Marking Guide--Variable Density Thin
PROJECT NAME: Kahler XXXX
UNIT NUMBER: 17
TREATMENT: 4210-Improvement Cut/
Underburn/Yard Tops
LOGGING SYSTEM: Ground Base
PREPARED BY: Megan Smith
DATE: 6/23/14
Cover Type: PIPO (PP)
PAG*: Hot-Dry and/or Warm-Dry
*plant association group
Existing stand: Even aged, single storied stands of poorly (10 t 35%) to moderately stocked (35 to 60%)
sawtimber greater then 11” DBH. Stands are dominated by Ponderosa pine (PP). Douglas-fir (DF) is also
present as an indicidental species, as is western juniper (WJ). Minor (less then 5%) Dwarf mistletoe is
present in some areas. Previous harvest has occurred with evidence of underburning.
Marking Guides/Desired Conditions:
Snags: Limited in the unit. RETAIN ALL EXISTING SNAGS.
Wildlife: Wildlife needs will be met through the marking guide.
General Marking: End result will trend stands towards a structurally complex stand of single,
grouped, or clumped trees with varied spacing dominated by fire tolerant species such as large PP and
DF. Structure includes broken tops, large limbs, bird holes, multiple tops, bole scars, crooked trunks, as
well as trees with straight trunks, good leader growth, and high live crown ratios. Also included are
trees with heavy mistletoe or infected with root disease.
VARIABLE DENSITY THIN: Variable Density Thinning involves a series of skips, gaps, and the matrix
between.
SKIPS: ALL SKIPS WIL BE LAID OUT PRIOR TO MARKING-DO NOT MARK WITHIN THE SKIPS.
GAPS (openings or areas of limited tree density): should range between ½ to 2 acres in size.
However, gaps up to 3 acres in size are anticipated. Gaps should occupy between 10 and
15% of the unit. Given the naturally clumpy nature of the stand, gaps should present
themselves readily.
Remove trees 7.0 + dbh to a walk away basal area fluctuating between 30 and 45 BA.
BA will include Green Tree Replacement (GTRs). Lower BA is anticipated in more open areas.
Higher BA is anticipated where larger clumps of PP and/or DF exist.
RETAIN ALL  PP/DF greater than 21” dbh, even in gaps
RETAIN ALL  PP/DF less then 21” dbh showing outward signs of being greater then
150 years in age (use VanPelt’s guide for recommendations) even in gaps
RETAIN large PP in clumps when they exist in clumps.
Otherwise, Give ELBOW ROOM around PP, remove all trees (under 21 inches and
under 150 years old) within twice the dripline of the overstory tree(s).
RETAIN  DF greater than 10” dbh when needed to meet target between 30 and 45 BA.
Anticipate DF retained in moist areas (north facing slopes, draws, or
drainage areas).
Figure 1: Example of Hot/Dry and Warm/Dry PP stands with clumpy spatial patterns.
Layout Notes:
Please provide a copy of layout notes and concerns related to the unit or prescription prior to
marking.
Marking Notes/Feedback from Marking Crew:








TPA : Total TPA ____ Est % by species: ___% PP; ___% WL; ___% DF; ___% Other
BA Retained: _____ Quality of Leave Trees:______________________________________________________
Species and Distribution: __________________________________________________________________________
Snags: Total Marked ____ Species and Distribution: __________________________________________
Specific Marking for Wildlife: _____________________________________________________________________
Specific Marking for Visual or Trails:____________________________________________________________
Did marking meet objectives: _________ If not why: ____________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Comments or Concerns: ___________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Marking Crew:
Date:
Marking Review (silviculturist, wildlife. Fisheries, or fuels):

Did marking meet objectives:

Comments or Concerns:
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Reviewed by:
Date: