Specifications include, but are not limited to: The contractor shall perform post-harvest slashing, timber stand improvement (Woodland Thinning), or crop tree release on: a. Comp 1: Stand 107– Woodland Thinning (29 acres) TSI b. Comp 1: Stand 17 – Woodland Thinning (26 acres) TSI c. Comp 1: Stand 19 – Post Harvest Slashing (30.00 acres) Slashing d. Comp 3: Stand 27- Post-Harvest Slashing (6.60 acres) Slashing; Trees greater than 2 inches DBH are to be completely cut down or girdled with a stump height no higher than one (1) foot above the soil line on the uphill side. Any hanging or leaning trees that pose a danger shall be cut down to the ground and any spring pole trees must be released. Girdling should be used rarely, only in situations where it is unsafe for the contractor to completely cut down a tree or when trees exceed 18” DBH. There are NO Indiana bat related restrictions on cutting down trees of any size during the contract period. In situations where girdling is necessary, oaks and eastern red-cedars that are selected for girdling shall be double girdled. All other species that are selected for girdling shall be single girdled and treated with herbicide (see 2.3.6). The girdling wounds must be continuous around the tree and penetrate the sapwood layer at all points. Girdles may not exceed a height of 12” off the ground, measured from the high side of the slope. Herbicide shall be used to treat all stumps and girdles on all target tree species except oak and eastern red-cedar. Herbicide does not need to be applied to the entire stump; only the cambium layer located just under the bark needs to be treated. The contractor must provide solvent (if required) and must mix and apply herbicide at rates and methods according to label instructions. Herbicide that is appropriate for stump treatment must be used for stump treating and girdling. Other herbicides may be used only as authorized at the sole discretion of the Missouri Department of Conservation.
