Nautilus Project

Draft Environmental Impact Statement

Appendix B

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

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

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Nautilus Project Draft 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 (USDAForest 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 [36 CFR 219.8(e)] 

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 (36 CFR 219.27cl). 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 (16 USC m c 2) and provide diversity and browse for wildlife and cattle and are not 

required to meet Culmination of Mean Annual Increment (CMA) (36 CFR 219.16a2iii). 

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 Draft 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 evenaged 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 U.S.C. 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 Draft 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. Unevenaged 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 U.S.C. 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 U.S.C. 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 Draft 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 Draft 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 Draft 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 Draft 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 Draft 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
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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
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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 Draft 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 Draft 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
Nautilus Project Draft Environmental Impact Statement

Appendix B –Silvicultural Findings of Compliance with Laws, Regulations and Policy B-15

Stand Number Site Indicator Stand Age Proposed Treatment

Age at 95% 

CMAI Notes

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

Findings prepared and

recommended by: Date:

 (Certified Silviculturist)

Findings accepted by: Date:

________________________________

 (Line Officer Title)

CMAI Discussion and Certification

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
Nautilus Project Draft Environmental Impact Statement

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

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