Section 14. Down Woody Debris and Fuels

[14.0 INTRODUCTION 3](#introduction)

[14.1 DEFINITION OF DOWN WOODY DEBRIS
3](#definition-of-down-woody-debris)

[14.2 SAMPLING METHODS 4](#__RefHeading___Toc5442503)

[14.3 LOCATING AND ESTABLISHING LINE TRANSECTS
4](#locating-and-establishing-line-transects)

[14.3.1 CWD transects 4](#__RefHeading___Toc5442505)

[14.3.2 FWD transects 5](#fwd-transects)

[14.4 TRANSECT LINE SEGMENTING 6](#__RefHeading___Toc5442507)

[14.4.1 SUBPLOT NUMBER (SUB PL) 7](#__RefHeading___Toc5442508)

[14.4.2 TRANSECT (T) 7](#__RefHeading___Toc5442509)

[14.4.3 CONDITION CLASS (CC) 7](#__RefHeading___Toc5442510)

[14.4.4 BEGINNING DISTANCE (DIST1) 7](#__RefHeading___Toc5442511)

[14.4.5 SLOPE PERCENT (SLP PCT) 8](#__RefHeading___Toc5442512)

[14.4.6 ENDING DISTANCE (DIST2) 8](#__RefHeading___Toc5442513)

[14.5 TALLY RULES FOR COARSE WOODY DEBRIS (CWD)
9](#tally-rules-for-coarse-woody-debris-cwd)

[14.6 TALLY RULES FOR CWD WHEN THE PIECE LAYS ACROSS MULTIPLE CONDITIONS
12](#tally-rules-for-cwd-when-the-piece-lays-across-multiple-conditions)

[14.7 MARKING CWD 13](#marking-cwd)

[14.8 RECORDING PROCEDURES FOR CWD 13](#recording-procedures-for-cwd)

[14.8.1 SUBPLOT NUMBER (SUB PL) 13](#__RefHeading___Toc5442519)

[14.8.2 TRANSECT (T) 13](#__RefHeading___Toc5442520)

[14.8.3 CWD SLOPE DISTANCE (CWD DIST) 13](#__RefHeading___Toc5442521)

[14.8.4 SPECIES (SPC) 14](#__RefHeading___Toc5442522)

[14.8.5 DIAMETER AT POINT OF INTERSECTION (TRAN DIAM)
15](#__RefHeading___Toc5442523)

[14.8.6 DIAMETER AT THE SMALL END (SML DIAM)
16](#__RefHeading___Toc5442524)

[14.8.7 DIAMETER AT THE LARGE END (LRG DIAM)
16](#__RefHeading___Toc5442525)

[14.8.8 TOTAL LENGTH (TOTAL LENGTH) 16](#__RefHeading___Toc5442526)

[14.8.9 DECAY CLASS (DECAY CLASS) 16](#__RefHeading___Toc5442527)

[14.8.10 IS THE PIECE HOLLOW? (HOL?) 17](#__RefHeading___Toc5442528)

[14.8.11 CWD history (CWD HIST) 18](#__RefHeading___Toc5442530)

[14.9 SAMPLING METHODS FOR FINE WOODY DEBRIS (FWD)
19](#sampling-methods-for-fine-woody-debris-fwd)

[14.9.1 SUBPLOT NUMBER (SUB PL) 20](#__RefHeading___Toc5442532)

[14.9.2 CONDITION CLASS (CC) 20](#__RefHeading___Toc5442533)

[14.9.3 COUNT OF PIECES IN THE 0.01 TO 0.25 INCH DIAMETER SIZE CLASS
(SMALL_FWD) 20](#__RefHeading___Toc5442534)

[14.9.4 COUNT OF PIECES IN THE 0.25 TO 1.0 INCH DIAMETER SIZE CLASS
(MEDIUM_FWD) 20](#__RefHeading___Toc5442535)

[14.9.5 COUNT OF PIECES IN THE 1.0 TO 3.0 INCH DIAMETER SIZE CLASS
(LARGE_FWD) 21](#__RefHeading___Toc5442536)

[14.9.6 REASON FOR AN UNUSUALLY HIGH COUNT OF FWD (REASON_HIGHCOUNT)
21](#__RefHeading___Toc5442537)

[14.9.7 RESIDUE PILE ON TRANSECT? (RP_on_transect?)
21](#__RefHeading___Toc5442538)

[14.10 DUFF, LITTER, AND FUELBED DEPTH MEASUREMENTS
22](#duff-litter-and-fuelbed-depth-measurements)

[14.10.1 Subplot number (SUB PL) 23](#__RefHeading___Toc5442540)

[14.10.2 Transect (T) 23](#__RefHeading___Toc5442541)

[14.10.3 Duff and litter sample taken at sample location? (DL_SAMP)
23](#__RefHeading___Toc5442542)

[14.10.4 Duff depth (DUFF_DEPTH) 24](#__RefHeading___Toc5442543)

[14.10.5 Litter depth (LITTER_DEPTH) 24](#__RefHeading___Toc5442544)

[14.10.6 Depth of the fuelbed (FUELBED_DEPTH) 24](#section-26)

[14.11 FUEL LOADING ON THE MICROPLOT 24](#__RefHeading___Toc5442546)

[14.11.1 SUBPLOT NUMBER (SUB PL) 25](#__RefHeading___Toc5442547)

[14.11.2 LIVE SHRUBS PERCENT COVER (L_SHRUB_PC)
26](#__RefHeading___Toc5442548)

[14.11.3 LIVE SHRUBS HEIGHT (L_SHRUB_HT) 26](#__RefHeading___Toc5442549)

[14.11.4 DEAD SHRUBS PERCENT COVER (D_SHRUB_PC)
26](#__RefHeading___Toc5442550)

[14.11.5 DEAD SHRUBS HEIGHT (D_SHRUB_HT) 26](#__RefHeading___Toc5442551)

[14.11.6 LIVE HERBS PERCENT COVER (L_HERB_PC)
26](#__RefHeading___Toc5442552)

[14.11.7 LIVE HERBS HEIGHT (L_HERB_HT) 27](#__RefHeading___Toc5442553)

[14.11.8 DEAD HERBS PERCENT COVER (D_HERB_PC)
27](#__RefHeading___Toc5442554)

[14.11.9 DEAD HERBS HEIGHT (D_HERB_HT) 27](#__RefHeading___Toc5442555)

[14.11.10 LITTER PERCENT COVER (LITTER) 27](#__RefHeading___Toc5442556)

[14.12 SAMPLING RESIDUE PILES 27](#sampling-residue-piles)

[14.12.1 SUBPLOT NUMBER (SUB PL) 29](#__RefHeading___Toc5442558)

[14.12.2 CONDITION CLASS (CC) 29](#__RefHeading___Toc5442559)

[14.12.3 PILE AZIMUTH (PILE AZM) 29](#__RefHeading___Toc5442560)

[14.12.4 SHAPE (SHP) 29](#__RefHeading___Toc5442561)

[14.12.5 and 14.12.6 LENGTH 1 and LENGTH 2 (LNG1, LNG2)
30](#__RefHeading___Toc5442562)

[14.12.7 and 14.12.8 WIDTH 1 and WIDTH 2 (WID1, WID2)
30](#__RefHeading___Toc5442563)

[14.12.9 and 14.12.10 HEIGHT 1 and HEIGHT 2 (HT1, HT2)
30](#__RefHeading___Toc5442564)

[14.12.11 PILE DENSITY (PDENS) 30](#__RefHeading___Toc5442565)

[14.13 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 30](#__RefHeading___Toc5442566)

# 14.0 INTRODUCTION

Down woody debris (DWD) is an important component of forest ecosystems
across the country. DWD is dead material on the ground in various stages
of decay. Wildlife biologists, ecologists, mycologists, foresters, and
fuels specialists are some of the people interested in DWD because it
helps describe the:

-   Quality and status of wildlife habitats.

-   Structural diversity within a forest.

-   Fuel loading and fire behavior.

-   Carbon sequestration -- the amount of carbon tied up in dead wood.

-   Storage and cycling of nutrients and water -- important for site
    productivity.

There are two categories of DWD:

1)  Coarse Woody Debris (CWD) - dead pieces of wood [\>]{.underline} 3.0
    inches in diameter, and

2)  Fine Woody Debris (FWD) - dead branches, twigs, wood splinters 0.1
    to 2.9 inches in diameter

In the past, scientists estimated the amount of CWD and FWD from small,
local inventories or from a few research studies that focused on mature
and old growth forests. Little was known about the characteristics of
woody debris in managed forest stands or in forests that originated
after logging (compared to those originating naturally after fire). The
USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Forest Inventory and Analysis
program (PNW-FIA) recognized the need for extensive information on DWD
across the landscape, and began collecting CWD data in the late 1980's.
CWD protocols developed by PNW-FIA were piloted by FHM between 1998 and
2000. Full implementation on Phase 3 plots in 2001 establishes a
national database that contains DWD and other fuels information across a
variety of forest strata.

Any crew member can learn to collect down woody debris data. If
untrained members of the crew are available to help, they can locate,
measure, and flag transect lines and record the condition class
information for the transect segments.

# 14.1 DEFINITION OF DOWN WOODY DEBRIS

[CWD]{.underline}:

In this inventory, CWD includes downed, dead tree and shrub boles, large
limbs, and other woody pieces that are severed from their original
source of growth and on the ground. CWD also includes standing dead
trees (either self-supported by roots, severed from roots, or uprooted)
that are leaning \> 45 degrees from vertical. Also included are
non-machine processed round wood such as fence posts and cabin logs. For
multi-stemmed woodland trees such as juniper, only tally stems that are
dead, detached, and on the ground; or dead and leaning \> 45 degrees
from vertical.

CWD does **[not]{.underline}** include:

1.  Woody pieces \< 3.0 inches in diameter at the point of intersection
    with the transect.

2.  Standing dead trees leaning 0 to 45 degrees from vertical (this is a
    snag).

3.  Dead shrubs, self-supported by their roots.

4.  Trees showing any sign of life.

5.  Stumps that are rooted in the ground (i.e., not uprooted).

6.  Dead foliage, bark or other non-woody pieces that are not an
    integral part of a bole or limb. (Bark attached to a portion of a
    piece is an integral part).

7.  Roots or main bole below the root collar.

[FWD]{.underline}:

In this inventory, FWD includes downed, dead branches, twigs, and small
tree or shrub boles that are severed from their original source of
growth. FWD can be connected to a larger branch, as long as this branch
is on the ground and not connected to a standing dead or live tree. Only
the woody branches, twigs, and fragments that intersect the transect are
counted. FWD can be connected to a down, dead tree bole or down, dead
shrub. FWD can be shrub twigs, as long as the shrub is a woody species.
FWD must be no higher than 6 feet above the ground to be counted.

FWD does **[not]{.underline}** include:

1)  Woody pieces [\>]{.underline} 3.0 inches in diameter at the point of
    intersection with the transect.

2)  Dead branches connected to a [live]{.underline} tree or shrub; or to
    a snag or dead shrub.

3)  Dead foliage (i.e., pine or fir needles, or leaf petioles).

4)  Bark fragments or other non-woody pieces that are not an integral
    part of a branch, twig, or small bole.

5)  Small pieces of decomposed wood (i.e., chunks of cubical rot)

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc5442503 .anchor}14.2 SAMPLING METHODS

DWD is only sampled in accessible forest conditions intersected by the
transect. If a transect crosses a nonforest condition, the boundaries of
the condition are recorded (see section 14.4) but no DWD or fuels
measurements are taken along this portion of the transect. The majority
of DWD in the inventory is sampled using the line intersect sampling
method (also called planar intercept method). In this method, transects
are established, and individual pieces of CWD or FWD are tallied if the
central axis of the piece is intersected by the plane of the transect.
In addition, each piece must meet specified dimensions and other
criteria before being selected for tally. Special procedures apply when
a CWD piece lays across a condition class boundary (discussed later).
Transects will always be used to sample FWD. Transects will be used to
sample CWD when crews are able to see and measure individual pieces.

The line intersect method is not practical for sampling CWD when it is
part of machine-piled windrows or slash piles, or part of log
\"jumbles\" at the bottom of steep-sided ravines. In these situations,
individual pieces are impractical to tally separately and are labeled as
"residue piles". A different sampling method is used to tally and
measure CWD residue piles (see *Sampling Residue Piles*, section 14.12).

# 14.3 LOCATING AND ESTABLISHING LINE TRANSECTS

Transects are established on each subplot if the subplot center is
accessible (i.e., [not]{.underline} census water, access denied, or
hazardous), [and]{.underline} : there is at least one forest land
condition class mapped within the 24-foot radius subplot (CONDITION
STATUS = 1). Transects begin at the subplot center and extend 24 ft to
the edge of the subplot. The location of condition class boundaries are
recorded along the transect. It is [extremely]{.underline} important to
lay out the transect in a [straight line]{.underline} to avoid biasing
the selection of pieces and to allow the remeasurement of transect lines
and tally pieces for future change detection.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc5442505 .anchor}14.3.1 CWD transects

1.  

2.  Three transects are established that originate at the subplot center
    and extend out 24-feet horizontal distance (the radius of the
    subplot) at azimuths of 30, 150, 270 degrees (Figure 14-1). This
    transect configuration was chosen to avoid sampling bias on sloped
    land, where it is possible that CWD may be oriented in one
    direction. This configuration of transects should pick up CWD logs
    that are lying parallel to the slope, perpendicular to the slope,
    and across slope.

##  

## 

## 

## 14.3.2 FWD transects

One transect is established on each subplot, along the 150 degree
azimuth. FWD is tallied within 3 size classes. Because FWD is generally
present in higher densities, a shorter transect will pick up an
acceptable amount of tally. The transect begins at 14 feet ([slope
distance]{.underline}) from the subplot center and extends out either 6
or 10 feet ([slope distance]{.underline}) depending on the FWD size
class, as follows:

  -------------- ---------- -------------- -------------- ----------------
  **Category of  **Size     **Diameter     **Transect     **Transect
  FWD**          Class**    range**        length**       location**

  Small FWD      1          0 in to 0.24   6 feet         14 to 20 feet
                            in                            

  Medium FWD     2          0.25 in to 0.9 6 feet         14 to 20 feet
                            in                            

  Large FWD      3          1.0 in to 2.9  10 feet        14 to 24 feet
                            in                            
  -------------- ---------- -------------- -------------- ----------------

Note that the FWD transects are slope distance not horizontal distance.
The formulas used to estimate biomass from the data contain an
adjustment for slope.

To simplify the reference to FWD size classes, 0 to 0.24 inch is labeled
as [small]{.underline}, 0.25 inch to 0.9 inch is labeled as
[medium]{.underline}, 1 inch to 2.9 inches is labeled as
[large]{.underline}. Fire managers call these 1 hour, 10 hour, and 100
hour fuels. It is helpful to have a size gauge available until your eye
is 'trained' to recognize the 3 size classes. Examples include a plastic
or cardboard card with 3 notches cut for each size class, or a set of 3
dowels representing each size class.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc5442507 .anchor}14.4 TRANSECT LINE SEGMENTING

Transect lines are segmented to determine the length of transect that
occurs within each mapped condition class intersecting the line. A
segment is a length of transect that is in one condition. Segments are
identified by recording the BEGINNING and ENDING SLOPE DISTANCES from
subplot center out to the end of the subplot. In the office, the
segmenting data will be combined with CWD distances to determine which
condition class each piece falls in (condition classes are not assigned
to CWD pieces in the field). If more than one condition is found on the
FWD transects, the segmenting information recorded here will provide the
length of transect in each condition.

Starting at the subplot center and working towards the fixed radius plot
boundary, each segment of transect line in a different condition class
is delineated and recorded as a separate record. On each record, the
BEGINNING and ENDING SLOPE DISTANCES are recorded for each condition
class encountered. The first record for each transect will have a
beginning distance (DIST1) of 0 feet. If only one condition class occurs
on the transect line, only one segment is recorded. The transect must
extend a total of 24 feet horizontal distance.

On subplots where a transect intersects a boundary between condition
classes, the transect continues across the boundary into the adjacent
class. **Although DWD is only sampled in accessible forest conditions,
[all]{.underline} CONDITION CLASS BOUNDARIES (BEGINNING and ENDING
Distances) are recorded on each transect.**

Individual pieces of DWD intersected by a transect are tallied or
counted if they meet the tally rules for CWD or FWD specified in the
sections that follow. It is expected that the majority of FWD transects
will be in one condition, but if the condition class changes along the
transect, a count is recorded for each condition. Again, the segmenting
data recorded here will identify which condition class is associated
with each count.

If the ENTIRE 24 ft subplot is non-forest, enter codes for SUBPL, T, CC,
followed by zeros in the remaining fields.

![](media/image2.wmf)

Figure 14-2. Transects are installed across condition class boundaries.

[Marking the transect line]{.underline}

Transect lines should be marked with a pin or small piece of flagging at
the end of the line (24 ft, horizontal distance) to help the QA staff
identify the path of the transect during the check-plot procedure.
Because the tolerance for the transect azimuth is +/- 2 degrees, the
line might have been laid down in a slightly different direction from
the check-plot crew. This could affect the location of diameter
measurements for CWD pieces as well as identifying whether a CWD piece
is a valid tally piece. It is also helpful to mark the point where the
FWD transect begins (14 ft, slope distance).

1.  
2.  
3.  

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
1.  
2.  
3.  

  ------------ ---------- ------- ---------- ----------- ----------- -----------
  **Transect                                                         
  Segmenting                                                         
  Tally                                                              
  Guide**                                                            

                                             **BEGIN**               **END**

               **SUB**    **T**              **SLOPE**   **SLOPE**   **SLOPE**

               **PL**             **CC**     **DIST1**   **PCT**     **DIST2**

  **ITEM \#**  **1**      **2**   **3**      **4**       **5**       **6**

                                             (ft)        \%          (ft)

                                                                     

               X          XXX     X          XX.Y        XXX         XX.Y
  ------------ ---------- ------- ---------- ----------- ----------- -----------

**NOTE: Although DWD is only sampled in accessible forest conditions,**

**[all]{.underline} condition** **class boundaries (beginning and ending
distances) are**

**recorded on each transect.**

## 14.4.1 SUBPLOT NUMBER (SUB PL)

Record a 1-digit code indicating the subplot center from which the
transect originates.

When collected: All tally segments

Field width: 1 digit

Tolerance: No errors

MQO: At least 99% of the time

Values: 1 to 4

## 14.4.2 TRANSECT (T)

> Record a 3-digit code indicating the transect on which a condition
> class is being delineated.

When Collected: All tally segments

Field width: 3 digits

> Tolerance for the code: No errors in the transect code

MQO: At least 99% of the time

> Tolerance for the azimuth : +/- 2 degrees

MQO: At least 90% of the time

> Values:

## 14.4.3 CONDITION CLASS (CC)

> Record a 1-digit code indicating the number of the condition class for
> the transect segment. Use the same code assigned to the CONDITION
> CLASS on the subplot or elsewhere on the plot. The first segmentation
> record for each transect will have the same Condition Class Number as
> assigned to the subplot center.
>
> When collected: All tally segments
>
> Field width: 1 digit
>
> Tolerance: No errors
>
> MQO: At least 99% of the time
>
> Values: 1 to 9

## 14.4.4 BEGINNING DISTANCE (DIST1)

> Record a 3-digit code. Record the location (using slope distance) on
> the transect line where the transect intersects the boundary with the
> adjacent condition class nearer to the subplot center. The first
> record for each transect will have a BEGINNING DISTANCE of 0.0 ft.
> Each subsequent record will have a BEGINNING DISTANCE equal to the
> ENDING DISTANCE of the previous record. Measure to the nearest 0.1 ft.
>
> When collected: All tally segments
>
> Field width: 3 digits
>
> Tolerance: +/- 1.0 ft
>
> MQO: At least 95% of the time
>
> Values: 0 to 99.9

14.4.5 SLOPE PERCENT (SLP PCT)

> Record a 3-digit code indicating the average slope percent along the
> transect within the condition class being segmented. When only one
> condition class is present on a transect, slope percent is the average
> slope percent along the entire transect. Measure to the nearest 5%.
>
> When collected: All tally segments
>
> Field width: 3 digits
>
> Tolerance: +/- 10%
>
> MQO: At least 90% of the time
>
> Values: 5 to 135

## 14.4.6 ENDING DISTANCE (DIST2)

> Record a 3-digit code. Record the location (using slope distance) on
> the transect line where the transect [exits]{.underline} the condition
> class being delineated and intersects the boundary with a different
> condition class further away from the subplot center. If no other
> condition classes are encountered, record the location (using slope
> distance) of the end of the transect line. Measure to the nearest 0.1
> ft.
>
> When collected: All tally segments
>
> Field width: 3 digits

Tolerance: +/- 1.0 ft

> MQO: At least 95% of the time
>
> Values: 0.1 to 99.9

## 

## 

## 

Note: The TALLY program will calculate and display the horizontal
distance of each segment and indicate how far the crew member has to
walk (in slope distance) to reach 24 ft horizontal distance.

The combined horizontal distances of all segments must add up to 24 ft.

# 14.5 TALLY RULES FOR COARSE WOODY DEBRIS (CWD)

1.  Coarse woody debris (CWD) is sampled in accessible forest land
    conditions only.

> Tally a piece if its central longitudinal axis intersects the
> transect, [and]{.underline} the condition class is accessible forest
> land at the point of intersection (Figure 14-3). The entire piece is
> assigned to this condition.

![](media/image3.png){width="3.3783464566929133in"
height="1.088976377952756in"}

2.  Tally dead trees and tall stumps that are leaning \> 45 degrees from
    vertical. Do [not]{.underline} tally live trees or standing dead
    trees and stumps that are still upright and leaning \< 45 degrees
    from vertical. Follow the same rules for down trees (LEAN ANGLE) as
    outlined in the 'Tree and Sapling Data' section. Most CWD will be
    laying on the ground. The crew\'s judgment is final on whether or
    not a tree, snag or stump is leaning more or less than 45 degrees.

3.  The minimum length of any tally piece is 3.0 feet. When CWD pieces
    are close to 3 feet, measure the length to the nearest 0.1 ft to
    determine if it is [\>]{.underline}3.0 ft.

4.  ![](media/image3.png){width="1.9744094488188977in"
    height="0.75in"}Tally rules depend on the decay class of the piece.

(see section 14.8.9)

[For decay classes 1 to 4]{.underline}: tally a piece if it is
[\>]{.underline} 3.0 inches in diameter at the point of intersection
with the transect. The piece must be [\>]{.underline} 3.0 feet in length
and [\>]{.underline} 3.0 inches or more in diameter along that length.
If the intersect diameter is close to 3.0 inches, measure the diameter
to the nearest 0.1 inch to determine if the piece qualifies (Figure
14-4).

> [For decay class 5]{.underline}: tally a piece if it is
> [\>]{.underline} 5.0 inches in diameter at the point of intersection
> [and]{.underline} **[\>]{.underline} 5.0 inches high from the
> ground.** The piece must be [\>]{.underline} 3.0 feet in length and
> [\>]{.underline} 5.0 inches or more in diameter along that length. The
> reason for treating decay class 5 pieces differently is because they
> are difficult to identify, especially when heavily decomposed. Only
> pieces that still have some shape and log form are tallied---humps of
> decomposed wood that are becoming part of the duff layer are not
> tallied.

5.  Tally pieces created by natural causes (examples: natural breakage
    or uprooting) or by human activities such as cutting only if not
    systematically machine-piled. Do [not]{.underline} record pieces
    that are part of machine-piled slash piles or windrows, or that are
    part of a log \"jumble\" at the bottom of a steep-sided ravine in
    which individual pieces are impractical to tally separately.
    Instead, sample these piles according to instructions on *Sampling
    Residue Piles* (see section 14.12). A slash pile or windrow consists
    of broken logs, limbs, and other vegetative debris.

6.  Tally a piece only if the point of intersection occurs
    [above]{.underline} the ground. If one end of a piece is buried in
    the litter, duff, or mineral soil, the piece ends at the point where
    it is no longer visible. Measure the diameter and length at this
    point.

7.  If the central longitudinal axis of a piece is intersected more than
    once on a transect line or if it is intersected by two transect
    lines, tally the piece each time it is intersected (uncommon
    situation, see Figure 14-5).

![](media/image4.png){width="2.37007874015748in"
height="1.4692913385826771in"}![](media/image5.png){width="0.49015748031496065in"
height="1.954724409448819in"}

8.  Tally a piece only once if the subplot center falls directly on the
    central longitudinal axis of the piece. Tally the piece on the 30
    degree transect and record the CWD Distance as 001.

9.  If a piece is fractured across its diameter, and would pull apart at
    the fracture if pulled from either end, treat it as two separate
    pieces. If judged that it would not pull apart, tally as one piece.
    Tally only the piece intersected by the transect line.

10. If a piece is split along its length, would pull apart at the split
    if pulled from either side, and the split was due to the piece
    falling or to the impact of another piece or object, then treat it
    as two separate pieces. If judged that it would not pull apart,
    tally as one piece. Tally only pieces intersected by the transect
    line.

11. Do [not]{.underline} tally a piece if it intersects the transect on
    the root side of the root collar. Do [not]{.underline} tally roots.

12. When the transect crosses a forked down tree bole or large branch
    connected to a down tree, tally each qualifying piece separately. To
    be tallied, each individual piece must meet the minimum diameter and
    length requirements. In the case of forked trees, consider the
    \"main bole\" to be the piece with the largest diameter at the fork.
    Characteristics for this fork such as length and decay class should
    pertain to the entire main bole. For smaller forks or branches
    connected to a main bole (even if the main bole is not a tally
    piece), characteristics pertain only to that portion of the piece up
    to the point where it attaches to the main bole (see Figure 14-6).

![](media/image6.png){width="3.0984251968503935in"
height="1.7291338582677165in"}![](media/image7.png){width="2.722047244094488in"
height="2.041732283464567in"}

#  

# 14.6 TALLY RULES FOR CWD WHEN THE PIECE LAYS ACROSS MULTIPLE CONDITIONS 

1.  The entire piece is assigned to the condition class found at the
    point of intersection with the transect. Tally the piece if the
    condition class at the intersection is accessible forest land
    (CONDITION_STATUS = 1) (Figure 14-7).

    ![](media/image8.png){width="3.166535433070866in"
    height="2.3751968503937007in"}

2.  If a transect intersects a piece exactly on a condition class
    boundary (a rare situation), the entire piece should be assigned to
    the condition class which contains the large end of the piece.
    Because the data recorder actually does the 'assignment' by keeping
    track of the location of the piece in relation to each condition
    class mapped along the transect, crews need to force the piece into
    the correct condition. This is done by recording a value for the
    slope distance of the piece that is either 0.1ft greater or less
    than the slope distance of the condition class boundary (and
    intersection point). See Figure 14-8.

## ![](media/image3.png){width="2.319291338582677in" height="0.805511811023622in"}

## 

## 

## 

## 

## 

3\. If a transect intersects a nonforest condition (e.g., a road) no CWD
is tallied.

# 14.7 MARKING CWD

Marking CWD is optional. Marked CWD is an aid to future crews returning
to the plot for a QA check or to remeasure the plot at the next
remeasurement period. Nails can be used to mark the location of the
point of intersection, if the piece is in decay class 1, 2, or 3.
Position the nail on top of the piece, and if possible, drive the nail
into the piece so that about 1 inch of the nail is left exposed. Stop
driving the nail if the next blow means breaking the piece or seriously
disturbing the location of the piece. Please see section 14.4 Transect
Line Segmenting, for information on the [required]{.underline} marking
of the transect line.

# 14.8 RECORDING PROCEDURES FOR CWD

Record each piece on a transect as a single line entry, completing the
items indicated with \"X\"s on the CWD tally guide. If [no]{.underline}
CWD pieces are tallied on a transect, press MENU DONE at the 1^st^ line
of the menu. The combination of a recorded transect segment in a forest
condition along with no CWD records will indicate that transect was
actually installed but no CWD was found (e.g., a "zero tally" transect
).

The tolerance for the total number of pieces ([\>]{.underline} 3 inches,
transect diameter) tallied across all transects on the plot is : +/- 2
piece or +/- 5%, whichever is greater for the plot.

(note: always round up to a whole piece count when using the 5% option)

  --------- ------- --------- ------- ------- ------- ---------- ------- --------- ------- ---------- ------- ---------- ------- ---------- ------- ------------ ------- ----------- -------- ---------- -------- ---------- --
  **CWD                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
  TALLY                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
  GUIDE**                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

                    **SUB**           **T**           **CWD**                              **TRAN**           **SML**            **LRG**            **TOTAL**            **DECAY**            **HOL?**            **CWD**    

                    **PL**                            **DIST**           **SPC**           **DIAM**           **DIAM**           **DIAM**           **LENGTH**           **CLASS**                                **HIST**   

  **Item    **1**             **2**           **3**              **4**             **5**              **6**              **7**              **8**                **9**               **10**              **11**              
  \#**                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

                                              (ft)                                 (in)               (in)               (in)               (ft)                                                                             

            X                 XXX             XX.Y               XXX               XXX                XXX                XXX                XX                   X                   X                   X                   
  --------- ------- --------- ------- ------- ------- ---------- ------- --------- ------- ---------- ------- ---------- ------- ---------- ------- ------------ ------- ----------- -------- ---------- -------- ---------- --

# 

# 

# 14.8.1 SUBPLOT NUMBER (SUB PL)

Record a 1-digit code indicating the number of the subplot center from
which the transect originates.

When collected: All tally pieces

Field width: 1 digit

Tolerance: No errors

MQO: At least 99% of the time

Values: 1 to 4

## 14.8.2 TRANSECT (T)

> Record a 3-digit code indicating the transect on which the piece is
> sampled.

When Collected: All tally pieces

Field width: 3 digits

> Tolerance: No errors
>
> MQO: At least 99% of the time
>
> Values: 030, 150, 270 (see 14.4.2)

## 14.8.3 CWD SLOPE DISTANCE (CWD DIST)

Record a 3-digit code indicating the slope distance from the subplot
center to the point where the transect intersects the longitudinal
center of the piece. Measure and record to the nearest 0.1 feet. CWD
SLOPE DISTANCE is an important item because it will be used to assign
the CWD piece to a condition class by comparing the recorded distance to
the piece with the recorded BEGINNING and ENDING DISTANCE to the
CONDITION CLASS BOUNDARY. CWD DIST is also used to locate the piece for
QA and remeasurement in future inventories. If two or more pieces have
the same slope distances, record the top piece first.

When Collected: All tally pieces

Field width: 3 digits

> Tolerance: +/- 1.0 ft
>
> MQO: At least 90% of the time

Values: 0.1 to 99.9

14.8.4 SPECIES (SPC)

> Record a 3-digit code indicating the species of the piece. Species
> codes are the same as those used for trackable trees (see Appendix 4
> of the P2 field guide). Because CWD includes the tally of large shrub
> boles and woody vines, enter a code of '01' for SPC if the tally piece
> is a shrub or vine.

Species identification may be uncertain for some pieces. Make an
educated guess. The piece\'s bark (either attached or sloughed and
laying beside the piece), branching pattern (if the branches are still
present), or heartwood smell (particularly if cedars, Douglas-fir, or
western hemlock) may provide clues. Observe the tree species currently
on the site. On remeasurement plots, see what tree species were tallied
in past inventories. One way to distinguish hardwoods from softwoods is
by the type of decay present. Hardwoods usually have a white or grayish
stringy rot, while softwoods usually have a reddish-brown blocky rot. If
it is not possible to identify the species, attempt to estimate if it is
softwood or hardwood. Enter code 299 for unknown softwood or 998 for
unknown hardwood. If all else fails, enter the unknown SPECIES code
(999).

When Collected: All Decay Class 1 to 4 tally pieces

Field width: 3-digits

> Tolerance: No errors
>
> MQO: At least 80% of the time (when reasonable)
>
> Values: See species codes for the trackable tree tally in Appendix 4
> of the P2 field guide.

[Measuring Diameters]{.underline}

The diameter is most commonly measured by holding a tape above the log,
at a position perpendicular to the length (Figure 14-9). It is useful to
carry a steel carpenters retracting tape to measure diameters. Other
methods include wrapping a tape around the bole if possible, holding a
straight-edge ruler above the piece, or using calipers.

![](media/image9.png){width="1.652755905511811in"
height="0.5507874015748031in"}![](media/image10.png){width="1.3818897637795275in"
height="0.49015748031496065in"}![](media/image11.png){width="2.1145669291338582in"
height="0.6874015748031496in"}

For pieces that are not round in cross-section because of missing chunks
of wood or \"settling\" due to decay, measure the diameter in two
directions and take an average. Estimate the longest and shortest axis
of the cross-section (\"A\" and \"B\" in Figure 14-10), and enter the
average in the diameter field. This technique applies to intersect,
small-end, and large-end diameters.

![](media/image12.wmf)

If the transect intersects the log at the decayed or splintered end
(Figure 14-11) (i.e., the portion where we do not consider it part of
the log because it is falling apart), record the diameter at this
location as the intersect diameter, but record the large end and small
end diameter according to our established rules (i.e., at the points
where they best represent the log volume). If the splintered end appears
to be two separate pieces (i.e., a major split located just at the end)
-- in this situation treat it as one log and take a diameter around the
end (take 2 measurements if it is odd shaped). Length would be measured
between the large and small end diameters.

![](media/image13.png)

## 14.8.5 DIAMETER AT POINT OF INTERSECTION (TRAN DIAM) 

> Record a 3-digit code indicating the piece\'s diameter at the point
> where the transect intersects the longitudinal center of the piece.
> The diameter is recorded to the nearest inch. If the diameter is close
> to 3 inches, measure the diameter to the nearest 0.1 in to determine
> if the piece is actually [\>]{.underline}3.0 in and a valid tally
> piece.

When Collected: All tally pieces

Field width: 3 digits

Tolerance: Pieces \< 20.0 in. diameter: +/- 3.0 in

Pieces [\>]{.underline} 20.0 in. diameter: +/- 20%

> MQO: At least 90% of the time

Values: 3 to 200

## 14.8.6 DIAMETER AT THE SMALL END (SML DIAM) 

> Record a 3-digit code indicating the diameter at the piece\'s small
> end. The diameter is recorded to the nearest inch. The small end
> diameter occurs either at (1) the actual end of the piece, if the end
> has a diameter [\>]{.underline} 3.0 inches, or (2) at the point where
> the piece tapers down to 3.0 inches in diameter. If the end is
> splintered or decomposing (sloughing off), measure the diameter at the
> point where it best represents the overall log volume. Use the same
> measuring procedures described in 14.8.5 (see Figure 14-9). [Not
> recorded for Decay Class 5]{.underline}.

When Collected: All Decay Class 1 to 4 tally pieces

Field width: 3 digits

Tolerance Pieces \< 20.0 inches diameter: +/- 2.0 inches

Pieces [\>]{.underline} 20.0 inches diameter: +/- 10%

MQO: At least 90% of the time

> Values: 3 to 200

## 14.8.7 DIAMETER AT THE LARGE END (LRG DIAM) 

> Record a 3-digit code indicating the diameter at the piece\'s large
> end. The diameter is recorded to the nearest inch. The large end will
> occur either at a broken or sawn end, at a fracture, or at the root
> collar. If the end is splintered or decomposing (sloughing off),
> measure the diameter at the point where it best represents the overall
> log volume. Use the same measuring procedures used for 14.8.5. [Not
> recorded for Decay Class 5.]{.underline}

When Collected: All Decay Class 1 to 4 tally pieces

Field width: 3digits

Tolerance: Pieces \< 20.0 inches diameter: +/- 2.0 inches

> Pieces [\>]{.underline} 20.0 inches diameter: +/- 15%
>
> MQO: At least 90% of the time
>
> Values: 3 to 200

## 14.8.8 TOTAL LENGTH (TOTAL LENGTH) 

> Record a 3-digit code indicating the total length of the piece to the
> nearest foot. Total length is the length of the piece that lies
> between the piece\'s [recorded small and large end
> diameters]{.underline} (14.8.6 & 14.8.7). For Decay Class 5, small and
> large end diameters are not recorded for a log, therefore the length
> is measured between the two physical ends of the log. For curved logs,
> measure along the curve. The minimum log length is 3.0 feet before it
> is a valid tally log. When the length is close to 3.0 ft, measure the
> length to determine if the piece is actually [\>]{.underline}3.0 ft.

When Collected: All tally pieces

Field width: 3 digits

> Tolerance: + / - 20%
>
> MQO: At least 90% of the time

Values: 3 to 250

## 14.8.9 DECAY CLASS (DECAY CLASS) 

> Record a 1-digit code indicating the decay class of the piece. Code
> the decay class which [predominates]{.underline} along the recorded
> TOTAL LENGTH (14.8.8) of the piece. Use the guide below (which differs
> from decay class descriptions for snags) to determine decay class for
> CWD.

When Collected: All tally pieces

Field width: 1 digit

> Tolerance: +/- 1 class
>
> MQO: At least 90% of the time

Values:

+-----+-------------+------------+--------+--------+-----------------+
| **D | **S         | **Texture  | *      | **Inva | **Branches and  |
| eca | tructural** | of**       | *Color | ding** | Twigs**         |
| y** |             |            | of**   |        |                 |
|     | **          | **Rotten   |        | **R    |                 |
| **C | Integrity** | Portions** | **     | oots** |                 |
| las |             |            | Wood** |        |                 |
| s** |             |            |        |        |                 |
+-----+-------------+------------+--------+--------+-----------------+
| **  | Sound,      | Intact, no | Or     | Absent | If branches are |
| 1** | freshly     | rot; conks | iginal |        | present, fine   |
|     | fallen,     | of stem    | color  |        | twigs are still |
|     | intact logs | decay      |        |        | attached and    |
|     |             | absent     |        |        | have tight bark |
+-----+-------------+------------+--------+--------+-----------------+
| **  | Sound       | Mostly     | Or     | Absent | If branches are |
| 2** |             | intact;    | iginal |        | present, many   |
|     |             | sapwood    | color  |        | fine twigs are  |
|     |             | partly     |        |        | gone and        |
|     |             | soft       |        |        | remaining fine  |
|     |             | (starting  |        |        | twigs have      |
|     |             | to decay)  |        |        | peeling bark    |
|     |             | but can't  |        |        |                 |
|     |             | be pulled  |        |        |                 |
|     |             | apart by   |        |        |                 |
|     |             | hand       |        |        |                 |
+-----+-------------+------------+--------+--------+-----------------+
| **  | Heartwood   | Hard,      | Re     | S      | Branch stubs    |
| 3** | sound;      | large      | ddish- | apwood | will not pull   |
|     | **piece     | pieces;    | brown  | only   | out             |
|     | supports    | sapwood    | or     |        |                 |
|     | its own     | can be     | or     |        |                 |
|     | weight**    | pulled     | iginal |        |                 |
|     |             | apart by   | color  |        |                 |
|     |             | hand or    |        |        |                 |
|     |             | sapwood    |        |        |                 |
|     |             | absent     |        |        |                 |
+-----+-------------+------------+--------+--------+-----------------+
| **  | Heartwood   | Soft,      | R      | Throu  | Branch stubs    |
| 4** | rotten;     | small      | eddish | gh-out | pull out        |
|     | piece       | blocky     | or     |        |                 |
|     | **does      | pieces;    | light  |        |                 |
|     | not**       | **a metal  | brown  |        |                 |
|     | support its | pin can be |        |        |                 |
|     | own weight, | pushed     |        |        |                 |
|     | but         | into       |        |        |                 |
|     | maintains   | h          |        |        |                 |
|     | its shape   | eartwood** |        |        |                 |
+-----+-------------+------------+--------+--------+-----------------+
| **  | None, piece | Soft;      | Red    | Throu  | Branch stubs    |
| 5** | **no        | powdery    | -brown | gh-out | and pitch       |
|     | longer**    | when dry   | to     |        | pockets have    |
|     | maintains   |            | dark   |        | usually rotted  |
|     | its shape,  |            | brown  |        | down            |
|     | it spreads  |            |        |        |                 |
|     | out on      |            |        |        |                 |
|     | ground      |            |        |        |                 |
+-----+-------------+------------+--------+--------+-----------------+

Note: Decay class 5 pieces can be difficult to identify because they
often blend into the duff and litter layers. They must still resemble a
log, therefore, the first tally rule is that they must be
[\>]{.underline} 5.0 inches in diameter, [\>]{.underline} 5.0 inches
from the surface of the ground, and at least 3.0 feet long. Decomposed
logs that are slightly elevated 'humps' on the ground are not tallied.

Decay classes: The chart above was developed primarily Douglas-fir in
the Pacific Northwest. At the present time, there are no other charts
available to use to describe decay classes for other species or
locations. Concentrate on the structural integrity and texture when
estimating a decay class for CWD logs. A new series of charts will be
developed in the future to better assess a variety of species and
geographic locations. Crews are asked to keep a record of what they
observe on different species, and relate that to a particular decay
class code. This will aid in creating new tables that are more relevant
to the diversity of species encountered.

If a log is case hardened (hard, intact outer sapwood shell) but the
heartwood is rotten, code this log as a decay class 2 with a hollow code
of "Y". Decay class 1 should be reserved for 'freshly fallen' logs that
are completely intact (i.e., recent windfalls, or harvest).

14.8.10 IS THE PIECE HOLLOW? (HOL?)

Record a 1-digit code indicating whether the piece is hollow (see Figure
14-12).

When Collected: All Decay Class 1 to 4 tally pieces

Field width: 1 digit

Tolerance: No errors

MQO: At least 90% of the time

> Values:

  ---------- ----------------------------------------------------------------
  **Code**   **Definition**

  **Y**      A piece is considered hollow if a cavity extends at least 2 feet
             along the central longitudinal axis of the piece, and the
             diameter of the entrance to the cavity is at least 1/4 of the
             diameter of the piece where the entrance occurs. The entrance
             occurs at the point where the circumference of the cavity is
             whole \-- the point where wood is present completely around the
             circumference of the cavity. The length of the cavity begins at
             this point

  **N**      Does not meet criteria for being a hollow log
  ---------- ----------------------------------------------------------------

![](media/image14.wmf){width="4.070866141732283in"
height="2.0708661417322833in"}

### 

## 

## 

##  14.8.11 CWD history (CWD HIST)

Record a 1-digit code that indicates whether the piece of CWD is on the
ground as a result of harvesting operations or as a result of natural
circumstances. One objective of this item is to identify those pieces
that are considered logging residue. If the piece appears to have fallen
to the ground as a result of natural causes such as decomposition or
windfall, enter a code of 1. This category would include blown out tops,
snapped off boles, wind-fallen trees on clearcut edges, and trees that
basically collapsed and fell over due to decomposition.

> If the piece is on the ground as a result of RECENT (within the last
> 15 years) harvesting activity, either because the tree was cut down
> with a chainsaw (or other device) or pushed over by harvesting
> equipment (bulldozer), enter a code of 2. A code of 2 would be
> considered logging residue (usually you are in the middle of a recent
> clearcut).
>
> If the piece is on the ground as a result of OLDER (more than 15
> years) harvesting activity, enter a code of 3. This would be a
> situation where you tally an old decomposing log that has a sawn end
> -- if it appears that the log was cut and left on site, then enter a
> code of "3".

If a piece is on the ground as a result of incidental harvest (such as a
standing tree was cut for firewood or small clearing), enter a code of
"4". Incidental harvest involves a few trees and is not a part of a
major organized harvesting operation.

If you cannot decide the history of the CWD log, classify it as
"unknown", and give it a code of "5".

When Collected: All Decay Class 1 to 4 tally pieces

Field width: 1 digit

> Tolerance: No errors
>
> MQO: None

MQO: At least 90% of the time

> Values:

  ---------- ----------------------------------------------------------------
  **Code**   **Definition**

  **1**      CWD piece is on the ground as a result of **natural causes**

  **2**      CWD piece is on the ground as a result of major **RECENT**
             **harvest activity** (\<= 15 yrs old)

  **3**      CWD piece is on the ground as a result of **OLDER** **harvest
             activity** (\>15 yrs old)

  **4**      CWD piece is on the ground as a result of an incidental harvest
             (such as firewood cutting)

  **5**      Exact Reason Unknown
  ---------- ----------------------------------------------------------------

# 14.9 SAMPLING METHODS FOR FINE WOODY DEBRIS (FWD)

1.  Fine Woody Debris (FWD) is sampled in accessible forest land
    conditions. The length of FWD transects are measured in SLOPE
    DISTANCE\--no correction is applied to obtain a horizontal distance.
    The FWD transects start at 14.0 feet SLOPE DISTANCE and extend for
    6.0 or 10.0 feet SLOPE DISTANCE. Estimates of FWD biomass calculated
    in the office, will include a slope correction factor obtained from
    the transect segmenting data on the subplot.

2.  Only sample FWD that intersects a plane from the ground to a height
    of 6 feet.

3.  FWD is sampled in three size classes, on the 150 degree azimuth
    transect. Two of the FWD size classes (0.01 to 0.24 in and 0.25 to
    0.9 in) are counted on a 6 foot transect, from 14 to 20 ft. Pieces
    in the 3^rd^ size class (1.0 to 2.9 in) are counted on a 10 foot
    transect, from 14 to 24 ft (see section 14.3 for details on
    transects). These transects overlap. Note: individual diameters are
    not recorded for FWD. Transects begin outside the subplot boundary
    to avoid sampling of trampled areas where numerous measurements are
    made on trees and understory vegetation, etc.

4.  Count a piece of FWD if it intersects the transect,
    [and]{.underline} the condition class is accessible forest land at
    the point of intersection. Only count a piece if the twig, branch,
    wood fragment, or shrub/tree bole are [woody]{.underline}. Do not
    count pine or fir needles or non-woody parts of a tree or shrub.

5.  Accumulate the number of pieces counted within each size class and
    enter the total count on one record for the subplot (unless there
    are \>1 condition classes). If there is no tally on a transect,
    enter zero's for the count.

6.  Accurate counts of FWD can be conducted efficiently up to about 50
    pieces for small and medium size classes, and up to 20 pieces for
    the large size class. After that, crews can begin estimating counts
    in a systematic fashion. Transects that fall on very dense FWD where
    counting is nearly impossible, can be subsampled and calculated. For
    example, an accurate count can be conducted on a 2.0 ft-section of
    the transect and then multiplied by 3 to provide an estimate for the
    6 foot transect, as long as the crew feels that the remaining
    transect has a similar density of FWD pieces.

7.  If a transect intersects a large pile of material such as a wood
    rat's nest or a recently fallen tree (with many attached fine
    branches), crews should estimate a count based on #6 above, but also
    enter a code indicating that this is an unusual situation (see
    REASON_HIGHCOUNT below).

8.  If rocks, logs, or other obstructions are present along the transect
    (14 to 24 ft section) include any FWD that is present on top of
    these obstructions in the respective FWD counts. If the obstructions
    are so large (huge boulder) that you can not see the top surface,
    assume the count is zero in this area, and continue counting if
    there is transect line beyond the boulder.

9.  If a residue pile intersects the FWD transect **at any point** along
    the 14 to 24 ft section, **do not measure FWD on this transect.** It
    is too subjective determining exact boundaries of the pile, and how
    they relate to the exact point on the transect line.

> To identify this situation, code Yes of No in the variable
> **RP_on_transect?** which indicates that a residue pile has
> intersected the transect line. The Default for this variable will be
> set to No, and crews can then change this when the situation occurs.

10. If a transect crosses a condition class boundary, record the
    CONDITION CLASS number and enter a count for each condition on
    separate records. Transect lengths within each condition class will
    be obtained from the transect segmenting data entered for the
    subplot.

  --------- ---------- ------- -------- ------- ----------- ------- ------------ ------- ----------- ------- ------------- ------- --------------
  **FINE                                                                                                                           
  WOODY                                                                                                                            
  DEBRIS                                                                                                                           
  COUNT                                                                                                                            
  TALLY                                                                                                                            
  GUIDE**                                                                                                                          

            **SUB**            **CC**           **SMALL**           **MEDIUM**           **LARGE**           **REASON              **Residue
                                                                                                             FOR**                 Pile?**

            **PLOT**                            **FWD**             **FWD**              **FWD**             **HIGH                **RP on
                                                                                                             COUNT**               Transect?**

  **ITEM    **1**      **2**            **3**               **4**                **5**               **6**                 **7**   
  \#**                                                                                                                             

                                                                                                                                   

            XX         X                XXX                 XXX                  XXX                 X                     X       
  --------- ---------- ------- -------- ------- ----------- ------- ------------ ------- ----------- ------- ------------- ------- --------------

## 14.9.1 SUBPLOT NUMBER (SUB PL)

Record a 1-digit code indicating the subplot center from which the
transect originates.

When collected: All tally segments

Field width: 1 digit

Tolerance: No errors

MQO: At least 99% of the time

Values: 1 to 4

## 14.9.2 CONDITION CLASS (CC)

> Record a 1 digit code indicating the number of the condition class
> that pertains to the FWD count.

When collected: All tally segments

Field width: 1 digit

Tolerance: No errors

MQO: At least 99% of the time

> Values: 1 to 9

## 

## 

## 14.9.3 COUNT OF PIECES IN THE 0.01 TO 0.25 INCH DIAMETER SIZE CLASS (SMALL_FWD)

Record the number of pieces counted in this size class along the
transect segment. An accurate count should be conducted up to 50 pieces.
If the count exceeds 50, the transect can be subsampled to estimate a
total count for the transect segment (see 14.9.6)

When collected: On the 150 degree transect

Field width: 3 digits

Tolerance: 0 to 50 = +/- 20% of the total count for the entire plot

Tolerance: 51 to 100 = +/- 25% of the total count for the entire plot

Tolerance: 100 + = +/- 50% of the total count for the entire plot
(14.9.6 should have a code \> 0)

MQO: None

Values: 0 to 999

## 

## 

## 14.9.4 COUNT OF PIECES IN THE 0.25 TO 1.0 INCH DIAMETER SIZE CLASS (MEDIUM_FWD)

Record the number of pieces counted in this size class along the
transect segment. An accurate count should be conducted up to 50 pieces.
If the count exceeds 50, the transect can be subsampled to estimate a
total count for the transect segment (see 14.9.6)

When collected: On the 150 degree transect

Field width: 3 digits

Tolerance: +/- 20% of the total count for the entire plot

MQO: None

Values: 0 to 999

## 14.9.5 COUNT OF PIECES IN THE 1.0 TO 3.0 INCH DIAMETER SIZE CLASS (LARGE_FWD)

Record the number of pieces counted in this size class along the
transect segment. An accurate count should be conducted up to 20 pieces.
If the count exceeds 20, the transect can be subsampled to estimate a
total count for the transect segment (see section 14.9.6).

When collected: On the 150 degree transect

Field width: 3 digits

Tolerance: +/- 20% of the total count for the entire plot

MQO: None

Values: 0 to 500

## 14.9.6 REASON FOR AN UNUSUALLY HIGH COUNT OF FWD (REASON_HIGHCOUNT)

Enter a code that applies to the situation encountered on the transect.
Enter a code if any of the counts on a transect are greater than 100
pieces.

> When Collected: When any count on the transect [\>]{.underline}100
>
> Field width: 1 digit
>
> Tolerance: No errors
>
> MQO: None
>
> Values:

### 

### 

### 

### 

## 14.9.7 RESIDUE PILE ON TRANSECT? (RP_on_transect?)

Enter a code that indicates whether a residue pile intersects the FWD
transect segment. The default is always "N" , crews will enter a "Y" if
the situation is encountered on the transect.

> When Collected: On all FWD transects (between 14 and 24 feet)
>
> Field width: 1 digit
>
> Tolerance: No errors
>
> MQO: None

MQO: None

> Values: N= No; Y = Yes

# 14.10 DUFF, LITTER, AND FUELBED DEPTH MEASUREMENTS

Depth measurements are sampled in accessible forest land conditions. The
depth of the duff layer, litter layer, and overall fuelbed are important
components of fire models used to estimate fire behavior, fire spread,
fire effects, and smoke production. These measurements are taken at the
24-foot location on each transect. An average depth will be calculated
in the office and stored with other information about the condition
class on the plot. **If a residue pile, log, rock, or other
obstruction** **intersects the transect at the 24** **ft location, do
not measure the duff or litter depth. But, DO measure the fuelbed
depth** **IF the obstruction is a log or residue pile.**

Definitions:

1.  Litter is the layer of freshly fallen leaves, needles, twigs (\< ¼
    inch in diameter), cones, detached bark chunks, dead moss, dead
    lichens, detached small chunks of rotted wood, dead herbaceous
    stems, and flower parts (detached and not upright). Litter is the
    loose plant material found on the top surface of the forest floor.
    Little decomposition has begun in this layer.

> Litter is flash fuel -- so think about it as the loose material that
> is exposed to the air, capable of igniting quickly and carrying a fire
> across the surface of the forest floor.
>
> Litter does not include bark that is still attached to a down log, or
> rotten chunks of wood that are still inside a decaying log or log end
> (i.e., if a decayed log end has a lot of rotten cubes or pieces laying
> on a log surface and exposed to air, they are considered part of the
> log and not litter -- fire would burn differently if it hit a pile of
> rotten punky wood chips, cradled by the unrotted sapwood shell). If
> these rotten chunks have spilled out to the ground and are actually on
> the ground surface, then they would be included in the litter layer.
>
> Litter does not include cowpies. These are more like duff (but are not
> duff) than litter.

Microplot estimates: As you look down on the microplot, litter is the
material that you see covering the surface area of the 6.8 ft radius
plot.

2.  Duff is the layer just below litter. It consists of decomposing
    leaves and other organic material. You should see NO recognizable
    plant parts, the duff layer is usually dark decomposed organic
    matter. When moss is present, the top of the duff layer is just
    below the green portion of the moss. The bottom of this layer is the
    point where [mineral soil]{.underline} (A horizon) begins.

3.  The fuelbed is the accumulated mass of dead, woody material on the
    surface of the forest floor. It begins at the top of the duff layer,
    and includes litter, FWD, CWD, and dead woody shrubs. In this
    definition, the fuelbed does not include dead hanging branches from
    standing trees.

Measurements:

Depth measurements will be taken at the 24 foot (slope distance)
location on each transect. If a log, rock or other obstruction occurs at
the sample location, do not measure duff or litter depth, regardless of
what is on top of the obstruction. However, if the obstruction is a log,
proceed with the fuelbed depth estimate.

Indicate if the duff and litter depths were measured on the transect by
recording Yes or No in the variable called DL_SAMP. The default is
"Yes", indicating the depths WERE sampled. A value of "No" indicates an
obstruction occurred at 24 feet, and that no sample was taken. If a
value of "No" was entered AND a measurement for the fuelbed depth was
entered -- this would indicate that the obstruction was a log, and that
fuelbed depth was required.

[Duff and Litter]{.underline}: Carefully expose a shallow profile of the
forest floor by digging out an area at the sample point using a knife,
hatchet, or other tool. Estimate the depth of each layer with a ruler to
the nearest 0.1 inch. If there is a log, rock, or other obstruction on
the surface at the sample point, do not measure the litter or duff depth
(record DL_SAMP = N) ; a value of 99.9 will be entered by the TALLY
program for each depth.

As you dig the hole for this measurement, if you encounter a rock, root,
or buried log -- stop the depth measurement at this point.

The height of the litter should be measured at the top of the loose
material located at the sample point on the transect. Try to preserve
the conditions of this location by walking around this point, so the QA
staff will measure the same height as the original crew.

> [Fuelbed]{.underline}: Measure the height of the fuelbed from the top
> of the duff layer (just below the litter) to the highest piece of
> woody debris found at the transect point. Round to the nearest 0.1
> foot. If a rock or other obstruction (other than a log) occurs at the
> 24 ft sample location, do not measure fuelbed depth.

  ----------- ---------- ------- ------------- ----------- ------------ -------------
  **DUFF,                                                               
  LITTER, AND                                                           
  FUELBED                                                               
  TALLY                                                                 
  GUIDE**                                                               

              **SUB**            **DL_SAMP**   **DUFF**    **LITTER**   **FUELBED**

              **PLOT**   **T**                 **DEPTH**   **DEPTH**    **DEPTH**

  **ITEM#**   **1**      **2**   **3**         **4**       **5**        **6**

                                               (in)        (in)         (ft)

              X          XXX     X             XX.Y        XX.Y         XX.Y
  ----------- ---------- ------- ------------- ----------- ------------ -------------

## 14.10.1 Subplot number (SUB PL)

Record a 2-digit code indicating the subplot center from which the
transect originates.

When collected: All tally segments

Field width: 1 digit

Tolerance: No errors

MQO: At least 99% of the time

Values: 1 to 4

## 14.10.2 Transect (T)

> Record a 3 digit code indicating the azimuth of the transect.

When collected: All tally segments

Field width: 3 digits

Tolerance: No errors

MQO: At least 99% of the time

Values: 030, 150, 270 (see 14.4.2)

## 14.10.3 Duff and litter sample taken at sample location? (DL_SAMP)

> Record a 1-digit code indicating if the depth of the duff and litter
> layer was measured.

When collected: At 24 feet on each transect

Field width: 1 digit

Tolerance: No errors

MQO: At least 99% of the time

> Values: Y= the measurement was taken (default)

N= the measurement was not taken because of an obstruction

## 14.10.4 Duff depth (DUFF_DEPTH)

> Record a 3-digit code indicating the depth of the duff layer, to the
> nearest 0.1 inch.
>
> When collected: At 24 feet on each transect
>
> Field width: 3 digits
>
> Tolerance: +/- 0.5 inch
>
> MQO:

MQO: At least 90% of the time

> Values: 0 to 99.9

## 14.10.5 Litter depth (LITTER_DEPTH)

> Record a 3-digit code indicating the depth of the litter layer, to the
> nearest 0.1 inch.
>
> When collected: At 24 feet on each transect
>
> Field width: 3 digit
>
> Tolerance: +/- 0.5 inch
>
> MQO:

MQO: At least 90% of the time

> Values: 0 to 99.9

## 

## 14.10.6 Depth of the fuelbed (FUELBED_DEPTH)

> Record a 3-digit code indicating the depth of the fuelbed layer, to
> the nearest 0.1 foot.
>
> If the fuelbed depth is \>0 and [\<]{.underline} 0.1 ft enter 0.1ft.
> In this situation finer depth resolution will be obtained from the
> duff and litter measurements.
>
> When collected: At 24 feet on each transect
>
> Field width: 3 digits
>
> Tolerance: +/- 20%
>
> MQO:

MQO: At least 90% of the time

> Values: 0 to 99.9

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc5442546 .anchor}14.11 FUEL LOADING ON THE
MICROPLOT

Another component of the total fuel loading on a plot is the biomass of
live and dead understory material. The 6.8-ft radius microplot will be
used to estimate the percent cover and height of live and dead shrubs,
live and dead herbs (includes grasses) and litter. Fuel loading is
estimated in accessible forest land conditions on the microplot. Enter
one value for all forested conditions combined.

Shrubs are plants with woody stems. Herbs are non-woody herbaceous
plants, but also include ferns, moss, lichens, sedges, and grasses.
Although many forbs and grasses will die by the end of the growing
season, an estimate of live and dead biomass on a given date will help
fire modelers predict the phenology of herbaceous material during the
year, allowing them to estimate fire danger patterns across the
landscape.

PERCENT COVER is estimated for each of the five fuel categories (shown
below) in 10-percent classes. For live fuels, estimate the percent of
the microplot area that is covered by live plant material. Include whole
plants that are entirely green (or alive) and the live branches on
plants that are a mixture of live and dead plant parts. Include live
branches or leaves that extend into the microplot area from a plant that
is actually rooted outside of the microplot. **Do not include**
**herbaceous material above 6 feet** (i.e., moss, ferns, lichens,
epiphytes that are growing in tree branches above 6 ft).

For dead fuels, estimate the PERCENT COVER using the same procedures as
live fuels, but include plants that are entirely dead and branches or
leaves that are dead but still attached to a live plant. Dead plant
material must be clearly visible. [Do not include dead material that has
fallen to the ground.]{.underline} Cover estimates are made by
visualizing an outline around the dead material (with all 'air' space
included) and accumulating this across the microplot area.

An estimate of the total HEIGHT of the shrub and herbaceous layers is
also needed to calculate biomass and fuel loadings. Record a HEIGHT
estimate for each fuel category, except litter. Height is estimated for
the tallest shrub on the microplot.

  ------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
  **Cover Class       
  Codes**             

  **Code**            **Percent Cover**

  00                  Absent

  01                  Trace ( \< 1% cover)

  10                  1 -- 10%

  20                  11-20%

  30                  21-30%

  ....                

  90                  81-90%

  99                  91-100%
  ------------------- ---------------------------------------------------

**Microplot Cover Estimation Guide** (Hint: 8.5" x 11" = about 0.5%
coverage)

  ---------------- ------------------ ---------------- -------------------
  **%**            **area (sq ft)**   **radius (ft)**  **square (ft)**

  1                1.45               0.68             1.20

  10               14.52              2.15             3.81

  20               29.04              3.04             5.39

  30               43.56              3.72             6.60

  40               58.08              4.30             7.62

  50               72.60              4.81             8.52

  60               87.12              5.27             9.33

  70               101.64             5.69             10.08

  80               116.16             6.08             10.78

  90               130.68             6.45             11.43

  100              145.2              6.80             12.05
  ---------------- ------------------ ---------------- -------------------

<table style="width:100%;">
<colgroup>
<col style="width: 12%" />
<col style="width: 9%" />
<col style="width: 9%" />
<col style="width: 9%" />
<col style="width: 9%" />
<col style="width: 9%" />
<col style="width: 9%" />
<col style="width: 9%" />
<col style="width: 9%" />
<col style="width: 10%" />
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr class="odd">
<td colspan="10">MICROPLOT FUEL LOADING TALLY GUIDE</td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td>SUBPLOT</td>
<td>LIVE SHRUB %</td>
<td>LIVE SHRUB HT</td>
<td>DEAD SHRUB %</td>
<td>DEAD SHRUB HT</td>
<td>LIVE HERB %</td>
<td>LIVE HERB HT</td>
<td>DEAD HERB %</td>
<td>DEAD HERB HT</td>
<td><p>LITTER</p>
<p>%</p></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td>1</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>7</td>
<td>8</td>
<td>9</td>
<td>10</td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td>X</td>
<td>xx</td>
<td>xx.y</td>
<td>xx</td>
<td>xx.y</td>
<td>xx</td>
<td>xx.y</td>
<td>xx</td>
<td>xx.y</td>
<td>xx</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

## 14.11.1 SUBPLOT NUMBER (SUB PL)

Record a 1-digit code indicating the subplot center from which the
transect originates.

When collected: All microplot fuel samples

Field width: 1 digit

Tolerance: No errors

MQO: At least 99% of the time

Values: 1 to 4

## 14.11.2 LIVE SHRUBS PERCENT COVER (L_SHRUB_PC)

Record a 3-digit code for the cover class that indicates the percent
cover of the microplot area covered with live shrubs. See cover class
codes above.

When collected: All microplot fuel samples

> Field width: 3 digits
>
> Tolerance: +/- 1 class
>
> MQO: 85% of the time
>
> Values: 0 to 99

## 14.11.3 LIVE SHRUBS HEIGHT (L_SHRUB_HT)

> Record a 3-digit code indicating the height (at the tallest point) of
> the live shrub layer to the nearest 0.1 foot. Measure heights \< 6 ft
> and estimate heights [\>]{.underline} 6 ft.

When collected: All microplot fuel samples

> Field width: 3 digits
>
> Tolerance: +/- 0.5 feet
>
> MQO: At least 90% of the time
>
> Values: 0 to 99.9

## 14.11.4 DEAD SHRUBS PERCENT COVER (D_SHRUB_PC)

Record a 2-digit code for the cover class that indicates the percent
cover of the microplot area covered with dead shrubs and dead branches
attached to live shrubs if visible from above. See cover class codes
above.

When collected: All microplot fuel samples

> Field width: 2 digits
>
> Tolerance: +/- 1 class
>
> MQO: 85% of the time
>
> Values: 0 to 99

## 14.11.5 DEAD SHRUBS HEIGHT (D_SHRUB_HT)

> Record a 3-digit code indicating the height (at the tallest point) of
> the dead shrub layer to the nearest 0.1 foot. Measure heights \< 6 ft
> and estimate heights [\>]{.underline} 6 ft.

When collected: All microplot fuel samples

> Field width: 3 digits
>
> Tolerance: +/- 0.5 feet
>
> MQO: At least 90% of the time
>
> Values: 0 to 99.9

## 14.11.6 LIVE HERBS PERCENT COVER (L_HERB_PC)

Record a 2-digit code for the cover class that indicates the percent
cover of the microplot area covered with live herbaceous plants. See
cover class codes above.

When collected: All microplot fuel samples

> Field width: 2 digits
>
> Tolerance: +/- 1 class
>
> MQO: 85% of the time
>
> Values: 0 to 99

## 14.11.7 LIVE HERBS HEIGHT (L_HERB_HT)

> Record a 3-digit code indicating the height (at the tallest point) of
> the live herbaceous layer to the nearest 0.1 foot. Maximum height is 6
> feet.

When collected: All microplot fuel samples

> Field width: 3 digits
>
> Tolerance: +/- 0.2 feet
>
> MQO: At least 90% of the time
>
> Values: 0 to 99.9

## 14.11.8 DEAD HERBS PERCENT COVER (D_HERB_PC)

> Record a 2-digit code for the cover class that indicates the percent
> cover of the microplot area covered with dead herbaceous plants and
> dead leaves attached to live plants if visible from above. See cover
> class codes above.

When collected: All microplot fuel samples

> Field width: 2 digits
>
> Tolerance: +/- 1 class
>
> MQO: 85% of the time
>
> Values: 0 to 99

## 14.11.9 DEAD HERBS HEIGHT (D_HERB_HT)

> Record a 3-digit code indicating the height (at the tallest point) of
> the dead herbaceous layer to the nearest 0.1 foot. Maximum height is 6
> feet.

When collected: All microplot fuel samples

> Field width: 3 digits
>
> Tolerance: +/- 0.2 feet
>
> MQO: At least 90% of the time
>
> Values: 0 to 99.9

14.11.10 LITTER PERCENT COVER (LITTER)

> Record a 2-digit code for the cover class that indicates the percent
> cover of the microplot area covered with litter. Litter is the layer
> of freshly fallen leaves, twigs, dead moss, dead lichens, and other
> fine particles of organic matter found on the surface of the forest
> floor. Decomposition is minimal. See cover class codes above.

When collected: All microplot fuel samples

> Field width: 2 digits
>
> Tolerance: +/- 1 class
>
> MQO: 85% of the time
>
> Values: 0 to 99

## 

## 

## 

## 

## 

## 

## 

## 

## 

## 

## 

## 

## 

## 

# 14.12 SAMPLING RESIDUE PILES

The line transect method is not practical when sampling CWD within piles
and windrows. Piles and windrows will be located and sampled on the
subplot plot, [regardless]{.underline} of whether they intersect a
transect.

Piles and windrows [created directly by human activity]{.underline} and
log piles at the bottom of steep-sided ravines in which individual
pieces are impossible to tally separately, are more efficiently sampled
by using the following instructions. However, loose CWD in piles created
by wind throw, landslides, fires, and other natural causes should be
tallied using line transects [unless it is physically impossible to
measure the pieces]{.underline} in the natural pile.

**[For a pile to be tallied on a subplot that contains forest land, all
of the following criteria must be met (Figure 14-13):]{.underline}**

-   The pile\'s center must be within 24 horizontal feet of subplot
    center,

-   

-   The pile\'s center must be in an accessible forestland condition
    class, and

-   The pile contains pieces of CWD [\>]{.underline} 3 inches diameter
    that would be impossible to tally separately.

Use the PDENS variable to estimate the percent of the pile that contains
woody material [\>]{.underline} 3 inches .

The pile is assigned to the condition class in which the pile center
lies.

### Apply the following steps to determine the center of a pile or windrow: {#apply-the-following-steps-to-determine-the-center-of-a-pile-or-windrow .Head-4}

1.  Determine the longest axis of a pile.

2.  Determine the midpoint of this axis.

3.  Project a line through this midpoint that is perpendicular to the
    axis determined in step 1.

4.  Determine the midpoint of the segment of this projected line that
    crosses the pile.

5.  This is the center of the pile.

[Piles that cross the]{.underline} [24-foot fixed-radius]{.underline}
[subplot boundary:]{.underline} If the center of a pile is within 24
horizontal feet of subplot center, tally the pile, recording the
dimensions of the [entire]{.underline} pile even if part of the pile is
beyond 24 feet. If the center of a pile is more than 24 horizontal feet
of subplot center, do not tally the pile or any portion of the pile.

![](media/image15.png){width="4.554861111111111in" height="2.5in"}

### 

### 

### 

### 

## 

## 

## 

Record each residue pile on a subplot as a single line entry, completing
the items indicated with \"X\"s on the pile tally guide.

  ----------- --------- -------- ---------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- --------- --------- --- -------- -----------
  **RESIDUE                                                                                                                        
  PILE TALLY                                                                                                                       
  GUIDE**                                                                                                                          

              **SUB**   **CC**   **PILE**   **SHP**   **LNG1**   **LNG2**   **WID1**   **WID2**   **HT1**   **HT2**                **PDENS**

              **PL**             **AZM**                                                                                           

  **ITEM \#** **1**     **2**    **3**      **4**     **5**      **6**      **7**      **8**      **9**     **10**        **11**   

                                                      (ft)       (ft)       (ft)       (ft)       (ft)      (ft)          (%)      

                                                                                                                                   

              X         X        XXX        X         XX         XX         XX         XX         XX        XX            XX       
  ----------- --------- -------- ---------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- --------- --------- --- -------- -----------

## 14.12.1 SUBPLOT NUMBER (SUB PL)

> Record a 1-digit code indicating the subplot number.
>
> When collected: Record for all sampled residue piles
>
> Field width: 1 digit
>
> Tolerance: No errors
>
> MQO: At least 99% of the time
>
> Values: 1 to 4

## 14.12.2 CONDITION CLASS (CC)

> Record a 1-digit code indicating the number of the condition class to
> which the pile is assigned.
>
> When collected: Record for all sampled residue piles found on the
> subplot.
>
> Field Width: 1 digit
>
> Tolerance: No errors
>
> MQO: At least 99% of the time
>
> Values: 1 to 9

##  

## 14.12.3 PILE AZIMUTH (PILE AZM)

Record a 3-digit code indicating the azimuth from the subplot center to
the pile. This azimuth centers on the pile so that it can be relocated.
Hit menu DONE for subplots on which no piles are tallied.

> When collected: All sampled residue piles
>
> Field width: 3 digits
>
> Tolerance: +/- 10
>
> MQO: At least 90% of the time
>
> Values: 000, 1 to 360

## 14.12.4 SHAPE (SHP)

> Record a 1-digit code indicating the shape of the pile. Determine
> which of the 4 shapes diagrammed in Figure 14-14 most resembles the
> pile and record the dimensions. Pile dimensions should be ocularly
> smoothed out when making estimates. Average the unevenness of
> protruding pieces.
>
> When collected: When 14.12.2.3 is [\>]{.underline}0
>
> Field width: 1 digit
>
> Tolerance: No errors.
>
> MQO: At least 90% of the time
>
> Values: 1 to 4
>
> ![](media/image16.wmf)

Figure 14-14. Shape codes.

## 

## 14.12.5 and 14.12.6 LENGTH 1 and LENGTH 2 (LNG1, LNG2)

> Record a 2-digit code indicating the length of the sides of the pile.
> Estimate to the nearest foot. LENGTH 1 may often equal LENGTH 2.
>
> When collected: When 14.12.2.3 is [\>]{.underline}0, and LNG1 for
> shapes 1,2,3 and LNG1 & LNG2 for shape 4
>
> Field width: 2 digits
>
> Tolerance: +/- 10%
>
> MQO: At least 90% of the time
>
> Values: 1 to 99

## 14.12.7 and 14.12.8 WIDTH 1 and WIDTH 2 (WID1, WID2)

> Record a 2-digit code indicating the width of the sides of the pile.
> Estimate to the nearest foot. WIDTH 1 may often equal WIDTH 2.
>
> When collected: When 14.12.2.3 is [\>]{.underline}0, and WID1 for
> shapes 1,2; WID1 & WID2 for shapes 3,4
>
> Field width: 2 digits
>
> Tolerance: +/- 10%
>
> MQO: At least 90% of the time
>
> Values: 1 to 99

## 14.12.9 and 14.12.10 HEIGHT 1 and HEIGHT 2 (HT1, HT2)

> Record a 2-digit code indicating the height of either end of the pile.
> Estimate to the nearest foot. HEIGHT 1 may often equal HEIGHT 2.
>
> When collected: When 14.12.2.3 is [\>]{.underline}0, HT1 for all
> shapes; HT1 & HT2 for shapes 3,4
>
> Field width: 2 digits
>
> Tolerance: +/- 10%
>
> MQO: At least 90% of the time
>
> Values: 1 to 99

## 14.12.11 PILE DENSITY (PDENS)

> Record a 2-digit code estimating the percent of the pile that consists
> of wood. Things like air, soil, rock, plants should be factored out of
> the estimate. Estimate to the nearest 10 %.
>
> When collected: When 14.12.2.3 is [\>]{.underline}0
>
> Field width: 2 digits
>
> Tolerance: +/- 20%
>
> MQO: At least 75% of the time
>
> Values: 1 to 99

# 14.13 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Contact information for the National Advisor for this indicator is:
Karen Waddell, USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station,
P.O. Box 3890, Portland, OR 97205 or email <kwaddell@fs.fed.us> .

**DOWN WOODY DEBRIS --**

**TRANSECT SEGMENT DATA FORM**

HEX \# \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ DATE \_\_\_\_/\_\_\_\_/\_\_\_\_

######### 

######### CWD TRANSECT SEGMENTS

+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+
| SUB     | T       | CC      | SLP     | SLP     | SLP     | HOR     |
|         |         |         | DIST1   | DIST2   |         | DIST    |
| PL      |         |         |         |         | PCT     |         |
|         |         |         | (0.1ft) | (0.1ft) |         | (0.1ft) |
+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+
| xx      | Xxx     | x       | xxx.y   | xxx.y   | xxx     | xxx.y   |
+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+
|         |         |         |         |         |         |         |
+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+
|         |         |         |         |         |         |         |
+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+
|         |         |         |         |         |         |         |
+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+
|         |         |         |         |         |         |         |
+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+
|         |         |         |         |         |         |         |
+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+
|         |         |         |         |         |         |         |
+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+
|         |         |         |         |         |         |         |
+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+
|         |         |         |         |         |         |         |
+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+
|         |         |         |         |         |         |         |
+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+
|         |         |         |         |         |         |         |
+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+
|         |         |         |         |         |         |         |
+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+
|         |         |         |         |         |         |         |
+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+
|         |         |         |         |         |         |         |
+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+
|         |         |         |         |         |         |         |
+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+
|         |         |         |         |         |         |         |
+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+
|         |         |         |         |         |         |         |
+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+
|         |         |         |         |         |         |         |
+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+
|         |         |         |         |         |         |         |
+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+
|         |         |         |         |         |         |         |
+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+
|         |         |         |         |         |         |         |
+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+
|         |         |         |         |         |         |         |
+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+
|         |         |         |         |         |         |         |
+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+
|         |         |         |         |         |         |         |
+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+

**FWD DATA FORM**

HEX \# \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ DATE \_\_\_\_/\_\_\_\_/\_\_\_\_

FINE WOODY DEBRIS COUNT

+-------+--------+---------+--------+---------+----------+-----------+
| SU    | CON    | SMALL   | MED    | LARGE   | REASON   | RESIDUE   |
| BPLOT | DITION | FWD     | FWD    | FWD 1"  | FOR HIGH | PILE ON   |
|       | CLASS  | 0.1" TO |        | TO 3"   | COUNT    | TRANSECT? |
|       |        | 0.25"   | 0.25"  |         |          |           |
|       |        |         | TO 1"  |         |          |           |
+-------+--------+---------+--------+---------+----------+-----------+
| x     | X      | xxx     | Xxx    | xxx     | x        | x         |
+-------+--------+---------+--------+---------+----------+-----------+
|       |        |         |        |         |          |           |
+-------+--------+---------+--------+---------+----------+-----------+
|       |        |         |        |         |          |           |
+-------+--------+---------+--------+---------+----------+-----------+
|       |        |         |        |         |          |           |
+-------+--------+---------+--------+---------+----------+-----------+
|       |        |         |        |         |          |           |
+-------+--------+---------+--------+---------+----------+-----------+
|       |        |         |        |         |          |           |
+-------+--------+---------+--------+---------+----------+-----------+
|       |        |         |        |         |          |           |
+-------+--------+---------+--------+---------+----------+-----------+
|       |        |         |        |         |          |           |
+-------+--------+---------+--------+---------+----------+-----------+
|       |        |         |        |         |          |           |
+-------+--------+---------+--------+---------+----------+-----------+
|       |        |         |        |         |          |           |
+-------+--------+---------+--------+---------+----------+-----------+
|       |        |         |        |         |          |           |
+-------+--------+---------+--------+---------+----------+-----------+
|       |        |         |        |         |          |           |
+-------+--------+---------+--------+---------+----------+-----------+
|       |        |         |        |         |          |           |
+-------+--------+---------+--------+---------+----------+-----------+
|       |        |         |        |         |          |           |
+-------+--------+---------+--------+---------+----------+-----------+
|       |        |         |        |         |          |           |
+-------+--------+---------+--------+---------+----------+-----------+
|       |        |         |        |         |          |           |
+-------+--------+---------+--------+---------+----------+-----------+

**COARSE WOODY DEBRIS DATA FORM**

HEX \# \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ DATE \_\_\_\_/\_\_\_\_/\_\_\_\_
PAGE \_\_\_\_ OF\_\_\_\_

  --------- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ------------ ----------- ---------- ----------
  **SUB**   **TRAN**   **CWD**    **SPC**   **TRAN**   **SML**    **LRG**    **TOTAL**    **DECAY**   **HOL?**   **CWD**

  **PLT**              **DIST**             **DIAM**   **DIAM**   **DIAM**   **LENGTH**   **CLASS**              **HIST**

  **1**     **2**      **3**      **4**     **5**      **6**      **7**      **8**        **9**       **10**     **11**

  x         xxx        xx.y       xxx       xxx        xxx        xxx        xx           x           x          x

                                                                                                                  

                                                                                                                  

                                                                                                                  

                                                                                                                  

                                                                                                                  

                                                                                                                  

                                                                                                                  

                                                                                                                  

                                                                                                                  

                                                                                                                  

                                                                                                                  

                                                                                                                  

                                                                                                                  

                                                                                                                  

                                                                                                                  

                                                                                                                  

                                                                                                                  

                                                                                                                  

                                                                                                                  

                                                                                                                  

                                                                                                                  

                                                                                                                  

                                                                                                                  

                                                                                                                  

                                                                                                                  

                                                                                                                  

                                                                                                                  

                                                                                                                  

                                                                                                                  

                                                                                                                  

                                                                                                                  

                                                                                                                  

                                                                                                                  
  --------- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ------------ ----------- ---------- ----------

**FUELS ASSESSMENT DATA FORM**

HEX \# \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ DATE \_\_\_\_/\_\_\_\_/\_\_\_\_

MICROPLOT FUEL LOADING

<table style="width:100%;">
<colgroup>
<col style="width: 12%" />
<col style="width: 9%" />
<col style="width: 9%" />
<col style="width: 9%" />
<col style="width: 9%" />
<col style="width: 9%" />
<col style="width: 9%" />
<col style="width: 9%" />
<col style="width: 9%" />
<col style="width: 10%" />
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr class="odd">
<td>SUBPLOT</td>
<td>LIVE SHRUB %</td>
<td>LIVE SHRUB HT</td>
<td>DEAD SHRUB %</td>
<td>DEAD SHRUB HT</td>
<td>LIVE HERB %</td>
<td>LIVE HERB HT</td>
<td>DEAD HERB %</td>
<td>DEAD HERB HT</td>
<td><p>LITTER</p>
<p>%</p></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td></td>
<td>xx</td>
<td>xx.y</td>
<td>xx</td>
<td>xx.y</td>
<td>xx</td>
<td>xx.y</td>
<td>xx</td>
<td>xx.y</td>
<td>xx</td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td>1</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td>2</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td>2</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td>4</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

**DUFF, LITTER, FUELBED ASSESSMENT DATA FORM**

HEX \# \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ DATE \_\_\_\_/\_\_\_\_/\_\_\_\_

DUFF, LITTER, & FUELBED DEPTHS

  ----------- ------------ ------------- ------------- --------- ----------
  SUBPLOT     TRANSECT     DL_SAMP       DUFFLITTER    LITTER    FUELBED
                                         DEPTH         DEPTH     DEPTH

  x           xxx          X             xx.y          xx.y      xx.y

                                                                 

                                                                 

                                                                 

                                                                 

                                                                 

                                                                 

                                                                 

                                                                 

                                                                 

                                                                 

                                                                 

                                                                 
  ----------- ------------ ------------- ------------- --------- ----------

**RESIDUE PILE DATA FORM**

HEX \# \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ DATE \_\_\_\_/\_\_\_\_/\_\_\_\_

######### RESIDUE PILES

<table>
<colgroup>
<col style="width: 9%" />
<col style="width: 8%" />
<col style="width: 9%" />
<col style="width: 8%" />
<col style="width: 9%" />
<col style="width: 9%" />
<col style="width: 9%" />
<col style="width: 9%" />
<col style="width: 8%" />
<col style="width: 8%" />
<col style="width: 8%" />
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr class="odd">
<td>SUB PL</td>
<td>CC</td>
<td>PILE AZM</td>
<td>SHP</td>
<td><p>LNG1</p>
<p>(ft)</p></td>
<td><p>LNG2</p>
<p>(ft)</p></td>
<td><p>WID1</p>
<p>(ft)</p></td>
<td><p>WID2</p>
<p>(ft)</p></td>
<td><p>HT1</p>
<p>(ft)</p></td>
<td><p>HT2</p>
<p>(ft)</p></td>
<td>PILE DENS</td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td>xx</td>
<td>x</td>
<td>xxx</td>
<td>X</td>
<td>xx</td>
<td>xx</td>
<td>xx</td>
<td>xx</td>
<td>xx</td>
<td>xx</td>
<td>Xx</td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>