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FSH 2409.17 - SILVICULTURAL PRACTICES HANDBOOK
R3 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-99-1
EFFECTIVE 3/31/99
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
b. Overtime:
(hours) x
c. Total Daily Salary (a = b):
(crew#) =
(1.5 x regular) =
$
$
$
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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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6.4 - Exhibit 02--Continued
2.
Supervision:
Regular: 8 hours x
Overtime:
Fringe Benefits:
3.
$
$
$
$
(Labor) x $
(Total Labor Per Day)
(Supervision) =
x
(Days):
$
$
(Rate per Mile) x (#vehicles)
x
(Contract Days):
$
$
Travel Per Day:
$
5.
1.5 Regular =
(daily salary) =
Total Supervision per Day
Total Labor/Supervision Costs:
$
$
4.
$
=
Hours x $
%x $
(Miles) x $
(Travel per Day)
Equipment (Chainsaws, Planting Tools, etc.):
a. Equipment Costs per Day:
b. Depreciation Costs per Day:
c. Total Equipment:
$
(Equipment) +
6.
Project Materials:
7.
Mobilization:
$
$
$
$
(Rate)
x
Total Direct Costs: (3 + 4 + 5c + 6 + 7)
b.
(Depreciation):
$
$
(Contract Days):
Indirect Costs:
Computed at 10-20% of Direct Costs: (Should include
clerical, bookkeeping, office expense, etc. All of the costs of
$
$
2409.17_6.4_exs_02_05
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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
$
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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
Number of
Spacing Feet
Leave
Tree/Acre
Maximum
Minimum
D.B.H. Cut Tree Height
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 range of variation in the payment item or subitem 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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6.4 - Exhibit 03--Continued
SILVICULTURAL SUMMARY PRESCRIPTION
Stand Description
Subitem No.
Acres
Unit Name Stand No. Location -
Legal -
Approx. Elev. -
Avg. Slope -
Avg. Stand Age -
Avg. Aspect -
Avg. Tree Height. Silvicultural Objective
(Describe as necessary)
Best Tree Criteria
Competitive Area
radius in feet (must be defined in terms of area, i.e., circular area of varying radii).
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:
Maximum tree diameter (at DBH) to thin
Maximum stump height:
Max.
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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
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
tire or track width. Other methods of removal may be approved by the Contracting Officer.
inches outside
3. Removal of salvage materials will be done concurrently with thinning. When an item (or subitem) is accepted for payment, no
further salvage operation shall be permitted, except for removal of decked materials.
4. (Specify by item or subitem). 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 Officer. It may be removed commensurate
with work on the (Item or Subitem) 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.)
2409.17_6.4_exs_02_05
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6.4 - Exhibit 03--Continued
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
Free of insect and disease damage and/or symptoms
Vigorous annual terminal growth
Crown class
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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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6.4 - Exhibit 03--Continued
(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 subitem 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.
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.)
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Leave trees have been designated by
colored paint; all other trees shall be cut.
6.4 - Exhibit 03--Continued
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.
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
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Within categories 2 through 4 above, selections shall be made as follows:
OPTIONAL - Tree Selection
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6.4 - Exhibit 03--Continued
(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
approximately
percent (species).
(Subitem
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:
inches d.b.h.
,
, except when the trees exceed
OPTIONAL - Leave Tree Selection Variations
(Instructions: Use only in clumpy or open stands where appropriate spacing is extremely difficult to achieve.)
In (Item or Subitem), 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.)
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.)
) of
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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.
OPTIONAL - Snag Felling
6.4 - Exhibit 03--Continued
(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
approximately
inches which removes all bark and cambial tissue.
2. Girdling will be accomplished within
inches d.b.h. and must have two strips
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.)
OPTIONAL - Slash Piling
(Instructions: Use if slash piling is required.)
All material greater than
inches in diameter or
feet or or greater
than
feet. Width of piles shall not be less than
feet from live trees and physical structures.
feet in length shall be piled. The height of the piles shall not be less than
feet or greater than
Piles shall be covered with government-furnished waterproof material so that
OPTIONAL - Chipping
feet. Piles shall be a minimum distance
percent of the pile is covered.
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(Instructions: Use if chipping is required.)
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
6.4 - Exhibit 03--Continued
(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
(Instructions: Use if pull-back is required. Should be designated on project map.)
Item
Subitem
. 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.
6.4 - Exhibit 03 (continued)
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:)
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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:
2409.17_6.4_exs_02_05
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Plot Size
Selection Guide
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'.
6.4 - Exhibit 03--Continued
Minimum No. Plots per Plot Size
1/20-acre
1 plot/5 acres
1/50-acre
1 plot/2 acres
1/100-acre
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.
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
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Basis of Payment
6.4 - Exhibit 03--Continued
(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.
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.
R3 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-99-1
EFFECTIVE 3/31/99
2409.17,6.4,exs.02-05
Page 19 of 34
6.4 - Exhibit 04
THINNING INSPECTION PLOT FORM
CONTRACT SPECIFICATIONS
USDA - FOREST SERVICE
ID
CONTRACT
FOREST
CONTRACTOR
ACCEPT.MIN/MAX TC/AC
DISTRICT
INSPECTOR
DATE
REMARKS:
NUMBER
ITEM
SUB-ITEM
COMP/STD(S)
ACRES
WORK
PRIORITY SP. PREF.
PLOT SIZE
ACCEP. TREES/PLOT
VARIATION OF SPACING
% OR +
SPECIES IGNORED**
ACCOMPLISHED
%
CONTRACT TIME
MIN. CUT TREE HEIGHT
FT.
MAX. CUT TREE DBH.
IN.
ACCEP. CAT "C" PER AC.
REMAINING
%
Plo
t
No.
(1)
TREE EVALUATION
(see back)
(2)
1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
R4-2400-4 (1/99)
TO
TO
FT.
STAND SUM.
TR/AC.
TREES
LEFT/AC
CATEGORY
"C"/AC/
**TREES/AC.
IGNORED
TREES/AC.
BELOW
MIN.HT.
TOTAL
TREES/
ACRES
TARGET
TREES LEFT: CREDIT SURPLU
CAT. "A"
CAT. "B"
(INCL.SAT., NONSTK
S
IMPROPER
EXCESS
TREES ABOVE
.
S2 AND
LEAVE
TREES
MAX DBH. &
SPOTS
**
TREE SELECTION CORRECTUNCORRECTABL
E
EXCLUDES**)
A1,A2,
ABLE
S1,S2
S3, S4
A3
A4,A5
B, B1
11
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
ACTUAL
CAT. "C"
CORRECT-
ABLE
C1-C7
(9)
R3 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-99-1
EFFECTIVE 3/31/99
9
10
11
12
13
TOTAL ALL PLOTS
TOTAL PER ACRE
Quality Thinning Calculations:
2409.17,6.4,exs.02-05
Page 20 of 34
NOTES
:
1.
** = Species of trees ignored in thinning
activity.
If species of trees is needed, recrod species
for each tree tallie din Column (2).
2.
1.00 - [ COL. (6) + COL. (7) + COL. (8) ] x 100 = % 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 origianl 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)
R3 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-99-1
EFFECTIVE 3/31/99
B1 - Stump with live limbs
INSTRUCTIONS:
ADDITIONAL
NOTES:
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Page 21 of 34
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 n;umber of Category A trees (Columns 6 and 7).
R3 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-99-1
EFFECTIVE 3/31/99
2409.17,6.4,exs.02-05
Page 22 of 34
6.4 - Exhibit 04--Continued
INSTRUCTIONS - THINNING PLOT INSPECTION FORM R4-2400-4 (1/99)
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 Descripton 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 priorty 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.
R3 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-99-1
EFFECTIVE 3/31/99
2409.17,6.4,exs.02-05
Page 23 of 34
6.4 - Exhibit 04--Continued
INSTRUCTIONS - THINNING PLOT INSPECTION FORM R4-2400-4 (1/99)
(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 i.e. 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 varing 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 Breat 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.
(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 (1/99)
R3 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-99-1
EFFECTIVE 3/31/99
2409.17,6.4,exs.02-05
Page 24 of 34
(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 thiinning 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.
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 (1/99)
R3 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-99-1
EFFECTIVE 3/31/99
2409.17,6.4,exs.02-05
Page 25 of 34
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.
1.00 -
(rounded up to whole no.)
Col. 6 + Col. 7 + Col. 8 x 100 = Percent Work Remaining
[
]
Col. 3 + Col. 4
R3 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-99-1
EFFECTIVE 3/31/99
2409.17,6.4,exs.02-05
Page 26 of 34
6.4 - Exhibit 05
THINNING INSPECTION PLOT FORM
CONTRACT SPECIFICATIONS
USDA - FOREST SERVICE
ID
CONTRACT
FOREST
GREEN NF
CONTRACTOR
I.M.GOOD
NUMBER
32789-00
DISTRICT TOO DENSE
RD
INSPECTOR
I.M.THIN ITEM
DATE
7/20/00
SUB-ITEM
REMARKS:
1
1.1
COMP/STD(S)
ACRES
WORK
PLOT SIZE
1/50
ACCEP. TREES/PLOT
5
TO
7
256/006 VARIATION OF SPACING
46
50% OR +
6
FT.
SPECIES IGNORED**
AS
ACCOMPLISHED
%
CONTRACT TIME
REMAINING
%
Plo
t
No.
(1)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
TREE EVALUATION
(see back)
(2)
1
S1
S1
S1
S1
S1
S1
S1
2
S1
S2
S2
S2
S1
S2
S2
3
S2
S2
S3
B
A2
A4
S1
4
S2
S2
S3
B
S1
A4
A1
5
S1
S2
S3
S1
S2
S1
A1
6 7 8 9 10
S1 C1
S1 S1 S1 C3
S3
S3 S3 C1
S2 B
A5
ACCEPT. MIN/MAX TC/AC 250 TO
350
PRIORITY SP. PREF.
DF, ES, SAF
20
80
MIN. CUT TREE HEIGHT
FT.
MAX. CUT TREE DBH.
IN.
ACCEP. CAT "C" PER AC.
6.0
R4-2400-4 (1/99)
STAND SUM.
TR/AC.
TREES
LEFT/AC
CATEGORY
TARGET
300
ACTUAL
219
"C"/AC/
**TREES/AC.
15
12
IGNORED
TREES/AC.
BELOW
MIN.HT.
TOTAL
TREES/
ACRES
10
23
325
254
15
TREES LEFT: CREDIT SURPLU
CAT. "A"
CAT. "B"
(INCL.SAT., NONSTK
S
IMPROPER
EXCESS
TREES ABOVE
.
S2 AND
LEAVE
TREES
MAX DBH. &
SPOTS
**
TREE SELECTION CORRECTUNCORRECTABL
E
EXCLUDES**)
A1,A2,
ABLE
S1,S2
S3, S4
A3
A4,A5
B, B1
11
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
6
7
1
2
4
3
2
2
4
1
4
2
1
3
2
1
CAT. "C"
CORRECT-
ABLE
C1-C7
(9)
1
1
1
R3 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-99-1
EFFECTIVE 3/31/99
8 S1 S1 S1 S1 S4 ** ** **
9 S2 S2 S2 S2 S2 S2 S2 S2 S2
10 S1 S1 S2 S1 S2 S2
11 S1 S1 S2 S1 S3 S4
12 S1 S2 S3 S3 S3 S3
13 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1
TOTAL ALL PLOTS
TOTAL PER ACRE
Quality Thinning Calculations:
2409.17,6.4,exs.02-05
Page 27 of 34
4
7
6
4
2
5
57
219
1
3
2
2
4
13
50
NOTES
:
6
3
3
3
23
12
12
12
1. ** = Species of trees ignored in thinning
activity.
2. If species of trees is needed, recrod species
for each tree tallie din Column (2).
(rounded up to whole no.)
3
3
3
87.1 ~ 88
COL.
(6)
+
COL.
(7)
+
COL.
(8)
1.00 - [
] x 100 = % Quality Thinning
COL. (3) + COL. (4)
57
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.
3
12
Doc_Name
Page 28 of 34
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).
6.4 - Exhibit 05—Continued
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.
R3 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-1999-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 03/31/1999
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed
2409.17_6.4_exs_02_05
Page 29 of 34
FSH 2409.17 – SILVICULTURAL PRACTICES HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 6 – TIMBER STAND IMPROVEMENT
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.
R3 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-1999-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 03/31/1999
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed
2409.17_6.4_exs_02_05
Page 30 of 34
FSH 2409.17 – SILVICULTURAL PRACTICES HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 6 – TIMBER STAND IMPROVEMENT
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.
R3 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-1999-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 03/31/1999
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed
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FSH 2409.17 – SILVICULTURAL PRACTICES HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 6 – TIMBER STAND IMPROVEMENT
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 usually blows the chips back out onto the
forest floor. This treatment is usually done in place of piling and burning in fuel
breaks.
R3 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-1999-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 03/31/1999
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed
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FSH 2409.17 – SILVICULTURAL PRACTICES HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 6 – TIMBER STAND IMPROVEMENT
d. Prescribed Burning. After careful analysis by both timber management and fuels
management, fire can be used as 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.
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.
R3 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-1999-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 03/31/1999
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed
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FSH 2409.17 – SILVICULTURAL PRACTICES HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 6 – TIMBER STAND IMPROVEMENT
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 considerations 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
R3 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-1999-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 03/31/1999
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed
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FSH 2409.17 – SILVICULTURAL PRACTICES HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 6 – TIMBER STAND IMPROVEMENT
correct and if the treatments prescribed 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 followup 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.