Specifications include, but are not limited to: Pile residual slash from timber harvest in 2020 for hazard fuel reduction and site preparation for tree planting. Level enough course woody debris to maintain soils objectives and create microsites for trees. Create adequate scarification of soil and duff for tree planting. Specification: A. Utilize existing skid trails where possible for piling to avoid excess soil compaction. B. Only operate machinery when soil moisture is 18% or less to avoid excess compaction and extensive rutting of the soils. C. Leave roughly 17-33 tons per acre for course wood debris (CWD) retention and microsites for planting. Leave the largest diameter material possible to meet this objective. CWD should be greater than 3” diameter at the small end, at least 3 feet long and relatively free of limbs and needles. D. Avoid operating or piling in any wet areas that maybe found throughout the unit. E. Piles shall be 8-15 feet in diameter, minimum of 8-10 feet in height, shall be constructed compact and free of dirt and duff, shall have a good base to prevent the pile from toppling and shall not be of rotten stumps or rocks. Material shall be piled in a parallel configuration, similar to pencils in a box. Once a pile meets the minimum diameter and height; slash may be added vertically on the edge of a pile to prevent the pile from toppling. No stumps shall be placed in piles. F. Piles shall be located outside of residual/leave tree driplines, in openings or areas of low tree densities to minimize damage to residual trees when the piles are burned. G. Scarification of soil should occur on 20-30% of the workable ground evenly distributed throughout the unit with 2 feet by 2 feet patches. H. Where possible, protect natural larch regeneration. I. Avoid operating equipment in area already planted, identified on map as “Avoidance Area.”
