The Contractor will select or reserve the trees based on quality or as specified in the Project Description(s) or FIC. The Contractor will leave all healthy (disease and insect free), vigorous trees (crop trees) six (6”) inches DBH and larger unless otherwise specified in the Project Description(s) or by the FIC as a living cull described below. Even though these trees produce excess crop trees, the FIC disregards these in terms of the number of trees per acre during the inspection process. 2. The Contractor will mechanically treat surplus trees from two feet (2’) and taller by completely severing the stem below the lowest live limb. The project area may include patches which possess an unusually high density of vigorous healthy larger stems (6 inches DBH and larger). In these areas, the FIC may direct the Contractor to increase the stand density accordingly to preserve these larger stems. Even though these trees produce excess crop trees, the FIC disregards these in terms of the number of trees per acre during the inspection process. 3. For thinning, slashing, and cull tree removal size material, the Contractor will keep severed trees stump height twelve inches (12”) or less as measured from the uphill side of the tree. 4. Except for crop or leave trees as specified above or in the Project Description or per FIC, the Contractor will mechanically remove the following: (Applies to thinning, slashing, and cull removal) i. All whips and other surplus conifer trees to a minimum height as specified in each Project Description(s). ii. All hardwood species located within 8 feet of a conifer crop tree which will overtop a crop tree, in height, or as directed by the Project Description(s) or the FIC. iii. Crop trees damaged by falling of surplus trees, or as directed by the FIC. iv. Trees of poor form and vigor (living culls) to include: a. Trees with signs of insects and/or disease such as root rot, conks, western gall rust, or blister rust bole cankers. The Contractor will select western white pine (WWP) as a crop tree if it appears to be blister rust resistant and vigorously growing. b. Trees with excessive crooks, forks, leaning, or otherwise damaged from previous logging, including trees with “suckers” (one where the top died back and another limb grew to assume the terminal leader position). c. Trees with less than twenty-five percent (25%) of total height in live green crown. d. Trees with a “dry” or dead side. e. Trees with flat tops crowns or suppressed characteristics
