United States

Department of

Agriculture

Natural

Resources

Conservation

Service

NATIONAL FORESTRY MANUAL

 
( 190-V-NFM, 1998)

Title 190 NATIONAL FORESTRY MANUAL

Issued September, 1998

Recommended Citation:

Natural Resources Conservation Service, National Forestry Manual, September 1998.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on

the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation,

and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who

require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.)

should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of

discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326W, Whitten Building, 14th and

Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice or TDD). USDA is

an equal opportunity provider and employer.
 ( 190-V-NFM, 1998)

United States

Department of

Agriculture

Natural

Resources

Conservation

Service

NATIONAL FORESTRY MANUAL

PREFACE

The National Forestry Manual, as a subdivision of the

NRCS directives system, includes parts 535 through

538.

The format is intended to allow flexibility for

additions and updates.

The National Forestry Manual (NFM) describes

forestry policy within the Natural Resources

Conservation Service (NRCS) and complements the

General Manual.

All references to the Soil Conservation Service or SCS

by Public Laws, Memoranda or other documents stated

herein have been changed to the Natural Resources

Conservation Service or NRCS, respectively.

All policies and responsibilities relating to forestry

previously assigned to the Soil Conservation Service are

carried forward in full to the Natural Resources

Conservation Service unless otherwise noted or

amended in this manual.
 ( 190-V-NFM, 1998)
TABLE OF CONTENTS

iii

( 190-V-NFM, Aug. 2000

PART 535 - OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT

Part 535.0 - General

535.00 Mission and Objectives................................................................................................................ 535-1

535.01 Purpose ........................................................................................................................................ 535-1

535.02 Supplementing the Manual .......................................................................................................... 535-1

535.03 Relationship to the National Forestry Handbook......................................................................... 535-1

535.04 Quality Assurance........................................................................................................................ 535-1

Part 535.1 - Authorities

535.10 General......................................................................................................................................... 535-3

535.11 Conservation Operations, Soil Surveys, and Plant Materials Centers......................................... 535-3

535.12 Authorized Watershed Projects ................................................................................................... 535-4

535.13 Emergency Flood Control............................................................................................................ 535-4

535.14 Small Watershed Program and River Basin Surveys................................................................... 535-4

535.15 Farm Bill Programs...................................................................................................................... 535-5

535.16 Resource Conservation and Development Program (RC&D) ..................................................... 535-5

535.17 Resources Conservation Act (RCA)............................................................................................ 535-6

535.18 Rural Abandoned Mine Program (RAMP).................................................................................. 535-6

Part 535.2 - Cooperation With Other Agencies

535.20 General......................................................................................................................................... 535-7

535.21 Forest Service (USFS) ................................................................................................................. 535-7

(a) Department Level ................................................................................................................... 535-7

(b) National Level........................................................................................................................ 535-7

(c) State Level.............................................................................................................................. 535-7

535.22 Cooperative, State, Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES)............................. 535-7

(a) Department Level ............................................................................................................................... 535-7

(b) National Level........................................................................................................................ 535-7

(c) State Level.............................................................................................................................. 535-7

(d) Local Level............................................................................................................................. 535-8

535.23 Farm Services Agency (FSA) ...................................................................................................... 535-8

(a) Department Level ................................................................................................................... 535-8

(b) National Level........................................................................................................................ 535-8

(c) State Level.............................................................................................................................. 535-8

(d) Local Level............................................................................................................................. 535-8

535.24 Research Agencies....................................................................................................................... 535-9

(a) National Level ........................................................................................................................ 535-9

(b) State Level.............................................................................................................................. 535-9

535.25 State Forestry Agencies ............................................................................................................... 535-9

(a) National Level ........................................................................................................................ 535-9

(b) State Level.............................................................................................................................. 535-9

535.26 Conservation Districts ............................................................................................................... 535-10

(a) National Level ...................................................................................................................... 535-10
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(190-V-NFM, Aug. 2000)

(b) State Level............................................................................................................................535-10

(c) Local Level ...........................................................................................................................535-10

535.27 State-Level Committees.............................................................................................................535-10

535.28 State Conservation Agencies .....................................................................................................535-11

535.29 Other Agencies, Officials, Committees, Councils, Advisory Boards and Groups.....................535-11

Part 535.3 - Cooperation With Non-Government Organizations

535.30 General.......................................................................................................................................535-13

535.31 Non-Government Organizations................................................................................................535-13

(a) Forestry Schools, Colleges and Universities ........................................................................535-13

(b) Forest Industries and Associations .......................................................................................535-13

(c) State and National Forestry and Conservation Associations................................................535-13

(d) Professional and Technical Societies and Organizations .....................................................535-14

Part 535.4 - Foresters Within NRCS

535.40 General.......................................................................................................................................535-16

535.41 Forestry Positions.......................................................................................................................535-16

(a) National Level ......................................................................................................................535-16

(b) State Level............................................................................................................................535-16

(c) Area and Field Levels...........................................................................................................535-16

535.42 Career Development ..................................................................................................................535-16

535.43 Performance Benchmarks ..........................................................................................................535-16

535.44 Technology Transfer ..................................................................................................................535-17

(a) Acquiring and Maintaining Technical Materials..................................................................535-17

(b) Disseminating Technical Information ..................................................................................535-17

(c) Training ................................................................................................................................535-17

535.45 Technical Guides .......................................................................................................................535-17

Part 535.5 - Exhibits

Exhibit 535-2 MOU Between NRCS, NASF and FS..........................................................................535-56

Exhibit 535-4 Performance Benchmarks.............................................................................................535-64

PART 536 - CONSERVATION PLANNING

Part 536.0 - General

536.00 Introduction..................................................................................................................................536-1

536.01 Planning Policies..........................................................................................................................536-1

(a) General....................................................................................................................................536-1

(b) Forestry Planning Policy ........................................................................................................536-1

(c) Providing Forestry Planning Assistance.................................................................................536-1

536.02 Objectives ....................................................................................................................................536-3

536.03 Planning Procedures.....................................................................................................................536-3
Table of Contents

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(190-V-NFM, Aug. 2000)

PART 537 - SOIL-RELATED FORESTRY AND AGROFORESTRY

INTERPRETATIONS

Part 537.0 - General

537.00 Introduction.................................................................................................................................. 537-1

537.01 Policy ........................................................................................................................................... 537-1

537.02 Responsibilities............................................................................................................................ 537-1

(a) National Level ........................................................................................................................ 537-1

(b) State Level.............................................................................................................................. 537-1

(c) Field Level.............................................................................................................................. 537-1

537.03 Basic Unit of Interpretation and Forms of Information Display.................................................. 537-1

(a) Basic Unit of Interpretation..................................................................................................... 537-2

(b) Forms of Information Display................................................................................................. 537-2

537.04 Use of Soil-Related Information and Interpretations................................................................... 537-2

Part 537.1 - Data Collection, Analyses, and Interpretations

537.10 General......................................................................................................................................... 537-3

537.11 Organization of Interpretations.................................................................................................... 537-3

(a) Part 537.2 - National Soil Information System (NASIS) Interpretations............................... 537-3

(b) Part 537.3 - Ecological Site Information System (ESIS) Interpretations................................ 537-4

Part 537.2 - National Soil Information System (NASIS) Interpretations

537.20 General......................................................................................................................................... 537-6

537.21 Vegetation and Productivity ......................................................................................................... 537-6

(a) Trees to Manage ..................................................................................................................... 537-6

(1) Description ....................................................................................................................... 537-6

(2) Element Values ................................................................................................................ 537-6

(b) Forest Productivity - CMAI ................................................................................................... 537-7

(1) Description ....................................................................................................................... 537-7

(2) Element Values ................................................................................................................ 537-7

(c) Forest Productivity - Other..................................................................................................... 537-7

537.22 Criteria-Based Interpretations...................................................................................................... 537-8

(a) Potential Erosion Hazard (Road/Trail)................................................................................... 537-8

(b) Potential Erosion Hazard (Off-Road/Off-Trail)..................................................................... 537-9

(c) Soil Rutting Hazard.............................................................................................................. 537-10

(d) Road Suitability (Natural Surface)....................................................................................... 537-11

(e) Log Landing Suitability.......................................................................................................... 537-8

(f) Construction Limitations for Haul Roads and Log Landings ................................................. 537-9

(g) Harvest Equipment Operability.............................................................................................. 537-9

(h) Mechanical Site Preparation (Surface)................................................................................. 537-10

(i) Mechanical Site Preparation (Deep) ..................................................................................... 537-11

(j) Hand Planting Suitability...................................................................................................... 537-12

(k) Mechanical Planting Suitability ........................................................................................... 537-12

(l) Potential Damage to Soil by Fire ........................................................................................... 537-13

(m) Potential Seedling Mortality ............................................................................................... 537-13
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(190-V-NFM, Aug. 2000)

(n) Conservation Tree/Shrub Suitability Groups (CTSG) .........................................................537-14

537.30 Forestland Ecological Sites........................................................................................................537-15

(a) Definition..............................................................................................................................537-15

(b) Succession and Retrogression ..............................................................................................537-16

(c) Historic Climax Plant Communities.....................................................................................537-16

(d) State and Transition Models.................................................................................................537-16

(e) Naturalized Plant Communities............................................................................................537-18

(f) Permanence and Change of Ecological Site Potential ..........................................................537-19

(g) Determining Characteristic States ........................................................................................537-20

(h) Differentiation Between Ecological Sites ............................................................................537-21

(i) Native and Naturalized Pasture.............................................................................................537-22

(j) Correlating Ecological Sites..................................................................................................537-22

(1) Responsibilities of State Conservationists ......................................................................537-23

(2) Responsibilities of Field Personnel of All Cooperating Agencies .................................537-23

(3) Guidelines for Internal Consistency of Soil-Ecological Site Correlation.......................537-23

(4) Guidelines for Correlation Between Sites......................................................................537-23

537.31 Ecological Site Descriptions ......................................................................................................537-23

(a) Site Characteristics ...............................................................................................................537-24

(1) Site Type.........................................................................................................................537-24

(2) Site Name .......................................................................................................................537-24

(3) Site ID.............................................................................................................................537-25

(4) Representative Physiographic Features..........................................................................537-26

(5) Representative Climatic Features...................................................................................537-27

(6) Influencing Water Features ............................................................................................537-27

(7) Representative Soil Features ..........................................................................................537-27

(b) Plant Communities ...............................................................................................................537-30

(1) Ecological Dynamics of the Site ....................................................................................537-30

(2) Plant Community Narrative............................................................................................537-30

(3) Ground Cover and Structure...........................................................................................537-30

(4) Forest Overstory and Understory Composition..............................................................537-31

(5) Forest Understory...........................................................................................................537-31

(6) Typical Site Photo ..........................................................................................................537-31

(c) Site Interpretations................................................................................................................537-31

(1) Forest Site Productivity..................................................................................................537-32

(2) Animal Community........................................................................................................537-32

(3) Plant Preference by Animal Kind...................................................................................537-32

(4) Hydrology Functions ......................................................................................................537-32

(5) Recreational Uses...........................................................................................................537-32

(6) Wood Products ...............................................................................................................537-32

(7) Other Products................................................................................................................537-32

(8) Other Information...........................................................................................................537-32

(d) Supporting Information ........................................................................................................537-33

(1) Associated Sites..............................................................................................................537-33

(2) Similar Sites ...................................................................................................................537-33
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(190-V-NFM, Aug. 2000)

(3) State Correlation ............................................................................................................ 537-33

(4) Inventory Data References ............................................................................................. 537-33

(5) Type Locality ................................................................................................................. 537-33

(6) Relationship to Other Established Classifications ......................................................... 537-33

(7) Other References............................................................................................................ 537-33

(8) Site Description Approval.............................................................................................. 537-33

(e) Revising Ecological Site Descriptions ................................................................................. 537-34

(f) Developing New Site Descriptions....................................................................................... 537-34

537.32 Ecological Sites and Soil Surveys ............................................................................................. 537-34

(a) Using Soil Surveys to Identify Ecological Sites................................................................... 537-34

537.33 Ecological Site Inventory........................................................................................................... 537-35

(a) Forest Plot Inventory ............................................................................................................ 537-35

(1) Minimum Forest Plots.................................................................................................... 537-35

(2) Class-determining and Local Phases.............................................................................. 537-35

(3) Comparison Data............................................................................................................ 537-36

(4) Measurement Integrity ................................................................................................... 537-36

(5) Documentation ............................................................................................................... 537-36

(b) Conservation Tree/Shrub Plot Inventory.............................................................................. 537-36

(c) Ecological Site Inventory (ESI) Application........................................................................ 537-36

Exhibit 537-1 National Register of Site Index Curves........................................................................ 537-39

Exhibit 537-2 Soil Rating Criteria for Potential Erosion Hazard (Road/Trail)................................... 537-79

Exhibit 537-3 Soil Rating Criteria for Potential Erosion Hazard (Off-Road/Off-Trail)..................... 537-81

Exhibit 537-4 Soil Rating Criteria for Soil Rutting Hazard................................................................ 537-83

Exhibit 537-5 Soil Rating Criteria for Road Suitability (Natural Surface)......................................... 537-85

Exhibit 537-6 Soil Rating Criteria for Log Landing Suitability.......................................................... 537-89

Exhibit 537-7 Soil Rating Criteria for Construction Limitations for Haul Roads and Log Landings 537-93

Exhibit 537-8 Soil Rating Criteria for Harvest Equipment Operability.............................................. 537-97

Exhibit 537-9 Soil Rating Criteria for Mechanical Site Preparation (Surface)................................. 537-101

Exhibit 537-10 Soil Rating Criteria for Mechanical Site Preparation (Deep) .................................... 537-105

Exhibit 537-11 Soil Rating Criteria for Hand Planting Suitability..................................................... 537-107

Exhibit 537-12 Soil Rating Criteria for Mechanical Planting Suitability........................................... 537-111

Rock fragments are percent volume, whole soil................................................................................... 537-121

Exhibit 537-14 Soil Rating Criteria For Potential Seedling Mortality.................................................. 537-81

Exhibit 537-15 Conservation Tree/Shrub Group (CTSG) Criteria ....................................................... 537-81

Exhibit 537-16 Forestland Ecological Site Description Example......................................................... 537-83
Table of Contents

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(190-V-NFM, Aug. 2000)

PART 538 - INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Part 538.0 - General

538.00 Introduction..................................................................................................................................538-1

Part 538.1 - Database Information Systems

538.10 General.........................................................................................................................................538-3

538.11 National Soil Information System (NASIS) ................................................................................538-3

538.12 National Plants Information System (PLANTS)..........................................................................538-3

538.13 Ecological Site Information System (ESIS).................................................................................538-3

538.14 Ecological Site Description (ESD) ..............................................................................................538-4

538.15 Ecological Site Inventory (ESI) ...................................................................................................538-5

538.16 NRCS Database Administration ..................................................................................................538-5

(a) National Level .........................................................................................................................538-5

(b) State Level...............................................................................................................................538-5

Part 538.2 - Decision Support Systems

538.20 General.........................................................................................................................................538-7

538.21 Vegetative Practice Design (VegSpec) ........................................................................................538-7

538.22 Grazing Lands Applications (GLA).............................................................................................538-7

538.23 Northeast Decision Model/Stand Inventory Processor and Simulator (NED/SIPS)....................538-7

538.24 TWIGS.........................................................................................................................................538-8

538.25 The Landscape Management System (LMS) ...............................................................................538-9

538.26 The Stand Visualization System (SVS) .......................................................................................538-9

538.27 UTOOLS....................................................................................................................................538-10

538.28 WBECON ..................................................................................................................................538-10

Part 538.3 - Utility Software

538.30 General.......................................................................................................................................538-13

538.31 SITEQUAL ................................................................................................................................538-13

538.32 QUICK-SILVER........................................................................................................................538-13

538.33 BIOPAK.....................................................................................................................................538-13

538.34 UVIEW ......................................................................................................................................538-14
Part 535 - OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT

535-i

(190-V-NFM, Aug. 2000)

CONTENTS

PART PAGE

Part 535.0 - General

535.00 Mission and Objectives................................................................................................................ 535-1

535.01 Purpose ........................................................................................................................................ 535-1

535.02 Supplementing the Manual .......................................................................................................... 535-1

535.03 Relationship to the National Forestry Handbook......................................................................... 535-1

535.04 Quality Assurance........................................................................................................................ 535-1

Part 535.1 - Authorities

535.10 General......................................................................................................................................... 535-3

535.11 Conservation Operations, Soil Surveys, and Plant Materials Centers......................................... 535-3

535.12 Authorized Watershed Projects ................................................................................................... 535-4

535.13 Emergency Flood Control............................................................................................................ 535-4

535.14 Small Watershed Program and River Basin Surveys................................................................... 535-4

535.15 Farm Bill Programs...................................................................................................................... 535-5

535.16 Resource Conservation and Development Program (RC&D) ..................................................... 535-5

535.17 Resources Conservation Act (RCA)............................................................................................ 535-6

535.18 Rural Abandoned Mine Program (RAMP).................................................................................. 535-6

Part 535.2 - Cooperation With Other Agencies

535.20 General......................................................................................................................................... 535-7

535.21 Forest Service (USFS) ................................................................................................................. 535-7

(a) Department Level ................................................................................................................... 535-7

(b) National Level........................................................................................................................ 535-7

(c) State Level.............................................................................................................................. 535-7

535.22 Cooperative, State, Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES)............................. 535-7

(a) Department Level ............................................................................................................................... 535-7

(b) National Level........................................................................................................................ 535-7

(c) State Level.............................................................................................................................. 535-7

(d) Local Level............................................................................................................................. 535-8

535.23 Farm Services Agency (FSA) ...................................................................................................... 535-8

(a) Department Level ................................................................................................................... 535-8

(b) National Level........................................................................................................................ 535-8

(c) State Level.............................................................................................................................. 535-8

(d) Local Level............................................................................................................................. 535-8

535.24 Research Agencies....................................................................................................................... 535-9

(a) National Level ........................................................................................................................ 535-9

(b) State Level.............................................................................................................................. 535-9

535.25 State Forestry Agencies ............................................................................................................... 535-9

(a) National Level ........................................................................................................................ 535-9

(b) State Level.............................................................................................................................. 535-9
Part 535 - Operations and Management

535-ii

(190-V-NFM, Aug. 2000)

PART PAGE

535.26 Conservation Districts................................................................................................................535-10

(a) National Level ......................................................................................................................535-10

(b) State Level............................................................................................................................535-10

(c) Local Level ...........................................................................................................................535-10

535.27 State-Level Committees.............................................................................................................535-10

535.28 State Conservation Agencies .....................................................................................................535-11

535.29 Other Agencies, Officials, Committees, Councils, Advisory Boards and Groups.....................535-11

Part 535.3 - Cooperation With Non-Government Organizations

535.30 General.......................................................................................................................................535-13

535.31 Non-Government Organizations................................................................................................535-13

(a) Forestry Schools, Colleges and Universities ........................................................................535-13

(b) Forest Industries and Associations .......................................................................................535-13

(c) State and National Forestry and Conservation Associations................................................535-13

(d) Professional and Technical Societies and Organizations .....................................................535-14

Part 535.4 - Foresters Within NRCS

535.40 General.......................................................................................................................................535-16

535.41 Forestry Positions.......................................................................................................................535-16

(a) National Level ......................................................................................................................535-16

(b) State Level............................................................................................................................535-16

(c) Area and Field Levels...........................................................................................................535-16

535.42 Career Development ..................................................................................................................535-16

535.43 Performance Benchmarks ..........................................................................................................535-16

535.44 Technology Transfer ..................................................................................................................535-17

(a) Acquiring and Maintaining Technical Materials..................................................................535-17

(b) Disseminating Technical Information ..................................................................................535-17

(c) Training ................................................................................................................................535-17

535.45 Technical Guides .......................................................................................................................535-17

Part 535.5 - Exhibits

Exhibit 535-2 MOU Between NRCS, NASF and FS..........................................................................535-56

Exhibit 535-4 Performance Benchmarks.............................................................................................535-64
Part 535.0 - General

535-1

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

535.00 Mission and Objectives

The mission of NRCS is to provide leadership and

administer programs to help people conserve, improve,

and sustain our natural resources and environment.

Toward this end, NRCS is committed to conservation

forestry by maintaining a high level of expertise in

planning, using and conserving soil, water, animals,

plants, air, and related human resources.

535.01 Purpose

The purpose of the National Forestry Manual (NFM) is

to establish policy for forestry and agroforestry activities

within the Natural Resources Conservation Service

(NRCS).

535.02 Supplementing the Manual

Some supplemental manual material may be required at

the state level to provide additional clarification and to

comply with specific state and local laws and regulation.

Supplements must be in accordance with the NRCS

Directives System. Copies of all state level supplements

will be provided to the Director of Ecological Sciences

Division at National Headquarters.

535.03 Relationship to the National

Forestry Handbook

The National Forestry Handbook (NFH) is a companion

document to the NFM. The NFH contains methodology,

procedures, and related reference materials that assist

NRCS personnel to implement NFM policy in forestry

and agroforestry technologies. The NFH consists of

Parts 635, 636, 637 and 638 that directly complement

NFM Parts 535, 536, 537 and 538, respectively.

Materials prepared for the NFH will be numbered based

on the predominant relationship to specific paragraphs

in the NFM. NFH material may be prepared at any

administrative level. The originating level is responsible

for administrative and technical support of such

materials published in the NFH.

535.04 Quality Assurance

Appraisals of forestry and agroforestry activities are

performed in conjunction with normally scheduled

conservation program appraisals. Appraisals are in

accordance with GM-330, Part 405. The checklist

contained in Exhibit 535-3 will be used for appraisals of

forestry and agroforestry activities.

Quality assurance reviews are initiated by any

administrative level. Quality assurance reviews are

conducted in each state as prescribed in the General

Manual. State staff forester or assigned specialists lead

area forestry quality assurance reviews. In states where

there is no administrative designation below the state

level, state staff forester or assigned specialists conduct

county forestry quality assurance reviews.
( 190-V-NFM, 1998)
Part 535.1 - Authorities

535-3

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

535.10 General

The forestry program activities of the Natural Resources

Conservation Service are provided through authorities

charged to the Secretary of Agriculture and delegated to

the Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service

in 7 Code of Federal Register (CFR) 2.62(c).

535.11 Conservation Operations,

Soil Surveys, and Plant Materials

Centers

Public Law 74-46 (16 U.S.C. 590a-f) of 1935 authorizes

the work of the Natural Resources Conservation Service

to prevent the "wastage of soil and moisture resources

on farm, grazing, and forestlands of the Nation." It also

provides basic authority for plant materials centers and

soil surveys. Additional authorities for forestry activities

are in the 1985 Food Security Act (FSA), the 1990 Food

and Agricultural Conservation Trade Act (FACTA) and

the 1996 Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform

Act (FAIRA). Additional authority for soil surveys was

added by Public Law 89-560 (42 U.S.C. 3271-3274),

and additional authority for plant materials centers was

added by Public Law 74-210 (7 U.S.C. 1010-1011).

NRCS personnel provide forestry assistance to

landowners as set forth in the delegation of authorities

to NRCS by the Secretary of Agriculture and in

cooperation with state forestry and other agencies as

outlined in the USDA Interagency Agreement on

Forestry, February 1978. See Exhibit 535-1.

NRCS provides forestry assistance to the plant materials

program. NRCS state staff foresters serve on the State

Plant Materials Committee to advise on matters relating

to forestry. See Part 604 of the National Plant Materials

Handbook.

Within the Department, NRCS has technical leadership

for forestry services in connection with windbreaks and

shelterbelts to prevent wind and water erosion of lands.

[7CFR 2.62(a)(3)(i)(c)].

535.12 Authorized Watershed

Projects

Public Law 78-534 (33 U.S.C. 701b-1 et seq) of 1944

authorizes the construction of certain public works on

rivers and harbors for flood control and other purposes.

The defined responsibilities for program management

and accountability of the forestry activities in the flood

prevention program are contained in the "Interagency

Agreement between the Soil Conservation Service and

the Forest Service," page 501-9, National Watersheds

Manual, Second Edition, Dec. 1992.

535.13 Emergency Flood Control

Public Law 81-516 (33 U.S.C. 701b-1) of 1950 and

Public Law 95-334 (7CFR 624) authorizes emergency

flood control work under Section 216 except for

responsibilities assigned to the Forest Service (USFS).

Forestry responsibilities for this program are contained

on page 501-9, National Watersheds Manual, Second

Edition, Dec. 1992.

535.14 Small Watershed Program

and River Basin Surveys

Public Law 83-566 (16 U.S.C. 1001-1009) of 1954

authorizes the Small Watershed Program and the

Cooperative River Basin Surveys and Investigations

Programs.

Forestry responsibilities for the Small Watershed

Program are contained in the “Memorandum of

Understanding between the Soil Conservation Service

and the Forest Service,” page 501-9, National Watershed

Manual, Second Edition, Dec. 1992.

Forestry responsibilities for the Cooperative River Basin

Survey Program are contained in the "Memorandum of

Understanding - Soil Conservation Service and Forest

Service," April 15, 1968. See part 502.72 National

Basin and Area Planning Manual, Amendment 2, Aug.

1987.
535.1 - Authorities

535-4

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

535.15 Farm Bill Programs

Public Law 104-127 of 1996 authorizes or re-authorizes

the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, Forestry

Incentives Program, Wildlife Habitat Incentives

Program, and Wetland Reserve Program to cost-share

with producers for installing environmental and

conservation improvements on their farms.

NRCS is responsible for administering the

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP),

Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP), and

Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) and provides

technical assistance to producers for eligible

conservation practices including forestry and

agroforestry.

NRCS and USFS share responsibility for the

administration of the Forestry Incentives Program (FIP).

The USFS (lead agency) and NRCS provide technical

expertise to this program in cooperation with state

forestry agencies.

535.16 Resource Conservation and

Development Program (RC&D)

Public Laws 97-98 (16 U.S.C. 3451-3461) authorizes the

Resource Conservation and Development Program

(RC&D).

The responsibilities for forestry activities in RC&D are

contained in the "Memorandum of Understanding

between the Soil Conservation Service and the Forest

Service, United States Department of Agriculture,"

January 9, 1989. See Exhibit 520.30 of the RC&D

Handbook.

535.17 Resources Conservation Act

(RCA)

Public Law 95-192 (16 U.S.C. 2001-2009) of 1977

authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to appraise the

status and condition of the Nation's soil, water, and

related resources.

NRCS personnel coordinate the forestry phase of the

Resource Conservation Act with the activities of the

USFS Resource Planning Act. See Soil and Water

Resources Conservation Act - National Manual.

535.18 Rural Abandoned Mine

Program (RAMP)

Public Law 95-87 (30 U.S.C. 1236) of 1977 authorizes a

program of technical and financial assistance for

reclamation of abandoned mined land in rural areas.

NRCS provides forestry assistance on the reclamation of

abandoned mined land in the same manner as assistance

is provided under the Conservation Operations Program.
Part 535.2 - Cooperation With Other Agencies

535-5

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

535.20 General

USDA Interagency coordination of forestry related

programs is contained in Secretary's Memorandum No.

1933 and the USDA Interagency Agreement on

Forestry, issued February 1978. See Exhibit 535-1.

535.21 Forest Service (USFS)

(a) Department Level

The USFS manages National Forestlands and has

departmental leadership for forestry research and

cooperative forestry programs throughout the United

States. NRCS shall maintain a working relationship

with the Forest Service to coordinate forestry activities.

(b) National Level

NRCS foresters at national headquarters and the national

centers and institutes maintain contact with their

counterparts in State and Private Forestry and represent

NRCS on technical forestry matters.

(c) State Level

The state conservationist will cooperate with the USFS

on programs of mutual interest such as the Forest

Stewardship Program, Forestry Incentives Program,

National Cooperative Soil Survey Program, the Small

Watersheds Program and River Basin Program. The

state staff forester gives technical support to the state

conservationist.

535.22 Cooperative, State,

Research, Education, and Extension

Service (CSREES)

(a) Department Level

Cooperative, State, Research, Education, and Extension

Service has USDA leadership for education activities.

Group audiences are the primary targets and clientele.

Education programs are offered in forestry, home

horticulture, soil, entomology, landscape architecture,

tree selection and care, environmental protection, and

other related subjects. Agricultural research and

cooperative research related to agroforestry may also be

carried out.

(b) National Level

NRCS foresters at national headquarters and the national

centers and institutes maintain technical contact with

their CSREES counterparts.

(c) State Level

The state conservationist will cooperate with CSREES

on programs of mutual interest . The state staff forester

gives technical support to the state conservationist.

(d) Local Level

NRCS district conservationists work closely with county

CSREES personnel on tours, demonstrations,

workshops, and other group functions.

535.23 Farm Services Agency (FSA)

(a) Department Level

FSA has USDA leadership for land retirement programs

such as the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).

USFS and NRCS provide technical expertise to these

programs.

(b) National Level

The principal technical contact between NRCS and FSA

is through the activities of the USDA Forestry Planning

Committee.

(c) State Level

The state staff forester gives technical support to the

state conservationist in working relationships with FSA.

(d) Local Level

NRCS personnel assist FSA County Committees in

technical matters.
Part 535.2 - Cooperation With Other Agencies

535-6

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

535.24 Research Agencies

(a) National Level

NRCS foresters at national headquarters and the national

centers and institutes maintain contact with research

agencies and represent NRCS on technical forestry

matters. Agencies include the USDA Cooperative,

State, Research, Education, and Extension Service,

USDA Forest and Range Experiment Stations, the

Association of State College and University Forestry

Research Organization, the National Association of

State Universities and Land Grant Colleges, the USDA

Agricultural Research Service, the USDA Economic

Research Service, and other research organizations and

groups.

(b) State Level

The state conservationist is responsible for maintaining

relations with research institutions and ensuring the

activities are closely coordinated. The state staff

forester is to assist in this work.

535.25 State Forestry Agencies

(a) National Level

The National Association of State Foresters (NASF)

represents the State forestry agencies at the national

level. The national headquarters forester maintains

contacts with NASF. NRCS foresters at national

headquarters and the national centers and institutes

attend NASF annual meetings, represent NRCS in

dealing with NASF, and recommend appropriate actions

to NRCS line officers. See Exhibit 535-2.

(b) State Level

The state conservationist is responsible for maintaining

relations with the State forestry agency and ensuring the

activities of both agencies are closely coordinated. The

state staff forester assists in this work. At the request of

the state conservationist, NRCS foresters at national

headquarters and the national centers and institutes may

be involved.

535.26 Conservation Districts

(a) National Level

The National Association of Conservation Districts

(NACD) represents conservation districts at the national

level. NRCS foresters at national headquarters and the

national centers and institutes are responsible for

cooperating with the NACD Forestry Committee on

matters pertaining to NRCS forestry and agroforestry

conservation relating to conservation districts

nationwide.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has entered into a

memorandum of understanding with each conservation

district in the United States.

(b) State Level

Conservation districts are usually affiliated with a state

association or a federation that is recognized state-wide.

Each state association will be encouraged to have a

forestry committee. The state staff forester works with

this committee to ensure participation in forestry and

agroforestry activities.

(c) Local Level

NRCS district conservationists work with conservation

districts to include forestry and agroforestry activities in

the district conservation program and annual work plan.

Conservation districts often administer state cost share

programs to implement forestry and agroforestry

practices. State staff foresters work with district

conservationists in this effort.

535.27 State-Level Committees 

Secretary's Memorandum No. 1933, states that USDA

agencies with forestry responsibilities will cooperate in

encouraging the formation of State Forestry Planning

Committees. The state conservationist is the NRCS

designated member of the State Forestry Planning

Committee. The state conservationist is to encourage the

formation and the periodic meeting of this committee to

discuss the coordination of forestry activities throughout

the state. The state staff forester apprises the state

conservationist of forestry-related activities and

technical needs.
Part 535.2 - Cooperation With Other Agencies

535-7

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

The Food Security Act (FSA) of 1985 as amended by

the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act

(FACTA) of 1990 and the Federal Agriculture and

Improvement Reform Act (FAIRA) of 1996 authorized

formation of the state technical committee to coordinate

all conservation programs. The state conservationist is

the chair of this committee.

Title XII of the 1990 Food Agriculture Conservation and

Trade Act (FACTA) authorized formation of the State

Forest Stewardship Coordinating Committee to

coordinate the Forest Stewardship Program. The state

conservationist is the designated NRCS member of this

committee. In some states, this committee may serve in

place of the State Forestry Planning Committee.

535.28 State Conservation Agencies 

NRCS foresters at any level will work with state

conservation agencies to implement conservation

forestry cost share programs.

535.29 Other Agencies, Officials,

Committees, Councils, Advisory

Boards and Groups

NRCS foresters at any level may be called on to consult

with officials, councils and groups of various agencies.

The purpose of such contacts is usually to evaluate

specific items of on-going forestry legislation and

programs or to give input on proposed initiatives. The

form of consultation may be by phone, correspondence,

or a work detail.

Foresters providing information shall apprise their

supervisor and state conservationist on the nature of the

consultation. NRCS foresters draft, as appropriate,

information bulletins and issue papers to inform NRCS

administrators and affected staffs.
(190-V-NFM, 1998)
Part 535.3 - Cooperation With Non-Government Organizations

535-9

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

535.30 General

This section describes NRCS cooperation with nongovernment forestry organizations.

535.31 Non-Government

Organizations

(a) Forestry Schools, Colleges and

Universities

NRCS foresters at national headquarters, national

centers, institutes, NRCS regional and state offices, and

other appropriate state staff personnel coordinate with

forestry schools for purposes of employee recruitment,

technology transfer, establishing research needs, and

assisting with ongoing research.

(b) Forest Industries and Associations

Forest industry and their associations are of local, state,

regional, and national scope. NRCS foresters and other

appropriate NRCS people are to maintain working

relationships with forestry industry organizations at all

levels. NRCS foresters at national headquarters and the

national centers and institutes maintain contacts with

national and regional forest industry associations.

(c) State and National Forestry and

Conservation Associations

National and state foresters participate with forestryrelated associations and apprise them of NRCS

activities. NRCS foresters at national headquarters and

the national centers and institutes maintain relations

with national forestry organizations, such as the

National Association of State Foresters and the National

Association of Conservation Districts forestry

committee.

(d) Professional and Technical Societies

and Organizations

NRCS foresters participate with professional and

technical societies and organizations to ensure

technology exchange and cooperative activities. Such

groups include but are not limited to the Society of

American Foresters, the Soil and Water Conservation

Society, forest soil councils, conferences, associations,

or committees.
(190-V-NFM, 1998)
Part 535.4 - Forestry Within NRCS

535-11

(190-V-NFM, Aug. 2000)

535.40 General

This section describes forestry positions in NRCS, steps

in career development, training guidelines, and sources

of technical materials and information.

535.41 Forestry Positions

(a) National Level

The NRCS will have foresters at national headquarters,

national centers and institutes to represent NRCS

nationally and provide national leadership on NRCS

forestry-related activities.

(b) State Level

State Conservationists will have a state staff forester or

a designated staff forestry specialist. This position has

technical responsibility for conservation forestry matters

for NRCS programs within the state.

(c) Area and Field Levels

Where needed, State Conservationists will have area and

field foresters or designated forestry specialists. Areawide and field foresters provide assistance on forestryrelated operations within their administrative area.

535.42 Career Development

Foresters at all levels will pursue continuing education

to maintain technical expertise. Foresters will encourage

qualified employees to consider forestry positions

within the NRCS.

535.43 Performance Benchmarks

The training guidelines for soil conservationists and

foresters are contained in GM-360, Part 410. Additional

guidelines are contained in Exhibit 535-4.

535.44 Technology Transfer

(a) Acquiring and Maintaining Technical

Materials

Foresters acquire or maintain access to technical

materials for the administrative area they serve.

(b) Disseminating Technical Information

Foresters will issue technical information at the area,

state, or national level. This may include original

information, research notes or papers, or excerpts of

such material. Foresters are encouraged to submit

articles for publication or presentation at professional

meetings. Information will have an appropriate

technical review and include crediting of information

source(s).

(c) Training

Foresters will receive and provide training necessary to

maintain technical competency at all administrative

levels. Training includes but is not limited to National

Employee Development Courses, workshops,

conferences, and university courses.

535.45 Technical Guides

State staff foresters develop and review Field Office

Technical Guide materials and ensure materials are

technically correct, comprehensive, and useful to other

agencies. NRCS policy on preparing and maintaining

technical guides is contained in Title 450-GM, Part 401.
( 190-V-NFM, Aug. 2000)
Part 535.5 - Exhibits

535-13

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

Exhibit 535-1 USDA Interagency Agreement on Forestry, Feb. 1978.

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY

WASHINGTON, D. C. 20250

October 24, 1978

SECRETARY'S MEMORANDUM NO. 1933 - REVISED

USDA Interagency Coordination of Forestry Programs

Farm and other nonindustrial private ownerships include about three-fifths of the commercial forestlands in the United

States. These lands produce a large share of the Nation's timber, provide habitat for wildlife, are important watersheds,

provide forage for livestock, and provide recreational opportunities for many more people than the four million landowners.

How these lands and resources are managed has important implications for meeting future economic, social, and

environmental needs of the Nation's people. There is a clear mandate in legislative actions spanning 100 years for USDA

assistance to private landowners in the conservation and management of these lands and resources. USDA agencies and

their State and local agency cooperators have an unparalleled delivery system reaching into every county in the United

States.

The purpose of this memorandum is to further USDA interagency coordination in forestry planning and to more effectively

formulate budget proposals and define agency roles and the delivery programs to the various clientele. Many strengths are

evident, and many opportunities exist for increased interagency coordination and cooperation. Strengthened educational

programs, technical assistance, and incentives are needed. Coordinated program and budget planning is needed at the

Federal and State level to assure a well balanced, mutually supported mix of agency programs and activities.

There is need for a widely based, effective coordinating mechanism for USDA and our cooperators at the national and State

levels. In 1966 a benchmark "Tripartite Agreement" was negotiated to set forth the Forest Service, Extension Service, and

Soil Conservation Service agency roles in forestry. This established the USDA Forestry Planning Committee at the national

level and encouraged the establishment of State Forestry Planning Committees chaired by State Foresters. In 1978 the

agreement was updated.

Coordination at the National Level

The membership of the USDA Forestry Planning Committee will include representatives of the following agencies:

Forest Service, Chairman

Soil Conservation Service

Science and Education Administration

Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service

Farmers Home Administration

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Part 535.5 - Exhibits

535-14

( 190-V-NFM, 1998)

The Committee will report to the Assistant Secretary for Conservation, Research, and Education. He will consult with the

Assistant Secretaries for International Affairs and Commodity Programs, for Marketing Services, and for Rural

Development on all appropriate matters.

Coordination at the State Level

The purpose of the forestry committee or other mechanism in each State is to coordinate forestry planning, budget

proposals, agency roles in education, technical assistance, technology transfer, incentives, etc. The committee should

include as a minimum the State level cooperators, including university, research, State departments of agriculture and other

State agencies directly involved in action plans, industry, and wildlife interests. Other State and local interests should be

involved at the discretion of the interested parties as needed, on a formal or informal basis, to help guide a smaller "core"

committee.

It is my intent and expectation that USDA Agencies concerned will provide leadership and action to support the efforts of

State and local cooperators, forest landowner, and others to improve the protection, management, productivity, and use of

America's nonindustrial privet forestlands.

This memorandum supersedes Secretary's Memorandum No. 1933 dated February 1, 1978.
Part 535.5 - Exhibits

535-15

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

TO: All Line & Staff Officers, FS, SCS, SEA

 ASCS and FmHA

 USDA Interagency Agreement on Forestry

 This memorandum supersedes the ES, SCS, FS tripartite memorandum of October 6, 1966 that was revised on February

11, 1974. The Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service, Farmers Home Administration and the Science and

Education Administration (SEA) have been added as signatories. The latter includes activities formerly handled by ES and

CSRS. Formal concurrence is being sought from cooperating organizations.

 Each of the signatory agencies have statutory and delegated authorities bearing on the subject. (Sections 2.57, 2.60, 2.62,

2.65, 2.70 Subtitle A, Title VII of the Code of Federal Regulations are attached for reference.) Other memoranda and

agreements are relevant; such as the April 15, 1968 Memorandum of Understanding on river basin planning.

 I. Purpose

 This agreement is intended to further clarify responsibilities of the USDA agencies with respect to the protection,

development, management, and utilization of the Nation's privately owned forest resources, urban 4 forestry; wood

processing and utilization; technology transfer; incentives and related activities. It is also intended to foster a high level of

cooperation and coordination among the agencies and their cooperators at National, State and local levels.

 II. Objectives

 The specific objectives of this agreement are:

 1. To identify, prescribe and implement an optimum mix of education, technical services, and incentives in forestry

programs and activities. This is to be based on the specific needs of the situation and the strengths, capabilities and

competencies of the various agencies and organizations involved.

 2. To develop mutually supported working relationships that provide a visible, effective and persuasive

demonstration of interagency coordination and cooperation at the National, State and local levels.

3. To support and strengthen State and local agencies in their efforts to achieve viable and productive roles in

forestry activities.

 4. To emphasize the importance of multi-purpose management of forest and related resources -- specifically,

recognizing the non commodity benefits as well as timber production goals.

 5. To design and build an extension component into all relevant forestry activities and programs--at the formative

stage of new efforts, and through modification of on-going or expanding programs as appropriate.

 III. Technology Transfer

 Technology transfer has two primary and essential components - "education" and "service". The following will guide

agency personnel in technology transfer activities:

 1. SEA has the lead role in the "education" component and has group audiences as the primary target and clientele.

Whenever feasible, extension professionals should be offered a lead role in handling proposed group meetings of an

educational nature.
Part 535.5 - Exhibits

535-16

( 190-V-NFM, 1998)

 2. Forest Service in cooperation with State Foresters and Soil Conservation Service in cooperation with Conservation

Districts have the lead role in the "service" component and have one-on-one, on-site situations as their primary targets and

clientele. Forest Service in cooperation with State Foresters are responsible for forestry plans, recommendations and

technical assistance, etc. SCS in cooperation with Conservation Districts are responsible for soil mapping and soil-related

forest management interpretation, technical assistance in-land-use decision-making and on-site resource planning

assistance.

 3. Educational efforts by FS, State Foresters, SCS, Conservation Districts and ASCS will be appropriate and needed

in some one-on one, on-site situations for example, when a SCS resource planner or State CFM forester meets with a

landowner on his property to determine the owner's objectives, explain opportunities, and review alternatives. ASCS

will provide information to landowners who request cost-sharing assistance and will refer them to the appropriate

technical agency for technical assistance.

 4. Similarly, extension professionals will provide some one-on-one, on-site "service" activities needed to meet certain

demonstration or similar opportunities.

 5. In many group meetings of a forestry education nature, it is necessary, desirable and appropriate to involve

qualified specialists from all agencies and sources--for example, as instructors, discussion leaders, or resource people.

 6. Extension and forestry school professionals should strengthen continuing forestry education efforts directed

toward graduate foresters and other professionals. They should also help instruct county agents, district

conservationists, ASCS and FmHA field personnel and others concerning forestry programs, sources of assistance, etc.

7. USDA education, technical services and incentive programs should be targeted as much as possible toward the

most productive and significant non-industrial private forestlands--on a cost effective basis. For example, wider use

should be made of soil surveys and similar tools.

 8. In many situations, a multiple-agency approach is needed to strengthen program performance. For example, in

providing feedback to researchers all agencies have a share of the responsibility. Technology transfer should be

strengthened through closer links between researchers and action programs.

 9. Urban forestry presents a special technology transfer challenge for USDA agencies and their cooperators.

Education, technical services and the necessary underlying research efforts should be provided in the context of

existing urban forestry programs, laws and working arrangements that have been established in many States, cities and

communities. Items 1-6 above apply to technology transfer in urban forestry. More specific agency roles are:

a. SEA offers educational programs in forestry, home horticulture, soils, entomology, pathology, landscape

architecture, tree selection and care, environmental protection and other related subjects. Audiences include

municipal officials and professionals, homeowners, the horticulture industry, landscape contractors and others

involved in urban forestry work and tree problems.

 b. FS in cooperation with State Foresters offer urban forestry technical assistance or services such as planning;

landscape architecture; insect and disease management; planting, maintenance and care of trees and shrubs;

environmental enhancement of open space and forested areas; environmental education and utilization of urban

wood waste.

c. SCS in cooperation with Conservation Districts provide technical assistance on erosion control planning,

water management, use of plant materials for environmental protection and enhancement, soil maps and

interpretations, and environmental education assistance.

 Rapidly growing interest in urban forestry, together with many existing urban forestry programs and interagency

arrangements of long standing require USDA agency coordination that is tailored to fit a variety of situations.
Part 535.5 - Exhibits

535-17

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

 IV. Incentives

 In addition to education and technical services, USDA provides financial assistance or economic incentives to achieve

forestry objectives through ASCS, FmHA, and SCS programs. Cost-sharing forestry practices on non-industrial private

forestlands is a major incentive of long standing. Loan programs and forest crop insurance have high potential but are not

operational now at a meaningful level. The following will guide agency personnel in their activities relating to such

incentives:

 1. The education and information activities of USDA agencies will support the ACP, FIP and other ASCS programs

of cost-sharing that are relevant to forestry.

 2. The technical services programs of the FS/State Foresters will provide prompt and adequate technical support of

the ACP and FIP programs in a manner fully coordinated with other related activities such as CFM assistance to forest

landowners.

 3. SCS personnel will encourage district cooperators to effectively use ACP forestry practices and FIP practices as

appropriate.

 4. All agency personnel will encourage the development and use of cost-effective loan, insurance or other financial

incentive programs that may further encourage landowners to better manage their forest resources.

V. State Level Coordination

The great variation among States must be recognized. State laws and regulations, the evolution of various on-going

programs and activities, existing working relationships and assignments, differing organizational patterns among State

agencies, widely differing agency capabilities, natural resource situations and program needs--all combine to create

uniquely different situations that require State level determination. Primary responsibility for inter-agency coordination of

education, service, incentives and related activities resides at the State level. This should be accomplished through a State

forestry committee.

 Agency personnel should take actions to assure:

 1. That a State forestry committee is formally established including appropriate State agencies, USDA agency

representation and their cooperators, University, research, industry, wildlife, and other interests should be involved (see

item 3). Some States may choose to have a once-a-year major policy meeting of all interested parties to help guide the

smaller "core" committee during the year. Suggested activities of the committee include:

 a. Review the forestry situation; identify forestry needs; decide how best to use the resources and authorities of

each agency to meet those needs; propose and implement necessary actions.

 b. Coordinate program and budget planning to assure a well-balanced, mutually supported mix of agency

programs and activities.

 c. Monitor progress of agency programs toward established goals and targets; emphasize coordination of efforts;

revise targets or develop new initiatives to meet emerging needs. Strengthen application of research results through

coordinated development of technical materials, publications 1 and other approaches.

 2. That the State forestry agency, in most instances, provides leadership in achieving inter-agency coordination and

cooperation. However, State Forester chairmanship of the committee should not be mandatory. If the State Forester

cannot or does not choose to provide that leadership an alternative arrangement should be made.
Part 535.5 - Exhibits

535-18

( 190-V-NFM, 1998)

3. That there is effective involvement and coordination between forestry research and action program agencies at the

State level. Forestry school, FS Research and the Administrative-Technical representative and/or forestry

representative of schools participating in the McIntire-Stennis Program should be represented on the State forestry

committee. This would complement on-going regional and national research planning efforts.

 4. That emphasis is given to coordination of forestry programs at the sub-State, county, or local levels as well as on a

State wide basis.

VI. National Coordination

 The USDA Forestry Planning Committee is the primary coordinating mechanism for education, service, incentives and

related programs at the National level. Members represent each of the agencies including a Forest Service chairman. The

Committee meets at least twice a year or at the request of any member. Functions of the committee include:

 1. Monitoring the forestry situation nationally, and the progress of USDA programs and activities affecting forestry.

 2. Identifying and coordinating the forestry roles of member agencies based on existing authorities and programs.

3. Proposing new authorities and funding needed to accomplish Departmental objectives. For example, the

Committee develops analyses and coordinated budget recommendations for consideration by the respective agency

administrators and the Department.

 4. Encouraging States to achieve effective program planning and coordination and to introduce national and regional

concerns into State decision-making.

 5. Assuring that the responsibilities of each agency will be recognized and given positive support by the others to

achieve a cohesive Departmental approach. For example:

 a. Technical assistance to landowners and others from USDA agencies and the State forestry agency will be

emphasized in the public information programs of all member agencies.

 b. Information activities of the other agencies will be coordinated with the educational activities of SEA.

 c. Conservation districts will be involved in forestry program development and implementation at the local

level.

 d. County and State ASC Committees will be encouraged to take action resulting in forestry cost-sharing

activities that are attuned to local, State and national needs.

e. All available forestry-related surveys, plans and reports such as State forestry plans, the National Cooperative

Soil Survey, River Basin Reports, Small Watershed plans, Forest Survey and inventories will be used as a basis for

program planning and implementation on a multi-agency basis.

f. To the extent possible a common action plan will be developed with each cooperator to make effective

multiple uses of his forests an related resources with appropriate inputs from private as well as USDA or other

governmental sources.

This agreement shall remain in effect until canceled or modified by the parties in writing. It may be amended or

supplemented to include agreement by other agencies or groups as appropriates.
Part 535.5 - Exhibits

535-19

(190-V-NFM, 1998)
Part 535.5 - Exhibits

535-20

( 190-V-NFM, 1998)

2.57 Director of Science and Education.

(a) Delegations. Pursuant to 2.19(a), subject to reservations in 2.20(a), the following delegation of authority are

made by the Assistant Secretary for Conservation, Research, and Education to the Director of Science and Education:

(1) Provide national leadership and coordination for agricultural research, extension, and teaching programs in

the food and agricultural y sciences (includes human nutrition, home economics, consumer services, family life, rural and

community development, agricultural energy, agricultural economics, environmental quality, natural and renewable

resources, forestry, range management, animal and plant production and protection, aquaculture, and the processing,

distribution, marketing, and utilization of food and agricultural products) conducted or financed by the Department of

Agriculture and to the maximum extent practicable, by other Federal departments and agencies pursuant to the National

Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3121).

(2) Administer a cooperative agricultural extension program related to agriculture, uses of solar energy with

respect to agriculture and home economics under the Smith-Lever Act as amended (7 U.S.C. 341-349).

(3) Cooperate with the States for the purpose of encouraging and assisting them in carrying out research related to

the problems of agriculture in its broadest aspects under the Hatch Act as amended (7 U.S.C. 361a-361i).

(4) Support agricultural research at eligible institutions in any State through Federal-grant funds to help finance

physical facilities (7 U.S.C. 390-390k).

(5) Conduct research concerning domestic animals and poultry, their protection and use, causes of contagious,

infectious, and communicable diseases and means for the prevention and cure of the same (7 U.S.C. 391).

(6) Conduct research related to the dairy industry and dissemination of information for the promotion of the dairy

industry (7 U.S.C. 402).

(7) Conduct research and demonstrations at Mandan, N. Dak., and Lewisburg, Tenn., concerning dairy livestock

breeding, growing, and feeding, and other problems pertaining to the establishment of dairy and livestock industries (7

U.S.C. 421-422).

(8) Conduct research on new uses for cotton and on cotton ginning and processing (7 U.S.C. 423-424).

(9) Conduct research into the basic problems of agriculture in its broadest aspects, including, but not limited to,

production, marketing (other than statistical and economic research but including consumer and food economic research),

distribution, processing, utilization of plant and animal commodities, problems of human nutrition, development of markets

for agricultural commodities, discovery, introduction, and breeding of new crops, plants, and animals both foreign and

native; conservation development, and development of efficient use of farm buildings, homes, and farm machinery,

including the application of electricity and other forms of power and research and development related to uses of solar

energy with respect to farm buildings, farm homes, and farm machinery (7 U.S.C. 427, 2201, 2204).

(10) Conduct research on varietal improvement of wheat and feed grain to enhance their conservation and

environmental qualities (7 U.S.C. 428b).

(11) Administer a program for the improvement of poultry, poultry products, and hatcheries (7 U.S.C. 429).

(12) Advance the livestock and agricultural interests of the United States including the breeding of horses suited to

the needs of the United States (7 U.S.C. 437).

(13) Enter into agreements with and receive funds from any State or political subdivision, organization, or person

for the purpose of conducting cooperative research projects (7 U.S.C. 450a).
Part 535.5 - Exhibits

535-21

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

(14) Administer a program of competitive, special, and facilities grants to State agricultural experiment stations,

colleges and universities, other research institutions and organizations, Federal agencies, private organizations or

corporations and individuals to promote research in food, agricultural and related areas (7 U.S.C. 450i).

(15) Conduct research related to soil and water conservation, engineering operations and methods of cultivation to

provide for the control and prevention of soil erosion (7 U.S.C. 1010. 16 U.S.C. 590a).

(16) Maintain four regional research laboratories and conduct research at such laboratories to develop new

scientific, chemical, and technical uses and new and extended markets and outlets for farm commodities and products and

byproducts (7 U.S.C. 1292).

(17) Conduct a special cotton research program designed to reduce the cost of producing upland cotton in the

United States (7 U.S.C. 1441-note).

(18) Conduct research, educational, and demonstration work related to the distribution and marketing of

agricultural products under the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, as amended (7 U.S.C. 1621-1627).

(19) Administer and coordinate a foreign contracts and grants program of market development research in the

physical and biological sciences under section 104(b)(1) of the Agricultural Trade, Development, and Assistance Act of

1954, but excluding agricultural economics research; and administer and coordinate a foreign contracts and grants program

of agricultural and forestry research under section 104(b)(3) of such act (7 U.S.C. 1704(b), (1), (3)).

(20) Conduct research in tropical and subtropical agriculture for the improvement and development of tropical and

subtropical food products for dissemination and cultivation in friendly countries as provided by the Food for Peace Act of

1966 (7 U.S.C. 1736(a)(4)).

(21) Conduct research to develop and determine methods of humane slaughter of livestock (7 U.S.C. 1904).

(22) Accept gifts and order disbursements from the Treasury for the benefit of the National Agricultural Library or

for carrying out any of its functions (7 U.S.C. 2264-2265).

(23) Administer in cooperation with the States a cooperative rural development and small farm research and

extension program under the Rural Development Act of 1972 as amended (7 U.S.C. 2661-2670).

(24) Administer a cooperative extension program under the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976 (7

U.S.C. 3004).

(25) Conduct a program of grants to States to establish or expand schools of veterinary medicine (7 U.S.C. 3151).

(26) Conduct a program of (i) competitive grants to colleges and universities and (ii) predoctoral and postdoctoral

fellowships, to h further education in the food and agricultural sciences (7 U.S.C. 3152).

(27) Administer the National Agricultural Research Award for research or advanced studies in the food and

agricultural sciences (7 U.S.C. 3153).

(28) Make grants to colleges and universities for research on the production and marketing of alcohols and

industrial hydrocarbons from agricultural commodities and forest products and agricultural chemicals and other products

from coal derivatives (7 U.S.C. 3154).

(29) Administer a national food and human nutrition research and extension program under the National

Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3171-3177).
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(30) Administer an animal health and disease research program under the National Agricultural Research,

Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3191-3193, 3195-3201).

(31) Support continuing agricultural and forestry extension and research at 1890 land-grant colleges including

Tuskegee Institute (7 U.S.C. 3221, 3222).

(32) Administer in relation to uses of solar energy (i) a competitive research grants program, (ii) a solar energy

research information system, (iii) a cooperative program with the States on model farms and demonstration projects, and

(iv) a program of research, extension, and demonstration at regional solar energy research and development centers (7

U.S.C. 3241, 3251, 3261-3263, 3271, 3281-3282).

(33) Cooperate and work with national and international institutions and other persons throughout the world in the

performance of agricultural research and extension activities (7 U.S.C. 3291).

(34) Conduct educational and demonstration work in cooperative farm forestry program (16 U.S.C. 568).

(35) Cooperate with the States for the purpose of encouraging and assisting them in carrying out programs of

forestry research (16 U.S.C. 582a-582a-7).

(36) Authorize the use of the 4-H Club name and emblem (18 U.S.C. 707).

(37) Maintain a National Arboretum for purpose of research and education concerning tree and plant life; accept

and administer gifts or devises of real and personal property for the benefit of the National Arboretum; and order

disbursements from the Treasury (20 U.S.C. 191195).

(38) Conduct research on foot-and-mouth disease and other animal diseases (21 U.S.C. 113a).

(39) Conduct research on control and eradication of cattle grubs (screw-worms) (21 U.S.C. 144e).

(40) Conduct research, demonstration, and promotion activities related to farm dwellings and other buildings for

the purpose of reducing costs and adapting and developing fixtures and appurtenances for more efficient and economical

farm use (42 U.S.C. 1476(b)).

(41) Make grants for the support of basic scientific research at nonprofit organizations whose primary purpose is

the conduct of scientific research (42 U.S.C. 1891).

(42) Conduct research on losses of livestock in interstate commerce due to injury or disease (45 U.S.C. 71 note).

(43) Administer the Virgin Islands agricultural research program (48 U.S.C. 1409m-0).

(44) Conduct research related to the use of domestic agricultural commodities for the manufacture of any material

determined to be strategic and critical or substitute therefor, under section 7(b) of the Strategic and Critical Materials Stock

Piling Act (50 U.S.C. 98f).

(45) Administer a cooperative agricultural extension program l related to agriculture, uses of solar energy with

respect to agriculture F and home economics in the District of Columbia (D.C. Code Section 31-1719).

(46) Provide leadership and direct assistance to the Cooperative Extension Service in planning, conducting, and

evaluating extension programs under a memorandum of agreement with the Bureau of Indian Affairs dated May

1956.
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(47) Exercise responsibilities of the Secretary under regulations dealing with Equal Employment Opportunity in

the Cooperative Extension Service (pt. 18 of this subtitle).

(48) Represent the Department on the Federal Interagency Council on Education.

(49) Develop and maintain library and information systems and networks and facilitate cooperation and

coordination for the agricultural libraries of colleges, universities, Department of Agriculture, and their closely allied

information gathering and dissemination units in close conjunction with private industry and other research libraries (7

U.S.C. 2201, 2203, 3126).

(50) Assure the acquisition, preservation and accessibility of all information concerning food and agriculture by

providing leadership to and coordination of the acquisition programs and related activities of the library and information

system, and the agencies of USDA, other Federal departments and agencies, State agricultural experiment stations, colleges

and universities, and other research institutions and organizations.

(51) Formulate, write and/or prescribe bibliographic and technically related standards for the library and

information services of USDA.

(52) Determine by survey and other appropriate means the information needs of the Department's scientific,

professional, technical and administrative staffs, its constituencies and the general public in the areas of food, agriculture,

the environment, and solar energy.

(53) Represent the Department on all library and information science matters before Congressional Committees

and appropriate commissions, and provide representation to the coordinating committees of the Federal , and State

governments concerned with library and information science activities.

(54) Represent the Department in international organizational activities and on international technical committees

concerned with library and information science activities.

(55) Prepare and disseminate computer bibliographic files, indexes and abstracts, bibliographies, reviews, and

other analytical information tools.

(56) Copy and deliver on demand selected articles and other materials from its collections by photographic

reproduction or other means within the permissions, constraints and limitations of Sections 106, 107, and 108 of the

Copyright Act of October 19, 1976 (Title 17, U.S. Code).

(57) Arrange for the consolidated purchasing and dissemination of indexes, abstracts, journals and other widely

used information publications and services.

(58) Provide assistance and support to professional organizations concerned with library and information science

matters and issues.

(59) Pursuant to authority delegated by the Administrator of the General Services Administration to the Secretary

of Agriculture in 34 FR 6406, 36 FR 1293, 36 FR 18440, and 38 FR 23838, appoint uniformed armed guards as special

policemen, make all needful rules and regulations, and annex to such rules and regulations such reasonable penalties, (not

to exceed those prescribed in 40 (U.S.C. 318c)), as will ensure their enforcement, for the protection of persons, property,

buildings, and grounds of the Arboretum, Washington, D.C.; the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, Nebr.;

the Agricultural Research Center, Beltsville, Md.; and the Animal Disease Center, Plum Island, N.Y., over which the

United States has exclusive or concurrent criminal jurisdiction, in accordance with the limitations and requirements of the

Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (63 Stat. 377) as amended, the Act of June 1, 1948 (62 Stat.

181), as amended, and policies, procedures and controls prescribed by the General Services Administration. Any rules or
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regulations promulgated under this authority shall be approved by the Director of the Office of Operations and

Finance and the General Counsel prior to issuance.

(60) Control within the Department of Agriculture of the acquisition, use and disposal of material and equipment

which may be a source of ionizing radiation hazard.

(61) Administer teaching funds authorized under section 22 of the Bankhead Jones Act, as amended (7 U.S.C.

329).

(62) Administer science and education programs assigned under the Defense Production Act of 1950, as amended

(50 U.S.C. App. 2061 et seq.), and the Federal Civil Defense Act of 1950, as amended (50 U.S.C. App. 2251 et seq.).
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2.60 Chief, Forest Service.

(a) Delegations. Pursuant to 2.19(d), the following delegations of authority are made by the Assistant Secretary for

Conservation, Research, and Education to the Chief of the Forest Service:

(1) Provide national leadership in forestry. (As used here and elsewhere in this section the term "forestry"

encompasses the tangible physical resources such as forests, forest-related rangeland, grassland, brushland, woodland,

alpine areas, minerals, water areas, wildlife habitat, and less tangible forest-related values such as outdoor recreation,

wilderness, scenery, air and water quality, economic strength, and social well-being.)

(2) Protect, manage, and administer the national forest, national forest purchase units, national grasslands, and

other lands and interests in lands administered by the Forest Service, which collectively are hereby designated as the

National Forest System, including the acquisition and disposition of lands and interests in lands as may be required in these

programs.

(3) Conduct research programs to provide fundamental knowledge and technology, for improved policy decisions

and professional management of forest and range ecosystems; increased efficiency in timber production; forest soils and

watersheds; range, wildlife, and fish habitat management; forest recreation; environmental forestry; forest fire; forest

insects; forest diseases; forest products utilization; forest engineering; forest resource surveys; forest products marketing;

and forest economics.

(4) Administer the programs of cooperation in the protection, planning, development, conservation, multiplepurpose management, and utilization of forest and related resources.

(5) Administer forest insect, disease, and other pest control and eradication programs.

(6) Administer programs under section 23 of the Federal Highway Act (23 U.S.C. lOl(a), 202(b), 204(a)-(e),

205(a)-(d), 317).

(7) Exercise the custodianship of lands and interests in lands under lease or contract of sale to States and local

agencies pursuant to title III of the Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act (7 U.S.C. 1010-1012).

(8) Administer, under such general program criteria and procedures as may be established by the Soil

Conservation Service, the forestry aspects of subdivisions (i), (ii), and (iii) of this subparagraph on the National Forest

System and rangelands within national forest boundaries and adjacent rangelands which are administered under formal

agreement and other forestlands.

 (i) Cooperative river basin surveys and investigations program (16 U.S.C. 1006).

(ii) Eleven authorized watershed improvement programs and emergency flood prevention measures

program under the Flood Control Act (33 U.S.C. 701b-1).

(iii) Small watershed protection program under the Pilot Watershed Protection and Watershed Protection

and Flood Prevention Acts (67 Stat. 214 and 16 U.S.C. 1001-1009).

(9) Provide assistance to the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service in connection with the rural

environmental assistance program, the naval stores conservation program, and the cropland conversion program, authorized

by sections 7-17 of the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act, as amended (16 U.S.C. 590g-590q).

(10) Coordinate mapping work of the Department, including: (i) Clearing mapping projects to prevent duplication;

(ii) keeping a record of mapping done by department agencies; (iii) preparing and submitting required departmental
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reports; (iv) serving as liaison on mapping with the Office of Management and Budget, Department of the Interior,

and other departments and establishments; (v) promoting interchange of technical information, including techniques which

may reduce costs or improve quality; and (vi) maintenance of the mapping records formerly maintained by the Office

of Plant and Operations.

(11) Enter into research agreements (grants, contracts, agreements, and cooperative aid) under the provisions of 7

U.S.C. 450i; 42 U.S.C. 1891-1893; and 16 U.S.C. 581; 7 U.S.C. 427i(a); and 7 U.S.C. 1624, for the support of applied

and/or basic scientific research in forestry activities.

(12) Provide assistance to the Farmers Home Administration in connection with grants and loans under authority of

the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, 7 U.S.C. 1923; and consultation with the Department of Housing and

Urban Development under the authority of 40 U.S.C. 461(e).

(13) Exercise responsibility, under such general program criteria and procedures as may be established by the Soil

Conservation Service in connection with the forestry aspects of the resource conservation and development program

authorized by title III of the Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act (7 U.S.C. 1011(e)).

(14) Administer the radio frequency licensing work of the Department, including: (i) Representing the Department

on the Interdepartment Radio Advisory Committee and its Frequency Assignment Subcommittee, in the office of the

Director of Telecommunications Management; (ii) establishing policies, standards, and procedures for allotting and

assigning frequencies within the Department and for obtaining effective utilization of them; (iii) providing licensing action

necessary to assign radio frequencies for use by the agencies of the Department and maintenance of the records necessary in

connection therewith; and (iv) providing inspection of the Department's radio operations to insure compliance with national

and international regulations and policies for radio frequency use.

(15) Administer the Youth Conservation Corps Act (42 U.S.C. Preceed 2711 Note) for the Department of

Agriculture.

(16) Establish and operate the Job Corps Civilian Conservation Centers on national forestlands as authorized by

title I, sections 106 and 107 of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2716-2717), in accordance with the terms

of an agreement dated May 11, 1967, between the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Labor; and administration ;

of other cooperative manpower training and work experience programs where the Forest Service serves as host or prime

sponsor with other Departments of Federal, State, or local governments.

(17) Administer the Volunteers in the National Forest Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 558a-558d, 558a note).

(18) Provide wildfire protection assistance.

(19) Administer the program for assistance to eligible Volunteer fire departments as authorized by the

Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, as amended (7 U.S.C. 1926(a) (13)).

(20) Administer responsibilities and functions assigned under the Defense Production Act of 1950, as amended (50

U.S.C. App. 2061 et seq.), and the Federal Civil Defense Act of 1950, as amended (50 U.S.C. App. 2251 et seq.), relating

to forests and forest products, rural fire defense, and forestry research.

(b) Reservations. The following authorities are reserved to the Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for

Conservation, Research, and Education.

(1) The authority to issue regulations.

(2) The authority as a member of the National Forest Reservation Commission (16 U.S.C. 513).
Part 535.5 - Exhibits

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(3) The making of recommendations to the President with respect to the transfer of lands pursuant to the

provisions of subsection (c) of section 32 of title III of the Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act (7 U.S.C. lOll(a)).

(4) Making recommendations to the President for the establishing of national forest or parts thereof under the

provisions of section 9 of the act of June 7, 1924 (16 U.S.C. 471).

(5) Giving final approval and submitting to the Congress the results of preliminary examinations and survey

reports under the Flood Control Act of 1936, as amended and supplemented (33 U.S.C. 701a et seq.)

(6) Approving requests for apportionment of reserves pursuant to section 3679, Revised Statutes, as amended (31

U.S.C. 665), for forest pest control.

(7) Making recommendations to the President for the establishing of or adding to National Wild ant Scenic Rivers

System (16 U.S.C. 12711278); National Scenic Trails System (16 U.S.C. 1241-1249); and the National Wilderness

Preservation System (16 U.S.C. 1131-1136).

(8) Signing of declarations of taking and requests for condemnation. [38 FR 14949, June 7, 1973, as amended at

39 FR 16470, May 9, 1974; 40 FR 33025, Aug. 6, 1975]
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2.62 Administrator, Soil Conservation Service.

(a) Delegations. Pursuant to 2.19(f), subject to reservations in 2.20(f) the following delegations of authority are

made by the Assistant Secretary for Conservation, Research, and Education to the Administrator, Soil Conservation

Service:

(1) Provide national leadership in the conservation, development, and productive use of the Nation's soil, water,

and related resources. Such leadership encompasses soil, water, plant, and wildlife conservation; small watershed protection

and flood prevention; and resource conservation and development. Integrated in these programs are erosion control,

sediment reduction, pollution abatement, land use planning, multiple use, improvement of water quality, and several

surveying and monitoring activities related to environmental improvement. All are designed to assure (i) quality in the

natural resource base for sustained use; (ii) quality in the environment to provide attractive, convenient, and satisfying

places to live, work and play; and (iii) quality in the standard of living based on community improvement and adequate

income.

(2) Participate in evaluating and coordinating land use policy.

(3) Administer the basic program of soil and water conservation under Public Law 46, 74th Congress, as amended

and related laws (16 U.S.C. 590 a-f, i-l, q, q-l; 42 U.S.C. 3271-3274; 7 U.S.C. 2201), including:

(i) Technical assistance to land users in carrying out locally adapted soil and water conservation programs

primarily through the conservation districts in the 50 States, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands, but also to

communities, watershed groups, Federal and State agencies, and other cooperators including such assistance as:

(a) Comprehensive planning assistance in nonmetropolitan districts.

(b) Assistance in the field of income-producing recreation on rural non-Federal lands.

(c) Forestry assistance, as a part of total technical assistance to private land owners and land users

when such services are an integral part of land management and such services are not available from a State

agency; and forestry services in connection with windbreaks and shelter belts to prevent wind and water

erosion of lands.

(d) Assistance in developing programs relating to natural beauty.

(e) Assistance to other Department agencies in connection with the administration of their program,

as follows:

(1) Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service in the development and technical

servicing of certain programs such as the rural environmental assistance program, water bank program,

Appalachian regional development program and other such similar conservation programs.

(2) Farmers Home Administration in connection with their loan programs.

(ii) Soil surveys, including:

(a) Providing leadership for the Federal part of the National Cooperative Soil Survey which

includes conducting and publishing of soil surveys.

(b) Conducting soil surveys for resource planning and development.
Part 535.5 - Exhibits

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(c) Performing the cartographic services essential to carrying out the functions of the Soil

Conservation Service, including furnishing photographs, mosaics, and maps.

(iii) Conducting and coordinating snow surveys and making water supply forecasts pursuant to

Reorganization Plan No. 4 of 1940 (5 U.S.C. App.).

(iv) Operating plant materials centers for the assembly and testing of plant species in conservation

programs, including the use, administration, and disposition of lands under the administration of the Soil

Conservation Service for such purposes under title III of the Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act (7 U.S.C. 1010-

1011).

(v) Providing leadership in the inventorying and monitoring of soil, water, land, and related resources of

the Nation.

(4) Administer the watershed protection and flood prevention programs, including:

(i) The 11 authorized watershed projects under Public Law 534, 78th Congress, 33 U.S.C. 701b-1, except

for responsibilities assigned to the Forest Service.

 (ii) The emergency flood control work under section 216 of Public Law 516, 81st Congress, 33 U.S.C.

701b-1, except for responsibilities assigned to the Forest Service

 (iii) The cooperative river basin surveys and investigations programs under section 6 of Public Law 566,

83rd Congress, 16 U.S.C. 1006, except for responsibilities assigned to the Forest Service. Representation on the

Water Resources Council and river basin commissions created by Public Law 89-80, 42 U.S.C. 1962, and on river

basin interagency s committees.

 (iv) The pilot watershed projects under Public Law 46, 74th Congress, 16 U.S.C. 590a-f, and Public Law

156, 83rd Congress, except for responsibilities assigned to the Forest Service.

 (v) The watershed protection and flood prevention program under Public Law 566, 83rd Congress, as

amended 16 U.S.C. 1001-1009, except for responsibilities assigned to the Farmers Home Administration and

the Forest Service.

 (vi) The joint investigations and surveys with the Department of the Army under Public Law 87-639, 16

U.S.C. 1009.

(5) Administer the Great Plains Conservation program under Public Law 1021, 84th Congress, as amended 16

U.S.C. 590p(b).

 (6) Administer the Resource Conservation and Development program under Public Laws 46, 74th Congress, and

703, 87th Congress, as amended 16 U.S.C. 590a and 7 U.S.C. 1010-1011, except for responsibilities assigned to the

Farmers Home Administration.

 (7) Responsibility for entering into long-term contracts for carrying out conservation and environmental measures

in watershed areas.

 (8) Administer responsibilities and functions assigned under the Defense Production Act of 1950, as amended (50

U.S.C. App. 2061 et seq.), and the Federal Civil Defense Act of 1950, as amended (50 U.S.C. App. 2251 et seq.), relating

to agricultural lands and water.
Part 535.5 - Exhibits

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 (b) Reservations. The following authorities are reserved to the Assistant Secretary for Conservation, Research,

and Education:

 (1) Executing cooperative agreements and memoranda of understanding containing representations in the name of

the Secretary or the Department of Agriculture as a whole, including the cooperation of the Department with

conservation districts and other districts organized for soil and water conservation within the States, territories, and

possessions.

(2) Giving final approval and transmitting to the Congress watershed work plans that require congressional

approval; and approving and i transmitting to the Congress comprehensive river basin reports.

(3) Approving additions to authorized Resource Conservation and Development Projects.

 (4) Land use policy evaluation and coordination. II [38 FR 14949, June 7, 1973, as amended at 40 FR 33025,

Aug. 6, 1975; 41 FR 9355, Mar. 4, 1976]
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2.65 Administrator, Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service.

(a) Delegations. Pursuant to 2.21(a), subject to the reservations in 2.22(a), the following delegations of authority

are made by the Assistant Secretary for International Affairs and Commodity Programs to the Administrator of the

Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service.

(1) Administer the acreage allotment and farm marketing quota program under the Agricultural Adjustment Act of

1938, as amended (7 U.S.C. 1301 et seq.).

(2) Coordinate and prevent duplication of aerial photographic work of the Department, including: (i) Clearing of

photography projects; (ii) assigning symbols for new aerial photography, maintaining symbol records, and furnishing

symbol books; (iii) recording departmental aerial photography flown and coordinating the issuance of aerial photography

status maps of latest coverage; (iv) promoting interchange of technical information and techniques to develop lower costs

and better quality; (v) representing the Department on the Interagency Committee on Sales Prices of Aerial Photographic

and Satellite Imagery Reproductions and serving as liaison with other governmental agencies on aerial photography and

related activities including classification of departmental aerial photography but excluding mapping; and (vi)

providing a Chairman for the Photography Sales Committee of the Department.

(3) Administer the rural environmental programs (except the Great Plains program) and diversion programs under

Title X of the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1501 et. seq.) and under section 7 to 17 of the

Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act, as amended (16 U.S.C. 590g et seq.).

(4) Administer the land stabilization conservation, and erosion program authorized by section 203 of the

Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965, as amended (40 U.S.C. App. 203) with assistance from the Soil

Conservation Service.

(5) Administer the beekeeper indemnity payment program under section 804 of the Agricultural Act of 1970, as

amended (7 U.S.C. 135b note).

(6) Administer the conservation reserve program under the Soil Bank Act of 1956, as amended (7 U.S.C. 1801

note).

(7) Administer the cropland adjustment program under title VI of the Food and Agriculture Act of 1965, as

amended (7 U.S.C. 1938).

(8) Administer the cropland conversion program under section 16(e) of the Soil Conservation and Domestic

Allotment Act, as amended (16 U.S.C. 590p(e)).

(9) Administer the dairy indemnity program under Public Law 90-484, as amended (7 U.S.C. 450j-1).

(10) Administer responsibilities and functions assigned under the Defense Production Act of 1950, as amended (50

U.S.C. App. 2061 et seq.), and the Federal Civil Defense Act of 1950, as amended (50 U.S.C. App. 2251 et seq.), relating

to agricultural production; food processing, storage, and distribution; distribution of farm equipment and fertilizer;

rehabilitation and use of food, agricultural and related agribusiness facilities; and resources of the Commodity Credit

Corporation, on behalf of that corporation.

(11) [Reserved]

(12) Administer the emergency conservation program under Public Law 85-58, as amended (71 Stat. 177).
Part 535.5 - Exhibits

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(13) Conduct fiscal, accounting and claims functions relating to CCC programs for which the Foreign Agricultural

Service has been delegated authority under 2.68, and in participation with other agencies of the U.S. Government to

develop and formulate amendments to credit agreements under title I, Public Law 480, and the export credit sales

program involving the rescheduling of amounts due from foreign countries under such agreements.

(14) Administer the feed grain program under section 105 of the Agricultural Act of 1949, as amended (7 U.S.C.

1441 note).

(15) Administer the haybank program pursuant to section 805, of the Agricultural Act of 1970 (7 U.S.C. 1339d).

(16) Serve as focal point in the Department for consultation on the leasing of federally owned farm lands to insure

consistency with the Government's farm programs to reduce production of price-supported crops in surplus supply and

determine and proclaim agricultural commodities in surplus supply, pursuant to Presidential memorandum of May 21,

1956.

(17) Administer assigned activities under the Strategic and Critical 7 Materials Stockpiling Act (50 U.S.C. 98-

98h).

(18) Liquidate obligations incurred under the Sugar Act, as amended (7 U.S.C. 1100 et seq.).

(19) [Reserved]

(20) Supervise and direct Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service State and county offices, and

designate functions to be performed by Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service State and county committees.

(21) Administer the upland cotton program under section 103 of the Agricultural Act of 1949, as amended (7

U.S.C. 1444) and the extra long staple cotton program under section 101 of the Agricultural Act of 1949, as amended (7

U.S.C. 1441(f)).

(22) Administer the waterbank program under Public Law 91-599 (16 U.S.C. 1301-1311).

(23) Administer the wheat program under section 107 of the Agricultural Act of 1949, as amended (7 U.S.C.

1445a).

(24) Administer the distress and disaster relief under section 407 of the Agricultural Act of 1949, as amended (7

U.S.C. 1427) and the Disaster Relief Act of 1970, Public Law 91-606, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4401).

(25) Administer the emergency livestock feed assistance program under section 407 of the Agricultural Act of

1949, as amended, and Public Law 86-299, as amended (7 U.S.C. 1427 and 4127 note).

(26) Determine the quantities of agricultural commodities subject to price support available for export programs.

Estimate and announce the types, quantities, and varieties of food commodities to become available for distribution under

clause (3) of section 416, Agricultural Act of 1949, as amended (7 U.S.C. 1431).

(27) Administer programs to stabilize support, and protect farm income and prices and to assist in the maintenance

of balanced and adequate supplies of agricultural commodities, including programs to sell or otherwise dispose of and aid

in the disposition of such commodities, except those specified in 2.17(d), 2.21(b), and 2.21(d).

(28) Administer procurement, processing, handling, distribution, disposition, transportation, payment, and related

services on surplus removal and supply operations, under section 5(b), (c), and (d) of the CCC Charter Act (15 U.S.C. 714c
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(b), (c), and (d)), section 416 of the Agricultural Act of 1949, as amended (7 U.S.C. 1431), section 210 of the

Agricultural Act of 1956 (7 U.S.C. 1859), the Act of August 19, 1958, as amended (7 U.S.C. 1431 note), and section 709 of

the Food and Agriculture Act of 1965, as amended (7 U.S.C. 1446a), except as specified in 2.17(d) and 2.21(d), and assist

the Agricultural Marketing Service in the procurement, handling, payment, and related services under section 32 of the Act

of August 23, 1935, as amended (7 U.S.C. 612c), and the National School Lunch Act of 1946, as amended (42 U.S.C.

1755).

(29) Administer commodity procurement and supply, transportation (other than from point of export except for

movement to trust territories or possessions), handling, payment, and related services in connection with programs under

title II of Public Law 480 (7 U.S.C. 1721-1725), and payment and related services for the Foreign Agricultural Service with

respect to export subsidy and barter operations, operations under title I of Public Law 480, and the export credit sales

program.

(30) Administer wool and mohair programs under section 704 of the National Wool Act of 1954, as amended (7

U.S.C. 1783), and under the authority of section 708 of that Act (7 U.S.C. 1787), conduct producer referendums, withhold

funds (for advertising and promotion) from payments made to producers under section 704, and transfer such funds to the

person or agency designated by the Assistant Secretary for Marketing and Consumer Services.
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2.70 Administrator, Farmers Home Administration.

 (a) Delegation. Pursuant to 2.23(a), subject to reservations in 2.24(a), and subject to policy guidance and

direction by the Assistant Secretary for Rural Development, the following delegations of authority are made by the

Assistant Secretary for Rural Development to the Administrator, Farmers Home Administration:

 (1) Administration of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (Act) except (i) financing under section

306(a)(1) of the Act, 7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(1), of any rural electrification or telephone systems or facilities other than

supplemental and supporting structures if they are not eligible for Rural Electrification Administration financing; (ii) the

authority contained in section 342 of the Act, 7 U.S.C. 1013a; and (iii) the authority contained in section 306(a)(13) of the

Act, 7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(13). This delegation includes the authority to collect, service, and liquidate loans made or insured by

the Farmers Home Administration or its predecessor agencies, the Farm Security Administration, the Emergency Crop and

Feed Loans Offices of the Farm Credit Administration, the Resettlement Administration, and the Regional Agricultural

Credit Corporation of Washington, D.C.

 (2) Administration of title V of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1471 et seq.), except those functions

pertaining to research.

 (3) Administration of the Rural Rehabilitation Corporation Trust Liquidation Act (40 U.S.C. 440 et seq.), and

under trust, liquidation, and other agreements entered into pursuant thereto.

 (4) Administration of section 8, and those functions with respect to repayment of obligations under section 4, of

the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act (16 U.S.C. 1006a, 1004).

(5) Administration of the Resource Conservation and Development loan program to assist in carrying out

Resource Conservation and Development projects in rural areas under section 32(e) of the Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant

Act (7 U.S.C. 1011(e)).

 (6) Administration of loan programs in the Appalachian region under sections 203 and 204 of the Appalachian

Regional Development Act of 1965 (40 U.S.C. app. 204).

 (7) Administration of Farmers Home Administration assets conveyed in trust under the Participation Sales Act of

1966 (12 U.S.C. 1717).

(8) Administration of the emergency loan and guarantee programs and the rural housing disaster program under

sections 232, 234, and 253 of the Disaster Relief Act of 1970 (Public Law 91-606), the Disaster Relief Act of 1969 (Public

Law 91-79), Public Law 92-385 approved August 16, 1972, and the Emergency Livestock Credit Act of 1974 (Public Law

93-357).

(9) Administration of loans to homestead or desertland entrymen and purchasers of land in reclamation projects

or to an entryman under the desertland law (7 U.S.C. 1006a and 1006b).

(10) Administration of loans to Indian tribes and tribal corporations (25 U.S.C. 488-492).

(11) Administer financial assistance programs under part A of title III and part D of title I and the necessarily

related functions in title VI of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, as amended (42U.S.C. 2763-2768, 2841-2855, 2942,

2943(b), 2961) delegated by the Director of the Office of Economic Opportunity to the Secretary of Agriculture by

documents dated October 23, 1964 (29 FR 14764), and June 17, 1968 (33 FR 9850), respectively.

(12) Administer the Federal Claims Collection Act of 1966 and joint regulations issued pursuant thereto by the

Attorney General and the Comptroller General with respect to claims of the Farmers Home Administration (31 U.S.C. 951,

953; 4 CFR, ch. II).
Part 535.5 - Exhibits

535-35

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

(13) Servicing, collection, settlement, and liquidation of:

(i) Deferred land purchase obligations of individuals under the Wheeler-Case Act of August 11, 1939, as

amended (16 U.S.C. 590y), and under the item, "Water Conservation and Utilization Projects" in the Department of

the Interior Appropriation Act, 1940 (53 Stat. 719, as amended).

(ii) Puerto Rican hurricane relief loans under the act of July 11, 1956 (70 Stat. 525).

(iii) Loans made in conformance with section 4 of the "Southeast Hurricane Disaster Relief Act of 1965."

(79 Stat. 1301).

(14) Administer responsibilities and functions assigned under the Defense Production Act of 1950, as amended (50

U.S.C. App. 2061 et seq.), and the Federal Civil Defense Act of 1950, as amended (50 U.S.C. App. 2251 et seq.), relating

to rural credit and financial assistance.

(b) Reservations. The following authorities are reserved to the Assistant Secretary for Rural Development:

(1) Making and issuing notes to the Secretary of the Treasury for the purposes of the Agricultural Credit

Insurance Fund and the Rural Development Insurance Fund as authorized by the Consolidated Farm and Rural

Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1929, 1929(a)) and the Rural Housing j Insurance Fund as authorized by title V of the Housing

Act of 1949 (41 U.S.C. 1487).

(2) Administering loans for rural electrification and telephone facilities and service in rural areas of 1,500 or less

as authorized by the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1921 et seq.).

[38 FR 14953, June 7, 1973, as amended at 39 FR 33199, Sept. 16, 1974;40 FR 17829, Apr. 23, 1975; 40 FR 33025, Aug. 6,

1975; 40 FR 58127, Dec. 15, 1975]

U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE :1978 720-322/3308
Part 535.5 - Exhibits

535-36

( 190-V-NFM, 1998)

Exhibit 535-2 MOU Between NRCS, NASF and FS

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING

for the Coordination of Forestry and Related Natural Resource Activities

between the

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service,

the

USDA Forest Service,

and the

National Association of State Foresters

This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is made and entered into by and between the USDA Natural Resources

Conservation Service, hereinafter referred to as NRCS, the USDA Forest Service, hereinafter referred to as FS, and the

National Association of State Foresters, hereinafter referred to as NASF.

PRINCIPAL AUTHORITIES: The Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994, Public Law 103-354, 7

U.S.C. 6901-7014; Secretary's Memorandum 1010-1, Reorganization of the Department of Agriculture, dated October 20,

1994. Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978, as amended, Public Law 95-313, 16 U.S.C. 2101-2114. Soil

Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act, Public Law 74-46, 16 U.S.C. 590a-f; Soil and Water Resources Conservation

Act of 1977, Public Law 95-192, 16 U.S.C. 2001-2009. NASF By-Laws and Constitution.

BACKGROUND: The 1978 USDA Interagency Agreement on Forestry established a forum for USDA and its partners to

cooperate in forestry planning, the formulation of budget proposals, the definition of agency roles, and the delivery of

programs to the various clientele. Among other objectives, the agreement provides for the development of mutually

supportive working relationships which contribute to a visible, effective, and persuasive demonstration of interagency

coordination and cooperation at the national, State, and local levels.

In addition to the interagency coordination emphasized in the 1978 Agreement on Forestry, there is a need for a widelybased coordinating mechanism between NRCS, FS, and NASF for implementing various Federal and State forestry and

related natural resource activities including, but not limited to, forest stewardship, incentive programs, conservation

technical assistance, watershed planning, urban and community forestry, soil survey, forested wetlands, and agroforestry

technology transfer. Therefore, this MOU establishes a general framework for increased communication, cooperation, and

collaboration between the signatories.

The NRCS, through conservation districts and other partners, assists individuals, communities, and units of government to

develop natural resource conservation plans and to apply integrated resource management systems that are environmentally

and economically sustainable.

The FS, through State forestry agencies and other partners, assists individuals, communities, and units of government in the

stewardship of rural and urban forest resources. The NASF, representing the forestry agencies of the States, territories, and

the District of Columbia, promotes cooperation among the States and territories, the Federal agencies, and other partners on

forestry and related natural resource matters. State forestry agencies are responsible for administering a range of programs

which ensure the protection, health, and sustainabilility of forests in communities and on State and private lands.
Part 535.5 - Exhibits

535-37

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

PURPOSE

Recognize State Forestry agencies as having the primary leadership role for State and local forestry programs.

Recognize NRCS and FS as sources of interdisciplinary expertise for forestry and natural resource conservation.

Recognize that other Federal, State, and local government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private sector

professionals and individuals have key roles in the protection and sustainable management of the Nation's forest and related

natural resources.

Recognize that private landowners voluntarily request assistance from the signatories and are the decisionmakers for their

land.

Achieve shared leadership among the signatories in the development and implementation of forestry and related natural

resource programs, projects, and activities.

Now, THEREFORE, the parties agree to:

1. Ensure opportunities for full participation at all levels in the development of forestry and related natural resource

policies.

2. Promote communication, cooperation, and collaboration among the signatories and their partners and stakeholders in the

delivery of forestry and related natural resource activities and services.

3. Utilize each party's authorities, resources, and expertise at all levels to coordinate and implement forestry and related

natural resource programs in a cost effective manner which is responsive to customers.

4. Provide opportunities for shared training.

5. Provide opportunities for participation at all levels to committees charged with forestry and related natural resource

responsibilities.

6. Integrate the forestry and related natural resource concerns, activities, resources and programs of partners and

stakeholders, public and private, insofar as possible, into ongoing programs, projects, and activities.

7. Conduct joint marketing efforts to motivate landowners, communities, and units of government to access programs and

services to achieve forestry and related natural resource conservation.

8. Form and support public and private partnerships and opportunities to extend assistance and minimize duplication of

effort.

9. Encourage and support the development of State and local supplemental MOU's.

It is mutually agreed and understood that:

1. Specific projects or activities which involve the transfer of funds, services, or property between the parties to this MOU

will require the execution of separate agreements or contracts, contingent upon the availability of funds. Each subsequent

agreement or arrangement involving the transfer of funds, services, or property between the parties to this MOU must

comply with all applicable statutes and regulations, including those statutes and regulations applicable to procurement

activities, and must be independently authorized by appropriate statutory authority.
Part 535.5 - Exhibits

535-38

( 190-V-NFM, 1998)

2. This MOU in no way restricts the NRCS, FS, or NASF from participating in similar activities or arrangements with other

individuals or organizations.

3. Nothing in this MOU shall obligate the NRCS, FS, or NASF to expend appropriations or to enter into any contract or

other obligations.

4. This MOU will be reviewed every 2 years and may be modified or amended upon written request of any party and the

concurrence of the others. This MOU may be terminated with 60-day written notice of any party.

5. The parties will be in compliance with the nondiscrimination provisions contained in Titles VI and VII of the Civil

Rights Act of 1964, as amended. The Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987 (Public Law 100-259) and other

nondiscrimination statutes, namely, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Title IX of the Education Amendments

of 1972, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and in accordance with regulations

of the Secretary of Agriculture (7CFR- 15, Subparts A & B) which provide that no person in the United States shall, on the

grounds of race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, marital status, or disability be excluded from participation in, be

denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial

assistance from the Department of Agriculture or any agency thereof.

In witness whereof, the parties hereto have executed this MOU as of the last written date below.
Part 535.5 - Exhibits

535-39

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

Exhibit 535-3 Checklist For Forestry and Agroforestry Functional Appraisals.

Checklist

For

Forestry and Agroforestry

Functional Appraisals

 

 Previous appraisals or reviews.

 Forestry and agroforestry.

 Acreage in forests by ownership class.

 Extent of agroforestry activities.

 Conservation needs.

 Problems peculiar to the location.

 The present staffing situation, such as comparison with states that have similar workloads

and plans for strengthening forestry if appropriate.

 The availability of policy memorandums including the compatibility of NRCS state and

national memorandums.

 Technical materials

 The forestry and agroforestry information in Sections II, III, IV, and V of the technical guide.

 Technical notes, job sheets, and management tips.

 Tree and plant identification aids.

 Preparation of soil survey manuscripts. The use of soil-related forestry and/or agroforestry

interpretations in planning.
Part 535.5 - Exhibits

535-40

( 190-V-NFM, 1998)

 The compatibility of NRCS forestland practice standards and specifications with those of the

State forestry agency.

 The coordination of forest management plans prepared by other agencies with the conservation

plan prepared by NRCS.

 Broad resource planning, including:

 NRCS forestry and agroforestry responsibilities in RC&D and PL-566.

 NRCS forestry and agroforestry responsibilities in working with cities and counties.

 NRCS forestry and agroforestry responsibilities in assisting conservation districts with long

range and annual plans of work.

 Information program on forestry and agroforestry activities such as:

 News releases.

 Radio and television programs.

 Technical articles.

 Brochures.

 Partnership activities such as:

 Demonstrations, workshops, etc. on forest conservation and agroforestry practices with

conservation districts.

 Demonstrations, workshops, etc. on forest conservation and agroforestry practices with state

forestry agencies.

 Demonstrations, workshops, etc. on forest conservation and agroforestry practices with other

agencies and organizations.
Part 535.5 - Exhibits

535-41

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

Exhibit 535-4 Performance Benchmarks.

Performance Benchmarks

 

Level 1 Training

This training is suggested for GS-5 and GS-7 employees who work in areas where forestry or

agroforestry practices are a significant part of the workload. On completion the trainee:

 Can identify the principal forestry-related species (overstory, understory) and agroforestry-related

species in the area.

 Is familiar with the principal soils in the area, understands their potentials and limitations for

forestry and agroforestry use, and knows how to use published soil survey data and interpretations.

 Is proficient in the use of the zigzag transect in working with a cooperator and knows how to

involve the cooperator in every detail.

 Knows how to use common forestry tools properly.

 Understands and uses the technical guide in working with cooperators.

 Can assist a cooperator in planning use and treatment of forestland, including planning for wood

production, grazing resource use, recreation, and other related uses.

 Can assist a cooperator in agroforestry planning, i.e. design, layout, species selection, space

requirements, maintenance, and renovation.

 Can assist a cooperator in erosion control, particularly with respect to road and trail layout, design,

maintenance, and protection.

 Understands tree and shrub establishment techniques, i.e., propagule handling (storage, root

pruning, inoculation, etc.), planting techniques for various propagules (bare root, container, seed,

etc.), and establishment period maintenance (protection, irrigation, etc.).
Part 535.5 - Exhibits

535-42

( 190-V-NFM, 1998)

Level 2 Training

This training is suggested for GS-9 soil conservationists and foresters in training toward GS-11 staff

forester positions. On completion the trainee:

 Meets all the training requirements listed for level 1.

 Has trained GS-5 or GS-7 employees in the items listed for level 1 training.

 Can identify common native and introduced woody plants in the area.

 Has assisted in plot data collection activities. This includes:

 Working as a member of a team in selecting stands, taking measurements, and recording data.

 Working as a member of a team in selecting windbreaks and collecting and recording data.

 Helping with the development or revision of forest and agroforestry interpretations.

 Understanding the selection, use, and limitations of the appropriate site tables, site curves, and

yield tables.

 Assists in the development of ecological site descriptions and soil-related interpretations.

 Has developed working relationships with State forestry agency personnel at the local level.

 Knows the desirable and undesirable characteristics of the principal trees and shrubs in ornamental,

wildlife, and urban use in the area.

 Knows the local marketing situation for wood products, i.e., species used, size, and quality

requirements.

 Has assisted an NRCS forester or other qualified person in marking trees for harvest cutting and

forest improvement.
Part 535.5 - Exhibits

535-43

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

Level 3 Training

This training is suggested for GS-11 soil conservationists or foresters in training toward GS-12 staff

forester positions. On completion the trainee:

 Meets all the training requirements listed for level 2.

 Conducts training sessions for soil conservationists on subjects covered at lower training levels.

 Gives public presentations on conservation forestry activities.

 Prepares articles on conservation work involving the use of trees.

 Takes leadership in conducting plot data collection activities.

 Has a working knowledge of the soil classification system and the relationship of soil to plant

growth and management.

 Understands and can use the database information systems associated with plot data collection,

ecological site descriptions, and soil-related interpretations:

 Ecological Site Inventory (ESI)

 Ecological Site Description (ESD)

 National Soil Information System (NASIS)

 Develops ecological site descriptions and soil-related interpretations.

 Works with the State forestry agency and cooperates with other agencies and organizations in

developing and applying forestry and agroforestry programs and practices to coordinate

conservation planning activities.

 Assists in making environmental assessments for projected work affecting forested areas.

 Performs occasional assignments of the type normally given to a GS-12 staff forester.
Part 535.5 - Exhibits

535-44

( 190-V-NFM, 1998)

Level 4 Training

This training is suggested for GS-12 staff foresters in training toward higher grade staff forester

positions. On completion the trainee:

 Meets the training requirements listed for level 3 training.

 Prepares training materials and conducts training sessions for soil conservationists or other lower

grade employees.

 Participates in activities of professional organizations.

 Performs occasional assignments of the type normally given to a higher grade staff forester.

 Develops working relationships with employees of the state forestry agency, consultant foresters,

industry foresters and foresters with other agencies and organizations.

 Provides state and/or regional leadership in developing ecological site descriptions and soil-related

interpretations. This includes expertise in the use of the associated database information systems:

 Ecological Site Inventory (ESI)

 Ecological Site Description (_ESD)

 National Soil Information System (NASIS)
Part 536 - CONSERVATION PLANNING

536-i

(190-V-NFM, Aug. 2000)

CONTENTS

PART PAGE

Part 536.0 - General

536.00 Introduction.................................................................................................................................. 536-1

536.01 Planning Policies ......................................................................................................................... 536-1

(a) General ................................................................................................................................... 536-1

(b) Forestry Planning Policy ........................................................................................................ 536-1

(c) Providing Forestry Planning Assistance................................................................................. 536-1

536.02 Objectives .................................................................................................................................... 536-3

536.03 Planning Procedures .................................................................................................................... 536-3
( 190-V-NFM, Aug 2000)
Part 536.0 - General

537-1

 (190-V-NFM, Aug. 2000)

536.00 Introduction

This part describes planning policy with owners and

users of forestland and agricultural producers using

agroforestry technology.

536.01 Planning Policies

(a) General

General Manual 180, Part 409 - Planning Policy

establishes NRCS policy that guides NRCS employees

as they provide assistance to clients for planning and

implementing resource conservation plans.

The NRCS National Planning Procedures Handbook

provides guidance on the “how to” of the planning

process as related to the planning policy established by

the General Manual

The National Forestry Manual provides NRCS policy

for forestland resource conservation planning (forestry

and agroforestry).

The General Manual 450, Part 401- Technical Guides

establishes NRCS Field Office Technical Guide policy.

The local Field Office Technical Guide contains the

technical information needed to assist clients in the

development and application of conservation plans. It

contains general resource information about the field

office area, soil and site information, quality criteria to

be met in the Resource Management Systems (RMS’s),

guidance documents depicting the resource management

planning thought process, practice standards for all

practices applicable to the local field office area, and

examples of the Conservation Effects Decision Making

Process.

(b) Forestry Planning Policy

The success of the forestry phase of the conservation

program depends on the landowner considering

forestland a part of the total operating unit. To give

forested areas the same consideration and attention that

is given to any other land use, the land owner or

operator needs a plan that provides:

 A system for managing the forest that is consistent

with and coordinated with other farm or ranch

operations.

 An annual or periodic income in accordance with

owner's objectives.

 Other values such as erosion control, recreation,

wildlife habitat, forage production, and

environmental enhancement.

(c) Providing Forestry Planning

Assistance

When agreements have been developed (see Exhibit

535-1), NRCS personnel are authorized to provide

forestry services beyond the normal assistance in

conservation planning. Besides giving assistance on

erosion control measures, properly trained personnel

may provide cooperative assistance on the following:

 servicing cost-shared forestry practice referrals

 limited tree marking

 common insect and disease control methods

 location of logging roads.

Estimating timber volume should be avoided.

Nevertheless, there may be occasions when volume

estimates are needed to establish cutting cycles for

planning purposes. Also, estimating tree volume on a

few individual trees for demonstration activities is

acceptable.

NRCS supports and encourages prescribed burning on

rangeland, pastureland, forest land, hayland, Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) land, and wildlife land to

meet specific resource management objectives. The

NRCS policy on prescribed burning on grazing lands is

in appendix A of this handbook. The national standard

for prescribed burning is in the National Handbook of

Conservation Practices. In states where prescribed

burning on forestland is an acceptable practice, NRCS

involvement is limited to planning assistance.
Part 536 - General

537-2

(190-V-NFM, Aug. 2000)

536.02 Objectives

NRCS assists people to make informed management

decisions regarding their natural resources.

Management considerations normally include

information on the current and desired conditions of the

soil, water, air, plant, and animal resources. Information

is also provided on human resources and values such as;

recreation potential, cultural values, economic viability,

and aesthetic values.

536.03 Planning Procedures

Refer to the National Forestry Handbook, Part 636.1 for

detailed forestry and agroforestry planning procedures.
PART 537 - SOIL-RELATED FORESTRY AND

AGROFORESTRY INTERPRETATIONS

536-i

(190-V-NFM, Aug. 2000)

CONTENTS

PART PAGE

Part 537.0 - General

537.00 Introduction.................................................................................................................................. 537-1

537.01 Policy ........................................................................................................................................... 537-1

537.02 Responsibilities............................................................................................................................ 537-1

(a) National Level ........................................................................................................................ 537-1

(b) State Level.............................................................................................................................. 537-1

(c) Field Level.............................................................................................................................. 537-1

537.03 Basic Unit of Interpretation and Forms of Information Display.................................................. 537-1

(a) Basic Unit of Interpretation..................................................................................................... 537-2

(b) Forms of Information Display................................................................................................. 537-2

537.04 Use of Soil-Related Information and Interpretations................................................................... 537-2

Part 537.1 - Data Collection, Analyses, and Interpretations

537.10 General......................................................................................................................................... 537-3

537.11 Organization of Interpretations.................................................................................................... 537-3

(a) Part 537.2 - National Soil Information System (NASIS) Interpretations............................... 537-3

(b) Part 537.3 - Ecological Site Information System (ESIS) Interpretations................................ 537-4

Part 537.2 - National Soil Information System (NASIS) Interpretations

537.20 General......................................................................................................................................... 537-6

537.21 Vegetation and Productivity ......................................................................................................... 537-6

(a) Trees to Manage ..................................................................................................................... 537-6

(1) Description ....................................................................................................................... 537-6

(2) Element Values ................................................................................................................ 537-6

(b) Forest Productivity - CMAI ................................................................................................... 537-7

(1) Description ....................................................................................................................... 537-7

(2) Element Values ................................................................................................................ 537-7

(c) Forest Productivity - Other..................................................................................................... 537-7

537.22 Criteria-Based Interpretations...................................................................................................... 537-8

(a) Potential Erosion Hazard (Road/Trail)................................................................................... 537-8

(b) Potential Erosion Hazard (Off-Road/Off-Trail)..................................................................... 537-9

(c) Soil Rutting Hazard.............................................................................................................. 537-10

(d) Road Suitability (Natural Surface)....................................................................................... 537-11

(e) Log Landing Suitability.......................................................................................................... 537-8

(f) Construction Limitations for Haul Roads and Log Landings ................................................. 537-9

(g) Harvest Equipment Operability.............................................................................................. 537-9

(h) Mechanical Site Preparation (Surface)................................................................................. 537-10

(i) Mechanical Site Preparation (Deep) ..................................................................................... 537-11

(j) Hand Planting Suitability...................................................................................................... 537-12
Part 536 - Soil-Related Forestry and Agroforestry Interpretations

537-ii

(190-V-NFM, Aug. 2000)

(k) Mechanical Planting Suitability ...........................................................................................537-12

(l) Potential Damage to Soil by Fire ...........................................................................................537-13

(m) Potential Seedling Mortality................................................................................................537-13

(n) Conservation Tree/Shrub Suitability Groups (CTSG) .........................................................537-14

537.30 Forestland Ecological Sites........................................................................................................537-15

(a) Definition..............................................................................................................................537-15

(b) Succession and Retrogression ..............................................................................................537-16

(c) Historic Climax Plant Communities.....................................................................................537-16

(d) State and Transition Models.................................................................................................537-16

(e) Naturalized Plant Communities............................................................................................537-18

(f) Permanence and Change of Ecological Site Potential ..........................................................537-19

(g) Determining Characteristic States ........................................................................................537-20

(h) Differentiation Between Ecological Sites ............................................................................537-21

(i) Native and Naturalized Pasture.............................................................................................537-22

(j) Correlating Ecological Sites..................................................................................................537-22

(1) Responsibilities of State Conservationists ......................................................................537-23

(2) Responsibilities of Field Personnel of All Cooperating Agencies .................................537-23

(3) Guidelines for Internal Consistency of Soil-Ecological Site Correlation.......................537-23

(4) Guidelines for Correlation Between Sites......................................................................537-23

537.31 Ecological Site Descriptions ......................................................................................................537-23

(a) Site Characteristics ...............................................................................................................537-24

(1) Site Type.........................................................................................................................537-24

(2) Site Name .......................................................................................................................537-24

(3) Site ID.............................................................................................................................537-25

(4) Representative Physiographic Features..........................................................................537-26

(5) Representative Climatic Features...................................................................................537-27

(6) Influencing Water Features ............................................................................................537-27

(7) Representative Soil Features ..........................................................................................537-27

(b) Plant Communities ...............................................................................................................537-30

(1) Ecological Dynamics of the Site ....................................................................................537-30

(2) Plant Community Narrative............................................................................................537-30

(3) Ground Cover and Structure...........................................................................................537-30

(4) Forest Overstory and Understory Composition..............................................................537-31

(5) Forest Understory...........................................................................................................537-31

(6) Typical Site Photo ..........................................................................................................537-31

(c) Site Interpretations................................................................................................................537-31

(1) Forest Site Productivity..................................................................................................537-32

(2) Animal Community........................................................................................................537-32

(3) Plant Preference by Animal Kind...................................................................................537-32

(4) Hydrology Functions ......................................................................................................537-32

(5) Recreational Uses...........................................................................................................537-32

(6) Wood Products ...............................................................................................................537-32

(7) Other Products................................................................................................................537-32

(8) Other Information...........................................................................................................537-32
Part 536 - Soil-Related Forestry and Agroforestry Interpretations

537-iii

 (190-V-NFM, Aug. 2000)

(d) Supporting Information........................................................................................................ 537-33

(1) Associated Sites ............................................................................................................. 537-33

(2) Similar Sites ................................................................................................................... 537-33

(3) State Correlation ............................................................................................................ 537-33

(4) Inventory Data References ............................................................................................. 537-33

(5) Type Locality ................................................................................................................. 537-33

(6) Relationship to Other Established Classifications ......................................................... 537-33

(7) Other References............................................................................................................ 537-33

(8) Site Description Approval.............................................................................................. 537-33

(e) Revising Ecological Site Descriptions ................................................................................. 537-34

(f) Developing New Site Descriptions....................................................................................... 537-34

537.32 Ecological Sites and Soil Surveys ............................................................................................. 537-34

(a) Using Soil Surveys to Identify Ecological Sites................................................................... 537-34

537.33 Ecological Site Inventory........................................................................................................... 537-35

(a) Forest Plot Inventory ............................................................................................................ 537-35

(1) Minimum Forest Plots.................................................................................................... 537-35

(2) Class-determining and Local Phases.............................................................................. 537-35

(3) Comparison Data............................................................................................................ 537-36

(4) Measurement Integrity ................................................................................................... 537-36

(5) Documentation ............................................................................................................... 537-36

(b) Conservation Tree/Shrub Plot Inventory.............................................................................. 537-36

(c) Ecological Site Inventory (ESI) Application........................................................................ 537-36

Exhibit 537-1 National Register of Site Index Curves........................................................................ 537-39

Exhibit 537-2 Soil Rating Criteria for Potential Erosion Hazard (Road/Trail)................................... 537-79

Exhibit 537-3 Soil Rating Criteria for Potential Erosion Hazard (Off-Road/Off-Trail)..................... 537-81

Exhibit 537-4 Soil Rating Criteria for Soil Rutting Hazard................................................................ 537-83

Exhibit 537-5 Soil Rating Criteria for Road Suitability (Natural Surface)......................................... 537-85

Exhibit 537-6 Soil Rating Criteria for Log Landing Suitability.......................................................... 537-89

Exhibit 537-7 Soil Rating Criteria for Construction Limitations for Haul Roads and Log Landings 537-93

Exhibit 537-8 Soil Rating Criteria for Harvest Equipment Operability.............................................. 537-97

Exhibit 537-9 Soil Rating Criteria for Mechanical Site Preparation (Surface)................................. 537-101

Exhibit 537-10 Soil Rating Criteria for Mechanical Site Preparation (Deep) .................................... 537-105

Exhibit 537-11 Soil Rating Criteria for Hand Planting Suitability..................................................... 537-107

Exhibit 537-12 Soil Rating Criteria for Mechanical Planting Suitability........................................... 537-111

Rock fragments are percent volume, whole soil................................................................................... 537-121

Exhibit 537-14 Soil Rating Criteria For Potential Seedling Mortality.................................................. 537-81

Exhibit 537-15 Conservation Tree/Shrub Group (CTSG) Criteria ....................................................... 537-81

Exhibit 537-16 Forestland Ecological Site Description Example......................................................... 537-83

Part 537.0 - General

537-1

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

537.00 Introduction

This part describes policy for the collection of data and

development of soil-related interpretations to assist with

forestry and agroforestry planning and management

activities.

Soil-related forestry and agroforestry interpretations are

to be included in field office technical guides, published

soil surveys, and other documents where appropriate.

537.01 Policy

It is NRCS policy to make forestry and agroforestry

interpretations for all areas in which forestland is a

present or potential land use and/or agroforestry

practices are a present or potential practice.

537.02 Responsibilities

(a) National Level

Forestry specialists at national headquarters and the

national centers and institutes have national

responsibility for assisting state conservationists in

developing and maintaining soil-related forestry and

agroforestry interpretations. Interstate coordination is

part of this responsibility.

These forestry specialists coordinate resource

assessment activities that are national in scope with the

Chair of the National Soil Survey Center and the

Directors of Ecological Sciences Division and Soil

Survey Division in National Headquarters.

(b) State Level

State level foresters work jointly with Major Land

Resource Area Project Office (MO) leaders and state

soil scientists to provide technical guidance and

leadership to the states in developing and maintaining

soil-related forestry and agroforestry interpretations and

assist in the preparation of soil survey manuscripts.

(c) Field Level

Field level foresters work jointly with resource soil

scientists and/or soil survey project leaders to collect the

data needed for soil-related forestry and agroforestry

interpretations within their areas of responsibility and

assist in developing soil-related forestry and

agroforestry interpretations and soil survey manuscripts.

When field level foresters are not available, other

forestry-trained personnel may be utilized.

537.03 Basic Unit of Interpretation

and Forms of Information Display

(a) Basic Unit of Interpretation

The basic geographic or land unit for interpretation is

the soil component. For the purposes of this manual, the

soil component normally refers to a soil series or phase

of a soil series that exhibits consistent behavior in terms

of growth, management and response of trees and

associated understory. Soil map unit delineations in

published soil surveys usually contain one or more

predominant soil components and a number of

components as inclusions. Regardless of complexity,

interpretations and supporting data have a single soil

component as their base unit or point of focus.

(b) Forms of Information Display

Soil map unit descriptions and ecological site

descriptions are the two major forms of display used to

describe the information and interpretations known

about individual soil components.

Soil map unit descriptions usually show the anticipated

behavior or limitations of each soil component included

in the map unit.

Ecological site descriptions show group-level

interpretations for soil components that behave similarly

and, where necessary, include component-level

interpretations for individual soil components. For

example, a group of similar soil components may have

the same interpretation for overstory tree species but

have different erosion hazard ratings. A group-level

interpretation, when used and appropriate, allows for

simplification of database relationships and forms of

display.

537.04 Use of Soil-Related

Information and Interpretations

NRCS collects and develops soil-related forestry and

agroforestry information and interpretations alone or
Part 537.0 - General

537-2

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

jointly with other agencies and organizations under

cooperative agreements. Cooperating organizations that

help during the collection and development phases are to

have access to such information. These organizations

must be apprised of NRCS policy and procedures in the

use of such information.

When NRCS receives a request for unpublished

information and interpretations, the state conservationist

will consult with the Director of Ecological Sciences

and the Director of Soil Survey regarding the request.

The state conservationist is to release the material with

the understanding that the data are subject to change and

that NRCS can review the technical materials in which

the data are used before the materials are published.
Part 537.1 - Data Collection, Analyses, and Interpretation

537-3

(190-V-NFM, Aug. 2000)

537.10 General

Certain data must be collected, analyses made, and

evaluations performed to accurately describe the

behavior and limitations of soil components for the

purposes of forestry and agroforestry. Interpretations

associated with each soil component are: (1) developed

from the raw field data and subsequent analyses, (2)

inferred from historical data, maps or anecdotal

information, or (3) derived from criteria based on soil

characteristics, soil-moisture relationships, and other

associated attributes.

Certain interpretations are highly dependent on the

analyses of field data, e.g., Trees to Manage; Forest

Productivity; Forest Understory, Ground Cover and

Structure, etc. NRCS foresters are to avoid making such

interpretations without adequate and properly collected

data.

Other interpretations are inferred from historical data

and maps, e.g., Historic Climax Plant Community or

from expert criteria or rating guides, e.g., Conservation

Tree/Shrub Suitability Groups. These interpretations are

usually not field data dependent and can be derived from

available reference materials or criteria. As such, they

are approximations or expectations of an individual soil

component’s behavior and limitations.

537.11 Organization of

Interpretations

Forestry and agroforestry interpretations are organized

into two subparts:

(a) Part 537.2 - National Soil Information

System (NASIS) Interpretations

This subpart presents the policy, definitions and

requirements for basic forestry and agroforestry

interpretations normally published in soil survey map

unit descriptions and tables.

(b) Part 537.3 - Ecological Site

Information System (ESIS)

Interpretations

This subpart presents a discussion of ecological site

concepts and the policy, definitions and requirements

for (1) the collection of forestry and agroforestry plot

data and (2) the development of forestland ecological

site descriptions.
(190-V-NFM, Aug. 2000)
Part 537.2 - National Soil Information System (NASIS)

Interpretations

537-5

 (190-V-NFM, 1998)

537.20 General

This subpart presents the policy, definitions and

requirements for basic forestry and agroforestry

interpretations normally published in soil survey map

unit descriptions and tables. The interpretations and

associated data values and ratings in this section

constitute the data set that is administratively and

technically supported on a national level by NRCS. The

National Soil Information System (NASIS) is the

repository for this data set. Refer to NASIS

documentation for details on adding and/or modifying

interpretive elements and soil rating criteria.

537.21 Vegetation and Productivity

Land management decisions dealing with the choice of

tree species and growth are normally in effect for

decades. Thus, the correlation of the species of trees and

their expected productivity to soil components is of

significant importance to forestry and agroforestry

practitioners.

These interpretations are developed from analysis of

field data collected for individual soil components.

NRCS foresters are to avoid making such interpretations

without adequate and properly collected data.

(a) Trees to Manage

(1) Description

Trees preferred for planting, or seeding, or natural

regeneration and residual trees in thinning or partial

harvest operations.

(2) Element Values

Tree species listed are those that are: (1) adapted to the

soil component, (2) currently valuable or commercial,

and (3) if to be planted or seeded, propagule material is

available. Tree species are identified by plant symbol,

as listed in the National Plants Database. See part

538.12 National Plants Information System (PLANTS).

(b) Forest Productivity - CMAI

(1) Description

The site index and annual productivity of tree species

described by cubic feet per acre at the age of

culmination of mean annual increment (CMAI), for

identified soil components. Site index and productivity

values will be determined from plot data recorded in the

Ecological Site Inventory database. See part

537.33 Ecological Site Inventor.

(2) Element Values

(i) Plant Symbol

Each identified tree species is identified by a plant

symbol, as listed in the National Plants Database.

(ii) Productivity

The annual production of each identified species is

expressed in terms of cubic feet per acre at the age of

culmination of mean annual increment (CMAI).

(iii) Site Index

The site index, as determined from the identified site

index curve, of each identified species is recorded.

(iv) Site Index Base

A number, as listed in the National Register of Site

Index Curves, that identifies the site index curve used to

determine the CMAI productivity. See

Exhibit 537-1.

(c) Forest Productivity - Other

(1) Description

The site index and annual productivity of tree species

described by common units of measurement other than

cubic feet per acre per year (CMAI), for identified soil

components. Site index and productivity values will be

determined from plot data recorded in the Ecological

Site Inventory database. See part 537.33, Ecological

Site Inventory.
Part 537.2 - National Soil Information System (NASIS) Interpretations

537-6

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

(2) Element Values

(i) Plant Symbol

Each identified tree species is identified by a plant

symbol, as listed in the National Plants Database.

(ii) Other Productivity

The annual production of each identified species is

expressed in terms of an identified unit of measure.

(iii) Unit of Measure

The unit of measurement used to determine other

productivity, i.e. board feet per acre, cords per acre, etc.

 (iv) Site Index

The site index, as determined from the identified site

index curve, of each identified species is recorded.

(v) Site Index Base

A number, as listed in the National Register of Site

Index Curves, that identifies the site index curve used to

determine the productivity. See

Exhibit 537-1.

537.22 Criteria-Based

Interpretations

Criteria-based interpretations in this section are derived

from rating guides that are used to assess a soil

component’s features and properties. Interpretive ratings

are automatically assigned to each soil component based

on an evaluation of the rating criteria through the

“interpretations generator” module in NASIS. The

interpretations generator affords states the ability to

delete or add interpretations and/or modify the soil

rating criteria of criteria-based interpretations in the

nationally supported data set. State offices will be

administratively and technically responsible for all state

and locally developed and/or modified interpretations.

(a) Potential Erosion Hazard

(Road/Trail)

(1) Description

The hazard or risk of soil loss from unsurfaced

roads/trails.

(2) Considerations

(i) Ratings assess:

 The force that natural precipitation events have to

dislodge and move soil materials on roads, trails

and firebreaks.

 Activities on roads and trails that result in bare

ground, compaction, and reshaping of the soil

surface.

 Use by trucks, skidders, off-road vehicles, and

other similar equipment.

 The impact on compacted, bare road, trail surface

using the representative value for slope gradient

of the soil component

(ii) Ratings assume:  Roads and trails are generally linear, continuous,

and narrow ranging up to 7.5 meters in width.

(iii) Ratings do not assess:  Frozen or snow-covered soil.

(3) Ratings

Slight—Little or no erosion is likely.

Moderate—Some erosion is likely; occasional

maintenance may be needed; simple erosion control

measures needed.

Severe—Significant erosion can be expected; roads

require frequent maintenance; costly erosion control

measures are needed.

(4) Soil Rating Criteria

See Exhibit 537-2.

(b) Potential Erosion Hazard (OffRoad/Off-Trail)

(1) Description

Ratings indicate the hazard or risk of soil loss from offroad and off-trail areas after disturbance activities that

expose the soil surface.

(2) Considerations

(i) Ratings assess:  Sheet and rill erosion from exposed soil surfaces

caused by various silvicultural practices, grazing,

mining, fire, firebreaks, etc.

 Activities that disturb the site resulting in 50 to 75

percent bare ground in the affected area

 The use of any equipment type or size and

uncontrolled grazing by livestock.

(ii) Ratings assume:
Part 537.2 - National Soil Information System (NASIS) Interpretations

537-7

 (190-V-NFM, 1998)

 50 to 75% exposed, roughened mineral surface

layer.
Part 537.2 - National Soil Information System (NASIS) Interpretations

537-8

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

(iii) Ratings do not assess:  Clean tillage and other similar activities that

disturb up to nearly 100 percent of the area and

change the character of the soil.

 Histosols.

 Individual precipitation or storm events.

 The impact of gully erosion.

 Sediment production/delivery ratio or

streambank or streambed erosion for water

courses on the site.

 Ground disturbing activities on the amount of

surface or subsurface water runoff.

(3) Ratings

Slight—Erosion is unlikely under ordinary climatic

conditions.

Moderate—Some erosion is likely; control

measures may be needed.

Severe—Erosion is very likely; control measures for

vegetation re-establishment on bare areas and

structural measures are advised.

Very Severe—Significant erosion is expected; loss

of soil productivity and off-site damages are likely;

control measures are costly and generally

impractical.

(4) Soil Rating Criteria

See Exhibit 537-3.

(c) Soil Rutting Hazard

(1) Description

Ratings indicate the hazard or risk of ruts in the

uppermost soil surface layers by operation of forest

equipment. Soil displacement and puddling (soil

deformation and compaction) may occur simultaneously

with rutting.

(2) Considerations

(i) Ratings assess:  The operation of equipment on forest sites (3-10

passes) when the soil moisture is near field

capacity.

 The use of standard rubber-tired vehicles (nonflotation tires).

 Year-long water tables <30cm.

 Soil displacement and puddling that may affect

aesthetics, groundwater hydrology, and

productivity of the site.

(ii) Ratings assume:  Rutting depths usually range from 5 to 60cm and

depends, in part, on the weight of equipment

(including carried or pulled loads) and shape and

size of wheels.

 Lack of organic/vegetation surface cover.

 Condition occurs on soil with slopes and other

characteristics that allow use of ground-based

equipment.

(iii) Ratings do not assess:  Impacts of rutting on sloping sites that may

channel surface water and effect hydrology.

 Frozen soil within 60cm of the surface.

(3) Ratings

Slight—Little or no rutting.

Moderate—Ruts are likely.

Severe—Ruts readily.

(4) Soil Rating Criteria

See Exhibit 537-4.

(d) Road Suitability (Natural Surface)

 (1) Description

Suitability for using the natural surface of the soil

component for roads by trucks for the transport of logs

and other wood products from the site.

(2) Considerations

(i) Ratings assess:  The efficient and safe transport of forest products

from the site.

 The landscape in its natural setting.

 Frequency and duration of flooding, ponding, and

depth and duration of water table.

 The use of trucks (1/2-ton to log-transport

capability).

 Activities that disturb 100 percent of the soil

surface area with rutting, puddling or

displacement up to a depth of 45cm.

(ii) Ratings assume:  Vegetation and debris are cleared from an area

sufficient in width for the road before use begins.

 Using the natural setting of the soil without cut

and fill construction.

 Slopes are less than 20 percent gradient.

 Use occurs during customary periods of such

activity for the local area.

Part 537.2 – National Soil Information System (NASIS) Interpretations

537-8

(190-V-NFM, Aug. 2000)

 Roads are generally less than 1.6km in length

with up to a 6m wide running surface.

(iii) Ratings do no assess:  Non-soil obstacles, e.g., slash.

 Frozen or snow-covered soils.

(3) Ratings

Well Suited—Little or no restrictions to natural road

suitability.

Moderately Suited—One or more restrictions reduce

site suitability.

Poorly Suited—One or more restrictions generally make

the use of the site for a natural road very difficult or

unsafe.

(4) Soil Rating Criteria

See Exhibit 537-5.

(e) Log Landing Suitability

(1) Description

The suitability of the soil at the forest site to serve as a

log landing.

(2) Considerations

(i) Ratings assess:  Efficient and effective use of equipment for the

temporary storage and handling of logs.

 The use of grappel hooks, skidders, trucks,

loaders, cable yarders, and other similar

equipment.

 Activities that disturb 100 percent of the soil

surface area with rutting, puddling or

displacement up to a depth of 45cm.

 The landscape in its natural setting.

 Frequency and duration of flooding, ponding, and

depth and duration of water table.

(ii) Ratings assume:  Vegetation and debris are cleared from an area

sufficient in size for the road or landing before

use begins.

 One-half acre or less in size.

(iii) Ratings do not assess:  Non-soil obstacles, e.g., slash.

 Frozen or snow-covered soil.

(3) Ratings

Well Suited—Little or no restrictions to road or log

landing suitability.

Moderately Suited—One or more restrictions reduce

site suitability.

Poorly suited—One or more restrictions generally make

the use of the site for a landing very difficult or unsafe.

(4) Soil Rating Criteria

See Exhibit 537-6

(f) Construction Limitations for Haul

Roads and Log Landings

(1) Description

Ratings reflect limitations for constructing haul roads

and log landings.

(2) Considerations

(i) Ratings assess:  Earth moving activities to meet standards and

specifications for haul roads and log landings.

 Excavating, removal and shaping of native soil

materials to develop haul roads and log landings

for forest harvesting and other management

activities.

 Cuts and fills less than 3m in depth.

 The use of bladed crawler tractors, excavators,

graders, and other primary construction

equipment.

 Year-round water tables, year-round ponding, and

permafrost.

 Frequency and duration of flooding.

(ii) Ratings assume:  Construction activities occur during customary

periods of such work for the local area.

 Roads are up to 1.6km in length with up to a 6m

wide running surface.

(iii) Ratings do not assess:  Snow-covered soils.

(3) Ratings

Slight—Little or no limitations to construction

activities.

Moderate—One or more limitations that cause some

difficulty. Severe—One or more limitations that make road or log

landing construction very difficult or more costly.
Part 537.2 - National Soil Information System (NASIS) Interpretations

537-9

 (190-V-NFM, Aug. 2000)

(4) Soil Rating Criteria

See Exhibit 537-7.

(g) Harvest Equipment Operability

(1) Description

The suitability for operating harvesting equipment.

(2) Considerations

(i) Ratings assess:  The off-road transport or harvest of logs and/or

wood products by ground-based wheeled or

tracked equipment.

 The use of standard rubber-tire skidders and

bulldozers used for ground-based harvesting and

transport.

 Activities that disturb from 35 to 75 percent of the

surface area with rutting, puddling, or

displacement up to a depth of 45cm.

 Year-round water tables and year-round ponding.

(ii) Ratings assume:  Activities occur during customary periods of such

work for the local area.

(iii) Ratings do not assess:  Non-soil obstacles, e.g., slash.

 Frozen or snow-covered soils.

(3) Ratings

Well Suited—Little or no restrictions to equipment

operability.

Moderately Suited—One or more restrictions

reduce the effective and safe use of equipment.

Poorly suited—One or more restrictions make the

use of equipment impractical or unsafe.

(4) Soil Rating Criteria

See Exhibit 537-8

(h) Mechanical Site Preparation

(Surface)

(1) Description

Ratings indicate the suitability of using surface-altering

soil tillage equipment.

(2) Considerations

(i) Ratings assess:  Activities that include modifying the soil surface

to prepare the site for planting or seeding.

 Activities that treat up to 50 to 75 percent of the

site to 30cm in depth.

 Features and characteristics from the surface to

30cm in depth.

 The use of brush rakes, chisels, disks, and other

similar types of implements pulled by bulldozers

or tractors (D6/D7, 150 h.p. tractor or equivalent).

 Year-round water tables and year-round ponding.

(ii) Ratings assume:  Activities for such work occur during customary

periods for the local area.

(iii) Ratings do not assess:  Non-soil obstacles, e.g., slash.

 Human-caused compacted layers from harvesting

or other site activities (only natural restrictive

layers are considered).

 Frozen or snow-covered soils.

(3) Ratings

Well Suited—Little or no restrictions to surface

mechanical site preparation.

Poorly Suited—One or more restrictions reduce the

effective and safe use of equipment.

Unsuited—One or more restrictions generally prevent

the effective and safe use of equipment.

(4) Soil Rating Criteria

See.

(i) Mechanical Site Preparation (Deep)

(1) Description

Ratings indicate the suitability of using deep soil tillage

equipment.

(2) Considerations

(i) Ratings assess:  Activities that include subsoiling, ripping and

other subsurface soil disturbance across the slope.

 Activities that treat up to 50 to 75 percent of the

site to 90cm in depth to break up restrictive or

compacted layers and increase infiltration for

plant growth.
Part 537.2 - National Soil Information System (NASIS) Interpretations

537-10

(190-V-NFM, Aug. 2000)

 Features and characteristics from the surface to

90cm in depth..

 The use of rippers, subsoilers, and other

implements pulled by bulldozers (D8 or

equivalent) that till at a depth greater than 30cm.

 Year-round water tables and year-round ponding.

(ii) Ratings assume:  Activities occur during customary periods of such

work for the local area.

(iii) Ratings do not assess:  Non-soil obstacles, e.g., slash

 Human-caused compacted layers from harvesting

or other site activities (only natural restrictive

layers are considered).

 Frozen or snow-covered soils.

(3) Ratings

Well Suited—Little or no restrictions to deep

mechanical site preparation.

Poorly Suited—One or more restrictions reduce the

effective and safe use of equipment.

Unsuited—One or more restrictions generally prevent a

sufficient level of deep mechanical site preparation.

(4) Soil Rating Criteria

See Exhibit 537-10.

(j) Hand Planting Suitability

(1) Description

Ratings indicate the expected difficulty of hand

planting.

(2) Considerations

(i) Ratings assess:  Activities that include the proper placement of the

root systems of tree and shrub seedlings to a depth

of up to 30cm.

 The use of bareroot stock, tublings, containerized

stock, and cuttings.

 The use of spades, dibbles, planting bars or other

similar planting tools.

 Year-round water tables and year-round ponding.

(ii) Ratings assume:  Necessary site preparation is completed before

hand planting.

 Planting activities occur during customary periods

of such work for the local area.

(iii) Ratings do not assess:  Non-soil obstacles, e.g., slash.

 Human-held powered equipment such as power

augers.

 Human-caused compacted layers from harvesting

or other site activities (only natural restrictive

layers are considered).

 Frozen or snow-covered soils.

(3) Ratings

Well Suited—Little or no restrictions to hand

planting; planting rates are not affected.

Moderately Suited—One or more restrictions that

impede planting and reduce planting rates.

Poorly suited—One or more restrictions that

severely impede planting and reduce planting rates.

Unsuited—Site factors and features prevent the

proper planting of seedlings.

(4) Soil Rating Criteria

See Exhibit 537-11.

(k) Mechanical Planting Suitability

(1) Description

The difficulty of planting tree or shrub seedlings using a

mechanical planter.

(2) Considerations

(i) Ratings assess:  Activities that include the proper placement of the

root systems of tree and shrub seedlings to a depth

of up to 30cm.

 The use of bareroot stock, tublings, containerized

stock, and cuttings.

 Year-round water tables and year-round ponding.

 The use of mechanical planters that create narrow

furrows or trenches to a depth of 30cm and are

operated on the contour or cross-slope.

 The use of mechanical planters on a 3-point hitch

with coulter, shank or trench “shoe,” and packing

wheel pulled by sufficiently powered equipment.

(ii) Ratings assume:  Planting activities occur during customary

periods of such work for the local area.

 Necessary site preparation is completed before

mechanical planting.
Part 537.2 – National Soil Information System (NASIS) Interpretations

537-11

(190-V-NFM, June 1999)

(iii) Ratings do not assess:  Non-soil obstacles, e.g., slash.

 Human-caused compacted layers from harvesting

or other site activities (only natural restrictive

layers are considered).

 Frozen or snow-covered soils.

(3) Ratings

Well Suited—Little or no restrictions to mechanical

planting; planting rates are not affected.

Moderately Suited—One or more restrictions that

impede planting and reduce planting rates.

Poorly Suited - One or more restrictions that

severely impede planting and reduce planting rates.

Unsuited—Site factors and features prevent

mechanical planting of seedlings.

(4) Soil Rating Criteria

See Exhibit 537-12.

(l) Potential Damage to Soil by Fire

(1) Description

The potential hazard of damage to soil nutrient,

physical, and biotic characteristics from fire.

(2) Considerations

(i) Ratings assess:  The impact of fires (prescribed or wildfire) of

moderate fireline intensity (116-520 btu's/sec/ft)

that provide the necessary heat to remove the duff

layer and consume soil organic matter in the

surface layer.

(ii) Ratings assume:  Soils with a shallow surface layer lack the

capacity to safely absorb the effects of fire.

 Steep slopes are more likely to erode if the

protective duff layer is removed.

 Soil texture and rock fragment content relate to

soil erodibility, vegetative recovery rate, and

vegetative productivity.

 Medium textured soils, with their greater inherent

water holding capacity, are more likely to be

cooler and provide higher productivity potential.

 Soils with large volumes of rock fragments

transmit heat to a greater depth in a shorter period

of time.

 Soils with less than 2 percent organic matter are

more resistant to sheet and rill erosion and have

greater water holding capacity.

(iii) Ratings do not assess:  The time of year in which the fire occurs (winter

versus summer).

 Fuel moisture content or volume.

 Whether conditions

(3) Ratings

Low—Little or not negative impacts to the soils

characteristics are expected.

Moderate—Negative impacts to the soil

characteristic may occur.

High—Negative impact to the soil characteristics

are expected.

(4) Soil Rating Criteria

See Exhibit 537-1.

(m) Potential Seedling Mortality

(1) Description

The likelihood of death of naturally or artificially

propagated tree seedlings, as influenced by soil

characteristic, physiographic features and climatic

conditions.

(2) Considerations

(i) Ratings assess:  The impact of soil, physiographic, and climatic

conditions on the survivability of newly

established tree seedlings.

(ii) Ratings assume:  Site preparation is adequate for the establishment

of tree seedlings.

 Artificially propagated tree seedlings are of

adequate size and quality, are adapted to the site,

are planted during a time sufficient to assure

initial root growth with respect to moisture and

temperature, and proper planting techniques are

employed.

 Near normal monthly and yearly climatic

conditions.

(iii) Ratings do not assess:  Effects of overstory tree canopy greater than 15

feet in height.

 Effects of adjacent competing plants less than 15

feet in height.

 Effects of seedling pests (rodent, herbivore,

insect, etc.).
Part 537.2 - National Soil Information System (NASIS) Interpretations

537-12

(190-V-NFM, June 1999)

(3) Ratings

Low—Seedlings are expected to develop normally and

become established.

Moderate—Root development is sufficiently retarded

to cause death of some seedlings (up to 1 in 3) and

establishment of surviving seedlings is delayed.

High—Seedlings are not expected to survive (at least 2

in 3 die) without special treatment or management.

(4) Soil Rating Criteria

See Exhibit 537-14.

(n) Conservation Tree/Shrub Suitability

Groups (CTSG)

(1) Description

A CTSG is a physiographic unit or area having similar

climatic and edaphic characteristics that control the

selection and height growth of trees and shrubs.

CTSG’s shall be developed to assure satisfactory species

selection and adaptation to specified conditions of soil,

climate, and physiography. Individual soil components

are automatically placed in a CTSG based on an

evaluation of the rating criteria through the

"interpretations generator" module in NASIS. Analysis

of CTSG Plot Data (see part 537.33, Ecological Site

Inventory) for all soil components in an individual

CTSG are analyzed and used to develop expected height

growth at a base age for correlated species

(2) Considerations

CTSG’s are a guide for selecting species best suited for

different kinds of soil and for predicting height growth

and effectiveness.

It is anticipated that species adaptation and predicted

height growth relative to specific soil components will

be automated with the release of the Vegetative Practice

Design (VegSpec) software. Until this software is

available, species adaptation and predicted height

growth will need to be manually determined through

observing and recording species performance in actual

plantings.

CTSG tables will be prepared for Section II of the field

Office Technical Guide for each CTS group or

subgroup.

Procedures for developing these tables are contained in

part 637 of the NFH.

(3) Soil Rating Criteria

See Exhibit 537-15.
Part 537.3 – Ecological Site Information System (ESIS)

Interpretations

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537.30 Forestland Ecological Sites

(a) Definition

Forestland landscapes are divided into ecological sites

for the purposes of inventory, evaluation, and

management. An ecological site is a distinctive kind of

land with specific physical characteristics that differs

from other kinds of land in its ability to produce a

distinctive kind and amount of vegetation.

An ecological site is the product of all the environmental

factors responsible for its development, and it has a set

of key characteristics that are included in the ecological

site description. Ecological sites have characteristic

soils that have developed over time throughout the soil

development process. The factors of soil development

are parent material, climate, living organisms,

topography or landscape position, and time.

An ecological site has a characteristic hydrology,

particularly infiltration and runoff, that has developed

over time. The development of the hydrology is

influenced by development of the soil and plant

community.

An ecological site has evolved a characteristic plant

community and amount of vegetation. The development

of the vegetation, the soil, and the hydrology are all

interrelated. Each is influenced by the others and

influences the development of the others. The plant

community on an ecological site is typified by an

association of species that differs from that of other

ecological sites in the kind and/or proportion of species,

or in total production.

An ecological site evolved with a characteristic fire

regime. Fire frequency and intensity contributed to the

characteristic plant community of the site.

Soils with like properties that produce and support a

characteristic native plant community are grouped into

the same ecological site.

An ecological site is recognized and described on the

basis of the characteristics that differentiate it from

other sites in its ability to produce and support a

characteristic plant community.

(b) Succession and Retrogression

Succession is the process of soil and plant community

development on an ecological site. Retrogression is

the change in vegetation away from the historic

climax plant community due to mismanagement or

severe natural climatic events.

Succession occurs over time and is a result of

interactions of climate, soil development, plant growth,

and natural disturbances and conditions existing on the

ecological site. Plant succession is defined as the

progressive replacement of plant communities on an

ecological site that leads to development of the historic

climax plant community.

Primary succession is the formation process that begins

on substrates having never previously supported any

vegetation (lava flows, volcanic ash deposits, etc.).

Secondary succession occurs on previously formed soil

from which the vegetation has been partially or

completely removed.

In some locations, primary succession was never

completed before the site was disturbed by human

intervention. An example is the historic lakebed of Lake

Bonneville in the Great Basin area of Utah, Nevada, and

Idaho.

Ecological site development, along with associated

climatic conditions and normal disturbances (fire,

flooding, etc.) produces a plant community in dynamic

equilibrium with these conditions This plant community

is referred to as the historic climax plant community.

Vegetation dynamics on an ecological site includes

succession and retrogression. The pathway of secondary

succession is often not simply a reversal of disturbances

and/or stressors responsible for retrogression and may

not follow the same pathway as primary succession.

(c) Historic Climax Plant Communities

The historic climax plant community for a site in North

America is the plant community that existed at the time

of European immigration and settlement. It is the plant

community that had developed as a result of all site

forming factors and was best adapted to the unique

combination of environmental factors associated with

the site. The historic climax plant community was in

dynamic equilibrium with its environment. It is the
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plant community that was able to avoid displacement by

the suite of disturbances and disturbance patterns

(magnitude and frequency) that naturally occurred

within the area occupied by the site. Natural

disturbances, such as drought, fire, and insects were

inherent in the development and maintenance of these

plant communities. The effects of these disturbances are

part of the range of characteristics of the site that

contribute to that dynamic equilibrium. Fluctuations in

plant community structure and function caused by the

effects of these natural disturbances establish the

boundaries of dynamic equilibrium. They are accounted

for as part of the range of characteristics for an

ecological site. Some sites may have a small range of

variation, while others have a large range. Plant

communities that are subjected to abnormal disturbances

and physical site deterioration or that are protected from

natural influences, such as fire, for long periods seldom

typify the historic climax plant community.

(d) State and Transition Models

A state and transition model will be utilized to describe

vegetation dynamics and management interactions

associated with each ecological site. A state and

transition model provides a method to organize and

communicate complex information about vegetation

response to disturbances (fire, lack of fire, drought,

insects and disease) and management.

A state is a recognizable, relatively resistant and

resilient complex with attributes that include a

characteristic climate, the soil resource including soil

biota and the associated above ground plant

communities. The soil and vegetative components are

inseparably connected through ecological processes that

interact to produce a sustained equilibrium. The

primary ecological processes are water cycle, nutrient

cycle, and the process of energy capture. Each state has

distinctive characteristics, benefits, and values

depending upon the intended use, products, and

environmental effects desired from the site.

Two important attributes of a state are resistance and

resilience. Resistance refers to the capability of the state

to absorb disturbance and stresses and retain its

ecological structure. Resilience refers to the amount of

disturbance or stress a state can endure and still regain

its original function after the disturbances and stresses

are removed.

States are relatively stable and resistant to change

caused by disturbances up to a threshold point. A

threshold is the boundary between two states such that

one or more of the ecological processes has been

irreversibly changed and must be actively restored

before return to a previous state is possible. Additional

thresholds may occur along the irreversible portion of a

transition causing a change in the trajectory toward

another state, as illustrated in Figure 537 - 1. Once a

threshold is crossed a disequilibrium among one or more

of the primary ecological processes exists and will be

expressed through changes in the vegetative community

and eventually the soil resource. A new stable state is

formed when the system reestablishes equilibrium

among its primary ecological processes.

Transition is the trajectory of system change between

states that will not cease before the establishment of a

new state. Transitions can be triggered by natural events,

management actions, or both. Some transitions may

occur very quickly and others over a long period of time.

Two portions of a transition are recognized: reversible

and irreversible. Prior to crossing a threshold, a

transition is reversible and represents an opportunity to

reverse or arrest the change. Vegetation management

practices and, if needed, facilitating practices are used to

reverse the transition. Once a threshold is crossed, the

transition is irreversible without significant inputs of

management resources and energy. Significant inputs

are associated with accelerating practices such as site

preparation, timber stand improvement, and tree

planting.

States are not static as they encompass a certain amount

of variation due to climatic events, management actions,

or both. Dynamics within a state do not represent a state

change since a threshold is not crossed. In order to

organize information for management decision making

purposes, it may be desirable at times to describe these

different expressions of dynamics within the states.

These different vegetative assemblages within states will

be referred to as plant communities and the change

between these communities as community pathways.

Figure 537 - 1 illustrates the different components of a

state and transition model diagram for an ecological site.

States are represented by the large boxes and are

bordered by thresholds. The small boxes represent plant

communities with community pathways representing the

cause of change between communities. The entire

trajectory from one state to another state is considered a

transition (i.e., from State A to State B). The portion of

the transition contained within the boundary of a state is

considered reversible with a minimum of input from

management. Once the transition has crossed the

threshold it is not reversible without substantial input
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(accelerating practices). The arrow returning to a

previous state (State B to State A) will be utilized to

designate types of accelerating practices needed.

Figure 537 - 1 State and transition diagram example

(e) Naturalized Plant Communities

Ecological site descriptions are to be developed for all

identified sites on forestland. In some parts of the

country, however, the historic climax plant community

has been destroyed, and it is impossible to reconstruct

that plant community with any degree of reliability. In

these regions, site descriptions will be developed using

the naturalized plant communities for the site. The use

of this option for ecological site descriptions is limited

to those parts of the country where the historic climax

plant community has been destroyed and cannot be

reconstructed with any degree of reliability. An

example of the areas in the United States where this may

be used is the state of Hawaii, the Caribbean Area, and

the annual grasslands of California. Approval to

describe additional forestland ecological regions in this

way must be obtained from the national program leader

for forest ecology.

(f) Permanence and Change of Ecological

Site Potential

Retrogression can occur on an ecological site resulting

in a number of different states depending on the type of

disturbances, the sequence of disturbances, climatic

variations, and other variables. Some states that are

considered vegetative expressions of degraded historic

climax plant communities are stable and can persist for

many years without evidence of secondary succession.

This persistence may extend beyond practical

timeframes for use and management planning. As long

as the physical environment supporting these states

remains similar to those required by the historic climax

plant community, change to another ecological site is

not recognized. The ecological potential for the site is

not considered to have been altered merely because the

present state is stable and can persist for many years.

Severe physical deterioration can permanently alter the

potential of an ecological site to support the original

plant community. Examples include permanently

lowering the water table, severe surface drainage caused

by gullying, and severe soil erosion by water or wind.

When the ecological site's potential has significantly

changed, it is no longer considered the same site. A

change to another ecological site is then recognized, and

a new site description may need to be developed on the

basis of its altered potential.

Some ecological sites have been planted or seeded to

introduced species. The introduced species may become

well established or naturalized to the site. They may

dominate the site, or they may continue to occupy part

of the site even when secondary succession has restored

the plant community to near historic climax conditions.

In these cases a change in ecological site is not

recognized because the edaphic and climatic potential

for the site has not been altered.

(g) Determining Characteristic States

Where possible, the historic climax plant community for

each ecological site is to be determined. Where it is not

possible to determine the historic climax plant

community, the naturalized plant community will be

described. In addition to the historic climax plant

community or naturalized plant community, other

known states occurring on the site are to be included in

the ecological site description.

STATE A

Community A

Historic Climax

Community B Community C

Community D

Community E

STATE B

Community F

Community G

STATE C
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The description of each state should be considered as an

approximation subject to modification as additional

knowledge is gained. Every effort should be made to

examine plant communities within the ecological site’s

area of occurrence during different seasons and in

different years. This is necessary to adequately describe

the vegetation dynamics within a site.

Characteristics of a state obtained from a single source

or site are not conclusive for describing the state. In

evaluating plant information, consideration must be

given to many factors including:

 Effects of fire or lack of fire

 Impacts of grazing or browsing animals

 Impacts of insects or diseases

 Soil erosion or deposition by wind or water

 Drought or unusually wet years

 Variations in hydrology and storm events

 Introduced plant species

The following methods are used in determining the

characteristic states of an ecological site:

 Identification and evaluation of reference sites

with similar plant communities and associated

soils. When describing the historic climax plant

community, the reference sites should not have

been subjected to abnormal disturbances (or the

lack of normal disturbance). The productivity and

the species composition of the plant community

should be evaluated.

 Evaluation and comparison of the same ecological

sites occurring in different areas, but that have

experienced different levels of disturbance and

management. Further comparison should be made

with areas that are not disturbed. Projecting the

response of plant species to given disturbances

and relating the present day occurrence of species

on a site to past disturbances (type and extent of

disturbance, frequency, and magnitude) provides a

basis for approximating certain vegetative

characteristics of the plant community.

 Evaluation and interpretation of research data

dealing with the ecology, management, and soils

of plant communities.

 Review of historical accounts, survey and military

records, and botanical literature of the area.

The Ecological Site Inventory (ESI) database can

provide useful data in identifying plant communities.

This database can be accessed on the internet at:

http://plants.usda.gov/esis

(h) Differentiation Between Ecological

Sites

The following criteria are used to differentiate one

ecological site from another:

 Significant differences in the species or species

groups that are in the historic climax plant

community.

 Significant differences in the relative proportion

of species or species groups in the historic climax

plant community.

 Significant differences in the total annual

production of the historic climax plant

community.

 Soil factors that determine plant production and

composition, the hydrology of the site, and the

functioning of the ecological processes of the

water cycle, mineral cycles, and energy flow.

Contrasting conditions in the soil characteristics,

climate, topography, and other environmental factors

known to be associated with a specific ecological site

can be used as a means of identifying the site when the

historic climax plant community is absent.

Generally, one species or a group of species dominates a

site. Dominant status does not vary from place to place

or from year to year. Because of their stability in the

historic climax plant community, dominant species can

often be used to distinguish sites and to differentiate one

site from another. When dominant species are in equal

proportion, species in minor proportions can be used to

distinguish sites.

In evaluating the significance of kinds, proportion, and

production of species or species groups that are

dominant in a historic climax plant community, and

given different soil characteristics, the relative

proportion of species may indicate whether one or more

ecological sites are involved. For example, in one area

the historic climax plant community may consist of 60

percent green ash and 10 water oak, and in another area

it may consist of 60 percent water oak and 10 percent

green ash. Thus, two ecological sites are recognized.

Even though the production and species are similar, the

proportion’s difference distinguish them as separate

sites.

In identifying an ecological site, consideration must be

given to its environment as a whole, as well as to the

individual components. The effect of any single

environmental factor can vary, depending on the

influence of other factors. For example, an additional 2
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inches of annual rainfall may be highly important in a

section of the country that has an arid climate, but of

minor significance in a humid climate. Similarly, a

difference in site index of 10 feet may be of minor

importance on ecological sites capable of producing site

indices of 250 feet. This difference, however, is highly

significant on sites capable of producing site indices of

only 60 feet. Similar variations in degree of significance

apply to most factors of the environment. Consequently,

in identifying an ecological site, consideration must be

given to its environment as a whole, as well as to the

individual components.

Where changes in soils, aspect, topography, or moisture

conditions are abrupt, ecological site boundaries are

distinct. Boundaries are broader and less distinct where

plant communities change gradually along broad

environmental gradients of relatively uniform soils and

topography. Making distinctions between ecological

sites along a continuum is difficult. Thus, the need for

site differentiation may not be readily apparent until the

cumulative impact of soil and climatic differences on

vegetation is examined over a broad area. Although

some plant communities may appear to be along a

continuum, distinctive plant communities can be

identified and described. Of necessity, boundaries

between ecological sites along a continuum of closely

related soils and a gradually changing climate are

somewhat arbitrary.

At times, normally less frequently occurring plants may

increase on a site, or the site may be invaded by plants

not formerly found in the historic climax plant

community. The presence or absence of these plants

may fluctuate greatly because of differences in

microenvironment, weather conditions, or human

actions. Consequently, using them for site identification

can be misleading, so they should not be used to

differentiate sites. Site differentiation, characterization,

and determination are based on the plant community that

develops along with the soils. A study of several

locations over several years is needed to differentiate

and characterize a site.

(i) Native and Naturalized Pasture

Forestland ecological site descriptions will be developed

for land previously managed as native and naturalized

pasture where they occurred on forest soil.

If forestland ecological site descriptions have not been

developed, or if they do not adequately serve the

purpose, native and naturalized pasture forage suitability

groups will be developed as the basic interpretive or

suitability grouping for native and naturalized pasture.

Native and naturalized pasture forage suitability groups

consist of one or more soils capable of producing similar

kinds and amounts of herbaceous natural vegetation.

These soils generally are also capable of producing

similar kinds and amounts of overstory trees.

Forestland ecological site descriptions used for native

and naturalized pasture must have details about the

herbaceous native and naturalized plant community, its

production potential, and other pertinent features. The

natural tree overstory part of the description will be

omitted only if not known. The state forester and state

grazing lands specialist, working as a team, have the

responsibility of identifying and describing forestland

ecological sites with native and naturalized pasture.

Assistance from soil scientists and biologists will be

requested as needed.

(j) Correlating Ecological Sites

Soil-ecological site correlation establishes the

relationship between soil components and ecological

sites. Ecological sites are correlated on the basis of soils

and the resulting differences in species composition,

proportion of species, and total production of the

historic climax plant community. Sometimes it is

necessary to extrapolate data on the composition and

production of a plant community on one soil to describe

the plant community on a similar soil for which no data

are available. The separation of two distinct soil

taxonomic units does not necessarily delineate two

ecological sites. Likewise, some soil taxonomic units

occur over broad environmental gradients and may

support more than one distinctive historic climax plant

community. Changes may be brought about by other

influences, such as an increase or decrease in average

annual precipitation.

Ecological sites are to be correlated between states.

Only one Site ID should be given to a single site that

occurs in adjacent states within the same MLRA.

The following procedures for soil-ecological site

correlation are compatible with the procedures detailed

in the National Soil Survey Handbook, Part 627.09.

(1) Responsibilities of State Conservationists

 Maintaining all ecological site inventory data and

descriptions within their state

 Proposing and developing new sites
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 Consulting with administrators of cooperating

agencies for correlating all sites within their states

 Designating which state is responsible for

maintaining and updating the ecological site

descriptions when a site occurs in more than one

state

(2) Responsibilities of Field Personnel of All

Cooperating Agencies  Collecting the necessary documentation for each

site

 Proposing draft descriptions for consideration and

approval by the appropriate technical specialist of

the agency responsible for the survey

(3) Guidelines for Internal Consistency of SoilEcological Site Correlation  Portray each individual feature with the narrowest

feasible range of characteristics that accurately

describes the site. For example, portray elevation

in relation to aspect. Exclude exceptions that

result from unique combinations of features in the

described range of characteristics. Discuss the

exception in the narrative

 Check that all combinations of features are

compatible with the range of characteristics that

are described for each individual feature.

Coordinate the soil moisture and temperature with

the climatic features described. Review the

compatibility of listed plant species and the soil

properties listed under soil features. Check for

other apparent inconsistencies.

(4) Guidelines for Correlation Between Sites  Make and document comparisons of site

descriptions when proposing new sites, reviewing

existing sites, or correlating between survey areas,

major land resource areas, or states.

 Compare all sites that have two or more major

species in common and all sites that have the same

soil family, groups of similar families, or other

taxa.

537.31 Ecological Site Descriptions

An ecological site description is prepared for each

ecological site identified. Descriptions should clearly

present the features that characterize the site. They are

to address all the resources of the site that are important

for identifying, evaluating, planning, developing,

managing, and monitoring forestland resources.

Descriptions are developed as part of the Ecological Site

Information System (ESIS) using the ecological site

description format. ESIS is the official repository for all

data associated with forestland ecological site

descriptions. The state office is responsible for entry

and maintenance of site descriptions in this database.

Refer to the National Forestry Handbook, Part 637 for

detailed instructions on entering data into the ESIS

database. The ESIS database can be accessed on the

internet at http://plants.usda.gov/esis.

The data comprising a forestland ecological site

description is presented in four major categories:

 Site Characteristics

 Plant Communities

 Site Interpretations

 Supporting Information

The following describes the data presented within each

of these four sections.

(a) Site Characteristics

The Site Characteristics category identifies the site and

describes the physiographic, climate, soil, and water

features associated with the site.

(1) Site Type

The subdivision into which forestland and rangeland are

divided for study, evaluation, and management.

Ecological site descriptions provide the basic data for

planning the use, development, rehabilitation, and

management of ecological sites.

Forestland ecological sites and rangeland ecological

sites are separated based on the historic climax plant

community. Where it is not possible to determine the

historic climax plant community, the naturalized plant

community will be used to differentiate forestland from

rangeland ecological sites.

A site type of “forestland” is assigned and described

where a 25% overstory canopy of trees, as determined

by crown perimeter-vertical projection, dominated this

historic vegetation. A tree is defined as a woodystemmed plant that can grow to 4 meters in height at

maturity on the site being described.

A site type of “rangeland” is assigned where overstory

tree production was not significant in the climax

vegetation. Refer to the National Range and Pasture

Handbook for details on developing ecological site

descriptions for "rangeland" ecological types.
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To determine site type in juniper and pinyon plant

communities in the western United States use the

criteria contained in the publication Inventorying,

Classifying, and Correlating Juniper and Pinyon

Communities to Soils in Western United States

published September 1997 by the Grazing Lands

Technology Institute, NRCS, USDA.

(2) Site Name

Descriptive text used to differentiate one forestland

ecological site from another. Forestland ecological sites

are named to help users recognize the different

forestland sites in their locality.

Forestland ecological sites are named using the

scientific names of the vegetation comprising the

historic climax plant community. Where it is not

possible to determine the historic climax plant

community, the sites will be named using the scientific

names of the vegetation comprising the naturalized plant

community, or other plant communities that comprise

the known steady states of vegetation.

The source for scientific names shall be the National

Plants Database. The ecological site name shall consist

of one or two overstory tree species, one or two

understory shrubs and one or two herbaceous species. If

more than one species of overstory trees, understory

shrubs, or herbaceous species is named, each shall be

separated by a “-”. The major groupings (trees, shrubs,

and herbaceous) shall be separated by a “/”.

Example:

Quercus nigra-Quercus phellos/Ilex

decidua/Panicum anceps-Carex

Refer to the National Range and Pasture Handbook for

details on naming rangeland ecological sites.

Because the interpretive plant community may be either

the historic climax plant community or, where

applicable, the naturalized plant community, the first

sentence in the interpretive plant community

narrative should clearly state whether the

interpretive plant community described is the

historic climax or the naturalized plant community.

(3) Site ID

A unique identifier assigned to each named ecological

site.

The Site ID consists of five parts:

 The first part of the ecological site id is a letter

“F” if the ecological site type is forestland or the

letter “R” if the ecological site type is rangeland.

 The second part is a three-digit number and a

one-digit letter designating the Major Land

Resource Area (MLRA). If the MLRA is only

two numbers and no letters, a zero is inserted in

the first space followed by the two numbers. The

letters A, B, C, etc. following the MLRA

represent the MLRA subdivision. An X in the

fourth space denotes that there is no MLRA

subdivision.

 The third part is a single letter designating the

Land Resource Unit (LRU), where applicable. A

Y is inserted when LRU’s are not used.

 The fourth part is a three digit number

representing the individual ecological site number

as assigned by the state. The number 0 is placed

in front of all state-assigned site numbers less

than 100.

 The fifth part is the two-letter state postal code of

the state developing the site description.

Examples:

F133BY083AR (forestland ecological site)

R070CY003NM (rangeland ecological site)

(4) Representative Physiographic Features

This section contains a narrative description of the

physiographic features representative of the site and the

data relative to the following physiographic features.

(i) Landform

Descriptive name(s) representative of the surface

features of the site. Up to three landform feature names

may be listed. The landform feature name(s) listed are

those associated with the soil component(s) comprising

the site as recorded in NASIS.

(ii) Elevation

The minimum and maximum elevation, in feet,

representative of the site. The representative values

should correspond to those recorded in NASIS for the

soil components comprising the site.

(iii) Slope

The minimum and maximum slope percent

representative of the site. The representative values

should correspond to those recorded in NASIS for the

soil components comprising the site.
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(iv) Water Table Depth

The minimum and maximum depth to the water table, in

inches, representative of the site. The representative

values should correspond to those recorded in NASIS

for the soil components comprising the site.

(v) Flooding

The minimum and maximum values for flooding

frequency and duration representative of the site. The

representative values should correspond to those

recorded in NASIS for the soil components comprising

the site.

(vi) Ponding

The minimum and maximum values for ponding

frequency, duration, and depth representative of the site.

The representative values should correspond to those

recorded in NASIS for the soil components comprising

the site.

(vii) Runoff Class

The minimum and maximum values of the runoff

potential class representative of the site. The

representative values should correspond to those

recorded in NASIS for the soil components comprising

the site.

(viii) Aspect

The direction toward which the surface of the soil faces,

expressed as a cardinal direction - North, South, East,

West, Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, and Southwest.

Up to three cardinal directions may be entered. The

aspect of a site is normally of importance only on sites

with slopes of 15% or greater.

(5) Representative Climatic Features

This section contains a narrative description of the

climatic features representative of the site and the data

relative to the following climatic features.

(i) Frost-free Period

The representative minimum and maximum number of

days when no frost occurs. Frost may occur even when

the official temperature is above freezing as the ground

can be colder than where the thermometer is located.

(ii) Freeze-free Period

The representative minimum and maximum number of

days when the temperature is a above 32 degrees F.

(iii) Mean Annual Precipitation

The representative minimum and maximum average

precipitation the site receives annually, in inches.

(iv) Monthly Precipitation and Temperature

The representative monthly average minimum and

maximum precipitation (in inches) and temperature (in

degrees Fahrenheit) on the site.

(v) Climate Stations

The unique identifier(s) and name(s) of the climate

stations from which the climate data was derived. The

period of record (i.e. 1954-1994) for each climate station

should also be recorded.

(6) Influencing Water Features

This section contains a narrative description of the

influencing water features representative of the site and

the data relative to the following water features.

(i) Wetland Description

A listing of the wetland system(s) and associated

subsystem(s) and class(es) representative of the site,

based on the Cowardin wetland classification system.

(ii) Stream Types

A listing of the stream code(s) and associated

narrative(s) describing the various stream type(s)

representative of the site, based on the Rosgen

classification system (applicable only when the

Cowardin wetland system is classified as riverine).

(7) Representative Soil Features

This section contains a narrative description of the soil

features representative of the site and the data relative to

the following soil features.

(i) Predominant Parent Materials

The kind and origin of the parent material predominant

on the site. These values should correspond to those

recorded in NASIS for the soil components comprising

the site.

(ii) Surface Texture

The representative texture class(es) and texture modifier

within a specified depth of the soil surface. Up to three

surface textures may be recorded. The depth should be

recorded in the narrative for representative soils

features. These values should correspond to those

recorded in NASIS for the soil components comprising

the site.

(iii) Subsurface Texture Group

A general term used to denote the predominant texture

group in the soil horizons within a specified depth of the

soil surface. The soil texture classes assigned to each

group are: Sandy - cos, s, fs, vfs, lcos, ls, lfs, lvfs;

Loamy - cosl, sl, fsl, vfsl, l, si, cl, scl, sicl; and Clayey -
Part 537.3 - Ecological Site Information System (ESIS) Interpretations

537-21

 (190-V-NFM, Aug. 2000)

sc, sic, c. These values should correspond to those

recorded in NASIS for the soil components comprising

the site. The depth should be recorded in the narrative

for representative soils features.

(iv) Surface Fragments <=3"

The representative percent of the ground covered by

fragments less than or equal to 3" in size on the site.

These values should correspond to those recorded in

NASIS for the soil components comprising the site.

(v) Surface Fragments >3"

The representative percent of the ground covered by

fragments greater than 3" in size on the site. These

values should correspond to those recorded in NASIS

for the soil components comprising the site.

(vi) Subsurface Rock Fragments <=3"

The representative percent by volume of the rock

fragments less than or equal to 3" in size in the soil

horizons to a specified depth These values should

correspond to those recorded in NASIS for the soil

components comprising the site. The depth should be

recorded in the narrative for representative soils

features.

(vii) Subsurface Rock Fragments >3"

The representative percent by volume of the rock

fragments greater than 3" in size in the soil horizons to a

specified depth. These values should correspond to

those recorded in NASIS for the soil components

comprising the site. The depth should be recorded in the

narrative for representative soils features.

(viii) Drainage Class

The range of drainage classes representative of the site.

This value should correspond to that recorded in NASIS

for the soil components comprising the site.

(ix) Permeability Class

The range of permeability classes representative of the

site. This value should correspond to that recorded in

NASIS for the soil components comprising the site.

(x) Soil Depth

The representative minimum and maximum depth of the

soil to the first restrictive layer, in inches. These values

should correspond to those recorded in NASIS for the

soil components comprising the site.

(xi) Electrical Conductivity

The representative minimum and maximum values for

the electrical conductivity of the soil within 40 inches of

the soil surface or to the first restrictive layer, in

millimhos per centimeter. These values should

correspond to those recorded in NASIS for the soil

components comprising the site.

(xii) Sodium Adsorption Ratio

The representative minimum and maximum values for

the sodium adsorption ration of the soil within 40 inches

of the soil surface or to the first restrictive layer. These

values should correspond to those recorded in NASIS

for the soil components comprising the site.

(xiii) Soil Reaction (1:1 Water)

The representative minimum and maximum values for

the pH of the soil as measured by the 1:1 water method

within 40 inches of the soil surface or to the first

restrictive layer. The 1:1 water method is general used

for all soils except Histosols. These values should

correspond to those recorded in NASIS for the soil

components comprising the site.

(xiv) Soil Reaction (0.01M CaC12)

The representative minimum and maximum values for

the pH of the soil as measured by the 0.01M calcium

chloride method within 40 inches of the soil surface or

to the first restrictive layer. The 0.01M calcium chloride

method is general used for soils with organic horizons.

These values should correspond to those recorded in

NASIS for the soil components comprising the site.

(xv) Available Water Capacity

The representative minimum and maximum values for

the total available water capacity within 40 inches of the

soil surface or to the first restrictive layer, in inches.

These values should correspond to those recorded in

NASIS for the soil components comprising the site.

(xvi) Calcium Carbonate Equivalent

The representative minimum and maximum values for

the percent calcium carbonate equivalent within 40

inches of the soil surface or to the first restrictive layer.

These values should correspond to those recorded in

NASIS for the soil components comprising the site.

(xvii) Soil Survey Associations

A listing of the soil the soil map unit symbols, soil map

unit names, and soil components/phases in specified soil

surveys that are associated with the site. The soil map

unit symbols, soil map unit names, and soil
Part 537.3 - Ecological Site Information System (ESIS) Interpretations

537-22

(190-V-NFM, Aug. 2000)

components/phases should correspond to those recorded

in NASIS for the specified soil surveys listed.

(b) Plant Communities

Included in this category are:

 Description of the ecological dynamics of the site

 State and Transition Model diagram

 Description of the common states that occur on

the site and the transitions between the states. If

needed, describe the communities and community

pathways within the state

 Ground cover and structure

 Overstory and understory composition and

production

 Photos of each state or community

(1) Ecological Dynamics of the Site

A narrative and graphical representation (state and

transition model) describing the states and transitions

between the states. The narrative may include, but is not

limited to a discussion of:

 The known causes of plant community changes

and the patterns of succession shifts or change.

 The effects that variations in non-management

type events (weather, wind, fire, flood, etc.) may

have on the dynamics of the site.

 The effects that management activities (grazing,

fire, silvicultural, etc.) may have on the dynamics

of the site.

 (2) Plant Community Narrative

This section provides a narrative description of the

interpretive plant community and other common plant

communities comprising the various vegetation states of

the site.

The narrative should describe the structure, appearance,

and function of each of the common plant communities.

Include the assumptions made of how the site developed

(fire, cultural activities, etc.).

Because the interpretive plant community may be either

the historic climax plant community or, where

applicable, the naturalized plant community, the first

sentence in the interpretive plant community

narrative should clearly state whether the

interpretive plant community described is the

historic climax or the naturalized plant community.

(3) Ground Cover and Structure

This section lists the percent ground cover by height

class (feet) for various cover types -- tree, shrub/vine,

grass/grasslike, forb, lichen, moss, microbiotic crusts,

coarse fragment, bareground, and litter. The percent

ground cover for living cover is the percent of the

ground covered by live foliar vegetation looking from

the vertical view, in order of plant layer stratification

(See Figure 537 - 2). The total percentage can exceed

100%.

(4) Forest Overstory and Understory

Composition

This section contains a narrative description and the

percent composition by frequency of the overstory

species. The total percent composition must equal

100%.

(5) Forest Understory

This section contains a narrative and the typical annual

production of understory species under a minimum,

maximum and representative canopy cover. Understory

species are those 4.5 feet in height or less. The annual

production is recorded in percent of composition and

pounds of air-dry weight per acre.

Figure 537 - 2 Vegetation foliar cover

 “Shrub” Foliar Cover 

 “Tree” Foliar Cover 
Part 537.3 - Ecological Site Information System (ESIS) Interpretations

537-23

 (190-V-NFM, Aug. 2000)

(6) Typical Site Photo

If available, a photograph of a typical site may be

included for each state or community.

(c) Site Interpretations

This category contains interpretive information pertinent

to the use and management of the site and its related

resources.

(1) Forest Site Productivity

This section lists the minimum and maximum site index

and annual productivity of the major tree species. The

annual productivity per acre per year in cubic feet at

culmination of mean annual increment (CMAI) is listed

for each identified species. Annual productivity per acre

per year in other common units of measurement,

(boardfoot-doyle, i.e.), may also be listed for one or

more of the identified species.

These values should correspond to those recorded in

NASIS for the corresponding soil components and tree

species.

 (2) Animal Community

This section contains a narrative description of the

animal communities associated with the site. The

narrative should include information about the type of

forage and cover the site affords specific animals,

management implications, impacts, etc.

(3) Plant Preference by Animal Kind

This section contains a listing of plant preferences by

various animals. For each animal, preference rating is

listed for various plant species during each month of the

year. Additionally, preference ratings may be listed for

the different plant parts (leaf, flower, etc.) of each

identified plant species.

(4) Hydrology Functions

This section contains a narrative description of the

hydrology of the site. The narrative should include such

information as climatic patterns (storm events, rainfall

distribution, etc.), landscape position, flooding and/or

ponding susceptibility, erosion potentials, concentrated

flow characteristics, etc.

(5) Recreational Uses

This section contains a narrative description of the

potential recreational uses that the site can support or

which may influence the management of the site.

List special concerns that will maintain the recreational

potentials or site conditions that may limit its potential.

Also, list plant species that have special aesthetic values,

uses, and landscape value.

(6) Wood Products

This section contains a narrative description of the kinds

of wood products the site is capable of producing and

any potential impact that may influence the management

of the site as a result of producing these products.

(7) Other Products

This section contains a narrative description of potential

uses of other products produced on the site. These may

include such things as landscape plants, biomass,

mushrooms, berries, ferns, nuts, etc.

(8) Other Information

This section contains a narrative description of other

pertinent, interpretive, and descriptive information

relative to the site.

(d) Supporting Information

This category contains information useful in assessing

the quality of the site description and its relationship to

other ecological sites.

(1) Associated Sites

This section contains information about other forestland

ecological sites that are commonly located in

conjunction with the site. This information includes the

site name and site id of each associated site and a

narrative describing similarities and differences to the

site being described.

(2) Similar Sites

This section contains information about other sites that

resemble or can be confused with the site. This

information includes the site name and site id of each

similar site and a narrative describing the similarities to

the site being described.

(3) State Correlation

This section contains a listing of other state(s) using the

site description of the site being described.

(4) Inventory Data References

This section contains a narrative description of how data

about the interpretive plant community was obtained and

a listing of the site inventory plots supporting the site
Part 537.3 - Ecological Site Information System (ESIS) Interpretations

537-24

(190-V-NFM, Aug. 2000)

description. This list records the data source and sample

id of each inventory plot used in the development of the

site description.

(5) Type Locality

This section contains information about the physical

location of sites that typify the site being described. The

latitude and longitude of each typifying site will be

recorded. The township, range, section, and a general

description of the location may also be recorded.

(6) Relationship to Other Established

Classifications

This section contains a listing of other classification

systems that describe sites similar to the site being

described.

(7) Other References

This section contains a list of references used in the

development of the site or references that aid in

understanding the ecological dynamics of the site.

(8) Site Description Approval

This section contains the name, title, affiliation and date

of the individuals that developed/revised and approved

the site description.

(e) Revising Ecological Site Descriptions

Analysis and interpretation of new information about the

soil, vegetation, and other on-site environmental factors

may reveal a need to revise or update ecological site

descriptions. Because the collection of such information

through resource inventories and monitoring is a

continuous process, site descriptions should be

periodically reviewed for needed revision. It is

especially important that site descriptions be reviewed

when new data on composition, production, or response

to disturbance become available. Documented

production and composition data, along with related

soil, climate, and physiographic data, will be the basis of

the site description revisions or new site descriptions.

(f) Developing New Site Descriptions

A new site description should be prepared when data

analysis or new information reveals that a different or

new ecological site exists. Generally, enough land area

must be identified to be of importance in the

management or study of the site before a new site will

be developed and described.

A new ecological site may be differentiated from an

existing site when sufficient erosion or other action has

occurred to significantly alter the site's potential.

537.32 Ecological Sites and Soil

Surveys

NRCS policy dictates mapping of soils and the

publication of soil surveys that contain essential

information for use in conservation and resource

planning activities. These surveys must meet the

requirements of the National Cooperative Soil Survey

program (see National Soil Survey Handbook, part 606).

The National Soil Survey Handbook, parts 622 and 627,

establishes responsibility for planning soil surveys. Soil

scientists and forestry discipline specialists work

together to map soils and ecological sites in forestland

areas. Essential activities include development of soil

survey work plans, determination of composition of soil

mapping units, preparation of map legends,

determination of mapping intensity, and necessary field

reviews.

(a) Using Soil Surveys to Identify

Ecological Sites

Where Order II soil surveys are completed and

ecological site interpretations have been made,

boundaries of ecological sites can generally be

determined directly from the soil map.

Order III mapping describes individual soil and plant

components at association or complex levels. This

requires that mapping unit descriptions be developed

that describe each association component and assign

locations and percentages to each. Individual ecological

sites must be described at a level equivalent to the

individual components of the Order III soils map.

Each ecological site will be assigned a unique number

that distinguishes it from all other ecological sites. This

unique 10-character number will be correlated to each

soil series or taxonomic unit that occurs within the

ecological site. This number and site name will be input

into NASIS or other applicable soils data base.
Part 537.3 - Ecological Site Information System (ESIS) Interpretations

537-25

 (190-V-NFM, Aug. 2000)

537.33 Ecological Site Inventory

Vegetation sampling is an important activity conducted

by Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

The data are used to develop inventories for planning, to

monitor ecological change, to provide data to make

management decisions, for the development of

ecological site descriptions, and for many other

purposes. An inventory is defined as the collection,

assemblage, interpretation, and analysis of natural

resource data for planning or other purposes.

Inventories are regularly completed to determine the

present status of variables important to NRCS and

decisionmakers. Production and composition by species

are used by NRCS in characterizing ecological sites.

(a) Forest Plot Inventory

The ESI Forest Plot Field Worksheet is used to record

forest plot inventory information. Refer to the National

Forestry Handbook, Part 637 for detailed instructions on

the collection of forest plot data, completion of the ESI

Forest Plot Field Worksheet, and use of the Ecological

Site Inventory database.

(1) Minimum Forest Plots

Table 537-1 lists the minimum number of plots required

for major species for each wood-producing soil

component identified within a soil survey area.

Table 537- 1 Minimum plots by soil component extent

Soil

Component

Extent

Acreage

(thousands)

No. of plots

(National

Comparison)

Small <10 3

Moderate 10 - 100 5

Large >100 8

(2) Class-determining and Local Phases

Some soil components have class-determining and/or

local phases based on productivity or species

composition. In such cases, the minimum standards

apply for each phase. Existing conditions on certain soil

components and/or phases, such as recent harvesting,

may preclude obtaining sufficient data. In addition,

some species do not have established site index curves.

These cases are exempt from the minimum plot

standards.

(3) Comparison Data

Data from other soil surveys for a particular soil

component or phase may be used to determine site index

values if: (1) a minimum of 3 verification plots is taken,

or (2) the data source is footnoted.

(4) Measurement Integrity

For all plots on a soil component or phase, the variance

of site index values for the indicator species should not

exceed a standard deviation value of 10. If the standard

deviation of the plots taken is greater than 10, then: (1)

increase the number of plots, or (2) determine if a classdetermining phase of the soil component or a new soil

component is warranted.

(5) Documentation

Site index information published in soil surveys,

ecological site descriptions, special reports, and other

documents used by the public will list the mean site

index for the soil component or phase for its entire

geographic extent or for the specific soil survey area.

Where the site index displayed does not meet standards

of sampling and analysis, clearly note that the standards

of sampling and analyses are not met.

(b) Conservation Tree/Shrub Plot

Inventory

The ESI Windbreak Plot Field Worksheet is used to

record plot data for conservation tree/shrub

interpretations.

Refer to the National Forestry Handbook, Part 637 for

detailed instructions on collection of conservation

tree/shrub plot data, completion of the ESI Windbreak

Plot Field Worksheet, and use of the Ecological Site

Inventory application to record plot data.

(c) Ecological Site Inventory (ESI)

Application

The Ecological Site Inventory (ESI) application

provides the capability to enter, edit, and retrieve range,

forestry, and agroforestry plot data. ESI is the official

repository for all plot data collected via the ESI Forest
Part 537.3 - Ecological Site Information System (ESIS) Interpretations

537-26

(190-V-NFM, Aug. 2000)

Plot Field Worksheet, the ESI Windbreak Plot Field

Worksheet, and the Production and Composition Record

For Native Grazing Lands (ECS-417).

Refer to the National Forestry Handbook, Part 637 for

detailed instructions on the completion of the ESI Forest

and Windbreak Plot Field Worksheets, and use of the

Ecological Site Inventory database.

Refer to the National Range and Pasture Handbook for

detailed instructions on the collection of range plot data.
Part 537-4 - Exhibits

537-27

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

Exhibit 537-1 National Register of Site Index Curves

Scientific Name

Common Name

NSPNS

Curve

Number

Age Base

Reference

Area

of

Use

Age Correction Factor

Abies amabilis

Pacific silver fir

ABAM

05

100TA

Hoyer, Herman

1989

Entire Range Not Needed

Abies balsamea

balsam fir

ABBA

010

50TA

Gevorkiantz

1956a

Northeast SI

Years

30

15

40

13

50

11

60

9

70

8

 

 011

50TA

Carmean, Hahn

1981

Lake States SI

Years

20

15

30

13

40

11

 

 020

50TA

Lloyd

1970a

Northeast SI

Years

30

15

40

13

50

11

60

9

70

8

 

Abies concolor

white fir

ABCO

030

50TA

Schumacher

1926

Entire Range SI

Years

30

16

40

14

50

12

60

10

70

8

80

6

90

5

 031

50BH

Cochran

1979a

East of

Cascades in

OR and WA

Not Needed

 032

50BH

Dolph

1987

West of Sierra

Nevada Range

 035

50BH

SCS

1988a

East of

Cascades in

OR and WA

 605

300TA

Dunning

1942

California SI

Years

71-84

12

85-98

10

99-112

8

113+

6

 

Abies fraseri

Fraser fir

ABFR

020

50TA

Lloyd

1970a

Entire Range SI

Years

30

15

40

13

50

11

60

9

70

8

 
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-28

(190-V-NFM, 2000)

Scientific Name

Common Name

NSPNS

Curve

Number

Age Base

Reference

Area

of

Use

Age Correction Factor

Abies grandis

grand fir

ABGR

031

50BH

Cochran

1979a

East of

Cascades in

OR and WA

Not Needed

 570

50TA

Haig

1932

Entire Range SI

Years

40

9

50

8

60

7

70

7

80

6

90

6

 

Abies lasiocarpa

subalpine fir

ABLA

412

100BH

Alexander

1967

Not Needed

Abies magnifica

California red fir

ABMA

050

50TA

Schumacher

1928

SI

Years

30

16

40

14

50

12

60

10

70

8

80

6

 

 055

50BH

Dolph

1991

WA, OR Not Needed

 605

300TA

Dunning

1942

California SI

Years

71-84

12

85-98

10

99-112

8

113+

6

 

Abies pocera

noble fir

ABPR

060

100BH

Herman, Curtis,

DeMars

1978

Entire Range Not Needed

Acer nigrum

black maple

ACNI5

070

50TA

Lloyd

1971a

SI

Years

50

5

60

4

70

3

 

Acer rubrum

red maple

ACRU

094

50TA

Lloyd

1971b

Entire Range SI

Years

50

5

60

4

70

3

 

 095

50TA

Carmean

1978

WI, MI All Sites - 4 years

Acer saccharinum

silver maple

ACSA2

070

50TA

Lloyd, 1971a

Entire Range SI

Years

50

5

60

4

70

3

 
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-29

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

Scientific Name

Common Name

NSPNS

Curve

Number

Age Base

Reference

Area

of

Use

Age Correction Factor

Acer saccharum

sugar maple

ACSA3

071

50TA

Carmean

1978

WI, MI All Sites - 4 years

 075

50TA

Brendemuehl,

McComb, Thomson

1961

Entire Range SI

Years

50

5

60

4

70

3

 

Alnus rubra

red alder

ALRU2

100

50TA

Worthington,

Johnson, Staebler,

Lloyd

1960

Entire Range All Sites - 2 years

 105

20TA

Harrigton, Curtis

1986

Western WA

and northwest

OR

All Sites - 1 year

Betula alleghaniensis

yellow birch

BEAL2

120

50TA

Lloyd

1971a

Entire Range SI

Years

50

5

60

4

70

3

 

 121

50TA

Carmean

1978

WI, MI All Sites - 4 years

Betula lenta

sweet birch

BELE

120

50TA

Lloyd

1971a

Entire range SI

Years

50

5

60

4

70

3

 
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-30

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

Scientific Name

Common Name

NSPNS

Curve

Number

Age Base

Reference

Area

of

Use

Age Correction Factor

Betula papyrifera

paper birch

BEPA

130

50TA

Cooley

1958, 1962

Midwest SI

Years

50

5

60

4

70

3

 

 131

50TA

Carmean

1978

WI, MI All Sites - 4 years

 140

50TA

Lloyd

1971a

Northeast SI

Years

50

5

60

4

70

3

 

 141

50BH

Gregory, Haack

1965

Alaska 

Calocedrus decurrens

incense cedar

CADE27

300

50BH

Dolph

1983

West of Sierra

Nevada Range

Not Needed

Carya alba

mockernut hickory

CAAL27

157

50TA

Boisen, Newlin

1910

Cumberland

Mountains

SI

Years

30

12

40

10

50

8

60

7

70

6

80

5

90

4

 158

50TA

Boisen, Newlin

1910

Mississippi

Valley

 

Carya cordiformis

bitternut hickory

CACO15

151

50TA

Boisen

1910

Entire Range 
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-31

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

Scientific Name

Common Name

NSPNS

Curve

Number

Age Base

Reference

Area

of

Use

Age Correction Factor

Carya glabra

pignut hickory

CAGL8

153

50TA

Boisen

1910

Cumberland

Mountains

SI

Years

30

12

40

10

50

8

60

7

70

6

80

5

90

4

 154

50TA

Boisen

1910

Mississippi

Valley

 

 155

50TA

Boisen

1910

Northern Ohio 

 156

50TA

Boisen

1910

Ohio Valley 

Carya illinoinensis

pecan

CAIL2

330

50TA

Broadfoot, Krinard

1959

Entire Range SI

Years

55

4

65

3

75+

2

 

Carya.

CARYA

150

50TA

Boisen

1910

See codes 151-

158

SI

Years

30

12

40

10

50

8

60

7

70

6

80

5

90

4

Celtis occidentalis

common hackberry

CEOC

820

50TA

Schnur

1937

Entire Range SI

Years

30

7

40

6

50

5

60

4

70

3

80

2

 

Chamaecyparis thyoides

Atlantic white cedar

CHTH2

160

50TA

Korstian, Brush

1931

Entire Range SI

Years

20

11

30

10

40

9

50

8

60

7

70

6

80

5

Fagus grandifolia

American beech

FAGR

165

50TA

Hampf

1965

SI

Years

30

9

40

7

50

6

60

5

61-85

4

86+

3

 

 166

50TA

Carmean

1978

WI, MI All Sites - 4 Years
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-32

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

Scientific Name

Common Name

NSPNS

Curve

Number

Age Base

Reference

Area

of

Use

Age Correction Factor

Fraxinus americana

white ash

FRAM2

170

50TA

Lloyd

1971a

Entire Range SI

Years

50

5

60

4

70

3

 

 171

50TA

Carmean

1978

WI, MI All Sites - 4 years

Fraxinus nigra

black ash

FRNI

330

50TA

Broadfoot, Krinard

1959

Entire Range SI

Years

75

5

85

4

95

3

 

 331

50Ta

Carmean

1978

WI, MI All Sites - 4 years

Fraxinus pennsylvanica

green ash

FRPE

330

50TA

Broadfoot, Krinard

1959

Entire Range SI

Years

75

5

85

4

95

3

 

 332

50TA

Broadfoot

1969

LA, MS, AR,

TN

All Sites - 2 years

Gymnocladus diocius

Kentucky coffeetree

GYDI

820

50TA

Schnur

1937

Entire Range SI

Years

40

6

50

5

60

4

70

3

80

2

 

Juglans nigra

black walnut

JUNI

190

50TA

Kellogg 1939a

Entire Range SI

Years

40

5

55

4

75

3

90+

2

 

 191

25TA

Losche, Schlesinger

IL

(shallow flood

plains)

All Sites - 4 years

 192

25TA

Losche, Schlesinger

1975

IL

(deep flood

plains)

 
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-33

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

Scientific Name

Common Name

NSPNS

Curve

Number

Age Base

Reference

Area

of

Use

Age Correction Factor

Juniperus occidentalis

western juniper

JUOS

210

50BH

Barrett, Sauerwein

1982

Entire Range Not Needed

Juniperus osteosperma

Utah juniper

JUOS

202

N/A

Chojnacky

1986

NV

Juniperus

JUNIP

Includes:

 Juniperus monosperma

oneseed juniper

JUMO

 Juniperus osteosperma

Utah juniper

JUOS

 Juniperus scopulorum

Rocky mountain juniper

JUSC2

 Juniperus deppeana

alligator juniper

JUDE2

200

N/A

Howell

1940

Pinyon-juniper

in west

Juniperus virginiana

eastern redcedar

JUVI

220

50TA

T.V.A.

1948

Entire Range SI

Years

20

10

30

7

40

5

50

3

 

Larix decidua

European larch

LADE2

230

50TA

Stone

1957

Entire Range

(plantations)

SI

Years

50

6

60

5

70

4

80

3

 

Larix kaempferi

Japanese larch

LAKA2

240

50TA

Aird, Stone

1955

Entire Range

(plantations)

SI

Years

50

6

60

5

70

4

80

3

 

Larix laricina

tamarack

LALA

235

50TA

Gevorkiantz

1957a

Entire Range SI

Years

20

10

30

8

40

7

50

6

60

5

 
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-34

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

Scientific Name

Common Name

NSPNS

Curve

Number

Age Base

Reference

Area

of

Use

Age Correction Factor

Larix occidentalis

western larch

LAOC

260

50TA

Cummings

1937

Montana SI

Years

45

9

55

8

65

7

 

 261

50BH

Cochran

1985

East of

Cascades in

OR and WA

Not Needed

 265

50TA

Schmidt, Shearer,

Roe

1976

West Except

Montana

SI

Years

45

9

55

8

65

7

 

Liquidambar styraciflua

sweetgum

LIST2

330

50TA

Broadfoot, Krinard

1959

South,

Midwest, and

West of

Mountains in

Northeast

SI

Years

55

4

65

3

75+

2

 

 340

50TA

Trenk

1929

Virginia and

east of

Mountains in

Northeast

SI

Years

40-55

5

56-75

4

76+

3

 

Liriodendron tulipifera

tuliptree

LITU

350

50TA

Beck

1962

MLRA's 131,

133A, 133B,

134, 135, 136,

137 138, 148,

149A 149B,

152A, 153A,

153B, , 153C,

154, and 155

SI

Years

75

5

85

4

95+

3

 

 355

50TA

Schlaegel, Kulow,

Baughman

1969

WV All Sites - 3 years

 360

50TA

Beck

196

Entire Range

(other than

listed for curve

350)

SI

Years

75

5

85

4

95+

3

 

Nyssa aquatica

water tupelo

NYAQ2

390

50TA

Applequist

1959

Entire Range All Sites - 5 years

Age taken at 18 inches above butt swell
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-35

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

Scientific Name

Common Name

NSPNS

Curve

Number

Age Base

Reference

Area

of

Use

Age Correction Factor

Nyssa biflora

swamp tupelo

NYBI

395

50TA

Applequest

1959

Entire Range All Sites - 5 years

Nyssa sylvatica

blackgum

NYSY

390

50TA

Applequist

1959

 

Picea abies

Norway spruce

PIAB

411

50TA

Wlde

1965

WI

(plantations)

SI

Years

40

17

50

15

60

13

 

Picea englemannii

Engelmanns's spruce

PIEN

410

50T

Brickell

1966

NOTE:

Code no

longer

available for

use.

Replaced by

code 412.

SI

Years

30

16

40

14

50

12

60

10

70

8

80

6

 

 412

100BH

Alexander

1967

Entire Rrange Not Needed

Picea glauca

white spruce

PIGL

420

50TA

Lloyd

1970a

Northeast SI

Years

30

15

40

13

50

11

60

10

70

9

 

 421

50TA

Gervorkiantz

1957b

MN SI

Years

20

15

30

13

40

11

60

9

70

8

 

 422

50TA

Carmean, Hahn

1981

MN SI

Years

20

15

30

13

40

11

 

 430

50TA

Ferber

1971

Midwest SI

Years

30

15

40

13

50

11

60

10

70

9

 

 440

100BH

Farr

1967

Alaska Not Needed
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-36

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

Scientific Name

Common Name

NSPNS

Curve

Number

Age Base

Reference

Area

of

Use

Age Correction Factor

Picea mariana

black spruce

PIMA

450

50TA

Gevorkiantz

1957c

Entire Range SI

Years

20

15

30

13

40

11

50

10

60

9

 

Picea pungens

blue spruce

PIPU

410

50TA

Brickell

1966

Entire Range SI

Years

30

16

40

14

50

12

60

10

70

8

80

6

 

Picea rubens

red spruce

PIRU

470

50TA

Lloyd

1970b

 SI

Years

30

15

40

13

50

11

60

9

70

8

 

Picea sitchensis

Sitka spruce

PISI

490

100TA

Meyer

1937

 SI

Years

100

10

120

9

140

8

160

7

180

6

200

5

 

 491

50BH

Farr

1984

Southeast AK Not Needed

Pinus banksiana

jack pine

PIBA2

500

50TA

Gevorkiantz

1956b

Entire Range SI

Years

30

9

40

8

50

7

60

6

70

5

 

 501

50TA

Wilde, Lyer,

Tanser, Trautmann,

Watterston

1965

Lake States SI

Years

30

9

40

8

50

7

 

 502

50TA

Wilde

1965

WI All Sites - 4 years

Pinus cembroides

Mexican pinyon

PICE

200

N/A

Nowell

1940

Pinyon-juniper

in West

Not Needed
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-37

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

Scientific Name

Common Name

NSPNS

Curve

Number

Age Base

Reference

Area

of

Use

Age Correction Factor

Pinus clausa

sand pine

PICL

510

50TA

Schumacher, Coile

1960

Entire Range SI

Years

40

6

50

5

60

4

70

3

80

2

 

Pinus contorta

Lodgepole pine

PICO

520

100TA

Alexander

1966

 All Sites - 9 years

Pinus coulteri

Coulter's pine

PICO3

600

100TA

Meyer

1938

SI

Years

<55

16

55-70

14

71-84

12

85-98

10

99-112

8

113+

6

 

Pinus echinata

shortleaf pine

PIEC2

530

50TA

Coile, Schumacher

1953

Entire Range SI

Years

55

6

65

5

76+

4

 

 531

50TA

Nash

1963

MO SI

Years

30-55

6

56-75

5

76+

4

 

 532

25TA

Gilmore, Metcalf

1961

IL

(plantations)

SI

Years

<25

7

25-40

6

>40

5

 

Pinus edulis

twoneedle pinyon

PIED

200

N/A

Nowell

1940

Pinyon-juniper

in West

Not Needed
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-38

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

Scientific Name

Common Name

NSPNS

Curve

Number

Age Base

Reference

Area

of

Use

Age Correction Factor

Pinus elliottii

slash pine

PIEL

550

50TA

USDA

1929

Entire Range SI

Years

65

4

75

3

85+

2

 

 555

25TA

Barnes

1955

SI

Years

<40

4

40-60

3

>60

2

 

Pinus elliottii densa

South Florida slash pine

PIELD

540

25TA

Langdon

1961

 All Sites - 5 years

 541

25TA

Langdon

1959

 SI

Years

<40

4

40-60

3

>60

2

 

Pinus jeffreyi

Jeffrey Pine

PIJE

600

100TA

Meyer

1961

SI

Years

<55

16

55-70

14

71-84

12

85-98

10

99-112

8

113+

6

 605

300TA

Dunning

1942

CA SI

Years

71-84

12

85-98

10

99-112

8

113+

6

 

Pinus lambertiana

sugar pine

PILA

605

300TA

Dunning

1942

Entire Range 

Pinus monophylla

singleleaf pinyon

PIMO

200

N/A

Howell

1940

Pinyon-juniper

in West

Not Needed

 202

N/A

Chojnacky

1986

NV 
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-39

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

Scientific Name

Common Name

NSPNS

Curve

Number

Age Base

Reference

Area

of

Use

Age Correction Factor

Pinus monticola

western white pine

PIMO3

570

50TA

Haig

1932

Entire Range SI

Years

40

9

50

8

60

7

70

7

80

6

90

5

 

 605

300TA

Dunning

1942

CA SI

Years

71-84

12

85-98

10

99-112

8

113+

6

 

Pinus palustris

longleaf pine

PIPA2

580

50TA

USDA

1929

Entire Range SI

Years

50-60

8

70-80

7

90

6

 

Pinus ponderosa

ponderosa pine

PIPO

600

100TA

Meyer

1938

West of

Continental

Divide and

MT, CO, NM

SI

Years

<56

16

57-70

14

71-84

12

85-98

10

99-112

8

113+

6

 

 601

100BH

Minor

1964

Northern AZ Not Needed

 605

300TA

Dunning

1942

California SI

Years

71-84

12

85-98

10

99-112

8

113+

6

 

Pinus pungens

Table Mountain pine

PIPU5

620

50TA

Nelson, Clutter,

Chaiken

1961

Entire Range SI

Years

55

6

65

5

75

4

 

Pinus quadrifolia

Parry pinyon

PIQU

200

N/A

Nowell

1940

Pinyon-juniper

in West

Not Needed
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-40

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

Scientific Name

Common Name

NSPNS

Curve

Number

Age Base

Reference

Area

of

Use

Age Correction Factor

Pinus resinosa

red pine

PIRE

630

50TA

Gevorkiantz

1957d

Entire Range SI

Years

40

10

50

8

60

6

70

5

 

 631

50TA

Wilde 1965

WI All Sites - 7 years

 632

25BH

Gilmore

1967

IL

(plantations)

Not needed

Pinus rigida

pitch pine

PIRI

635

50TA

Illick,

Aughanbaugh

1930

Entire range SI

Years

30

9

40

9

50

8

60

7

70

6

80

5

90

4

Pinus serotina

pond pine

PISE

640

50TA

Schumacher, Coile

1960

SI

Years

55

5

56-75

4

76+

3

 

Pinus strobus

eastern white pine

PIST

650

50TA

Doolittle

1960

South: IN, IL,

IA, OH, WV,

MD, DE, VA,

KY

SI

Years

<65

7

65-80

6

81-95

5

96+

4

 

 651

25BH

Gilmore

1968

IL

(plantations)

Not needed

 660

50TA

Lloyd

1970b

PA, NJ, NY,

and New

England

SI

Years

40

9

50

8

60

7

70

6

80+

5

 

 670

50TA

Gevorkiantz

1957e

MI, MN, WI SI

Years

40

14

50

12

60

10

70

8

80

6

 
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-41

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

Scientific Name

Common Name

NSPNS

Curve

Number

Age Base

Reference

Area

of

Use

Age Correction Factor

Pinus taeda

loblolly pine

PITA

690

50TA

Coile, Schumacher

1953

Entire Range SI

Years

<55

5

55-75

4

76+

3

 

 691

25TA

Gilmore, Metcalf

1961

IL

(plantations)

SI

Years

<25

4

>35

3

 

Pinus virginiana

Virginia pine

PIVI2

620

50TA

Nelson, Clutter,

Chaiken

1961

Entire Range SI

Years

55

6

65

5

75

4

 

 621

50TA

Kulow, Sowers,

Heesch

1966

WV, MD, PA SI

Years

<45

6

45-75

5

>75

4

 

Platanus occidentalis

American sycamore

PLOC

700

35TA

Briscoe, Ferrill

1958

Entire Range All Sites - 1 year

Populus deltoides

eastern cottonwood

PODE3

710

30TA

Broadfoot

1960

SI

Years

<76

2

76+

1

 

 711

25TA

Neebe, Boyce

1959

IL All Sites -2 years

 712

25TA

Brendemuehl

1965

IA 

Populus deltoids monilifera

plains cottonwood

PODEM

740

50TA

BCFS

1977

Pacific

Northwest

SI

Years

<70

2

70+

1

 
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-42

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

Scientific Name

Common Name

NSPNS

Curve

Number

Age Base

Reference

Area

of

Use

Age Correction Factor

Populus grandidentata

bigtooth aspen

POGR4

720

50TA

Gevorkiantz

1956c

Northeast and

Midwest

All Sites - 4 years

 721

25TA

Carmean

1978

WI, MI

Populus tremuloides

quaking aspen

POTR5

720

50TA

Northeast and

Midwest

 725

50TA

Gregory, Haack

1965

Alaska

 730

50TA

Baker

1925

West Except

Alaska

SI

Years

<44

6

44-55

5

56-77

4

78+

3

 

 735

80BH

Edminster, Mowrer,

Shepperd

1985

CO, Southern

WY, and

Northeastern

UT

Not Needed

Prunus serotina

black cherry

PRSE2

750

50TA

Defler

1937

Entire Range SI

Years

40

6

50-70

5

80

4

90+

3

 

 751

50TA

Carmean

1978

WI, MI All Sites - 4 years

 752

50TA

Auchmoody,

Rexrode

1984

PA 
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-43

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

Scientific Name

Common Name

NSPNS

Curve

Number

Age Base

Reference

Area

of

Use

Age Correction Factor

Psuedotsuga menziesii

Douglas-fir

PSME

031

50BH

Cochran

1979a

East of

Cascades in

OR and WA

Not Needed

 605

300TA

Dunning

1942

CA SI

Years

71-84

12

85-98

10

99-112

8

113+

6

 

 780

100BH

Curtis, Herman,

DeMars

1974

NOTE:

Code no

longer

available for

use.

Replaced by

code 781.

Not needed

 781

100BH

DeMars, Herman

1987

Cascade

Mountains

Elevation

1000+ in WA

Elevation

3000+ in OR

Cryic Soils

 790

100TA

McArdle, Meyer,

Bruce

1961

West of

Cascade

Mountains

Except for

Code 780

SI

Years

<95

10

110

9

140

8

170

7

185+

6

 

 795

50BH

King

1966

West of

Cascade

Mountains in

WA or OR

Mesic and

Frigid Soils

Not Needed
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-44

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

Scientific Name

Common Name

NSPNS

Curve

Number

Age Base

Reference

Area

of

Use

Age Correction Factor

Psuedotsuga menziesii

glauca

Rocky Mountain Douglas-fir

PSMEG

600

100TA

Meyer

1938

NOTE:

Code no

longer

available for

use.

SI

Years

<56

16

56-70

14

71-84

12

 

 765

50BH

SCS

1988b

East of

Cascades in

OR and WA

Not Needed

 770

50TA

Brickell

1968

East of

Cascades and

Sierras Except

CO, NM,

eastern WA

SI

Years

30

16

40

14

50

12

60

10

70

8

80

6

 

 771

50BH

Monserud

1985

Northern ID

and

Northwestern

MT

Not Needed

 775

100BH

Edminster Jump

1976

CO, NM, AZ Not Needed

Quercus agrifolia

California live oak

QUAG

811

50BH

DeLasaux Pillsbury

1987

CA Not Needed

Quercus alba

white oak

QUAL

802

50TA

McQuilkin

1974, 1978

MI All Sites - 2 years

 803

50TA

Graney, Bower

1971

AR All Sites - 3 years

 804

50TA

Carmean

1971, 1972

OH, KY, IN,

IL, MO

 
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-45

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

Scientific Name

Common Name

NSPNS

Curve

Number

Age Base

Reference

Area

of

Use

Age Correction Factor

Quercus coccinea

scarlet oak

QUCO2

802

50TA

McQuilkin

1974, 1978

MI All Sites - 2 years

 805

50TA

Carmean

1971, 1972

OH, KY, IN,

IL, MO

All Sites - 3 years

Quercus douglasii

blue oak

QUDO

811

50BH

DeLasaux,

Pillsbury

1987

CA Not Needed

Quercus kelloggii

California black oak

QUKE

880

50BH

Powers

1972

Entire Range

Quercus pagoda

cherrybark oak

QUPA5

840

50Ta

Broadfoot

1961

Entire Range SI

Years

40

6

50

5

60

4

70

3

80

2

Quercus garyana

Oregon white oak

QUGA4

812

50TA

Sauerwein

1983

OR, WA, CA Unknown

Quercus prinus

chestnut oak

QUPR2

806

50TA

Carmean

1971, 1972

OH, KY, IN All Sites - 3 years

Quercus rubra

northern red oak

QURU

801

50TA

Grane, Bower

1971

AR
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-46

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

Scientific Name

Common Name

NSPNS

Curve

Number

Age Base

Reference

Area

of

Use

Age Correction Factor

Quercus L

Upland Oaks

QUERC

Includes:

 Quercus alba

white oak - QUAL

807

50TA

Carmean

1978

WI, MI All Sites - 2 years

 Quercus coccinea

scarlet oak

QUCO

 Quercus snuata sinuata

bastard Oak

 QUSIS

 Quercus ellipsoidalis

northern pin oak

QUEL

 Quercus falcalta

southern red oak

QUFA

800

50TA

Gevorkiantz,

1957f

MW, MI, WI SI

Years

30

7

40

6

50

5

60

4

70

3

80

2

 Quercus macrocarpa

bur oak

QUMA2

 Quercus marilandica

blackjack oak

QUMA3

 Quercus muhlenbergii

chinkapin oak

QUMU

 Quercus prinus

chestnut oak

QUPR2

810

50TA

Olson

1959

East of

Mississippi

River in South

SI

Years

30

7

40

6

50

5

60

4

70

3

80

2

 

 Quercus rubra

northern red oak

QURU

 Quercus stellata

post oak

QUST

 Quercus velutina

black oak

QUVE

820

50TA

Schnur

1937

Northeast

Midwest

Except MN,

MI, WI: West

of Mississippi

River in South

 
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-47

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

Scientific Name

Common Name

NSPNS

Curve

Number

Age Base

Reference

Area

of

Use

Age Correction Factor

Quercus L.

Bottom Oaks

QUERC

Includes:

 Quercus laurifolia

laurel oak

QULA3

 Quercus lyrata

 overcup oak

QULY

 Quercus michauxii

swamp chestnut oak

QUMI

 Quercus nigra

water oak

QUNI

 Quercus texana

Nuttall oak

QUTE

 Quercus palustris

pin oak

QUPA2

 Quercus phellos

willow oak

QUPH

 Quercus shumardii

Shumard's oak

QUSH

860

50Ta

Broadfoot

1963

Entire Range SI

Years

40

6

50

5

60

4

70

3

80

2

 

Quercus velutina

black oak

QUVE

801

50TA

Grane, Bower

1971

AR All Sites - 3 years

 802

50TA

McQuilkin

1974, 1978

MI 

 808

50TA

Carmean

1971, 1972

OH, KY, IN,

MO

 

Robinia pseudoacacia

black locust

ROPS

900

50TA

Kellogg

1939b

Entire Range SI

Years

30-45

3

46-65

2

66+

1

 

Sequoia sempervirens

redwood

SESE3

930

100BH

Lindquist, Palley

1963

 Not needed
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-48

(190-V-NFM, June 1999)

Scientific Name

Common Name

NSPNS

Curve

Number

Age Base

Reference

Area

of

Use

Age Correction Factor

Tilia americana

American basswood

TIAM

800

50TA

Gevorkiantz

1957f

Entire Range SI

Years

30

7

40

6

50

5

60

4

70

3

80

2

 809

50TA

Carmean

1978

WI, MI All Sites - 4 years

Thuja occidentalis

eastern arborvitae

(northern white cedar)

THOC2

960

50TA

Gevorkiantz

1957g

Entire Range SI

Years

20

20

30

15

40

15

50

15

60

10

 

Tsuga canadensis

eastern hemlock

TSCA

991

50TA

Frothingham

1915

NY, MI,

Southern

Appalachian

Mountains

All Sites - 6 years

Tsuga heterophylla

western hemlock

TSHE

491

50BH

Farr

1984

Southeast AK Not Needed

 990

100TA

Barnes

1962

Entire Range All Sites - 7 years

 995

50BH

Wiley

1978

Western WA Not Needed

Ulmus americana

American elm

ULAM

820

50TA

Schnur

1937

Entire Range SI

Years

40

6

50

5

60

4

70

3

 

Ulmus rubra

slippery elm

ULRU

 
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-49

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

National Register of Site Index Curves References

Aird, P.L. and Earl L. Stone. 1957. Soil characteristics and the growth of European and Japanese larch

in New York. Journal of Forestry. 53:425-429.

Alexander, Robert R. 1966. Site indexes for Lodgepole pine, with corrections for stand density:

instructions for field use. USDA, Forest Service. Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station

Research Paper RM-24.

Alexander, Robert R. 1967. Site indexes for Engelmann spruce. USDA, Forest Service. Rocky Mountain

Forest and Range Experiment Station Research Paper RM-32.

Applequest, M. B. 1959. Soil-site studies, southern hardwoods. In: Southern forest soils 8th annual

forestry symposium Baton Rouge, LA: Louisiana State University Press: 49-63.

Auchmoody, L.R. and C.O. Rexrode. 1984. Black cherry site index curves for the Allegheny Plateau.

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Baker, F.S. 1925. Aspen in the Central Rocky Mountain Region. Unites States Department of

Agriculture Bulletin 1291.

Barnes, Robert L. 1955. Growth and yield of slash pine plantations in Florida. University of Florida,

School of Forestry Research Report 3.

Barnes, George H. 1962. Yield of even-aged stands of western hemlock. USDA, Forest Service. Pacific

Northwest Forest and Range Experiment Station Technical Bulletin 1273.

BCFS, 1977

Beck, Donald E. 1962. Yellow-poplar site index curves. USDA, Forest Service. Southeastern Forest

Experiment Station Research Note 180.

Boisen, Anton T. and J.A. Newlin, 1910. The commercial hickories. USDA, Forest Service Bulletin 80.

Brendemuehl, R.H. 1965. Stand, yield and growth of cottonwood in Iowa. Iowa State University,

Department of Forestry, mimeo.

Brendemuehl, R.H., A.L. McComb, and G.W. Thomson. 1961. Stand, yield and growth of silver maple

in Iowa. Iowa State University Extension Service F-159.

Brickell, James E. 1966. Site index curves for Engelmann spruce in the northern and central Rocky

Mountains. USDA, Forest Service. Intermountain Forest and Range Experiment Station Research Note

INT-42.

Brickell, James E. 1968. A method for constructing site index curves from measurements of tree age

and height - its application to inland Douglas-fir. USDA, Forest Service. Intermountain Forest and

Range Experiment Station Research Paper INT-47.

Briscoe, Charles B. and Mitchell D. Ferrill. 1958. Height growth of American sycamore in southeastern

Louisiana. Louisiana State University Agricultural Experiment Station Research Release Forestry Note

19.
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-50

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

Broadfoot, W.M. and R. M. Krinard. 1959. Guide for evaluating sweetgum sites. USDA, Forest Service.

Southern Forest Experiment Station Occasional Paper 176.

Broadfoot, W. M. 1960. Field guide for evaluating cottonwood sites. USDA, Forest Service. Southern

Forest Experiment Station Occasional Paper 178.

Broadfoot, W.M. 1961. Guide for evaluating cherrybark oak sites. USDA, Forest Service. Southern

Forest Experiment Station Occasional Paper 190.

Broadfoot, W.M. 1963. Guide for evaluating water oak sites. USDA, Forest Service. Southern Forest

Experiment Station Research Paper SO-1.

Broadfoot, W.M. 1969. Problems in relating soil to site index for southern hardwoods. Forest Science.

15:345-364.

Carmean, Willard H. 1971. Site index curves for black, white, scarlet, and chestnut oaks in the Central

States. USDA, Forest Service. North Central Forest Experiment Station Research Paper NC-62.

Carmean, Willard H. 1972. Site index curves for upland oaks in the Central States. Forest Science

18:2:109-120.

Carmean, Willard H. 1978. Site index curves for northern hardwoods in northern Wisconsin and

Upper Michigan. USDA, Forest Service. North Central Forest Experiment Station Research Paper NC160.

Carmean, Willard H. and Jerold T. Hahn 1981. Revised site index curves for balsam fir and white

spruce in the Lake States. USDA, Forest Service. North Central Forest Experiment Station Research Note

NC-269.

Chaiken, L.E. and Thomas C. Nelson. 1959. Site index curves for Piedmont Virginia pine. USDA, Forest

Service. Southeastern Forest Experiment Station Research Note 135.

Chojnacky, David C. 1986. Pinyon-juniper site quality and volume growth equations for Nevada.

USDA, Forest Service. Intermountain Research Station Research Paper INT-372.

Cochran, P.H. 1979. Gross yields for even-aged stands of white or Douglas-fir and white or grand fir

east of the Cascades in Oregon and Washington. USDA, Forest Service. Pacific Northwest Forest and

Range Experiment Station Research Paper PNW-263.

Cochran, P.H. 1985. Site index, height growth, normal yields, and stocking levels for larch in Oregon

and Washington. USDA, Forest Service. Pacific Northwest Forest and Range Experiment Station

Research Note PNW-424.

Coile, T.S. and F.X. Schumacher. 1953. Site index curve for young stands of loblolly and shortleaf pine

in the Piedmont Plateau Region. Journal of Forestry 51(6): 432-435. (derived from: United States

Department of Agriculture. 1929. Volume, yield, and stand tables for second-growth southern pines.

USDA Miscellaneous Publication 50. (revised 1976).

Cooley, John H. 1958. Site index curves for paper birch in northern Wisconsin. USDA, Forest Service.

Lake States Forest Experiment Station Technical Note 541
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-51

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

Cooley, John H. 1962. Site requirements and yield of paper birch in northern Wisconsin. USDA,

Forest Service. Lake States Forest Experiment Station Paper 105.

Cummings, L.J. 1937. Larch-Douglas-fir board foot yield tables. USDA, Forest Service. Rocky

Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station Applied Forestry Note 78.

Curtis Robert O., Fancis R. Herman, and Donald J. DeMars. 1974 . Height growth and site index for

Douglas-fir in high-elevation forests of the Oregon-Washington Cascades. Forest Science 20:4:307).

Defler, S.E. 1937. Black cherry - characteristics, germination, growth, and yield. New York State

College of Forestry, Department of Silviculture. Unpublished M.S. thesis.

DeLasaux, Michael J. and Norman H. Pillsbury. 1987. Site index and yield equations for blue oak and

coast live oak. USDA, Forest Service. Pacific Southwest Forest and Range Experiment Station General

Technical Report PSW-100.

DeMars, Donald J. and Francis R. Herman. 1987. Estimates of site index and height growth for

Douglas-fir in high-elevation forests of the Oregon-Washington Cascade Range: curves and tables

for field application. USDA, Forest Service. Pacific Northwest Experiment Station Research Paper PNWRP-378..

Dolph, K., Leroy. 1983. Site index curves for young-growth incense-cedar of the Westside Sierra

Nevada. USDA, Forest Service. Pacific Southwest Forest and Range Experiment Station Research Note

PSW-363.

Dolph, K., Leroy. 1987. Site index curves for young-growth California white fir on the western slopes

of the Sierra Nevada. USDA, Forest Service. Pacific Southwest Forest and Range Experiment Station

Research Paper PSW-185.

Dolph, K., Leroy. 1991. Polymorphic site index curves for red fir in California and Southern Oregon.

USDA, Forest Service. Pacific Southwest Research Paper PSW-206.

Doolittle, Warren T. 1960. Site index curves for natural stands of white pine in the Southern

Appalachians. USDA, Forest Service. Southeastern Forest Experiment Station Technical Note 141.

Dunning, Duncan. 1942. A site classification for the mixed-conifer selection forest of the Sierra

Nevada. USDA, Forest Service. California Forest and Range Experiment Station Research Note 28.

Edminster, Carleton B. and Lewis H. Jump. 1976. Site index curves for Douglas-fir in New Mexico.

USDA, Forest Service. Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station Research Note RM-326.

Edminster, Carleton B., H. Todd Mowrer, and Wayne D. Shepperd. 1985. Site index curves for aspen in

the Central Rocky Mountains. USDA, Forest Service. Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment

Station Research Note RM-453.

Farr, Wilbur A. 1967. Growth and yield of well-stocked white spruce stands in Alaska. USDA, Forest

Service. Pacific Southwest Forest and Range Experiment Station Research Note PSW-363.

Farr, Wilbur A. 1984. Site index and height growth curves for unmanaged even-aged stands of

western hemlock and Sitka spruce in southeast Alaska. USDA, Forest Service. Pacific Northwest Forest

and Range Experiment Station, Institute of Northern Forestry Research Paper PNW-53.
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-52

(190-V-NFM, June 1999)

Ferber, A.E. 1971. Site index curves and tables for white spruce. USDA, Soil Conservation Service.

Midwest Regional Technical Service Center Technical Note Woodland-LI-1. (derived from: Gevorkinantz,

S.R. 1957. Site index curves for white spruce in the lakes

Frothingham, E.H. 1915. The eastern hemlock. U.S. Department of Agriculture Bulletin 152.

Gevorkiantz, S.R. 1956a. Site index curves for balsam fir in the Lake States. USDA, Forest Service.

Lake States Forest Experiment Station Technical Note 465.

Gevorkiantz, S.R. 1956b. Site index curves for jack pine in the Lake States. USDA, Forest Service.

Lake States Forest Experiment Station Technical Notes 463.

Gevorkiantz, S.R. 1956c. Site index curves for aspen in the Lake States. USDA, Forest Service. Lake

States Forest Experiment Station Technical Note 464.

Gevorkiantz, S.R. 1957b. Site index curves for tamarack in the lake States. USDA, Forest Service. Lake

States Forest Experiment Station Technical Note 498.

Gevorkiantz, S.R. 1957c. Site index curves for black spruce in the Lake States. USDA, Forest Service.

Lake States Forest Experiment Station Technical Note 473. (derived from: Fox G.D. and G.W. Kruse.

1939. A yield table for well-stocked stands of black spruce in northeastern Minnesota. Journal of

Forestry 37: 565-567).

Gevorkinantz, S.R. 1957d. Site index curves for red pine in the Lake States. USDA, Forest Service.

Lake States Forest Experiment Station Technical Note 484. (derived from: Eyre, F.H. and Paul Zehngraft.

1948. Red pine management in Minnesota. USDA, Forest Service Circular 778.

Gevorkiantz, S.R. 1957e. Site index curves for white pine in the lake States. USDA, Forest Service.

Lake States Forest Experiment Station Technical Note 483. (derived from: Gevorkiantz, S.R. and Raphael

Zon. 1930. Second-growth white pine in Wisconsin. Wisconsin Agricultural Experiment Station

Research Bulletin 98).

Gevorkiantz, S.R. 1957f. Site index curves for red oak in the Lake States. USDA, Forest Service. Lake

States Forest Experiment Station Technical Note 495.

Gevorkiantz, S.R. 1957g. Site index curves for white-cedar in the Lake States. USDA, Forest Service.

Lake States Forest Experiment Station Technical Note 472.

Gilmore, A.R. 1967. Site index curves for plantation-grown red pine in Illinois. University of Illinois

Agricultural Experiment Station Forestry Note 121.

Gilmore A.R. and G.E. Metcalf. 1961. Site quality curves for plantation-grown shortleaf pine in

southern Illinois. University of Illinois Agricultural Experiment Station Forestry Note 95.

Gilmore, A.R. 1968. Site index curves for plantation-grown white pine in Illinois. University of Illinois

Agricultural Experiment Station Forestry Note 123.

Gilmore, A. R. and G.E. Metcalf. 1961. Site quality curves for plantation-grown loblolly pine in

southern Illinois. University of Illinois Agricultural Experiment Station Forestry Note 97.

Graney, David L. and David R. Bower. 1971. Site index curves for red and white oaks in the Boston

mountains of Arkansas. USDA, Forest Service. Southern Forest Experiment Station Research Note SO121.
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-53

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

Gregory, Robert A. and Paul M.Krinard. 1965. Growth and yield of well-stocked aspen and birch stands

in Alaska. USDA, Forest Service. Northern Forest Experiment Station Research Paper NOR-2.

Haig, Irvine T. 1932. Second-growth yield, stand, and volume tables for the western white pine type.

USDA, Forest Service. Northern Rocky Mountain Forest Experiment Station Technical Bulletin 323.

Hampf, Frederick E. 1964. Site index curves for some forest species in the eastern United States.

USDA, Forest Service.

Harrington, Constance A. and Robert O. Curtis. 1986. Height growth and site index curves for red alder.

USDA, Forest Service. Pacific Northwest Research Station Research Paper PNW-358.

Herman, Francis R., Robert O. Curtis, and Donald J. Demars. 1978. Height growth and site index

estimates for noble fir in high-elevation forests of the Oregon-Washington Cascades. USDA, Forest

Service. Pacific Northwest Forest and Range Experiment Station Research Paper PNW-243. (These curves

replace the curves previously presented in: DeMars, Donald J., F.R. Herman. and H.F. Bell. 1970.

Preliminary site index curves for noble fir from stem analysis data. USDA, Forest Service. Pacific

Northwest Forest and Range Experiment Station Research Paper PNW-119.)

Howell, Joseph Jr. 1940. Pinon [sic] and juniper, a preliminary study of volume, growth and yield.

USDA, Soil Conservation Service. Region 8 Regional Bulletin 71, Forest Series 12.

Hoyer, Gerald D. and Francis R. Herman. 1989.Height-age and site index curves for Pacific silver fir in

the Pacific Northeast. USDA, Forest Service. Pacific Northwest Experiment Station Research Paper

PNW-RP-418.

Illick, J.S. and J.E. Aughanbaugh. 1930. Pitch pine in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Department of Forest

and Waters Research Bulletin 2.

Kellogg, L.F. 1939a. Site index curves for plantation black walnut, Central States region. USDA,

Forest Service. Central States Forest Experiment Station Note 35.

Kellogg, L.F. 1939b. Site index curves for plantation black locust, Central States region. USDA,

Forest Service. Central States Forest Experiment Station Note 36.

King, James E. 1966. Site index curves for Douglas-fir in the Pacific Northwest . Weyerhaeuser

Company, Forestry Research Center. Forestry Paper 8.

Korstian, C.F. and W.D. Brush. 1931. Southern white cedar. USDA, Forest Service Technical Bulletin

251.

Kulow, D.L., D.W. Sowers, and H.H. Heesch. 1966. Site index curves for Virginia pine in West

Virginia. West Virginia University Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin 536T.

Langdon, O. Gordon. 1959. Site index curves for south Florida slash pine. USDA, Forest Service.

Southeastern Forest Experiment Station Research Note 133.

Langdon, O. Gordon. 1961. Yield of unmanaged slash pine stands in Florida. USDA, Forest Service.

Southeastern Forest Experiment Station Paper 123.
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-54

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

Lindquist, James L. and Marshall N. Palley. Empirical yield tables for young-growth redwood.

University of California, Division of Agricultural Sciences. California Agricultural Experiment Station

Bulletin 796..

Lloyd, William J. 1970a. Yield tables for spruce-fir in the northeast. USDA, Soil Conservation Service.

Regional Technical Service Center Technical Note WOOD-UD-4. (derived from: Meyer, W.H. 1929.

Yields of second-growth spruce and fir in the northeast. USDA Technical Bulletin 142.

Lloyd, William J. 1970b. White pine yield tables. USDA, Soil Conservation Service. Regional Technical

Service Center Technical Note WOOD-UD-6. (derived from: Frothingham, E.H. 1914. White pine under

forest management. USDA, Forest Service Bulletin 13.

Lloyd, William F. 1971a. Site index curves and tables for the northern hardwoods. USDA, Soil

Conservation Service. Regional Technical Service Center Technical Note WOOD-UD-8. (derived from:

Curtis, Robert O. and Boyd W. Post. 1962. Site index curves for even-aged northern hardwoods in the

Green Mountains of Vermont. Vermont Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin 629.

Lloyd, William J. 1971b. Site index tables for red maple. USDA, Soil Conservation Service. Regional

Technical Service Center Technical Note WOOD-UD-10. (an adaptation from: Foster, Ralph W. 1959.

Relation between site indexes of eastern white pine and red maple. Forest Science, Volume 5, No. 3.

Losche, Craig K. and Richard C. Schlesinger. 1975. Predicting site index in young black walnut

plantations. USDA, Forest Service. North Central Forest Experiment Station Research Note NC-187.

McArdle, Richard E., Walter H. Meyer, and Donald Bruce. 1930. The yield of Douglas fir in the Pacific

Northwest. United States Department of Agriculture Technical Bulletin 201. (revised 1949 and 1961)

McQuilkin, Robert A. 1974. Site index prediction table for black, scarlet, and white oaks in

southeastern Missouri. USDA, Forest Service. North Central Forest Experiment Station Research Paper

NC-108.

McQuilkin, Robert A. 1978. How to estimate site index for oaks in the Missouri Ozarks. USDA, Forest

Service. North Central Forest Experiment Station.

Meyer, Walter H. 1937. Yield of Even-Aged Stands of Sitka Spruce And Western Hemlock. USDA,

Forest Service. Pacific Northwest Forest Experiment Station Technical Bulletin 544.

Meyer, Walter H. 1961. Yield of even-aged stands of ponderosa pine. USDA Technical Bulletin 630.

(revised 1961).

Minor, Charles O. 1964. Site index curves for young-growth Ponderosa Pine in northern Arizona.

USDA, Forest Service Research Note RM-37.

Monserud, Robert A. 1985. Applying height growth and site index curves for inland Douglas-fir.

USDA, Forest Service. Intermountain Research Station Research Paper INT-347.

Nash, Andrew J. 1963. A method of classifying shortleaf pine sites in Missouri. Missouri Agricultural

Experiment Station Research Bulletin 824.

Neebe, David J. and Stephen G. Boyce. 1959. Site index curves for eastern cottonwood. USDA, Forest

Service. Central States Forest Experiment Station Research Note 126.
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-55

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

Nelson, T.C., J.L. Clutter, and L.E. Chaiken. 1961. Yield of Virginia pine. USDA, Forest Service.

Southeastern Forest Experiment Station Paper 124.

Olson, David F. , Jr. 1959. Site index curves for upland oak in the southeast. USDA, Forest Service.

Southeastern Forest Experiment Station Research Note 125.

Powers, R.F. 1972. Site index curves for unmanaged stands of California black oak. USDA, Forest

Service. Pacific Southwest Forest and Range Experiment Station Research Note PSW-262.

Sauerwein,William J. 1981. Western juniper site index curves. USDA, Soil Conservation Service. West

Technical Service Center Technical Notes Woodland - No. 14. (adapted from unpublished data in letter by

Barrett, James W. and Patrick H. Cochran. USDA, Forest Service Silviculture Lab, August 4, 1981.)

Sauerwein, William J. 1983. Oregon white oak. USDA, Soil Conservation Service. West National

Technical Center Technical Note Woodland-15.

Schlaegel, Bryce E., D.L.Kulow, and R.N. Baughman. 1969. Empirical yield tables for West Virginia

yellow-poplar. West Virginia University Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin 574T.

Schmidt, Wyman C., Raymond C. Shearer, and Arthur L Roe. 1976. Ecology and silviculture of western

larch forests. USDA, Forest Service Technical Bulletin 1520.

Schnur, G. Luther. 1937. Yield, stand, and volume tables for even-aged upland oak forests. United

States Department of Agriculture Technical Bulletin 560.

Schumacher, Francis X. 1926.Yield, stand, and volume tables for white fir in the California pine

region. University of California Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin 407.

Schumacher, Francis X. 1928. Yield, stand and volume tables for red fir in California. University of

California Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin 456.

Schumacher, F.X. and T.S. Coile. 1960. Growth and yield of natural stands of the southern pines. T.S.

Coile, Inc. , Durham, NC.

Soil Conservation Service. 1988a. 50 year site index table for white or grand fir east of the Cascades.

Portland, OR. USDA, Soil Conservation Service Forestry Technical Note No. 21. (derived from: Cochran,

P.H. 1979b. Site index and height growth curves for managed, even-aged stands of white or grand fir

east of the Cascades in Oregon and Washington. USDA, Forest Service. Pacific Northwest Forest and

Range Experiment Station Research Paper PNW-252).

Soil Conservation Service. 1988b. 50 year site index table for Douglas-fir east of the Cascades.

Portland, OR. USDA, Soil Conservation Service Forestry Technical Note No. 13. (derived from: Cochran,

P.H. 1979c. Site index and height growth curves for managed, even-aged stands of Douglas-fir east of

the Cascades in Oregon and Washington. USDA, Forest Service. Northwest Forest and Range

Experiment Station Research Paper PNW-251).

Stone, Earl L. 1957. British yield tables for European and Japanese larches in New York. Cornell

University Agronomy Paper 397.

Tennessee Valley Authority. 1948. Site curves for eastern redcedar. (unpublished, processed curves

based on 271 observations from plots throughout the Tennessee Valley).
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-56

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

Trenk, Fred B. 1929. Sweet gum in Maryland. University of Maryland, State Department of Forestry.

United States Department of Agriculture. 1929. Volume, yield, and stand tables for second-growth

southern pines. USDA Miscellaneous Publication No. 50. (revised 1976).

Wilde, S.A., J.G. Lyer, Christian Tanser, W.L. Trautmann, and K.G. Watterson. 1965. Growth of

Wisconsin coniferous plantations in relation to soils. University of Wisconsin Research Bulletin 262.

Wiley, Kenneth N. Site index tables for western hemlock in the Pacific Northwest. Weyerhaeuser

Company, Western Forestry Research Center Forestry Paper No. 17.

Worthington, Norman P. ,Floyd A. Johnson, George R. Staebler, and William J. Lloyd. 1960. Normal yield

tables for red alder. USDA, Forest Service. Pacific Northwest Forest and Range Experiment Station

Research Paper No 36.
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-57

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

Exhibit 537-2 Soil Rating Criteria for Potential Erosion Hazard (Road/Trail)

FACTOR

SLOPE %

FEATURE IMPACT

 

SLIGHT

MODERATE SEVERE 

Soil Erodibility Factor

Kw < .22 (thickest mineral

horizon 0-15cm)

Rock Fragments

(weighted average for layers

0-30cm by volume)

>75mm in size, <15%

>75mm in size, >15%

Soil Erodibility Factor

Kw > .22 (thickest mineral

horizon 0-15cm)

Rock Fragments

(weighted average for layers

0-30cm by volume)

>75mm in size, <15%

>75mm in size, >15%

<5

<10

<3

<5

5-15

10-25

3-8

5-15

>15

>25

>8

>15

Slope;

erodibility

Erosion and sedimentation;

increased maintenance; land

base loss

Criteria Notes: Certain parent materials (e.g., decomposed granite), high R factors (e.g., >200), snowmelt

influences during Spring thaw and other factors may require changes to slope values in the table or adjustment of

ratings to one class more limiting.
( 190-V-NFM, 1998)
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-59

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

Exhibit 537-3 Soil Rating Criteria for Potential Erosion Hazard (Off-Road/Off-Trail)

FACTOR

SLOPE %

FEATURE IMPACT

 SLIGHT MODERATE SEVERE

VERY

SEVERE

 

Soil Erodibility Factor

(thickest mineral horizon 0-

15cm)

Kw < 0.35

Kw  0.35

0-14

0-9

15-35

10-25

36-50

26-40

>50

>40

Slope;

erodibility

Erosion and

sedimentation;

increased

maintenance;

land base loss

Criteria Notes: Certain parent materials (e.g., decomposed granite), high R factors (e.g., >200), snowmelt

influences during Spring thaw and other factors may require changes to slope values in the table or adjustment of

ratings to one class more limiting.
( 190-V-NFM, 1998)
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-61

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

Exhibit 537-4 Soil Rating Criteria for Soil Rutting Hazard

FACTOR Unified Classification Group

(thickest layer with upper boundary < 10cm of the

surface)

FEATURE

IMPACT

 

SLIGHT MODERATE SEVERE

 

Water Table

Maximum depth to wet layer <30cm

for 12 months of the year

-- -- All Groups Wetness Reduced

efficiency,

soil

damage,

equipment

damage

Rock Fragments

 >75mm in size, <20% by volume

>75mm in size, >20% by volume OR

 >3% to <10% surface cover, >75mm

in size OR depth to top of bedrock

paralithic, bedrock lithic, or duripan

restrictive layer =<15cm

>10% surface cover

GW, GP, GM,

GW-GM, GCGM, GW-GC,

GP-GM, GP-GC

GW, GP, GM,

GW-GM, GCGM, GW-GC,

GP-GM, GP-GC,

GC, SW, SP,

SM, SC, SWSM, SW-SC, SPSM, SP-SC, SCSM

All Groups

GC, SW, SP,

SM, SC, SWSM, SW-SC,

SP-SM, SP-SC,

SC-SM

CL, CH, CLML, ML, MH,

OL, OH, PT

--

CL, CH, CLML, ML, MH,

OL, OH, PT

--

--

Low

strength

Criteria Notes: Steeper slope classes (e.g., > 20%) may shift ratings to one class more limiting.
( 190-V-NFM, 1998)
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-63

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

Exhibit 537-5 Soil Rating Criteria for Road Suitability (Natural Surface)

FACTOR

WELL

SUITED

MODERATELY

SUITED

POORLY

SUITED FEATURE IMPACT

Slope % <6% 6-12% >12% Slope Reduced

efficiency; unsafe

operation

Rock Fragments

Percent Surface Cover

>75mm to <250mm in size

>250mm to <600mm in size

>600mm in size

<15%

<3%

<0.1%

15-50%

3-15%

0.1-3%

>50%

>15%

>3%

Stoniness Obstruction

Plasticity Index

Greatest value for uppermost thickest

mineral horizon in the upper 15cm

<30 >30 -- Stickiness Reduced

efficiency

Particle Size Separates

Percent retained on #200 sieve for layers

>7cm thick in the upper 15cm

<85% >85% -- Too sandy

Unified Classification Group

>7cm thickness in the upper 15cm

-- CL, CH, CL-ML,

ML, MH

OL, OH,

PT

Low

strength

Ponding and/or Flooding

Frequency (months)

None, Rare

Occasional

Frequent/Very Frequent

12

1-2

0

--

3-5

1-2

--

6-12

3-12

Ponding

and/or

Flooding

Reduced

efficiency; unsafe

operation

Soil Slippage Potential Low Medium High Landslides Landing failures;

unsafe operation

Water Table

Maximum depth to wet layer >2

consecutive months

>60cm 60cm to 30cm <30cm Wetness Reduced

efficiency

Criteria Notes: If road suitability is “moderately suited” or “poorly suited,” refer to Construction Limitations for

Haul Roads and Log Landings interpretation.
( 190-V-NFM, 1998)
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-65

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

Exhibit 537-6 Soil Rating Criteria for Log Landing Suitability

FACTOR WELL

SUITED

MODERATELY

SUITED

POORLY

SUITED

FEATURE IMPACT

Slope % <6% 6-12% >12% Slope Reduced

efficiency;

unsafe operation

Rock Fragments

Percent Surface Cover

>75mm to <250mm in size

>250mm to <600mm in size

>600mm in size

<15%

<3%

<0.1%

15-50%

3-15%

0.1-3%

>50%

>15%

>3%

Stoniness Obstruction

Plasticity Index

(greatest value for uppermost thickest

mineral horizon in the upper 15cm)

<30 >30 -- Stickiness Reduced

efficiency

Particle Size Separates

Percent retained on #200 sieve for layers

>7cm thick in the upper 15cm

<85% >85% -- Too sandy Reduced

efficiency

Unified Classification Group

>7cm thickness in the upper 15cm

-- CL, CH, CL-ML,

ML, MH

OL, OH,

PT

Low

strength

Reduced

efficiency

Ponding and/or Flooding

Frequency (months)

None, Rare

Occasional

Frequent/Very Frequent

12

1-2

0

--

3-5

1-2

--

6-12

3-12

Ponding

and/or

Flooding

Reduced

efficiency;

unsafe operation

Soil Slippage Potential Low Medium High Landslides Landing failures;

unsafe operation

Water Table

Maximum depth to wet layer >2

consecutive months

>60cm 60cm to 30cm <30cm Wetness Reduced

efficiency

Criteria Notes: If log landing suitability is considered “moderately suited” or “poorly suited,” refer to the

Construction Limitations for Haul Roads and Log Landing interpretation.
( 190-V-NFM, 1998)
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-67

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

Exhibit 537-7 Soil Rating Criteria for Construction Limitations for Haul Roads and Log Landings

FACTOR SLIGHT MODERATE SEVERE FEATURE IMPACT

Slope % <15% 15-30% >30% Slope Reduced

efficiency

Soil Slippage Potential Low Medium High Landslides Road or

landing

failure;

increased

costs

Flooding

Frequency (months)

None, Rare

Occasional

Frequent/Very Frequent

1-2

1-2

0

--

3-5

1-2

--

6-12

3-12

Flooding Road

damage;

increased

costs

Texture

Texture modifier "permanently

frozen" or texture in-lieu-of

"consolidated permafrost"

-- -- True Permafrost Increased

costs

Plasticity Index

Greatest value for any layer thicker

than 15cm and:

within 30cm on <15% slopes or

within 90cm on 15-30% slopes or

within 150cm on >30% slopes

<30 >30 -- Stickiness Reduced

efficiency,

increased

construction

costs

Particle Size Separates

Percent retained on #200 sieve for

layers >15cm thick and:

within 30cm on <15% slopes,

within 90cm on 15-30% slopes, or

within 150cm on >30% slopes

<85% >85% -- Sandiness Increased

construction

costs
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-68

( 190-V-NFM, Aug. 2000)

FACTOR SLIGHT MODERATE SEVERE FEATURE IMPACT

Unified Classification

Group

Layers >15cm thick and:

within 30cm on <15% slopes or

within 90cm on 15-30% slopes or

within 150cm on >30% slopes

-- CL, CH, CL-ML,

ML, MH

OL, OH, PT Low strength Increased

construction

costs

Texture

(depth to Layer)

Very or Extremely Stony

<15% slopes

15-30% slopes

Very or Extremely Bouldery

 <15% slopes

15-30% slopes

>50cm to <75cm

>75cm

>100cm

>150cm

<50cm

<75cm

>50cm to <100cm

>75cm to <150cm

--

--

<50cm

<75cm

Stoniness Reduced

efficiency;

equipment

damage;

increased

costs

Rock Fragments

Percent surface cover >250cm in

size

<3% 3-15% >15% Stoniness Obstruction

Restrictive Layer

Depth to bedrock lithic or any

restriction with hardness of

indurated

<15% slopes

5-30% slopes

>100cm

>150cm

>50cm to <100cm

>75cm to <150cm

<50cm

<75cm

Restrictive

layer

Reduced

efficiency;

increased

construction

costs

Water Table

Minimum depth to wet layer for 12

months of the year

>60cm 60cm to 30cm <30cm Wetness Reduced

efficiency

Ponding

Number of months with occasional

or frequent ponding

-- -- 12

 
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-69

(190-V-NFM, 2000)

Exhibit 537-8 Soil Rating Criteria for Harvest Equipment Operability

FACTOR WELL

SUITED

MODERATELY

SUITED

POORLY

SUITED

FEATURE IMPACT

Slope % <20% 20-35% >35% Slope Reduced

efficiency;

unsafe

operation

Rock Fragments

Percent Surface Cover

>75mm to <250mm in size

>250 to <600cm in size

>600cm in size

<15%

<3%

<0.1%

15-50%

3-15%

0.1-3%

>50%

>15%

>3%

Stoniness Obstruction

Plasticity Index

Highest value for uppermost thickest

mineral horizon in the upper 15cm

<30 >30 -- Stickiness Reduced

efficiency

Particle Size Separates

Percent retained on #200 sieve for layers

>7cm thick in the upper 15cm

<85% >85% -- Too sandy Reduced

efficiency

Unified Classification Group

>7cm thickness in the upper 15cm

-- CL, CH, CL-ML,

ML, MH

OL, OH,

PT

Low

strength

Reduced

efficiency

Water Table

Minimum depth to wet layer for 12 months

of the year

>60cm 60cm to 30cm <30cm Wetness Reduced

efficiency

Ponding

Number of months with occasional or

frequent ponding

-- -- 12

 
( 190-V-NFM, Aug. 2000)
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-71

(190-V-NFM, 2000)

Exhibit 537-9 Soil Rating Criteria for Mechanical Site Preparation (Surface)

FACTOR WELL

SUITED

POORLY

SUITED

UNSUITED FEATURE IMPACT

Slope % <15% 15-35% >35% Slope Reduced efficiency

Restriction Hardness

(depth to layer)

Strongly or Very Strongly

Cemented

Indurated

>30cm

--

<30cm

--

--

<30cm

Restrictive layer Reduced efficiency

Plasticity Index

Greatest value for any layer

within 30cm of the surface

<30 >30 -- Stickiness Reduced efficiency

Rock Fragments

Within 30cm of Surface

(greatest value for any layer by

volume)

>75mm in size

2mm to 75mm in size

Percent Surface Cover

>75mm to <250mm in size

>250mm to <600mm in size

>600mm in size

<15%

<35%

<15%

<3%

<0.1%

15-60%

>35%

15-50%

3-15%

0.1-3%

> 60%

--

>50%

>15%

>3%

Stoniness Obstruction

Water Table

Minimum depth to wet layer for

12 months of the year

>30cm <30cm -- Wetness Reduced efficiency

Ponding

Number of months with

occasional or frequent ponding

-- -- 12

 
( 190-V-NFM, Aug. 2000)
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-73

(190-V-NFM, 2000)

Exhibit 537-10 Soil Rating Criteria for Mechanical Site Preparation (Deep)

FACTOR WELL

SUITED

POORLY

SUITED

UNSUITED FEATURE IMPACT

Slope % <15% 15-35% >35% Slope Reduced efficiency

Restriction Hardness

(depth to layer)

Very Strongly Cemented

>10 and <20cm Thick Layer

>20cm Thick Layer

Indurated

--

--

>90cm

<90cm

--

50cm to 90cm

--

<90cm

<50cm

Restrictive

layer

Reduced efficiency

Rock Fragments

Within 90cm of surface

(greatest value for any layer by

volume)

>75mm in size

Percent Surface Cover

>250cm in size

<35%

<3%

35-60%

3-15%

> 60%

>15%

Stoniness Obstruction

Water Table

Minimum depth to wet layer for 12

months of the year

-- -- <60cm Wetness Reduced efficiency;

soil degradation

Ponding

Number of months with occasional

or frequent ponding

-- -- 12

 
( 190-V-NFM, Aug. 2000)
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-75

(190-V-NFM, 2000)

Exhibit 537-11 Soil Rating Criteria for Hand Planting Suitability

FACTOR WELL

SUITED

MODERATELY

SUITED

POORLY

SUITED

UNSUITED FEATURE IMPACT

Slope < 35% 35-80% > 80% -- Slope Reduced

efficiency

Restriction Hardness

(depth to layer)

Moderately Cemented or

Bedrock (paralithic)

Strongly, Very Strongly

Cemented, Indurated or

Bedrock (lithic)

>30cm

--

20cm to 30cm

--

<20cm

--

--

<30cm

Restrictive

layer

Obstruction

Particle Size Separates

Percent retained on #200 sieve

for layers >7cm thick within

30cm of the surface

-- >85% -- -- Sandiness Sloughing

Plasticity Index

Greatest value for any layer

within 30cm of the surface

<20 20-30 >30 -- Stickiness Reduced

efficiency

Rock Fragments

Within 30cm of the surface

(greatest value for any layer by

volume)

>75mm in size

2mm to 75mm in size

Percent Surface Cover

>75mm in size

< 15%

<35%

<3%

15-35%

35-75%

3-15%

36-75%

>75%

16-50%

> 75%

--

>50%

Coarse

fragments

Obstruction

Water Table

Minimum depth to wet layer for

12 months of the year

>30cm <30cm --

--

Wetness Reduced

efficiency

Ponding

Number of months with

occasional or frequent ponding

-- -- 12

 
( 190-V-NFM, Aug. 2000)
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-77

(190-V-NFM, 2000)

Exhibit 537-12 Soil Rating Criteria for Mechanical Planting Suitability

FACTOR WELL

SUITED

MODERATELY

SUITED

POORLY

SUITED

UNSUITED FEATURE IMPACT

Slope

<5% 5-15% 15-25% >25

Slope Reduced

efficiency

Restriction Hardness

(depth to layer)

Strongly or Very Strongly

Cemented

Indurated

>30cm

--

<30cm

--

--

--

--

<30cm

Restrictive

layer

Reduced

efficiency

Particle Size Separates

Percent retained on #200 sieve

for layers >7cm thick within

30cm of the surface

-- >85% -- --

Texture Sloughing

Plasticity Index

Greatest value for any layer

within 30cm of the surface

<20 20-30 > 30 -- Stickiness Reduced

efficiency

Rock Fragments

Within 30cm of Surface

(greatest value for any layer

by volume)

 >75mm in size

2mm to 75mm in size

Percent Surface Cover

>75mm by size

< 5%

<15%

<0.1%

5-15%

15-35%

0.1-3%

16-35%

36-60%

3-15%

> 35%

>60%

>15%

Stoniness Obstruction

Water Table

Minimum depth to wet layer for

12 months of the year

>30cm 15cm to 30cm <15cm -- Wetness Reduced

efficiency

Ponding

Number of months with

occasional or frequent ponding -- -- -- 12

 
(190-V-NFM, Aug. 2000)
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-79

( 190-V-NFM, June 1999)

Exhibit 537-13 Soil Rating Criteria For Potential Damage to Soil by Fire

FACTOR LOW MODERATE HIGH

ASPECT

FEATURE IMPACT

Surface Layer >20cm thick

Texture sl, fsl, vfsl, l, sil, cl (<35% clay)

Rock fragments <35%, >2mm

Organic matter

>2%

<2%

Rock fragments 35-60%, >2mm

Organic matter

>2%

<2%

Rock fragments >60%, >2mm

Organic matter

>2%

<2%

Texture cl (>35%), si, scl, sicl, sc, sic, c,

pumice

Organic matter

>2%

<2%

Texture cos, s, fs, vfs, lcos, ls, lfs, lvfs, cosl

Organic matter

>2%

<2%

>0 and <360

--

>270 or <90

--

--

--

>270 or <90

--

--

--

--

>0 and <360

>90 and <270

>270 or <90

>0 and <360

--

>90 and <270

>270 or <90

>0 and <360

--

--

--

--

>90 and <270

--

>0 and <360

--

>90 and <270

--

>0 and <360

Texture

and/or

coarse

fragments

Loss of

soil

productivity

Surface layer >10 to <20cm thick

Slope <30%

Texture sl, fsl, vfsl, l, sil, cl (<35% clay)

Rock fragments <35%, >2mm

Organic matter

>2%

<2%

Rock fragments 35-60%, >2mm

Organic matter

>2%

<2%

Rock fragments >60%, >2mm

Organic matter

>2%

<2%

Texture cl (>35%), si, scl, sicl, sc, sic, c,

pumice

Organic matter

>2%

<2%

Texture cos, s, fs, vfs, lcos, ls, lfs, lvfs, cosl

Organic matter

>2%

<2%

>0 and <360

--

>270 or <90

--

--

--

>270 or <90

--

--

--

--

>0 and <360

>90 and <270

>270 or <90

>0 and <360

--

>90 and <270

>270 or <90

>0 and <360

--

--

--

--

>90 and <270

--

>0 and <360

--

>90 and <270

--

>0 and <360

Texture,

coarse

fragments

Loss of

organic

matter
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-80

(190-V-NFM, June 1999)

FACTOR LOW MODERATE HIGH

ASPECT

FEATURE IMPACT

Slope >30%

Texture sl, fsl, vfsl, l, sil, cl (<35% clay)

Rock fragments <35%, >2mm

Organic matter

>2%

<2%

Rock fragments 35-60%, >2mm

Organic matter

>2%

<2%

Rock fragments >60%, >2mm

Organic matter

>2%

<2%

Texture cl (>35%), si, scl, sicl, sc, sic, c,

pumice

Organic matter

>2%

<2%

Texture cos, s, fs, vfs, lcos, ls, lfs, lvfs, cosl

Organic matter

>2%

<2

>270 or <90

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

>90 and <270

>270 or <90

>0 and <360

--

>270 or <90

--

>0 and <360

--

>270 or <90

--

--

>90 and <270

--

>0 and <360

>90 and <270

>0 and <360

--

>0 and <360

>90 and <270

>0 and <360

Texture,

slope,

coarse

fragments

Loss of

organic

matter,

sedimentation

Surface layer <10cm thick

Slope <30%

Texture sl, fsl, vfsl, l, sil, cl (<35% clay)

Rock fragments <35%, >2mm

Organic matter

>2%

<2%

Rock fragments 35-60%, >2mm

Organic matter

>2%

<2%

Rock fragments >60%, >2mm

Organic matter

>2%

<2%

Texture cl (>35%), si, scl, sicl, sc, sic, c,

pumice

Organic matter

>2%

<2%

Texture cos, s, fs, vfs, lcos, ls, lfs, lvfs, cosl

Organic matter

>2%

<2%

>270 or <90

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

>90 and <270

>270 or <90

>0 and <360

--

>270 or <90

--

>0 and <360

--

>270 or <90

--

--

>90 and <270

--

>0 and <360

>90 and <270

>0 and <360

--

>0 and <360

>90 and <270

>0 and <360

Texture,

surface

depth,

coarse

fragments

Loss of

organic

matter
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-81

(190-V-NFM, June 1999)

FACTOR LOW MODERATE HIGH

ASPECT

FEATURE IMPACT

Slope >30%

Texture sl, fsl, vfsl, l, sil, cl (<35% clay)

Rock fragments <35%, >2mm

Organic matter

>2%

<2%

Rock fragments 35-60%, >2mm

Organic matter

>2%

<2%

Rock fragments >60%, >2mm

Texture cl (>35%), si, scl, sicl, sc, sic, c,

pumice

Organic matter

>2%

<2%

Texture cos, s, fs, vfs, lcos, ls, lfs, lvfs, cosl

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

>0 and <360

--

>270 or <90

--

--

>270 or <90

--

--

--

>0 and <360

>90 and <270

>0 and <360

>0 and <360

>90 and <270

>0 and <360

>0 and <360

Texture,

slope,

surface

depth,

coarse

fragments

Loss of

organic

matter

sedimentation

Criteria Notes:

High or moderate ratings may indicate the need to consider winter burning, alternate lighting techniques, monitoring

of fuel moisture content, yarding of unmerchantable material, elimination of prescribed burns, or erosion control

measures following burning.

Surface layer is considered to have a texture of "pumice" if either of the following conditions exist:

(1) the texture modifier is paragravelly, very paragravelly, or extremely paragravelly and fragment kind is pumice

(2) the texture in-lieu-of is paragravel and fragment kind is pumice

Rock fragments are percent volume, whole soil.

Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-81

(190-V-NFM, June 1999)

Exhibit 537-14 Soil Rating Criteria For Potential Seedling Mortality

FACTOR LOW MODERATE HIGH FEATURE IMPACT

Flooding and/or Ponding

Duration None, Extremely

Brief, Very Brief,

Brief

Long Very Long

 or

Long and

frequency is

frequent

Water Table

Depth to wet layer

>45cm, Jan-Dec >15cm to <45cm

and not for >2

consecutive

months, Oct-Feb

or for >1 months,

Mar-Sept

<15cm for >1

month, Jan-Dec

OR

>15cm to <45cm

for >2 consecutive months,

Oct-Feb or for

>1 months, MarSept

Wetness Reduced

root

respiration

CaCO3 Equivalent

Greatest value for any layer

within 30cm of the surface

-- 15-40 >40 High lime

Soil Reaction

Greatest value for any layer

within 30cm of the surface

>4.4-7.8 7.9-8.4

OR

3.5-4.4

>8.4-<3.5 Soil reaction

Nutrient

imbalance

Electrical Conductivity

Greatest value for any layer

within 30cm of the surface

(mhos/cm)

<4 4-8 >8 Salinity Reduced

moisture

supply;

toxicity
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-82

(190-V-NFM, Aug. 2000)

FACTOR LOW MODERATE HIGH FEATURE IMPACT

Available Water Capacity Total AWC Within 50cm of the Surface (cm)

Slopes >15%

Moisture

Class

Temperature

Regime

South

Aspect

(90-

270)

North

Aspect

(270-

90)

South

Aspect

(90-

270)

North

Aspect

(270-

90)

South

Aspect

(90-

270)

North

Aspect

(270-

90)

Udic Any -- <2.5 >2.5 -- <2.5-- --

Aridic Frigid or Mesic -- >6.5 -- <6.5 <6.5 --

Thermic -- >7-<10 >10 <7 <10 --

Xeric or Ustic Mesic or

Frigid, or Cryic

-- >5-<9 >9 <5 <9 --

Low

available

water

Poor

moisture

supply

Total AWC Within 50cm of the Surface (cm)

Slopes <15%

Udic Any >2.5 <2.5 --

Aridic Frigid or Mesic -- >6.5 <6.5

Thermic >10 >7-<10 <7

Xeric or Ustic Mesic or

Frigid, or Cryic >9 >5-<9 <5

Low

available

water

Poor

moisture

supply
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-81

(190-V-NFM, Aug. 2000)

Exhibit 537-15 Conservation Tree/Shrub Group (CTSG) Criteria

G

R

O

U

P

Soil

Depth

(cm)

Available

Water

Capacity

(cm)

CaCO3

Equivalent

(%, 0-

30cm)

pH

(0-30cm)

Elec.

Cond.

(mmhos,

0-30cm)

Depth to

Growing

Season Water

Table

(cm)

Saturated

Hydraulic

Conductivity

(m s-1)

(see notes)

1 100 19.0 <5 5.6-8.4 <4

1A 100 19.0 <5 4.5-5.5 <4

0-150cm (or 1st restrictive

layer)

 Min low 1.4

 Max high <142

1H 0 19.0 -- <7.8 <4 Histosol

OR

texture-in-lieu-of is

"peat", "muck", or "mucky

peat"

1K 100 19.0 >5, <15 6.5-8.4 <4

1KK 100 19.0 >15, <40 6.5-8.4 <4

1S 100 9.5-19.0 <5 5.6-8.4 <4

1SK 100 9.5-19.0 >5, <15 6.5-8.4 <4

1SKK 100 9.5-19.0 >15, <40 7.9-8.4 <4

90, <150

OR

>150 and frequent or

occasional flooding >2

months during growing

season with a duration of

brief, long, or very long

0-150cm (or 1st restrictive

layer)

 Min low 1.4

 Max high <142

2 100 5.0 <5 5.6-8.4 <4 --

2A 100 5.0 <5 4.5-5.5 <4 --

2K 100 5.0 >5, <15 6.5-8.4 <4 --

2KK 100 5.0 >15, <40 6.5-8.4 <4 --

2H 100 19.0 -- <7.8 <4

45, <90

OR

<90 and

temp regime is cryic or pergelic

and <1 month wet soil moisture

during growing season or

temp regime is isofrigid, frigid,

or mesic and <2 consecutive

and <3 total months wet soil

moisture during growing season

or

any other temp regime and <3

total months wet soil moisture

during growing season

Histosol

OR

texture-in-lieu-of is

"mucky peat", "muck", or

"peat"

3 100 19.0 <5 5.6-8.4 <4

3A 100 19.0 <5 4.5-5.5 <4

150

AND

frequent or

occasional flooding <2

months during growing

season with a duration of

brief, long, or very long

0 -150cm (or 1st restrictive

layer)

 Min low 1.4

 Max high <142

AND

Bottom horizon is not

sandy or gravelly
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-82

(190-V-NFM, 2000)

G

R

O

U

P

Soil

Depth

(cm)

Available

Water

Capacity

(cm)

CaCO3

Equivalent

(%, 0-

30cm)

pH

(0-30cm)

Elec.

Cond.

(mmhos,

0-30cm)

Depth to

Growing

Season Water

Table

(cm)

Saturated

Hydraulic

Conductivity

(m s-1)

(see notes)

4 50 12.0 <5 5.6-8.4 <4

4A 50 12.0 <5 4.5-5.5 <4

4K 50 12.0 >5, <15 6.5-8.4 <4

0-50cm, > 20cm thick

 Low >1.4

 High <142

AND

One or more horizons

>15cm thick with a top

depth >0

 Low >0.42, <1.43

 High <14.3

4C 50 9.5 <5 5.6-8.4 <4

4CA 50 9.5 <5 4.5-5.5 <4

4CK 50 9.5 >5, <15 6.5-8.4 <4

Surface horizon to 20cm

 Min low 1.4

 Max high <142

 and

All horizons with top

depth >0

 Min low 0.42, <1.43

 Max high <14.3

OR

0-150cm (or 1st

restrictive layer)

 Min low 0.42, <1.43

 Max high <14.3

4CC 50 9.5 <5 5.6-8.4 <4

150

OR

<150cm for <2 months

during growing season

Surface horizon to 20cm

 Min low >1.4

 Max high <142

 and

One or more horizons

>15cm thick with a top

depth >0

 High <0.43

and

>100cm to root restrictive

layer

OR

0-150cm (or 1st restrictive

layer)

 Max High <0.43

5 100 9.5-19.0 <5 5.6-8.4 <4

5A 100 9.5-19.0 <5 4.5-5.5 <4

5K 100 9.5-19.0 >5, <15 6.5-8.4 <4

5KK 100 9.5-19.0 >15, <40 6.5-8.4 <4

150

AND

frequent or occasional

flooding <2 months

during growing season

with a duration of brief,

long, or very long

0-150cm (or 1st restrictive

layer)

 Min low 1.4

 Max high <142

AND

Bottom horizon is not

sandy/gravelly
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-83

(190-V-NFM, Aug. 2000)

G

R

O

U

P

Soil

Depth

(cm)

Available

Water

Capacity

(cm)

CaCO3

Equivalent

(%, 0-

30cm)

pH

(0-30cm)

Elec.

Cond.

(mmhos,

0-30cm)

Depth to

Growing

Season Water

Table

(cm)

Saturated

Hydraulic

Conductivity

(m s-1)

(see notes)

6 50 5.0-9.5 <5 5.6-8.4 <4

6A 50 5.0-9.5 <5 4.5-5.5 <4

6K 50 5.0-9.5 >5, <15 6.5-8.4 <4

6KK 50 5.0-9.5 >15, <40 6.5-8.4 <4

Surface horizon to 20cm

 Min low 1.4

 Max high <142

AND

Bottom horizon is:

 Sandy/gravelly or;

 High >141 or;

 Restrictive layer between

 50-150cm

AND

Drainage Class is E, SE, or

W

6D 50-100 9.5 <5 5.6-8.4 <4

6DA 50-100 9.5 <5 4.5-5.5 <4

6DK 50-100 9.5 >5, <15 6.5-8.4 <4

Surface horizon to 20cm

 Min low 1.4

 Max high <43

AND

There is a root restrictive

layer between 50-150cm

6G 50 9.5 <5 5.6-8.4 <4

6GA 50 9.5 <5 4.5-5.5 <4

6GK 50 9.5 >5, <15 6.5-8.4 <4

6GKK 50 9.5 >15, <40 6.5-8.4 <4

150

OR

<150cm for <2 months

during growing season

Surface horizon to 20cm

 Min low >1.4

 Max high <142

AND

Bottom horizon is sandy/

gravelly or high >141

AND

Drainage Class is not E

7 100 5.0 <5 5.6-8.4 <4

7A 100 5.0 <5 4.5-5.5 <4

150

OR

<150cm for <2 months

during growing season

0-150cm (or 1st restrictive

layer)

 Min low >42

AND

All horizons 0-150cm have

sandy texture

8 100 19.0 >5, <15 6.5-8.4 <4

8K 100 19.0 >15, <40 6.5-8.4 <4

150

OR

<150cm for <2 months

during growing season

0-150cm (or 1st restrictive

layer)

 Min low 1.4

 Max high <142
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-84

(190-V-NFM, 2000)

G

R

O

U

P

Soil

Depth

(cm)

Available

Water

Capacity

(cm)

Sodium

Adsorption

Ratio

(0-30cm)

pH

(0-30cm)

Elec.

Cond.

(mmhos,

0-30cm)

Depth to

Growing

Season Water

Table

(cm)

Saturated

Hydraulic

Conductivity

(m s-1)

(see notes)

9C 50 9.5 -- -- 4-16 150

OR

<150cm for <2 months

during growing season

Surface horizon to 20cm

 Min low 1.4

 Max high <142 and

All horizons with top

depth >0

 Min low 0.42, <1.43

 Max high <14.3

OR

0-150cm (or 1st restrictive

layer)

 Min low 0.42, <1.43

 Max high <14.3

9L 50 9.5 -- -- 4-16 0-150cm (or 1st restrictive

layer)

 Min low 1.4

 Max high <43

OR

0-20cm

 Min low 1.4

 Max high <43 and

20-150cm (or 1st

restrictive layer)

 Min low >0.42

 Max high <1.43

OR

0-50cm

 Min low 1.4

 Max high <43 and

50-150cm (or 1st

restrictive layer)

 Min low >0.42

 Max high <1.43

9N >50 >5.0 >13, <25

any layer

-- 0-16

150

OR

<150cm for <2 months

during growing season

--

9NW >50 >5.0 >13, <25

any layer

-- 0-16 >45, <150 --

 9W 50 5.0 -- -- 4-16 45, <150 --

10 Place soil components in CTSG 10 if any of

the following conditions exist:

 Soil Depth <50cm

 Available Water Capacity <5.0cm

 CaCO3 Equivalent >40%, 0- 30cm

 pH <4.0 or >8.4, 0-30cm

 Elec. Cond. >16mmhos, 0-30cm

 Sodium Adsorption Ratio >25

 Depth to Growing Season Water Table <45cm

 Depth to growing season water table is <90cm and:

Temperature Regime Months Wet

Cryic or Pergelic.......................................... >0

Isofrigid, Frigid, or Mesic ........................... >2 consecutive

or >3 total

Thermic, Hyperthermic, Isothermic,

Isohyperthermic, or Isomesic ...................... >3
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-85

(190-V-NFM, Aug. 2000)

Exhibit 537-15 Notes/Definitions

Available Water Capacity—The total potential available water capacity of the soil to the first restriction. Total

potential available water capacity is derived by multiplying the available water capacity of each horizon in the soil

profile by the horizon thickness and summing the products.

CaCO3 Equivalent—Percent of free lime is by weight per soil unit in the upper 30 centimeters. For automated

interpretations using NASIS, the average representative CaCO3 Equivalent value within 30cm of the soil surface is

used.

Depth to Growing Season Water Table—Depth to a layer with a moisture status of "wet" during all or part of the

growing season. See Growing Season.

Electrical Conductivity—The standard measure, in millimhos per centimeter, of salinity or amount of salts in a soil

as determined by the electrolytic conductivity of an extract from saturated soil paste; <2 mmhos/cm indicates little or

no salinity; <4 mmhos/cm indicates a very slightly saline soil; 4 to 8 mmhos/cm indicates slightly saline; and greater

than 8 mmhos/cm indicates moderately to strongly saline soil. For automated interpretations using NASIS, the

maximum representative EC value within 30cm of the soil surface are used.

Group—The symbol identifies groups of similar soil. Characteristics of each group significantly affect the selection

and height growth of trees and shrubs. Letters used in a symbol represent key soil characteristics for the group: A =

acid, B = basic, C = clay, D = restrictive layer to roots, K and KK = carbonates, G = gravel/sand, H = histosols, L =

loamy, N = Natric, S = sandy, and W = wetness.

Growing Season—For automated interpretations using NASIS, the growing season corresponding to a soil

component is determined by its taxonomic temperature regime as follows:

Taxonomic Temperature Regime Growing Season Months

Cryic or pergelic Jul and Aug

isofrigid, frigid or mesic May, Jun, Jul, Aug, and Sep

thermic or hyperthermic Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, and Oct

isothermic, isohyperthermic, or isomesic Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, and Nov

Histosols—A soil component is determined to be a Histosol if its taxonomic order is Histosols or if it has a

substitute term used in lieu of texture of muck, peat, or mucky peat.

pH—A numerical expression of the relative acidity or alkalinity of a soil sample. The most common laboratory

method for measurement of pH is the 1:1 soil-to-water ratio method, however, the 0.01M calcium chloride method is

commonly used to measure pH in Histosols. Values less than 4.5 indicate an ultra or extremely acid soil; 4.5 to 5.5

indicates very strongly to strongly acid; 5.6 to 7.8 indicates moderately acid to slightly alkaline; 7.9 to 8.4 indicates

moderately alkaline; and greater than 8.4 indicates strongly or very strongly alkaline soil. For automated

interpretations using NASIS, the minimum representative pH value within 30cm of the soil surface is used.

Root Restrictive Layer—A nearly continuous layer that has one or more physical, chemical, or thermal properties

that significantly reduce the movement of water and air through the soil or that otherwise provides an unfavorable

root environment. For automated interpretations using NASIS, the possible restrictive properties are: abrupt textural

change; bedrock (lithic and paralithic); densic material; duripan; fragipan; natric; ortstein; permafrost; petrocalcic;

petroferric; petrogypsic; placic; plinthite; salic; strongly contrasting textural stratification; and sulfuric.

Sandy Horizon Texture—The horizon of a soil component is determined to be sandy if the texture class of the

horizon is coarse sand (cos), sand (s), fine sand (fs), very fine sand (vfs), loamy course sand (lcos), loamy sand (ls),

loamy fine sand (lfs), or loamy very fine sand (lvfs).
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-86

(190-V-NFM, 2000)

Sandy/Gravelly Horizon—The horizon of a soil component is determined to be sandy/gravelly if the percent

passing the #10 sieve times the percent passing the #200 sieve divided by 100 is less than or equal to 15 percent.

 Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity (Ksat)—The amount of water that would move downward through a unit area of

saturated in-place soil in unit time under unit hydraulic gradient., in micrometers per second.

Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR)—A measure of the amount of sodium (Na) relative to calcium (Ca) and

magnesium (Mg) in the water extract from saturated soil paste, expressed as a percentage. For automated

interpretations using NASIS, the maximum representative SAR value within 30cm of the soil surface is used.

Soil Depth—Depth to first restrictive layer measured from the top of the uppermost mineral horizon (or surface for

Histosols) to the top of the restrictive layer.
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-87

(190-V-NFM, Aug. 2000)

Exhibit 537-15 Conservation Tree/Shrub Group Descriptions

Group 1

Soil depth to a restrictive layer1

 is at least 40 inches (100 cm). The depth to a water table during the growing season1

is at least 3 feet (90 cm) but less than 5 feet (150 cm). If the soil is frequently or occasional flooded for 2 or more

months during the growing season, with a duration of brief, long, or very long, then the depth to a water table during

the growing season1

 may exceed 5 feet. The available water capacity1 is greater than 7.5 inches (19 centimeters). In

the upper 12 inches (30 cm) of the soil profile free carbonates do not exceed a concentration of 5 percent calcium

carbonate equivalent1

, the range of pH1 is between 5.6 and 8.4, and electrical conductivity1 is 4 mmhos/cm or less.

For all horizons to a depth of 5 feet (150 cm), or to the first restrictive layer1

, the minimum low Ksat is 0.2

inches/hour (1.4 micrometers per second) or greater and the maximum high Ksat is 20 inches/hour (142 micrometers

per second) or less.

Group 1A

Soil criteria is the same as Group 1 except:

 In the upper 12 inches (30 centimeters) of the soil profile the range of pH1

 is between 4.5 and 5.5.

Group 1H

Soil criteria is the same as for Group 1 except:

 Soil depth to a restrictive layer1 is at least 20 inches (50 cm).

 In the upper 12 inches (30 cm) of the soil profile, free carbonates are not considered and the pH1

 is 7.8 or less.

 The soil taxonomic order is histosol or texture-in-lieu-of is peat, muck, or muck peat.

Group 1K

Soil criteria is the same as Group 1 except:

 In the upper 12 inches (30 cm) of the soil profile free carbonates range between 5 and 15 percent calcium

carbonate equivalent1 and the range of pH1

 is between 6.5 and 8.4.

Group 1KK

Soil criteria is the same as Group 1 except:

 In the upper 12 inches (30 cm) of the soil profile free carbonates range between 15 and 40 percent calcium

carbonate equivalent1 and the range of pH1

 is between 6.5 and 8.4.

Group 1KK

Soil criteria is the same as Group 1 except:

 In the upper 12 inches (30 cm) of the soil profile free carbonates range between 15 and 40 percent calcium

carbonate equivalent1 and the range of pH1

 is between 6.5 and 8.4.

Group 1S

Soil criteria is the same as Group 1 except:

 The available water capacity1

 is between 3.75 and 7.5 inches (9.5 and 19 cm).

Group 1SK

Soil criteria is the same as Group 1 except:

 The available water capacity1

 is between 3.75 and 7.5 inches (9.5 and 19 cm)

 In the upper 12 inches (30 cm) of the soil profile free carbonates range between 5 and 15 percent calcium

carbonate equivalent1 and the range of pH1

 is between 6.5 and 8.4.
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-88

(190-V-NFM, 2000)

537-80a

Group 1SKK

Soil criteria is the same as Group 1 except:

 The available water capacity1

 is between 3.75 and 7.5 inches (9.5 and 19 cm)

 In the upper 12 inches (30 cm) of the soil profile free carbonates range between 15 and 40 percent calcium

carbonate equivalent1 and the range of pH1

 is between 7.9 and 8.4.

Group 2

Soil depth to a restrictive layer1 is at least 40 inches (100 cm). The depth to a water table during the growing season1

is at least 1.5 feet (45 cm) but less than 3 feet (90 cm). The depth to a water table may be less than 3 feet (90 cm) if

it is for less than 3 months during the growing season1

. The available water capacity1 is greater than 2 inches (5 cm).

In the upper 12 inches (30 cm) of the soil profile free carbonates do not exceed a concentration of 5 percent calcium

carbonate equivalent1

, the range of pH1 is between 5.6 and 8.4, and electrical conductivity1 is 4 mmhos/cm or less.

Group 2A

Soil criteria is the same as Group 2 except:

 In the upper 12 inches (30 cm) of the soil profile the range of pH1

 is between 4.5 and 5.5.

Group 2K

Soil criteria is the same as Group 2 except:

 In the upper 12 inches (30 cm) of the soil profile free carbonates range between 5 and 15 percent calcium

carbonate equivalent1 and the range of pH1

 is between 6.5 and 8.4.

Group 2KK

Soil criteria is the same as Group 2 except:

 In the upper 12 inches (30 cm) of the soil profile free carbonates range between 15 and 40 percent calcium

carbonate equivalent1 and the range of pH1

 is between 6.5 and 8.4.

Group 2H

Soil criteria is the same as for Group 2 except:

 The available water capacity1

 is 7.5 inches (19 cm) or greater.

 In the upper 12 inches (30 cm) of the soil profile free carbonates are not considered and the pH1

 is 7.8 or less.

 The soil taxonomic order is histosol or texture-in-lieu-of is peat, muck, or muck peat.

Group 3

Soil depth to a restrictive layer1 is at least 40 inches (150 cm). The depth to a water table during the growing season1

is at least 5 feet (150 cm). If the soil is frequently or occasional flooded with a duration of brief, long, or very long,

it must be for less than 2 months during the growing season1

. The available water capacity1 is at least 7.5 inches (19

cm). In the upper 12 inches (30 cm) of the soil profile free carbonates do not exceed a concentration of 5 percent

calcium carbonate equivalent1

, the range of pH1 is between 5.6 and 8.4, and electrical conductivity1 is 4 mmhos/cm

or less. For all horizons to a depth of 5 feet (150 cm), or to the first restrictive layer1

, the minimum low Ksat is 1.4

micrometers per second (0.2 inches/hour) or greater and the maximum high Ksat is 142 micrometers per second (20

inches/hour) or less. The bottom horizon is not sandy or gravelly1

.

Group 3A

Soil criteria is the same as Group 3 except:

 In the upper 12 inches (30 cm) of the soil profile the range of pH1

 is between 4.5 and 5.5.
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-89

(190-V-NFM, Aug. 2000)

Group 4

Soil depth to a restrictive layer1 is at least 20 inches (50 cm). The depth to a water table during the growing season1

is at least 5 feet (150 cm). The depth to a water table may be less than 5 feet (150 cm) if it is for less than 2 months

during the growing season1

. The available water capacity1 is at least 5 inches (12 cm). In the upper 12 inches (30

cm) of the soil profile free carbonates do not exceed a concentration of 5 percent calcium carbonate equivalent1

, the

range of pH1

 is between 5.6 and 8.4, and electrical conductivity1 is 4 mmhos/cm or less. In the first 20 inches (50

cm) of the soil profile there is at least one layer that is a minimum of 8 inches (20 cm) thick with a low Ksat of 1.4

micrometers per second (0.2 inches/hour) or greater and a high Ksat of 142 micrometers per second (20 inches/hour)

or less. Below the first 20 inches (50 cm) of the profile there is at least one layer that is a minimum of 6 inches (15

cm) thick with a low Ksat between 0.42 and 1.43 micrometers per second (0.6 and 0.2 inches/hour) and a high Ksat

of 14.3 micrometers per second (2.0 inches/hr) or less.

Group 4A

Soil criteria is the same as Group 4 except:

 In the upper 12 inches (30 cm) of the soil profile the range of pH1

 is between 4.5 and 5.5.

Group 4K

Soil criteria is the same as Group 4 except:

 In the upper 12 inches (30 cm) of the soil profile free carbonates range between 5 and 15 percent calcium

carbonate equivalent1 and the range of pH1

 is between 6.5 and 8.4.

Group 4C

Soil depth to a restrictive layer1 is at least 20 inches (50 cm). The depth to a water table during the growing season1

is at least 5 feet (150 cm). The depth to a water table may be less than 5 feet (150 cm) if it is for less than 2 months

during the growing season1

. The available water capacity1 is at least 3.75 inches (9.5 cm). In the upper 12 inches

(30 cm) of the soil profile free carbonates do not exceed a concentration of 5 percent calcium carbonate equivalent1

,

the range of pH1

 is between 5.6 and 8.4, and electrical conductivity1 is 4 mmhos/cm or less. The soil profile falls

into one of the following scenarios with respect to Ksat:

1) In the first 8 inches (20 cm) of the soil profile the minimum low Ksat is 1.4 micrometers per second (0.2

inches/hour) or greater and the maximum high Ksat is 142 micrometers per second (20 inches/hour) or less.

Below the first 20 inches (50 cm) all horizons have a minimum low Ksat between 0.42 and 1.43 micrometers per

second (0.6 and 0.2 inches/hour) and a high Ksat of 14.3 micrometers per second (2.0 inches/hr) or less.

2) All horizons to a depth of 5 feet (150 cm), or the fist restrictive layer1

, have a minimum low Ksat between 0.42

and 1.43 micrometers per second (0.6 and 0.2 inches/hour) and a maximum high Ksat of 14.3 micrometers per

second (2.0 inches/hr) or less.

Group 4CA

Soil criteria is the same as Group 4C except:

 In the upper 12 inches (30 cm) of the soil the range of pH1

 is between 4.5 and 5.5.

Group 4CK

Soil criteria is the same as Group 4C except:

 In the upper 12 inches (30 cm) of the soil profile free carbonates range between 5 and 15 percent calcium

carbonate equivalent1 and the range of pH1

 is between 6.5 and 8.4.
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-90

(190-V-NFM, 2000)

Group 4CC

Soil criteria is the same as Group 4C except:

 The soil profile falls into one of the following scenarios with respect to Ksat:

1. In the surface horizon (within 20cm) the minimum low Ksat is 1.4 micrometers per second (0.2 inches/hour)

or greater and the maximum high Ksat is 142 micrometers per second (20 inches/hour) or less. Below the

first 8 inches (20 cm) of the profile there is at least one layer that is a minimum of 6 inches (15 cm) thick

with a high Ksat less than 0.43 (0.6 inches/hour).

2. All horizons to a depth of 5 feet (150 cm), or the fist restrictive layer1

, have a maximum high Ksat of 0.43

micrometers per second (0.06 inches/hour) or less.

 There is no root restrictive layer within 100cm of the surface.

Group 5

Soil depth to a restrictive layer1 is at least 40 inches (100 cm). The depth to a water table during the growing season1

is at least 5 feet (150 cm). If the soil is frequently or occasional flooded with a duration of brief, long, or very long,

it is for less than 2 months during the growing season1

. The available water capacity1 is at between 3.75 and 7.5

inches (9.5 and 19 cm). In the upper 12 inches (30 cm) of the soil profile free carbonates do not exceed a

concentration of 5 percent calcium carbonate equivalent1

, the range of pH1 is between 5.6 and 8.4, and electrical

conductivity1

 is 4 mmhos/cm or less. For all horizons to a depth of 5 feet (150 cm), or to the first restrictive layer1,

the minimum low Ksat is 1.4 micrometers per second (0.2 inches/hour) or greater and the maximum high Ksat is 142

micrometers per second (20 inches/hour) or less. The bottom horizon is not sandy or gravelly1

.

Group 5A

Soil criteria is the same as Group 5 except:

 In the upper 12 inches (30 cm) of the soil profile the range of pH1

 is between 4.5 and 5.5.

Group 5K

Soil criteria is the same as Group 5 except:

 In the upper 12 inches (30 cm) of the soil profile free carbonates range between 5 and 15 percent calcium

carbonate equivalent1 and the range of pH1

 is between 6.5 and 8.4.

Group 5KK

Soil criteria is the same as Group 5 except:

 In the upper 12 inches (30 cm) of the soil profile free carbonates range between 15 and 40 percent calcium

carbonate equivalent1 and the range of pH1

 is between 6.5 and 8.4.

Group 6

Soil depth to a restrictive layer1 is at least 20 inches (50 cm). The depth to a water table during the growing season1

is at least 5 feet (150 cm). The depth to a water table may be less than 5 feet (150 cm) if it is for less than 2 months

during the growing season1

. The available water capacity1 is between 2 and 3.75 inches (5 and 9.5 cm). In the upper

12 inches (30 cm) of the soil profile free carbonates do not exceed a concentration of 5 percent calcium carbonate

equivalent1

, the range of pH1 is between 5.6 and 8.4, and electrical conductivity1 is 4 mmhos/cm or less. In the

surface horizon (within 20cm) the minimum low Ksat is 1.4 micrometers per second (0.2 inches/hour) or greater and

the maximum high Ksat is 142 micrometers per second (20 inches/hour) or less. The bottom horizon is either sandy

or gravelly1

 or the high Ksat is greater than 141 micrometers per second (20 inches/hour) or there is a root restrictive

layer between 40 and 60 inches (50 and 150 cm). The drainage class for the soil is either excessively, somewhat

excessively, or well drained.

Group 6A

Soil criteria is the same as Group 6 except:

 In the upper 12 inches (30 cm) of the soil profile the range of pH1

 is between 4.5 and 5.5.
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-91

(190-V-NFM, Aug. 2000)

Group 6K

Soil criteria is the same as Group 6 except:

 In the upper 12 inches (30 cm) of the soil profile free carbonates range between 5 and 15 percent calcium

carbonate equivalent1 and the range of pH1

 is between 6.5 and 8.4.

Group 6KK

Soil criteria is the same as Group 6 except:

 In the upper 12 inches (30 cm) of the soil profile free carbonates range between 15 and 40 percent calcium

carbonate equivalent1 and the range of pH1

 is between 6.5 and 8.4.

Group 6D

Soil depth to a restrictive layer1 is between 20 and 40 inches (50 and 100 cm). The depth to a water table during the

growing season1

 is at least 5 feet (150 cm). The depth to a water table may be less than 5 feet (150 cm) if it is for

less than 2 months during the growing season1

. The available water capacity1 is at least 3.75 inches (9.5 cm). In the

upper 12 inches (30 cm) of the soil profile free carbonates do not exceed a concentration of 5 percent calcium

carbonate equivalent1

, the range of pH1 is between 5.6 and 8.4, and electrical conductivity1 is 4 mmhos/cm or less. In

the surface horizon (within 20cm) the minimum low Ksat is 1.4 micrometers per second (0.2 inches/hour) or greater

and the maximum high Ksat is 43 micrometers per second (6 inches/hour) or less. There is a root restrictive layer1

between 20 and 60 inches (50 and 150 cm).

Group 6DK

Soil criteria is the same as Group 6D except:

 In the upper 12 inches (30 cm) of the soil profile free carbonates range between 5 and 15 percent calcium

carbonate equivalent1 and the range of pH1

 is between 6.5 and 8.4.

Group 6G

Soil depth to a restrictive layer1 is at least 20 inches (50 cm). The depth to a water table during the growing season1

is at least 5 feet (150 cm). The depth to a water table may be less than 5 feet (150 cm) if it is for less than 2 months

during the growing season1

. The available water capacity1 is at least 3.75 in (9.5 cm). In the upper 12 inches (30 cm)

of the soil profile free carbonates do not exceed a concentration of 5 percent calcium carbonate equivalent1

, the

range of pH1

 is between 5.6 and 8.4, and electrical conductivity1 is 4 mmhos/cm or less. In the surface horizon

(within 20cm) the minimum low Ksat is 1.4 micrometers per second (0.2 inches/hour) or greater and the maximum

high Ksat is 142 micrometers per second (20 inches/hour) or less. The bottom horizon is either sandy or gravelly1

 or

the high Ksat is greater than 141 micrometers per second (20inches/hour). The drainage class for the soil is

something other than excessively drained.

Group 6GA

Soil criteria is the same as Group 6G except:

 In the upper 12 inches (30 cm) of the soil profile the range of pH1

 is between 4.5 and 5.5.

Group 6GK

Soil criteria is the same as Group 6G except:

 In the upper 12 inches (30 cm) of the soil profile free carbonates range between 5 and 15 percent calcium

carbonate equivalent1 and the range of pH1

 is between 6.5 and 8.4.

Group 6GKK

Soil criteria is the same as Group 6G except:

 In the upper 12 inches (30 cm) of the soil profile free carbonates range between 15 and 40 percent calcium

carbonate equivalent1 and the range of pH1

 is between 6.5 and 8.4.
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-92

(190-V-NFM, 2000)

Group 7

Soil depth to a restrictive layer1 is at least 40 inches (100 cm). The depth to a water table during the growing season1

is at least 5 feet (150 cm). The depth to a water table may be less than 5 feet (150 cm) if it is for less than 2 months

during the growing season1

. The available water capacity1 is at least 2 inches (5 cm). In the upper 12 inches (30 cm)

of the soil profile free carbonates do not exceed a concentration of 5 percent calcium carbonate equivalent1

, the

range of pH1

 is between 5.6 and 8.4, and electrical conductivity1 is 4 mmhos/cm or less. For all horizons to a depth

of 5 feet (150 cm), or to the first restrictive layer1

, the minimum low Ksat is at least 42 micrometers per second (6

inches/hour) and all horizons have a sandy texture1

.

Group 7A

Soil criteria is the same as Group 7 except:

 In the upper 12 inches (30 cm) of the soil profile the range of pH1

 is between 4.5 and 5.5.

Group 8

Soil depth to a restrictive layer1 is at least 40 inches (100 cm). The depth to a water table during the growing season1

is at least 5 feet (150 cm). The depth to a water table may be less than 5 feet (150 cm) if it is for less than 2 months

during the growing season1

. The available water capacity1 is at least 7.5 inches (19 cm). In the upper 12 inches (30

cm) of the soil profile free carbonates range between 5 and 15 percent calcium carbonate equivalent1

, the range of

pH1

 is between 6.5 and 8.4, and electrical conductivity1 is 4 mmhos/cm or less. For all horizons to a depth of 5 feet

(150 cm), or to the first restrictive layer1

, the minimum low Ksat is 1.4 micrometers per second (0.2 inches/hour) or

greater and the maximum high Ksat is 142 micrometers per second (20 inches/hour) or less.

Group 8K

Soil criteria is the same as Group 8 except:

 In the upper 12 inches (30 cm) of the soil profile free carbonates range between 15 and 40 percent calcium

carbonate equivalent1

.

Group 9C

Soil depth to a restrictive layer1 is at least 20 inches (50 cm). The depth to a water table during the growing season1

is at least 5 feet (150 cm). The depth to a water table may be less than 5 feet (150 cm) if it is for less than 2 months

during the growing season1

. The available water capacity1 is at least 3.75 inches (9.5 cm). In the upper 12 inches (30

cm) of the soil profile, the range of electrical conductivity1

 is between 4 and 16 mmhos/cm. The soil profile falls

into one of the following scenarios with respect to Ksat:

1) In the first 8 inches (20 cm) of the soil profile the minimum low Ksat is 1.4 micrometers per second (0.2

inches/hour) or greater and the maximum high Ksat is 142 micrometers per second (20 inches/hour) or less.

Below the first 8 inches (20 cm) all horizons have a minimum low Ksat between 0.42 and 1.43 micrometers per

second (0.6 and 0.2 inches/hour) and a high Ksat of 14.3 micrometers per second (2.0 inches/hr) or less.

2) All horizons to a depth of 5 feet (150 cm), or the fist restrictive layer1

, have a minimum low Ksat between 0.42

and 1.43 micrometers per second (0.6 and 0.2 inches/hour) and a maximum high Ksat of 14.3 micrometers per

second (2.0 inches/hr) or less.

Group 9L

Soil depth to a restrictive layer1 is at least 20 inches (50 cm). The depth to a water table during the growing season1

is at least 5 feet (150 cm). The depth to a water table may be less than 5 feet (150 cm) if it is for less than 2 months

during the growing season1

. The available water capacity1 is at least 3.75 inches (9.5 cm). In the upper 12 inches (30

cm) of the soil profile, the range of electrical conductivity1

 is between 4 and 16 mmhos/cm. The soil profile falls

into one of the following scenarios with respect to Ksat:

1) All horizons to a depth of 5 feet (150 cm), or the first restrictive layer1

, have a minimum low Ksat of 1.4

micrometers per second (0.2 inches/hour) or greater and a maximum high Ksat of 43 micrometers per second

(6.0 inches/hr) or less.
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-93

(190-V-NFM, Aug. 2000)

2) In the first 8 inches (20 cm) of the soil profile the minimum low Ksat is 1.4 micrometers per second (0.2

inches/hour) or greater and the maximum high Ksat is 43 micrometers per second (6.0 inches/hour) or less and.

Below the first 8 inches (20 cm) all horizons to 5 feet (150 cm), or to the first restrictive layer1

, have a minimum

low Ksat of 0.42 micrometers per second (0.6 inches/hour) or greater and a maximum high Ksat of 1.43

micrometers per second (0.2 inches/hr) or less.

3) In the first 20 inches (50 cm) of the soil profile the minimum low Ksat is 1.4 micrometers per second (0.2

inches/hour) or greater and the maximum high Ksat is 43 micrometers per second (6.0 inches/hour) or less.

Below the first 20 inches (50 cm) all horizons to 5 feet (150 cm), or to the first restrictive layer1

, have a

minimum low Ksat of 0.42 micrometers per second (.06 inches/hour) or greater and a maximum high Ksat of

1.43 micrometers per second (0.2 inches/hr) or less.

Group 9N

Soil depth to a restrictive layer1 is at least 20 inches (50 cm). The depth to a water table during the growing season1

is at least 5 feet (150 cm). The depth to a water table may be less than 5 feet (150 cm) if it is for less than 2 months

during the growing season1

. The available water capacity1 is at least 2 inches (5 cm). In the upper 12 inches (30 cm)

of the soil profile the sodium adsorption ratio1

 ranges between 13 and 25 percent, and electrical conductivity1 is 16

mmhos/cm or less.

Group 9NW

Soil criteria is the same as Group 9N except:

 The depth to a water table during the growing season1

 is between 1.5 and 5 feet (45 and 150 cm).

Group 9W

Soil depth to a restrictive layer1 is at least 20 inches (50 cm). The depth to a water table during the growing season1

is between 1.5 and 5 feet (45 and 150 cm). The available water capacity1 is at least 2 inches (5 cm). In the upper 12

inches (30 cm) of the soil profile electrical conductivity1

 is between 4 and 16 mmhos/cm.

Group 10

Soils have one or more characteristics that are severely imitating to the planting and growth of trees and shrubs: soil

depth is less than 20 inches (50 cm); available water capacity is less than 2 inches (5.0 cm); depth to a water table

during the growing season1

 is less than 1.5 feet (45 cm) or occurs for longer than 3 months during the growing

season1

; in the upper 12 inches (30 cm) of the soil profile free carbonates are greater than 40 percent calcium

carbonate equivalent1

, pH is less than 4.0 or greater than 8.4, electrical conductivity1 is greater than 16 mmhos/cm,

or sodium adsorption ratio1

 is 25 percent or greater. When using NASIS to automate CTSG grouping, soils will be

placed in group 10 if: no taxonomic temperature is recorded; the component kind is recorded as “miscellaneous

area”; or no data are recorded in the horizon table.

1

Refer to Exhibit 537-15 Notes/Definitions for definitions and information on how the property is derived when

NASIS is used to automate CTSG groupings.
 (190-V-NFM, Aug. 2000)
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-83

(190-V-NFM, June1999)

Exhibit 537-16 Forestland Ecological Site Description Example

The following is an example of a forestland ecological site description. It is presented as an example of

content and format only. The data presented do not represent an actual ecological site.

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE

ECOLOGICAL SITE DESCRIPTION

ECOLOGICAL SITE CHARACTERISTICS

Site Type: Forestland

Site Name: Acer saccharum-Betula alleghaniensis/Acer pensylvanicum/Dryopteris

(sugar maple-yellow birch/striped maple/woodfern)

Site ID: F143XY001ME

Major Land Resource Area: 143 - Northeastern Mountains

Physiographic Features

This site is on gently sloping, well drained, very deep soils on the crests of drumlin-shaped glacial till

ridges that are generally oriented in a northwest-to-southeast direction.

Landform: (1) drumlin

Minimum Maximum

Elevation (feet): 600 2800

Slope (percent): 15 35

Water Table Depth (inches): 24 40

Flooding:

Frequency: none none

Duration: none none

Ponding:

Depth (inches): 0 0

Frequency: none none

Duration: none none

Runoff Class: high high

Aspect: (1) NW

(2) SW
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-84

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

2

Acer saccharum-Betula alleghaniensis/Acer pensylvanicum/Dryopteris

F143XY001ME

Climatic Features

Precipitation is well distributed throughout the year. Of the total annual precipitation, about one-half

occurs in April through September. The winters are cold and summers are moderately warm with

occasional hot spells. Thunderstorms occur about 18 days each year. Average seasonal snowfall is 92

inches with at least 78 days of at least 1 inch of snow on the ground. The sun shines 60 percent of the

time possible in summer and 55 percent in winter.

Minimum Maximum

Frost Free Period (days): 110 152

Freeze Free Period (days): 142 183

Mean Annual Precipitation (inches): 37 50

Monthly Precipitation (inches) and Temperature (0F):

Month Jan Feb Mar Apr Mar Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Precip. Min. 1.24 1.44 1.73 2.34 1.95 2.18 2.41 2.25 1.92 2.55 2.61 1.84

Precip. Max. 4.39 4.24 4.78 4.59 5.01 5.27 5.23 5.00 5.14 5.69 6.11 5.60

Temp. Min. 6.9 7.8 19.1 30.3 40.7 50.2 55.3 53.1 45.4 35.7 27.1 12.4

Temp. Max. 27.1 30.3 38.9 51.7 65.3 74.4 79.2 76.7 68.4 57.1 43.2 30.3

Climate Station(s): (1) ME12345, Ramfer, Maine. Period of record 1954-1984.

(2) ME3444, Merkett, Maine. Period of record 1964-1994.

Influencing Water Features

The following water features are associated with this site.

Wetland Description: System Subsystem Class

(Cowardin System) none none none

Stream Types: none

(Rosgen System) 

Representative Soil Features

The following soil features are associated with this site. The surface textures recorded represents those

found within 8 inches of the soil surface. The subsurface texture group recorded represents the group at a

depth between 8 and 20 inches.

Predominant Parent Materials:

Kind: supraglacial till

Origin: granite
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-85

 (190-V-NFM, 1998)

3

Acer saccharum-Betula alleghaniensis/Acer pensylvanicum/Dryopteris

F143XY001ME

Surface Texture: (1) fine sandy loam

(2) very fine sandy loam

Subsurface Texture Group: loamy

Surface Fragments <=3" (% Cover): 5

Surface Fragments >3" (% Cover): 5

Rock Fragments <=3" (% Volume): 20

Rock Fragments >3" (% Volume): 10

Drainage Class: well

Permeability Class: moderate

Minimum Maximum

Depth (inches): 60 60

Electrical Conductivity (mmhos/cm): 0 0

Sodium Adsorption Ratio: 13 30

Calcium Carbonate Equivalent (percent): 1 4

Soil Reaction (1:1 Water): 3.6 6.0

Soil Reaction (.0-1M CaCl2): NA NA

Available Water Capacity (inches): 3.95 10.79

Soil Survey Associations:

This ecological site is associated with the map units and soil components in the following soil surveys.

Future updates to this soil survey may affect these associations. For up-to-date associations between soil

components and this ecological site, refer to NASIS. Associations between ecological sites and soil

components are maintained in NASIS via the ecological site ID.

Map Unit Name

Soil Survey Map Unit Symbol Soil Components

Oxcart County, Maine, 1992

MeD Marlow fine sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony

Marlow

MaD Marlow fine sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes

Marlow

DXD Dixfield-Marlow association, moderately steep, very stony

Marlow

Deurboniux County, Maine, 1981

DuD Marlow-Vines complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes, very stony

Marlow

ErD Erloin fine sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes

Erloin

EvD Erloin-Vercouse association, moderately steep, very stony

Erloin
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-86

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

4

Acer saccharum-Betula alleghaniensis/Acer pensylvanicum/Dryopteris

F143XY001ME

PLANT COMMUNITIES

Ecological Dynamics of the Site

Sugar maple, yellow birch and American beech are the predominant climax overstory species on this site.

Assuming site conditions are favorable, the major factor influencing the establishment of the sugar maple,

yellow birch, American beech forest is disturbance. In well-drained upland sites, the formation of this

climax forest will be assured if no further natural or human disturbance takes place.

Vegetation succession is of a secondary nature, brought about by fire, cutting, insect infestation or substrate

disturbance (colluvium activity). Fire within this well-drained, upland forest habitat would probably result

in a successional shade-intolerant hardwood stand consisting of red maple, bigtooth aspen, white ash, and

yellow birch. These species are able to develop from sucker growth.

Eventually the shade-tolerant hardwoods would intrude into the understory and gradually displace the

shade-intolerant species. Shade-tolerant softwood species, such as red spruce and eastern hemlock, may

also become locally established during this successional sequence.

Cutting practices within this forest habitat could produce a shift from a pure shade-tolerant hardwood forest

to a mixedwood stand. Depending on the degree and time of cutting, red spruce and eastern white pine

could regenerate with the red maple and white ash. Over time, this successional sequence will probably, if

left undisturbed, revert to the original shade-tolerant hardwood forest.

The site can maintain itself indefinitely by a process of gap replacement. Insect infestation does not appear

to affect this site as a whole. Insects do, however, greatly influence individual species.

The Nectria–Cryptococcus association (“Beech Scale”) has brought about a dramatic decline in the number

of beech. Birch dieback (believed to be a stress-related disorder) and several minor pests have also caused

a reduction in the vigor and distribution of yellow birches.

Shade Tolerant 

Pure Hardwood 

Climax Plant Community

Mixed

Hardwood/Softwood

 Plant Community

Shade-Intolerant

Hardwood

Plant Community

Fire Cutting 

No Fire Practices Natural

Succession

Softwood

Invasion
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-87

 (190-V-NFM, 1998)

5

Acer saccharum-Betula alleghaniensis/Acer pensylvanicum/Dryopteris

F143XY001ME

Interpretive Plant Community

The interpretive plant community for this site is the historic climax plant community. An overstory canopy

of sugar maple, yellow birch, and American beech dominates the historic climax plant community. The

dominant shrub species in the understory are striped maple and eastern hophornbeam. Western

brackenfern, eastern hayscented fern, woodfern, American starflower, and Canada beadruby are the

dominant herbaceous species. Sweet birch, paper birch, red maple, white ash, sessileleaf bellwort, and

clubmoss are also commonly found on this site.

Ground Cover and Structure:

Percent Ground Cover by Height Class (feet)

Cover Type <.5 .5-1 >1-2 >2-4.5 >4.5-13 >13-40 >40-80 >80-120 >120

Grass/Grass Like - 5 5 - - - - - -

Forb - - - - - - - - -

Shrub/Vine - - 5 5 - - - - -

Tree - 2 5 5 5 10 15 90 -

Lichen - - - - - - - - -

Moss 10 - - - - - - - -

Litter 75 - - - - - - - -

Course Fragment 10 - - - - - - - -

Bare Ground 1 - - - - - - - -

Forest Overstory Composition:

The typical forest overstory composition of the historic climax community.

Common Name Scientific Name

Percent Composition

(percent by frequency)

American Beech Fagus grandifolia 35

eastern hemlock Tsuga canadensis 02

paper birch Betula papyrifera 01

red maple Acer rubrum 01

sugar maple Acer saccharum 30

white ash Fraxinus americana 01

yellow birch Betula alleghaniensis 30

Total 100
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-88

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

6

Acer saccharum-Betula alleghaniensis/Acer pensylvanicum/Dryopteris

F143XY001ME

Forest Understory Composition:

The typical annual production of understory species to a height of 4.5 feet (excluding boles of trees) under

low, high, and representative canopy covers.

Annual Production Per Acre

Percent and Pounds (air-dry weight)

Canopy Cover Percent

80 90 100

Common Name Scientific Name % lbs. % lbs. % lbs.

American Beech Fagus grandifolia 10 150 15 150 20 140

American starflower Trientalis borealis 2 30 2 20 2 14

Canada beadruby Maianthemum canadense 2 30 2 20 2 14

clubmoss Lycopodium 2 30 2 20 2 14

eastern hayscented fern Dennstaedtia punctilobula 2 30 2 20 2 14

eastern hemlock Tsuga canadensis 5 75 5 50 5 35

eastern hophornbeam Ostrya virginiana 10 150 10 100 5 35

red maple Acer rubrum 10 150 5 50 5 35

sessileleaf bellwort Uvularia sessilifolia 3 45 3 30 3 21

striped maple Acer pensylvanicum 10 150 10 100 5 35

sugar maple Acer saccharum 15 225 15 150 15 105

sweet birch Betula lenta 5 75 3 30 2 14

western brackenfern Pteridium aquilinum 2 30 2 20 2 14

white ash Fraxinus americana 5 75 3 30 0 0

woodfern Dryopteris 15 225 10 100 10 70

yellow birch Betula alleghaniensis 2 30 2 20 0 0

Total Annual Production 100 1500 91 1000 80 700

Typical Climax Community
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-89

 (190-V-NFM, 1998)

7

Acer saccharum-Betula alleghaniensis/Acer pensylvanicum/Dryopteris

F143XY001ME

Shade-Intolerant Hardwood Plant Community

Fire within this well-drained, upland forest habitat would probably result in a successional shade-intolerant

hardwood stand consisting of red maple, paper birch and bigtooth aspen, as these species are able to

develop from sucker growth. Eventually the shade-tolerant hardwoods comprising the climax plant

community would intrude into the understory and gradually displace the shade-intolerant species. Shadetolerant softwood species, such as eastern hemlock, red spruce and balsam fir, may also become locally

established during this vegetation stage.

Ground Cover and Structure:

Percent Ground Cover by Height Class (feet)

Cover Type <.5 .5-1 >1-2 >2-4.5 >4.5-13 >13-40 >40-80 >80-120 >120

Grass/Grass Like - 5 5 - - - - - -

Forb - - - - - - - - -

Shrub/Vine - 5 5 5 - - - - -

Tree - 2 5 5 5 10 15 90 1

Lichen - - - - - - - - -

Moss 15 - - - - - - - -

Litter 60 - - - - - - - -

Course Fragment 10 - - - - - - - -

Bare Ground 1 - - - - - - - -

Forest Overstory Composition:

The typical forest overstory composition of the shade-intolerant hardwood plant community.

Common Name Scientific Name

Percent Composition

(percent by frequency)

balsam fir Abies balsamea 5

bigtooth aspen Populus grandidentata 15

eastern hemlock Tsuga canadensis 5

paper birch Betula papyrifera 30

red maple Acer rubrum 40

red spruce Picea rubens 5

Total 100

Forest Understory Composition

The typical annual production of the understory species to a height of 4.5 feet (excluding boles of trees)

under low, high, and representative canopy covers.
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-90

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

8

Acer saccharum-Betula alleghaniensis/Acer pensylvanicum/Dryopteris

F143XY001ME

Annual Production Per Acre

Percent and Pounds (air-dry weight)

Canopy Cover Percent

75 85 95

Common Name Scientific Name % lbs. % lbs. % lbs.

American Beech Fagus grandifolia 15 225 15 150 20 140

American starflower Trientalis borealis 2 30 2 20 2 14

balsam fir Abies balsamea 10 150 15 225 15 225

bigtooth aspen Populus grandidentata 5 75 1 15 0 0

Canada beadruby Maianthemum canadense 2 30 2 20 1 7

clubmoss Lycopodium 3 45 2 20 1 7

eastern hayscented fern Dennstaedtia punctilobula 3 45 2 20 2 14

eastern hemlock Tsuga canadensis 5 75 5 50 5 35

eastern hophornbeam Ostrya virginiana 5 75 5 50 5 35

paper birch Betula papyrifera 2 30 0 0 0 0

red maple Acer rubrum 5 75 0 0 0 0

red spruce Picea rubens 10 150 10 150 15 225

sessileleaf bellwort Uvularia sessilifolia 2 30 5 50 2 14

striped maple Acer pensylvanicum 5 75 10 100 5 35

sugar maple Acer saccharum 10 150 15 150 15 105

sweet birch Betula lenta 5 75 1 10 0 0

western brackenfern Pteridium aquilinum 2 30 3 30 2 14

white ash Fraxinus americana 3 45 2 20 0 0

woodfern Dryopteris 3 45 5 50 10 70

yellow birch Betula alleghaniensis 3 45 0 0 0 0

Total Annual Production 100 1500 100 1000 100 700

Typical Shade-Intolerant Hardwood Plant Community
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-91

 (190-V-NFM, 1998)

9

Acer saccharum-Betula alleghaniensis/Acer pensylvanicum/Dryopteris

F143XY001ME

Mixed Hardwood/Softwood Plant Community

Cutting practices within this forest habitat could produce a shift from a pure shade-tolerant hardwood forest

to a mixed wood stand. Depending on the degree and time of cutting, a component of red spruce, balsam

fir, and eastern white pine could regenerate with the red maple and paper birch. Over time, this vegetation

stage will probably, if left undisturbed, revert to the original shade-tolerant hardwood forest. The forest can

maintain itself indefinitely by a process of gap replacement.

Ground Cover and Structure:

Percent Ground Cover by Height Class (feet)

Cover Type <.5 .5-1 >1-2 >2-4.5 >4.5-13 >13-40 >40-80 >80-120 >120

Grass/Grass Like - 5 5 - - - - - -

Forb - - - - - - - - -

Shrub/Vine - 5 5 10 - - - - -

Tree - 5 5 10 5 10 20 90 1

Lichen - - - - - - - - -

Moss 10 - - - - - - - -

Litter 50 - - - - - - - -

Course Fragment 10 - - - - - - - -

Bare Ground 1 - - - - - - - -

Forest Overstory Composition:

The typical forest overstory composition of the mixed softwood/hardwood plant community.

Common Name Scientific Name

Percent Composition

(percent by frequency)

balsam fir Abies balsamea 10

bigtooth aspen Populus grandidentata 10

eastern hemlock Tsuga canadensis 10

eastern white pine Pinus strobus 10

paper birch Betula papyrifera 20

red maple Acer rubrum 20

red spruce Picea rubens 20

Total 100
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-92

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

10

Acer saccharum-Betula alleghaniensis/Acer pensylvanicum/Dryopteris

F143XY001ME

Forest Understory Composition

The typical annual production of the understory species in this seral stage to a height of 4.5 feet (excluding

boles of trees) under low, high, and representative canopy covers.

Annual Production Per Acre

Percent and Pounds (air-dry weight)

Canopy Cover Percent

75 85 95

Common Name Scientific Name % lbs. % lbs. % lbs.

American Beech Fagus grandifolia 2 30 5 50 15 105

American starflower Trientalis borealis 2 30 2 20 2 14

balsam fir Abies balsamea 15 225 20 300 15 225

bigtooth aspen Populus grandidentata 3 45 2 30 0 0

Canada beadruby Maianthemum canadense 2 30 2 20 1 7

clubmoss Lycopodium 3 45 2 20 1 7

eastern hayscented fern Dennstaedtia punctilobula 3 45 2 20 2 14

eastern hemlock Tsuga canadensis 10 150 5 50 5 35

eastern hophornbeam Ostrya virginiana 3 45 5 50 5 35

eastern white pine Pinus strobus 3 45 2 20 0 0

paper birch Betula papyrifera 2 30 2 30 0 0

red maple Acer rubrum 10 150 5 75 0 0

red spruce Picea rubens 10 150 10 150 15 225

sessileleaf bellwort Uvularia sessilifolia 3 45 3 30 2 14

striped maple Acer pensylvanicum 3 45 5 50 10 70

sugar maple Acer saccharum 10 150 15 150 15 105

sweet birch Betula lenta 5 75 3 30 0 0

western brackenfern Pteridium aquilinum 2 30 3 30 2 14

white ash Fraxinus americana 3 45 2 20 0 0

woodfern Dryopteris 3 45 5 50 10 70

yellow birch Betula alleghaniensis 3 45 0 0 0 0

Total Annual Production 100 1500 100 1000 100 700

Typical Mixed Hardwood/Softwood Plant Community
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-93

 (190-V-NFM, 1998)

11

Acer saccharum-Betula alleghaniensis/Acer pensylvanicum/Dryopteris

F143XY001ME

ECOLOGICAL SITE INTERPRETATIONS

Forest Site Productivity

Annual Productivity

(per acre per year)

Site Index

Cubic Feet

(CMAI) Other Units

Common Name Scientific Name Low High Low High Low High Unit

American Beech Fagus grandifolia 55 65 40 45 - -

eastern white pine Pinus strobus 60 66 110 115 375 395 International 1/4

paper birch Betula papyrifera 60 65 70 73 - -

red maple Acer rubrum 55 65 40 45 - -

red spruce Picea rubens 48 55 98 105 - -

sugar maple Acer saccharum 55 65 40 45 - -

white ash Fraxinus americana 65 68 40 45 - -

yellow birch Betula alleghaniensis 55 65 40 45 - -

Animal Community

This climax hardwood forest has rich soils that support a diverse soil fauna, including philomycid slugs and

minute snails, such as Planogyra astericus and Striatura exigua. Rotting logs provide good habitat for

beetles and other insects. Insects are also important in the canopy. Wood frogs and salamanders are

common, as are warblers and woodpeckers. The fallen trees can provide dens for bear in the winter. A large

diversity of birds inhabit the tree canopy.

Plant Preference by Animal Kind

Animal Kind: White-tailed Deer

Forage Preferences

Common Name Scientific Name Plant Part J F M A M J J A S O N D

American Beech Fagus grandifolia leaves U U U U U U U U U U U U

fruit/seed N NNNNNN P P P NN

American starflower Trientalis borealis entire plant N N N N D D D D D U N N

balsam fir Abies balsamea entire plant U U U U U U U U U U U U

bigtooth aspen Populus grandidentata leaves N N D D D D D D N N N N

Canada beadruby Maianthemum canadense leaves N N D D D D D D D N N N

clubmoss Lycopodium entire plant N N P P P P P P P N N N

eastern hayscented fern Dennstaedtia punctilobula entire plant N N P P P P P P P N N N

eastern hemlock Tsuga canadensis leaves D D D N N N N N N N N D

eastern hophornbeam Ostrya virginiana leaves N N N D D D D U N N N N

eastern white pine Pinus strobus stems D D N N N N N N N N N D

paper birch Betula papyrifera leaves N N N P P P P P P N N N

red maple Acer rubrum entire plant N N N D D D D D D N N N

red spruce Picea rubens leaves U U U U U U U U U U U U
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-94

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

12

Acer saccharum-Betula alleghaniensis/Acer pensylvanicum/Dryopteris

F143XY001ME

Forage Preferences

Common Name Scientific Name Plant Part J F M A M J J A S O N D

sessileleaf bellwort Uvularia sessilifolia flower N N N N D D D D D U N N

striped maple Acer pensylvanicum leaves N N N P P P P P P N N N

sugar maple Acer saccharum leaves N N N P P P P P P N N N

sweet birch Betula lenta entire plant N N N P P P P P P N N N

western brackenfern Pteridium aquilinum entire plant N N P P P P P P P N N N

white ash Fraxinus americana leaves N N N D D D D D D D N N

woodfern Dryopteris entire plant N N P P P P P P P N N N

yellow birch Betula alleghaniensis leaves N N N D D D D D D N N N

Legend: P=Preferred, D=Desirable, U=Undesirable, N=Not Consumed, E=Emergency, T=Toxic,

X=Used, but degree of utilization unknown

Hydrology Functions

The hydrology of this site is characterized by moderate intensity thunderstorms during the summer months

and heavy snowmelt runoff in the spring. From 45% to 50% of the annual moisture occurs during the

summer months. Frost action on the site poses limitations for construction of roads relative to forest

activities. The site is oval or elongated and in places is dissected by drainageways. Rapid surface runoff

combined with steep slopes poses a severe erosion hazard when perennial vegetation covers is insufficient

to protect the site.

Recreational Uses

This site is used primarily for hunting in the fall and winter. Other recreational activities, such as hiking

and camping, are possible but are somewhat limited by the steep slopes.

Wood Products

Potential wood products associated with this site include veneer logs, sawtimber, boltwood for the woodturning industry, pulpwood, firewood for residential use, and wood chips for energy production.

Other Products

None

Other Information

None
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-95

 (190-V-NFM, 1998)

13

Acer saccharum-Betula alleghaniensis/Acer pensylvanicum/Dryopteris

F143XY001ME

SUPPORTING INFORMATION

Associated Sites

Site Name Site ID Site Narrative

Betula papyrifera-Betula alleghaniensis/Acer

pensylvanicum/Dryopteris

(paper birch-yellow birch/striped

maple/woodfern

F143XY002ME Similar understory vegetation but overstory

dominated by paper birch and yellow birch.

Similar Sites

Site Name Site ID Site Narrative

Acer saccharum-Betual

alleghaniensis/Viburnum acerifolium/

Calamagrostis coarctata

(sugar maple-yellow birch/mapleleaf

viburnum/artic reedgrass)

F143XY003ME This site is found on gravely, unstable spurs along

stream ravines and previously logged slopes.

State Correlation

This site has been correlated with the following states:

NH

Inventory Data References

The historic climax plant community has been determined by study of forest relict areas, or areas protected

from excessive harvest operations. The following data collection plots also document this site. There are

23 data collection plots relative to the soil components comprising this site.

Sample ID

Data Source Number Year State County

ESI Forestland 12 73 23 017

ESI Forestland 14 73 23 017

ESI Forestland 22 73 23 017

ESI Forestland 21 73 23 017

ESI Forestland 4 82 23 017

ESI Forestland 8 82 23 017

ESI Forestland 6 82 23 017

ESI Forestland 9 82 23 017

ESI Forestland 12 82 23 017

ESI Forestland 8 89 23 017

ESI Forestland 10 71 23 017

ESI Forestland 12 71 23 017

ESI Forestland 13 71 23 017

ESI Forestland 4 86 23 017
Part 537.4 - Exhibits

537-96

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

14

Acer saccharum-Betula alleghaniensis/Acer pensylvanicum/Dryopteris

F143XY001ME

Type Locality

Site #1 Site #2

Latitude: 440 33' 13" 440 31' 13"

Longitude: 700

 33' 05" 700 33' 05"

State: ME ME

County: Oxcart Oxcart

General Description: 2 miles north and 1 mile east of

Ruebin, Maine.

1 mile south of intersection of

Maine Routes 133 and 920 in

Oxcart County, Maine.

Relationship to Other Established Classifications

1. Potential Natural Vegetation of the Conterminous United States (A. W. Kchler, 1964) Unit 106

Northern Hardwoods

2. Forest Cover Types of the United States and Canada (F.H. Eyre, Society of American Foresters, 1980)

Sugar Maple-Beech-Yellow Birch type.

Other References

1. Pfister, R. D. and S. F. Arno, 1980. Classifying forest habitat types based on potential climax

vegetation. Forest Sci., vol 26, No. 1, pp 52-70.

Site Description Approval

Author Date Approval Date

Don Henson, Forester, NRCS 10/28/96 Lyle Banner, State Staff Forester, NRCS 01/28/96

Floyd Peters, Forester, USFS 7/5/97 Lyle Banner, State Staff Forester, NRCS 08/01/97

Floyd Peters, Forester, USFS 11/9/97 Lyle Banner, State Staff Forester, NRCS 03/21/98
Part 538 - INFORMATION SYSTEMS

538-i

 (190-V-NFM, Aug. 2000)

CONTENTS

PART PAGE

Part 538.0 - General

538.00 Introduction.................................................................................................................................. 538-1

Part 538.1 - Database Information Systems

538.10 General......................................................................................................................................... 538-3

538.11 National Soil Information System (NASIS) ................................................................................ 538-3

538.12 National Plants Information System (PLANTS) ......................................................................... 538-3

538.13 Ecological Site Information System (ESIS)................................................................................. 538-3

538.14 Ecological Site Description (ESD) .............................................................................................. 538-4

538.15 Ecological Site Inventory (ESI) ................................................................................................... 538-5

538.16 NRCS Database Administration.................................................................................................. 538-5

(a) National Level ......................................................................................................................... 538-5

(b) State Level............................................................................................................................... 538-5

Part 538.2 - Decision Support Systems

538.20 General......................................................................................................................................... 538-7

538.21 Vegetative Practice Design (VegSpec)........................................................................................ 538-7

538.22 Grazing Lands Applications (GLA)............................................................................................. 538-7

538.23 Northeast Decision Model/Stand Inventory Processor and Simulator (NED/SIPS).................... 538-7

538.24 TWIGS......................................................................................................................................... 538-8

538.25 The Landscape Management System (LMS)............................................................................... 538-9

538.26 The Stand Visualization System (SVS)....................................................................................... 538-9

538.27 UTOOLS.................................................................................................................................... 538-10

538.28 WBECON.................................................................................................................................. 538-10

Part 538.3 - Utility Software

538.30 General....................................................................................................................................... 538-13

538.31 SITEQUAL................................................................................................................................ 538-13

538.32 QUICK-SILVER........................................................................................................................ 538-13

538.33 BIOPAK..................................................................................................................................... 538-13

538.34 UVIEW ...................................................................................................................................... 538-14
( 190-V-NFM, Aug. 2000)
Part 538.0 - General

538-1

 (190-V-NFM, 1998)

538.00 Introduction

Various software applications are available that aid

managers in the management of forestland

ecosystems. In general, these applications fall into

one of the following categories:

 Database Information Systems

 Decision Support Systems

 Utility Software

The following sections in this part describe several

software applications in each of the above categories.

NRCS mandates some of the applications described

for use such as the National Soil Information System

(NASIS) and the Ecological Site Information System

(ESIS). Other applications are described for

informational purposes and their inclusion is not an

endorsement of their use.

 NRCS state offices determine the use of non-NRCS

software applications within their administrative

jurisdiction.
( 190-V-NFM, 1998)
Part 538.1 - Database Information Systems

538-3

 (190-V-NFM, 1998)

538.10 General

Database information systems are primarily designed as

a repository for data. Users, depending upon their

authorizations, can enter, edit, or retrieve data from

these systems. The user, however, must normally

perform analysis of the data, either manually or with the

aid of other software applications such as decision

support systems.

538.11 National Soil Information

System (NASIS)

NASIS is the official repository for NRCS soil-related

data. It is the official NRCS information system for

managing the National Cooperative Soil Survey data. It

is mandated for use in collection of soil data at NRCS

project soil survey offices, the management of soil data

at the NRCS area, state , and MLRA levels, and the

dissemination of soil information at the regional and

national levels.

NASIS is the official NRCS vehicle for delivery of soil

data to NRCS field offices for use by the Field Office

Computing System (FOCS).

NASIS is the official source of soil data for use by

several NRCS software applications, including

Vegetative Practice Design (VegSpec) and Grazing

Land Application (GLA).

NASIS is the official source of soil data and criteria

used in the development of forestry and agroforestry

soil-related interpretations.

For detailed information on the use of NASIS, refer to

the NASIS user documentation.

538.12 National Plants Information

System (PLANTS)

PLANTS is the official repository for NRCS plantrelated data.

PLANTS is the source of taxonomic and plant attribute

data used in other database information systems (NASIS

and ESIS) and in NRCS decisions support system

software (VegSpec and GLA).

NASIS is the official NRCS vehicle for delivery of

plants data to NRCS field offices for use by the Field

Office Computing System (FOCS).

PLANTS provides plant information to NRCS, NRCS

partners, clients, cooperators, and the general public

through the World Wide Web at http://plants.usda.gov.

538.13 Ecological Site Information

System (ESIS)

ESIS is the official NRCS repository for ecological site

data used in the development of ecological site

descriptions and for forestry and agroforestry plot data.

ESIS is organized into two applications and associated

databases -- Ecological Site Description (ESD) and

Ecological Site Inventory (ESI).

The Ecological Site Information System, and the

corresponding ESD and ESI applications are accessed

through the Internet at http://plants.usda.gov.

Part 537 describes the use of ESIS and the associated

ESD and ESI applications. Refer to the National

Forestry Handbook for details on the entry, edit, and

retrieval of forestry-related ESIS data.

538.14 Ecological Site Description

(ESD)

The Ecological Site Description (ESD) application

provides the capability to produce automated ecological

site descriptions from the data stored in its database.

ESD is the official repository for all data associated with

the development of forestland and rangeland ecological

site descriptions. See part 537-31 for a detailed

discussion of ESD.

The ESD application can be accessed via the Internet at

http://plants.usda.gov.

Refer to the National Forestry Handbook for details on

entry, edit, and retrieval of ESD data.
Part 538.1 - Database Information Systems

538-4

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

538.15 Ecological Site Inventory

(ESI)

The Ecological Site Inventory (ESI) database is the

official repository for forest and windbreak plot data.

ESI is the official source of forest and windbreak field

plot data used in support of forestry and agroforestry

soil-related interpretations and forestland ecological site

descriptions. See part 537.33 for a detailed discussion

of ESI.

The ESI application can be accessed via the Internet at

http://plants.usda.gov.

Refer to the National Forestry Handbook for details on

entry, edit, and retrieval of ESI data.

538.16 NRCS Database

Administration

(a) National Level

The assigned Natural Resource Database managers and

computer specialists are responsible for the overall

system operation and maintenance of the various NRCS

databases.

The forestry discipline leaders at NRCS national

centers, institutes, and national headquarters are

responsible for the overall administration and

maintenance of the forestry-related data elements in

NASIS, PLANTS, and ESIS.

The forestry interpretations leader at the National Soil

Survey Center is responsible for ensuring the accuracy

and compatibility of the forestry-related data in NASIS

and ESIS across state and regional boundaries.

(b) State Level

The forestry discipline leaders at this level are

responsible for the quality of the forestry-related data

entered in NASIS and ESIS.

They are also responsible for the administration and

maintenance of locally developed forestry or

agroforestry soil-related interpretations and associated

soil criteria in NASIS.
Part 538.2 - Decision Support Systems

538-5

 (190-V-NFM, 1998)

538.20 General

Decision support systems are software applications that

managers can use to develop and evaluate ecosystem

planning alternatives.

These systems analyze the available ecosystem data and

produce outputs based on defined rules. The data used

by decision support systems for analysis can be internal

to the program, supplied by the user, supplied from

external sources like PLANTS, NASIS, or ESIS, or any

combination of the above.

The quality of the alternatives and evaluations produced

by these decision support systems is directly related to

the quality of the data supplied and the accuracy and

validity of the rules used to analyze the data.

538.21 Vegetative Practice Design

(VegSpec)

VegSpec is a decision support system developed to

assist land managers in the planning and design of

vegetative establishment practices.

VegSpec is a Internet-based application that utilizes soil,

plant, and climate data to select plant species that are (1)

site-specifically adapted, (2) suitable for the selected

practice, and (3) appropriate for the purposes and

objectives for which the planting is intended.

The application also employs a set of expert rules and

criteria to aid in the design and implementation of a

number of vegetative establishment practices.

The ability of this decision support system to determine

site-specific adaptability of plant species negates the

need for forestland interpretive groups and thus

Woodland Suitability Groups (WSG’s) are no longer

included in the set of nationally supported forestry

interpretations.

Vegspec can be accessed from the Plants homepage at:

http://plants.usda.gov.

538.22 Grazing Lands Applications

(GLA)

GLA is a decision support software package developed

for the grazing land planner/operator to aid in the

 inventory of land units, calculate stocking rates,

calculate multiple species stocking rates (livestock and

wildlife), determine nutritional requirements for grazing

livestock and analyze the economic value of treatment

alternatives.

The application includes a Management Evaluation

Program, Multi-species Calculator and a Nutritional

Balancing Analyzer.

538.23 Northeast Decision

Model/Stand Inventory Processor

and Simulator (NED/SIPS)

NED/SIPS is a decision support system that provides a

means of creating, managing, and analyzing forest

inventory records at the stand level. It provides a host of

tools to analyze stand inventory data and generates

reports describing the vegetation structure, timber value,

and economics of the stand.

NES/SIPS was developed at the USDA, USFS

Northeastern Forest Experiment Station. The software

is in the public domain and is provided “as is”, without

warranty of any kind. The user assumes all

responsibility for the accuracy and suitability of this

program for a specific application.

The software is available for download at:

http://www.fsl.uvm.edu/ned/product.htm.

538.24 TWIGS

TWIGS 3.0 is a growth and yield simulation program

developed as a microcomputer application of STEMS, a

mainframe program for use in the North Central United

States.

TWIGS variants for several regions of the U.S. are

currently available. Lake States TWIGS was developed

for use in Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin; the

Central States variant is intended for use in Indiana,

Illinois, and Missouri; the Northeast variant is for use in

Connecticut, Delaware, Kentucky, Massachusetts,

Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New

York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and

West Virginia; and Southeast TWIGS is for use in

Georgia, South Carolina, and Alabama.

As an individual-tree growth model, TWIGS projects

the growth and death of individual trees in the context of
Part 538.2 Decision Support Systems

538-6

 (190-V-NFM, Aug. 2000)

a stand, thus enabling it to grow stands of mixed species

and sizes. It is a tool that enables forest managers and

planners, even those inexperienced with computers, to

use a computer to interactively "manage" and "grow"

existing stands.

Designed to look at the "future" of a forest, one stand at

a time, TWIGS assists in evaluating the productivity and

economic effects of different silvicultural prescriptions.

Information regarding the software can be obtained at:

http://www.forsonline.org/.

538.25 The Landscape Management

System (LMS)

The Landscape Management System (LMS) is a

decision support application designed to assist in

landscape level analysis and planning of forest

ecosystems by automating the tasks of stand projection,

graphical and tabular summarization, stand

visualization, and landscape visualization. LMS

coordinates the activities of other programs (projection

models, visualization tools, etc.) that makeup the overall

system.

LMS is comprised of many separate programs that make

projections, produce graphical or tabular displays, store

inventory information, and connect these diverse

programs into a cohesive system.

 Various stand and landscape-level tables, charts, and

graphs viewed internally within LMS on projected stand

information can be exported to other software for further

analysis.

LMS was developed at the Silviculture Laboratory,

College of Forest Resources, University of Washington,

Seattle, WA.

The software is available for download at:

http://silvae.cfr.washington.edu/lms/lms.html

538.26 The Stand Visualization

System (SVS)

SVS generates graphic images depicting stand

conditions represented by a list of individual stand

components, e.g., trees, shrubs, and down material

SVS provides the capability to:

 Display stand information represented by a list of

individual plant and log components in a realistic,

although abstract, fashion.

 Display stand information in a manner that

communicates the overall structural diversity

present within the stand.

 Differentiate between stand components using

different plant forms, colors, or other types of

marking.

 Provide overhead, profile and perspective views of

a stand.

SVS allow the user to:

 Vary the parameters controlling all views.

 Define plant forms and colors based on species,

plant type, and plant position within the canopy.

 Provide tabular and graphical summaries of stand

information before and after a silvicultural

treatment.

 Display information describing individual stand

components as they are selected by the user.

 Design silvicultural treatments by "marking" stand

components and specifying a treatment.

SVS was developed at the USDA, USFS Pacific

Northwest Research Station. The software is in the

public domain and is provided “as is”, without warranty

of any kind. The user assumes all responsibility for the

accuracy and suitability of this program for a specific

application.

The software is available for download at:

http://forsys.cfr.washington.edu/svs.html

538.27 UTOOLS

UTOOLS is geographic analysis software developed for

watershed-level planning. The system provides a

flexible framework for spatial analyses and can be used

to address a variety of problems.

Spatial databases created by UTOOLS can serve

multiple analysis functions. Some example functions

include:

 producing basic acreage summaries

 identifying areas that are of critical interest within

the project area

 data validation

 simulating the effects of management alternatives

 providing functions to help organize and reformat

data for export to specialized programs to perform

complex spatial analyses
Part 538.2 Decision Support Systems

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UTOOLS is a public domain software package

developed at the USDA, USFS Umatilla National Forest

and the Pacific Northwest Research Station.

The software is available for download at:

http://forsys.cfr.washington.edu/utools.html

538.28 WBECON

WBECON is a decision support program for analyzing

the economic benefits of field windbreaks for crop

production.

WBECON is a public domain software package

developed jointly by the University of Nebraska and the

Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration Shelterbelt

Centre in Saskatchewan, Canada.
( 190-V-NFM, Aug. 2000
Part 538.3 - Utility Software

538-9

 (190-V-NFM, 1998)

538.30 General

Utility software applications are computer programs that

are generally limited in scope. They are primarily

devoted to one task such as word processing,

mathematical calculations, graphic arts, etc. While

these types of programs are quite useful, they do not

offer the analytical capabilities of decision support

systems or the comprehensive data storage and retrieval

capabilities of data base information systems.

538.31 SITEQUAL

SITEQUAL predicts site index for 14 hardwood tree

species: cottonwood, green ash, pecan, sycamore,

sweetgum, yellow poplar, hackberry, sugarberry,

cherrybark oak, Nuttall oak, Shumard oak, water oak,

willow oak, and swamp chestnut oak.

The program was developed from the Baker and

Broadfoot field guides and evaluates soil and site

conditions such as soil depth, texture, structure,

compaction, past use, present vegetative cover, etc. to

predict the site quality (site index) for the 14 species

above at the same time.

538.32 QUICK-SILVER

Quick-Silver analyzes returns of forest management

investments. Each analysis is based on an investment

case that describes costs, revenues, and management

activities. The case may describe one acre, one forest

stand, or a group of several stands.

It allows the user to include or exclude the effects of

inflation, analyze cases up to 150 years long with 200

cash flows, choose up to five real or nominal discount

rates, compute federal income taxes, capitalize or

amortize re-forestation costs, consider reforestation

investment tax credits, combine control and treatment

cases for a marginal analysis, and include real changes

in cost and prices.

Quick-Silver produces five different financial reports for

each investment case. Each report is concise, complete,

and easy to understand. You can get any or all of the

reports and financial information for each investment

case. The five reports are: 1) list of all scheduled

management activities, 2) detailed cash flow report and

summary, 3) before and after tax financial returns, 4)

replacement costs and future discounted values, and 5)

operating statement in dollars and percents.

Information regarding the software can be obtained at:

http://www.forsonline.org/.

538.33 BIOPAK

BIOPAK is a package of computer programs that

calculate the biomass, area, height, length, or volume of

plant components (leaves, branches, stem, crown, and

roots) using prediction equations. It has application in

ecosystem study for calculating biomass allocation,

productivity, and leaf area. It can be used to estimate

browse for wildlife, biomass components for studies of

plant resource allocation, and leaf area for plant process

studies.

BIOPAK is public domain software distributed by the

Forest Resources Systems Institute (FORS).

The software is available for download at:

http://www.fsl.orst.edu/rogues/meansj/

biopak.htm

538.34 UVIEW

UVIEW is a display system designed to produce twoand three-dimensional images of digital terrain models

(DTM), attribute data stored in PARADOX spatial

databases, and vegetation patterns at landscape scales.

UVIEW combines the capabilities of a relational

database with a simple terrain viewing system to provide

a flexible analysis and display tool. Images produced by

UVIEW provide a readily understood visualization

depicting existing or desired landscape conditions.

UVIEW provides a flexible system for viewing a digital

terrain model (an organized data set describing the

ground surface consisting of a regularly spaced grid of

elevations).

UVIEW models vegetation patterns to simulate existing

or desired landscape conditions. The primary goal in the

vegetation modeling is to simulate overall landscape

texture and pattern rather than specific, detailed

vegetation structure patterns over an entire landscape.

UVIEW is a public domain software package developed

the USDA, USFS Pacific Northwest Research Station as

part of UTOOLS.
Part 538.3 - Utility Software

538-10

(190-V-NFM, 1998)

The software is available for download at:

http://forsys.cfr.washington.edu/uview.html.
Appendix

i

 (190-V-NFM, 1998)
(190-V-NFM, 1998)
National Forestry Manual Terminology

iii

(190-V-NFM, June 1999)

Air-Dry Weight -- The weight of a substance, usually

vegetation, after it has been allowed to dry to

equilibrium with the atmosphere, usually without

artificial heat.

Basal Area -- The cross sectional area of the stem or

stems of a plant or of all plants in a stand.

Herbaceous and small woody plants are measured at

or near the ground level; large woody plants are

measured at breast or other designated height.

Climax -- See Historic Climax Plant Community

Climax Plant Community -- See Historic Climax

Plant Community.

CMAI -- See Culmination of Mean Annual

Increment.

Community (Plant) -- An assemblage of plants

occurring together at any point in time, while

denoting no particular ecological status. A unit of

vegetation.

Culmination of Mean Annual Increment --The

point in the growth cycle of a tree or stand at which

the mean annual increment for height, diameter, basal

area, or volume is at a maximum. At this point M.A.I.

(mean annual increment) equals P.A.I. (periodic

annual increment).

Ecological Site -- A distinctive kind of land with

specific physical characteristics that differs from

other kinds of land in its ability to produce a

distinctive kind and amount of vegetation.

ESD -- Ecological Site Description is an Internetbased application and associated database used in the

development of ecological site descriptions for

forestland and rangeland. ESD, together with ESI,

comprise the Ecological Site Information System

(ESIS).

ESI -- Ecological Site Inventory is an Internet-based

application and associated database used for storage

and retrieval of forest and agroforest plot data. ESI,

together with ESD, comprise the Ecological Site

Information System (ESIS).

ESIS -- The Ecological Site Information System

(ESIS) is a automated information system for the

collection and retrieval of forestry and agroforestry

plot data and the development of forestland ecological

site descriptions. ESIS is organized into two

applications and associated databases -- Ecological

Site Description (ESD) and Ecological Site Inventory

(ESI).

Forest Canopy -- The more or less continuous cover

of branches and foliage formed collectively by

adjacent tree crowns. Canopy is measured as the

vertical projection downward of the aerial portion of

the tree's vegetation, usually expressed as a percent of

the ground so occupied. 

Forest Canopy Cover -- The percentage of ground

covered by a vertical projection of the outermost

perimeter of the natural spread of foliage of a tree.

Small openings within the canopy are included.

Forest Overstory -- The layer of foliage in a forest

canopy consisting of the crowns of dominant,

codominant, and intermediate trees that rise above the

shorter understory foliage.

Forest Understory -- In the context of forestland

ecological sites, understory refers to plants growing

beneath the forest canopy.

Forestland -- For the purpose of developing

ecological site descriptions, a spatially defined site

where the historic climax plant community was

dominated by a 25% overstory canopy of trees, as

determined by crown perimeter-vertical projection.

Herbaceous -- Vegetative growth with little or no

woody component. Non-woody vegetation, such as

graminoids and forbs.

Historic Climax Plant Community -- The plant

community that was best adapted to the unique

combination of factors associated with the ecological

site. It was in a natural dynamic equilibrium with the

historic biotic. abiotic, climatic factors on its

ecological site in North America at the time of

European immigration and settlement.

LRU -- Land Resource Units (LRU) define major

land resource areas based on significant statewide

differences in climate, water resources, land use,

potential natural vegetation, or other natural resource

conditions that contribute to significant differences in

use and management of the units. The state

conservationist establishes the procedures for

developing and maintaining land resource unit

boundaries and descriptions.
National Forestry Manual Terminology

iv

( 190-V-NFM, 1999)

Major Land Resource Areas (MLRA) -- Broad

geographicaly land areas characterized by a particular

pattern of soils, geology, climate, water resources, and

land use. A unit can be one continuous area or several

separate nearby areas.

NASIS -- The National Soil Information System

(NASIS) is an automated tool for storing all information

about and for soil surveys.

NSPS --The National Scientific Plant Symbol is a

unique five-letter symbol used by the PLANTS database

to distinguish the genus and/or species of a plant.

Naturalized Plant Community -- A plant community

composed entirely or partially of non-native species that

have become adapted to a particular site and is capable

of perpetuating itself without cultural treatment.

Naturalized Species -- An introduced species that has

become adapted to a new climate, different ecological

site, or a different environment and can perpetuate itself

in the community without cultural treatment.

Seral Stages -- The developmental stages of an

ecological succession.

Site Index -- A measure of the quality of a site based on

the height of dominate trees at a specified age.

Soil Component -- Soil components are (1) the named

soils or miscellaneous areas that are dominant and codominant within a soil map unit, (2) similar soils or

miscellaneous areas in a soil map unit that may be

extensive but not as extensive as the named component,

and (3) dissimilar soils or miscellaneous areas within a

map unit that are minor in extent. There are six kinds of

soil components; family, miscellaneous area, series,

taxadjunct, taxon above family, and variant.

Soil Map Unit -- A soil map unit is a collection of soil

areas or miscellaneous areas delineated in a soil survey

and identified by a unique symbol within a survey area..

Soil map units may encompass one or more kinds of soil

or one or more kinds of soil and miscellaneous area.

There are for kinds of soil map units; associations,

complexes, consociations, and undifferentiated groups.

Soil Miscellaneous Areas -- Areas that have essentially

no soil and supports little or no vegetation. They can

result from active erosion, washing by water,

unfavorable soil conditions, or human activities.

Examples are: dumps; lava flows; riverwash; rock

outcrop; and urban areas.

Soil Reaction -- Numerical expression in pH units of

the relative acidity or alkalinity or a soil. The range in

soil pH is 1.8 to 11.0. A pH of 7.0 is neutral.

Succession -- The progressive replacement of plant

communities on an ecological site that leads to the

climax plant community. 

Tree -- For the purpose of developing ecological site

descriptions, a woody-stemmed perennial plant, usually

single stemmed, that can grow to 4 meters in height at

maturity. 

Vegetation States -- The various plant communities

produced by an ecological site within given site

characteristics.
SUBJECT INDEX

i

 (190-V-NFM, Aug. 2000)

A

Agreements

MOU Between NRCS, NASF and FS ................................................................................................ 535-36

USDA Interagency Agreement on Forestry, Feb. 1978 ...................................................................... 535-13

Air-Dry Weight (Definition) ....................................................................................................See Appendix

Appraisals

Checklist For Forestry and Agroforestry Functional Appraisals ........................................................ 535-39

Authorities

Authorized Watershed Projects ........................................................................................................ 535-3

Conservation Operations, Soil Surveys, and Plant Materials Centers.................................................. 535-3

Emergency Flood Control..................................................................................................................... 535-3

Farm Bill Programs............................................................................................................................... 535-4

Resource Conservation and Development Program ............................................................................. 535-4

Resources Conservation Act................................................................................................................. 535-4

Rural Abandoned Mine Program.......................................................................................................... 535-4

Small Watershed Program and River Basin Surveys............................................................................ 535-3

B

Basal Area (Definition).............................................................................................................See Appendix

C

Career Development ............................................................................................................................. 535-11

Conservation Districts .................................................................... See Cooperation With Other Agencies

Conservation Operations, Soil Surveys, and Plant Materials Centers ............................. See Authorities

Conservation Planning

Introduction........................................................................................................................................... 536-1

Objectives ............................................................................................................................................. 536-2

Planning Procedures ............................................................................................................................. 536-2

Policy .................................................................................................................................................... 536-1

Cooperation With Non-Government Agencies

Forest Industries and Associations ....................................................................................................... 535-9

Forestry Schools, Colleges and Universities ........................................................................................ 535-9

Professional and Technical Societies and Organizations ..................................................................... 535-9

State and National Forestry Associations and Conservation Associations........................................... 535-9

Cooperation With Other Agencies

Conservation Districts .......................................................................................................................... 535-6

Cooperative, State, Research, Education, and Extension Service ........................................................ 535-5

Farm Services Agency .......................................................................................................................... 535-5
Subject Index

ii

(190-V-NFM, Aug. 2000)

Forest Service........................................................................................................................................535-5

Other Agencies, Officials, Committees, Councils, Advisory Boards and Groups................................535-7

Research Agencies ................................................................................................................................535-6

State Conservation Agencies ................................................................................................................535-7

State Forestry Agencies.........................................................................................................................535-6

State-Level Committees........................................................................................................................535-6

Culmination of Mean Annual Increment (Definition)...........................................................See Appendix

D

Data Collection

General..................................................................................................................................................537-3

Disseminating Technical Information................................................................. See Technology Transfer

E

Ecological Site (Definition).......................................................................................................See Appendix

Emergency Flood Control ..................................................................................................... See Authorities

ESIS

Ecological Site Description

Example Description.......................................................................................................................537-95

Plant Communities..........................................................................................................................537-22

Ecological Dynamics of the Site................................................................................................................................ 537-22

Forest Overstory Composition................................................................................................................................... 537-22

Forest Understory ...................................................................................................................................................... 537-22

Ground Cover and Structure...................................................................................................................................... 537-22

Plant Community Narratives...................................................................................................................................... 537-22

Site Characteristics..........................................................................................................................537-18

Influencing Water Features........................................................................................................................................ 537-20

Representative Climatic Features............................................................................................................................... 537-20

Representative Physiographic Features...................................................................................................................... 537-19

Representative Soil Features...................................................................................................................................... 537-20

Site ID........................................................................................................................................................................ 537-19

Site Name .................................................................................................................................................................. 537-19

Site Type.................................................................................................................................................................... 537-18

Site Interpretations ..........................................................................................................................537-23

Animal Community.................................................................................................................................................... 537-23

Forest Site Productivity ............................................................................................................................................. 537-23

Hydrology Functions ................................................................................................................................................. 537-23

Other Information ...................................................................................................................................................... 537-23

Other Products ........................................................................................................................................................... 537-23

Plant Preference by Animal Kind .............................................................................................................................. 537-23

Recreational Uses ...................................................................................................................................................... 537-23

Wood Products .......................................................................................................................................................... 537-23

Supporting Information...................................................................................................................537-23

Associated Sites......................................................................................................................................................... 537-23

Inventory Data References......................................................................................................................................... 537-23

Other References ....................................................................................................................................................... 537-24
Subject Index

iii

 (190-V-NFM, Aug. 2000)

Relationship to Other Established Classifications......................................................................................................537-24

Similar Sites ...............................................................................................................................................................537-23

Site Description Approval..........................................................................................................................................537-24

State Correlation ........................................................................................................................................................537-23

Type Locality .............................................................................................................................................................537-24

Ecological Site Inventory

Conservation Tree/Shrub Plot Data ................................................................................................ 537-25

Forest Site Plot Data ....................................................................................................................... 537-25

Class Determining and Local Phases..........................................................................................................................537-25

Comparison Data........................................................................................................................................................537-25

Documentation ...........................................................................................................................................................537-25

Measurement Integrity ...............................................................................................................................................537-25

Minimum Forest Site Plots.........................................................................................................................................537-25

Ecological Site Inventory Application................................................................................................ 537-25

General................................................................................................................................................ 537-13

Extension Service............................................................................ See Cooperation With Other Agencies

F

Farm Bill Programs ............................................................................................................... See Authorities

Farm Services Agency .................................................................... See Cooperation With Other Agencies

Forest Canopy (Definition) ......................................................................................................See Appendix

Forest Canopy Cover (Definition)...........................................................................................See Appendix

Forest Overstory (Definition) ..................................................................................................See Appendix

Forest Service .................................................................................. See Cooperation With Other Agencies

Forest Understory (Definition) ................................................................................................See Appendix

Forestland (Definition) .............................................................................................................See Appendix

Forestry Positions

Area and Field Levels ......................................................................................................................... 535-11

National Level..................................................................................................................................... 535-11

State Level .......................................................................................................................................... 535-11

H

Historic Climax Plant Community (Definition).....................................................................See Appendix

I

Information Systems

BIOPAK................................................................................................................................................ 538-9

Ecological Site Description (ESD) ....................................................................................................... 538-3

Ecological Site Information System (ESIS).......................................................................................... 538-3

Ecological Site Inventory (ESI) ............................................................................................................ 538-4

Grazing Lands Applications (GLA)...................................................................................................... 538-5

National Plants Information System (PLANTS) .................................................................................. 538-3

National Soil Information System (NASIS) ......................................................................................... 538-3
Subject Index

iv

(190-V-NFM, Aug. 2000)

Northeast Decision Model/Stand Inventory Processor and Simulator (NED/SIPS).............................538-5

NRCS Database Administration ...........................................................................................................538-4

QUICK-SILVER...................................................................................................................................538-9

SITEQUAL ...........................................................................................................................................538-9

The Landscape Management System (LMS) ........................................................................................538-6

The Stand Visualization System (SVS) ................................................................................................538-6

TWIGS..................................................................................................................................................538-5

UTOOLS...........................................................................................................................................538-6, 7

UVIEW .................................................................................................................................................538-9

Vegetative Practice Design (VegSpec) .................................................................................................538-5

Interpretations

Basic Unit of Interpretation...................................................................................................................537-1

Conservation Tree/Shrub Plot Data ................................................................................................ See ESIS

Criteria-Based Interpretations ...................................................................................................... See NASIS

Forest Site Plot Data ....................................................................................................................... See ESIS

Forms of Display...................................................................................................................................537-1

Introduction...........................................................................................................................................537-1

Organization..........................................................................................................................................537-3

Policy ....................................................................................................................................................537-1

Responsibilities.....................................................................................................................................537-1

Field Level ........................................................................................................................................537-1

National Level...................................................................................................................................537-1

State Level.........................................................................................................................................537-1

Use of Soil-Related Information and Interpretations ............................................................................537-1

Vegetative and Productivity Interpretations................................................................................. See NASIS

M

Major Land Resource Areas (Definition) ...............................................................................See Appendix

Mission and Objectives...........................................................................................................................535-1

N

NASIS

Criteria-Based Interpretations ...............................................................................................................537-6

Conservation Tree/Shrub Suitability Groups..................................................................................537-12

Construction Limitations for Haul Roads and Log Landings ...........................................................537-8

Hand Planting Suitability................................................................................................................537-10

Harvest Equipment Operability ........................................................................................................537-9

Log Landing Suitability ....................................................................................................................537-8

Mechanical Planting Suitability......................................................................................................537-10

Mechanical Site Preparation (Deep) .................................................................................................537-9

Mechanical Site Preparation (Surface) .............................................................................................537-9

Potential Damage to Soil by Fire ....................................................................................................537-11
Subject Index

v

 (190-V-NFM, Aug. 2000)

Potential Erosion Hazard (Off-Road/Off-Trail) ............................................................................... 537-6

Potential Erosion Hazard (Road/Trail) ............................................................................................. 537-6

Potential Seedling Mortality........................................................................................................... 537-11

Road Suitability (Natural Surface).................................................................................................... 537-7

Soil Rutting Hazard .......................................................................................................................... 537-7

Definition................................................................................................................................. See Appendix

General.................................................................................................................................................. 537-5

Vegetation and Productivity Interpretations ......................................................................................... 537-5

CMAI Productivity ........................................................................................................................... 537-5

Other Productivity............................................................................................................................. 537-5

Trees to Manage................................................................................................................................ 537-5

National Forestry Handbook................................................................................................................. 535-1

National Scientific Plant Name (Definition) ...........................................................................See Appendix

National Soil Information System (NASIS) Interpretations............................................................... 537-3

Naturalized Plant Community (Definition)............................................................................See Appendix

P

Performance Benchmarks.............................................................................................................. 535-11, 41

Planning.............................................................................................................. See Conservation Planning

Purpose of National Forestry Manual .................................................................................................. 535-1

Q

Quality Assurance................................................................................................................................... 535-1

R

Research Agencies........................................................................... See Cooperation With Other Agencies

Resource Conservation and Development........................................................................... See Authorities

Resources Conservation Act ................................................................................................. See Authorities

Rural Abandoned Mine Program ........................................................................................ See Authorities

S

Site Index ...................................................................................................................................See Appendix

Site Index Curves

Exhibit 537-1 National Register of Site Index Curves ....................................................................... 537-27

References........................................................................................................................................... 537-49

Software..................................................................................................................See Information Systems

Soil Component (Definition) ....................................................................................................See Appendix

Soil Map Unit (Definition) .......................................................................................................See Appendix

Soil Miscellaneous Areas (Definition) .....................................................................................See Appendix

Soil rating criteria
Subject Index

vi

(190-V-NFM, Aug. 2000)

Exhibit 537-10 Soil Rating Criteria for Mechanical Site Preparation (Deep) ....................................537-73

Exhibit 537-11 Soil Rating Criteria for Hand Planting Suitability.....................................................537-75

Exhibit 537-12 Soil Rating Criteria for Mechanical Planting Suitability...........................................537-77

Exhibit 537-13 Conservation Tree/Shrub Group (CTSG) Soil Rating Criteria..................................537-81

Exhibit 537-2 Soil Rating Criteria for Potential Erosion Hazard (Road/Trail) ..................................537-57

Exhibit 537-3 Soil Rating Criteria for Potential Erosion Hazard (Off-Road/Off-Trail).....................537-59

Exhibit 537-4 Soil Rating Criteria for Soil Rutting Hazard ...............................................................537-61

Exhibit 537-5 Soil Rating Criteria for Road Suitability (Natural Surface).........................................537-63

Exhibit 537-6 Soil Rating Criteria for Log Landing Suitability .........................................................537-65

Exhibit 537-7 Soil Rating Criteria for Construction Limitations for Haul Roads and Log Landings 537-67

Exhibit 537-8 Soil Rating Criteria for Harvest Equipment Operability .............................................537-69

Exhibit 537-9 Soil Rating Criteria for Mechanical Site Preparation (Surface) ..................................537-71

Soil Reaction (Definition) .........................................................................................................See Appendix

State Conservation Agencies.......................................................... See Cooperation With Other Agencies

State Forestry Agencies .................................................................. See Cooperation With Other Agencies

State-Level Committees.................................................................. See Cooperation With Other Agencies

Succession (Definition) .............................................................................................................See Appendix

Supplementing the National Forestry Manual.....................................................................................535-1

T

Technical Guides................................................................................................... See Technology Transfer

Technical Materials .............................................................................................. See Technology Transfer

Technology Transfer

Acquiring and Maintaining Technical Materials ................................................................................535-11

Disseminating Technical Information.................................................................................................535-11

Technical Guides ................................................................................................................................535-11

Training...............................................................................................................................................535-11

Training ................................................................................................................. See Technology Transfer

Tree (Definition)........................................................................................................................See Appendix

V

Vegetation States (Definition) ..................................................................................................See Appendix

Vegetative Practice Design (VegSpec)...............................................................536-1, 537-12, 538-3, 538-5

W

Watershed Program and River Basin Surveys....................................................................See Authorities

Watershed Projects................................................................................................................ See Authorities