TREATMENT OBJECTIVE

Provide for a healthy sustainable forest environment within the northern goshawk post-family fledging area (PFA). Retain an average 60%+ canopy cover on 1/3 of the PFA and an average 50%+ on 2/3 of the PFA within mid-aged, mature, and old growth forest conditions (VSS 4, 5, and 6, respectively). Leave at least 2 snags per acre (18 inches diameter or greater and at least 30 feet tall), 3 downed logs per acre (12 inches in diameter and at least 8 feet long), and 5-7 tons per acre of woody debris (3 inches diameter or larger on the forest floor).

Generally, within 1-2 acre groups thin 5-16 inch diameter trees for growth and vigor of remaining trees, especially existing yellow pine groups. On 50% of the site, leave mosaics of 1-2 acre unthinned, dense groups.

MARKING/DESIGNATION GUIDE

Utilize aerial photos and walk-thru to look at every acre. Approximately 50% of the PFA will be retained for cover. Focus on yellow pine groups by removing competing small trees and enhancing yellow pine vigor. Utilize existing skid trails and roads. Upper diamter limit is 16 inches dbh.

STOCKING GUIDELINES

1. Treated groups should have an average basal area of 50 square feet per acre. The idea is to create gaps (interspaces) within and between dense groups. Groups will contain patches that will maintain a closed canopy with much higher stocking. The patches will maintain most of their live crown on the outside of the patch. Drainages/north aspects should receive first priority for non-treatment.

2. Markers should key on groups 1-2 acres in size. Groups will connect along skid trails and roads. They can be round shaped or stringers. Using basal area as a marking guide in patches is difficult because of the variation being created and the small scale of the patch. Instead of using basal area, look for and cut tree mark all 5-9 inch dbh trees. Select additional cut trees from 9-12 inch dbh trees, and finally 12-16 inch dbh trees to achieve desired stocking level.

3. Mistletoe infection in 5-16 inch size trees is treatable. Existing groups of yellow pines (VSS5+) should be tended by cutting back competing small trees (5-12 inch dbh) one chain from such groups. A minimum of 3 healthy yellow pines constitutes a group.

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