Survey of Quarry Thin Monitoring, taken on 09/26/2007 by Rick_Barnes

(Survey: Thinning)

Survey Date: 
09/26/2007
Pre-Implementation Issues
Unit(s) surveyed: 
All: 100, 102, 104, 108, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 121, 122, and 124
Do silvicultural prescriptions support the Proposed Action as described in the EA? 

Yes, however, these is a discreptency in the DxD spacing between the prescription and the contract for units 108, 114, 118 and 122. It is recommended that these descrepencies be reviewed to assure implementation is consistent with the EA.

Are silviculture prescriptions likely to produce variable stand density both between and within units? 

Yes

Are silvicultural prescriptions accurately designated in the field? 

Yes, however, there is a problem with paint colors in units 108, 120 and 122. These units have faint orange paint left from the previous timber sale. Do the existing orange paint in these units a different color was used to designate the skip trees which are typically designated with orange paint. The color appeared to be a puplish color. Contract clause KT-CT.3.5.7 indicateds orange paint was used to identify the skip areas. It is recommended that this contractual issue be addressed promptly.

Are riparian no-cut buffers clearly designated in the field as outlined in the EA? 
Yes
Are minor species and the largest trees clearly designated to be retained? 

Yes

Are snags clearly designated to be retained? 

Yes

Are coarse wood debris features clearly designated to be retained? 
No
Do skips contain any of the following? 
Riparian areas
Trees w/ elements of wood decay
Large trees
Minor tree species
Insects or disease
CWD
Are skips and gaps clearly designated as described in the EA and silviculture prescription? 

Yes, however, there is a problem with paint colors in units 108, 120 and 122. These units have faint orange paint left from the previous timber sale. Do the existing orange paint in these units a different color was used to designate the skip trees which are typically designated with orange paint. The color appeared to be a puplish color. Contract clause KT-CT.3.5.7 indicates orange paint was used to identify the skip areas. It is recommended that this contractual issue be addressed promptly.

If skips do not contain these features, are they observed elsewhere in the project area? 

None were observed.

Do gaps containany of the following? 
N/A
Are designated wildlife trees present? 
Yes
Does the project meet desired goals of variability as described in the EA? 
Yes
Additional recommendations/comments regarding pre-implementation issues? 

Contract clause KT-CT.3.5.7# Individual Tree Designation (Option 1) states dead standing trees are reserved. It does not state what happens to material lying on the ground. On the last page of the contract area maps, note #2 states, "Standing dead timber and dead down timber is to be left uncut." It is recommended this wording be included in KT-CT.3.5.7 to assure there is no confusion as to what happens to the dead trees lying on the ground.

Survey took place on September 26, 27 and 28, 2007.

Post-Implementation Issues
How long ago did cutting and yarding occur? 
N/A