate, slope,
aspect, elevation, soil properties, and fire regime, all combine to control the character
of forest vegetation that can occur on the site. Biological factors like competition,
insects, and disease influence successional patterns over time. Based upon
knowledge of earth science, forest and landscape ecology and biometrics, the
silviculturist will describe the sequence of forest conditions (DSC) throughout the
life of the stand (normally a rotation period) that are necessary for achieving resource
objectives. The silviculturist must frequently involve other disciplines in this
determination. In some cases very similar sites may have options for more than one
DSC pathway to be followed depending on landscape level composition and
structure desired condition objectives. Develop the DSC(s) with an understanding of
how current, and historic disturbance patterns influenced stand development, and
represent a portion of the landscape composition and structure appropriate to the site
being considered. The silviculturist must describe how desired stand conditions will
benefit resources at the stand and landscape level.
Step 2. The silviculturist should compare the existing stand conditions to the DSC.
Base the comparison on those stand attributes that are important to the resource
objectives described by the Forest Plan for the site and the ecosystem. The
comparison of the existing stand to the DSC must follow a sequence whose logic
meets the legal requirements to consider a full range of alternatives.
(1) The comparison should first consider if the existing stand is similar enough to
the DSC to defer treatment. In making this comparison the silviculturist should base
judgment upon acceptable limits for the desired stand conditions. For example, the
optimum stand density for a young sawtimber stand may be 110 ft 2/ac, but
acceptable limits may range from 80 to 130 ft 2/ac. An optimum species
composition for a given resource objective may be 70 percent seral species in the
overstory, but a minimum of 50 percent would be acceptable. Determine acceptable
limits before comparison to the existing stand and base on resource management
requirements and an understanding of the historic range of variation of composition
and structure in the ecosystem.
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(2) The comparison should next determine if the existing stand can be modified by
intermediate cutting, planting, burning, or other appropriate measures to restore
composition, structure and ecosystem function, and to better meet resource
objectives. Describe such cultural treatments in enough detail to allow a reasonable
basis for choice from a final list of alternatives. Modifications must be operationally
feasible and ecologically sound. Defer economic considerations to a later step in the
prescription process.
(3) If the existing stand does not compare favorably with the defined desired stand
conditions and cannot reasonably be modified to do so, the silviculturist must next
consider alternatives to replace the existing stand.
The regeneration cutting method must adhere to requirements of the Forest Plan.
Cutting methods must be related to the resource management requirements and
objectives for the site and the larger ecosystem associated with the site, as well as
existing stand conditions.
(4) If the existing stand cannot be modified to achieve the target conditions and
cannot be replaced because of reasons external to the stand, the silviculturist should
consider the opportunity to stabilize or improve the existing condition. Alternatives
may include sanitation or salvage cuttings that will help to hold the stand until a
regeneration cutting can be carried out. Intermediate cuttings must leave the stand in
a condition that is favorable for the allocated resources regardless of opportunities to
capture imminent mortality. The diagnosis should derive alternatives that are related
to stand conditions that will exist following the proposed harvest.
(5) Finally, the silviculturist may consider deferring treatment because conditions
external to the stand do not permit any treatment at the time of diagnosis. In this
situation treatment is deferred not because the existing stand meets resource
requirements, but because a treatment of any kind is not possible. An example of
this situation may be a stand in an area at the hydrologic limits.
Step 3. Summarize a reasonable range of alternatives from the foregoing comparison
of the existing stand to the desired stand condition. A reasonable range of
alternatives should usually include consideration of both even age and uneven age
systems. All alternatives should be attainable with current practice and technology.
The silviculturist must describe how the treatment alternatives will produce a stand
that is like the desired stand condition.
When alternative treatments have been identified, specify actions that will carry the
stand through the next regeneration period. This must be done to assure that the
direction set by the treatment need is reasonable, and to develop information for an
economic comparison of alternatives completed during the NEPA process.
Estimate Volume yields for the sequence of management actions identified for each
alternative. Assignments of values for costs to be incurred and volumes produced
will provide the basis for an economic analysis completed for the project in the
NEPA document.
The silviculturist should recommend a tentatively preferred alternative with a brief
explanation for the selection.
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8.1 - Exhibit 02
DOCUMENTATION STANDARDS FOR THE DIAGNOSIS STEP
Stand data is the basis for making a diagnosis that will result in a viable treatment. The
prescription document should not be used to summarize general data about the forest stand. The
TSMRS or RMRIS (FSM 2490) serves that function. Stand data cited in the prescription should
be directed specifically at determining the ability of the subject stand to satisfy management
direction. Stand data should be grouped by attributes to allow an efficient comparison between
the existing stand and the alternative desired stand conditions. The most useful stand attributes
are:
Structure - age and size class distributions, relationship of crown canopy levels.
Composition - species distribution by stand structure.
Density - trees per acre, basal area per acre, or stand density index.
Condition - status of insects, disease, and successional stage.
Growth - volume or height.
Fuels - size, arrangement, loading.
Arrangement - location of the stand related to surrounding area, stands, drainages, and so
forth.
Minimum requirements:
(1) Description of the existing stand by important stand attributes.
(2) Description of desired stand conditions with a narrative documenting how each DSC
will benefit resources.
(3) Comparison of the existing stand with each identified
DSC.
(4) Conclusion of a treatment need for each alternative with a description of how the
treatment will achieve the desired stand conditions.
(5) Sequence of steps and their timing to carry each alternative through the next
regeneration period.
Suggested format: Description of present and DSC can be brief statements or entries in a
tabular summary. Comparison of the present stand to each DSC and conclusion of treatment
need can be a short narrative included in a matrix format. Sequence of management steps can be
a simple listing in a tabular format (see examples in exhibits 07 and 08).
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8.1 - Exhibit 02--Continued
Economic Analysis
Minimum requirement: Costs and benefits, must be displayed to allow for an economic
analysis to be completed for the entire project.
Suggested format: Tabular format summarizing the costs and benefits for all alternatives
identified in the diagnosis.
Preferred Alternative
The silviculturist should indicate a tentatively preferred treatment and the reasons for its
selection.
c. Detailed Prescription. Do not undertake this step until a decision notice or record
of decision has been issued by the responsible forest officer. The detailed
prescription is prepared only for the selected alternative. It will direct the next
sequence of entries in the stand, but should not be written for a long time period such
as the entire rotation.
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8.1 - Exhibit 03
DOCUMENTATION STANDARDS FOR THE DETAILED PRESCRIPTION STEP
Correct implementation of a prescription depends upon a clear set of instructions. These
instructions are provided by documentation of the detailed prescription. To ensure accurate
communication between the author of the prescription and the persons responsible for layout and
supervision of a project, documentation must be concise and yet contain necessary detail.
Documentation of the detailed prescription will provide the information required for entry of
planned activities into the stand record system.
Minimum requirements: The detailed prescription shall list the sequence of actions required to
carry out the treatment. The timing of each action shall be noted. Specifications for each action
shall be stated in enough detail to insure that implementation can meet the intent of the
prescription.
Required format: Detailed Silvicultural Prescription Summary similar to exhibits 07 and 08.
d. Implementation. This step bridges the gap between the conceptual prescription
and a project. If the prescription process has been followed carefully, there are likely
to be few changes as the project is accomplished. However, some changes are
unavoidable and they must be accounted for in the implementation step. If changes
will alter the treatment need or develop a stand that is significantly different from the
stand objective described in the diagnosis step, the responsible Certified
Silviculturist should consider reentering the prescription process at the point of
change and developing an amended prescription. Whenever a prescription is
amended, the silviculturist, in consultation with others if necessary, must consider
whether or not an amendment to the environmental analysis or impact study is also
needed.
Successful implementation of silvicultural prescriptions may require:
(1) Paper layout and review of the project to check its workability in relation to other
resources, transportation, and logging systems.
(2) Written marking guides.
(3) Training tree markers.
(4) Participation in selection of contract clauses.
(5) On-site monitoring and consultation with contract administrators and crew
supervisors.
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8.1 - Exhibit 04
DOCUMENTATION STANDARDS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION STEP
The documentation involved with implementation of a prescription depends upon a host of
forms, records, and reports that are already covered by Manual direction (for example: KV plan,
Timber Sale Report, Contracts, and so forth). A record of prescription changes made during the
course of implementation should be kept by the responsible silviculturist.
Minimum requirements: Note changes to the detailed prescription form retained in the stand
folder. Each notation must be initialed and dated.
e. Monitoring and Evaluation. The responsible silviculturist must evaluate every
implemented prescription to determine if the treatment was achieved according to
specifications. Evaluation can be made of any step or combination of steps in the
prescription process.
8.1 - Exhibit 05
DOCUMENTATION STANDARDS FOR THE MONITORING AND EVALUATION STEP
A record of evaluations shall be retained as a permanent part of the stand folder.
Minimum requirements: All evaluations must be written, signed, and dated.
9. Coordination with Environmental Assessment. Direction on how the silvicultural
diagnosis and prescriptions fit into NEPA documents can be found in "Our Approach to Effects
Analysis-Desk Reference" (a Region One Publication) under the chapter of clear-cutting and
vegetative treatments, and as shown in exhibit 06.
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8.1 - Exhibit 06
NFMA/NEPA PROCESS
SEQUENCE
SILVICULTURAL PRESCRIPTION
Forest Land Management Plan
1
FP management prescriptions and Yield Tables
developed (Includes strategy for forest
regulation), Forest wide DESIRED FUTURE
CONDITION (DFC) identified.
Landscape Characterization
Assessment and Synthesis
2
Define a range of conditions for systainability
of the ecological, social and economic
attributes for the sustainability of the
ecosystems. (INCLUDES COMPOSITION
AND STRUCTURE)
Proposed Actions Identified
(Includes Amendments to
Forest Plan if Appropriate as a
Feedback Loop to 1)
3*
Development of EA, EIS, or
CE
4
Alternatives Developed
5
Decision Approved
6
Diagnosis completed for stands in proposed
actions, includes identifying DESIRED
STAND CONDITIONS (DSC) within the
range of sustainability or term, while consistent
with Forest Plan goals in 1 above applies for
both project and Forest Plan amendment
actions.
Alternative DSC and/or treatments identified
for Stands included in the project to address
NEPA issues, if not covered in 3 above.
7
Final silvicultural prescription prepared.
Implementation
8
Implementation.
Monitoring and Evaluation
9
Monitoring and evaluation (Includes how well
DSC is developing and if it is achieving goals
in 1 & 2 above).
* Point at which Silviculture Diagnosis and Prescription process begins.
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8.1 - Exhibit 07
EXAMPLE DIAGNOSIS AND PRESCRIPTION FROM REGION 2
DIAGNOSIS AND PRESCRIPTION PROCESS
Diagnosis. The diagnosis can be accomplished by addressing two questions on the basis of stand
data. These questions are:
1. How can the existing stand be treated to develop a desired stand condition that will best
satisfy Forest Plan and management direction?
2. If the existing stand cannot be treated to meet Forest Plan and management objectives,
how and when can it be harvested and replaced with a more desirable stand that will achieve a
desired stand condition?
To answer these questions, the silviculturist must be able to visualize and describe one or more
desired stand conditions that can meet the requirements of the land management goals for the
stand. Frequently the silviculturist must refer to written guidance from other disciplines or must
discuss alternative stand descriptions with other resource specialists to develop desired stand
conditions and subsequent treatment(s) that can satisfy multiple resources.
The description of desired stand conditions must guide the silviculturist in prescribing future
stand development.
Comparison of the existing stand with future stand objectives, or desired conditions will provide
the basis for identifying stand treatment needs (alternatives). Site data should be grouped by
attributes to allow an efficient comparison between the existing stand and the desired conditions
to meet management objectives.
Stand diagnosis documents must include a comparison of existing stand attributes and future
stand attributes for each considered alternative. Diagnosis documents should be attached to stand
description documents which are retained in the District stand records.
Example of how this information may be summarized follows.
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8.1 - Exhibit 07--Continued
EXAMPLE 1
STAND SUMMARY PAGE TYPE 5
DATA BASE NAME
1301
STAND ACRES
LOCATION
110115
SITE
24
MGMT AREA
UPDT CODE
1
9
*****RIS CARD TYPE 5 DATA*****
TREE SURVEY TYPE:
TREE SURVEY DATE:
FOREST TYPE:
STAND SIZE CLASS:
PCT NONSTOCK:
ORIGIN DATE:
DBH
HT:
BA:
TOTAL TREES:
LARGE TREES:
SEROTINY:
DAMAGE:
MISTLETOE:
BEETLE RATING:
3
8208
DF
9
0
1827
15
65
220
374
174
0
79 (SWP & CRK)
0 ( ABSENT)
0
BF SW:
CUBIC SAW SW:
CUBIC SAW HW:
CUBIC POLE SW:
CUBIC POLE HW:
CUBIC CULL:
CUBIC SND DEAD:
PCT DOWN SND DEAD:
HARD SNAGS:
SOFT SNAGS:
GROSS CUBIC GROWTH:
CUBIC MORT:
22992
5064
0
0
0
0
327
0
0
8
48
65
65
*****LIVE TREE STOCKING*****
BASAL AREA X BDH
1-4
5-8 9-15 16-99
0
0
80
140
TREES (1+)
174.
BAA
220
QMD
15.2
FIR
20
SDI
340
BASAL AREA X SPECIES GROUP (1’+)
SPE
PP
OP
LP
DF
AS
60
0
0
0
140
0
AGE
160
MAI
31
PAI
-17
YIELD
71
OH
0
SCRIB (7+)
22,992
OS
0
CUBIC (7+)
5,064
*****WRITE IN CURRENT CONDITION DATA*****
HABITAT TYPE:
DF/Ninebark
GROWTH COMMENT:
STRUCTURE:
Mixed confier-DF, ES, &
AF.
CONDITION:
COMPOSITION:
20 BA of Fir, 60 BA of SP,
140 BA of DF.
BA of 220 over all dia.
Classes.
ARRANGEMENT:
DENSITY:
FUEL LOADING:
*****WRITE IN DESIRED STAND CONDITION DATA*****
Negative net growth due to
morality in DF.
Spruce Budworm in DF
causing mortality.
Adjoins nonstocked and
Ponderosa stands.
Moderate-Increasing due to
mortality>
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8.1 - Exhibit 07--Continued
Example 1--Continued
DESIRED STAND CONDITION A
HABITAT TYPE
DF/Ninebark
GROWTH COMMENT:
Positive net growth
STRUCTURE:
Mixed confier-DF, ES, &
AF.
CONDITION:
Spruce Budworm endemic .
COMPOSITION:
20 BA of Fir, 20 BA of SP
80 BA of DF.
BA of 120 max to reach an
open grown condition over
rotation.
ARRANGEMENT:
Adjoins nonstocked and
Ponderosa stands.
Low/Moderate to maintain
low risk of stand replacing
fire.
DENSITY:
FUEL LOADING:
DESIRED STAND CONDITION B
HABITAT TYPE
DF/Ninebark
GROWTH COMMENT:
Positive net growth
STRUCTURE:
Mixed confier-DF, ES, &
AF, tow aged/story.
CONDITION:
Spruce Budworm endemic
w/risk of mortality.
COMPOSITION:
20 BA of Fir, 60 BA of SP,
140 BA of DF.
BA of 220 max to reach
multi-story, dense stand
over rotation to meet cover
needs for interior nesting
species.
ARRANGEMENT:
Adjoins nonstocked and
Ponderosa stands.
Moderate to maintain down
logs at level needed for
feeding sites and ground
cover habitat.
DENSITY:
FUEL LOADING:
ALTERNATIVES
A.
Regenerate w/ shelterwood system to achieve condition B.
B.
Sanitation and/or salvage cut to achieve condition A.
C.
Defer treatment and examine for shelterwood prep cut in 10 years to achieve portion
of condition B now with option to follow A or B in yr 10 and beyond.
DETAILED PRESCRIPTION A detailed prescription should not be prepared until an alternative has
been selected as best meeting the management objectives (Environmental Assessment). The detailed
prescription is prepared to describe management activities through the next regeneration of the stand.
Documentation of the detailed prescription will provide the information required for implementation of
planned activities in the stand.
A report writer has been developed that automatically summarizes physical and vegetative data from the
R2RIS system to aid in the stand prescription writing process. To generate this report from your R2RIS
data base:
Enter your Data Base
@ADD S2K.RDBSITREPT/RWT-PRESCR
GENERATE ALL WH C800 EQ "Locsite": or
(GENERATE ALL WH C1 EQ "Location #" etc.)
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8.1 - Exhibit 07--Continued
Example 2
Example 2 shows completed prescription and implementation schedule with the beginning
physical and vegetative data being developed by the report writer from stand data in R2RIS data
base.
STAND PRESCRIPTION SUMMARY
DATE: 11/30/94
PROJECT NAME: WAT CREEK
FOR/DIS: 1302
LOCATION: 101405
SITE: 13
PHYSICAL AND VEGETATIVE DATA
FOREST TYPE
PP AREA ACRES:
29 STAND SIZE CLASS:
STAGE II SUR DATE:
8105 STAGE II SUR TYPE:
4 DATE OF ORIGIN:
VISUAL QUAL. OBJ:
TMBR COMPONENT: 500 SOIL MAP UNIT:
SLOPE PERCENT:
30 ASPECT:
SE ELEV. MIDPOINT:
SITE INDEX
SITE SPECIES:
TBR PRODUCTIVITY:
BASAL AREA:
196 TOTAL TREES:
LARGE TREES:
DBH:
8 HEIGHT:
52
GROSS CUBIC GROW:
54 CUBIC MORTALITY:
19 CUBIC SOUND DEAD:
NET GROWTH (PAI)
35 MAI:
45
BF SW:
5990
CUBIC SAW SW:
1828 CUBIC POLE SW:
1512 CUBIC SW:
CUBIC SAW HW:
CUBIC POLE HW:
CUBIC HW:
% SEROTINY:
MISTLETOE (DMR):
7 BEETLE RATING:
PLANT ASSOCIATION:
DEATH/DAMAGE:
79 TREES FORKED ABOVE MERCH
STAND STRUCTURE & DISTRIBUTION:
WINDTHROW HAZARD:
8 -POLE
1908
8000
52
469
94
3340
(UNKNOWN)
STAND DESCRIPTION AND HISTORY: (Supplement the above data with information on site
condition, stand inclusions, regeneration, stand stress, unique features of stand, species mix &/or
other appropriate information.)
MANAGEMENT GOALS, OBJECTIVES & DESIGN CRITERIA (FROM LMP,EA,ETC):
MGMT AREA: 07E-EMPHASIZE WOODFIBER PRODUCTION-SAWLOGS FROM
LMP-SUITABLE FOR TIMBER PRODUCTION-REASON FOR TREATMENT
R4 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-95-2
EFFECTIVE 12/7/95
2409.17,8.5
Page 17 of 20
8.1 - Exhibit 07--Continued
Example 2--Continued
TREATMENT ALTERNATIVES & SELECTED ALTERNATIVE: LOW TREATMENT WILL
MEET FOREST PLAN AND
MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES
A. SEE STAND DIAGNOSIS
B. OTHER:
DESIRED STAND CONDITION (DESIRED FUTURE CONDITION): If this is 2 or 3 entries
out, explain how the first entry will serve to accomplish the final objective. Include year when
objective will be met, number of trees/acre, and other appropriate facts that will describe the final
management stand.
PREPARED BY:
CERTIFIED BY:
DATE:
DATE:
R4 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-95-2
EFFECTIVE 12/7/95
2409.17,8.5
Page 18 of 20
8.1 - Exhibit 07--Continued
Example 2--Continued
IMPLEMENTATION OF SELECTED PRESCRIPTION (TIME & DESCRIPTION OF WORK)
11/30/87
FOR/DIS: 1302
BASE FISCAL YEAR:
ACTIVITY
ACTIVITY TIMING
CODE
YEAR
4220
0
(1988)
4345
4
(1992)
4131
30
(2018)
Site
Evaluation
4347
34
(2022)
Shelterwood
Removal Cut
4141
2033
Certify New
Stand
4381
Commercial
Thinning
Site
Evaluation
Shelterwood
– Seed Cut
LOCATION: 101405
FUND
CODE
SITE: 13
DESCRIPTION-INCLUDE MARKING GUIDES,
MONITORING, ETC. THRU ENTIRE ROTATION
SAMPLE
Mark leave trees blue paint. Leave 90 square feet
per acre of basal area by removing trees in
subordinate crown classes (suppressed
intermediates, etc). Favor ponderosa pine leave
trees; discriminate against Doug-fir with active
budworm infestation and either species with
serious disease or form defect.
Stems/A. Before Cut:
; After: .
BA
Before Cut:
; After: .
DBH
Before Cut:
; After: .
Average Leave-Tree Spacing:
FT.
Complete a walk-thru stand exam. To determine if
treatment specifications were met. Decide whether
enough residual poletimber was damaged during
logging to prescribe follow-up treatments.
Describe sequence of treatments, including slash
treatment & site preparation needed to accomplish
the total job (Also special contract clauses.)
Complete a walk-thru stand exam. etc.
45
Describe sequence of treatments, including slash
treatment and site preparation needed to
accomplish the total job. (Also special contract
clauses.)
50
(2083)
Number of trees needed, species, spacing of trees
and height.
R4 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-95-2
EFFECTIVE 12/7/95
2409.17,8.5
Page 19 of 20
8.1 - Exhibit 08
EXAMPLE DIAGNOSIS AND PRESCRIPTION
Management Objectives
SAMPLE MOUNTAIN TIMBER SALE
Silvicultural Prescription
Stand Numbers:
103-03-71; 103-02-05,21,31; 103-04-38; 102-01-08,10,40;
102-02-04,11,12,13,15,26,32
Refer to The Forest Plan and the Broadscale analysis for the Example Landscape for details.
Summarized Objectives:
1. Winter game range - manage for effective cover/forage (25% of this landscape,
including these stands).
2. Visual Quality Objective - modification for ground viewers.
3. Provide for a diversity of composition, and structure of the forest community,
including old growth structures and amounts, within the the Landtype Associations in the
landscape to provide for long term ecosystem function. The late seral stage structures
should occupy 15-20% of the landscape.
4. Regulate timber yields commensurate with winter game range and old growth
structure requirements.
R4 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-95-2
EFFECTIVE 12/7/95
2409.17,8.5
Page 20 of 20
4. Regulate timber yields commensurate with winter game range and old growth
structure requirements.
R4 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-95-2
EFFECTIVE 12/7/95
2409.17,8.5
Page 21 of 20
8.1 - Exhibit 08--Continued
06/09/93
STAND HISTORY MASTER LIST --- FORM 21 --
NOTES
STAND
ID
ST
10303071 30
FIELD NUMBER
1
STD
CON
STND STK
DIS COUN ACRE
%
1
77
22
0
7
8
9
10
11
FOR
TYP
DF
LAND
TYPE
SOILS
SL
%
22
ASP
S
ELEV
52
HAB TYP
312
PR
CL
0
LOG
SYS
0
SPC
UNT
KND
0
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
PAGE: 1
SPEC
LAND
----PARENT INFO---UNIT CAPAB SUIT MGMT
DATE
PARENT
NUM AREA CLAS AREA MMDDYYY STAND
0
3DAI51
0
TIMBR
0
0
22
23
24
25
601-603
06/09/93
STAND HISTORY MASTER LIST --- FORM 22 -PAGE: 2
NOTES
STAND COND
ID
CLAS
10303071
7
FIELD NUMBER
1
28
STAND RANGE
STRTM A LOT
0
29
30
TES
SP
0
STAND
VIS
TREAT
QUAL OBJ NEEDS
2
31
32
33
STAND
SIZE
CLASS
MULT
SSC
YEAR
ORGN
1883
STND
RISK
RATE
34
35
36
FUEL
LOAD WATER
TON/AC SHED
0
37
38
SPCL PI
USES STRTM
0
21
39
PI
HABITAT
0
40
41
06/09/93
STAND HISTORY MASTER LIST --- FORM 23 -PAGE: 3
NOTES
STAND STAND
ID
COMP MAJ SSP AVE DBH AVE HT
10303071
0-1
PP
0
2
FIELD NUMBER
1
TREES
100BF
ACRE BA ACRE ACRE
450
0
0
CU-FT
ACRE
0
HT-GTH
OR CFPAI
2
COMP
YEAR
ORGN
1984
DMGE
0
SEVR
0
SCND
DMGE
0
SCND
SEVR
0
YEAR
EXAM
1987
TYPE
EXAM
4
1-3
3-5
5-7
7-9
9-14
14+
DF
DF
PP
DF
DF
PP
1
4
6
8
11
19
7
32
47
54
64
75
150
450
94
107
170
37
1
40
20
40
110
70
0
0
0
26
101
79
0
0
327
860
2723
2083
1
0
3
9
24
11
1967
1951
1919
1901
1897
1833
0
98
41
41
98
98
0
5
4
2
2
6
0
97
0
0
0
0
0
3
0
0
0
0
1987
1987
1987
1987
1987
1987
4
4
4
4
4
4
TOTL
TOTC
OREG
DF
QA
7
0
15
59
0
55
1458
150
0
281
0
70
205
0
0
5994
0
0
46
0
0
1891
0
0
98
0
0
2
0
0
41
0
0
1
0
0
1987
1987
1987
4
4
1
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
611
R4 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-95-2
EFFECTIVE 12/7/95
2409.17,8.5
Page 22 of 20
8.1 - Exhibit 08--Continued
Desired Stand Conditions
DESIRED STAND CONDITIONS TO MEET SHORT AND LONG TERM
DESIRED CONDITION MGT AREA E-1 BIG GAME WINTER RANGE AND
OLD GROWTH STRUCTURE LANDTYPE ASSOCIATION 2, ELU A30S,
HABITAT TYPE GROUP 3 AND GROUP 4 FIRE REGIME A COMBINATION
OF UNDERSTORY AND STAND REPLACEMENT (DOUGLAS-FIR
SERIIES GROUPS)
(CONDITIONS WILL RESULT IN AN OLD GROWTH CONDITION THAT
WILL MAINTAIN SINGLE STORIED STAND, WITH VARIABLE DENSITY
RESERVE TREE STRUCTURE, MIXED SPECIES)
At stand rotation age, the desired attributes would include: An open park-like
old growth structure with reserve trees from an older cohort. The stand would
be primarily even-aged, single storied, mixed species stand, the majority of
which consists of seral species. Composition would be 60% PP (with
remainder a majority of DF, with minor components of ASP) maintained in a
vigorous condition with limited I&D concerns. A veteran component of 250
year or older PP and/or DF with diameters exceeding 16 inches DBH would
be included in the primary stand structure (maintained at 60-100 sq. ft. of
basal area during the second half of the rotation period). Aspen would be
another component of the stand occupying from 5% to 10% of the area.
Stand size should be between 25 and 150 acres+. Down woody 4'+ objective
would be approximately 5-15 ton/ac., unevenly distributed. Cavity nester
habitat maintained at greater than 70% of optimum. Grass and form
composition shall be maintained at capability levels considering the density of
the tree overwood. This form of old growth structure would provide habitat
needs for species such as flamulated owl, that prefer open park-like
conditions for feeding habitat. A rotation age of approximately 250 years
would yield 25 cu. ft. per acre per year.
Over the landscape as a whole: maintain 50% of the winter range area in
thermal cover and 30% of the area in security cover. VQO shall be met via
shape of the stand fitting natural topography, irregular edges, remaining
residual trees, and timing of stand treatments within the landscape.
Following a regeneration harvest, future stand development over time would
approximate these stand structure and density goals to meet the long term
desired stand conditions.
Stage/Age/
Component
Trees/acre
Basal
Area
OMD
Forage Hiding
Cover Thermal
Species
Cover
DF, PP
ASP
EARLY SERAL
SEED 1-15 YR
(snags and
reserves)
200-1,000
1-5
4-6
20-30
16+
PP
EARLY SERAL
SAPL 15-20 YR
(snags and
reserves)
200-500
20-30
1-4
Forage, Hiding 1.0 Cu.
cover
Ft/yr
1-5
3-5
20-30
18+
20+
DF,PP,
AS
PP
PP
MID SERAL
POLE 40-70 YR
(snags and
replacements)
150-300
80-130 4-6
DF,PP,
AS
Hiding cover,
Thermal cover
35
(25-40)
1-5
2-3
20-30
MID TO LATE
SERAL 80-150
(snags and
replacements)
50-80
80-100 16”
50
(40-55)
1-5
2-3
20-30
18+
20+
Thermal cover
Hiding cover
Forage
LATE SERAL
150-200 YR
(snags and
replacements)
40-60
60-80
20+
Thermal cover
Forage
30
(25-35)
1-5
1-2
20-30
18+
20+
LATE SERAL
200-250+ YR
(snags and
replacements)
30-40
50-70
25+
Forage
25
(20-30)
1-5
1-2
20-30
18+
25+
18+
20+
Forage
Growth
N/A
PP
DF,PP,
AS
PP
DF,PP,
AS
PP
DF,PP,
AS
PP
R4 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-95-2
EFFECTIVE 12/7/95
2409.17,8.5
Page 23 of 20
8.1 - Exhibit 08--Continued
SITE SPECIFIC DIAGNOSIS MATRIX
MANAGEMENT AREA E1
STAND #'S
103-03-71
02-05
3
-21
-31
04-38
102-01-08
-10
-40
102-02-04
-11
-12
-13
-15
-26
-32
(Total AC =
550)
CURRENTLY
MEETS TARGETS
CAN
DEFER
CAN BE MODIFIED TO
MEET THE STD TARGET
No, current stand
density is quite
hight due to under
story and mid-story
DF. PP overwood
is still healthy with
some evidence of
decline in recent
years. Levels of
budworm have
been high recently
due to the
favorable stand
structure being
multi-story w/DF.
Rather large % of
thermal and hiding
cover exists in this
stnd & in
landscape.
No, SBW
too high &
will develop
higher levels
in the future,
reducing std
cover &
increasing
risk of std
replacing
fire.
Yes. Removal of the DF
understory will restore the
std to a more open grown
old growth structure, and
will reduce SBW levels
and high fuel levels in
these stds. Basal area of
approx 70-90 sq ft would
be retained and would
maintain thermal cover
value.
The alternative of thinning
from below is
recommended as it will
contribute to the DFC on
the greatest number of
acres while maintaining
future options in these
stds.
CLEAR-CUT
No, site is too
harsh due to
south aspect.
REGENERATION
HARVEST SEED
TREE
No, same as CC.
SHELTERWOOD
Yes. 50% of these
acres could be
regenerated at this
time, and continue to
meet thermal cover
objectives for the
landscape.
UNEVEN-AGED
MANAGEMENT
Yes. Group selection in
these stds would develop an
acceptable stand. It will
maintain a multi-storied std
with old growth structure.
This structure will benefit old
growth dependent species
requiring dense interior multistory structure. Thsi stand
structure shouldb elimited in
scope within the landscape to
keep western spruce
budworm at relatively low
levels, as a higher % of DF
will result with this method
over time. Thermal cover will
be more difficult to attain with
this structure. A different
desired stand condition
(DSC) would develop with this
approach.
R4 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-95-2
EFFECTIVE 12/7/95
2409.17,8.5
Page 24 of 20
8.1 - Exhibit 08--Continued
Logical Treatment Sequence
Thin from below
Regenerate w/shelterwood
Regenerate w/ group selection
Year
0 Thin 10m/ac
Seed cut16m/ac
Group selection 2m/ac
Year
1 Prescribe burn in the spring $75/ac
Prescribe burn fall $150/ac
Year
2
Handplant 200 T/ac $250/ac
Year
10
Year
25
Group selection 2m/ac
Year
50 SW seed cut 8m/ac
Group selection 2m/ac
Year
70 Remove overwood 2m/ac
Year
71 Prescribe burn $150/ac
Year
72 Handplant $250/ac
Year
75
Group selection 2m/ac
Year
100
Group selection 2m/ac
Year
125 Thin 5m/ac
Group selection 2m/ac
Year
150 Thin 5m/ac
Group selection 2m/ac
Year
175
Group selection 2m/ac
Year
200 Thin 5m/ac
Group selection 2m/ac
Year
225
Group selection 2m/ac
Year
250
SW seed cut 8m/ac
Year
260
Remove overwood 2m/ac
Year
300 SW seed cut 8m/ac
Remove overwood 2m/ac
Thin 5m/ac
Group selection 2m/ac
Group selection 2m/ac
R4 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-95-2
EFFECTIVE 12/7/95
2409.17,8.5
Page 25 of 20
8.1 - Exhibit 08--Continued
DETAILED SILVICULTURAL PRESCRIPTION SUMMARY
USDA - FOREST SERVICE
Page 1 of 1
DETAILED SILVICULTURAL PRESCRIPTION SUMMARY
Stand ID:
Action
Treatment Need: Thin
Time
Prepared by : C. Silv
Date: 7/93
Specifications
Layout Thinning and
harvest
Yr 0
Follow stand boundaries removing DF in a thinning from below to 70-90 sq ft
of basal area. If PP basal area is limited, fill in leave trees with larger,
vigorous, DF.
Fuel reduction
Yr 1
Prescribe burn in spring to reduce fuels to 8 ton/ac. Leave some large
diameter unmerchantable logs. Maintain forage to meet winter range
function.
Stand Exam
Yr 5
Monitor effects of the harvest and burn on the residual stand.
Stand Exam
Yr 20
Monitor for treatment need.