The desired treatment will include the thinning of ponderosa pine, spruce, cedar, and juniper trees 10-inch diameter at breast height (DBH) and smaller to achieve an average spacing of 25 feet between trees (trunks). o To obtain the desired spacing and to promote forest health, broken tops, split tops, and otherwise unhealthy trees will be targeted first. o In a multi-aged stand, ponderosa pines 4-inch DBH and smaller will be referred to as replacement trees. Replacement trees will be thinned to achieve a 25-foot spacing between other replacement trees. o Treatment of spruce will result in scattered groups of 5 to 15 trees with approximately 25-foot spacing between groups. Stumps will be cut level with terrain, as low as possible within reason, based on rocks and equipment limitations. Ponderosa pine, spruce, cedar, and juniper will be limbed up to a minimum of 6 feet above ground level, not to exceed 1/3rd of the total tree height. Felled trees and limbs (thinning slash) and other previously downed material will be removed, chipped, or piled. o Heavily decayed downed material and/or old greyed logs may be excluded. Due to endangered species habitat, dead standing snags will not be removed unless directed to do so by South Dakota Wildland Fire (SDWF) staff. Existing handpiles must be removed, chipped, masticated, or burned. Existing machine piles are not included in the scope of work unless authorized by SDWF staff. Hardwood trees will not be cut.
