Specifications include, but are not limited to: Task 1: Sedan Bottoms WMA Timber Stand Improvement (TSI) Description: Contractor must complete approximately 85 acres of Crop Tree Release in forest stand #42, specified on map provided in Exhibit A. The map area is larger than needed and will be sized according to Unit Cost. Contractor must complete the Crop Tree Release project in the following 3 steps: Step 1) Select and mark desirable crop trees. Contractor must ensure the following specifications are met for this step of the project: ● Crop trees must be marked with tree marking paint that is visible from all sides. ● Select and mark the highest quality crop tree available every 30 feet apart on average, adjusting for the average tree size. ● Crop trees may be closer together if they are smaller or very desirable trees, or further apart if they are larger or if no desirable trees exist in an area. ● Contractor must choose only dominant or codominant trees with good form, vigor, health, balanced large crowns, and few or no defects. ● Species diversity is highly encouraged. In order of highest to lowest priority, the contractor shall select white oak, red oak, walnut, other oaks, cherry, and shagbark hickory for crop trees. ● The target number of crop trees for these areas shall be 35-40 trees per acre on average. Continue selecting and releasing crop trees and thin down to B-line relative stocking. Step 2) Fell or double-girdle all trees that are in direct competition with chosen crop trees. Contractor must ensure the following specifications are met for this step of the project: ● Provide release to all selected crop trees on at least three but preferably all four sides. This is a crown-touching type of release. Three-sided release is allowed if two crop trees share one side. When finished, there must be 5-12 feet free- growing space around the crown of each crop tree ● Competing trees must be felled or completely double-girdled, using two chainsaw girdles at least 1.5” deep and connect around the tree, 6-8” apart. No girdling within one tree height of fences, access lanes or field edges. ● Fell trees should be cut as low as possible. Girdled trees may be cut at waist height or lower. ● Trees with a cavity must be left standing and should be double-girdled as needed. ● No felled trees can be left leaning or stems touching other crop trees. ● Residual stocking must not fall below 58% as determined with Upland Central Hardwood Stocking Guides. ● All trails must be kept free of downed trees. Only fell trees that are within one-tree height of any access trails or field edges, no girdles allowed along trails, fences, or field edges. Step 3) Sever vines on all of the selected crop trees. Contractor must sever vines on all species of crop trees. No herbicide.
