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Data derived from the simulation model for the high intensity lands assure that 19.69 million cubic feet (115 MM bd. ft.) is the highest sustainable annual allowable cut that could be harvested in the first decade without any planned future reduction. This is not to say that, in the next periodic updating of the timber management program, the allowable cut could not change. Technological advances, in conjunction with changing public needs and management assumptions, will influence future allowable cut computation.

In arriving at the proposed 19.69 million cubic feet cut for the high intensity lands, other allowable cut levels were considered. These levels relate to the alternative land uses and practices discussed in Section 1.2.5 and in Chapter 8, Alternatives. Reference should be made to these sections to ascertain their quantified impact on the allowable cut.

Low Intensity Lands

A trial management program is proposed for approximately 490 acres of low intensity lands per year during the first decade. The proposed annual harvest of 0.86 million cubic feet (5 MM bd. ft.) from low intensity lands is based solely on a 10-year projection period. It cannot be viewed as sustainable in context with allowable cut calculation procedures previously described. Future decade harvest levels, if any, would be dependent upon the results of the trial program proposed for the 10-year management plan.

Due to

the harsh site conditions, clearcutting would probably convert such areas to non-commercial forest classification. A two-stage shelterwood cutting system would be employed. After reproduction has become established the final harvest cut would be made.

All acceptable methods of site preparation, including slash burning and using herbicides, would be utilized where needed to assist in the establishment of new seedlings during the trial period.

Trials of other intensive forestry practices such as planting would be initiated on low intensity lands during the initial decade. Approximately 2,450 acres of shelterwood regeneration cut areas would be planted and it is estimated that approximately 1,200 acres would require replanting or interplanting during the trial period.

1.2.7 The Future Forest

With the exception of the acreage of the acreage summarized in Table 1-8, harvest of the remaining old-growth timber would be completed on high intensity lands during the fifth decade. The forest of the JKSYUS would be dichotomous high intensity lands exhibiting one set of characteristics and lands categorized as low intensity and limited management exhibiting another.

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Table 1-8

DEVELOPMENT OF THE PROPOSAL

Estimate of the Acreage Possibly Containing Old-Growth Timber
Which Would Remain Essentially Unaltered by the Ten-Year Plan

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Commercial forest lands excluded from the high intensity category probably would look much as they do today. The prescription for natural regeneration and two-stage shelterwood harvest would perpetuate the mixed coniferous, multi-aged forest configuration. Since there is no commitment in the proposal for continuation of trial harvest beyond the first decade, total effect and extent of harvest cannot be predicted.

Areas proposed for harvest in the high intensity category would be radically different from the present forest. On the basis of computer projection for the eighth decade, timber stands more than 70 years old would be rare. typical 70-year old stand might exhibit the following characteristics:

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Stocking would be controlled by thinning throughout the life of the stands. Competition from grass, brush, and non-commercial tree species would be controlled until commercial species attain dominance, usually within 20 years. The road system would be complete and provide ready access to all stands.

Because of the smaller tree sizes and the correspondingly smaller machinery needed to handle them, falling and yarding would have less impact on the site. In addition, better utilization and the small amount of cull material expected would mean that slash disposal problems, as now known, would not exist.

People and machinery would be present within the stands much more frequently than at present. The planting and nurturing of seedlings would be followed, where needed, by precommercial thinning in stands less than 30 years in age. Fertilization would follow on a 10-year cycle. Commercial thinnings would begin at about 40 years of age and be repeated on a 20-year cycle.

1.3 DESIGN FEATURES INCLUDED IN THE PROPOSAL

Table 1-1 displays the proposed 10-year plan of prescribed management treatments in a typical sequence, beginning with road construction or improvement. Following harvest, either by shelterwood, clearcut, or single tree selection, the sequence of treatments reflects those actions necessary to facilitate prompt reforestation of the specific tract, and subsequent growth of commercial coniferous species. The following discussion of treatments will be in

the same order as listed in Table 1-1.

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Not every treatment listed in Table 1-1 would be applied to every acre. infinite number of treatment combinations is possible and could be employed. The purpose of this section is to elaborate on what each treatment entails and quantify, to the extent possible in a regional environmental statement, the magnitude of the actions. Treatments would be identified and scheduled through application of the the Operations Inventory system. Determination of treatment needs for those actions to be required in the sales contract would be accomplished during timber sale planning.

Contracts, usually awarded on a competitive basis, are the vehicle for accomplishment of all timber harvest and many forest development practices. The standard and special provisions in a contract forth the specifications to be followed by the contractor in carrying out the action in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies.

In contract preparation, selection of special provisions is governed by the scope of the action to be undertaken. Stipulations define the methods and manner for for accomplishing the action. Contract sections dealing with road construction, type of harvest to be employed on a specific soil type and other soil related issues are governed by Medford District's Recommended Watershed Practices (see Appendix D). The provisions of the basic timber sale contract Bureau form 5450-3 (see Appendix E), are applicable in all cases. Bureau manuals and manual supplements provide a variety of approved special provisions for use, as appropriate, in individual contracts. The combination of selected special provisions constitutes Section 41 of Form 5450-3.

Land use allocations and constraints on lands allocated to timber production, such as those discussed in Section 1.2.5, are implemented through project design. A principal means for determination of applicable special provisions during preparation of a contract for a forest practice is the environmental assessment record (EAR). Refer to Section 1.5.3 for a discussion of specific action EARS.

DESIGN FEATURES INCLUDED IN THE PROPOSAL

In accord with BLM policy (Manual Section 6840), no actions would be taken which would adversely affect the continued existence of any Federally listed threatened or endangered animal or plant species. BLM also complies with Oregon laws pertaining to State-listed species. Thus, where data are sufficient regarding these species, no adverse action would be taken that would impact the species. Prior to each timber sale, site specific environmental assessments are prepared in an attempt to locate any Threatened or Endangered Species. If any are located formal consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as prescribed by Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, will occur.

As with threatened or endangered species, special surveys are required for evidence of historic or prehistoric human occupation. A Class III (complete survey) cultural resources inventory is required of all areas to be subjected to ground manipulation activities. This is accomplished in the pre-planning stage of treatment and results analyzed in the EAR addressing the action. (BLM Manual 8100, Cultural Resources Management)

1.3.1 Transportation System

On the average, 37.5 miles of new permanent road would be constructed annually during the 10-year period. Standards, i.e., width of running surface, ditches, fills and type of surfacing if any, remain to be determined.

Since portions of the existing road system are under designed, obsolete or unsafe, approximately 100 miles of road would be reconstructed during the proposal period. Approximately 50 miles of existing road would be surfaced. Types of surfacing are unknown.

1.3.1.1 Scope of Treatment

Based on average construction experience in the JKSYUs, one perennial stream and four intermittent stream crossings would be involved in each mile of road construction or reconstruction. The breakdown, by stream classes as used in Table 1-6, Issue I, is as follows.

Stream Class

Class I

Important Class II
Other Class II

Interval

1 per 20 miles of road

1 per mile of road
3 per mile of road

By the end of the proposal period, the permanent road system would be essentially completed. Reconstruction of portions of the system could be required based on use and other factors. Resurfacing would take place as necessary.

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