Nautilus Project

Final Environmental Impact Statement

Appendix B

Silvicultural Findings of Compliance with Laws, Regulations and Policy
Nautilus Project                                                                           Final Environmental Impact Statement

Appendix B –Silvicultural Findings of Compliance with Laws, Regulations and Policy           B‐2

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Nautilus Project                                                                           Final Environmental Impact Statement

Appendix B –Silvicultural Findings of Compliance with Laws, Regulations and Policy           B‐3

The following findings are made based on the environmental analysis and the silvicultural prescription for the

35,603 acres on National Forest System (NFS) land in the Nautilus project area.

Best Science Findings

While conducting my analysis for the Nautilus Project I reviewed information from the following sources:  

 Black Hills National Forest FY2007 Monitoring Report (USDA‐Forest Service 2008)

 Phase II Amendment FEIS, applicable supporting documents, and applicable literature references (USDA‐

Forest Service 2005a)

 Applicable research which I believe represents a reasonable cross‐section of the total range available,

including responsible opposing views, sufficient to professionally evaluate the effects of this proposal

(see Nautilus Silviculture Report Bibliography)  

In considering these sources I believe I have considered the best science available to me.

Consistency [16 USC 1604(i)]:

1. Timber harvest would occur on lands suited for timber production or would occur in areas where timber

harvest is permitted and is necessary to help achieve other resource management objectives.

Table B‐1.  Suitability summary (Acres)

Harvest on Suitable Timber Production

(Timber Component 5xx or 6xx)

28,640 acres

Harvest Permitted for Multiple‐Use

Objectives (Timber Component 8xx)

5,659 acres

Timber harvest is proposed on lands classified as not suited for timber production . Pine removal will occur in

hardwood stands where pine has invaded to conserve existing hardwood communities and restore historic

hardwood communities (Forest Plan objective 201).  Existing meadows and some historic meadows will be

restored through the removal of pine from within those sites (Forest Plan objective 205).  Identified old growth

stands may be treated to adjust stocking.  These treatments are being performed to serve multiple use

objectives and provide diversity and browse for wildlife and cattle and are not required to meet Culmination of

Mean Annual Increment (CMAI)  

The following are meadows where pine removal will occur to retain the meadow characteristics:

Table B‐2.  Meadow Enhancement Treatments

Stand Number Acres Cover Type Proposed Treatment

081801              93 5.59664927000 GRA ME/PCT/Rx

081704              11 1.37190859000 GRA ME/PCT/Rx

081903             151 7.74080987000 GRA ME/PCT/Rx

081709              53 7.18957656000 GRA ME/PCT/Rx

081456              47 2.77852211000 GRA ME/PCT/Rx

081903             124 3.06827948000 GRA ME/PCT/Rx
Nautilus Project                                                                           Final Environmental Impact Statement

Appendix B –Silvicultural Findings of Compliance with Laws, Regulations and Policy           B‐4

081901              41 9.36460274000 GRA ME/PCT/Rx

082006              26 15.44995531000 GRA ME/PCT/Rx

081903             109 31.35812372000 GRA ME/PCT/Rx

081903             150 9.25813514000 GRA ME/PCT/Rx

081903              89 6.65413496000 GRA ME/PCT/Rx

081903             128 9.69614759000 GRA ME/PCT/Rx

081704              33 4.13119146000 GRA ME/PCT/Rx

081702              73 7.60618973000 GRA ME/Rx

081456               5 15.22807543000 GRA ME/Rx

081903             148 8.59191218000 GRA ME/PCT/Rx

The following stands have a  ponderosa pine cover type where pine removal will occur and  the cover type will

change to grass. In addition the following stands should have the timber component eliminated.

Table B‐3.  Stands to be Converted from Ponderosa Pine to Grass Cover Type

Stand Number Acres

Current Cover

Type Proposed Treatment

081704              19 11.36583261000 TPP ME/PCT/Rx

081456              60 4.62510160000 TPP ME/PCT/Rx

081802              29 13.49314642000 TPP ME/PCT/Rx

081508               5 7.03912435000 TPP ME/PCT/Rx

Silvicultural treatments are consistent with the Forest Plan.  The proposed treatments in the action alternative

comply with the Forest Plan Acceptable Silvicultural Systems (USDA‐Forest Service 2005c), including the even‐

aged system of shelterwood harvest and the uneven‐aged system of selection cutting.  Even‐aged regeneration

harvests are appropriate to meet the objectives and requirements of the Forest Plan.  Specific desired conditions

include a better balance of structural stages, improved age class distribution, and adequate restocking.  There

are also some stands that would be managed using uneven‐aged systems.  Forest Plan standard 2408a states

that “both even‐aged and uneven‐aged management systems can be used and applied at scales ranging from a

few acres to many hundreds of acres” (USDA‐Forest Service 2005c).

Prescriptions were developed to achieve Forest Plan Goal 10:  “Establish and maintain a mosaic of vegetation

conditions to reduce occurrences of catastrophic fire, insect, and disease events, and facilitate insect and

disease management and firefighting capability” (USDA‐Forest Service 2005c).  In addition, they were designed

to comply with the Healthy Forests Restoration Act (HFRA) of 2003 (HR 1904) and other National level initiatives

and policy that emphasize reducing the probability and occurrence of severe wildfire in fire adapted ecosystems,

especially near at risk communities (ARC) and in the wildland urban interface (WUI).

Timber Harvest [16 USC 1604(g)(3)(E)]   

 Soil, slope, or other watershed conditions will not be irreversibly damaged (Dempsey 2010, Jons 2010).

 There is assurance that the lands can be adequately restocked within five years after final regeneration

harvest.   Adequate stocking is 150 conifer seedlings per acre, assuming no intermediate treatments;

where intermediate treatments will be done, 300 conifer seedlings per acre are required.   Research and

experience indicate the shelterwood method should be the primary regeneration method and is ideally

suited and widely applicable in the Black Hills (USDA‐FS Research Paper RM‐124, 6/74). It is a
Nautilus Project                                                                           Final Environmental Impact Statement

Appendix B –Silvicultural Findings of Compliance with Laws, Regulations and Policy           B‐5

scientifically sound method of regeneration for ponderosa pine as described in Agriculture Handbook

#445 (revised 12/83) pages 80‐83.    

 Streams, streambanks, shorelines, lakes, wetlands, and other bodies of water are protected from

detrimental changes in water temperatures, blockages of water courses, and deposits of sediment

where harvests are likely to seriously and adversely affect water conditions or fish habitat (Dempsey

2010, Jons 2010).

 The harvesting system to be used was not selected primarily because it will give the greatest dollar

return or the greatest unit output of timber.  Proposed systems for the Nautilus project area include

shelterwood and uneven‐aged systems that are acceptable systems under the Forest Plan.  Uneven‐

aged systems move toward specific habitat requirements (uneven stand structure).  The shelterwood

system is proposed on extensive areas in the proposed action.  Research (Shepperd 2002) and past

experience has shown the shelterwood method to be the most reliable in managing the Black Hills.

Even‐aged Regeneration Harvests [16 USC 1604(g)(3)(F)]   

       

 Shelterwood regeneration harvests are appropriate to meeting the objectives and requirements of the

Forest Plan. Shelterwood overstory removals will be used as specified in the Phase II Amendment FEIS

(USDA‐Forest Service 2005a).

 An interdisciplinary review was completed and the potential environmental, biological, aesthetic,

engineering, and economic impacts were assessed and the cutting methods are consistent with the

multiple use objectives of the project area as specified in the Nautilus EIS.

 Cut blocks, patches, or strips are shaped and blended to the extent practicable with the natural terrain.

 Harvest will be consistent with the protection of soil, watershed, fish, wildlife, recreation, aesthetic

resources, cultural and historic resources, and the regeneration of timber resources.

Culmination of Mean Annual Increment [16 USC 1604(m)]

Culmination of Mean Annual Increment (CMAI) occurs when the periodic annual increment exceeds mean

annual increment.

Determination of CMAI

The stands or portions of stands receiving shelterwood regeneration harvest treatments have generally reached

the CMAI.  Per the Forest Plan, stands which have reached an age of 120 years have reached CMAI.  For this

project area, stands which have met the CMAI requirement are proposed for a seed cut or overstory removal.  It

should be noted that some of these stands’ total age is less than 120 years but larger trees within that stand

have reached 120 years; therefore, CMAI is met in these stands.  Silvicultural prescriptions were developed

while considering NFMA requirements about the timing of harvests.  16 USC 1604(i) states "stands of trees

scheduled to be harvested during the planning period shall generally have reached culmination of mean annual

increment of growth".  The calculation of CMAI is based on the total amount of biomass accumulated in a stand

to a specific date divided by age. Because stand age must be known, CMAI can only be calculated for even‐aged

or multi‐aged stands, but not uneven‐aged stands. CMAI is calculated at the stand level, and not on individual

trees.  

Even‐aged harvests include shelterwood harvests. It is the accepted practice in the forestry profession to apply

the CMAI standard to the timing of the regeneration step of even‐aged harvests. For a two‐step shelterwood,
Nautilus Project                                                                           Final Environmental Impact Statement

Appendix B –Silvicultural Findings of Compliance with Laws, Regulations and Policy           B‐6

the determination is made at the seed step, and not the overstory removal step.  

16 USC 1604(i) allows cultural practices or stand tending, such as commercial or pre‐commercial thinning, to

occur prior to CMAI.  It also allows harvest to occur prior to CMAI "if it is reasonable to expect that overall

multiple use objectives would be better attained." Therefore, it doesn't apply to the clearcuts and seed cuts of

conifers in the Black Hills to benefit species, provide diversity, recreation, scenic variety or forage (these

exceptions are disclosed and decided upon at the project level).  It also doesn't apply for non‐commercial

treatment of hardwoods.  

Although it is possible to approximate CMAI at the planning level (Forest‐wide) for the purpose of establishing a

rotation age, this is not be confused with the stand CMAI requirement, which is the only requirement

established by law, and which is actually measured/calculated on a stand basis. Because of the complexities of

the calculation, CMAI can be accurately determined only at the project level.  

Although not legally required, for the purposes of establishing general rotation ages in Forest Vegetation

Simulator (FVS) simulations, and to assure that the Forest Plan can be implemented, an analysis of approximate

ranges of CMAI in the Black Hills was made. Although the CMAI determination is not straightforward, timber

harvests used to implement the Forest Plan will generally be able to meet the legal requirement.  

Growth curves developed for FVS are not appropriate for determining CMAI. The curves include the growth of

smaller aged cohorts of the strata. They also do not take into account the volume of trees that have been

harvested in previous entries.   

The age at CMAI will vary depending on site quality, forest type, management intensities and utilization

standards, but various analyses indicate that it generally will occur for most stands between 80 and 120 years

for conifer sawtimber in the Black Hills. Timing of regeneration harvests for stands specified in FVS simulations

fall within or exceed this range.  An analysis of the truly even‐aged Stage I plots (4 out of 257 sawtimber and 5

out of 56 pole plots) shows that the CMAI varied between 88 and 136 years with an average of 108 years.  

The silvicultural system most commonly used for ponderosa pine in the Black Hills is the shelterwood system,

which is an even‐aged system and an acceptable system as specified in the Phase II FEIS (USDA‐Forest Service

2005a).  Most of the overstory removal cuts are in multi‐aged stands or stands that have advanced regeneration.  

These treatments can also be considered as liberation cuts or stand improvements cuts.  The stands in Table B‐4

are proposed for regeneration or removal cuts in Alternative B.  

OSR = Overstory Removal (CMAI met)

SC = Seed Cut or Seed Tree Harvest (CMAI met)

All stands considered met either the exception to the requirement (multiple‐use objective) or the requirement

for CMAI itself.

Table B‐4.  Overstory and Seed Cut Treatments Proposed in Alternative B

Stand Number Site Indicator Stand Age Proposed Treatment

Age at 95%

CMAI Notes

081456               1 77 82 OSR/SC 75 Meets Requirement

081456              11 74 90 OSR/SC/PCT/Rx 80 SS needs

081456              13 57 115 SC30/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081456              18 85 73 SC30/HE/PCT/Rx 75 SS needs

081456              20 75 132 SC30/ITS/PCT/Rx 80 Meets Requirement
Nautilus Project                                                                           Final Environmental Impact Statement

Appendix B –Silvicultural Findings of Compliance with Laws, Regulations and Policy           B‐7

Stand Number Site Indicator Stand Age Proposed Treatment

Age at 95%

CMAI Notes

081456              21 82 80 OSR/PCT/Rx 75 Meets Requirement

081456              29 74 74 SC30/HE/PCT/Rx 80 SS needs

081456              33 68 128 OSR/PCT 80 Meets Requirement

081456              37 59 107 SC30/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081456              42 61 119 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081456              44 59 126 SC30/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081456              46 63 138 OSR/CT40/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081456              49 67 87 OSR/PCT/Rx 80 Meets Requirement

081456              52 65 84 SC30/HE/PCT/Rx 85 SS needs

081456              53 68 60 SC30/HE/PCT/Rx 80 SS needs

081456              55 56 35 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 SS needs

081456              59 60 119 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081456              61 61 132 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081456              63 65 102 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081456              64 51 98 OSR/PCT/Rx 100 SS needs

081456              67 65 89 SC30/ITS/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081456              70 66 93 SC30/PCT/Rx 80 Meets Requirement

081456              75 65 90 SC30/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081456              77 56 83 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 SS needs

081456              80 56 120 OSR/PCT 85 Meets Requirement

081456              81 52 85 OSR/PCT/Rx 100 SS needs

081456              87 60 116 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081507              29 70 10 OSR/PCT/Rx 80 SS needs

081508               2 57 116 OSR/HE/PCT 85 Meets Requirement

081508               9 60 80 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 SS needs

081508              11 58 116 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081508              14 51 126 OSR/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081508              19 66 101 SC30/PCT/Rx 80 Meets Requirement

081508              42 66 95 OSR/PCT/Rx 80 Meets Requirement

081508              45 58 108 OSR/HE/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081508              49 59 96 OSR 85 Meets Requirement

081508              54 68 116 OSR/PCT/Rx 80 Meets Requirement

081508              57 79 123 OSR 75 Meets Requirement

081508              59 64 121 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081508              72 67 130 OSR/PCT/Rx 80 Meets Requirement

081508              77 69 89 SC30/HE/PCT/Rx 80 Meets Requirement

081508              83 56 161 SC30/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081508              84 55 0 OSR/HE/PCT/Rx 100 SS needs

081508              86 63 117 SC30/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081508              92 59 132 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081508              93 66 111 SC30/PCT/Rx 80 Meets Requirement
Nautilus Project                                                                           Final Environmental Impact Statement

Appendix B –Silvicultural Findings of Compliance with Laws, Regulations and Policy           B‐8

Stand Number Site Indicator Stand Age Proposed Treatment

Age at 95%

CMAI Notes

081508              97 57 110 SC30/HE/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081508             103 75 90 OSR/PCT/Rx 80 Meets Requirement

081508             106 66 113 OSR/PCT/Rx 80 Meets Requirement

081701               1 59 117 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081701               2 43 136 SC30/PCT/Rx 105 Meets Requirement

081701               5 56 125 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081701               7 52 106 OSR/ITS/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081701              15 62 103 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081701              16 53 124 OSR/SC30/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081701              19 58 124 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081701              22 56 107 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 SS needs

081701              24 58 131 SC30/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081701              35 62 117 SC30/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081701              37 53 133 OSR/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081701              40 59 115 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081701              44 53 85 OSR/PCT/Rx 100 SS needs

081701              50 63 108 OSR/SC/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081701              53 63 117 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081701              58 52 94 SC30/PCT/Rx 100 SS needs

081701              62 50 184 SC30/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081701              64 64 110 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081701              72 54 110 OSR/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081701              73 51 116 OSR/SC30/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081702               1 55 120 SC30/PCT 100 Meets Requirement

081702               2 52 105 OSR/SC/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081702               4 56 124 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081702               6 58 124 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081702               7 58 122 OSR 85 Meets Requirement

081702               9 60 93 OSR 85 Meets Requirement

081702              10 59 87 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081702              13 49 126 SC30/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081702              15 41 159 OSR/PCT/Rx 105 Meets Requirement

081702              16 48 108 SC30/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081702              18 52 162 SC30 100 Meets Requirement

081702              19 56 108 OSR 85 Meets Requirement

081702              21 66 109 OSR/PCT/Rx 80 Meets Requirement

081702              22 51 142 OSR/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081702              33 42 167 OSR/PCT/Rx 105 Meets Requirement

081702              36 57 161 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081702              38 45 185 OSR/PCT/Rx 105 Meets Requirement

081702              39 52 138 OSR/HE/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement
Nautilus Project                                                                           Final Environmental Impact Statement

Appendix B –Silvicultural Findings of Compliance with Laws, Regulations and Policy           B‐9

Stand Number Site Indicator Stand Age Proposed Treatment

Age at 95%

CMAI Notes

081702              40 42 116 OSR/PCT/Rx 105 Meets Requirement

081702              46 54 128 OSR/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081702              60 68 131 SC30 80 Meets Requirement

081702              62 38 24 OSR/PCT/Rx 105 SS needs

081702              70 55 102 OSR/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081702              76 76 103 SC30/PCT/Rx 75 Meets Requirement

081702              77 66 139 OSR/PCT/Rx 80 Meets Requirement

081702              79 47 153 OSR/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081702              82 57 112 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081703               2 67 132 OSR 80 Meets Requirement

081703              10 57 155 SC30/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081703              14 62 131 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081703              17 59 127 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081703              18 71 146 OSR/SC/PCT/Rx 80 Meets Requirement

081703              20 61 110 SC30/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081703              21 68 112 SC30/ITS/PCT/Rx 80 Meets Requirement

081703              22 61 20 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 SS needs

081703              28 56 112 OSR/SC/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081703              32 52 87 SC30/PCT/Rx 100 SS needs

081703              38 65 110 SC30/HE/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081703              40 65 122 SC30/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081703              42 64 109 OSR 85 Meets Requirement

081703              59 57 127 SC30/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081704              13 58 94 OSR/HE/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081704              17 41 152 SC30/PCT/Rx 105 Meets Requirement

081704              22 62 23 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 SS needs

081704              26 64 105 SC30/HE/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081704              41 58 108 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081704              42 53 124 OSR 100 Meets Requirement

081705              13 74 123 OSR/SC/PCT/Rx 80 Meets Requirement

081705              15 50 131 OSR/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081705              17 42 131 OSR/PCT/Rx 105 Meets Requirement

081705              19 46 163 OSR/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081705              45 53 60 OSR/PCT/Rx 100 SS needs

081705              49 59 99 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081705              50 53 121 SC30/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081705              52 68 42 OSR/PCT/Rx 80 SS needs

081705              55 57 123 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081705              56 34 42 OSR/PCT/Rx 110 SS needs

081705              67 35 129 OSR/PCT/Rx 110 Meets Requirement

081705              69 59 108 OSR/HE/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement
Nautilus Project                                                                           Final Environmental Impact Statement

Appendix B –Silvicultural Findings of Compliance with Laws, Regulations and Policy           B‐10

Stand Number Site Indicator Stand Age Proposed Treatment

Age at 95%

CMAI Notes

081705              70 50 108 OSR/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081705              76 57 108 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081705              80 64 124 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081709               5 57 123 OSR/SC30/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081709               8 58 100 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081709              16 63 108 OSR/SC/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081709              19 47 115 OSR/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081709              22 68 111 SC30/PCT/Rx 80 Meets Requirement

081709              26 62 97 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081709              27 58 145 SC30/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081709              30 63 102 SC30/HE/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081709              33 57 121 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081709              45 49 115 OSR/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081709              59 57 137 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081709              60 64 135 SC30/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081710               5 61 108 SC30/OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081710              12 56 116 SC30/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081801               2 49 162 OSR/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081801               4 54 122 OSR/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081801               8 63 90 SC30/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081801              18 49 132 SC30/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081801              22 56 114 SC30/ITS/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081801              26 57 103 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081801              39 48 190 OSR/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081801              40 68 127 OSR/PCT/Rx 80 Meets Requirement

081801              47 52 26 OSR/PCT/Rx 100 SS needs

081801              62 53 100 OSR/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081801              66 56 108 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081801              71 58 142 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081801              73 56 134 SC30/PCT 85 Meets Requirement

081801              76 53 126 OSR/SC30/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081801              80 51 202 SC30/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081801              82 53 118 OSR/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081801              87 51 103 OSR/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081801             106 68 98 OSR/PCT 80 Meets Requirement

081801             109 53 151 OSR/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081801             116 61 104 SC30/ITS/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081801             136 51 115 SC30/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081801             138 51 126 OSR/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081802               2 62 124 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081802              11 54 111 SC30/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement
Nautilus Project                                                                           Final Environmental Impact Statement

Appendix B –Silvicultural Findings of Compliance with Laws, Regulations and Policy           B‐11

Stand Number Site Indicator Stand Age Proposed Treatment

Age at 95%

CMAI Notes

081802              24 63 77 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 SS needs

081802              25 68 123 OSR/PCT/Rx 80 Meets Requirement

081802              30 42 119 SC30/PCT/Rx 105 Meets Requirement

081802              32 57 115 SC30/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081802              35 71 99 OSR/HE/PCT/Rx 80 Meets Requirement

081802              48 67 115 OSR/CT40/PCT/Rx 80 Meets Requirement

081802              49 63 162 SC30/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081802              50 55 119 SC30/OSR/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081802              54 53 29 OSR/PCT/Rx 100 SS needs

081802              57 66 91 OSR/PCT/Rx 80 Meets Requirement

081802              66 61 127 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081802              69 59 120 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081802              70 45 133 OSR/PCT/Rx 105 Meets Requirement

081802              72 55 109 OSR/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081802              74 46 121 OSR/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081802              77 61 118 SC30/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081802              96 71 141 OSR/SC/PCT/Rx 80 Meets Requirement

081803              14 55 149 OSR/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081803              23 47 111 SC30/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081803              33 62 120 SC30/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081803              35 44 124 SC30/PCT/Rx 105 Meets Requirement

081803              39 43 121 OSR/HE/PCT/Rx 105 Meets Requirement

081803              43 52 109 OSR/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081803              44 58 111 OSR/HE/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081803              53 51 86 OSR/PCT/Rx 100 SS needs

081803              62 51 121 OSR/HE/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081803              63 46 118 OSR/SC/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081803              70 59 113 OSR/SC/HE/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081803              73 49 109 SC30/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081803              77 49 117 OSR/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081803              78 43 144 OSR/PCT/Rx 105 Meets Requirement

081803              83 62 101 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081803              92 51 178 OSR/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081803             102 43 208 OSR/PCT/Rx 105 Meets Requirement

081804               1 47 115 SC30/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081804               7 40 149 SC30/PCT/Rx 105 Meets Requirement

081804              14 55 131 OSR 100 Meets Requirement

081804              23 53 83 OSR/PCT/Rx 100 SS needs

081804              26 47 114 OSR/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081804              34 67 110 SC30/PCT 80 Meets Requirement

081804              39 53 119 OSR/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement
Nautilus Project                                                                           Final Environmental Impact Statement

Appendix B –Silvicultural Findings of Compliance with Laws, Regulations and Policy           B‐12

Stand Number Site Indicator Stand Age Proposed Treatment

Age at 95%

CMAI Notes

081804              45 48 104 OSR/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081804              47 48 97 OSR/PCT/Rx 100 SS needs

081804              50 56 107 OSR/PCT 85 Meets Requirement

081804              74 47 91 SC30/PCT/Rx 100 SS needs

081804              80 58 98 OSR/SC/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081804              83 50 104 OSR/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081901               3 61 102 SC30/ITS/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081901               4 59 111 SC30/HE/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081901               5 58 108 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081901               7 65 104 SC30/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081901               8 60 98 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081901              14 48 117 OSR/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081901              17 68 130 SC30/PCT 80 Meets Requirement

081901              20 63 116 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081901              22 62 116 OSR/HE/PCT 85 Meets Requirement

081901              31 57 117 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081901              32 59 103 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081901              33 58 122 OSR/SC/PCT 85 Meets Requirement

081901              34 59 110 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081901              35 53 113 OSR/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081901              37 65 95 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081901              38 50 122 OSR/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081901              39 68 24 OSR/PCT/Rx 80 SS needs

081901              44 66 94 OSR/PCT/Rx 80 Meets Requirement

081901              46 67 88 OSR/PCT/Rx 80 Meets Requirement

081901              50 65 122 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081901              52 66 111 OSR/PCT/Rx 80 Meets Requirement

081901              53 52 158 OSR/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081901              59 61 85 SC30/ITS/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081902               1 56 111 OSR/SC/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081902              13 58 110 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081902              20 55 102 OSR/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081902              22 63 103 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081902              23 51 129 SC30/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081902              28 53 98 OSR/PCT/Rx 100 SS needs

081902              37 52 120 OSR/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081902              38 68 100 OSR/HE/PCT/Rx 80 Meets Requirement

081902              50 49 107 OSR/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081902              54 47 97 OSR/PCT/Rx 100 SS needs

081902              57 61 116 SC30/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081902              61 58 118 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement
Nautilus Project                                                                           Final Environmental Impact Statement

Appendix B –Silvicultural Findings of Compliance with Laws, Regulations and Policy           B‐13

Stand Number Site Indicator Stand Age Proposed Treatment

Age at 95%

CMAI Notes

081902              62 68 114 SC30/PCT/Rx 80 Meets Requirement

081902              68 60 100 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081902              69 53 119 SC30/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081902              77 57 100 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081902              78 48 117 SC30/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081902              80 54 104 OSR/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081902              87 58 96 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081902              90 57 110 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081902              94 49 96 OSR/PCT/Rx 100 SS needs

081902              98 58 101 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081902             124 50 89 OSR/PCT/Rx 100 SS needs

081902             130 62 97 SC30/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081902             139 53 93 OSR/PCT/Rx 100 SS needs

081902             143 59 111 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081903               1 72 91 OSR/HE/PCT/Rx 80 Meets Requirement

081903               3 51 103 OSR/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081903               5 58 94 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081903               6 58 108 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081903               7 62 116 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081903               8 74 110 OSR/PCT/Rx 80 Meets Requirement

081903              11 64 83 SC30/HE/PCT/Rx 85 SS needs

081903              13 80 82 OSR/HE/PCT/Rx 75 Meets Requirement

081903              20 53 98 OSR/PCT/Rx 100 SS needs

081903              22 60 104 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081903              25 64 99 SC30/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081903              27 57 0 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 SS needs

081903              35 56 116 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081903              40 55 109 OSR/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081903              42 46 127 SC30/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081903              55 57 86 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081903              60 57 97 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081903              61 57 93 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081903              63 52 95 OSR/PCT/Rx 100 SS needs

081903              68 42 107 OSR/PCT/Rx 105 Meets Requirement

081903              70 58 110 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081903              74 67 114 SC30/PCT/Rx 80 Meets Requirement

081903              78 64 84 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 SS needs

081903              83 66 103 OSR/PCT/Rx 80 Meets Requirement

081903              99 61 103 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

081903             123 54 110 OSR/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

081903             126 57 0 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 SS needs
Nautilus Project                                                                           Final Environmental Impact Statement

Appendix B –Silvicultural Findings of Compliance with Laws, Regulations and Policy           B‐14

Stand Number Site Indicator Stand Age Proposed Treatment

Age at 95%

CMAI Notes

081903             133 58 0 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 SS needs

082003               1 61 27 OSR/PCT 85 SS needs

082003               2 44 90 OSR/PCT/Rx 105 SS needs

082003               3 61 145 OSR/PCT 85 Meets Requirement

082003               7 69 101 SC30/HE/PCT 80 Meets Requirement

082003               8 52 13 SC30/PCT 100 SS needs

082003               9 55 135 OSR/PCT 100 Meets Requirement

082003              11 62 139 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

082003              14 61 152 OSR/PCT 85 Meets Requirement

082003              16 61 103 SC30/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

082003              27 69 134 SC30/PCT/Rx 80 Meets Requirement

082003              35 51 135 OSR/PCT/Rx 100 Meets Requirement

082003              41 65 138 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

082003              42 61 0 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 SS needs

082005              16 70 125 OSR/PCT/Rx 80 Meets Requirement

082005              22 63 138 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

082005              26 60 0 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 SS needs

082005              29 62 130 OSR/PCT 85 Meets Requirement

082005              42 59 123 OSR/HE/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

082006               1 63 121 OSR/CT40/PCT 85 Meets Requirement

082006               2 73 76 SC30 80 SS needs

082006               3 58 116 SC30/PCT 85 Meets Requirement

082006               8 63 93 SC30/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

082006              10 95 115 OSR/HE/PCT/Rx 55 Meets Requirement

082006              12 51 110 OSR/SC/PCT 100 Meets Requirement

082006              13 68 123 OSR/PCT 80 Meets Requirement

082006              14 51 131 OSR/PCT 100 Meets Requirement

082006              15 73 123 OSR/PCT/Rx 80 Meets Requirement

082006              17 68 117 OSR/PCT 80 Meets Requirement

082006              18 60 105 SC30/PCT 85 Meets Requirement

082006              19 63 53 OSR/PCT 85 SS needs

082006              20 68 118 OSR/PCT/Rx 80 Meets Requirement

082006              22 67 91 OSR/SC30/PCT/Rx 80 Meets Requirement

082006              25 69 88 OSR/CT60/PCT/Rx 80 Meets Requirement

082006              28 63 119 SC30/HE/PCT 85 Meets Requirement

082006              29 66 111 SC30/PCT 80 Meets Requirement

082006              31 58 124 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

082006              32 62 91 SC30/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

082006              33 69 114 SC30/PCT 80 Meets Requirement

082006              40 68 124 OSR/PCT 80 Meets Requirement

082007              12 69 118 OSR/PCT/Rx 80 Meets Requirement
Findings prepared and

recommended by:

(14. Findings accepted by:

Nautilus Project Final Environmental Impact Statement

Stand Number Site Indicator Stand Age Proposed Treatment

Age at 95%

CMAI Notes

082007 14 65 106 OSR/PCT/Rx 85 Meets Requirement

District Ranger

(Line Officer Title)

CMAI Discussion and Certification

Date:Y

Date: 1-091W

The age at CMAI will vary depending on site quality, forest type, management intensities and utilization

standards, but various analyses indicate that it generally will occur for most stands between 80 and 120 years

for conifer sawtimber in the Black Hills. Timing of regeneration harvests for stands specified in FVS simulations

fall within or exceed this range. Using the threshold of 120 years of age for CMAI (based on the Forest Plan)

there are 161 sites within the suitable timber base that have exceeded that threshold.

Many of the sites are multi-storied or patchy containing components (overstory, understory, inclusions etc.) that

are individually either below or above 120 year old threshold (CMAI). When inventoried these components are

all combined and an average age for the stand is computed. Since the age for the stand is an average of the age

of each of its components, the stand average may fall above or below the age of each of its components.

Although it is difficult to calculate the CMAI of the components of a stand, portions receiving regeneration

treatments are similar to other even-aged mature stands in the area that are at CMAI and therefore have

reached CMAI. The recommended treatments will remove (or regenerate in the case of inclusions) those

components that show similarities with stands known to be at or beyond CMAI and manage those components

below CMAI with intermediate treatments (i.e. pre-commercial thinning, intermediate thinning).

I certify the stands receiving harvest treatments that are not exceptions to 16 USC 1604(i) have met the

culmination of mean annual increment. Discussions of CMAI and exceptions to CMAI requirements can be

found in the silviculture 'Findings' report or CMAI Calculations Table.

Amy Haas

Vegetation Management Specialist

Appendix B —Silvicultural Findings of Compliance with Laws, Regulations and Policy B-15
Nautilus Project                                                                           Final Environmental Impact Statement

Appendix B – Silvicultural Findings of Compliance with Laws, Regulations and Policy           B‐16

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