Appendix J-2

Marking Guidelines Alternative 2 Uneven-aged 

Introduction

The uneven-aged silvicultural prescription marking guidelines addresses the objectives of the Kings River 

Experimental Watersheds Research (KREW) Project Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Alternative 2. 

Alternative 2 address the purpose and need to restore historical landscape conditions through altering 

current stand structure and species composition and returning fire to the ecosystem. The uneven-aged 

prescription restores historical forest structure. The uneven-aged marking guideline identifies methods used 

to implement uneven-aged silviculture for the Project. Individual stands in the KREW Project may change or 

alter these general principles to meet specific stand objectives or concerns. The Proposed Action (Alternative 

5) implements these marking guidelines inside of research areas.

The objective of the uneven-aged 

silvicultural prescription and marking 

guide is to approximate a balanced or 

regulated uneven-aged stand. A 

histogram depicting the diameter 

distribution of trees in the stand (trees 

per acre vs. diameter class) approaches 

a smooth, inverse J-shaped curve (fig. 

B2-1), described in detail by Alexander 

and Edminster (1978). It has three key 

parameters. First is slope, which 

results from the diminution quotient 

(Dq—a value that, when divided into 

the number of trees in one size class, 

gives the number of trees expected in 

the next smaller size class). Second is 

the largest size a tree is allowed to 

grow before being harvested. And, 

third is the stocking level (basal area of trees per acre) represented by the area under the curve.

The uneven-aged prescription is applied across a stand. Both the reforestation in existing openings areas 

(RAs) and the matrixes (areas between reforestation groups) are part of the regulated stand. RAs ensure 

conditions for growing seedlings and the matrix provides growing space for larger trees. Treatments within 

the matrix are similar to thinning. Treatments in RAs are similar to plantation management. Matrix trees are 

provided growing spacing through tree removal across all diameters.

Figure B2-1 desired trees per acre by two inch diameter class 

using a Dq of 1.2. The resulting curve is described as J-shaped.

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

TPA

DBH

TREES/ACRE DESIRED CONDITION

EXISTING TPA DESIRED TPA

Desired trees less than 11" result from 

regeneration Areas and trees remaining 

following underburns and other 

treatments.
Basis for Uneven-aged prescription with regeneration in openings

The smooth, inverse J-curve was selected to regulate stands for the following reasons:

"Reverse J-shaped diameter frequency distributions have been observed in forests for several 

centuries. . . . the reverse-J diameter distribution has always been most constant when applied to 

large areas . . . " (O'Hara 1998).

"The negative exponential distribution has long been used to approximate the structure of unevenaged stands" (Guldin 1991).

It is conceptually and mathematically easy to describe and understand.

Uneven-aged management using groups has proven sustainable as practiced in mixed-conifer stands 

in the Sierra Nevada (Heald et al 1996).

Creating uneven-aged stand structures that have a minimum of three age classes is an objective of the KREW 

uneven-aged prescription. Disturbance and succession drive all forests. The frequent low intensity 

disturbance of the historical 1850 forest also set the stage for stand initiation and understory re-initiation 

(Oliver and Larson 1996) and maintained stands in the stem exclusion phase. That is low intensity ground fire 

and occasional torching of crowns resulted in crown openings that saw the initiation of seedlings. In partial 

or low disturbance areas, this left an overstory and allowed for invasion of the understory or understory reinitiation. This is the case in which disturbance leads to the regeneration of more shade intolerant species 

(pines and oaks) and can result in an inverse J-shaped curve (Oliver 1995). However, other distributions are 

possible (Oliver 1995). Scale is important in defining the distribution. If you look at only the opening you may 

see a normal distribution. If one looks only at a portion of the stand with partial disturbance one might find 

one of many distributions including the inverse J-shaped curve. However, when one steps back and looks at 

both the opening and the partially disturbed area stands are more likely to produce an inverse J-shaped 

curve. This is because young trees invading the understory fill in the lower end of the inverse J-shaped curve 

and older trees left after a disturbance fill in the upper end. This pathway of frequent low intensity 

disturbance is the pathway associated with the silviculture strategy for KREW resulting in the inverse Jshaped curve. 

In the absence of fire shade tolerant fir and incense cedar trees invaded the understories of the historical 

forest. This invasion of young trees creates an abundance of small and young trees. This creates a rather 

steep inverse- j curve with hundreds or even thousands of small trees less than 11 inches DBH. The KREW 

prescription seeks to reduce this abundance of dense understory trees. 

The KREW Project proposes to use the inverse-J shaped curve trees 11 inches or greater as a tool to achieve 

uneven-aged stands. Young pine and oaks trees will be established or favored in openings consistent with 

historical forests. Uneven-aged stand conditions were prevalent in the historical 1850 Sierra Nevada forest 

(Bouldin 1999, Bonnickson and Stone 1981). More recent investigations of historical forest structure 

reinforces that frequent fires create forest structures that are both uneven-aged in groups and uneven-aged 

within a group. Several tree distributions have been suggested as representative of this historical condition. 

North (2005) has suggested the rotated sigmoid. Reconstruction of 1865 forest structures in the Teakettle 

Experimental Forest (adjacent to KREW-bull management unit) indicates that a relatively flat tree distribution 

existed after the last major fire (North and others 2006). 
Mckelvey and Johnston (1992) display data collect by Sudworth in 1900 showing a highly skewed distribution 

with more small trees than larger trees. Bouldin’s (1999) review of the earliest sierra wide data set (VTM 

1935) suggests that distributions with decreasing numbers with increasing size were dominant. Minnich’s 

(1999) review of similar VTM data in Southern California mixed conifer forest showed flat and inverse Jshaped distributions. Data from un-harvested mixed conifer and ponderosa pine stands (c1910) on the Sierra 

Forest Reserve (Hasel 1931) indicate an inverse-J shaped distribution was prevalent. Data from relic forest in 

Baja California Sierra San Pedro Martir (Stephans and Gill 2004) indicate that the dominant tree distribution 

was inverse-J shaped. Relic ponderosa pine forest in the Sierra Nevada structures had a flat distribution 

following high intensity fire (Oliver 2001), and an inverse J-shaped distribution prior to high intensity fire 

(Taylor 2010, Knapp 2006). Ponderosa pine stands across the western United States also show this variability 

(Arno and others 1995, Covington and others 1997). Eleven of fifteen data sets that represent historical 

forest conditions have an inverse-J shaped curve or a highly skewed distribution. That is they exhibit a 

generally decreasing numbers of trees with increasing tree size similar that proposed in the KREW unevenaged prescription. 

Current stand structures range from uneven-aged to even-aged. They are the result of past disturbance 

(harvests, wildfire, prescribed fire, and insects). Graphs that display the distribution of trees by 2-inch 

diameter class of each stand are found in the project file. Most stands exhibit declining numbers of trees with 

increasing tree size. However, only a few stands exhibit balanced uneven-aged structures with trees found in 

each diameter class. Most stands exhibit a structure that has several diameter classes not represented. 

Several stands exhibit an even-aged distribution

The uneven-aged system is used to achieve the desired condition (restoration, research, fuels reduction) 

described for the KREW Project. While the uneven-aged inverse J system is used, it has been modified to 

achieve the desired conditions relative to both structural restoration, and fuels reduction. Specifically 

uneven-aged system incorporates 1) regeneration in openings (this mimics historic regeneration patterns), 2) 

protection of fisher rest sites, 3) creation of multistoried stands (heterogeneity at the stand scale -important 

for wildlife), 4) reduces surface and ladder fuels, 5) retention of large trees > 30”.

The uneven-aged system is a regeneration system. Removals are tied to insuring a continuous supply of trees 

in all age/size classes. Tree removals are often called individual tree selection; however this individual 

selection system has been modified to create regeneration in clumps or existing openings. Growing space is 

allocated across all age/size classes greater than 11 inches and in clumps (openings) when possible and 

results in a characteristic inverse J distribution. There are no intermediate treatments, unlike an even-aged 

system where regeneration and intermediate treatments (thinning) occur at distinct or discrete time frames. 

Tree removals are geared to creating a structure consistent with historic forest and 2004 LRMP guidelines. 

Reentry would occur when tree density exceeded thresholds for density and insect induced mortality are 

exceeded. 

Uneven-aged Prescription compared to GTR-220

In contrast Alternative 4 (GTR-220) uses a multiaged silviculture or structures where as few as two age/size 

classes are promoted. Multiaged silviculture is a subset of uneven-aged silviculture, but is not constrained by 

a particular distribution. It is important to note that the tools needed to implement this multi-aged system 

have yet to be created (leaf area index). Thus we remain with existing prescriptive tools (basal area and stand 

density index) to allocate tree growing space. A flat tree distribution is proposed to allocate tree growing 
space. Tree removals are not tied to creating opportunities for regeneration, but rather on what should 

remain relative to key species (fisher or owls) and reintroducing fire when possible. This type of tree removal 

would be called a “free selection” in silviculture and is applied to achieve ecological restoration. Where fire 

cannot be reintroduced at a return interval sufficient to maintain structures, then treatments by necessity 

would occur repeatedly. Heterogeneity is created at both the stand and landscape scale to create resilience 

in the face of drought, fire, pollution and insects.

GTR-220 is silent on regeneration, but does not preclude and particular silviculture system. GTR-220 does 

specifically call out the inverse j-curve. In particular the inverse-j shaped tree distribution resulting from the 

encroachment of shade tolerant conifers in mixed conifer forest is called out as in appropriate. This 

distribution is used in the traditional use of the inverse j-curve:

The reverse-J diameter distribution prescribes a stand structure with a surplus of small trees and limited space 

for large trees. Such a distribution is inconsistent with historical Sierran mixed-conifer forests where fire 

reduced small-tree abundance while retaining fire-resistant, large-diameter trees.(north and others 2009)

The uneven-aged system proposed in KREW avoids the effects of traditional uneven-aged systems on forest 

structure by retaining large trees, allocating high proportion of growing space to large trees and reducing 

small trees consistent with fuels hazard reduction and wildlife needs (fisher need small trees).

Marking Guidelines & Uneven-aged Rx Application

Reforestation and Recruitment

The numbers of saplings and poles needed to provide adequate growth into the large tree classes is usually a 

significant influence on the beginning point of the inverse J-curve (number of trees per acre in the smallest 

diameter class) and its Dq. For the KREW Project, however, two contradictory objectives influenced the 

beginning point. Silviculturist’s desired to have sufficient numbers of small trees to assure growth into the 

larger diameter-classes, but fuels specialists wished to minimize the contribution of seedlings, saplings, and 

poles to fuel ladders leading into the upper tree canopy. Analysis and discussion lead to the compromise 

values for the RAs. Thus, the seedlings within RAs would provide the stocking levels predicted in the J-curve. 

They would occupy up to 10 percent of each stand based upon 20-year reentry cycle and 200 years to 

achieve the tree of maximum size in the J-curve.

We did not expect a typical acre to be fully stocked with conifers, estimating instead that 80 percent would 

be occupied by conifers, 10 percent by large oaks, and 10 percent by rock patches and other openings. Thus 

the stocking of conifers in the smaller diameter classes (1 to 11 inches) would be focused on ladder fuels 

reduction and not part of the overall j-curve calculation.

A. Locating reforestation openings

Guidelines for locating reforestation openings focus on finding under-stocked areas within a stand that have 

resulted from past harvest, small fires, and insect-caused mortality. Usually under-stocked areas are evident 
because the majority of the area in most stands is moderately to densely stocked. See the marking guide for 

regeneration openings. 

B. Brush field regeneration

Brush fields larger than three acres will be reforested to create a diverse structure and at least three age 

classes. To accomplish this objective, reforestation in brush field groups will involve at least three plantings 

over 20 years and variation in precommercial thinning of the RAs. These brush fields are found in the lower 

elevations of the providence unit.

Tree Distribution - Applying the inverse J-shaped curve

The desired tree distribution is determined by the three factors mentioned above: residual stocking level, 

(Dq), and the largest tree size. The Dq defines the number of trees in one diameter class vs. the number in 

the next smaller class. The residual basal area and the size of the largest tree define the number of trees to 

leave in each diameter class. Previous versions of the J-curve in the KREW Project had a residual stocking 

level determined by site, forest type, and land allocation (Smith and Exline 2002). This early approach 

removed trees that exceeded the maximum tree size. Several research cooperators believed that this 

approach was depleting a limited and very important ecological component of the stands (very large trees). 

A new approach has been developed that will change how large trees are maintained on the landscape and 

residual stocking is assigned to each stand. No trees larger than 30 inches DBH will be removed. While 

normal yield tables and stand density index have been used to determine the maximum residual stocking, 

canopy cover Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP) objectives and legacy tree objectives will help 

determine the residual stocking levels across the project.

Age and diameter distribution - Diminution quotient 

Different Dq’s for a J-curve comprised of 2-inch diameter classes were tried and discarded until the J-curve 

that satisfied the desired number of saplings and poles was achieved. This resulted in a Dq of 1.2 and it has a 

rather flat distribution curve with greater growing space allocated to trees larger than 24 inches dbh. The use 

of this flat distribution has been used by others to represent the pre-settlement forests and mimic the 

frequent disturbance pattern of the Sierra Nevada and KREW Project area (Hollenstein et al 2001). This Jcurve is applied to trees greater than 11 inches DBH.

Residual stocking

The stocking level of trees was taken from even-aged yield tables, based on the suggestions of Curtis (1978) 

and Foiles (1978). Tree removal/retention regimes were developed using the Forest Vegetation Simulator 

(FVS) and professional judgment both for groups of existing trees and for new seedlings established by 

reforestation. Desired maximum basal area per acre or residual stocking was set at 65 percent of full 

stocking (growing space 100 percent occupied) in the applicable yield table, which, according to FVS, would 

result in stands returning to 85 percent of full stocking in about 20 years. The desired basal area would be 

expected to maintain a healthy stand with moderate growth and a canopy cover between 40 and 70 percent. 

Canopy cover was measured in areas where this uneven-aged prescription has been applied. These post 

treatment measurements indicated that canopy targets were met for most stands in treatments completed 

in 1996.
The uneven-aged silvicultural strategy seeks to have a desired canopy cover play a significant role in dictating 

the residual stocking level. Recent work by Landram and Steger (2002 unpublished) has developed a linear 

equation that explains 78 percent of the variations in photo-interpreted canopy cover by the variation in 

basal area. The work was completed within stands near the KREW Project. This basal area and crown canopy 

relationship is consistent with other work that has found a strong relationship between canopy cover 

expressed in leaf area and stocking level represented by stem number or relative measures such as percent 

of normal basal area or stand density index (, Assmann 1970, Dean and Baldwin 1996, Rieneke 1933). In 

addition this work is consistent with other work near the KREW Project that has equated canopy cover 

measured by different methods (FVS, moosehorn, densiometer) (Purcell and others 2009). The strong 

relationship is the result of the supporting function of the stem (Oliver and Larson 1996); the stem supports 

the crown and the larger the crown the bigger the stem needed to support the crown. The table below 

describes the desired canopy cover and the corresponding residual stocking level in terms of stand density 

index and square feet of basal area per acre. 

Canopy cover objectives also incorporate the need to maintain stands below a level that could lead to 

catastrophic insect attack and maintain dense areas (old forests) for wildlife. Old forest areas are those with 

a California wildlife Habitat Relationship size and density relationship of 5M, 5D, or 6. Areas outside of these 

old forest emphasis areas (general forest) will maintain 40 to 50 percent canopy cover (Table B2-1). The 

different residual stocking levels for ponderosa pine and mixed conifer stands reflect the known thresholds 

for insect mortality. The ranges allow for the variation in site quality. 

DESIRED CANOPY 

COVER RANGE

PERCENT OF MAX 

STAND DENSITY 

INDEX

DESIRED RESIDUAL 

BASAL AREA PER 

ACRE MIXEDCONIFER

DESIRED RESIDUAL 

BASAL AREA PER ACRE 

PONDEROSA PINE

60+ 60 267 + 246 high site only

50 TO 60 45 TO 60 200 TO 267 200 TO 246

40 TO 50 35 TO 45 133 TO 200 120 TO 200

25 TO 40 25 TO 35 33 TO 133 25 TO 120

B2-1 Table displays the canopy cover and corresponding basal area per acre by forest type

In the B2-1, mixed-conifer ranges are based on unpublished data across landscape by Landram and Steger, 

2002. The ponderosa pine ranges are based on maintaining stands below the level of catastrophic insect 

attack.

Field implementation of the desired residual basal area displayed in table B-1 is limited by measurement 

tools such as a standard prism or releskop. These tools typically allow measurement in increments of ten and 

have a certain number of desired trees (Barber 1984). This also limits the precision at which canopy cover 

targets can be met. Plus or minus ten square feet of basal area per acre indicates canopy cover in the field 

could vary from 2 to 5 canopy percentage points.
Maximum Tree Size and Age That Defines the J-curve

The approach to determining the largest tree size used to define the shape of the J-curve was driven by a 

desire to maintain the presence of very large trees in the stand. Initially, we estimated the diameter at breast 

height (dbh) in inches, expected in 200 years, based on professional judgment and data from yield tables 

(Dunning and Reineke 1933, Meyers 1938). Subsequent modeling with the uneven-aged routine in the Forest 

Vegetation Simulator (USDA 1996) resulted in the following diameters at 200 years of age:

Good Site Poor Site Avg. Site

Thin at 50 yrs. 58" 49" 54'

then every 20

No Removal 39" 33" 36"

Assuming actual management would involve some tree removal, but probably not every 20 years after the 

initial commercial uneven-aged silvicultural tree removal, it appears reasonable to set the maximum dbh 

expected in 200 years at 50 inches in ponderosa pine and 55 inches in mixed-conifer. The higher expected 

dbh in mixed conifer reflects a significant presence of sugar pine, which maintains a higher growth rate for a 

longer time than ponderosa pine or white fir (Oliver 1992). 

Large Tree Retention in the Matrix

Large trees are an especially important component of habitat for many wildlife species such as spotted owl 

and fisher (Verner et al 1992, Mazzoni 2002). Maintaining as many large trees in the landscape as possible is 

important for habitat suitability and function. Large trees dominated historical forest structures. 

The large tree objective is accomplished by retaining the trees that would potentially make up the oldest 

third of the age classes in the stand (the large trees) and developing the historic uneven-aged structure and 

species composition, as much as possible, by working on the young and middle age classes. The uneven-aged 

prescription leaves all trees larger than 30 inches DBH to comply with the standards and guidelines in the 

LRMP.Similar approaches for retaining large trees have been used in the southwest (Covington et al 1997). 

Model results using uneven-aged treatments in the Sierra Nevada have demonstrated the feasibility of 

maintaining the largest third of the diameter distribution to keep large trees in the landscape (Hollenstein et 

al 2001). 

The young and middle age classes would be that portion of the residual matrix stocking that will be regulated 

by the J-curve (the lower two thirds). Leaving the upper third of the J-curve as legacy trees will ensure that 

large trees remain well distributed across the landscape. Typically, one-third of the residual stocking level 

(BA) for the Dq 1.2 will be maintained in large trees in the matrix. This allows for the growth of younger 

vigorous trees (< 30 inches DBH) to grow larger. At a Dq of 1.2 and using a largest tree size (the right tail of 

the J-curve) of 58 inches, this uneven-aged silvicultural strategy leaves one-third of the residual stocking in 

trees larger than 30 inches dbh or in the largest trees. Trees larger than 30 inches dbh are not removed. In 
stands with a residual stocking of 200 ft2 /acre basal area, one-third equals 66 ft2 /acre basal area. This 

stocking level provides room for large trees and room to regulate the distribution of young and middle age 

diameter classes per the J-curve.

One could argue some amount other than one-third of the potential basal area should be retained in large 

trees, even to the extreme such as only ten percent or all trees over 20 inches dbh. The former, in the 

opinion of silviculturists and ecologists involved in the development of this uneven-aged strategy, would not 

be sufficient to maintain the ecological process dependent on large trees. The latter would limit the range of 

diameter class that could be manipulated to such an extent that it would not be a reasonable trial of the 

uneven-aged management system. Ultimately it is a judgment call based on definitions of uneven-aged 

management in the literature and the perspective of ecologists that must be used to set the proportion of 

the potential basal area to be retained in large trees.

Growing space for oaks

How much growing space should be allocated for oaks with desirable decadent qualities is an important 

question. Since oaks are rarely harvested in a typical forest treatment, the question is better stated as, 

“When should we remove trees from around desirable oaks?” Oaks with cavities are typically the result of 

overtopping from conifers and decadence (McDonald 1990). The resulting overtopped oaks often have only 

one stem as a result of successive mortality of branches. This overtopped condition will result in the eventual 

death of the oak. The very quality that makes an old (and usually large) oak desirable for nesting/denning 

quality (Verner 1992) also is indicative of its loss from the stand. Giving an old tree with a poor crown more 

growing space will not increase its crown (Oliver and Larson 1996). A strategy that permits more growing 

space around existing oaks will increase oak cover, while maintaining the decadent oaks for wildlife habitat. 

So, the strategy is to remove conifers from around oaks when oaks will benefit from increased growing space, 

unless the oak must be removed because it is a hazard.

As described above, ideally one-third of the growing space is maintained in large trees in the matrix. For 

example, 90 percent of full stocking for a mixed-conifer site of moderate productivity equals 290 ft2/acre and 

one-third of the growing space in large trees equals 97 ft2/acre or alternatively, maximum stand density 

index for the same site would be 600 calling for 200 units of stand density index devoted to large trees.

Of the growing space allocated to large trees, some of it should be in large oaks. Unless specified otherwise 

in the LRMP, maintain ten percent of the residual basal area for large trees in oaks. For example, of the 97 

ft2/acre in larger trees on the mixed-conifer site, ten percent of the growing space, or 10 ft2/acre, could be 

maintained in the largest oaks, or alternatively 20 units of stand density index. Also, maintain all decadent 

oaks throughout the stand within the limits set by the LRMP. Do not prevent over topping of oaks by 

conifers.

Decadence

Decadence is an important consideration in providing nesting and denning sites for Pacific fisher and 

California spotted owls. Wood rot is not equally distributed or equally represented in each forest type. 

Decadence in pine stands is found in snags or in oaks, while decadence in fir stands is found in standing live 

firs as well. More rot is found in old trees than young trees. Thus older and typically the largest individuals 

provide rotten wood for nesting cavities. This is true for pines, oaks, or firs. The uneven-aged prescription 
provides for decadence by maintaining large and old oaks, pines, and firs in both reforestation areas and the 

matrix. Maintaining the largest oaks as described above and largest fir will provide the potential for cavities.

Aerial Arrangement - Single story vs. Multi-story Stands

While the J-curve identifies the distribution of tree sizes and by proxy the age classes across a stand, the 

arrangement of this distribution is not explicitly dictated by the J-curve. The arrangement of the J-curve 

distribution can vary greatly across a stand. Trees are often found clumped in groups and only rarely are 

size/age classes evenly distributed across a stand. Wildlife habitat requirements and fuels management 

necessities dictate the arrangement of tree size/age classes across the KREW Project landscape. Multi-story 

stands offer greater habitat benefits for fisher and spotted owl (Verner et al 1992, Zielinski et al 2004). In the 

wildland urban interface, single story stands with minimal fuel ladders will provide less probability of crown 

fires being initiated and sustained. Each aerial arrangement of tree size/age classes contains natural 

openings (meadows, rock, low site), young reforestation groups, various middle-aged groups, and large trees. 

Within single storied stands size/age classes are juxtaposed to provide a mosaic distributed horizontally. 

Within a multi-storied stand size/age classes are found distributed vertically one or two under another as 

well as horizontally. The landscape would be composed of a mosaic of patches of single and multi-storied 

stands. Single story stands would be emphasized in the wildland urban interface. Multi-storied stands would 

be emphasized in PACs, fisher habitat, and drainage bottoms. The decision tree and table in Appendix C3 

identify stand objectives and conditions that determine whether a stand would be managed for multi-stories 

or a single story. 

Tree removal and retention priorities

Trees that remain after uneven-aged silviculture are selected on their ability to make use of increased 

growing space, protect important habitat structures (nest trees and stream bank trees), and reduce vertical 

and horizontal fuel continuity. Criteria used in determining trees to remove and trees to leave are listed 

below in order of priority:

1. Size-In uneven-aged management leave all trees above largest diameter unless they 

pose a hazard or limit operability. Within regeneration openings leave all trees 

greater than 30” unless they pose a hazard or limit operability. 

2. Growth-Leave trees capable of growth. Signs of growth potential are live crown ratio 

greater than 40%, advancing leader growth, good needle retention, and good vigor. 

Maintain dominant and codominant trees in cohort. Avoid leaving suppressed except 

to meet wildlife priority.

3. Species- healthy black oaks are given first priority for leave trees. Ten percent of 

dominant oaks will be provide up to .25 acre opening for crown expansion. This 

meets the LRMP objective of providing oak canopy cover. Healthy Sugar pine is 

second priority, leaving sugar pine resistant to White Pine Blister Rust is consistent 

with the Districts Sugar Pine Strategy. Ponderosa Pine is given third priority. Incense 

cedar, white fir, lodgepole pine, and red fir are given last priority. Incense cedar and 

white fir have encroached in the understory. These two species now dominate most 

mixed conifer and pine stands.
4. Wildlife-Trees that have cavities or provide potential nest or resting habitat remain. 

Known nest trees and roost trees remain following tree removal. Decadent oaks are 

allowed to be overtopped. Priority wildlife leave trees are large trees with rot, 

cavities, and witches brooms in dense canopy pockets outside of WUI (potential 

denning or nesting tree). Maintain dense condition and canopy layering. Inside WUI 

retain priority wildlife trees but reduce canopy layering. 

5. Disease-, understory trees (< 6'', 10” or 20”) with mistletoe, white pine blister rust, 

and damage are discriminated against. Trees with less mistletoe or those with 

mistletoe in the lower third or where the mistletoe is found on the outer crown are 

favored over those with high amounts of mistletoe and infections close to the bole or 

in the upper two thirds of the crown. Damaged or diseased trees should be removed 

prior to healthy trees. Maintaining trees with good form and growth is higher priority 

than spacing or target structure.

6. Erosion-Trees along stream banks remain to provide stability, prevent accelerated soil 

erosion, and provide habitat. 

7. Crown position-Trees in the lower crown layers are removed to provide space for 

trees in the upper crown layers. Crown position is a strong indicator of a trees ability 

to make use of site resources. Leave dominant and codominant trees in each cohort.

8. Fuel ladders-Trees that provide fuel ladders to larger trees are removed to create 

conditions suitable for underburning and reduce the potential for torching. Protecting 

larger trees from underburning maintains stand structures that will contribute to 

future habitat diversity. Canopy layering is reduced in WUI by accentuating age classes 

(e.g. a 10” tree among 30” trees is removed to accentuate the 30” class). Maintain 

canopy layering in PACs and HRCAs outside WUI.

9. Spacing or residual stand density- Trees <11” are spaced apart to provide room for 

crowns and root expansion and meet objectives to reduce tree stress and reduce 

potential for sustained crown fire. Residual stand density guides provide a means to 

maintain desired stand structure elements (canopy cover, tree dominance, and 

growing space). In uneven-aged silviculture the target stand distribution determines 

tree removal instead of spacing. Do not create openings except for regeneration areas 

or oak enhancement. Maintain at least 40 percent of existing basal area.

Fisher rest site retention 

 

The Fisher rest sites provide areas were fishers are known to stay when moving across home range areas. 

Rest sites have been found to contain stand structure and geographic characteristics that are preferred by 

fishers. Rest sites are typically found at a single tree. The single tree is often large (> 40” DBH) (Purcell and 

others 2009). However, the rest tree is often found in a group of trees. The characteristics of rest site 

locations are often less than one acre. 
Fisher rest site structure characteristics include: plot canopy cover, presence of large trees, and large snags. 

The geographic characteristics are proximity to water (< 100 meters), and steep slopes.

Fisher rest site protection is balanced against the need to reduce the potential for crown fire in the wildland 

urban interface (WUI). In Key areas of the WUI fisher rest sites are given less of an 

The following table B-2-2 provides timber markers criteria to identify and protect potential fisher rest sites.

Fisher Rest Site retention guide and score card

Kings River Project

Tree Level Tree 

Description

0, 1, 2,3 add

Tree density 

score 0, 1, 2,3 

add 

Location

0,+1,+2,-3

Tree Rarity

0,1,2,3 add

Hazard 

subtract

-11 

3 Conifers and oaks 

with existing 

cavities or 

existing nest 

trees. These 

trees may be 

dead or alive. 

Leave level 3 

trees, if not 

hazard.

Group canopy 

density > 70% or 

basal area in 

square feet >240, 

maintain clump 

density

Found in specific 

WUI or Defense 

stands (see WUI 

list below) 

subtract 3,

Found rarely 

across the eight 

management 

units, existing 

conifers with 

cavities are found 

rarely.

Do not leave 

hazards

2 Conifers >35” or 

oaks that contain 

stem rots or 

branch rot that 

provide the 

opportunity for 

cavity creation. 

Leave level 2 

trees to meet 

snag retention. 

Group canopy 

density > 60% or 

basal area in 

square feet >180, 

maintain clump 

density

Found < 300’ of 

perennial creek, 

or outside WUI 

add 2

Mistletoe brooms 

and deformities 

are rare in 

Providences Unit, 

black oaks with 

cavities in 

KREW_bull_1, 

Do not leave 

hazards

1 Conifers >35” or 

oaks > 27” with 

large deformities 

(witches brooms, 

multiple tops) or 

trees with resting 

platforms

Group canopy 

density < 60% or 

basal area in 

square feet <

180, maintain 

clump density

Found >300’ 

away from 

perennial creek 

and on slopes > 

40% or not listed 

in level 3 add 1

Black oaks with 

cavities are found 

within most 

management 

units, with the 

exception of 

KREW_bull_1, and 

portions of 

El_o_win_1 and 

Glen_mdw_1 

Do not leave 

hazards

0 Trees with no 

indicator of 

wildlife use: 

cavity, rot, 

deformity, 

platform, not 

rare across units. 

Score 0 for rarity 

basal area in 

square feet <140, 

Below 3500 feet 

or above 8000 

feet elevation, 

portions of 

Soaproo_2 and 

KREW_bull_1

Found often 

across eight 

management 

units Mistletoe 

and deformities 

are common in 

KREW_Bull _1, 

KREW_prov_1, 

Do not leave 

hazards
and tree 

description

A potential fisher retention tree should be scored on each of the five criteria to determine a total score. Trees with a 

retention level greater than or equal to seven are kept in the management unit. Rarity is assessed for the 

management unit. Areas with known rare tree description levels will be determined for each management unit or 

stand. GPS the location of each site. Flag the potential rest tree or trees and mark with black paint “W”. Canopy 

cover should be based on densiometer measurements. 

B-2-2 Fisher Rest Site Retention

Fisher Rest Site Tree Descriptions

A. Level – 3: Large conifers and oaks with existing cavities or nests are the highest priority for retention. 

They represent existing rest and nest structures. Cavities can be large or small. Cavities should be 

elevated from the ground. Cavities should be deep enough to provide for fisher or owl. These trees 

are often large, however trees with existing cavities elevated from the ground can be any size. 

Retain these trees as long as they are not hazards.

B. Level – 2:Conifers > 35” and Oaks that contain stem rots or sapwood rot that provide the opportunity 

for cavity creation fall in this tree level. Evidence of conks on conifers indicates the presence of rot. 

The loss of large branches in oaks with evidence of rot indicates the potential for cavity creation. 

Older oaks with poor crowns over topped by conifers or large old true firs are typical of this level of 

tree. These trees are often live old oaks with visible rot or live true fir trees with wounds or broken or 

multiple tops. Snags meeting conifer 

C. Level – 1:Oaks or conifers with large mistletoe deformities (witches brooms) greater than 3 feet in 

diameter provide resting platforms for fisher. Trees with large limbs greater than 8” that can support 

or hide a fisher provide resting platforms. Limbs should be elevated from the ground. Trees with 

dense multiple tops that can hide a fisher are also candidates. Trees with large squirrel nests that 

can support a fisher fall into this tree level.

Fisher Rest Site Density

Canopy and tree density are important for female fisher rest sites and spotted owl nest sites. Clumps of trees 

1⁄4 to 2 acres with greater than 60% canopy cover and basal area > 180 square feet per acre are often noted as 

fisher rest site locations. Markers will leave clumps or groups of trees to maintain stand density, cover and 

layering in the clump or group up to 2 acres. 

Fisher Rest Site Location 

Rest site structures located near perennial creeks (fisher corridors) and on steeper slopes are preferred by 

fisher. However, since fisher rest sites are typically dense and multilayered they conflict with fire goals in 

some WUI stands. Dense multi-layered tree canopies in specific stands pose the greatest conflict with 

meeting the WUI objectives. These stands are listed below. Areas that fall in this stands are automatically 

scored lower than tree levels that fall outside of these particular stands. 
Rarity

Some structures are found rarely across the landscape. Snags greater than 40” are a good example. Some 

are found more frequently and distributed throughout the eight management units, such as large rotten 

oaks. Others are locally rare such as large mistletoe brooms or multiple tops. Tree levels found rarely in a 

management unit are given a higher retention score. Mistletoe brooms and stem rots are common in the Bull 

Unit. However mistletoe large mistletoe brooms are rare in Providence Unit.

Wildlife Tree Retention in the Threat Zone of the Wildland Urban Intermix (WUI)

The following stands (identified my Management Unit and Plan ID) are strategic for fire operations in 

the WUI. Stands identified are either along strategic roads, ridges or in close proximity to structures. 

Snag retention with density will not occur within the following stands in the KREW Providence Unit:

Plan IDs – 280, 281 and 295 are strategic stands along road 10S17, the Providence Creek road. 

Regeneration Area marking/designation guide

a. Shape

i. RA shape should be circle or oblong avoid many small branches. 

ii. RA’s should accentuate the existing opening and age class (avoid amebas).

iii. In area where pine is planted site prep opening so that it faces SW to W.

b. Locating reforestation groups

iv. Outside of SMZ

v. Locate reforestation groups in areas of existing openings. Openings are areas or 

groups with less than 100 square feet of basal area. Leave trees that pay their way 

(good growers). Leave trees > 30” in openings.

1. Brush fields from fires

2. insect and disease pockets

3. Past harvest

4. clumps of sapling and pole size cedar or fir in PP type or WUI

5. stands with existing plantations less than 15 years old – no RAs

6. Plant aggregations with excess stems based on target( if removal for J-curve 

results in opening, then plant as RA)

c. Size

vi. Keep RA size to less than 3 acres,(circular radius 204 ft)

vii. Identify all openings for regeneration greater than .2 acres
Reforestation Release Guidelines

The reforestation and release guidelines described in figure B2-2 below reflect the release options for 

regeneration openings and existing plantations. The release guidelines cover potential situations across a 

large landscape encompassing the KREW project units. Due to the presence of the Yosemite Toad in the 

KREW bull unit no herbicide use will be used
Reforestation Release

Hand Release

2 times (5ft radius)

o r

100% brush cut

Seedlings

< 2ft tall

or in KREW Bull

Glyphosate 1 Applications

2-4%

Hand Release 2 times

CECO*

Dominant

Glyphosate 2 Applications

4-6%

ARPA*

Present

Glyphosate 2 Applications

2-4%

CEIN*

Dominant or combined with

ARPA*

Plants 2-5 ft tall

Glyphosate 3 Applications

4-6%

Mechanical Site Preparation

N o

Glyphosate 2 Applications

4-6%

Hand Release 2 times

Mechanical Site Preparation

Yes

Plants > 5 ft tall

Established roots

 Plants > 2ft tall

or in KREW Providence

Yes Sprouter present

Hand Release

2 times

o r

100% brush cut

No Sprouters present

No CHFO*

Glyphosate 2 Applications

2-4%

low site

(less seed)

CECU* AND ARVI*

Glyphosate 2 Ap

2-4%

Hand Release 

(more se

ARVI*

CHFO Pre

Establish Regeneration

START

FigureB2-2 displays the criteria used to determine the appropriate release treatment for reforestation. 

Sprouting species are bear clover, green leaf manzanita, deer brush, buck brush, and whitethorn. The 

percentage range following glyphosate application indicates the application rate. *CHFO=bear clover, 

ARVI=white leaf manzanita, ARPA=green leaf manzanita, CEIN=Deer brush, CECO=whitethorn, CECU=buck 

brush.