Forest Resources Division – Pre-Commercial Thinning

1. Conifer Release: This treatment will most often be in sites planted to red pine. The work can be accomplished using brush saws. Oak, cherry, red maple and jack pine ranging from 1-3 inches dbh are typical stems being removed. Average stand size is 25-100 acres. The range of densities being cut will generally fall between 500 and 1500 trees per acre. This work can begin on July 15th of any year and be completed by September 15th. Exceptions could be made on a case by case basis, but most of this work would need to be completed in this timeframe. A stand list has already been selected for treatment. The acreage is being prioritized and spread over the projected ?length of this contract cycle. The annual acreage range is projected to be between 400 and 600 acres. 2. Hardwood Release: Typical sites will consist of beech, ironwood, and/or red maple ranging from 1-3 inches dbh being removed. Density of stems being removed would generally range between 200 and 1000 acres. This work can be accomplished using brush saws. Treatment can begin on July 15th of any year and be completed by September 15th. Exceptions could be made on a case by case basis, but most of this work would need to be completed in this timeframe. This work is not very common at this point but may build on the later years in this contract cycle. Annual acreage range is currently projected at 20 to 100 acres. 3. Jack Pine Thinning: the third type of precommercial thinning is jack pine stands that were previously planted for Kirtland’s warbler habitat. This work can begin after July 15th. In contrast to the previous types of precommercial thinning this treatment can extend through fall and into winter but must be complete by March 1st. Chainsaws would be necessary to complete this treatment. Current stocking ranges from 600-900 trees per acre when the openings are included and 700-1300 considering only the planted areas. Diameter at breast height ranges from 3-6 inches. Trees per acre to be removed range from 200 to 400. Sites are generally range from 200 to 500 acres in size. There will be approximately 500 acres annually over the length of this contract (this is an estimate based on anticipated budgets and not guaranteed).

Division 32 -

Exterior Improvements, Operation and Maintenance of Exterior Improvements, Irrigation, Planting Irrigation, Planting, Planting Preparation, Soil Preparation, Landscape Grading.