R-10 AMENDMENT 2409.26d-2006-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 08/31/2006
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
2409.26d_900
Page 1 of 14
FSH 2409.26d - SILVICULTURAL EXAMINATION AND PRESCRIPTION HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 900 – SILVICULTURAL PRESCRIPTIONS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
910 - OVERVIEW OF THE TIMBER STAND PRESCRIPTION PROCESS ................... 2
911 - Timber Stand Prescription Process .................................................................................... 2
912 - Timber Stand Prescription Process Documentation .......................................................... 2
913 - Storage and Retention of Prescription Process Documentation ........................................ 3
914 - Silvicultural Input to the Interdisciplinary (IDT) Planning Process .................................. 3
920 - STAND EXAMINATION ......................................................................................... 4
921 - Stand Examination Procedures .......................................................................................... 4
922 - Stand Examination Documentation Requirements ............................................................ 6
930 - DIAGNOSIS ........................................................................................................... 6
931 - Stand Silvicultural Requirements ...................................................................................... 6
932 - Stand Priority for Treatment .............................................................................................. 6
933 - Diagnosis Procedure .......................................................................................................... 7
934 - Diagnosis Documentation Requirements .......................................................................... 8
940 - DETAILED PRESCRIPTION ................................................................................. 8
941 - Prescription Area ............................................................................................................... 8
942 - Detailed Prescription Form................................................................................................ 9
943 - Detailed Prescription Procedure ........................................................................................ 9
944 - Prescription Documentation Requirements ..................................................................... 11
950 - IMPLEMENTATION ............................................................................................. 11
951 - Implementation Steps ...................................................................................................... 11
952 - Written Implementation Guides ...................................................................................... 11
952.1 - Timber Marking Guidelines ..................................................................................... 11
952.2 - Timber Stand Improvement Marking Guidelines ..................................................... 12
952.3 - Planting Guidelines................................................................................................... 12
953 - Implementation Documentation Requirements ............................................................... 13
960 - MONITORING ...................................................................................................... 13
961 - Establishing Project Monitoring Evaluation Criteria ...................................................... 14
962 - Monitoring Documentation Requirements ...................................................................... 14
R-10 AMENDMENT 2409.26d-2006-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 08/31/2006
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
2409.26d_900
Page 2 of 14
FSH 2409.26d - SILVICULTURAL EXAMINATION AND PRESCRIPTION HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 900 – SILVICULTURAL PRESCRIPTIONS
910 - OVERVIEW OF THE TIMBER STAND PRESCRIPTION PROCESS
This chapter outlines the process for timber stand prescription development. There are five
progressive steps in the prescription process that support each other for quality silviculture.
1. Stand Examination
2. Diagnosis
3. Detailed Prescription
4. Implementation
5. Monitoring
Each step is equally important. Forest Land Management Plan standards and guidelines and
stand silvicultural requirements must be considered throughout prescription development.
The silviculturist must develop stand treatments that satisfy multiple resource management
requirements. Frequently, the silviculturist must refer to written guidance from other disciplines
or must discuss alternative stand treatments with other resource specialists. The certified
silviculturist should have a leadership role in this kind of interaction.
911 - Timber Stand Prescription Process
1. Stand (or Harvest Unit) Examination
2. Diagnosis
3. Detailed Prescription
4. Implementation
5. Monitoring and Evaluation
912 - Timber Stand Prescription Process Documentation
Each step of the timber stand prescription process must be documented. Documentation should
be factual and brief. Forests will use form TNF 2400-3 and CNF 2400-3.
R-10 AMENDMENT 2409.26d-2006-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 08/31/2006
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
2409.26d_900
Page 3 of 14
FSH 2409.26d - SILVICULTURAL EXAMINATION AND PRESCRIPTION HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 900 – SILVICULTURAL PRESCRIPTIONS
913 - Storage and Retention of Prescription Process Documentation
Documentation supporting the prescription process such as field data collection forms, stand
tables, growth and yield analysis, data base summaries, and so forth should be stored in the
District's Compartment or Stand folders. The detailed prescription and implementation guides
must be stored in these folders until the prescribed stand treatment has been implemented and
evaluated. After evaluation, move the prescription and other documentation not reflecting
current stand conditions to a historical file or retain in the Compartment/Stand folder.
The following information shall be stored, updated, and retained in FSVEG/CSE national data
base as it becomes available for each stand in the prescription process:
1. A master stand record containing all pre-requisite stand level information.
2. At least one stand component record containing summarized tree information for the
stand provided the stand examination gathered tree data.
Detailed instructions are available in the R10 FSVEG/CSE User Guide
The following information shall be stored, updated, and retained in the Forest Service Activities
Tracking System (FACTS) as it becomes available for each stand in the prescription process that
has cleared the NEPA process:
1. An activity record for a diagnosis accomplishment containing the exam type,
silvicultural diagnosis, and the date of accomplishment.
2. An activity record for a management prescription accomplishment containing the
management prescription code and date of accomplishment.
3. Activity records for all prescribed activities containing the date the activity is planned
for accomplishment.
4. Activity records for all accomplished activities containing the date of accomplishment.
Detailed instructions are available in the R10 FACTS User Guide
914 - Silvicultural Input to the Interdisciplinary (IDT) Planning Process
Silvicultural input to the interdisciplinary planning process for Project Area Analysis, as
described in the Forest Land Management Plan and any project requiring vegetative
manipulation is required.
R-10 AMENDMENT 2409.26d-2006-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 08/31/2006
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
2409.26d_900
Page 4 of 14
FSH 2409.26d - SILVICULTURAL EXAMINATION AND PRESCRIPTION HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 900 – SILVICULTURAL PRESCRIPTIONS
In the interdisciplinary planning process, a major consideration should be the objective of
meeting vegetation management needs for the stand(s) involved. In other words, the stands are
being treated to meet silvicultural and other resource management objectives, not simply to meet
a harvest volume objective. Timber harvest is a means to accomplish resource management
objectives.
Because of their knowledge, skill, and training in forest vegetative management, a certified
silviculturist is an essential member on any interdisciplinary team dealing with timber retention
prescriptions or projects involving timber removal, reforestation, timber stand improvement,
prescribed fire, hazardous fuel reduction treatments, chemical use, or other vegetative
manipulation
920 - STAND EXAMINATION
The stand examination is the first step in the prescription process. It provides information on
existing stand conditions for diagnosing the silvicultural treatment opportunities of the stand(s),
prioritizing treatment needs, and preparing the detailed written prescription.
The primary goal of the stand examination program is to examine all suitable timberland within a
project study area five to seven years ahead of actual project implementation. The Project Area
Analysis or Multi-Entry Layout process defines the project study area. Budgetary restraints do no
always allow for this, therefore prioritization by likelihood of implementation may take place.
Stand examinations should be conducted on a compartment basis within the defined project
study area, but may be conducted on a stand or other geographical area basis when necessary.
With adequate lead time, stand data can be processed into stand tables for data analysis, entered
into the Forest's FSVEG data base for Compartment/Stand summaries, and be used in the
Region's growth and yield model to predict future stand conditions.
921 - Stand Examination Procedures
Stand delineation and mapping procedures are discussed in the R10 FSVEG/Common Stand
Exam User Guide and are being revised for future inclusion in this handbook. Data collection
procedures are provided in detail in the R10 FSVEG/Common Stand Exam user guide. The
kind, amount, and reliability of the data collected will depend upon the resources to be managed,
the intensity of management to be applied, and the complexity of the stand. Enough information
should be gathered to describe existing stand conditions and determine silvicultural treatment
opportunities.
Stand delineation, examination design, and data collection may be done by anyone with adequate
training and qualifications and need not be done by a certified silviculturist. A certified
R-10 AMENDMENT 2409.26d-2006-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 08/31/2006
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
2409.26d_900
Page 5 of 14
FSH 2409.26d - SILVICULTURAL EXAMINATION AND PRESCRIPTION HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 900 – SILVICULTURAL PRESCRIPTIONS
silviculturist however, should concur with the stand boundaries, design, and data collection
procedure.
R-10 AMENDMENT 2409.26d-2006-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 08/31/2006
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
2409.26d_900
Page 6 of 14
FSH 2409.26d - SILVICULTURAL EXAMINATION AND PRESCRIPTION HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 900 – SILVICULTURAL PRESCRIPTIONS
922 - Stand Examination Documentation Requirements
Documentation requirements for the stand examination are outlined in detail in the R10 Stand
Exam User Guide.
930 - DIAGNOSIS
The objective of the diagnosis is to identify the silvicultural treatment opportunities in the
stand(s) and to establish a priority for treatment based on existing or anticipated stand/site
conditions, silvicultural requirements, and management direction.
931 - Stand Silvicultural Requirements
In making a diagnosis, wind throw, fire, insects and disease, and long-term site productivity are
silvicultural conditions that must be evaluated in any treatment alternative.
Long-term site productivity includes maintaining or improving the genetic base to comply with
the Regional Tree Improvement Program.
932 - Stand Priority for Treatment
Consider silvicultural priorities for stand treatment. Stands with the highest treatment priority
should be treated first. Priorities may vary by Forest and District but must include the following:
1. Regeneration of previously stocked sites.
2. Stands with a diseased, mature over story.
3. Adequately stocked stands with insects or disease problems that can be controlled
through silvicultural treatment; but that will become uncontrollable if not treated.
4. Stands composed of immature trees that are growing well but stand stocking is too
high.
Forests and Districts should develop priority treatment guidelines that conform to Forest Land
Management Plan standards and guidelines and the conditions that prevail on the ground.
R-10 AMENDMENT 2409.26d-2006-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 08/31/2006
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
2409.26d_900
Page 7 of 14
FSH 2409.26d - SILVICULTURAL EXAMINATION AND PRESCRIPTION HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 900 – SILVICULTURAL PRESCRIPTIONS
933 - Diagnosis Procedure
A silvicultural diagnosis shall be made for each timber stand as soon as possible after completion
of the stand examination. The diagnosis will consist of a silvicultural diagnosis and treatment
priority documented on TNF and CNF forms 2400-3). Base the diagnosis on existing or
anticipated stand/site conditions and silvicultural requirements of the stand. Consideration of
Forest Land Management Plan standards and guidelines, management direction, logging system
requirements, and so forth should not be considered when making this initial diagnosis.
A diagnosis for timber removal, reforestation, timber stand improvement, or other vegetative
manipulation in timber stands shall be prepared or approved by an R10 certified silviculturist.
The region is currently working on a process to document diagnosis completion in the FSVEG
data base.
The following steps are generally included in the diagnosis procedure:
STEP 1: Gather the sources of information needed to make the initial diagnosis. These
generally include the following:
1. The Exisiting_veg GIS layer and Forest wide or project LSTA
2. Stand Tables or data base summaries for the stand(s), compartment(s), or the project
study area.
3. Silvicultural Practices Handbook (FSH 2409.17.)
4. Any other information that may help in determining the proper stand treatment.
STEP 2: Consider the following questions:
1. What are the silvicultural objectives for the stand? An objective is a clear and specific
statement of planned results to be achieved within a stated time period. Objectives have the
following characteristics:
a. Subordinate to goals.
b. Narrow and short in range.
c. Have a high probability of attainment.
d. Specify time periods for completion.
e. Achievements that are measurable and quantifiable.
R-10 AMENDMENT 2409.26d-2006-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 08/31/2006
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
2409.26d_900
Page 8 of 14
FSH 2409.26d - SILVICULTURAL EXAMINATION AND PRESCRIPTION HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 900 – SILVICULTURAL PRESCRIPTIONS
Consider silvicultural objectives in terms of species, composition, stand condition
class, growth rate, density, insect and disease control, and stand development over
time.
2. What is the present stand condition?
3. How can the existing stand be treated to develop a condition that will best satisfy the
silvicultural objective(s)?
4. How and when could it be harvested and replaced with a new stand or how could the
silvicultural objective(s) for the stand be modified?
5. What is the relative stand priority for treatment?
STEP 3: Using Forest Plan management direction issues identified or commonly known for the
project area, and results of steps 1 and 2, recommend treatment options and priorities for this
stand.
934 - Diagnosis Documentation Requirements
Diagnosis will be documented on approved Forest diagnosis form TNF-2400-3 and CNF-2400-3
See http://fsweb.ketchikan.r10.fs.fed.us/RXSilvanian/ for detailed instructions.
940 - DETAILED PRESCRIPTION
A timber stand prescription translates land management direction into silviculturally sound
treatments that can be implemented and monitored. It is the key to successful implementation of
a stand treatment. It must be concise, easily understood, and practical. It should be considered a
technical document written in silvicultural terms for foresters and technicians.
The detailed prescription step should begin during the NEPA analysis. A detailed prescription for
the units selected will be available at time of decision.
The final selected treatment may be the original diagnosis, a modified version of the original
diagnosed treatment, or even a different treatment in some instances. The interactions of the
interdisciplinary team and the decision by the responsible official will determine the selected
treatment.
941 - Prescription Area
The detailed prescription is prepared only for the stand(s) selected for treatment in the decision
document. The prescription will describe the techniques to accomplish the first stand entry in
detail and recommend subsequent entries through the rotation. Written prescriptions should only
be developed for those stands that will be treated within the next five years.
R-10 AMENDMENT 2409.26d-2006-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 08/31/2006
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
2409.26d_900
Page 9 of 14
FSH 2409.26d - SILVICULTURAL EXAMINATION AND PRESCRIPTION HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 900 – SILVICULTURAL PRESCRIPTIONS
If necessary, large stands may be subdivided to meet Forest Land Management Plan standards
and guidelines. Stands having similar conditions or treatments may be combined for developing
detailed prescriptions.
942 - Detailed Prescription Form
Stand Prescription Summary, Form TNF-2400-3 and CNF 2400-3, will be used as the format for
documenting detailed written prescriptions. Categories of information to be recorded on this
form include:
1. Physical and Biological Stand Conditions.
2. Stand Description and History.
3. Management Requirements and Other Resource Constraints.
4. Written Stand Prescription. The prescription must be in sufficient detail to describe
how the initial stand entry for the selected treatment will be implemented.
5. Signatures and Dates. Form must be signed and dated by person preparing the
prescription and the R10 certified silviculturist certifying the prescription.
Additional documentation like project maps and implementation guides should be attached to the
form.
943 - Detailed Prescription Procedure
The following steps are generally included in the detailed prescription procedure:
STEP 1: Gather the sources of information needed to make a detailed prescription. These
generally include the following:
1. Refer to Step 1 of the diagnosis.
2. Forest Land Management Plan, Area Analysis that define land management standards,
guidelines, and direction.
STEP 2: Answer the following questions:
1. What are the management objectives for the stand?
2. What are the silvicultural objectives for the stand?
R-10 AMENDMENT 2409.26d-2006-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 08/31/2006
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
2409.26d_900
Page 10 of 14
FSH 2409.26d - SILVICULTURAL EXAMINATION AND PRESCRIPTION HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 900 – SILVICULTURAL PRESCRIPTIONS
3. What is the present stand condition?
4. How can the existing stand be treated to develop a condition that will best satisfy both
the silvicultural and management objectives?
5. How and when could it be harvested and replaced with a new stand or how could the
silvicultural or management objective(s) for the stand be modified?
6. What logging system will be used to remove the timber?
7. What is the relative stand priority for treatment?
STEP 3: Identify one or more stand treatment alternatives. All treatment alternatives should
include a timber production treatment that is carried through the regeneration period after final
harvest of the first entry. An exception would be for plantation establishment. Carry plantations
for one intermediate thinning period.
No treatment or deferred treatment is valid if other treatment alternatives do not meet land
management direction.
It may be necessary to project complex stands through to the next regeneration period for growth
and yield or economic comparisons. Use growth and yield models like Region 10's SEAPROG
or economic analysis techniques to help make comparisons of treatment alternatives.
1. Growth and Yield Data Comparisons. For the management actions in each
silvicultural treatment alternative, use the appropriate model to project dwarf mistletoe ratings
(DMR), d.b.h., volumes, culmination of mean annual increment, basal area, number of trees, and
so forth. Recognize the limitations of each model and the effect those limitations may have on
the diagnosis or detailed prescription.
2. Economic Comparisons. Compute volume yields for the sequence of management
actions in each treatment alternative. For reforestation and timber stand improvement
treatments, use the current Chief's direction on determining economic efficiency. For other
treatments, assign values for costs to be incurred and volumes produced using regional averages
by area and operability.
STEP 6: Select the preferred stand treatment that meets the management objective(s) for the
stand.
STEP 7: Optional. Prepare a project map and implementation guide(s). These are required by
the implementation step (See section 952.)
STEP 8: Complete the Stand Prescription Summary Form and have the prescription reviewed
and approved by a certified silviculturist.
R-10 AMENDMENT 2409.26d-2006-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 08/31/2006
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
2409.26d_900
Page 11 of 14
FSH 2409.26d - SILVICULTURAL EXAMINATION AND PRESCRIPTION HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 900 – SILVICULTURAL PRESCRIPTIONS
STEP 9: Update the Forest's FACTS database with the prescription information.
944 - Prescription Documentation Requirements
Prescriptions will be documented on approved Forest Prescription form TNF-2400-3 and CNF2400-3. See http://fsweb.ketchikan.r10.fs.fed.us/RXSilvanian/ for detailed instructions.
950 - IMPLEMENTATION
This step bridges the gap between the conceptual detailed prescription and the project. The
responsible silviculturist shall evaluate the project for necessary changes and develop an
amended prescription if an implementation change is necessary based on the project level unit
change analysis. The evaluation shall be based on the original intent of the selected stand
treatment.
951 - Implementation Steps
Successful project implementation will generally require the following steps:
1. Layout and field review of the project to check workability.
2. Prepare or review the project map and implementation guide(s). The cutting unit
layout card used in timber sales is an example.
3. Prepare or review contract clauses for timber removal, reforestation, timber stand
improvement, and chemical treatment projects, if contracted.
4. Active on-site coordination and consultation between the responsible silviculturist and
the project supervisor (timber staff officer, crew foreman, contract administrator, and so forth) or
other resource specialists during project layout and administration.
952 - Written Implementation Guides
Generally, these guides should be prepared in the detailed prescription step. Use common
forestry terms and standard measurable units when preparing written guides. State guides in a
positive way.
952.1 - Timber Marking Guidelines
The following are some examples of terms and standard measurable units for inclusion in a
marking guide:
1. Name of the treatment. (Example: Shelter wood seed tree cut.)
R-10 AMENDMENT 2409.26d-2006-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 08/31/2006
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
2409.26d_900
Page 12 of 14
FSH 2409.26d - SILVICULTURAL EXAMINATION AND PRESCRIPTION HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 900 – SILVICULTURAL PRESCRIPTIONS
2. Objective of the treatment. (Example: Provide desirable trees for seed and seedling
establishment.)
3. Preferred tree species. (Example: Sitka spruce.)
4. Leave tree defined. (Example: A vigorous looking seed tree with a dominant or
codominant crown that is free from insects, diseases, or other damage. Crowns that show some
past evidence of cone production. Trees should be wind firm.)
5. Leave tree diameter and spacing. (Example: Leave approximately 25 of the largest
available seed trees per acre, spaced approximately 35 to 50 feet apart.)
6. Insect and disease infested trees. (Example: Leave only trees that have a dwarf
mistletoe rating of 2 or less.)
7. Cut tree defined. Use with salvage/sanitation method of cuts. (Example: Remove all
dwarf mistletoe infected trees with a rating of 2 or more.)
8. Basal area. (Example: Leave crop trees as evenly spaced as possible to achieve
approximately 60 square feet of basal area.)
9. Diameter limits. (Example: Remove all trees 12 inches d.b.h. and larger.)
952.2 - Timber Stand Improvement Marking Guidelines
The following are some examples of terms and standard measurable units for precommercial
thinning guides:
1. Preferred species. (Example: Sitka spruce.)
2. Leave tree defined. (Example: A vigorous looking tree that is free from insects and
diseases or other damage with a dominant or codominant, mostly live crown.)
3. Leave tree size and spacing. (Example: Leave sapling-sized trees spaced
approximately 12 to 13 feet apart.)
4. Insect and disease infected tree standards. (Example: Leave only healthy trees
without visible dwarf mistletoe.)
952.3 - Planting Guidelines
The following are some examples of terms and standard measurable units for tree planting:
1. Species and type of stock. (Example: Sitka spruce 4 cu. in. containerized plug.)
R-10 AMENDMENT 2409.26d-2006-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 08/31/2006
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
2409.26d_900
Page 13 of 14
FSH 2409.26d - SILVICULTURAL EXAMINATION AND PRESCRIPTION HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 900 – SILVICULTURAL PRESCRIPTIONS
2. Planting method. (Example: Hand or machine.)
3. Planting tools and use.
4. Seedling planting locations. (Example: Select and plant seedlings in sites protected
from wind and sun.)
5. Seedling protection. (Example: Place rock, slash, and so forth, around each tree on
the south and west sides.)
6. Seedling spacing. (Example: Plant 680 trees per acre about 8 feet apart.)
7. Seedling root placement with taproot straight down.
953 - Implementation Documentation Requirements
Documentation requirements for the implementation step are:
1. Update the planned activity record in the R10 FACTS database showing the date of
the accomplishment.
2. File the project map and implementation guide(s) in the District's Compartment/Stand
folder.
960 - MONITORING
There are two levels of monitoring. Each level has a specific objective; however, the
monitoring evaluation criteria may be similar. A certified silviculturist should be involved in
both monitoring levels.
1. Forest Level Monitoring. Each Forest shall prepare a monitoring plan as a part of
their Forest Land Management Plan. The objective is to monitor the workability of the Forest
Plan.
2. Timber Stand Prescription Monitoring. Timber stand prescription monitoring is a
project evaluation check that can be made at any step in the timber stand prescription process.
The objective is to get quality project implementation. The primary purpose of an evaluation is
to determine if the management objectives for the stand(s) are being or were accomplished by
the selected treatment(s), and if not, the reasons why.
Someone other than a certified silviculturist may do project level monitoring of timber stand
prescriptions. However, a certified silviculturist should design the monitoring procedure and
evaluate the overall results.
R-10 AMENDMENT 2409.26d-2006-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 08/31/2006
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
2409.26d_900
Page 14 of 14
FSH 2409.26d - SILVICULTURAL EXAMINATION AND PRESCRIPTION HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 900 – SILVICULTURAL PRESCRIPTIONS
961 - Establishing Project Monitoring Evaluation Criteria
The evaluation criteria should be measurable units developed from the management objective(s)
for the stand(s). The following list is an example of some evaluation criteria:
1. Tree density and distribution.
2. Species composition.
3. Growth and/or yield.
4. Planting locations and spacing.
5. Planting survival and growth.
6. Crop tree selection.
7. Insect and disease control.
8. Economic (benefits, costs, market values.)
9. Were the objectives met? If not, why not?
Monitor an adequate number of completed projects to insure that quality project implementation
is being accomplished, management objectives are being met, and to identify opportunities for
improvement. Monitoring may also be done using growth and yield simulator models to see if
predicted growth results are actually being obtained.
962 - Monitoring Documentation Requirements
Documentation requirements for Forest level monitoring should be identified in the Forest's
monitoring plan.