Specifications include, but are not limited to: THINNING SPECIFICATIONS • Dead standing trees (snags) will be removed. One snag per acre may be left for wildlife habitat. • Hardwood trees will not be cut unless they are a hazard, significantly damaged, or are dead. • All ponderosa pine 10" diameter at breast height (DBH) and smaller within 25' of a hardwood tree will be removed. • To achieve the desired spacing and to promote forest health all broken top, split top, and otherwise unhealthy trees will be targeted first. The desired treatment will include the thinning of ponderosa pine, cedar, and juniper up to 10" DBH to an average spacing of 25' between trees (trunks). • In a multi-aged stand, ponderosa pines 4" DBH and smaller will be referred to as replacement trees. Replacement trees will be thinned to achieve a 25' spacing between other replacement trees. • Treatment of spruce will result in scattered groups of 5 to 15 trees with approximately 25' spacing between groups. • Stumps will be cut flush to the ground, level with terrain. • 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) as well as other previously downed material will be removed, chipped, or piled. • Existing hand piles must be removed, chipped, or burned. • Existing machine piles are not included in the scope of work unless authorized by South Dakota Wildland Fire (SDWF). • Individual tree selection is not permitted. • Trees within a manicured lawn will not be included in the project. • Trees near structures, propane tanks, or power lines that require excessive costs, equipment, or time are not included in the project. • It is recommended to create fresh slash every 4-6 weeks during periods of increased pine engraver beetle activity. PILING SPECIFICATIONS • Piles to be burned will between 6 and 8 feet in diameter, and between 5’ and 7’ in height. • Piles will not be constructed under the crown of any tree or on top of stumps. • Piles will be constructed away from power lines/structures/other infrastructures. • Burning of piles will be conducted by the contractor as conditions allow and under SDWF burn permit guidelines. See https://wildlandfire.sd.gov/burnpermits/burnpermits.aspx for more information. • It is recommended to avoid creating piles from February 1 through June 30, due to forest health concerns. CHIPPING/MULCHING/GRINDING • Chips will be removed from the property or broadcast with a maximum chip depth not to exceed 4 inches. • It is recommended to avoid chipping, mulching, and masticating operations from March 1st through September 1st, unless materials are hauled off site due to forest health concerns.
