APPENDIX
GAHR FOREST POLICY & MANAGEMENT PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
The Gahr Forest is to be managed as an efficient and economically viable timber resource, that recognizes and protects other resource values, and to enables public recreation. Portions of the property supporting sensitive resources will be reserved from management. The portion of the property under active management will emphasize selective (uneven-aged) light-impact harvest methods. The biological resources of the forest will be protected to the greatest degree, and harvests will be restricted to permanently sustainable levels.
1. Community and Contractor Relations
The Gahrs wish to encourage forest stewardship by providing a successful example of a sustainably managed forest. They plan to participate in the certified forest management services offered by his consulting forestry company, Individual Tree Selection Management. ITS Management has been recognized by SmartWood (cm) as "well managed" and has been certified as a woodland resource manager. Under this program, participating landowners who have qualified plans and sustainable harvest levels can sell forest products in the developing "green marketplace".
Loggers and contractors are viewed as important partners in the management process. Loggers will be paid on the basis of measured volumes delivered to the mill, with rates determined by negotiated bid and the expectation of extra care taken to protect the resource. These rates have been and are expected to be at the upper end of the competitive range for smaller logging contractors. Any contractor that has a record of good work on the property will be given the first opportunity in subsequent hirings.
2. Management Planning.
This plan is intended as a start towards articulating and achieving the owners' goals. It is an adaptive plan that is designed to be flexible and change with time. As goals, forest conditions and our understanding of ecosystem management change, the plan will be revised and updated to reflect those changes. As such, this plan emphasizes the specific policies, silvicultural techniques and operational standards that will guide management towards specific goals. Detailed operational timetables with specific stand prescriptions are deliberately de-emphasized -- experience shows that these are often not useful after the passage of one or two years. Monitoring changes in the forest that result from management activities, assessing the progress towards specific goals, and providing for adjustments if the goals are not met -- are all functions of a good plan.
Update master plan regularly -- revise every 10 years
Inventory every 10-15 years.
Use the planning process as an opportunity for owner education through supplying additional literature, use field visits and walks when appropriate.
Evaluate management performance at least every 5 years.
Assess progress towards specific goals (e.g. timber growth, regeneration, resource protection -- see specific goals below)
A detailed map and brief operational plan will be prepared before each timber harvest . Important features of the map include: Stand delineations, cutting boundaries, and locations of landings and major skid trails. Briefly detail the silvicultural prescription for each stand (use basal area cruise information). Estimate the volume and value of the harvest by species. Describe the current market and buyers who will be contacted during the marketing process.
Mark or designate all harvest trees prior to harvest
Mark wildlife and legacy trees before harvest begins
Note protected resources, mark in field
Designate and flag all skid trails and landings before harvest
Notify abutting landowners before harvest
Supervise as necessary -- forester is present at startup of logging and weekly during active operations. Forester inspects site prior to giving logger OK to leave.
Provide on-going stumpage accounting as harvest progresses
Notify owners immediately in case of contract or environmental infractions
Perform post-sale reconnaissance
Harvest planning and execution is the best opportunity for data gathering in the field. Information gathered on the stand and forest condition should be placed in the tables provided in the forest stand descriptions section of this plan.
3. Silviculture
The silvicultural systems used to accomplish economic and ecological objectives must be suited to the forest condition and based on the best forest science available. Selective thinnings that promote uneven-aged stand structures are preferred-- this minimizes visual and environmental disturbance. Clearcutting will be minimized to avoid unwanted site impacts and aesthetic degradation. Forest management seeks to mimic the size, type and frequency of disturbances found in natural forests. The Gahr Forest will continue to be managed for timber growth, diversity of tree species, age classes and quality and quantity of wildlife habitat.
Ecosystem dynamics should be addressed in silvicultural prescriptions (stage of stand development, tree species diversity, presence of gaps or clumps, special biological resources, etc.)
Thinnings
Favor selective thinnings that build uneven-aged structure in stands
Thin to promote growth and health of the stand
Select harvest trees from across the range of diameters to build stand diversity
Avoid removing more than 30 percent of the volume in any entry
Thinning response determines the harvest cycle -- re-enter when growth response slows from crown competition
Group Selection
Group selection and larger "patch-cuts" (openings less than two tree heights in diameter) are the preferred method of harvest when a larger disturbance is appropriate. These larger openings may be needed to provide additional light to natural or artificial regeneration, protect the forest from disease outbreaks, or provide more diversity in the forest structure.
Modified Clearcuts
Clearcutting as a method to regenerate the stand will be avoided. "Modified" clearcutting may be appropriate where a more even-aged stand is desired for purposes of diversity, or where disease or insect problems exist. The size of "modified" clearcuts will be limited to 5 acres. At least 10% of the original stand shall remain after harvest. Remaining tress shall be left in groups and contain larger, vigorous representatives of the original stand. Legacy and wildlife trees will be protected.
Harvest Levels
Harvests shall not exceed growth during any ten-year period. The allowable periodic harvest will be determined by actual between-inventory growth. The preferred level of harvest is 50% (or less) of growth -- this allows the younger forest stands to mature and build in volume -- providing for higher sustainable levels of harvest in the future (see harvest schedule.
Forest Age and Species Diversity
Trees currently older than 100 years shall be protected
Promote vigorous, high-quality trees in early thinnings that will grow well throughout the lifetime of the stand
Grow older, high-quality trees for future harvest
Favor vigorous grand fir, oak and other species where they are minor components of stands
Maintain a "balanced" age-class distribution among the forest stands. Every ten years enough regeneration must be secured to "balance" the forest and assure that these new trees will comprise at least 5-to-10 percent of the forest as they mature.
Regeneration
Natural regeneration in thinned stands or patch-cuts is the preferred method of perpetuating the forest. Experience and knowledge of the conditions necessary for initiating natural regeneration is unfortunately very limited; while natural regeneration has developed in the past, it is expected that supplemental planting will be necessary in some areas. Given these conditions, it is prudent to also plant to regenerate the forest , unless early natural regeneration is secured following the first or second harvest entry into the stand (before brush initiation).
Favor natural regeneration where it exists or can be initiated
Plant native, site-adapted commercial tree species.
Plant several species so that no single species makes up more than 70% of the future stand
Use seedlings from seed zones appropriate for the site (genetically improved if possible)
Plant following any harvest operation that reduces the stand basal area below 80 sq. ft. per acre. The stocking of residual seedlings, saplings and poles shall be weighted to determine the total basal area, as in the 1997 Oregon Forest Practices Rules (OAR 629-610-010 section (7)).
Vegetation control: Limit use of chemicals to control of non-native vegetation. If possible, limit competing brush with mechanical methods.
4. Environmental Protection (Biological Resource Management)
Protection of Biological Resources in the Gahr Forest is a priority. Any management activity must include an analysis of the impact on these resources, and harvest planning must include steps to protect and enhance these resources if possible.
Soils
Soils will be protected from adverse impacts associated with harvest activities. Soil erosion and loss of soil structure through compaction are serious threats to forest health. Soil fertility will be encouraged by leaving down woody debris in the forest to rot. To encourage formation of woody debris on the Gahr Tract, all cull or pulp logs will be left in the woods to decay (except in cases of fire hazard or where there are operational safety concerns).
Dry-season logging is preferred.
Wet-season logging is acceptable only during dry periods when the soil is well-drained
Skidding will be restricted to skid trails that have been marked in the field prior to harvest
Total area impacted by skid trails, landings and haul roads shall not exceed 10 percent of the forest area.
Skid trails and roads shall be designed to follow slope contours as practical
No roads or skid trails shall exceed a grade of 40% (averaged over any 100 feet)
Any preexisting, excessively steep skid trails will be de-commissioned
Slash burning will be avoided
Excessive slash shall be piled in small piles, less than two feet high where possible
Loggers will be required to install water bars where needed to control erosion
Riparian Zones
To maintain or improve water quality and riparian functions, special care will be taken to identify and protect these resources. All relevant ODF regulations will be met and in most cases (such as riparian area setbacks) exceeded.
Clearly identify riparian zones on management plan maps
Provide logger with map showing riparian zones, note restrictions in contract
Maintain 25'riparian buffers on any channeled, seasonal stream.
Mark and maintain riparian buffers around springs
Prohibit skidder operation in riparian zones
Retire or relocate skid trails or roads in sensitive areas
Legacy and Wildlife Trees
Trees that are unique for their wildlife value, size, age, species or location will be permanently marked for preservation. A consistent effort will be made to identify sufficient wildlife trees (with a target of 2-4 per acre) to enhance habitat throughout the forest. Legacy trees are intended as "linkages" to the next forest, providing seed for the next generation of trees, and large trees for added structural complexity. Some will eventually be harvested, providing high-quality logs for economic benefit, and some will die standing or be blown down, providing snags for wildlife and large wood debris for the forest soil. An eventual target of 4-5 legacy trees per acre speed the creation of late-successional forest character over time.
Selection of Legacy Trees
Vigor: Select trees that are high in vigor as evidenced by growth, leaf color and density and crown depth
Form: Select trees of good form (low taper, small branching and lack of defects)
Size: Select larger, dominant trees. Some younger, smaller individuals may be selected if they are likely to become future dominants
Species: Choose trees that come from the several major species of the forest. Some minor species (representing less than 10% of the stand) may be selected for diversity
Quantity: Select at least 4 legacy trees per acre (one of four can come from a minor species). Mark at least one tree per acre with each entry until target is met
Location: Select so that legacy trees are will-distributed throughout the forest. Groups of legacy trees should be in clumps of 4 or fewer. Legacy trees may be concentrated in riparian areas, not to exceed 25% of the total for the stand, unless the management area is smaller than 20 acres.
Management of Legacy Trees
Marking: Legacy trees will be permanently marked, so as to be visible when planning future harvests.
Protection: Legacy trees will be given the highest level of protection during harvest
Recordkeeping: Legacy trees shall be tallied by species, diameter and management area.
Replacement: If damaged from logging, natural disturbance or disease, replacements will be marked as needed.
Longevity: Legacy trees shall not be harvested until after future regeneration is entering the pole size (>10 inches DBH). Harvest will not occur until suitable replacements are available in the stand. At least 25% of the legacy trees shall remain unharvested to provide future large snags an/or large woody debris.
Coarse Woody Debris (CWD)
A general assessment of coarse woody debris will be provided in this and future management plans, as well as in harvest plans. A minimum of 20 tons per acre is considered adequate. Most of the Gahr Forest stands lacks sufficient downed logs. Woody debris recruitment will be encouraged.
All cut trees will be limbed and bucked in place to leave slash in woods
Leave butt log cull sections in woods
Preserve boundary line trees
Restrict or eliminate pulp wood removal
Restrict firewood removal
Salvage only in cases of significant losses (at least 1 load of logs in a landing area)
Snags
Snags are an important feature of the forest, essential for many species of birds for foraging and nesting. Past management has reduced the numbers of snags below what is necessary for a sustainable bird populations. Currently there are few snags greater than 20 inches in diameter. All existing snags will be protected from disturbance. Salvage of dead or declining trees will be minimized so target level of four snags per acre can be maintained in the stand. Where snags pose special risk for logging contractors (e.g. around landings) they may be felled.
5. Monitoring & Assessment
Setting specific performance goals, assessing progress towards them, and adapting the management approach when necessary is part of the planning process. Some monitoring and assessment has been discussed above-- the following critical items need individual targeted goals and regular monitoring to assure success:
Regeneration
Goal: When stand stocking levels are reduced below 80 square feet basal area (commercial tree species), or when stand structure goals suggest, regeneration should be initiated by stimulating natural regeneration and by planting at least 200 seedlings per acre.
Monitoring: This should be monitored prior to any harvest planning in the management area. This would involve a pre-harvest walk-through that samples basal area in forest stands and samples any planted areas for seedling growth and survival.
Coarse Woody Debris
Goal: A minimum of 20 tons/acre of woody debris (>4") is desired.
Monitoring: This can be sampled on the periodic property inventory. It also should estimated and noted on all harvest planning walk-throughs.
Snags
Goal: four snags per acre in the stand. At least 50% should be 25" or greater in DBH. Adequate numbers of new snags (stage 1 or 2) must be recruited to build stand totals.
Monitoring: The measurement of snags will become part of the regular, 10-year forest inventory. Pre-harvest walk through will also note the presence of snags in the stand.
Harvest Impacts
Goal: Harvest impacts on biological resources should be minimized. Skid trails, landings and roads will not impact more than 10% of the forest floor. Where possible, skid trails are to be laid out at least 150 feet apart. Erosion control devices will shed water from all trails, preventing mass erosion of soil.
Monitoring: Harvest impact is best assessed during the harvest and as part of the regular post-harvest walk through.
Timber Volume Growth
Goal: Growth rates are estimated to be 12% for Douglas-fir. A target growth rate after 10 years (2009) is 8%.
Monitoring: This will be accomplished by systematic inventories at ten-year intervals (re-inventorying in year 2009). Growth response to thinnings should be noted on all harvest planning walk-throughs.
8. GLOSSARY____Back to Top
Aspect - direction toward which a slope faces (exposure)
Blowdown - trees that have been knocked over by the wind
Commercial harvest - a timber stand improvement or harvest operation that results in a net landowner income
Crown - the canopy of leaves and branches formed by a tree
DBH - tree measurement; diameter at breast height (4.5 feet above ground)
Mature - condition of optimal tree value, after tree vigor and growth have slowed, yet before the onset of decay
MBF - log measurement statistic; one thousand board feet. One board foot equals a board one inch thick by 12 inches square (MMBF equals 1 million board feet)
Patch Cut - a harvest where small areas (2 to 5 acres) are cut, taking most of the standing trees with the exception of clumps of younger conifers and older residual wildlife trees.
Operability - ease with which logging machinery could work a site; often limited by rockiness, steep slopes, wetness, etc.
Regenerate - to establish a new stand of tree seedlings
Regeneration - seedlings of commercial tree species
Riparian Zone - wet soil areas next streams, lakes, estuaries and wetlands
RMA - riparian management zone (forest practice rules)
Seedling - tree greater than six inches tall but less than one inch DBH
Slash - tree tops, branches, bark and other debris left after a harvest operation
Snag - standing dead and/or dying tree. Important habitat element for numerous wildlife species
Stocking - stand measurement relative to the optimal number of trees that a unit of forestland could grow
Stagnant - trees that have stopped growing because of competition from neighboring trees. Decay has often set in.
Timber Type - a homogeneous unit of forestland, delineated because it supports trees of common species, age, potential, etc.
AVAILABLE ASSISTANCE
1. Financial Assistance:
There are several Federal cost-share programs that are available for timber improvement activities such as tree planting, brush control, pruning, and pre-commercial thinning. The programs work on a reimbursement basis; when the pre-approved activity is completed, it is examined in the field by an Oregon Department of Forestry service forester. The landowner is reimbursed for up to 75% (rate varies by program) of the project cost within certain dollar ceilings on a per acre basis. The Forest Incentives Program (FIP) is available through the FSA ( Farm Service Agency office in McMinnville). Early application is advisable because funds for these programs are allocated on a first come, first served basis. Currently the funds are very limited.
The Stewardship Incentive Program (SIP) offers similar cost-share assistance for timber improvement work, as well as monies for stewardship management plans. It is much more broad-based than FIP, providing assistance for enhancing recreational opportunities, improving wildlife habitat, and wetland and stream protection. Funds for this program are also limited and allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Forest Resource Trust was created and funded by the 1993 Oregon Legislature to provide up to 100 percent financing for converting underproducing forest land into productive forests. When forest products are harvested, a percentage of the net revenue is paid back to the Trust by the participating landowner. Information can be obtained from: Oregon Department of Forestry, Forest Resource Trust, 2600 State Street, Salem, Oregon, 97310. Tel: 503-945-7384. This program is currently not funded.
2. Technical:
There are several public agencies that provide technical assistance to small woodland owners:
The Farm Service Agency (formerly know as the ASCS) administers cost share programs in forestry and agriculture (described above). Yamhill County FSA, 2200 West 2nd, McMinnville, Or. 97128.
The Oregon State University Extension Service is the lead agency for educational information provided through publications, special courses, tours, videos, consultation, and newsletters. OSU Extension Service, forestry agent, 2050 Lafayette Ave., McMinnville, Or., 97128, 434-7517
The Yamhill County Small Woodlands Association educates woodland owner members through presentations and woodlot tours. Meets monthly in room 32 of the Yamhill County Courthouse.
The State Service Forester (Steve Vaught ) helps to provide technical information to landowners, as well as administers cost sharing programs.
Oregon Department of Forestry, 825 Oak Villa Rd, Dallas, Or. 97336. Tele: 541-623-8146