Natural Resource Consultants, LLC
Ashford, Connecticut – (860) 429-4958
April 1999
Daniel F. Donahue
PO BOX 25, Ashford, CT 06278 860-429-4958
1
Natural Resource Consultants, LLC
Ashford, Connecticut – (860) 429-4958
PLAN PURPOSE & LANDOWNER GOALS
The purpose of this Forest Stewardship Plan is to guide the implementation of an actionoriented program of land management intended to improve forest resources, protect wildlife
habitat and water resources, and enhance your ability to derive greater benefits from the land
during your stewardship tenure.
The forest stewardship objectives that you have specified are:
1) maintain the forest in a vigorous, productive, and increasingly valuable condition;
2) generate periodic income from the production of quality wood products;
3) maintain significant wildlife habitat and aesthetic values.
While this plan is intended to be relevant for a ten year period, it is important to recognize that
natural resource management is a dynamic process and will require adjustments and updates as
time progresses. This may be due to changes in environmental conditions such as insect
infestations, fire, hurricanes, and/or ice storms. But it might also involve the evolution of your
interests or objectives. Good communication between you and Natural Resource Consultants
(NRC) will assure that the process remains relevant to your interests and that you experience
noticeable benefits. By implementing the specified recommendations in a timely manner,
conducting evaluations of our progress at five year intervals, and recording updated inventory data
as attachments to the plan, you can avoid the expense of developing a new plan every ten years.
One of the essential elements of this plan involved the inventory and evaluation of forest
resources. The value of collecting this baseline data on dominant tree species, age class, growth
rates, and overall forest condition is that it provides a foundation for prioritizing management
activities resulting in the greatest production of benefits over the shortest period of time.
The resulting stewardship recommendations are generally based on the premise that the relative
ecological quality and/or sensitivity of an area will dictate what long-term land uses are most
appropriate. When suitable land uses have been identified then appropriate stewardship practices
can be designed to achieve your specified objectives.
REGIONAL CONTEXT
Your land is geographically located in the north-central part of Connecticut known as the
Northeast Hills Ecoregion. An ecoregion is a distinct landscape area that is identified by the
combination of landforms, local climate, soils, and flora and fauna. This region is characterized
by a variably hilly landscape; intermediate elevations; metamorphic bedrock; mean annual
temperature of 48 degrees F.; average annual precipitation of about 44 inches; and forests
dominated by central hardwoods (predominantly oaks), pine, and hemlock.
In terms of it's watershed position, your land lies within the Willimantic Regional Drainage
Basin, which in turn lies within the Thames Major Basin. Depending on your precise location on
the property surface water runoff flows into three distinct local drainage basins. The vast majority
of the property drains into Tray Hollow Brook, a tributary of the Scantic River which flows in a
northerly direction. The headwaters of Diamond Ledge Brook, an intermittent watercourse that is
a principal water source for Lake Mark, occurs at the south end of the property. A small portion
of the land near your west-central boundary is the headwaters of an unnamed watercourse that
flows in a westerly direction toward Hampden Road.
2
Natural Resource Consultants, LLC
Ashford, Connecticut – (860) 429-4958
Locus Map
Hodgin Property
Stafford Springs, Connecticut
Source: USGS Topographic Map
Monson Quandrangle
Prepared by Natural Resource Consultants, LLC
PO Box 25, Ashford, CT 06278 (860) 429-4958
03/21/99 Scale 1” = 2,000’
N
3
Natural Resource Consultants, LLC
Ashford, Connecticut – (860) 429-4958
VEGETATION AND WOOD PRODUCTS
Vegetation is influenced by natural factors and human disturbance. Natural influences include
soils, climate, solar exposure, water, aspect, slope, and topography. Human influences involve
several centuries of deforestation, farming, fire, and the introduction of various diseases, insects,
and non-native plant and animal species. The interaction of these factors has helped determine
the present composition, distribution, and condition of New England plant communities. In
almost all cases, if entirely left alone these lands will grow a forest; this is worth noting and
appreciating because most other parts of this country and others are not similarly blessed.
The commercial byproducts of forest management are an increasingly diverse assortment of
wood products. Veneer, sawtimber, fuelwood, Christmas trees, wharf pilings, and telephone
poles are the major sources of cash income that are derived from the forest. Other products such
as fence posts, nutcrops, mushrooms, and plant material for landscaping and wreaths are
becoming more common.
Sawtimber is by far the most common wood product being regularly produced from southern
New England forests. Sawtimber management practices in this region generally fall into two
major categories: (1) intermediate cuttings that are designed to improve the diameter growth and
species composition of immature timber stands; and (2) regeneration cuttings that are intended
to establish and/or release new tree seedlings or saplings after the existing timber stand has
reached maturity. The aggregate value of sawtimber on your property, based on current market
conditions, is approximately $DELETED.
This parcel has been the source of one significant sawtimber harvest during your period of
ownership. Managed carefully, this forest will continue to produce a relatively steady stream of
revenue from the periodic harvest and commercial sale of these renewable wood resources. This
income may be used to defray the costs of property taxes, stewardship planning and
implementation, and various improvements to the land.
The dominant forest vegetation on your land can best be categorized as even-aged, transition
hardwoods. This forest is further defined by differences in species composition, past land use
practices, soil quality, and/or water regime. The resulting plant communities form the
Management Units (MU's) described below.
When lists of trees or shrubs are provided in the sections describing existing conditions, they are
generally presented in descending order of occurrence, the most common species listed first and
the least common species listed last.
Refer to the attached glossary for the definitions of unfamiliar terms.
4
Natural Resource Consultants, LLC
Ashford, Connecticut – (860) 429-4958
FOREST STEWARDSHIP PLAN
SUMMARY OF PLANNED MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES
MANAGEMENT
UNIT #
ACTIVITIES PLANNED FOR THE NEXT 10 YEARS:
(Timing/scheduling of priorities, brief description, products, amount, projected income or
cost, federal c/s practices to be used, etc.)
_______________________________________________________________________________________
NOTE: Each stewardship practice for which you request cost-share funding (refer to the
capitalized text in the summary below) must be applied for and approved prior to
commencing any work. An application must be accompanied by a Practice Project Outline
(PPO) which NRC can prepare for a negotiable fee. Given the Stewardship Incentives
Program's reliance on congressional approval of funding, and the fact that zero funds were
appropriated for the program in fiscal year '98/'99, you should plan for the possibility that
you may need to accomplish the following practices without the benefit of cost-share
funding.
All
1999-01 (spring or fall): locate and paint-blaze all property boundaries
with appropriate tree marking paint. The northernmost boundary adjoining
the Massachusetts state line will require at least two people with a hand
compass to properly locate. All of this can be accomplished entirely by you
or with the assistance of NRC.
4
1999: intermediate thinning, in the form of a non-commercial, cull tree
removal and crop tree crown release (refer to page 21 for a detailed
description of this practice). Special consideration must be given to the
protection of Campbell's Spring. SIP COST-SHARE FUNDING MAY BE
AVAILABLE FOR THIS PRACTICE, AT THE RATE OF $75.00 PER
ACRE, in the event that NRC performs all the required work, in which case
the gross expense = $4,100.00 (e.g. $100.00 per acre); SIP reimbursement
= $3,075.00 (e.g. 75% of cost); and net landowner expense = $1,025.00
(e.g. $25.00 per acre).
3
1999 (July-August): Observe the crowns of mature white pines to
determine the status of seed production.
5
1999-00, but no later than the next growing season when seed-bearing
white pine cones are present (e.g. generally once every 3-5 years):
regeneration harvest, in the form of a seed tree cut and commercial salvage
of softwood sawtimber and poles. Ideally, this can be accomplished as a
revenue neutral project.
2
When practical: develop plans to improve vehicular access in order to
facilitate commercial cutting practices and general property maintenance.
5
Natural Resource Consultants, LLC
Ashford, Connecticut – (860) 429-4958
2
When practical: intermediate thinning, in the form of a commercial
sawtimber harvest, in those portions of the MU deemed operable as a
result of preceding access improvements.
3
2000 (July-August): Observe the crowns of mature white pines to
determine the status of seed production.
3
During the next growing season when seed-bearing white pine cones are
present: intermediate thinning, in the form of a non-commercial crop tree
crown release and cull tree removal. SIP COST-SHARE FUNDING MAY
BE AVAILABLE FOR THIS PRACTICE, AT THE RATE OF $75.00 PER
ACRE, in the event that NRC performs all the required work, in which case
the gross expense = $2,000.00; SIP reimbursement = $1,500.00; and net
landowner expense = $500.00.
1
2001-02: intermediate thinning, in the form of a commercial sawtimber
thinning and cull tree removal. This stewardship practice will generate
gross revenue in the area of DELETED to DELETED.
All
2004: evaluate the progress of Stewardship Plan implementation and revise
plan as needed.
4
2004: Conduct visual survey and re-evaluate stand conditions. Begin
planning the next stewardship practice(s).
All
2005 (fall): re-mark all property boundaries with tree marking paint.
1
2006-07: Conduct visual survey and re-evaluate stand conditions. Begin
planning the next stewardship practice(s).
2
When necessary: Conduct visual survey and re-evaluate stand conditions.
Begin planning the next stewardship practice(s).
All
2009 (fall): re-mark all property boundaries with tree marking paint.
6
Natural Resource Consultants, LLC
Ashford, Connecticut – (860) 429-4958
7
Natural Resource Consultants, LLC
Ashford, Connecticut – (860) 429-4958
8
Natural Resource Consultants, LLC
Ashford, Connecticut – (860) 429-4958
EXISTING CONDITIONS
MANAGEMENT UNIT # 1 (Refer to Plan Map)
NUMBER OF ACRES: 122
_____________________________________________________________________________
1a.
DESCRIPTION OF MANAGEMENT UNIT: Forest type or cover type, and major species
composition (overstory and understory).
COVER TYPE: Oak sawtimber
DOMINANT OVERSTORY: Red oak sawtimber
OTHER OVERSTORY TREES: White oak, black oak, hickory, white ash, black birch, red
maple, yellow birch, and widely scattered white pine sawtimber
PREDOMINANT UNDERSTORY: Black birch, white ash, and yellow birch poletimber
OTHER UNDERSTORY TREES: Red maple, oak, hickory, and sugar maple poles and saplings
This MU occupies a majority of the property, including that portion that was the subject of
a sawtimber harvest administered by a professional forester about fifteen years ago. The terrain
is nearly level to excessively steep in places. Because of the variable terrain vehicular access is
limited in some areas, but the system of improved wood roads and skid trails provides good to
excellent access for implementing stewardship practices and performing routine property
maintenance. Obviously, further improvement and expansion of your access road system will be
beneficial, but what you've accomplished to date is outstanding.
While this road system has substantially improved access for commercial thinnings, there
are still some portions of this MU that are either too steep for safe equipment operation or are in
such close proximity to Tray Hollow Brook and the pond that significant tree cutting is
inadvisable. There are also some instances where the harvest limitation is due to a combination
of steep slope and proximity to a wetland or a watercourse. In any event it is difficult at this time
to predict precisely how much of this MU will ultimately prove to be completely inaccessible for
timber production.
Included in this MU are your pond, a wooded wetland on your western property boundary,
and a small area of open fields near the northern boundary.
1b. SITE QUALITY OR RELATIVE PRODUCTIVITY (Good, fair, poor); Indicate how
determined:
Good to excellent - based on soils data published by the Natural Resources Conservation
Service (NRCS, formerly the Soil Conservation Service) and on-site observations of dominant
tree species. The predominant soil type is the Charlton very stony fine sandy loam (e.g. type
symbol CrC), considered one of the better soils in Connecticut for the production of good quality
forest products.
1c.
PROTECTION ISSUES (General condition, past and present problems: insects, diseases, wildlife and
weather influences, fire, erosion, boundaries, access, etc.)
Not applicable.
9
Natural Resource Consultants, LLC
Ashford, Connecticut – (860) 429-4958
2.
DESCRIPTION OF TIMBER AND OTHER WOOD PRODUCT RESOURCES (Size
classes; ages; vigor or condition of growing stock; stand density: understocked, adequate or overstocked ; adequacy
and type of advance regeneration, if present; potential wood products and relative values. Specific criteria such as #
trees/acre, basal area/acre, percent stocking, percentages of acceptable and unacceptable growing stock, and/or
volume of forest products per acre are provided in the attached Appendix).
This MU is fully to nearly overstocked with trees between 4" and 22" in diameter at breast
height (DBH). Full stocking means there are enough trees present to make optimum use of the
available sunlight, soil moisture, and nutrients that the site has to offer. An overstocked
condition indicates that the density of trees has exceeded the level at which growth resources are
being optimally utilized.
About 55% of all trees are classified sawtimber (e.g. trees 12" - 22" DBH), of which just
over 60% is considered Acceptable Growing Stock (AGS). In this case AGS is attributed to
good form (e.g. straight stems and full crowns), desirable canopy position (e.g. dominant to codominant), and desirable, commercial species (e.g. red oak, white oak, white ash, and white
pine). The remaining 40% of the sawtimber stock that I've classified Unacceptable Growing
Stock (UGS) is either suppressed, very poorly formed, damaged, or diseased. Excluding acreage
from the MU where timber production is impractical due to the presence of excessively steep
slopes (e.g. 19 +/- acres) , wetlands (e.g. 5 +/- acres), or open field (e.g. 4 +/- acres), the total
volume of marketable sawtimber is estimated to be about 365 thousand board feet (MBF) with a
current market value of approximately $DELETED (e.g. $DELETED per MBF).
Approximately 34% of the forest is comprised of poletimber (e.g. trees 5" - 11" DBH),
about 61% of which is considered UGS due to suppression, very poor form, advanced decay,
and/or severe damage of one type or another. One characteristic of this size class of trees that I
find very desirable is the diversity of species present. The presence of oaks, white ash, black and
yellow birch, sugar maple, and hickory increase your opportunities to take advantage of emerging
and future markets for high quality, species-specific wood products.
Saplings make up the balance of tree stocking and are comprised of the same diverse group
of hardwood tree species described above.
This portion of your forest has already proven that it can be the source of valuable wood
products. The financial benefits you have enjoyed as a result are due to things you've had no
control over - a maturing forest, a growing wood products industry, and an increasing world
demand for wood. In the near future this MU (as well as MUs 2, 3, and 4) has the capacity to
continue producing crops of good to excellent quality hardwood sawtimber, better in fact than the
first crops. However, the key to improving the average quality of sawtimber growing stock over
the long-term requires your active involvement and stewardship. Implementing the prescribed
cutting practices at the proper time will facilitate the regulation of species composition, a very
important factor in growing a crop of high quality sawtimber in the future.
10
Natural Resource Consultants, LLC
Ashford, Connecticut – (860) 429-4958
3.
DESCRIPTION OF WILDLIFE RESOURCES, SIGNIFICANT HABITAT
FEATURES, AND CORRESPONDING WILDLIFE ASSOCIATIONS: (Quantity and quality of
den trees and snags, winter cover, vines, alder or aspen stands, apple trees, seep or vernal pools, wetland and
watercourses, beaver ponds, mast producing trees, fruiting shrubs, etc. Identify associated wildlife and locate
important features on the Map.):
The habitat values supplied by the dominant oaks are outstanding. The major source of
wildlife food in an oak dominated forest is hard mast (e.g. acorns). There is little doubt that
these trees are capable of periodically producing large quantities of acorns which are a preferred
source
of food for deer, turkey, grey squirrel, chipmunk, ruffed grouse, blue jays, grackles, and brown
thrashers. Many other birds will feed on acorns, but are less dependent on them. Three oak
species are well represented here: red, black, and white oak (in descending order of occurrence).
Red oaks are significant sources of food due to their ability to produce large quantities of
acorns. The relatively large size of the acorns also contributes to their value to wildlife.
Moderate to good red oak acorn crops generally occur once every two to five years. It is worth
noting that not all the red oak trees in any given area will produce acorns equally well. Dominant
or co-dominant trees with large, uncrowded crowns seem to be most productive. However, some
trees are always good producers while others are always poor producers.
The white oaks that are present only require one growing season for acorn maturation. This
species is also unique because it's acorns germinate in the fall. White oak acorns are considered
the most palatable to wildlife due to their relatively low concentration of tannin.
Black oaks can be consistent seed producers, bearing moderately good acorn crops as often
as once every two or three years. As with the red oaks, some individual trees are always able to
produce good crops when conditions are right, while other individuals are not. Black oaks are
thought to reach their peak seed production between the ages of 40 and 75.
The quantity and quality of available den trees is good. Cavities in living trees provide
numerous cover niches which are utilized for nesting and protection from severe winter weather.
There are also a moderate number of snags and fallen woody debris. These cover niches
provide very important habitat for songbirds, small to medium sized mammals, amphibians,
reptiles, insects, and decay organisms such as fungi and bacteria. There are currently more than
enough snags and fallen trees present to satisfy the needs of the lower food web organisms.
The open fields at the north end of the property provide moderately good grassland and
edge habitat.
4.
DESCRIPTION OF WETLAND, WATER, AND FISHERIES RESOURCES (Assess
their extend and condition, and their value for management. Major water resources on and near the parcel must be
identified on the Plan Map. Riparian buffers or wetland and water protection zones must also be delineated on the
Map. Identification of Connecticut Inland Wetland Soils - optional, depending on landowner objectives.):
A number of varied water resources are present within this MU. These include Tray
Hollow Brook, your pond, a 4 +/- acre wooded swamp on your western boundary, and an
intermittent watercourse that forms the headwaters of Diamond Ledge Brook.
11
Natural Resource Consultants, LLC
Ashford, Connecticut – (860) 429-4958
There is a potential vernal pool wetland about 250' southwest of the pond on a small terrace
(see sketch map). It's presence is the result of an impervious soil layer (in this case most likely
shallow bedrock) that inhibits water percolation in conjunction with surface topography creating
a confined basin that prohibits surface runoff. Consequently, snowmelt and spring rains are
trapped and stored until the rate of evaporation exceeds seasonal precipitation.
Vernal pools
provide habitat that is critical to the survival of certain wildlife species. Amphibians and reptiles
such as frogs, toads, salamanders, and turtles use them for mating, breeding, and early
development. The two most common amphibians are wood frogs and spotted salamanders and
certain invertebrate species are also dependent upon them. Populations of some of these species
have been declining and, although researchers have not found conclusive reasons for this, many
believe that loss of habitat is a contributing factor. Because vernal pools are often small,
isolated, as well as dry much of the year, they can be easily overlooked and inadvertently
damaged or destroyed. Efforts to identify and protect vernal pool wetlands in New England have
increased in recent years.
5.
DESCRIPTION OF RECREATION RESOURCES (Identify existing and potential recreation
uses and opportunities, such as access areas, roads and trails, scenic vistas, unique areas and geologic formations,
hunting and fishing areas, picnic and camping sites, etc. Identify important features on the Map.):
Existing roads and skid trails provide ample access for recreational pursuits such as
hunting, picnicking, cross country skiing, and wildlife observation.
The pond you've constructed is an obvious aesthetic and recreational enhancement.
6.
OTHER SIGNIFICANT FEATURES (Cultural, historic and aesthetic resources; rare, threatened
and endangered species of plants and animals, exemplary natural communities; adjacent land uses having a
significant impact on management decisions; special concerns and opportunities; special uses such as Christmas
trees, sugarbush, etc.):
There are a number of noteworthy cultural features present within this area, including two
cellar holes, the foundation stones of Virginia rail fences, and field stone walls. These features
must be clearly identified and protected from disturbance during the conduct of any stewardship
practice, especially commercial harvests.
Because the property is comprised of an aggregate of several parcels of land, each with a
distinct deed and boundary perimeter, there are a number of boundary monuments that occur
within it's interior. These monuments, including iron pins, stone piles, wire fences, and/or stone
walls, must also be protected from any disturbance.
12
Natural Resource Consultants, LLC
Ashford, Connecticut – (860) 429-4958
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
FOR NEXT TEN YEARS 1999 TO 2009
MANAGEMENT UNIT # 1
NUMBER OF ACRES: 122
LANDOWNER MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES: Maintain the forest in a vigorous,
productive, and increasingly valuable condition. Produce income from the periodic harvest
of wood products while maintaining significant wildlife habitat values and aesthetic
qualities.
______________________________________________________________________________
1.
WOOD PRODUCTS AND FOREST PROTECTION MANAGEMENT (Forest
management system and silvicultural prescriptions that conform to Connecticut's Forest Practices Act Regulations
and BMP's; products and amounts to be removed; timing of treatment; other forest protection actions to safeguard
forest from insects, diseases, other pests, fire, adverse weather conditions. Specify related activities such as road
maintenance and construction, soil erosion control practices, etc.):
The preceding harvest, which is best characterized as an intermediate, improvement
thinning, was successful in reducing canopy overcrowding and in maintaining a reasonable rate
of growth on the best quality growing stock. However, tree stocking levels have again reached
the point where excessive overcrowding threatens the vigor and productivity of the forest.
Overcrowding forces all the trees to compete more for growth resources, especially sunlight for
photosynthesis in the canopy. Eventually both the rate of tree diameter growth and the amount of
nutritional reserves stored in the root systems will decrease. In any given year an additional
stress factor may occur such as a drought during the growing season, an insect infestation, or a
damaging ice storm. For example, there is little doubt that these forests are healthier and more
fully stocked than they would be if significant gypsy moth defoliations had occurred in the mid1980s and 1990s. The cumulative effect of stress can result in an overall state of decline, making
the forest more susceptible to insects and diseases that prey on weakened trees. The two-lined
chestnut borer (an insect) and the armillaria root rot (a fungus) are among the most common
organisms attacking weakened forests in this region. Eventually a forest in prolonged decline can
be losing more wood volume from decay and mortality than it is gaining in growth.
The most practical way to protect a forest from the detrimental effects of low vigor and
decline is to implement a management strategy that periodically reduces overcrowding. Thinning
practices designed to maintain optimum growth rates on the best quality individuals among the
most diverse mixture of species will pay dividends over the long-term. In the vast majority of
cases my personal preference is to conduct light but relatively frequent thinnings. For example,
some type of thinning practice would be undertaken on any given area at least once every ten
years as opposed to a frequency of fifteen or twenty years. This allows us to more effectively
regulate species composition, establish desirable reproduction, and minimize losses from decline,
storm damage, or disease. These basic management principles will also apply to four of the other
five MUs that comprise your property.
13
Natural Resource Consultants, LLC
Ashford, Connecticut – (860) 429-4958
Another intermediate, improvement thinning is recommended within the next three
growing seasons. The purposes are to alleviate overcrowding in the overstory, increase the
average quality of the sawtimber growing stock, and reduce losses from decay, mortality, and
storm damage. This
thinning will be accomplished as a commercial harvest of sawtimber and fuelwood. An accurate
estimate of harvest value will be provided after the trees are actually marked and I have
determined the relative quantity, quality, and species of the trees designated for harvest.
Depending on the prevailing market conditions this harvest of approximately 95 MBF of
sawtimber can be expected to produce between DELETED and DELETED in gross revenue.
Five years after the completion of this thinning, and every five years after that, we will
conduct visual surveys and evaluations of forest conditions. The purposes of these periodic reexaminations is to evaluate the relative success of prescribed thinnings and to plan subsequent
stewardship practices. In all likelihood another intermediate thinning will be required about five
years following the visual survey, or approximately ten years from the date of completion of the
currently prescribed thinning.
Efforts to keep all the principal access roads open and easily accessible should continue.
This practice will reduce long-term maintenance costs and provide sufficient access for fire
suppression, implementation of management practices, and general property maintenance.
Any portions of this MU that you have purposely held out of your PA 490 Forestland
Certificate should now be included. This can be accomplished by amending your existing
certificate to reflect the full acreage of your land holdings, excluding your homesite and the open
land in the immediate vicinity. All of this acreage should qualify for forestland classification
because the small amount of acreage devoted to the surface of your pond and the open fields is
relatively inconsequential compared to the total acreage of your tract.
2.
WILDLIFE HABITAT MANAGEMENT (Prescriptions or actions to establish, enhance or
protect habitat for locally native wildlife species):
When planning any cutting practice certain individual trees possessing significant wildlife
habitat values should be retained. These can include snags, den trees, good seed producers,
and/or forage trees (such as those colonized by carpenter ants).
The salvage of fuelwood from tree tops should not be pursued too aggressively. The
presence of woody debris on the ground, including some large wood, is beneficial to the forest in
a variety of ways. It assures that some of the nutrients and minerals previously bound up in the
cut trees will be returned to the soil, enhancing soil fertility and moisture holding capacity. Tree
tops also provide escape and nesting cover for some species of wildlife.
Undisturbed buffers should be maintained along the borders of vernal pools, wetlands, and
watercourses. The width of this protective zone will vary depending on the type of wetland, the
prevailing soil type and the severity of slope.
3.
WETLANDS, WATER, AND FISHERIES MANAGEMENT (Actions to restore, enhance or
protect water quality, wetlands and riparian areas, and fisheries habitat):
Not applicable.
14
Natural Resource Consultants, LLC
Ashford, Connecticut – (860) 429-4958
4.
RECREATION MANAGEMENT (Actions to establish, enhance or protect an area for forest
recreation):
Not applicable.
5.
SPECIAL AREAS MANAGEMENT (Actions to manage, enhance or protect cultural, historic and
aesthetic resources, threatened and endangered species, and other significant resource features or uses, etc.):
Refer to MU 1
EXISTING CONDITIONS
MANAGEMENT UNIT # 2 (Refer to Plan Map)
NUMBER OF ACRES: 12
______________________________________________________________________________
1a.
DESCRIPTION OF MANAGEMENT UNIT:
COVER TYPE: Oak sawtimber
DOMINANT OVERSTORY: Red oak sawtimber
OTHER OVERSTORY TREES: Black oak, black birch, and white oak
PREDOMINANT UNDERSTORY: Black birch and hemlock poletimber and saplings
OTHER UNDERSTORY TREES: Red maple, black oak, white oak, and white ash poletimber
and saplings
This MU occurs on the west facing hillside that occupies the southeast corner of the
property. This area is primarily distinguished from MU 1 because no significant harvesting has
occurred here in at least 25 years.
The steepness of this hillside, coupled with the close proximity of a riparian wetland (e.g.
Diamond Ledge Brook) to the base of the slope, may impose limitations on management
alternatives involving commercial harvests.
This area possesses some of the heavier mountain laurel thickets observed on the property.
1b. SITE QUALITY OR RELATIVE PRODUCTIVITY:
Fair to good - based on soils data published by the NRCS and observations of dominant
tree species.
1c.
PROTECTION ISSUES: Not applicable.
2.
DESCRIPTION OF TIMBER AND OTHER WOOD PRODUCT RESOURCES:
This MU is fully stocked with trees between 4" and 22" DBH. 45% of all trees are
classified sawtimber, of which 48% are considered AGS due to good form and acceptable
15
Natural Resource Consultants, LLC
Ashford, Connecticut – (860) 429-4958
growth. Much of the black oak sawtimber is low in vigor and displays signs of decline. The
aggregate volume of marketable sawtimber is approximately 40 MBF with a market value of
about $DELETED.
48% of the forest is comprised of poletimber, one-half of which is classified UGS due to
severe suppression and/or very poor form.
Over the long term this MU has the capacity to produce periodic crops of very good to
excellent quality hardwood sawtimber.
3.
DESCRIPTION OF WILDLIFE RESOURCES, SIGNIFICANT HABITAT
FEATURES, AND CORRESPONDING WILDLIFE ASSOCIATIONS:
Refer to the description for MU 1.
16
Natural Resource Consultants, LLC
Ashford, Connecticut – (860) 429-4958
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
FOR NEXT TEN YEARS 1999 TO 2009
MANAGEMENT UNIT # 2
NUMBER OF ACRES: 12
LANDOWNER MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES: Maintain the forest in a vigorous,
productive, and increasingly valuable condition. Produce income from the periodic harvest
of wood products while maintaining significant wildlife habitat values and aesthetic
qualities.
_____________________________________________________________________________
1.
WOOD PRODUCTS AND FOREST PROTECTION MANAGEMENT:
The first step in facilitating the initial management of this area is to determine the extent to
which you can improve vehicular access. The best alternative is to construct improved woods
roads at both the top and bottom of the hillside. Because of the proximity of a riparian wetland
to the base of the slope you should obtain a permit from the Stafford Inland Wetlands agency
prior to conducting any work in this area.
An intermediate thinning, in the form of a commercial sawtimber harvest, is recommended
within the next few years, or following the completion of access improvements. The purposes
are to reduce crown competition among codominant trees, increase the rate of diameter growth of
residual sawtimber growing stock, and reduce losses from decay and mortality. It's impossible to
estimate the revenue that might be generated by this harvest until the accessibility issue has been
resolved.
At five years intervals we will conduct a visual survey and review of forest conditions.
Subsequent stewardship practices will be designed and implemented at the appropriate time.
Another commercial harvest could be anticipated approximately twelve years after the
completion of the first thinning prescribed above. Because of the relatively small size of this
area it may be advisable to implement future cutting practices concurrent with work scheduled
for some or all of MU 1.
2.
WILDLIFE HABITAT MANAGEMENT:
Not applicable.
3.
WETLANDS, WATER, AND FISHERIES MANAGEMENT:
An undisturbed filter strip will be maintained along the border of Diamond Ledge Brook
whenever commercial harvests are being conducted. The precise limits of this buffer area,
intended to protect the watercourse from soil erosion and sedimentation, will be determined by
the supervising forester immediately preceding any harvest.
17
Natural Resource Consultants, LLC
Ashford, Connecticut – (860) 429-4958
EXISTING CONDITIONS
MANAGEMENT UNIT # 3 (Refer to Plan Map)
NUMBER OF ACRES: 20
_____________________________________________________________________________
1a.
DESCRIPTION OF MANAGEMENT UNIT:
COVER TYPE: Oak ridge
DOMINANT OVERSTORY: Black oak and scarlet oak poletimber and small sawtimber
OTHER OVERSTORY TREES: White oak, hickory, and red maple poletimber
PREDOMINANT UNDERSTORY: Oak, red maple, and black birch poletimber and saplings
OTHER UNDERSTORY TREES: Hickory and white pine saplings
This MU occupies the top of the ridge that dominates the west side of your property. Little
or no harvesting has occurred in the recent past due to a low average tree diameter and the overall
lack of sawtimber growing stock. The northwest portion of the area is quite a bit different from
the rest of the MU due to the presence of a small area of wetlands and a steep, east facing
hillside. But for practical purposes the entire area will have to be managed as one unit.
1b. SITE QUALITY OR RELATIVE PRODUCTIVITY:
Poor - based on soils data published by the NRCS and observations of dominant tree
species. The predominant soil type, the Brimfield extremely rocky fine sandy loam (BpD), is
characterized by a thin organic layer and excessive droughtiness.
1c.
PROTECTION ISSUES:
These droughty ridge tops can be more susceptible to gypsy moth outbreaks than the
surrounding landscape. The difficult growing conditions certainly cause the forest to be at higher
risk from low vigor, insect/disease infestation, and mortality.
2.
DESCRIPTION OF TIMBER AND OTHER WOOD PRODUCT RESOURCES:
This MU is fully stocked with trees between 6" and 18" DBH. About 47% of all trees are
classified sawtimber, one half of which are considered AGS due to acceptable form and canopy
position. The volume of sawtimber is about 35 MBF, the current value of which is
approximately $DELETED.
Over 53% of the forest is comprised of poletimber, at least one-half of which is classified
UGS due to suppression and poor form.
Because of the very poor soil characteristics this area is not suited to the production of good
quality hardwood sawtimber.
18
Natural Resource Consultants, LLC
Ashford, Connecticut – (860) 429-4958
3.
DESCRIPTION OF WILDLIFE RESOURCES, SIGNIFICANT HABITAT
FEATURES, AND CORRESPONDING WILDLIFE ASSOCIATIONS:
A vernal pool wetland was observed near the north end of the MU (see sketch map).
4.
DESCRIPTION OF WETLAND, WATER, AND FISHERIES RESOURCES:
A small, wooded, headwater swamp occurs in a topographic depression on the west side of the
MU. Interior portions of this wetland may also function as vernal pool habitat.
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
FOR NEXT TEN YEARS 1999 TO 2009
MANAGEMENT UNIT # 3
NUMBER OF ACRES: 20
LANDOWNER MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES: Maintain the forest in a vigorous,
productive, and increasingly valuable condition. Produce income from the periodic harvest
of wood products while maintaining significant wildlife habitat values and aesthetic
qualities.
_____________________________________________________________________________
1.
WOOD PRODUCTS AND FOREST PROTECTION MANAGEMENT:
Due to excessively dry soil conditions this area will never be capable of producing high
quality hardwood sawtimber. On sites such as this it is often more desirable to grow white pine
timber because it is physiologically more adaptable to repetitive, seasonal drought. Although
white pine stumpage has significantly less commercial value than hardwoods (especially the
oaks), higher productivity in terms of wood growth should offset most of the differences in
commercial value.
Underplanting pine seedlings is not recommended because it is expensive and the results
are uncertain due to the potential for significant losses from deer browse and drought. As an
alternative I prefer the practice of promoting the natural reproduction and expansion of white
pine utilizing existing seed trees. This is accomplished by implementing a program of periodic
thinnings intended to release existing white pine seedlings and saplings and facilitate
reproduction of sexually mature trees (white pines do not produce significant seed crops until
they are about 20 to 30 years old). There are some mature white pine trees present in MU 1 near
the south end this area.
Start by conducting an intermediate, improvement cut, in the form of a crop tree and
understory release thinning. The purposes are to release existing white pine seedlings and
saplings from the direct competition of overtopping hardwood trees, facilitate white pine
reproduction in the vicinity of seed-bearing trees, and maintain optimum growth of the existing
hardwood timber growing stock. Trees designated for treatment will come almost exclusively
from the poletimber size class and must be marked by a qualified forester. Since these trees will
have no significant commercial value they will be girdled and left to decay on-site. This practice
must take place during a growing season when mature white pines are carrying an abundant crop
19
Natural Resource Consultants, LLC
Ashford, Connecticut – (860) 429-4958
of seed-bearing cones, a condition that can be observed during mid-summer. There is a group of
mature pines near the south end of this MU that will be the primary focus of the crown release
portion of this overall practice. The thinning will then take place during the early fall after the
cones have matured and the seed has been dispersed. This should ensure the successful
establishment of a new age class of pine seedlings.
Five years after the completion of this practice a visual survey and review of forest
conditions will be conducted. No more than another four years should go by before another
intermediate thinning is conducted. We should continue to conduct on-site surveys at five years
intervals and thinning practices at seven to nine year intervals until we are completely satisfied
with the species composition of the trees comprising the understory. At that point we can begin
to release the younger age class of trees by conducting commercial harvests of hardwood
sawtimber.
20
Natural Resource Consultants, LLC
Ashford, Connecticut – (860) 429-4958
EXISTING CONDITIONS
MANAGEMENT UNIT # 4 (Refer to Plan Map)
NUMBER OF ACRES: 41
_____________________________________________________________________________
1a.
DESCRIPTION OF MANAGEMENT UNIT:
COVER TYPE: Oak - hardwood sawtimber
DOMINANT OVERSTORY: Red oak sawtimber
OTHER OVERSTORY TREES: Black oak, white ash, white birch, red maple, and sugar maple
sawtimber
PREDOMINANT UNDERSTORY: Red maple, black birch, and white birch poletimber
OTHER UNDERSTORY TREES: Sugar maple, white ash, red maple, oak, and hickory
poletimber and saplings
This MU occupies all of your land lying easterly of Crow Hill Road. It's northern boundary
is formed by the Massachusetts state line while the east side is bounded (in part) by a portion of
Connecticut's Shenipsit State Forest. It lies on a west facing hillside that varies in slope from
moderate to excessively steep. An aggregate of about eight acres (see sketch map), or
approximately 17% of the MU, are considered excessively steep to the point that certain
stewardship practices, such as commercial sawtimber harvests, may be impractical or impossible.
In most cases these areas are relatively narrow in width and at least some portions can be treated
by approaching them from above (upslope) or below.
There is some notable variation in the prevailing tree species composition within this MU.
For example, there is a significant component of white birch trees present in the south end of the
area, central portions possess a more diverse mix of trees due to the presence of a high water
table, and the north end is predominantly composed of oaks. However, because the terrain tends
to limit access for commercial harvests, the only practical way to implement various cutting
practices is to treat the entire area as a single unit, especially when the cutting practice involves a
commercial harvest. Also, much of the existing differences in species composition are due to
past land use practices and will moderate over time as we perform the series of prescribed
improvement cuts.
A limited timber harvest occurred on much of the east side of the MU about 25 years ago.
1b. SITE QUALITY OR RELATIVE PRODUCTIVITY:
Good to excellent - based on soils data published by the NRCS and on-site observations of
dominant tree species. The predominant soils include the Charlton very stony fine sandy loam,
Hollis extremely rocky fine sandy loam, and Sutton very stony fine sandy loam. The Sutton
series is among the best forest soils in Connecticut while the Hollis and Charlton type are
considered intermediate in quality (although the Charlton is better then the Hollis). The Hollis
soils (characterized by excessive drainage and surface stones) are concentrated on the west side
of the MU where the steepest slopes tend to limit the practicality of commercial wood harvesting.
21
Natural Resource Consultants, LLC
Ashford, Connecticut – (860) 429-4958
1c.
PROTECTION ISSUES:
Although the preceding harvest activity has opened up portions of the overstory most of the
tree crowns are still excessively overcrowded. This has resulted in retarded growth rates, general
decline in health and vigor, and noticeable mortality. The presence of both the two-lined
chestnut borer and shoestring root rot was apparent.
2.
DESCRIPTION OF TIMBER AND OTHER WOOD PRODUCT RESOURCES:
At the present time this MU is overstocked with trees between 4" and 20" in diameter at
breast height (DBH). This means there are too many trees present to make the most efficient use
of the sunlight, soil moisture, and nutrients that the site has to offer. In addition to the trees that
comprise the main stand there are also widely scattered, open-grown trees dating back to the time
when this area was maintained as a pasture. These trees are generally 30" in diameter or larger
and possess no significant value as commercial wood products.
Over 55% of all trees are in the sawtimber size class, of which 64% are classified AGS due
to good form and desirable species. The remaining 35% of sawtimber stocking is considered
UGS because of suppression, undesirable species, or the presence of disease and/or significant
decay. The total marketable volume of available sawtimber is approximately 166,600 BF. The
distribution of timber volume by species is red oak (55%), black oak (12%), red maple, (7%),
black birch (7%), white birch (7%), white ash (6%), and sugar maple (6%). The current
commercial value of this aggregate sawtimber growing stock is $DELETED. Some portion of
this sawtimber may never become available for harvest due to it's location on severely steep
slopes or in proximity to Crow Hill Road and neighboring, private property.
About 37% of the forest is comprised of poletimber, of which 85% (a significantly high
percentage) is classified UGS due to suppression, poor form, undesirable species, and/or damage
from natural events.
The saplings present are predominantly red maple, black birch, and sugar maple.
Over the long term this MU has the capacity to produce periodic crops of high quality
hardwood sawtimber (e.g. red oak, white ash, sugar maple, and black birch).
3.
DESCRIPTION OF WILDLIFE RESOURCES, SIGNIFICANT HABITAT
FEATURES, AND CORRESPONDING WILDLIFE ASSOCIATIONS:
The predominant habitat values are very similar to those described for MU 1.
4.
DESCRIPTION OF WETLAND, WATER, AND FISHERIES RESOURCES:
There is one area near the east side of the MU where discharging groundwater creates conditions
resembling a marginal wetland but I doubt the soils meet the definition of wetland as observed by
the State of Connecticut. Also, there is a spring present on your neighbor's property that
produces a perennial watercourse.
22
Natural Resource Consultants, LLC
Ashford, Connecticut – (860) 429-4958
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
FOR NEXT TEN YEARS 1999 TO 2009
MANAGEMENT UNIT # 4
NUMBER OF ACRES: 41
LANDOWNER MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES: Maintain the forest in a vigorous,
productive, and increasingly valuable condition. Produce income from the periodic harvest
of wood products while maintaining significant wildlife habitat values and aesthetic
qualities.
_____________________________________________________________________________
1.
WOOD PRODUCTS AND FOREST PROTECTION MANAGEMENT:
An intermediate thinning, in the form of a crop tree crown release and cull tree removal, is
recommended at this time. The purposes are to maintain and enhance the rate of diameter growth
of high quality sawtimber and reduce the number of cull trees present. This practice will be
conducted as a non-commercial thinning using methods identical to those described for MU 3.
Five years after the completion of this practice a visual survey and review of forest
conditions will be conducted. No more than another five years after this re-evaluation we will
want to conduct another thinning. This will likely take the form of a commercial sawtimber
harvest.
Two permanent log landing sites should be established and maintained in order to facilitate
the future management of this MU. The first would be created where the softwood plantation
(e.g. MU 5) currently stands, while the second would be accessed via a short haul road across
from the first gate northerly of your homesite.
23
Natural Resource Consultants, LLC
Ashford, Connecticut – (860) 429-4958
EXISTING CONDITIONS
MANAGEMENT UNIT # 5 (Refer to Plan Map)
NUMBER OF ACRES: 5
_____________________________________________________________________________
1a.
DESCRIPTION OF MANAGEMENT UNIT:
COVER TYPE: Softwood plantation
DOMINANT OVERSTORY: Red pine poletimber
OTHER OVERSTORY TREES: Scotch pine, larch, and white pine poletimber and small
sawtimber
PREDOMINANT UNDERSTORY: Spruce poles and white pine seedlings
This plantation has grown into an excessively overstocked and decadent condition. The
combined effects of blowdown, insect infestation, and fungal infection will significantly limit
management alternatives.
1b. SITE QUALITY OR RELATIVE PRODUCTIVITY:
Good - based on soils data published by the NRCS.
1c.
PROTECTION ISSUES:
Significant blowdown has occurred and red pine scale appears to be present.
2.
DESCRIPTION OF TIMBER AND OTHER WOOD PRODUCT RESOURCES:
Red pine comprises the vast majority of marketable wood products, in the form of
sawtimber or telephone poles. Unfortunately, a relatively small percentage of the red pine stems
have reached a sufficient size for them to be utilized for either product. Scotch pine and larch are
not very desirable sources of lumber and any white pines should be retained as a long-term
source of seed. At times there are markets for the wood chips from these species but their value
is rarely sufficient to more than offset the cost of producing and transporting them to market.
24
Natural Resource Consultants, LLC
Ashford, Connecticut – (860) 429-4958
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
FOR NEXT TEN YEARS 1999 TO 2009
MANAGEMENT UNIT # 5
NUMBER OF ACRES: 5
LANDOWNER MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES: Maintain the forest in a vigorous,
productive, and increasingly valuable condition. Produce income from the periodic harvest
of wood products while maintaining significant wildlife habitat values and aesthetic
qualities.
_____________________________________________________________________________
1.
WOOD PRODUCTS AND FOREST PROTECTION MANAGEMENT:
There are really only two management alternatives for this site. You can choose to leave it
alone and the plantation will continue to deteriorate, because I don't believe that wood growth
can exceed the potential losses from mortality and additional blowdown. Or you can conduct a
commercial clearcut of the red pine, scotch pine, and larch. White pines and surrounding
hardwood trees would be retained as seed trees. This harvest must not be conducted until the
white pines have produced a significant crop of seed-bearing cones. Also, making arrangements
for the chipping of almost all unusable portions of tree stems is recommended. With luck this
practice can be completed with no net expense on your part.
25
Natural Resource Consultants, LLC
Ashford, Connecticut – (860) 429-4958
Appendix A: Aggregate Sawtimber Volume and Value (as of 4/99)
MU
Red Oak
Black Oak
White Oak
Black
Birch
Birch
(Yellow or
White)
White Ash
Red Maple
Sugar
Maple
Volume(BF)
146,700
75,730
47,125
23,435
24,110(Y)
12,100
35,700
-
Value ($)
69,390
22,720
11,780
4,685
4,820
2,420
1,785
-
Volume
16,370
20,640
935
-
-
-
1,945
-
Value
7,775
6,190
210
-
-
-
100
-
Volume
-
29,050
1,370
-
-
-
5,330
-
Value
-
5,055
205
-
-
-
240
-
Volume
92,230
19,505
-
11,730
10,580(W)
10,534
12,235
9,800
Value
39,200
5,365
-
1,465
795
1,845
610
2,205
Total Volume (by species)
255,300
144,925
49,430
35,165
34,690
22,634
55,210
9,800
Total Value
DELETED
DELETED
DELETED
DELETED
DELETED
DELETED
DELETED
DELETED
1
2
3
4