United States 

Department of

Agriculture

Forest Service

R 10-MB-736

October 2012 

 

Big Thorne Project

Thorne Bay Ranger District, 

Tongass National Forest

Draft Environmental 

Impact Statement

Volume V - Unit Cards (Units 500-582) 
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs 

and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where 

applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual 

orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an 

individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited 

bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means 

for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should 

contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). 

To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 

1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-

3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and 

employer.
Unit 500

Total Unit

Acres:

3.8 Prescription: Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

597.

2

Harvest

System:

Shovel

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

21

LUD:

Modified Landscape

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: This unit lies entirely within Stand #5972200501. The stand origination date is 1968. This stand was 

entirely pre-commercially thinned in 1982. The site potential in this area ranges from medium to high. The unit is currently in 

a successional stage of stem exclusion. This unit lies within the Deer Winter Range Landscape Zone. 

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

This treatment is being proposed based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using growth 

modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be developed 

at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for shovel yarding to the existing NFS road 3012000.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

No proposed road construction.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

 FISHERIES:

No streams found in unit at time of survey. If streams are found during implementations a fish biologist would be notified and 

appropriate protections would be applied.

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

Unit is in Moderate SIO; however, unit is set back at least 250 ft from the Thorne Bay-Control Lake highway and has 

vegetative and topographic screening. Thinning is not expected to be noticeable and VAC is moderate to high so openings 

can be as large as 15 acres or more. No concerns.

 RECREATION:

Unit

Number 500 Alternatives 3, 4, 5

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
Unit 500

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

Slopes average less than 25% throughout the unit based on review of digital elevation model. There are approximately 3 

acres (71% of the unit) mapped as forested wetland in the southeastern portion of the unit (BMP 12.5). The soils and 

wetlands are suitable for shovel yarding. Shovel yarding should follow BMPs 12.5, 13.2 and 13.9. Specifically, the shovel 

operator should avoid the small non-forested areas of the unit to prevent rutting. Use care when approving shovel yarding on 

slopes over 25% gradient . Avoid track slippage and rutting. 

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Additional analysis is ongoing to ensure that no 

activity areas exceed the Region 10 soil productivity standard.

 WILDLIFE:

Unit is located in Rio Beaver drainage, one of the north-south linkages between the Honker large OGR and the Karta 

WildernessCommercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat by improving forage availability and removing the stand from the 

stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again).
3012100

3012000

929

A1.1L

A1

A1

1968

1968

1987

2005

1966

1966

2010

2005

2005

500

502

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 500 Alternative 3 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

597.2

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3012100

3012000

929

A1.1L

A1

A1

1968

1968

1987

2005

1966

1966

2010

2005

2005

500

502

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 500 Alternative 4 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

597.2

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt4_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3012100

3012000

929

A1.1L

A1

A1

1968

1968

1987

2005

1966

1966

2010

2005

2005

500

502

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 500 Alternative 5 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Sytematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth 

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

597.2

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt5_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 501

Total Unit

Acres:

18.3 Prescription: Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

597.

2

Harvest

System:

Shovel

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

103

LUD:

Modified Landscape, 

Timber Production

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: This unit lies entirely within Stand #5972100502. The stand origination date is 1967. Approximately 62% 

of the stand area was pre-commercially thinned in 1982. The site potential in this area ranges from medium to high. The unit 

is in a successional stage of stem exclusion. This unit lies in the Deer Winter Range landscape zone. 

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

This treatment is being proposed based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using growth 

modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be developed 

at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for shovel yarding to the proposed temporary road.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

Unit is accessed by proposed temporary roads in Alternative 3, 4, and 5, totaling 1,400 feet, as displayed on the unit card. 

This road will be constructed entirely across decommissioned road bed.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

 FISHERIES:

Streams are tributaries to Rio Beaver Creek and Thorne River. Stream characteristics do not include project-specific, fieldverified, information.

Stream#: A1 Class: I Flagging: B/W C- Type: LCM, FPM, MMS

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for LCM greater of 100 feet or to the top of the side-slope break. Class I - greater of 130 feet (FPM) or 

120 feet (MMS), flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland fens. 

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A 

Temporary road (reopened decommissioned) for Unit 501: Alternatives 3, 4 and 5-- No known stream crossings. The 

temporary road has not been field verified and will be surveyed before implementation. If any stream crossings are found, 

crossings structures and locations will be approved by USFS, in consultation with fisheries biologist or hydrologist, prior to 

construction (BMP 14.17). During construction of temporary roads implement BMPs 12.17, 13.10, 13.11, 13.16, 14.3, and 

Unit

Number 501 Alternatives 3, 4, 5

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

Bull thistle infestation along road 3012000. Infestation has been treated in the past; recommend monitoring and follow-up 

treatments.
Unit 501

14.5.

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

One-third of unit is in Moderate SIO and two-thirds is in Very Low SIO; however, unit is set back at least 350 ft from the 

Thorne Bay-Control Lake highway and has vegetative and topographic screening. Thinning is not expected to be noticeable 

and VAC is moderate to high so openings can be as large as 15 acres or more. No concerns.

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

Slopes average less than 25% throughout the unit based on review of digital elevation model. There is approximately 3/4 

acre (4% of the unit) of forested wetland mapped near the southern unit boundary (BMP 12.5). The soils and wetlands are 

suitable for shovel yarding. Shovel yarding should follow BMPs 12.5, 13.2 and 13.9. Specifically, the shovel operator should 

avoid the small non-forested areas of the unit to prevent rutting. Use care when approving shovel yarding on slopes over 

25% gradient . Avoid track slippage and rutting.

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Additional analysis is ongoing to ensure that no 

activity areas exceed the Region 10 soil productivity standard.

 WILDLIFE:

Unit is located in Rio Beaver drainage, one of the north-south linkages between the Honker large OGR and the Karta 

Wilderness. Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat by improving forage availability and removing the stand from 

the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again).
3011000

3012000

3012100

929

X

A1

A1

2005

1967

2000

1987

1966

1966

2006

2008

2006

2006

2006

2006

501

502

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 501 Alternative 3 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

597.2

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3011000

3012000

3012100

929

X

A1

A1

2005

1967

2000

1987

1966

1966

2006

2008

2006

2006

2006

2006

501

502

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 501 Alternative 4 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

597.2

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt4_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3011000

3012000

3012100

929

X

A1

A1

2005

1967

2000

1987

1966

1966

2006

2008

2006

2006

2006

2006

501

502

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 501 Alternative 5 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Sytematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth 

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

597.2

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt5_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 502

Total Unit

Acres:

43.9 Prescription: Systematic and 

Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

597.

2

Harvest

System:

Cable, Shovel

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

274

LUD:

Modified Landscape, 

Timber Production

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: The majority of this unit lies within Stand #5972200502. The stand origination date is 1966. 

Approximately 79% of the stand area was pre-commercially thinned in 1982. Approximately 7.7 acres of the unit lies within 

Stand #5972100503. This stand was entirely pre-commercially thinned in 1982. The site potential in this unit appears to 

range from medium to high. The unit is in a successional stage of stem exclusions. This unit lies in the Deer Winter Range 

landscape zone. 

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Systematic Thinning

Apply systematic thinning strips in portions of the unit unsuitable for uniform thinning. Systematic thinning should be applied 

primarily in downhill settings where full suspension cannot be achieved or other areas where uniform thinning will result in 

unacceptable levels of residual tree damage or otherwise is operationally infeasible. Systematic thinning should remove all 

trees within corridors 20 to 60 feet wide depending on operational feasibility, visual concerns and /or windthrow potential. 

Maintain a 60-120 foot distance between cut corridors resulting in at least a 50% basal area retention. Where visuals are of 

concern, cut corridors should be kept to approximately 20 feet in width pending scenery direction. Although parallel strips 

are likely to be most common, there are options for fan shapes, depending on landing/road locations.

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for a combination of shovel and cable yarding. Shovel settings are planned for yarding to the existing 

NFS roads 3012000, 3012100, and proposed temporary road. Cable settings are planned for uphill and downhill yarding to 

the proposed temporary road and existing NFS road 3012000. Uniform thinning is planned on shovel and uphill cable 

settings. Strip thinning is planned on downhill cable settings.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

Unit is accessed by a proposed temporary road in Alternative 3, 4, and 5, totaling 2,500 feet, as displayed on the unit card. 

This road will be constructed entirely across decommissioned road bed.

 BOTANY:

Three Plantanthera (sensitive plant) populations near unit. One relatively small portion fo one population enters the 

northwestern portion of unit (uniform thin area), resulting in an estimated 4 plants that could be directly affected. Unit could 

indirectly impact Plantanthera populations to north and west.

Unit

Number 502 Alternatives 3, 4, 5

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

Bull thistle infestation along road 3012000. Infestation has been treated in the past; recommend monitoring and follow-up 

treatments.
Unit 502

 FISHERIES:

Streams are tributaries to Rio Beaver and Thorne River. Stream characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, 

information.

Stream#: A1 Class: I Flagging: B/W C- Type: MMS

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for MMS greater of 120 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland 

fens.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

Unit is made up of 35 acres of Low SIO and 9 acres of Very Low. Unit is generally 1/2 mile or more from the Thorne BayControl Lake highway. Some areas of thinning can likely be seen, but are unlikely to be very noticeable. VAC is moderate to 

high so openings can be as large as 40 acres or more. No concerns.

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

Slopes average less than 55% throughout the unit based on review of digital elevation model. The western third of the unit is 

below 35% slope. There are no slopes greater than 72% mapped in the unit. Two small avalanches occur near the center of 

the unit. There are about 1/2 acre (1% of the unit) of emergent sedge/forested wetland complex and 2 acres (4% of the unit) 

of forested wetland mapped near the unit edges (BMP 12.5). The soils and wetlands are suitable for partial suspension cable 

yarding or shovel yarding. All logging systems should follow BMPs 12.5, 13.2 and 13.9. Specifically, the shovel operator 

should avoid the small non-forested areas of the unit to prevent rutting. Slopes over 25% gradient may not be suitable for 

shovel yarding under some soil moisture conditions. Use care when approving shovel yarding on slopes over 25% gradient. 

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Additional analysis is ongoing to ensure that no 

activity areas exceed the Region 10 soil productivity standard

 WILDLIFE:

Unit is located in Rio Beaver drainage, one of the north-south linkages between the Honker large OGR and the Karta 

Wilderness. Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat by improving forage availability and removing the stand from 

the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again).
3012105

3012000

3012140

3012120

3012100

A1.

A1

A1

2005

1968

1967

1968

2000

1987

1966

1966

1966

1966

2004

2010

2005

500

501

502

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 502 Alternative 3 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

597.2

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3012105

3012000

3012140

3012120

3012100

A1.

A1

A1

2005

1968

1967

1968

2000

1987

1966

1966

1966

1966

2004

2010

2005

500

501

502

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 502 Alternative 4 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

597.2

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt4_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3012105

3012000

3012140

3012120

3012100

A1.

A1

A1

2005

1968

1967

1968

2000

1987

1966

1966

1966

1966

2004

2010

2005

500

501

502

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 502 Alternative 5 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Sytematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth 

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

597.2

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt5_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 503

Total Unit

Acres:

15.9 Prescription: Systematic 

Thinning

VCU

Number:

597.

2

Harvest

System:

Cable

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

119

LUD:

Timber Production

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: This unit lies entirely within Stand #5972100504. The stand origination date is 1967. Approximately 82% 

of the stand area has been pre-commercially thinned. The site potential in this area appears to range from medium to high. 

The unit is in a successional stage of stem exclusion. This unit lies within the Deer Winter Range landscape zone. 

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Systematic Thinning

Apply systematic thinning strips in portions of the unit unsuitable for uniform thinning. Systematic thinning should be applied 

primarily in downhill settings where full suspension cannot be achieved or other areas where uniform thinning will result in 

unacceptable levels of residual tree damage or otherwise is operationally infeasible. Systematic thinning should remove all 

trees within corridors 20 to 60 feet wide depending on operational feasibility, visual concerns and /or windthrow potential. 

Maintain a 60-120 foot distance between cut corridors resulting in at least a 50% basal area retention. Where visuals are of 

concern, cut corridors should be kept to approximately 20 feet in width pending scenery direction. Although parallel strips 

are likely to be most common, there are options for fan shapes, depending on landing/road locations.

The treatment being proposed is based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using growth 

modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be developed 

at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for uphill and downhill cable yarding to the existing NFS road 3012000 and proposed temporary road.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

Unit is accessed by a proposed temporary road in Alternative 3, 4, and 5, totaling 700 feet, as displayed on the unit card. 

This road will be constructed entirely across decommissioned road bed.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

 FISHERIES:

Unit

Number 503 Alternatives 3, 4, 5

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
Unit 503

Streams are tributaries to Rio Beaver Creek. Stream characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, information.

Stream#: A1.1L Class: I Flagging: B/W C- Type: FPS, HCV

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for FPS greater of 130 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland 

fens. Class I for HCV greater of 100 feet or to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A 

Temporary road (reopened decommissioned) for Unit 503: Alternatives 3, 4 and 5-- No known stream crossings. The 

temporary road has not been field verified and will be surveyed before implementation. If any stream crossings are found, 

crossings structures and locations will be approved by USFS, in consultation with fisheries biologist or hydrologist, prior to 

construction (BMP 14.17). During construction of temporary roads implement BMPs 12.17, 13.10, 13.11, 13.16, 14.3, and 

14.5.

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

No Concerns

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

Slopes in the unit are less than about 50%, but the majority of the unit is below 35% slope. There are approximately 3 acres 

(21% of the unit) of forested wetland mapped adjacent to the southeastern unit edge (BMP 12.5). A minimum of partial 

suspension will meet soil and wetland resource concerns (follow BMPs 12.5, 13.2 and 13.9). 

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Additional analysis is ongoing to ensure that no 

activity areas exceed the Region 10 soil productivity standard.

 WILDLIFE:

Unit is located in Rio Beaver drainage, one of the north-south linkages between the Honker large OGR and the Karta 

Wilderness. Unit is located in Rio Beaver drainage, one of the north-south linkage between the Honker large OGR and the 

Karta Wilderness. Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat by improving forage availability and removing the stand 

from the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again).
3012000

3012140

3012140

3012145

1.5R

1.1R

1.2R.1R

1 A1

A A1.1L1

A1/1L

3R.1R

1.4 R

1.3R

1.1R.3R

1.1R.4R

1 1. R 1. R

1.1R.5R

1.1R.6R

1.1R.1R.1L

1.2R

1.1R.2R

1.1R

2004

1992

1966

1966

1967

2006

2006

2004

2006

503

504

34

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 503 Alternative 3 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

597.2

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3012000

3012140

3012140

3012145

1.5R

1.1R

1.2R.1R

1 A1

A A1.1L1

A1/1L

3R.1R

1.4 R

1.3R

1.1R.3R

1.1R.4R

1 1. R 1. R

1.1R.5R

1.1R.6R

1.1R.1R.1L

1.2R

1.1R.2R

1.1R

2004

1992

1966

1966

1967

2006

2006

2004

2006

503

504

34

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 503 Alternative 4 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

597.2

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt4_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3012000

3012140

3012140

3012145

1.5R

1.1R

1.2R.1R

1 A1

A A1.1L1

A1/1L

3R.1R

1.4 R

1.3R

1.1R.3R

1.1R.4R

1 1. R 1. R

1.1R.5R

1.1R.6R

1.1R.1R.1L

1.2R

1.1R.2R

1.1R

2004

1992

1966

1966

1967

2006

2006

2004

2006

503

504

34

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 503 Alternative 5 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Sytematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth 

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

597.2

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt5_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 504

Total Unit

Acres:

27.0 Prescription: Systematic and 

Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

597.

2

Harvest

System:

Cable, Shovel

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

176

LUD:

Timber Production

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: This unit lies primarily within Stand #5972100093. The stand origination date is 1966. Approximately 

98% of the stand area has been pre-commercially thinned. Approximately 3.7 acres of the unit lies within Stand 

#5972100505. This stand has had approximately 90% of the stand area pre-commercially thinned. The site potential in this 

area appears to range from medium to high. The unit is in a successional stage of stem exclusion. This unit lies within the 

Deer Winter Range landscape zone. 

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Systematic Thinning

Apply systematic thinning strips in portions of the unit unsuitable for uniform thinning. Systematic thinning should be applied 

primarily in downhill settings where full suspension cannot be achieved or other areas where uniform thinning will result in 

unacceptable levels of residual tree damage or otherwise is operationally infeasible. Systematic thinning should remove all 

trees within corridors 20 to 60 feet wide depending on operational feasibility, visual concerns and /or windthrow potential. 

Maintain a 60-120 foot distance between cut corridors resulting in at least a 50% basal area retention. Where visuals are of 

concern, cut corridors should be kept to approximately 20 feet in width pending scenery direction. Although parallel strips 

are likely to be most common, there are options for fan shapes, depending on landing/road locations.

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for a combination of shovel and cable yarding. Shovel settings are planned for yarding to the existing 

NFS road 3012000. Cable settings are planned for uphill and downhill yarding to the existing NFS roads 3012000 and 

3012180. Shovel and uphill cable settings are planned for uniform thinning. Downhill cable settings are planned for strip 

thinning. If possible, use fan-shaped pattern for strips to avoid yarding into the RMA corridor along 3012000 road in middle 

of unit. If not feasible, then minimize number and size of corridors in RMA.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

No proposed road construction.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

 FISHERIES:

Unit

Number 504 Alternatives 3, 4, 5

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

Infestation of perrenial sowthistle located in unit along occur along road 3012000. Recommend treatment and monitoring.
Unit 504

Streams are tributaries to Rio Beaver Creek. Stream characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, information.

Stream#: A1 Class: I Flagging: B/W C- Type: FPM

Concerns: Potential need for yarding corridors in RMA. If needed, minimize width and number.

Buffer (RMA): Class I for FPM greater of 130 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland 

fens. 

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A 

Stream#: A1.L1 Class: I, III Flagging: B/W, O/W C- Type: MMS, HCD

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for MMS greater of 120 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland 

fens. Class III for HCD to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A and B

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

No Concerns

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

Nearly 80% of the unit is below 50% slope. There are no slopes greater than 72% mapped in the unit. A historic avalanche 

(pre-1971) occurs near the southeast boundary. There is about 1/4 acre (1% of the unit) of forested wetland mapped near the 

northern tip of the unit (BMP 12.5). The soils and wetlands are suitable for partial suspension cable yarding or shovel 

yarding. All logging systems should follow BMPs 12.5, 13.2 and 13.9. Specifically, the shovel operator should avoid the 

small non-forested areas of the unit to prevent rutting. Slopes over 25% gradient may not be suitable for shovel yarding 

under some soil moisture conditions. Use care when approving shovel yarding on slopes over 25% gradient.

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Additional analysis is ongoing to ensure that no 

activity areas exceed the Region 10 soil productivity standard.

 WILDLIFE:

Unit is located in Rio Beaver drainage, one of the north-south linkage between the Honker large OGR and the Karta 

Wilderness. Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat by improving forage availability and removing the stand from 

the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again).
3012180

3012145

3012000

3012200

1.3R.1L

1

A1.6R

A1/1L

A1

A1

1.4R.3L

1.5R.1R

1.5R

1.3R.2L

1. 4 R

1.3R

A1.1L.1R

1.4R.2 L

1.5R

1.4R

1.4R.1L

A1.1L

A1.7R

1992

1966

1966

1967

503

504

504

504

505

34

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 504 Alternative 3 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

597.2

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3012180

3012145

3012000

3012200

1.3R.1L

1

A1.6R

A1/1L

A1

A1

1.4R.3L

1.5R.1R

1.5R

1.3R.2L

1. 4 R

1.3R

A1.1L.1R

1.4R.2 L

1.5R

1.4R

1.4R.1L

A1.1L

A1.7R

1992

1966

1966

1967

503

504

504

504

505

34

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 504 Alternative 4 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

597.2

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt4_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3012180

3012145

3012000

3012200

1.3R.1L

1

A1.6R

A1/1L

A1

A1

1.4R.3L

1.5R.1R

1.5R

1.3R.2L

1. 4 R

1.3R

A1.1L.1R

1.4R.2 L

1.5R

1.4R

1.4R.1L

A1.1L

A1.7R

1992

1966

1966

1967

503

504

504

504

505

34

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 504 Alternative 5 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Sytematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth 

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

597.2

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt5_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 505

Total Unit

Acres:

22.0 Prescription: Systematic and 

Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

597.

2

Harvest

System:

Cable, Shovel

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

154

LUD:

Modified Landscape, 

Timber Production

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: This unit lies entirely within Stand #5972100505. The stand origination date is 1966. Approximately 90% 

of the stand area has been pre-commercially thinned. The site potential in this area appears to range from medium to high. 

The unit is in a successional stage of stem exclusion. This unit lies within the Deer Winter Range landscape zone. 

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Systematic Thinning

Apply systematic thinning strips in portions of the unit unsuitable for uniform thinning. Systematic thinning should be applied 

primarily in downhill settings where full suspension cannot be achieved or other areas where uniform thinning will result in 

unacceptable levels of residual tree damage or otherwise is operationally infeasible. Systematic thinning should remove all 

trees within corridors 20 to 60 feet wide depending on operational feasibility, visual concerns and /or windthrow potential. 

Maintain a 60-120 foot distance between cut corridors resulting in at least a 50% basal area retention. Where visuals are of 

concern, cut corridors should be kept to approximately 20 feet in width pending scenery direction. Although parallel strips 

are likely to be most common, there are options for fan shapes, depending on landing/road locations.

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for a combination of ground-based and cable yarding. Shovel settings are planned for yarding to the 

existing NFS road 3012200. Cable settings are planned for downhill yarding to the existing NFS road 3012200. Shovel 

settings are planned for uniform thinning. Cable settings are planned for strip thinning.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

Unit is accessed by reconstruction of NFS road 3012200, totaling 4400 feet, as displayed on the unit card. See 

corresponding road card for detailed information.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

 FISHERIES:

Unit

Number 505 Alternatives 3, 4, 5

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
Unit 505

Streams are tributaries to Rio Beaver Creek. Stream characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, information.

Stream#: 1.5R Class: I, II, IV Flagging: B/W, G/W C- Type: FPO, HCO

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for FPO greater of 130 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland fens. 

Class II for HCO greater of 100 feet or to the top of the side-slope break. Class IV for HCO none. 

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A, B and C 

Stream#: A1.6R 	 Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B 

Stream#: A1.7R Class: I, III Flagging: B/W, O/W C- Type: MMS, HCM

Concerns: yarding through RMA

Buffer (RMA): Class I for MMS greater of 120 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland 

fens. Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A and B 

Stream#: A1.7R.1L Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

No Concerns

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

Slopes range from about 15% to greater than 72%, based on DEMs. Field verification will be needed. There are 

approximately 5 acres (18% of the unit) of forested wetland and 2 acres (8% of the unit) of moss muskeg and 3 acres (14% 

of unit) of tall sedge fen near the eastern boundary of the unit (BMP 12.5). The soils and wetlands are suitable for partial 

suspension cable yarding or shovel yarding. All logging systems should follow BMPs 12.5, 13.2 and 13.9. Where shovel 

yarding is used, the shovel operator should avoid the small non-forested areas of the unit to prevent rutting. Slopes over 

25% gradient may not be suitable for shovel yarding under some soil moisture conditions. Use care when approving shovel 

yarding on slopes over 25% gradient.

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Additional analysis is ongoing to ensure that no 

activity areas exceed the Region 10 soil productivity standard.

 WILDLIFE:

Unit is located in Rio Beaver drainage, one of the north-south linkage between the Honker large OGR and the Karta 

Wilderness. Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat by improving forage availability and removing the stand from 

the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again).
3012000

3012180

3012200

3012210

1.4R.3L.1L

1.4R.4L

A1.6R

1.4R.3L

A1.7R

A1.1L.1R

A 1

A1

4R.1R

1.5R.1R

1.5R

1. 4R.1R

A1.7R

1.5 R

1.4R

A1.7R.1L

A1

1.4R .2L

1.4R.1L

A1.1L

1966

1966

1966

34

504

504

504

505

506

506

33

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 505 Alternative 3 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

597.2

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3012000

3012180

3012200

3012210

1.4R.3L.1L

1.4R.4L

A1.6R

1.4R.3L

A1.7R

A1.1L.1R

A 1

A1

4R.1R

1.5R.1R

1.5R

1. 4R.1R

A1.7R

1.5 R

1.4R

A1.7R.1L

A1

1.4R .2L

1.4R.1L

A1.1L

1966

1966

1966

34

504

504

504

505

506

506

33

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 505 Alternative 4 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

597.2

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt4_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3012000

3012180

3012200

3012210

1.4R.3L.1L

1.4R.4L

A1.6R

1.4R.3L

A1.7R

A1.1L.1R

A 1

A1

4R.1R

1.5R.1R

1.5R

1. 4R.1R

A1.7R

1.5 R

1.4R

A1.7R.1L

A1

1.4R .2L

1.4R.1L

A1.1L

1966

1966

1966

34

504

504

504

505

506

506

33

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 505 Alternative 5 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Sytematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth 

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

597.2

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt5_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 506

Total Unit

Acres:

32.8 Prescription: Systematic and 

Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

597.

2

Harvest

System:

Cable, Shovel

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

239

LUD:

Timber Production

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: This unit lies entirely within Stand #5972100505. The stand origination date is 1966. Approximately 90% 

of the stand area has been pre-commercially thinned. The site potential in this area appears to range from medium to high. 

The unit is in a successional stage of stem exclusion. This unit lies within the Deer Winter Range landscape zone. 

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Systematic Thinning

Apply systematic thinning strips in portions of the unit unsuitable for uniform thinning. Systematic thinning should be applied 

primarily in downhill settings where full suspension cannot be achieved or other areas where uniform thinning will result in 

unacceptable levels of residual tree damage or otherwise is operationally infeasible. Systematic thinning should remove all 

trees within corridors 20 to 60 feet wide depending on operational feasibility, visual concerns and /or windthrow potential. 

Maintain a 60-120 foot distance between cut corridors resulting in at least a 50% basal area retention. Where visuals are of 

concern, cut corridors should be kept to approximately 20 feet in width pending scenery direction. Although parallel strips 

are likely to be most common, there are options for fan shapes, depending on landing/road locations.

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for a combination of shovel and cable yarding. Cable settings are planned for downhill yarding to the 

existing NFS road 3012000. Shovel settings are planned for yarding to the existing NFS road 3012000. Uniform thinning is 

planned in shovel settings. Strip thinning is planned in cable settings. Because much of the road 3012000 length traverses 

the RMA along Rio Beaver Creek, strip thinning may require yarding into the RMA. Utilize fan-shaped patterns for yarding 

strips as much as possible to minimize the need for strips inside the RMA; where they are necessary, minimize strip width 

and number of strips and make use of skips or thickets.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

No proposed road construction.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

 FISHERIES:

Unit

Number 506 Alternatives 3, 4, 5

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
Unit 506

Streams are tributaries to Rio Beaver. Stream characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, information.

Stream#: A1 (Rio Beaver) Class: I Flagging: B/W C- Type: FPM

Concerns: Potential need for yarding corridors in RMA. If needed, minimize width and number.

Buffer (RMA): Class I for FPM greater of 130 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland fens. 

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A 

Stream#: A1.2L Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break. 

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

No Concerns

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

Slopes range from about 20% to about 75% based on DEMs. Field verification will be required. A small debris torrent 

(initiated in 1993) occurs near the center of the unit (in the cable setting). No wetlands have been mapped in the unit. The 

soils and wetlands are suitable for partial suspension cable yarding or shovel yarding. All logging systems should follow 

BMPs 12.5, 13.2 and 13.9. Where shovel yarding is used, the shovel operator should avoid the small non-forested areas of 

the unit to prevent rutting. Slopes over 25% gradient may not be suitable for shovel yarding under some soil moisture 

conditions. Use care when approving shovel yarding on slopes over 25% gradient.

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Additional analysis is ongoing to ensure that no 

activity areas exceed the Region 10 soil productivity standard.

 WILDLIFE:

Unit is located in Rio Beaver drainage, one of the north-south linkage between the Honker large OGR and the Karta 

Wilderness. Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat by improving forage availability and removing the stand from 

the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again).
3012000

3012180

3012200

3012210

A4

A1.7R

A4.1L

A1.7R.1L

A3

A1

A11

A1

A1.2L

A1.7R

A2

A1

A1.1L.1R 1966

1966

1966

1993

505

506

506

507

508

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 506 Alternative 3 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

597.2

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3012000

3012180

3012200

3012210

A4

A1.7R

A4.1L

A1.7R.1L

A3

A1

A11

A1

A1.2L

A1.7R

A2

A1

A1.1L.1R 1966

1966

1966

1993

505

506

506

507

508

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 506 Alternative 4 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

597.2

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt4_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3012000

3012180

3012200

3012210

A4

A1.7R

A4.1L

A1.7R.1L

A3

A1

A11

A1

A1.2L

A1.7R

A2

A1

A1.1L.1R 1966

1966

1966

1993

505

506

506

507

508

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 506 Alternative 5 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Sytematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth 

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

597.2

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt5_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 507

Total Unit

Acres:

22.1 Prescription: Systematic and 

Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

597.

2

Harvest

System:

Cable, Shovel

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

149

LUD:

Timber Production

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: This unit lies entirely within Stand #5972100046. The stand origination date is 1966. Approximately 89% 

of the stand area was pre-commercially thinned in 1986. The site potential in this area appears to range from medium to 

high. The unit is in a successional stage of stem exclusion. This unit lies within the Deer Winter Range landscape zone. 

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Systematic Thinning

Apply systematic thinning strips in portions of the unit unsuitable for uniform thinning. Systematic thinning should be applied 

primarily in downhill settings where full suspension cannot be achieved or other areas where uniform thinning will result in 

unacceptable levels of residual tree damage or otherwise is operationally infeasible. Systematic thinning should remove all 

trees within corridors 20 to 60 feet wide depending on operational feasibility, visual concerns and /or windthrow potential. 

Maintain a 60-120 foot distance between cut corridors resulting in at least a 50% basal area retention. Where visuals are of 

concern, cut corridors should be kept to approximately 20 feet in width pending scenery direction. Although parallel strips 

are likely to be most common, there are options for fan shapes, depending on landing/road locations.

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for a combination of shovel and cable yarding. Cable settings are planned for downhill yarding to the 

existing NFS road 3012180. Shovel settings are planned for yarding to the existing NFS road 3012180. Uniform thinning is 

planned in ground-based settings. Strip thinning is planned in cable settings.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

No proposed road construction.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

 FISHERIES:

Unit

Number 507 Alternatives 3, 4, 5

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
Unit 507

Streams are tributaries to Rio Beaver. Stream characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, information.

Stream#: A1.1L.1R Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

No Concerns

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

Slopes range from about 15% to about 60% based on DEMs. There are no slopes greater than 72% mapped in the unit. A 

small debris avalanche (initiated in 1993) occurs near the center of the unit (in the cable setting). No wetlands have been 

mapped in the unit. The soils and wetlands are suitable for partial suspension cable yarding or shovel yarding. All logging 

systems should follow BMPs 12.5, 13.2 and 13.9. Where shovel yarding is used, the shovel operator should avoid the small 

non-forested areas of the unit to prevent rutting. Slopes over 25% gradient may not be suitable for shovel yarding under 

some soil moisture conditions. Use care when approving shovel yarding on slopes over 25% gradient.

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Additional analysis is ongoing to ensure that no 

activity areas exceed the Region 10 soil productivity standard.

 WILDLIFE:

Unit is located in Rio Beaver drainage, one of the north-south linkage between the Honker large OGR and the Karta 

Wilderness. Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat by improving forage availability and removing the stand from 

the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again).
3012145

3012000

3012180

3012210

3012200

A1.7R.1L

A2

A1.7R

A1.7R

A 1

A1.2L

A1.1L.1R

A1 1992 1966

1966

1966

1993

1993

505

506

506

507

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 507 Alternative 3 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

597.2

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3012145

3012000

3012180

3012210

3012200

A1.7R.1L

A2

A1.7R

A1.7R

A 1

A1.2L

A1.1L.1R

A1 1992 1966

1966

1966

1993

1993

505

506

506

507

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 507 Alternative 4 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

597.2

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt4_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3012145

3012000

3012180

3012210

3012200

A1.7R.1L

A2

A1.7R

A1.7R

A 1

A1.2L

A1.1L.1R

A1 1992 1966

1966

1966

1993

1993

505

506

506

507

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 507 Alternative 5 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Sytematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth 

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

597.2

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt5_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 508

Total Unit

Acres:

Alts 3 & 4: 

55.6 Alt 5: 

51.8

Prescription: Systematic and 

Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

597.

2

Harvest

System:

Cable, Shovel

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

3, 4 - 363

5 - 342 LUD:

Timber Production

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: This unit lies primarily within Stand #5972100505. The stand origination date is 1966. Approximately 

90% of the stand area was pre-commercially thinned in 1985. Approximately 3.8 acres of the unit lies within Stand 

#5972400501. The stand origination date is 1966. Approximately 36% of the stand area has been pre-commercially thinned. 

This was primarily completed in 1985. The site potential in this area appears to range from medium to high. The unit is in a 

successional stage of stem exlusion. This unit lies within the Deer Winter Range landscape zone. 

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Systematic Thinning

Apply systematic thinning strips in portions of the unit unsuitable for uniform thinning. Systematic thinning should be applied 

primarily in downhill settings where full suspension cannot be achieved or other areas where uniform thinning will result in 

unacceptable levels of residual tree damage or otherwise is operationally infeasible. Systematic thinning should remove all 

trees within corridors 20 to 60 feet wide depending on operational feasibility, visual concerns and /or windthrow potential. 

Maintain a 60-120 foot distance between cut corridors resulting in at least a 50% basal area retention. Where visuals are of 

concern, cut corridors should be kept to approximately 20 feet in width pending scenery direction. Although parallel strips 

are likely to be most common, there are options for fan shapes, depending on landing/road locations.

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for a combination of shovel and cable yarding. Cable settings are planned for downhill yarding to the 

existing NFS road 3012210. Shovel settings are planned for yarding to the existing NFS road 3012210. Uniform thinning is 

planned in ground-based settings. Strip thinning is planned in cable settings.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

Unit is accessed by reconstruction of NFS roads 3012200 and 3012210, totaling 6400 feet. See corresponding road card for 

detailed information.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

 FISHERIES:

Unit

Number 508 Alternatives 3, 4, 5

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
Unit 508

Streams are tributaries to Rio Beaver. Stream characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, information.

Stream#: A1 (Rio Beaver) Class: I Flagging: B/W C- Type: FPM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for FPM greater of 130 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland fens.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A 

Stream#: A11 Class: II, III Flagging: B/W, O/W C- Type: HCL, HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class II for HCL greater of 100 feet or to the top of the side-slope break. 

Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A 

Stream#: A2 Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM, HCD

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCM and HCD to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B 

Stream#: A3 Class: I, II, III Flagging: B/W, O/W C- Type: MMS, HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I and II for MMS greater of 120 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated 

wetland fens. Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A and B

Stream#: A4 Class: I, III Flagging: B/W, O/W C- Type: MMS, HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Buffer (RMA): Class I and II for MMS greater of 120 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian 

associated wetland fens. Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A and B

Stream#: A4.1R Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCD

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCD to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B 

Stream#: A5 Class: I, III Flagging: B/W, O/W C- Type: PAS, HCM, HCD

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for PAS greater of 100 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland fens. 

Class III for HCM and HCD to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A and B

Stream#: A5.1R Class: I, II, III Flagging: B/W, O/W C- Type: PAS, HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I and II for PAS greater of 100 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated 

wetland fens. Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A and B 

Stream#: A5.1R.1L Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns
Unit 508

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

No Concerns

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

Slopes range from about 10% to more than 72% based on DEMs. Field verification will be required. Nearly 3⁄4 of the unit is 

less than 35% slope. There are about 16 acres affected by debris avalanches in the unit. There are approximately 19 acres 

(32% of the unit) of forested wetland adjacent to the eastern unit boundary (BMP 12.5). The soils and wetlands are suitable 

for partial suspension cable yarding or shovel yarding. All logging systems should follow BMPs 12.5, 13.2 and 13.9. Where 

shovel yarding is used, the shovel operator should avoid the small non-forested areas of the unit to prevent rutting. Slopes 

over 25% gradient may not be suitable for shovel yarding under some soil moisture conditions. Use care when approving 

shovel yarding on slopes over 25% gradient.

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Additional analysis is ongoing to ensure that no 

activity areas exceed the Region 10 soil productivity standard. 

There are approximately 19 acres (32% of the unit) of forested wetland adjacent to the eastern unit boundary (BMP 12.5).

 WILDLIFE:

Unit is located in Rio Beaver drainage, one of the north-south linkage between the Honker large OGR and the Karta 

Wilderness. Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat by improving forage availability and removing the stand from 

the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again).
3012210

3012280

3012280

3012000

3012000

3012210

A5

A5.1R

A5.1R.1L

A7

A6

A4

A11

A3

A4.1L

A1.2L

A1

A1

A2

1966

1966

506

508

508

511

511

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 508 Alternative 3 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

597.2

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3012210

3012280

3012280

3012000

3012000

3012210

A5

A5.1R

A5.1R.1L

A7

A6

A4

A11

A3

A4.1L

A1.2L

A1

A1

A2

1966

1966

506

508

508

511

511

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 508 Alternative 4 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

597.2

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt4_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3012210

3012280

3012280

3012000

3012000

3012210

A5

A5.1R

A5.1R.1L

A7

A6

A4

A11

A3

A4.1L

A1.2L

A1

A1

A2

1966

1966

506

508

508

511

511

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 508 Alternative 5 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Sytematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth 

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

597.2

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt5_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 511

Total Unit

Acres:

23.5 Prescription: Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

597.

2

Harvest

System:

Cable, Shovel

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

132

LUD:

Timber Production

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: This unit lies primarily within Stand #5972400501. The stand origination date is 1966. Approximately 

36% of the stand area has been pre-commercially thinned. This was primarily completed in 1985. Approximately 0.5 acres of 

the unit lies within Stand #5972100505. The stand origination date is 1966. Approximately 90% of the stand area was precommercially thinned in 1985. The site potential in this area appears to range from medium to high. The unit is in a 

successional stage of stem exclusion. This unit lies within the Deer Winter Range landscape zone. 

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

This treatment is being proposed based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using growth 

modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be developed 

at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for a combination of cable and shovel yarding. Shovel yarding is planned to the existing NFS roads 

3012000, and 3012300. Cable settings are planned for uphill yarding to the existing NFS road 3012300.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

Unit is accessed by reconstruction of NFS roads 3012000 and 3012300, totaling 5,300 feet. See corresponding road cards 

for detailed information.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

 FISHERIES:

Streams are tributaries to Rio Beaver. Stream characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, information.

Stream#: A1 (Rio Beaver) Class: I Flagging: B/W C- Type: FPM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for FPM greater of 130 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland fens.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A 

Stream#: A7 Class: I, III Flagging: B/W, O/W C- Type: FPS, HCV

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for FPS greater of 130 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland 

fens. Class III for HCV to the top of the side-slope break.

Unit

Number 511 Alternatives 3, 4, 5

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
Unit 511

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A and B 

Stream#: A8 Class: I, III Flagging: B/W, O/W C- Type: PAS, HCL, HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for PAS greater of 100 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland 

fens. Class I for HCL greater of 100 feet or the top of the side-slope break. Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope 

break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A and B 

Stream#: A8.1R 	 Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break. 

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B 

Stream#: A9 Class: I Flagging: B/W C- Type: FPS, MMS

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for FPS greater of 130 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland 

fens. Class I for MMS greater of 120 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland fens.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

No Concerns

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

Slopes range from about 10% to about 30% based on DEMs. There are no slopes greater than 72% mapped in the unit. 

There is about 1/2 acre (2% of the unit) of moss muskeg and 2 acres (6% of unit) of tall sedge fen in the unit (BMP 12.5). 

The soils and wetlands are suitable for partial suspension cable yarding or shovel yarding. All logging systems should follow 

BMPs 12.5, 13.2 and 13.9. Where shovel yarding is used, the shovel operator should avoid the small non-forested areas of 

the unit to prevent rutting. Slopes over 25% gradient may not be suitable for shovel yarding under some soil moisture 

conditions. Use care when approving shovel yarding on slopes over 25% gradient.

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Additional analysis is ongoing to ensure that no 

activity areas exceed the Region 10 soil productivity standard.

 WILDLIFE:

Unit is located in Rio Beaver drainage, one of the north-south linkage between the Honker large OGR and the Karta 

Wilderness. Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat by improving forage availability and removing the stand from 

the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again).
3012210

3012300

3012300

3012280

3012280

3012210

3012000

3012300

A5.1R

A8

A1

A5.1R.1L

A7

A6

A9

A8

A8.1R

1966

1966

37

508

508

511

511

511

511

511

512

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 511 Alternative 3 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

597.2

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3012210

3012300

3012300

3012280

3012280

3012210

3012000

A5.1R

A8

A1

A5.1R.1L

A7

A6

A9

A8

A8.1R

1966

1966

37

508

508

511

511

511

511

511

512

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 511 Alternative 4 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

597.2

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt4_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3012210

3012300

3012300

3012280

3012280

3012210

3012000

A5.1R

A8

A1

A5.1R.1L

A7

A6

A9

A8

A8.1R

1966

1966

37

508

508

511

511

511

511

511

512

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 511 Alternative 5 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Sytematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth 

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

597.2

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt5_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 512

Total Unit

Acres:

21.0 Prescription: Systematic and 

Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

597.

2

Harvest

System:

Cable

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

146

LUD:

Timber Production

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: This unit lies entirely within Stand #5972400501. The stand origination date is 1966. Approximately 36% 

of the stand area has been pre-commercially thinned. This was primarily completed in 1985. The site potential in this area 

appears to range from medium to high. This unit is in a successional stage of stem exclusion. Approximately 15 acres of this 

unit lies within the Deer Winter Range landscape zone. The remaining approximately 6 acres is within the Uplands/Mountain 

Slopes landscape zone. 

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Systematic Thinning

Apply systematic thinning strips in portions of the unit unsuitable for uniform thinning. Systematic thinning should be applied 

primarily in downhill settings where full suspension cannot be achieved or other areas where uniform thinning will result in 

unacceptable levels of residual tree damage or otherwise is operationally infeasible. Systematic thinning should remove all 

trees within corridors 20 to 60 feet wide depending on operational feasibility, visual concerns and /or windthrow potential. 

Maintain a 60-120 foot distance between cut corridors resulting in at least a 50% basal area retention. Where visuals are of 

concern, cut corridors should be kept to approximately 20 feet in width pending scenery direction. Although parallel strips 

are likely to be most common, there are options for fan shapes, depending on landing/road locations.

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for uphill and downhill cable yarding to the existing NFS road 3012000. Uniform thinning is planned in 

uphill cable settings. Strip thinning is planned in downhill cable settings.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

Unit is accessed by reconstruction of NFS road 3012000, totaling 6000 feet. See corresponding road card for detailed 

information.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

 FISHERIES:

Unit

Number 512 Alternatives 3, 4, 5

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
Unit 512

Streams are tributaries to Rio Beaver. Stream characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, information.

Stream#: A1 Class: I Flagging: B/W C- Type: FPM, MMM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for FPM greater of 130 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland 

fens. Class I for MMM greater of 120 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland fens. 

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

No Concerns

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

Slopes range from about 20% to over 72% based on DEMs. Field verification will be required. No wetlands have been 

mapped in the unit. The soils and wetlands are suitable for partial suspension cable yarding or shovel yarding. All logging 

systems should follow BMPs 12.5, 13.2 and 13.9. Specifically the shovel operator should avoid the small non-forested areas 

of the unit to prevent rutting Slopes over 25% gradient may not be suitable for shovel yarding under some soil moisture 

conditions. Use care when approving shovel yarding on slopes over 25% gradient. Avoid track slippage and rutting.

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Additional analysis is ongoing to ensure that no 

activity areas exceed the Region 10 soil productivity standard. There are no slopes greater than 72% mapped in the unit.

 WILDLIFE:

Unit is located in Rio Beaver drainage, one of the north-south linkage between the Honker large OGR and the Karta 

Wilderness. Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat by improving forage availability and removing the stand from 

the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again).
3012280

3012300

3012300

3012000

1.4L

1.1L.1L

A1.2R

1 1.2L

A1

1.1L

A1.1R.1L

A1

A3

A2

1

A1.3R

A9

A8

A4

A1.1R

A8.1R

1966

38

511

511

512

514

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 512 Alternative 3 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

597.2

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3012300

3012000

3012280

3012000

1.4L

1.1L.1L

A1.2R

1 1.2L

A1

1.1L

A1.1R.1L

A1

A3

A2

1

A1.3R

A9

A8

A4

A1.1R

A8.1R

1966

38

511

511

512

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 512 Alternative 4 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

597.2

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt4_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3012300

3012000

3012280

3012000

1.4L

1.1L.1L

A1.2R

1 1.2L

A1

1.1L

A1.1R.1L

A1

A3

A2

1

A1.3R

A9

A8

A4

A1.1R

A8.1R

1966

38

511

511

512

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 512 Alternative 5 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Sytematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth 

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

597.2

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt5_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 514

Total Unit

Acres:

77.6 Prescription: Systematic and 

Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

597.

2

Harvest

System:

Cable

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

469

LUD:

Timber Production

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: This unit lies entirely within Stand #5972400501. The stand origination date is 1966. Approximately 36% 

of the stand area has been pre-commercially thinned. This was primarily completed in 1985. The site potential in this area 

ranges from medium to high. This unit is in a successional stage of stem exclusion. Approximately 66 acres of this unit lies 

within the Uplands/Mountain Slopes landscape zone. The remaining approximately 12 acres is within the Deer Winter Range 

landscape zone.

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation. 

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Uplands/Mountain Slopes):

The management goal of young-growth treatments in this landscape zone is to manage for a sustained yield, even flow of an 

industrial wood supply, while meeting multiple resource objectives, wherever possible. Treatments should improve growth 

and productivity, improve forest health, and promote forest stand conditions that will provide a diverse array of marketable 

forest products.

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Systematic Thinning

Apply systematic thinning strips in portions of the unit unsuitable for uniform thinning. Systematic thinning should be applied 

primarily in downhill settings where full suspension cannot be achieved or other areas where uniform thinning will result in 

unacceptable levels of residual tree damage or otherwise is operationally infeasible. Systematic thinning should remove all 

trees within corridors 20 to 60 feet wide depending on operational feasibility, visual concerns and /or windthrow potential. 

Maintain a 60-120 foot distance between cut corridors resulting in at least a 50% basal area retention. Where visuals are of 

concern, cut corridors should be kept to approximately 20 feet in width pending scenery direction. Although parallel strips 

are likely to be most common, there are options for fan shapes, depending on landing/road locations.

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for uphill and downhill cable yarding to the existing NFS roads 3012000 and 3012600. Uniform thinning 

is planned on uphill yarding settings. Strip thinning is planned on downhill yarding settings.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

Unit is accessed by reconstruction of NFS roads 3012000 and 3012600, totaling 16,900 feet. See corresponding road cards 

for detailed information.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

Unit

Number 514 Alternatives 3

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation

 INVASIVE SPECIES:
Unit 514

 FISHERIES:

Streams are tributaries to Rio Beaver. Stream characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, information.

Stream#: A1.1R Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM, HCD

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCM and HCD to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B 

Stream#: A1.2R Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B

Stream#: A1.2R Class: I, II Flagging: B/W C- Type: MCM, HCV, HCL

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I and II for MCM, HCV, and HCL greater of 100 feet or to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A 

Stream#: A1.3R.1R Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B 

Stream#: A1.3R.2R Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCD

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCD to the top of the side-slope break. 

Alternatives: 3 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B 

Stream#: A1.3R.3R Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM, HCL 

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCM and HCL to the top of the side-slope break.

Buffer (RAW): none

Alternatives: 3 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B 

Stream#: A1.3R.4R Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCD

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCD to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B 

Stream#: A1.3R.5R Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
Unit 514

No Concerns

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

Slopes are estimated to be less than 55%. There are no slopes greater than 72% mapped in the unit. The soils and wetlands 

are suitable for partial suspension cable yarding or shovel yarding. All logging systems should follow BMPs 12.5, 13.2 and 

13.9. If shovel yarding is used, the shovel operator should avoid the small non-forested areas of the unit to prevent rutting. 

Slopes over 25% gradient may not be suitable for shovel yarding under some soil moisture conditions. Use care when 

approving shovel yarding on slopes over 25% gradient. Avoid track slippage and rutting.

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Additional analysis is ongoing to ensure that no 

activity areas exceed the Region 10 soil productivity standard. 

There is a small amount of forested wetland (less than 1/4 acre) at the northern tip of the western polygon (BMP 12.5).

 WILDLIFE:

Unit is located in Rio Beaver drainage, one of the north-south linkage between the Honker large OGR and the Karta 

Wilderness. Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat by improving forage availability and removing the stand from 

the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again), though unit would require road 

reconstruction. Unit is not a priority on the landscape from a thinning perspective because it is isolated.

Alternatives 4 and 5: Unit dropped to minimize road reconstruction and associated impacts to wildlife (increased access) and 

watershed. Need to thin does not outweigh road concerns.
3012000

3012600

3012280

3012000

3012600

1.5L.1L

1.1L.1L

1.7L

1

1.2L

1

1.5L

A1.2R

1.1L

1.6L

A1.3R.1R

A1.8L

1.4L

A1.1R.1L

A1.3R.3R

1

1.1R

A1.3R

A1.3R.2R

A1.3R.5R

A1.3R.4R

A1.1R

1966

38

514

514

515

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 514 Alternative 3 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

597.2

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 515

Total Unit

Acres:

12.8 Prescription: Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

597.

2

Harvest

System:

Cable

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

72

LUD:

Timber Production

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: This unit lies primarily within Stand #5972400501. The stand origination date is 1966. Approximately 

36% of the stand area has been pre-commercially thinned. This was primarily completed in 1985. The site potential in this 

area appears to range from medium to high. The unit is in a successional stage of stem exclusion. This unit lies within the 

Uplands/Mountain Slopes landscape zone. 

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Uplands/Mountain Slopes):

The management goal of young-growth treatments in this landscape zone is to manage for a sustained yield, even flow of an 

industrial wood supply, while meeting multiple resource objectives, wherever possible. Treatments should improve growth 

and productivity, improve forest health, and promote forest stand conditions that will provide a diverse array of marketable 

forest products.

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives.

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

A Tongass Wide Young Growth Study site (POW Rio Beaver Experiment #4) overlaps the eastern third of unit. Protection of 

this site is required and this area may need to be deferred. Contact the Forestry Sciences Lab in Juneau for additional 

information.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for uphill cable yarding to the proposed temporary road.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

Unit is accessed by a proposed temporary road in Alternative 3, totaling 1900 feet, as displayed on the unit card. This road 

will be constructed entirely across previously decommissioned road bed. Unit is also accessed by reconstruction of NFS road 

3012000, totaling 12,600 feet. See corresponding road cards for detailed information.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

 FISHERIES:

Unit

Number 515 Alternatives 3

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
Unit 515

Streams are tributary to Rio Beaver. Stream characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, information.

Stream#: A1 (Rio Beaver) Class: I Flagging: B/W C- Type: HCV

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for HCV greater of 100 feet or to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A 

Temporary road (reopened decommissioned) for Unit 515: Alternative 3 -- No known stream crossings. The temporary road 

has not been field verified and will be surveyed before implementation. If any stream crossings are found, crossings 

structures and locations will be approved by USFS, in consultation with fisheries biologist or hydrologist, prior to construction 

(BMP 14.17). During construction of temporary roads implement BMPs 12.17, 13.10, 13.11, 13.16, 14.3, and 14.5.

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

No Concerns

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

Slopes are estimated to be less than 65 percent based on DEMs. There are no slopes greater than 72% mapped in the unit. 

No wetlands have been mapped in the unit. The soils and wetlands are suitable for partial suspension cable yarding or 

shovel yarding. All logging systems should follow BMPs 12.5, 13.2 and 13.9. Specifically the shovel operator should avoid 

the small non-forested areas of the unit to prevent rutting. Slopes over 25% gradient may not be suitable for shovel yarding 

under some soil moisture conditions. Use care when approving shovel yarding on slopes over 25% gradient. Avoid track 

slippage and rutting.

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Additional analysis is ongoing to ensure that no 

activity areas exceed the Region 10 soil productivity standard.

 WILDLIFE:

Unit is located in Rio Beaver drainage, one of the north-south linkage between the Honker large OGR and the Karta 

Wilderness. Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat by improving forage availability and removing the stand from 

the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again), though unit would require road 

reconstruction. Unit is not a priority on the landscape from a thinning perspective because it is isolated.

Alternatives 4 and 5: Unit dropped to minimize road reconstruction and associated impacts to wildlife (increased access) and 

watershed. Need to thin does not outweigh road concerns.
3012000

3012000

3012600

1 . 1L1.1L

1.7L

A1.3R.5R

1

1

1.5L

1.2L

1.6L

A1.3R.1R

1.6L.1L

1.4L

A1.3R.3R

A1.3R

1.5L.1L

A1.8L

A1.3R.4R

A1.3R.2R

1966

38

514

514

515

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 515 Alternative 3 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

597.2

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 516

Total Unit

Acres:

3 - 68.7

4, 5 - 61.9

Prescription: Systematic and 

Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

586 Harvest

System:

Cable, Shovel

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

3 - 425

4, 5 - 387 LUD:

Modified Landscape, 

Recreation River

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: This unit lies entirely within Stand #5860300504. The stand origination date is 1962. This stand has not 

been pre-commercially thinned. The site potential in this area appears to range from medium to high. This unit is in a 

successional stage of stem exclusion. This unit lies entirely within the Deer Winter Range landscape zone.

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Systematic Thinning

Apply systematic thinning strips in portions of the unit unsuitable for uniform thinning. Systematic thinning should be applied 

primarily in downhill settings where full suspension cannot be achieved or other areas where uniform thinning will result in 

unacceptable levels of residual tree damage or otherwise is operationally infeasible. Systematic thinning should remove all 

trees within corridors 20 to 60 feet wide depending on operational feasibility, visual concerns and /or windthrow potential. 

Maintain a 60-120 foot distance between cut corridors resulting in at least a 50% basal area retention. Where visuals are of 

concern, cut corridors should be kept to approximately 20 feet in width pending scenery direction. Although parallel strips 

are likely to be most common, there are options for fan shapes, depending on landing/road locations.

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for a combination of cable and ground-based settings. Ground-based settings are planned for yarding to 

the existing Kasaan road and proposed temporary road. Cable settings are planned for downhill yarding to the existing 

Kasaan road and uphill yarding to the proposed temporary road in Unit 370. Uniform thinning is planned on ground-based 

settings. A combination of strip thinning and uniform thinning is planned on cable settings. Kasaan road is not under Forest 

Service jurisdication and may require access agreements to allow use.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

Unit is accessed by a proposed temporary road in Alternative 3 and 4, totaling 2,400 feet, as displayed on the unit card. This 

road will be entirely constructed across decommissioned road bed. Unit also utilizes the proposed temporary road accessing 

Unit 370. See associated unit card for more details.

 BOTANY:

Unit overlaps slightly with a portion of a small lesser round-leaved orchid (sensitive plant) population located in the northeast 

portion of the unit. An estimated 1 or 2 individuals would be directly affected. A larger population more than 800 ft from the 

unit would not be affected.

 FISHERIES:

Unit

Number 516 Alternatives 3, 4, 5

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
Unit 516

Streams drain to Thorne Bay. Stream characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, information.

Stream#: A1 Class: I Flagging: B/W C- Type: MMS

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for MMS greater of 120 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland fens.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A 

Stream#: A1.5R Class: I, II Flagging: B/W C- Type: HCL

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I and II for HCL greater of 100 feet or to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A 

Stream#: A1.4R Class: I Flagging: B /W C- Type: MMS

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for MMS greater of 120 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland fens.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A 

Stream#: A1.3R Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B 

Stream#: A1.2R Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B 

Stream#: A1.1R Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B 

Stream#: A2 Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B 

Stream#: A3 Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B 

Stream#: A4 Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B 

Stream#: A5 Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B 

Stream#: A5.1R Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM

Concerns: none known
Unit 516

Buffer (RMA): Class III HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B 

Stream#: A5.2R Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B 

Stream#: A6 Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B 

Stream#: A7 Class: I, II, III Flagging: B/W, O/W C- Type: PAS, HCV, HCLw, HCD

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for PAS greater of 100 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland fens. 

Class II for HCV and HCLw greater of 100 feet or the top of the side-slope break. Class III HCD to the top of the side-slope 

break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A and B

Temporary road (reopened decommissioned) for Unit 516: Alternatives 3 and 4 -- No known stream crossings. The 

temporary road has not been field verified and will be surveyed before implementation. If any stream crossings are found, 

crossings structures and locations will be approved by USFS, in consultation with fisheries biologist or hydrologist, prior to 

construction (BMP 14.17). During construction of temporary roads implement BMPs 12.17, 13.10, 13.11, 13.16, 14.3, and 

14.5.

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

Unit is primarily in Low and Very Low SIO, but contains about 20 acres in Moderate. About half of unit is in Recreation River 

LUD but, due to topographic and vegetative screening, it is not likely to be seen from the river or estuary.

 RECREATION:

Thinning operations would occur within the Recreation River LUD and may be heard from the river.

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

Slopes are less than 50% in most of the unit based on DEM. Slopes over 72% may be present. Field verification will be 

required. About 1 acre of the unit has mapped debris torrents/avalanches. No wetlands have been mapped in the unit. The 

soils and wetlands are suitable for partial suspension cable yarding or shovel yarding. All logging systems should follow 

BMPs 12.5, 13.2 and 13.9. Specifically the shovel operator should avoid the small non-forested areas of the unit to prevent 

rutting. Slopes over 25% gradient may not be suitable for shovel yarding under some soil moisture conditions. Use care 

when approving shovel yarding on slopes over 25% gradient. Avoid track slippage and rutting.

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Additional analysis is ongoing to ensure that no 

activity areas exceed the Region 10 soil productivity standard.

No wetlands have been mapped in the unit

 WILDLIFE:

Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat by improving forage availability and removing the stand from the stem 

exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again), though road reconstruction would be required to 

access unit.
RR

RR

KASAAN ROAD

2030952

929

A 5

A5.2R

A1.4R

A1

A7

A6

A1.2R

A7

A1.3R

A 3

A2

A4

A1.1R.2R

1

A5

A5.1

A

L

5

A1.1R.1R

A5.1R

A1.5R

A1.1R

1958

1962

1973

1962

1997

1997

1950

1997 1990

1976

1990

370

516

370

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 516 Alternative 3 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

586

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
RR

RR

KASAAN ROAD

2030952

929

A 5

A5.2R

A1.4R

A1

A7

A6

A1.2R

A7

A1.3R

A 3

A2

A4

A1.1R.2R

1

A5

A5.1

A

L

5

A1.1R.1R

A5.1R

A1.5R

A1.1R

1958

1962

1973

1962

1997

1997

1950

1997 1990

1976

1990

370

516

370

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 516 Alternative 4 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

586

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt4_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
RR

RR

KASAAN ROAD

2030952

929

A 5

A5.2R

A1.4R

A1

A7

A6

A1.2R

A7

A1.3R

A 3

A2

A4

A1.1R.2R

1

A5

A5.1

A

L

5

A1.1R.1R

A5.1R

A1.5R

A1.1R

1958

1962

1973

1962

1997

1997

1950

1997 1990

1976

1990

370

516

370

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 516 Alternative 5 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Sytematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth 

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

586

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt5_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 517

Total Unit

Acres:

9.3 Prescription: Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

579 Harvest

System:

Shovel

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

52

LUD:

Modified Landscape

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: This unit lies mostly within Stand #5790100045, except for approximately 4 acres in Stand 

#5790200506. The stand origination date is 1966. The site potential in Stand #5790100045 appears to be high, and the site 

potential in Stand #5790200506 appears to be medium. This unit is in a successional stage of stem exclusion. Approximately 

0.46 acres in the northeast corner of the unit were previously pre-commercially thinned in 2003. This unit lies within the Deer 

Winter Range landscape zoneof the Thorne Bay NW young-growth study area.

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for ground-based yarding to the existing NFS road 3015100.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

No proposed road construction.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

 FISHERIES:

Streams are tributaries to Gravelly Creek. Stream 3 characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, information.

Stream#: 2 (Falls Creek) Class: I Flagging: B/W C- Type: MMM, MCS, HCV

Concerns: none known 

Buffer (RMA): Class I for MMM greater of 120 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland 

fens. Class I for MCS and HCV greater of 100 feet or the to the top of side-slope break. 

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed 

Protection: Category A

Stream#: 2.2L.1R Class: I, II Flagging: B/W C- Type: AFM, MMS, HCM, AFH, HCV

Concerns: one small erosional bank area

Buffer (RMA): Class I for AFM and AFH greater of 140 feet or active portion of the alluvial fan. Class I for MMS greater of 120 

feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland fens. Class I and II for HCM and HCV greater of 

100 feet or the top of the side-slope break. 

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Unit

Number 517 Alternatives 3, 4, 5

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
Unit 517

Protection: Category A 

Stream#: 2.2L.1R.1L Class: I Flagging: B/W C- Type: PAB, HCO

Concerns: extensive beaver activity, may cause depositional movement downstream to main channel when dams fail

Buffer (RMA): Class I for PAB greater of 100 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland fens. 

Class I HCO greater of 100 feet or the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A

Stream#: 3 Class: I Flagging: B/W C- Type: PAS

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for PAS greater of 100 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland fens.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

No Concerns

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

Slopes are estimated to be less than 25% based on DEM. There are no slopes greater than 72% mapped in the unit. A 

mapped historic (pre-1971) debris avalanche occurs in the valley bottom. No wetlands have been mapped in the unit. The 

soils and wetlands are suitable for shovel yarding. Shovel yarding should follow BMPs 12.5, 13.2 and 13.9. Specifically, the 

shovel operator should avoid the small non-forested areas of the unit to prevent rutting. Slopes over 25% gradient may not 

be suitable for shovel yarding under some soil moisture conditions. Use care when approving shovel yarding on slopes over 

25% gradient. Avoid track slippage and rutting.

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Additional analysis is ongoing to ensure that no 

activity areas exceed the Region 10 soil productivity standard.

 WILDLIFE:

Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat along Gravelly Creek by improving forage availability and removing the 

stand from the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again).
LAKE A1

3017110

3015000

3017100

3015105

3015100

3015106

2.2L.1R.3L.1R

2.2L. 1 R.1L

2

2.2L.1R

2.2L.1R

2

3

2

1.1R

1. 3 R

2.2L.1R.3L

2.2L.1R.3L

2.2L.1R

2.2L.1R.1L.1R

2.2L.1R.2L

2

2. L.1R

1.1R 2.2 R

1.2R

2.2L.1R

2.2 L .1R.1L

1966

1966

1966

1995

1966

1972

1972

1972

69

119

517

517

517

68

517

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 517 Alternative 3 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

579

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
LAKE A1

3017110

3015000

3017100

3015105

3015100

3015106

2.2L.1R.3L.1R

2.2L. 1 R.1L

2

2.2L.1R

2.2L.1R

2

3

2

1.1R

1. 3 R

2.2L.1R.3L

2.2L.1R2

.3L

.2L.1R

2.2L.1R.1L.1R

2.2L.1R.2L

2

2. L.1R

1.1R 2.2 R

1.2R

2.2L.1R

2.2 L.1R.1L

1966

1966

1966

1995

1966

1972

1972

1972

69

119

517

517

517

68

517

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 517 Alternative 4 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

579

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt4_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
LAKE A1

3017110

3015000

3017100

3015105

3015100

3015106

2.2L.1R.3L.1R

2.2L. 1 R.1L

2

2.2L.1R

2.2L.1R

2

3

2

1.1R

1. 3 R

2.2L.1R.3L

2.2L.1R.3L

2.2L.1R

2.2L.1R.1L.1R

2.2L.1R.2L

2

2. L.1R

1.1R 2.2 R

1.2R

2.2L.1R

2.2 L .1R.1L

1966

1966

1966

1995

1966

1972

1972

1972

69

119

517

517

517

68

517

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 517 Alternative 5 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Sytematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth 

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

579

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt5_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 518

Total Unit

Acres:

15.0 Prescription: Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

579 Harvest

System:

Cable

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

84

LUD:

Modified Landscape

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: This unit lies entirely within Stand #5790200506. There has been no pre-commercial thinning within the 

unit. The site potential appears to be high. This unit is in a successional stage of stem exclusion. The stand has an 

origination date of 1966. Approximately 12 acres of the unit lies within the Upland/Mountain Slopes landscape zone. The 

remaining approximately 3 acres is within the Deer Winter Range landscape zone. The unit is located in the Thorne Bay NW 

young-growth study area.

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation. 

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Uplands/Mountain Slopes):

The management goal of young-growth treatments in this landscape zone is to manage for a sustained yield, even flow of an 

industrial wood supply, while meeting multiple resource objectives, wherever possible. Treatments should improve growth 

and productivity, improve forest health, and promote forest stand conditions that will provide a diverse array of marketable 

forest products.

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for uphill cable yarding to the existing NFS road 3017100. Cable yarding will occur through the RMA's 

using corridors with full suspension.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

No proposed road construction.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

 FISHERIES:

Unit

Number 518 Alternatives 3, 4, 5

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
Unit 518

Streams are tributaries to Gravelly Creek. Stream characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, information.

Stream#: A1.4L Class: II Flagging: B/W C- Type: HCV

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class II for HCV greater of 100 feet or the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A 

Stream#: A1.4L.2L Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break. 

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B 

Stream#: A1.4L.3L Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break. 

Buffer (RAW): none

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

No Concerns

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

Slopes are estimated to be less than 65% based on DEM. There are no slopes greater than 72% mapped in the unit. A 

mapped debris avalanche (from 1982) initiates near the southern boundary. No wetlands have been mapped in the unit. A 

minimum of partial suspension will meet soil and wetland resource concerns (BMPs 12.5, 13.5, 13.9).

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Additional analysis is ongoing to ensure that no 

activity areas exceed the Region 10 soil productivity standard.

 WILDLIFE:

Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat along Gravelly Creek by improving forage availability and removing the 

stand from the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again).
3017100

3017160

3017100

3017000

3017200

2.1R

A1.4L

1

2

A1.3L

A1.4L.3L

A1.4L

A1.4L.1L

2

A1

A1.4L.2L

1963

1971

1966

1995

1995

1972

120

518

519

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 518 Alternative 3 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

579

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3017100

3017160

3017100

3017000

3017200

2.1R

A1.4L

1

2

A1.3L

A1.4L.3L

A1.4L

A1.4L.1L

2

A1

A1.4L.2L

1963

1971

1966

1995

1995

1972

120

518

519

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 518 Alternative 4 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

579

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt4_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3017100

3017160

3017100

3017000

3017200

2.1R

A1.4L

1

2

A1.3L

A1.4L.3L

A1.4L

A1.4L.1L

2

A1

A1.4L.2L

1963

1971

1966

1995

1995

1972

120

518

519

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 518 Alternative 5 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Sytematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth 

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

579

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt5_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 519

Total Unit

Acres:

30.6 Prescription: Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

579 Harvest

System:

Cable, Shovel

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

172

LUD:

Modified Landscape

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: This unit lies entirely within Stand #5790200506. There has been no pre-commercial thinning within the 

unit. The site potential appears to be high. The stand has an origination date of 1966. The unit is in a successional stage of 

stem exclusion. This unit lies within the Deer Winter Range landscape zone, and is located in the Thorne Bay NW younggrowth study area. 

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for a combination of ground-based and cable yarding. Ground-based settings are planned for yarding to 

the proposed temporary road and existing NFS road 3017100. Cable settings are planned for uphill yarding to the proposed 

temporary road.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

Unit is accessed by a proposed temporary road, totaling 1,000 feet, as displayed on the unit card. This road will be entirely 

constructed across decommissioned road bed.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

 FISHERIES:

Streams are tributaries to Gravelly Creek. Stream characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, information.

Stream#: A1 (Gravelly Creek) Class: I Flagging: B/W C- Type: FPL

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for FPL greater of 130 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland fens.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A 

Stream#: A1.2L	 Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B 

Unit

Number 519 Alternatives 3, 4, 5

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
Unit 519

Stream#: A1.3L	 Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B 

Stream#: A1.4L Class: I Flagging: B/W C- Type: MMM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for MMM greater of 120 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland 

fens. 

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A 

Stream#: A1.41.1L Class: I, III Flagging: B/W, O/W C- Type: HCL, HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for HCL greater of 100 feet or the top of the side-slope break. Class III for HCM to the top of the sideslope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A and B 

Temporary road (reopened decommissioned) for Unit 519: Alternatives 3, 4 and 5 -- One Class III stream crossings. The 

temporary road has not been field verified and will be surveyed before implementation. Crossings structures and locations 

will be approved by USFS, in consultation with fisheries biologist or hydrologist, prior to construction (BMP 14.17). During 

construction of temporary roads implement BMPs 12.17, 13.10, 13.11, 13.16, 14.3, and 14.5.

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

No Concerns

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

Slopes are less than 40% based on DEMs. There are no slopes greater than 72% mapped in the unit. No wetlands have 

been mapped in the unit. The soils and wetlands are suitable for partial suspension cable yarding or shovel yarding. All 

logging systems should follow BMPs 12.5, 13.2 and 13.9. Specifically the shovel operator should avoid the small nonforested areas of the unit to prevent rutting. Slopes over 25% gradient may not be suitable for shovel yarding under some soil 

moisture conditions. Use care when approving shovel yarding on slopes over 25% gradient. Avoid track slippage and rutting.

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Additional analysis is ongoing to ensure that no 

activity areas exceed the Region 10 soil productivity standard.

 WILDLIFE:

Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat along Gravelly Creek by improving forage availability and removing the 

stand from the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again).
3017100

3017000

3017110

3000100

3017100

A1

A1.4L.2L

A1.4L

A1.4L.1L

A1.1L

A1.2L

A1.3L

1963

1971

1966

1995 1972

120

518

519

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 519 Alternative 3 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

579

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3017100

3017000

3017110

3000100

3017100

A1

A1.4L.2L

A1.4L

A1.4L.1L

A1.1L

A1.2L

A1.3L

1963

1971

1966

1995 1972

120

518

519

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 519 Alternative 4 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

579

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt4_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3017100

3017000

3017110

3000100

3017100

A1

A1.4L.2L

A1.4L

A1.4L.1L

A1.1L

A1.2L

A1.3L

1963

1971

1966

1995 1972

120

518

519

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 519 Alternative 5 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Sytematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth 

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

579

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt5_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 520

Total Unit

Acres:

41.2 Prescription: Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

586 Harvest

System:

Cable, Shovel

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

231

LUD:

Modified Landscape

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: This unit lies entirely within Stand #5860100509. Approximately 59% of this stand was previously precommercially thinned. This was primarily completed in 1979 and 1984. The site potential appears to be medium. The stand 

has an origination date of 1963. The unit is in a successional stage of stem exclusion. This unit lies within the Deer Winter 

Range landscape zone, and is located in the Thorne Bay NW young-growth study area.

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for a combination of ground-based and cable yarding. Cable settings are planned for uphill yarding to the 

proposed temporary road. Ground-based settings are planned to the proposed temporary roads.

Unit is adjacent to non-National Forest System land along its southern boundary.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

Unit is accessed by two proposed temporary roads, totaling 3,500 feet, as displayed on the unit card. These roads will be 

constructed entirely across decommissioned road bed. The first 1,600 feet of one road will be constructed across nonNational Forest System lands.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

 FISHERIES:

Streams are tributaries to Deer Creek. Stream characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, information.

Stream#: A1.3L (Deer Creek) Class: II Flagging: B/W C- Type: MMS

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class II for MMS greater of 120 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland 

fens.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A 

Stream#: A1 Class: II Flagging: B/W C- Type: MMS

Concerns: none known

Unit

Number 520 Alternatives 3, 4, 5

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
Unit 520

Buffer (RMA): Class II for MMS greater of 120 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland 

fens.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A 

Stream#: A1.1L Class: II Flagging: B/W C- Type: MMS

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class II for MMS greater of 120 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland 

fens.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A

Temporary roads (reopened decommissioned) for Unit 520: Alternatives 3, 4 and 5 -- No known stream crossings. The 

temporary roads have not been field verified and will be surveyed before implementation. If any stream crossings are found, 

crossings structures and locations will be approved by USFS, in consultation with fisheries biologist or hydrologist, prior to 

construction (BMP 14.17). During construction of temporary roads implement BMPs 12.17, 13.10, 13.11, 13.16, 14.3, and 

14.5.

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

No Concerns

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

Slopes in most of the unit are below 35%. Slopes over 72% may be present. Field verification will be required. No wetlands 

have been mapped in the unit. The soils and wetlands are suitable for partial suspension cable yarding or shovel yarding. All 

logging systems should follow BMPs 12.5, 13.2 and 13.9. Specifically the shovel operator should avoid the small nonforested areas of the unit to prevent rutting. Slopes over 25% gradient may not be suitable for shovel yarding under some soil 

moisture conditions. Use care when approving shovel yarding on slopes over 25% gradient. Avoid track slippage and rutting.

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Additional analysis is ongoing to ensure that no 

activity areas exceed the Region 10 soil productivity standard.

The entire unit is wetland, including about 36 acres of emergent sedge/forested wetland complex, 5.1 acres, and about 1/4 

acre of moss muskeg based on GIS analysis (BMP 12.5).

 WILDLIFE:

Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat along Deer Creek by improving forage availability and removing the stand 

from the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again).
3018000

3000120

3018050

3000120

3000127

3018100

A1.1R

1.3L.2L

A2

A1

1

A1.1L

A1.2L

1.3L

A3

A1.1R.1L

A1.3L

1.3L.1L

A1.3L

1 3. L.1

1.3L

1.3L.2L.1L

1963

1999

1963

1973

1999

1963

1999

131

133

520

521 522

531

130

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 520 Alternative 3 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

586

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3018000

3000120

3000127 3000120

3018050

3018100

A1.1L

A1.2L

1.3L

A3

A1.1R.1L

A1.3L

A1.3L

1.3L 1 3. L.1

1.3L.1L

1.3L.2L.1L

A1.1R

1.3L.2L

A2

A1

1

1963

1999

1963

1999

1963

1999

1973

520

521 522

531

130

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 520 Alternative 4 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

586

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt4_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3000120

3018100

3018050

3018000

3000120

3000127

3018100

1.3L 1 3. L.1

1.3L.1L

A1

1

A1.1L

A1.2L

1.3L

A3

A1.1R.1L

A1.3L

1.3L.2L.1L

A1.3L

A1.1R

1.3L.2L

A2

1963

1999

1963

1973

1999

1963

1999

131

133

520

521 522

531

130

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 520 Alternative 5 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Sytematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth 

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

586

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt5_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 521

Total Unit

Acres:

41.7 Prescription: Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

586 Harvest

System:

Cable, Shovel

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

234

LUD:

Modified Landscape

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: This unit lies entirely within Stand #5860100509. Approximately 59% of this stand was previously precommercially thinned. This was primarily completed in 1979 and 1984. The site potential appears to range from medium to 

high. The stand has an origination date of 1963. The unit is in a successional stage of stem exclusion, but has five wildlife 

gaps (roughly 1/10 ac) partially or wholly within north end of unit. This unit lies within the Deer Winter Range landscape 

zone, and is located in the Thorne Bay NW young-growth study area. 

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for a combination of ground-based and cable yarding. Ground-based settings are planned for yarding to 

the proposed temporary roads and existing NFS road 3018000. Cable settings are planned for uphill yarding to the northern 

proposed temporary road. Some ground-based yarding through the RMA may be required. Yarding through RMA will be 

minimized and restricted to designated corridors.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

Unit is accessed by two proposed temporary roads, totaling 2,100 feet, as displayed on the unit card. These roads will be 

constructed entirely across decommissioned road bed. This unit is also accessed by existing NFS roads 3018100 and 

3018110, totaling 6,700 feet. See corresponding road cards for detailed information.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

 FISHERIES:

Unit

Number 521 Alternatives 3, 4, 5

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
Unit 521

Streams are tributaries to Deer Creek. Stream characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, information.

Stream#: A1.3L (Deer Creek) Class: II Flagging: B/W C- Type: MMS

Concerns: yarding through RMA

Buffer (RMA): Class II for MMS greater of 120 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland 

fens.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A 

 

Stream#: A1 Class: II Flagging: B/W C- Type: MMS

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class II for MMS greater of 120 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland 

fens.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A

Stream#: A1.2L Class: II Flagging: B/W C- Type: MMS

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class II for MMS greater of 120 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland 

fens.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A 

Temporary roads (reopened decommissioned) for Unit 521: Alternatives 3, 4 and 5 -- One Class II stream crossings. The 

temporary roads have not been field verified and will be surveyed before implementation. Crossing structures and locations 

will be approved by USFS, in consultation with fisheries biologist or hydrologist, prior to construction (BMP 14.17). The Class 

II crossing will be designed to provide fish passage, using a log culvert or bridge, will be installed under current timing 

constrictions and concurrence from the State will be solicited prior to starting the work. During construction of temporary 

roads implement BMPs 12.17, 13.10, 13.11, 13.16, 14.3, and 14.5. Minimize channel disturbance during road construction 

(BMP 14.14). Control erosion and disperse runoff away from streams (BMP 14.8). Upon completion of unit harvest, 

decommission road, restore natural drainage patterns by removing road fill from channels and installing water bar as 

necessary (BMP 13.16). Ensure natural drainage across road is restored beyond fish stream crossing prior to temporary 

structure removal (BMP 14.20). Seed and fertilize disturbed soil adjacent to streams (BMP 12.17).

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

No Concerns

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

Slopes are estimated to be less than 70% based on DEM. The entire unit is wetland including 27 acres of emergent 

sedge/forested wetland complex, 14 acres of forested wetland, and about 3/4 acre of moss muskeg based on GIS analysis 

(BMP 12.5). The soils and wetlands are suitable for partial suspension cable yarding or shovel yarding. All logging systems 

should follow BMPs 12.5, 13.2 and 13.9. Specifically the shovel operator should avoid the small non-forested areas of the 

unit to prevent rutting. Slopes over 25% gradient may not be suitable for shovel yarding under some soil moisture conditions. 

Use care when approving shovel yarding on slopes over 25% gradient. Avoid track slippage and rutting.

The proposed temporary roads will utilize existing decommissioned roads to minimize soil disturbance.

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Further analysis and/or field review will be 

completed prior to implementation to ensure that the activity areas do not exceed Region 10 Soil Quality Standards as 

appropriate BMP measures are applied

 WILDLIFE:
Unit 521

Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat along Deer Creek by improving forage availability and removing the stand 

from the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again).
3000120

3018000

3018100

3018110

3018130

A4.1L.1

A4.1L

1.1L

A4.2L

1.1L

1.1 L

A1.1R

TRIB

1.1L.1R

1.1L.1L

A1

A1.1L

A1.1R.1L

TRIB

A1.3L

A1.2L

1963

1963

1973

1999 131

520

521

522

531

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 521 Alternative 3 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

586

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3000120

3018110

3018000

3018100

3018110

3018130

A4.1L.1

A4.1L

1.1L

A4.2L

1.1L

1.1 L

A1.1R

TRIB

1.1L.1R

1.1L.1L

A1

A1.1L

A1.1R.1L

TRIB

A1.3L

A1.2L

1963

1963

1973

1999

520

521

522

531

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 521 Alternative 4 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

586

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt4_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3018100

3018110

3018000

3000120

3018100

3018130

TRIB

A1.3L

A1.2L

A4.1L.1

A4.1L

1.1L

A4.2L

1.1L

1.1 L

A1.1R

TRIB

1.1L.1R

1.1L.1L

A1

A1.1L

A1.1R.1L

1999

1973

1963

1963

131

520

521

531

522

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 521 Alternative 5 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Sytematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth 

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

586

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt5_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 522

Total Unit

Acres:

81.6 Prescription: Systematic and 

Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

579,

 586

Harvest

System:

Cable, Shovel

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

496

LUD:

Modified Landscape

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: This unit lies primarily within Stand #5860100509. Approximately 59% of this stand was previously precommercially thinned. This was primarily completed in 1979 and 1984. The stand origination date is 1963. Approximately 1 

acre of the unit lies within Stand #5790200516. This stand has not been previously pre-commercially thinned. This stand has 

a stand origination date of 1962. The site potential in this unit appears to range from medium to high. This unit is in a 

successional stage of stem exclusion. Approximately 61 acres of this unit lies within the Deer Winter Range landscape zone. 

The remaining approximately 20 acres is in the Uplands/Mountain Slopes landscape zone. This unit is located in the Thorne 

Bay NW young-growth study area. 

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation. 

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Uplands/Mountain Slopes):

The management goal of young-growth treatments in this landscape zone is to manage for a sustained yield, even flow of an 

industrial wood supply, while meeting multiple resource objectives, wherever possible. Treatments should improve growth 

and productivity, improve forest health, and promote forest stand conditions that will provide a diverse array of marketable 

forest products.

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Systematic Thinning

Apply systematic thinning strips in portions of the unit unsuitable for uniform thinning. Systematic thinning should be applied 

primarily in downhill settings where full suspension cannot be achieved or other areas where uniform thinning will result in 

unacceptable levels of residual tree damage or otherwise is operationally infeasible. Systematic thinning should remove all 

trees within corridors 20 to 60 feet wide depending on operational feasibility, visual concerns and /or windthrow potential. 

Maintain a 60-120 foot distance between cut corridors resulting in at least a 50% basal area retention. Where visuals are of 

concern, cut corridors should be kept to approximately 20 feet in width pending scenery direction. Although parallel strips 

are likely to be most common, there are options for fan shapes, depending on landing/road locations.

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for a combination of ground-based and cable yarding. Ground-based settings are planned for yarding to 

the proposed temporary roads and existing NFS roads 3018130 and 3000120. Cable settings are planned for uphill and 

downhill yarding to the proposed temporary roads and existing NFS road 3018130. Uniform crown thinning is planned in 

ground-based and uphill cable yarding settings. Strip thinning is planned in downhill cable yarding settings.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

Unit is accessed by proposed temporary roads, totaling 2400 feet, as displayed on the unit card. These roads will be 

constructed entirely across decommissioned road bed. Reconstruction of existing NFS road 3018130, totaling 4200 feet, will 

be required to provide access to the unit. See corresponding road card for detailed information.

Unit

Number 522 Alternatives 3, 4, 5

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation
Unit 522

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

 FISHERIES:

Streams are tributaries to Deer Creek (Stream characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, information).

Stream#: A1.3L (Deer Creek) Class: II Flagging: B/W C- Type: MMS, PAS

Buffer (RMA): Class II - greater of 120 feet (MMS) or 100 feet (PAS), flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian 

associated wetland fens. 

Concerns: none known

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A

Stream#: 1.1L Class: II, III, IV Flagging: B/W, O/W, G/W C- Type: MMS, HCD, HCM, MMO

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class II for MMS greater of 120 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland 

fens. Class III for HCD and HCM to the top of the side-slope break. Class IV for MMO none. 

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A, B and C 

 

Stream#: 1.1L.1R Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Buffer (RAW): none

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B 

Stream#: A2 Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCL, HCD

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCL and HCD to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B 

Temporary road (reopened decommissioned) for Unit 522: Alternatives 3, 4 and 5 -- No known stream crossings. The 

temporary road have not been field verified and will be surveyed before implementation. If any stream crossings are found, 

crossings structures and locations will be approved by USFS, in consultation with fisheries biologist or hydrologist, prior to 

construction (BMP 14.17). During construction of temporary roads implement BMPs 12.17, 13.10, 13.11, 13.16, 14.3, and 

14.5.

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

No Concerns

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

Slopes range from 10% or less, to approximately 72% or more, based on DEMs. Field review is necessary. A small debris 

avalanche (initiated 1977) occurs near the center of the unit. No wetlands have been mapped in the unit. The soils and 

wetlands are suitable for partial suspension cable yarding or shovel yarding. All logging systems should follow BMPs 12.5, 

13.2 and 13.9. Specifically the shovel operator should avoid the small non-forested areas of the unit to prevent rutting. 

Slopes over 25% gradient may not be suitable for shovel yarding under some soil moisture conditions. Use care when 

approving shovel yarding on slopes over 25% gradient. Avoid track slippage and rutting.

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
Unit 522

The proposed temporary roads will utilize existing decommissioned roads to minimize soil disturbance.

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Further analysis and/or field review will be 

completed prior to implementation to ensure that the activity areas do not exceed Region 10 Soil Quality Standards as 

appropriate BMP measures are applied.

 WILDLIFE:

Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat along Deer Creek by improving forage availability and removing the stand 

from the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again).
3018000

3018130

3000120

3018130

3017500

3018112

A2.1R

TRIB

A2

1.1L.1L

A4

A1.3L

10

1.1L

A3.1R

1.1 L

1.1L

TRIB

1.1L

A2

1.1L.1R

1963

1963

1995

1999

1962

1973

1995

1970

132

521

522

525

131

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 522 Alternative 3 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

579, 586

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3000120

3018130

3018000

3017500

3018130

10

1.1L

A3.1R

1.1 L

1.1L

TRIB

1.1L

A2

1.1L.1R

A2.1R

TRIB

A2

1.1L.1L

A4

A1.3L

1963

1963

1970

1962

1995

1995

1973

1999

521

522

525

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 522 Alternative 4 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

579, 586

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt4_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3000120

3018000

3018130

3018130

3017500

1.1L.1R

A2.1R

TRIB

A2

1.1L.1L

A4

A1.3L

10

1.1L

A3.1R

1.1 L

1.1L

TRIB

1.1L

A2

1963

1963

1970

1995

1999

1973

1995

1962

132

521

522

525

131

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 522 Alternative 5 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Sytematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth 

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

579, 586

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt5_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 523

Total Unit

Acres:

3 - 62.5

4, 5 - 32.1

Prescription: Systematic and 

Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

579,

 586

Harvest

System:

Cable, Shovel

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

3 - 401

4, 5 - 231 LUD:

Modified Landscape

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: This majority of this unit lies within Stand #5790200509. This stand has an origination date of 1963. This 

stand has been 23% pre-commercially thinned. This was completed in 1982 and 2004. Approximately 10 acres of this unit 

lies within Stand #5860100509. This stand has been 59% pre-commercially thinned. This was primarily completed in 1979 

and 1984. The site potential in this unit appears to range from medium to high. This unit is in a successional stage of stem 

exclusion. Approximately 38 acres of the unit lies within the Uplands/Mountain Slopes landscape zone. The remaining 

approximately 24 acres is in the Deer Winter Range landscape zone. The unit is located in the Thorne Bay NW young-growth 

study area. 

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation. 

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Uplands/Mountain Slopes):

The management goal of young-growth treatments in this landscape zone is to manage for a sustained yield, even flow of an 

industrial wood supply, while meeting multiple resource objectives, wherever possible. Treatments should improve growth 

and productivity, improve forest health, and promote forest stand conditions that will provide a diverse array of marketable 

forest products.

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Systematic Thinning

Apply systematic thinning strips in portions of the unit unsuitable for uniform thinning. Systematic thinning should be applied 

primarily in downhill settings where full suspension cannot be achieved or other areas where uniform thinning will result in 

unacceptable levels of residual tree damage or otherwise is operationally infeasible. Systematic thinning should remove all 

trees within corridors 20 to 60 feet wide depending on operational feasibility, visual concerns and /or windthrow potential. 

Maintain a 60-120 foot distance between cut corridors resulting in at least a 50% basal area retention. Where visuals are of 

concern, cut corridors should be kept to approximately 20 feet in width pending scenery direction. Although parallel strips 

are likely to be most common, there are options for fan shapes, depending on landing/road locations.

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for a combination of ground-based and cable yarding. Cable settings are planned for uphill yarding to 

proposed NFS road 3018112, and downhill yarding to the proposed temporary road and existing NFS road 3018000. Groundbased settings are planned for yarding to the existing NFS roads 3018000 and 3017000. Uniform crown thinning is planned 

in ground-based and uphill cable yarding settings. Strip thinning is planned in downhill cable yarding settings.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

Unit is accessed by a proposed temporary road, totaling 400 feet, as displayed on the unit card. This road will be constructed 

entirely across decommissioned road bed. This unit is also accessed by proposed NFS road 3018112, totaling 3,300 feet. 

This road will be constructed entirely across decommissioned road bed. See corresponding road card for detailed 

Unit

Number 523 Alternatives 3, 4, 5

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation
Unit 523

information. Reconstruction of existing NFS roads 3018100 and 3018110, totaling 9,600 feet, is required to provide access to 

this unit. See corresponding road cards for detailed information.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

 FISHERIES:

Streams are tributaries to Gravelly Creek. Stream characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, information.

Stream#: A5 Class: II, III Flagging: B/W, O/W C- Type: HCL, HCD

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class II for HCL greater of 100 feet or to the top of the side-slope break. Class III for HCD to the top of the sideslope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A and B 

Stream#: A5.1R	 Class: II Flagging: B/W C- Type: HCL

Concerns: yarding through RMA

Buffer (RMA): Class II for HCL greater of 100 feet or to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A 

Temporary road (reopened decommissioned) for Unit 523: Alternatives 3, 4 and 5 -- No known stream crossings. The 

temporary road have not been field verified and will be surveyed before implementation. If any stream crossings are found, 

crossings structures and locations will be approved by USFS, in consultation with fisheries biologist or hydrologist, prior to 

construction (BMP 14.17). During construction of temporary roads implement BMPs 12.17, 13.10, 13.11, 13.16, 14.3, and 

14.5.

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

No Concerns

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

Slopes range from about 15% to about 72% or more, based on DEMs. Field review is necessary. There are approximately 4 

acres of emergent sedge/forested wetland complex adjacent to the southern unit boundary (BMP 12.5). The soils and 

wetlands are suitable for partial suspension cable yarding or shovel yarding. All logging systems should follow BMPs 12.5, 

13.2 and 13.9. Specifically the shovel operator should avoid the small non-forested areas of the unit to prevent rutting. 

Slopes over 25% gradient may not be suitable for shovel yarding under some soil moisture conditions. Use care when 

approving shovel yarding on slopes over 25% gradient. Avoid track slippage and rutting.

The proposed temporary road will utilize an existing decommissioned road to minimize soil disturbance.

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Further analysis and/or field review will be 

completed prior to implementation to ensure that the activity areas do not exceed Region 10 Soil Quality Standards as 

appropriate BMP measures are applied.

 WILDLIFE:

Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat along Deer Creek by improving forage availability and removing the stand 

from the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again). A portion of the unit was deferred from 

Alternatives 4 and 5 to avoid road construction and associated effects to wildlife (increased access) and watershed.

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
3018000

3017000

3017400

3017300

3018112

3017350

3017500

3017300

A3.1R

A5.1R

A3

A1

A5

A1

A4

A2

A3

LAKE A1

A2.1R A2

1965

1970

1963

1963

1971

1962

1973

1973

523

524

525

528

522

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 523 Alternative 3 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

579, 586

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3018000

3017000

3017400

3017300

3017300

3017350

3017500

A2

A3.1R

A5.1R

A3

A1

A5

A1

A4

A2

A3

LAKE A1

A2.1R

1965

1973

1970

1963

1963

1971

1962

1973

523

524

525

528

522

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 523 Alternative 4 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

579, 586

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt4_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3018000

3017000

3017400

3017300

3017300

3017350

3017500

A2

A3.1R

A5.1R

A3

A1

A5

A1

A4

A2

A3

LAKE A1

A2.1R

1965

1973

1970

1963

1963

1971

1962

1973

523

524

525

528

522

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 523 Alternative 5 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Sytematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth 

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

579, 586

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt5_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 524

Total Unit

Acres:

47.0 Prescription: Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

579,

 586

Harvest

System:

Cable, Shovel

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

264

LUD:

Modified Landscape

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: The majority of this unit lies within Stand #5790200509. This stand has an origination date of 1963. This 

stand has been 23% pre-commercially thinned. This was completed in 1982 and 2004. Approximately 19 acres of this unit 

lies within Stand #5860100509. This stand has been 59% pre-commercially thinned. This was primarily completed in 1979 

and 1984. The site potential in this unit appears to range from medium to high. This unit is in a successional stage of stem 

exclusion. This unit lies entirely within the Deer Winter Range landscape zone. This unit is located in the Thorne Bay NW 

young-growth study area. 

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for a combination of ground-based and cable settings. Ground-based settings are planned for yarding to 

the existing NFS roads 3017000 and 3018000. Cable settings are planned for uphill yarding to the existing NFS road 

3017000.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

No proposed road construction.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

 FISHERIES:

Streams are tributaries to Gravelly Creek. Stream characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, information.

Stream#: A1 (Gravelly Creek) Class: I Flagging: B/W C- Type: FPL

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for FPL greater of 130 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland fens.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A 

Stream#: A3 Class: I, II, III Flagging: B/W, O/W C- Type: HCL, HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for HCL greater of 100 feet or to the top of the side-slope break. Class III for HCM to the top of the sideUnit

Number 524 Alternatives 3, 4, 5

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
Unit 524

slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A and B 

Stream#: A5 Class: I, II Flagging: B/W C- Type: HCL

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I and II for HCL greater of 100 feet or to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A 

Stream#: A5.1R Class: II Flagging: B/W C- Type: HCL

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class II for HCL greater of 100 feet or to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

No Concerns

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

Slopes generally appear to range between 10% and 60%; however, slopes over 72% may be present. Field review is 

necessary. There are approximately 4 acres of emergent sedge/forested wetland complex and about 1/2 acre of moss 

muskeg in the southern edge of the unit (BMP 12.5). The soils and wetlands are suitable for partial suspension cable yarding 

or shovel yarding. All logging systems should follow BMPs 12.5, 13.2 and 13.9. Specifically the shovel operator should avoid 

the small non-forested areas of the unit to prevent rutting. Slopes over 25% gradient may not be suitable for shovel yarding 

under some soil moisture conditions. Use care when approving shovel yarding on slopes over 25% gradient. Avoid track 

slippage and rutting.

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Further analysis and/or field review will be 

completed prior to implementation to ensure that the activity areas do not exceed Region 10 Soil Quality Standards as 

appropriate BMP measures are applied.

 WILDLIFE:

Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat along Deer Creek by improving forage availability and removing the stand 

from the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again).
3018000

3017500

3017000

3017400

3017000

3018112

3017500

3017350

3017200

3017300

3017210

LAKE A1

A2

A3.1R

A3

A5.1R

A3

A4

A2.1R

A1

A5

A2

1965

1973

1973

1963

1971

1963

1970

1962

523

524

525

527

528

522

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 524 Alternative 3 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

579, 586

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3018000

3017500

3017400

3017000

3017350

3017300

3017210

3017000

3017500

3017350

3017200

A2

LAKE A1

A2

A3.1R

A3

A5.1R

A3

A4

A1

A5

A2.1R

1965

1973

1973

1963

1971

1963

1962

1970

523

524

525

527

528

522

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 524 Alternative 4 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

579, 586

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt4_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3018000

3017500

3017400

3017000

3017350

3017200

3017300

3017210

3017500

3017350

A2.1R A2

LAKE A1

A2

A3.1R

A5.1R

A3

A4

A1

A5

A3

1965

1973

1973

1963

1971

1963

1962

1970

523

524

525

528

522

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 524 Alternative 5 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Sytematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth 

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

579, 586

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt5_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 525

Total Unit

Acres:

32.8 Prescription: Systematic and 

Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

579,

 586

Harvest

System:

Cable, Shovel

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

206

LUD:

Modified Landscape

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: The majority of this unit lies within Stand #5790200509.The stand origination date is 1963. This stand 

has had approximately 23% of the area pre-commercially thinned. This was completed in 1982 and 2004. Approximately 5 

acres of the unit lies within Stand #5860100509. This stand has had approximately 59% of the area pre-commercially 

thinned. This was primarily completed in 1979 and 1984. The site potential appears to range from medium to high. This unit 

is in a successional stage of stem exclusion. Approximately 31 acres of the unit lies within the Deer Winter Range landscape 

zone. The remaining approximately 2 acres lies within the Uplands/Mountain Slopes Landscape Zone. This unit is located in 

the Thorne Bay NW young-growth study area.

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation. 

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Uplands/Mountain Slopes):

The management goal of young-growth treatments in this landscape zone is to manage for a sustained yield, even flow of an 

industrial wood supply, while meeting multiple resource objectives, wherever possible. Treatments should improve growth 

and productivity, improve forest health, and promote forest stand conditions that will provide a diverse array of marketable 

forest products.

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Systematic Thinning

Apply systematic thinning strips in portions of the unit unsuitable for uniform thinning. Systematic thinning should be applied 

primarily in downhill settings where full suspension cannot be achieved or other areas where uniform thinning will result in 

unacceptable levels of residual tree damage or otherwise is operationally infeasible. Systematic thinning should remove all 

trees within corridors 20 to 60 feet wide depending on operational feasibility, visual concerns and /or windthrow potential. 

Maintain a 60-120 foot distance between cut corridors resulting in at least a 50% basal area retention. Where visuals are of 

concern, cut corridors should be kept to approximately 20 feet in width pending scenery direction. Although parallel strips 

are likely to be most common, there are options for fan shapes, depending on landing/road locations.

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for a combination of ground-based and cable yarding. Ground-based settings are planned for yarding to 

the existing NFS roads 3017500 and 3017350. Shovel yarding to road 3017350 will require traversing the outer portion of 

the RMA along Gravelly Creek. Cable settings are planned for uphill and downhill yarding to the existing NFS road 3017500. 

Uniform crown thinning is planned in ground-based and uphill cable yarding settings. Strip thinning is planned in downhill 

cable yarding settings. Some ground-based yarding through the RMA may be required. Yarding through RMA will be 

minimized and restricted to designated corridors.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

Unit

Number 525 Alternatives 3, 4, 5

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation
Unit 525

This unit utilizes existing NFS roads 3017500 and 3017350, totaling 5400 feet. These roads are both planned for 

reconstruction. Road 3017350 is mostly within an RMA. See corresponding road cards for detailed information.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

 FISHERIES:

Streams are tributaries to Gravelly Creek. Stream characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, information.

Stream#: A1 (Gravelly Creek) Class: I Flagging: B/W C- Type: FPL

Concerns: yarding through RMA

Buffer (RMA): Class I for FPL greater of 130 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland fens.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A 

Stream#: A4 Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B 

Stream#: A3 Class: I Flagging: B/W C- Type: HCL

Concerns: yarding through RMA

Buffer (RMA): Class I for HCL greater of 100 feet or to the top of the side-slope break. 

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A 

Stream#: A3.1R Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM

Concerns: ; none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B 

Stream#: A2.1R Class: III Flagging: B/W C- Type: HCD

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCD to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

No Concerns

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

Slopes generally appear to range between 20% and 60%; however, slopes over 72% may be present. Field review is 

necessary. No wetlands have been mapped in the unit. The soils and wetlands are suitable for partial suspension cable 

yarding or shovel yarding. All logging systems should follow BMPs 12.5, 13.2 and 13.9. Specifically the shovel operator 

should avoid the small non-forested areas of the unit to prevent rutting. Slopes over 25% gradient may not be suitable for 

shovel yarding under some soil moisture conditions. Use care when approving shovel yarding on slopes over 25% gradient. 

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
Unit 525

Avoid track slippage and rutting.

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Further analysis and/or field review will be 

completed prior to implementation to ensure that the activity areas do not exceed Region 10 Soil Quality Standards as 

appropriate BMP measures are applied.

 WILDLIFE:

Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat along Deer Creek by improving forage availability and removing the stand 

from the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again).
3017000

3017000

3017500

3017000 3018000

3018130

3017350

3017500

3017200

3017000

A8.1L

A2

A3.1R

A1

A4

A3

A3

A1

A8

LAKE A1

A1

A9

A7

A2.1R A2

A2

A8.1L.1R

A5.1R

1963

1962

1995

1971

1963

1970

1973

1995

523

524

525

526

528

527

522

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 525 Alternative 3 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

579, 586

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3017500

3018000

3017200

3017000

3018130

3017000

3017000

3017350

3017350

3017200

3017500

3018130

3017000

A1

A3

A4

A2

A3

A1

A8

LAKE A1

A9

A7

A2.1R A2

A2

A8.1L.1R

A5.1R

A8.1L

A1

A3.1R

1970

1995

1971

1995

1963

1962

1973

1963

523

524

525

528

522

527

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 525 Alternative 4 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

579, 586

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt4_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3017000

3017350

3018000

3017500

3017200

3018130

3017000

3017350

3017200

3017500

3018130

A1

A2

A3.1R

A1

A4

A3

A3

A1

LAKE A1

A8

A7

A2.1R A2

A2

A9

A8.1L.1R

A5.1R

A8.1L

1973

1963

1995

1995

1970

1962

1963

1971

523

524

525

528

522

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 525 Alternative 5 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Sytematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth 

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

579, 586

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt5_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 526

Total Unit

Acres:

21.8 Prescription: Systematic and 

Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

579 Harvest

System:

Cable, Shovel

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

157

LUD:

Modified Landscape

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: This unit lies entirely within Stand #5790200509. The stand origination date is 1963. Approximately 23% 

of the area within the stand has been pre-commercially thinned. This was completed in 1982 and 2004. The site potential 

appears to be medium. The unit is in a successional stage of stem exclusion. This unit lies within the Deer Winter Range 

landscape zone, and is located in the Thorne Bay NW young-growth study Area.

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation. 

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Uplands/Mountain Slopes):

The management goal of young-growth treatments in this landscape zone is to manage for a sustained yield, even flow of an 

industrial wood supply, while meeting multiple resource objectives, wherever possible. Treatments should improve growth 

and productivity, improve forest health, and promote forest stand conditions that will provide a diverse array of marketable 

forest products.

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Systematic Thinning

Apply systematic thinning strips in portions of the unit unsuitable for uniform thinning. Systematic thinning should be applied 

primarily in downhill settings where full suspension cannot be achieved or other areas where uniform thinning will result in 

unacceptable levels of residual tree damage or otherwise is operationally infeasible. Systematic thinning should remove all 

trees within corridors 20 to 60 feet wide depending on operational feasibility, visual concerns and /or windthrow potential. 

Maintain a 60-120 foot distance between cut corridors resulting in at least a 50% basal area retention. Where visuals are of 

concern, cut corridors should be kept to approximately 20 feet in width pending scenery direction. Although parallel strips 

are likely to be most common, there are options for fan shapes, depending on landing/road locations.

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for a combination of ground-based and cable yarding. Ground-based settings are planned for yarding to 

the proposed temporary road and existing NFS road 3017350. Cable settings are planned for downhill yarding to the 

proposed temporary road and existing NFS road 3017350. Yarding to the existing road may require yarding through the outer 

portion of an RMA along a Gravelly Creek tributary. Uniform crown thinning is planned in ground-based settings. Strip 

thinning is planned in cable yarding settings. Some cable yarding through the RMA may be required. Yarding through RMA 

will be minimized and restricted to designated corridors.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

Unit is accessed by a proposed temporary road, totaling 300 feet, as displayed on the unit card. This road will be constructed 

entirely across decommissioned road bed. This unit is also accessed by reconstructed existing NFS road 3017350, totaling 

6,100 feet. This road is mostly within an RMA. See corresponding road card for detailed information.

 BOTANY:

Unit

Number 526 Alternatives 3

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation
Unit 526

No Concerns

 FISHERIES:

Streams are tributaries to Gravelly Creek. Stream characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, information.

Stream#: A1 Class: I Flagging: B/W C- Type: FPL

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for FPL greater of 130 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland fens.

Alternatives: 3 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A 

Stream#: A8 Class: I Flagging: B/W C- Type: PAM

Concerns: yarding through RMA

Buffer (RMA): Class I for PAM greater of 100 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland fens.

Alternatives: 3 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A 

Stream#: A8.1L Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B 

Stream#: A8.1L.1R Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B

Stream#: A7 Class: I, II, III Flagging: B/W, O/W C- Type: AFH, HCM

Concerns: yarding through RMA

Buffer (RMA): Class I and II for AFH greater of 140 feet or active portion of the alluvial fan. Class III for HCM to the top of the 

side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A and B 

Temporary road (reopened decommissioned) for Unit 526: Alternatives 3 -- No known stream crossings. The temporary road 

have not been field verified and will be surveyed before implementation. If any stream crossings are found, crossings 

structures and locations will be approved by USFS, in consultation with fisheries biologist or hydrologist, prior to construction 

(BMP 14.17). During construction of temporary roads implement BMPs 12.17, 13.10, 13.11, 13.16, 14.3, and 14.5.

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

No Concerns

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
Unit 526 SOILS/WETLANDS:

Slopes are estimated to range from 15% to about 70% based on DEMs; therefore, it will likely need field verification. There is 

approximately 1 acre of moss muskeg in the northern edge of the unit (BMP 12.5) based on GIS. The soils and wetlands are 

suitable for partial suspension cable yarding or shovel yarding. All logging systems should follow BMPs 12.5, 13.2 and 13.9. 

Specifically the shovel operator should avoid the small non-forested areas of the unit to prevent rutting. Slopes over 25% 

gradient may not be suitable for shovel yarding under some soil moisture conditions. Use care when approving shovel 

yarding on slopes over 25% gradient. Avoid track slippage and rutting.

The proposed temporary road will utilize an existing decommissioned road to minimize soil disturbance.

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Further analysis and/or field review will be 

completed prior to implementation to ensure that the activity areas do not exceed Region 10 Soil Quality Standards as 

appropriate BMP measures are applied.

 WILDLIFE:

Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat near Gravelly Creek by improving forage availability and removing the stand 

from the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again), though a road would need to be 

reconstructed to access the unit. Unit is not a priority on the landscape from a thinning perspective because it is surrounded 

by young-growth.

Alternatives 4 and 5: Unit dropped to minimize road reconstruction and associated effects to wildlife (associated with 

increased access) and watershed. Need to thin does not outweigh road concerns.
3017000

3017350

3018130

3017500

3000100

3017500

3017350

3018130

A7

A3

A8.1L

A8.1L.1R

A3.1R

A4

A2

A2

A2.1R

A3

A1

A8

A9

1963

1995

1962

1995

1972

1995

1995

1963

522

524

525

526

527

132

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 526 Alternative 3 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

579

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 527

Total Unit

Acres:

11.0 Prescription: Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

579 Harvest

System:

Cable, Shovel

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

62

LUD:

Modified Landscape

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: This unit lies entirely within Stand #5790200509. The stand origination date is 1963. Approximately 23% 

of the area within the stand has been pre-commercially thinned. This was completed in 1982 and 2004. The site strata 

appears to be high. This unit is in a successional stage of stem exclusion. This unit lies entirely within the Deer Winter Range 

landscape zone. The unit is located in the Thorne Bay NW young-growth study area.

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for a combination of ground-based and cable yarding. Ground-based settings are planned for yarding to 

the proposed temporary road. Cable settings are planned for uphill yarding to the proposed temporary road.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

Unit is accessed by a proposed temporary road, totaling 1,400 feet, as displayed on the unit card. This road will be 

constructed entirely across decommissioned road bed. This unit is also accessed by reconstruction of existing NFS road 

3017000, totaling 1,500 feet. See corresponding road card for detailed information.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

 FISHERIES:

Streams are tributaries to Gravelly Creek. Stream characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, information.

Stream#: A1 (Gravelly Creek) Class: I Flagging: B/W C- Type: MCL, FPL

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for MCL greater of 100 feet or to the top of the side-slope break. Class I for FPL for greater of 130 feet, 

flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland fens.

Alternatives: 3 and 4 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A 

Stream#: A9 Class: I, II, III Flagging: B/W, O/W C- Type: HCV, HCD

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I and II for HCV greater of 100 feet or to the top of the side-slope break. Class III for HCD to the top of 

the side-slope break. 

Unit

Number 527 Alternatives 3, 4

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
Unit 527

Alternatives: 3 and 4 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A and B 

Temporary road (reopened decommissioned) for Unit 527: Alternatives 3 and 4 -- No known stream crossings. The 

temporary road have not been field verified and will be surveyed before implementation. If any stream crossings are found, 

crossings structures and locations will be approved by USFS, in consultation with fisheries biologist or hydrologist, prior to 

construction (BMP 14.17). During construction of temporary roads implement BMPs 12.17, 13.10, 13.11, 13.16, 14.3, and 

14.5.

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

No Concerns

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

Slopes generally appear to range between 20% and 65%; however, slopes over 72% may be present. Field review is 

necessary. No wetlands have been mapped in the unit. The soils and wetlands are suitable for partial suspension cable 

yarding or shovel yarding. All logging systems should follow BMPs 12.5, 13.2 and 13.9. Specifically the shovel operator 

should avoid the small non-forested areas of the unit to prevent rutting. Slopes over 25% gradient may not be suitable for 

shovel yarding under some soil moisture conditions. Use care when approving shovel yarding on slopes over 25% gradient. 

Avoid track slippage and rutting.

The proposed temporary roads will utilize existing decommissioned roads to minimize soil disturbance.

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Further analysis and/or field review will be 

completed prior to implementation to ensure that the activity areas do not exceed Region 10 Soil Quality Standards as 

appropriate BMP measures are applied.

 WILDLIFE:

Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat near Gravelly Creek by improving forage availability and removing the stand 

from the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again).
3017350

3017000

3000100

3017000

3017000

3017500

3018130

3017200

3017500

3017000

3017210

3017350

A1

A1

A2

A3.1R

A5. 1R

A3

A1

A2

A8 1. L.1R

A2.1R

A3

A8

A9

A7

A8.1L

A3

A4

1995

1971

1995

1963

1962

1972

1963

522

524

525

369

528

527

526

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 527 Alternative 3 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

579

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3018130

3000100

3017500

3017350

3017000

3017200

3017000

3017000

3017200

3017350

3017210

3017000

3017500

3018130

A3

A9

A7

A8.1L

A3

A2.1R

A2

A1

A3

A4

A8

A1

A1

A8 1. L.1R

A2

A5. 1R

A3.1R

1972

1963

1971

1963

1995 1962

1995

522

524

525

527

528

369

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 527 Alternative 4 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

579

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt4_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 528

Total Unit

Acres:

61.7 Prescription: Systematic and 

Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

579 Harvest

System:

Cable, Shovel

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

382

LUD:

Modified Landscape

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: This unit lies entirely within Stand #5790200509. The stand origination date is 1963. Approximately 23% 

of the area within the stand has been pre-commercially thinned, which was completed in 1982 and 2004. The site potential 

appears to be medium. This unit is in a successional stage of stem exclusion. Approximately 33 acres of the unit lies within 

the Deer Winter Range landscape zone. Approximately 29 acres is in the Uplands/Mountain Slopes landscape zone. This 

unit is located in the Thorne Bay NW young-growth study areas. 

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation. 

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Uplands/Mountain Slopes):

The management goal of young-growth treatments in this landscape zone is to manage for a sustained yield, even flow of an 

industrial wood supply, while meeting multiple resource objectives, wherever possible. Treatments should improve growth 

and productivity, improve forest health, and promote forest stand conditions that will provide a diverse array of marketable 

forest products.

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Systematic Thinning

Apply systematic thinning strips in portions of the unit unsuitable for uniform thinning. Systematic thinning should be applied 

primarily in downhill settings where full suspension cannot be achieved or other areas where uniform thinning will result in 

unacceptable levels of residual tree damage or otherwise is operationally infeasible. Systematic thinning should remove all 

trees within corridors 20 to 60 feet wide depending on operational feasibility, visual concerns and /or windthrow potential. 

Maintain a 60-120 foot distance between cut corridors resulting in at least a 50% basal area retention. Where visuals are of 

concern, cut corridors should be kept to approximately 20 feet in width pending scenery direction. Although parallel strips 

are likely to be most common, there are options for fan shapes, depending on landing/road locations.

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for a combination of ground-based and cable yarding. Ground-based settings are planned for yarding to 

the existing NFS roads 3017200, 3017300, and 3017210. Cable settings are planned for downhill yarding to the existing NFS 

road 3017210. Uniform crown thinning is planned in ground-based settings. Strip thinning is planned in cable yarding settings.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

This unit is accessed by reconstruction of existing NFS roads 3017200, 3017210, and 3017300, totaling 4700 feet. See 

corresponding road cards for detailed information.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

Unit

Number 528 Alternatives 3, 4, 5

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation
Unit 528

 FISHERIES:

Streams are tributaries to Gravelly Creek. Stream characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, information.

Stream#: A1 Class: I Flagging: B/W C- Type: FPL, MCL

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for FPL greater of 130 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland fens. 

Class I for MCL greater of 100 feet or to the top of the side-slope break. 

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A 

Stream#: A10	 Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCD

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCD to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

No Concerns

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

Slopes generally appear to range between about 20% and 80%, based on DEMs. Slopes over 72% are likely present and 

field review is necessary. A small, older (>40 years) debris avalanche is mapped in the southwest portion of unit. No 

wetlands have been mapped in the unit. The soils and wetlands are generally suitable for partial suspension cable yarding or 

shovel yarding. All logging systems should follow BMPs 12.5, 13.2 and 13.9. Specifically the shovel operator should avoid 

the small non-forested areas of the unit to prevent rutting. Slopes over 25% gradient may not be suitable for shovel yarding 

under some soil moisture conditions. Use care when approving shovel yarding on slopes over 25% gradient. Avoid track 

slippage and rutting.

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Further analysis and/or field review will be 

completed prior to implementation to ensure that the activity areas do not exceed Region 10 Soil Quality Standards as 

appropriate BMP measures are applied.

 WILDLIFE:

Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat near Gravelly Creek by improving forage availability and removing the stand 

from the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again).

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
3017000

3017300

3017400

3017000

3018000

3017400

3017210

3017350

3017200

3017000

3017300

A1

4

A3.1R

A3

A10

A3

A10

A5.1R

A1

A1

A2

1963

1963

1973

1971

369

529

528

527

525

524

523

368

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 528 Alternative 3 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

579

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3017000

3017300

3017400

3017200

3017000

3018000

3017400

3017210

3017350

3017000

3017300

3017200

A1

4

A3.1R

A3

A10

A3

A10

A5.1R

A1

A1

A2

1963

1963

1973

1971

369

529

528

527

525

524

523

368

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 528 Alternative 4 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

579

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt4_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3017300

3017400

3017000

3018000

3017200

3017400

3017200

3017300

3017350

3017210

4

A3.1R

A3

A10

A3

A10

A5.1R

A1

A1

A2

A1

1973

1963

1971

1963

368

369

523

524

525

528

529

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 528 Alternative 5 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Sytematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth 

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

579

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt5_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 529

Total Unit

Acres:

6.9 Prescription: Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

579 Harvest

System:

Cable

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

39

LUD:

Modified Landscape

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: This unit lies entirely within Stand #5790200509. The stand origination date is 1963. Approximately 23% 

of the are within the stand has been pre-commercially thinned, which was completed in 1982 and 2004. The site potential 

appears to be high. This unit is in a successional stage of stem exclusion. Approximately 5 acres of the unit lies within the 

Uplands/Mountain Slopes landscape zone. The remaining approximately 2 acres is in the Deer Winter Range landscape 

zone. This unit is located in the Thorne Bay NW young-growth study area.

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation. 

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Uplands/Mountain Slopes):

The management goal of young-growth treatments in this landscape zone is to manage for a sustained yield, even flow of an 

industrial wood supply, while meeting multiple resource objectives, wherever possible. Treatments should improve growth 

and productivity, improve forest health, and promote forest stand conditions that will provide a diverse array of marketable 

forest products.

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for uphill cable yarding to the existing NFS road 3017210.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

This unit is accessed by reconstruction of existing NFS roads 3017200 and 3017210, totaling 4,000 feet. See corresponding 

road cards for detailed information.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

 FISHERIES:

Streams are tributaries to Gravelly Creek. Stream characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, information.

Stream#: A10 Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCD

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCD to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

Unit

Number 529 Alternatives 3, 4, 5

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
Unit 529

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

No Concerns

 RECREATION:

Alternatives 3, 4, and 5: This young growth unit is located in close proximity to the Boy Scout ATV project. Potential impacts 

would be reduced by avoiding placement of slash on the road prism and stream ford.

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

Slopes are estimated to be less than 50%. No wetlands have been mapped in the unit. A minimum of partial suspension 

would meet soil and wetland resource concerns (BMPs 12.5, 13.5, and 13.9).

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Further analysis and/or field review will be 

completed prior to implementation to ensure that the activity areas do not exceed Region 10 Soil Quality Standards as 

appropriate BMP measures are applied.

 WILDLIFE:

Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat near Gravelly Creek by improving forage availability and removing the stand 

from the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again).

Total Unit

Acres:

Prescription:

VCU

Number:

Harvest

System:

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

0

LUD:

 SILVICULTURE:

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

 FISHERIES:

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

 SCENERY:

 RECREATION:

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

 WILDLIFE:

Unit

Number 530 Alternatives DROPPED

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
3017400

3017420

3017000

3017300

3017400

3017200

3017210

30173003017350

A1

AKE A2

A5.1R

1.1L

3

4

2

5

A2

1.2L

A1

A3

1

A10

1971

1995

1973

1963

1993

369

529

528

368

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 529 Alternative 3 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

579

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3017400

3017200

3017420

3017000

3017300

3017400

3017210

30173003017350

A1

AKE A2

A5.1R

1.1L

3

4

2

5

A2

1.2L

A1

A3

1

A10

1971

1995

1973

1963

1993

369

529

528

368

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 529 Alternative 4 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

579

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt4_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3017400

3017200

3017420

3017000

3017300

3017400

3017210

30173003017350

A1

AKE A2

A5.1R

1.1L

3

4

2

5

A2

1.2L

A1

A3

1

A10

1971

1995

1973

1963

1993

369

529

528

368

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 529 Alternative 5 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Sytematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth 

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

579

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt5_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 531

Total Unit

Acres:

29.7 Prescription: Systematic and 

Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

586 Harvest

System:

Cable, Shovel

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

203

LUD:

Modified Landscape

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: This unit lies entirely within Stand #5860100509. The stand origination date is 1963. Approximately 59% 

of the area within the stand has been pre-commercially thinned. This was primarily completed in 1979 and 1984. The site 

potential appears to be medium. The unit is in a successional stage of stem exclusion. This unit lies within the Deer Winter 

Range Landscape Zone, and is located in the Thorne Bay NW young-growth study area. 

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Systematic Thinning

Apply systematic thinning strips in portions of the unit unsuitable for uniform thinning. Systematic thinning should be applied 

primarily in downhill settings where full suspension cannot be achieved or other areas where uniform thinning will result in 

unacceptable levels of residual tree damage or otherwise is operationally infeasible. Systematic thinning should remove all 

trees within corridors 20 to 60 feet wide depending on operational feasibility, visual concerns and /or windthrow potential. 

Maintain a 60-120 foot distance between cut corridors resulting in at least a 50% basal area retention. Where visuals are of 

concern, cut corridors should be kept to approximately 20 feet in width pending scenery direction. Although parallel strips 

are likely to be most common, there are options for fan shapes, depending on landing/road locations.

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for a combination of ground-based and cable yarding. Cable settings are planned for downhill yarding to 

the existing NFS road 3018100. Ground-based settings are planned for yarding to the existing NFS road 3018100. Uniform 

crown thinning is planned in ground-based settings. Strip thinning is planned in cable yarding settings.

Unit is adjacent to non-National Forest System land on the south end.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

This unit is accessed by reconstruction of existing NFS road 3018100, totaling 3300 feet. See corresponding road card for 

detailed information.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

 FISHERIES:

Unit

Number 531 Alternatives 3, 4, 5

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
Unit 531

Streams are tributaries to Deer Creek. Stream characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, information.

Stream#: A1 Class: II Flagging: B/W C- Type: MCS, MMS

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class II for MCS greater of 100 feet or to the top of the side-slope break. Class II for MMS greater of 120 feet, 

flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland fens.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A

Stream#: A1.1R Class: II, III Flagging: B/W, O/W C- Type: HCL, HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class II for HCL greater of 100 feet or to the top of the side-slope break. Class III for HCM to the top of the sideslope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A and B

Stream A1.1R.1L Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

About 1/3 of unit is in Low SIO and 2/3 is in Very Low. Southeastern half of unit may be partially visible from the 30 Road, 

but mostly at an angle and at a distance of a 1/4 to 1/2 mile or so; therefore, VAC would be Intermediate or High. Visual 

disturbance associated with thinning is expected to be well within the level permitted by the Forest Plan.

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

Slopes are estimated to range from about 10% to about 50%. There is about 1/2 acre (2% of the unit) of emergent 

sedge/forested wetland complex near the southwest unit boundary (BMP 12.5). The soils and wetlands are suitable for 

partial suspension cable yarding or shovel yarding. All logging systems should follow BMPs 12.5, 13.2 and 13.9. Specifically 

the shovel operator should avoid the small non-forested areas of the unit to prevent rutting. Slopes over 25% gradient may 

not be suitable for shovel yarding under some soil moisture conditions. Use care when approving shovel yarding on slopes 

over 25% gradient. Avoid track slippage and rutting.

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Further analysis and/or field review will be 

completed prior to implementation to ensure that the activity areas do not exceed Region 10 Soil Quality Standards as 

appropriate BMP measures are applied.

 WILDLIFE:

Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat near Deer Creek by improving forage availability and removing the stand 

from the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again).
3000000

3018000

3018050

3018100

3018122

A1

A1.1L

1.3L A1.2L

A1.1R.1L

A1.3L

1.3L 1 3. L 1L

1.3L.1L

1

1.1L

1.2 R

1

A1.1R

1.3L.2L

1

1963

1963

1963

1973

1973

1973

133

520

521

531

130

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 531 Alternative 3 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

586

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3018000

3018122

3018050

3000000

3018100

A1.1L

1.3L A1.2L

A1.1R.1L

A1.3L

1.3L 1 3. L 1L

1.3L.1L

1

1.1L

1.2 R

1

A1.1R

1.3L.2L

1

A1

1963

1963

1963

1973

1973

1973

520

521

531

130

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 531 Alternative 4 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

586

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt4_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3018000

3018122

3018050

3018100

3000000

3018100

A1.1L

1.3L A1.2L

A1.1R.1L

A1.3L

1.3L 1 3. L 1L

1.3L.1L

1

1.1L

1.2 R

1

A1.1R

1.3L.2L

1

A1

1963

1963

1973

1973

1973

1963

133

520

521

531

130

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 531 Alternative 5 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Sytematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth 

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

586

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt5_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 532

Total Unit

Acres:

18.8 Prescription: Systematic and 

Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

586 Harvest

System:

Cable, Shovel

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

123

LUD:

Modified Landscape

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: This unit lies entirely within Stand #5860100509. The stand origination date is 1963. Approximately 59% 

of the area within the stand has been pre-commercially thinned. This was primarily completed in 1979 and 1984. The site 

potential appears to be medium. This unit is in a successional stage of stem exclusion. Approximately 10 acres of the unit 

lies within the Deer Winter Range landscape zone. The remaining approximately 9 acres is in the Uplands/Mountain Slopes 

landscape zone . This unit is located in the Thorne Bay NW young-growth study area.

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation. 

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Uplands/Mountain Slopes):

The management goal of young-growth treatments in this landscape zone is to manage for a sustained yield, even flow of an 

industrial wood supply, while meeting multiple resource objectives, wherever possible. Treatments should improve growth 

and productivity, improve forest health, and promote forest stand conditions that will provide a diverse array of marketable 

forest products.

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Systematic Thinning

Apply systematic thinning strips in portions of the unit unsuitable for uniform thinning. Systematic thinning should be applied 

primarily in downhill settings where full suspension cannot be achieved or other areas where uniform thinning will result in 

unacceptable levels of residual tree damage or otherwise is operationally infeasible. Systematic thinning should remove all 

trees within corridors 20 to 60 feet wide depending on operational feasibility, visual concerns and /or windthrow potential. 

Maintain a 60-120 foot distance between cut corridors resulting in at least a 50% basal area retention. Where visuals are of 

concern, cut corridors should be kept to approximately 20 feet in width pending scenery direction. Although parallel strips 

are likely to be most common, there are options for fan shapes, depending on landing/road locations.

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for a combination of ground-based and cable yarding. Ground-based settings are planned for yarding to 

the existing NFS road 3018100. Cable settings are planned for downhill yarding to the existing NFS road 3018100. Uniform 

crown thinning is planned in ground-based settings. Strip thinning is planned in cable yarding settings.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

This unit is accessed by reconstruction of existing NFS road 3018100, totaling 8,900 feet. See corresponding road card for 

detailed information.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

Unit

Number 532 Alternatives 3

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation

 INVASIVE SPECIES:
Unit 532

 FISHERIES:

Streams are tributaries to Deer Creek. Stream characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, information.

Stream#: A4 Class: II, III Flagging: B/W, O/W C- Type: HCL, HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class II for HCL greater of 100 feet or to the top of the side-slope break. Class III for HCM to the top of the sideslope break.

Alternatives: 3 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A and B 

Stream#: A4.1L Class: II, III Flagging: B/W, O/W C- Type: HCL, HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class II for HCL greater of 100 feet or to the top of the side-slope break. Class III for HCM to the top of the sideslope break.

Alternatives: 3 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A and B

Stream#: A4.1R Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B 

Stream#: A4.2L Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCD

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCD to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B 

Stream#: A4.3L Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCD

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCD to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

Unit is in Low SIO and may be partially visible at a distance of 3/4 mile or more from the 30 Road. Thinning is not likely to 

be very noticeable to the typical forest visitor, particularly with topographic and vegetative screening.

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

Slopes generally appear to range between about 15% and 85%. Therefore, slopes over 72% are likely to be present and 

field review is necessary. There is approximately 1 acre (7% of the unit) of moss muskeg in the southeast corner of the unit 

(BMP 12.5). The soils and wetlands are generally suitable for partial suspension cable yarding or shovel yarding. All logging 

systems should follow BMPs 12.5, 13.2 and 13.9. Specifically the shovel operator should avoid the small non-forested areas 

of the unit to prevent rutting. Slopes over 25% gradient may not be suitable for shovel yarding under some soil moisture 

conditions. Use care when approving shovel yarding on slopes over 25% gradient. Avoid track slippage and rutting.

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Further analysis and/or field review will be 

completed prior to implementation to ensure that the activity areas do not exceed Region 10 Soil Quality Standards as 

appropriate BMP measures are applied.

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
Unit 532

 WILDLIFE:

Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat by improving forage availability and removing the stand from the stem 

exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again), though a road would be reconstructed to access the 

unit. Additionally, unit does not have high importance on the landscape from a thinning perspective because it is surrounded 

by young-growth.

Alternatives 4 and 5: Dropped to reduce road reconstruction and associated effects to wildlife (related to increased access) 

and watershed. Need to thin in this location does not outweigh road concerns.
3018110

3018100

3018100

3018122

3018110

A2

A4.1L

A5.1R

A4.1L.1L

A4.1L

A4.3L

A1

A4

A4.2L

A4.1R

A1.2L

A1

A4

LAKE A1

A5

1973

1973

1973

1963

1973

1963

1963 1973

1973

1973

1973

1973

1969

532

533

133

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 532 Alternative 3 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

586

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 533

Total Unit

Acres:

11.8 Prescription: Systematic and 

Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

586 Harvest

System:

Cable, Shovel

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

74

LUD:

Modified Landscape

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: This unit lies entirely within Stand #5860100509. The stand origination date is 1963. Approximately 59% 

of the area within the stand has been pre-commercially thinned. This was primarily completed in 1979 and 1984. The site 

potential appears to be medium. This unit is in a successional stage of stem exclusion. Approximately 8 acres of the unit lies 

within the Uplands/Mountain Slopes landscape zone. The remaining approximately 4 acres is in the Deer Winter Range 

landscape zone. This unit is located in the Thorne Bay NW young-growth study area.

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation. 

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Uplands/Mountain Slopes):

The management goal of young-growth treatments in this landscape zone is to manage for a sustained yield, even flow of an 

industrial wood supply, while meeting multiple resource objectives, wherever possible. Treatments should improve growth 

and productivity, improve forest health, and promote forest stand conditions that will provide a diverse array of marketable 

forest products.

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Systematic Thinning

Apply systematic thinning strips in portions of the unit unsuitable for uniform thinning. Systematic thinning should be applied 

primarily in downhill settings where full suspension cannot be achieved or other areas where uniform thinning will result in 

unacceptable levels of residual tree damage or otherwise is operationally infeasible. Systematic thinning should remove all 

trees within corridors 20 to 60 feet wide depending on operational feasibility, visual concerns and /or windthrow potential. 

Maintain a 60-120 foot distance between cut corridors resulting in at least a 50% basal area retention. Where visuals are of 

concern, cut corridors should be kept to approximately 20 feet in width pending scenery direction. Although parallel strips 

are likely to be most common, there are options for fan shapes, depending on landing/road locations.

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for a combination of ground-based and cable yarding. Ground-based settings are planned for yarding to 

the existing NFS roads 3018100 and 3018122. Cable settings are planned for uphill and downhill yarding to existing NFS 

roads 3018100 and 3018122. Uniform crown thinning is planned in ground-based and uphill cable settings. Strip thinning is 

planned in downhill cable yarding settings. Some ground-based and cable yarding through the RMA may be required. 

Yarding through RMA will be minimized and restricted to designated corridors.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

This unit is accessed by reconstruction of existing NFS roads 3018100 and 3018122, totaling 10,500 feet. See corresponding 

road cards for detailed information. Unit may require a short spur to avoid corridors in RMA.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

Unit

Number 533 Alternatives 3

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation
Unit 533

 FISHERIES:

Streams are tributaries to Deer Creek. Stream characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, information.

Stream#: A5 Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM

Concerns: yarding through RMA

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B 

Stream#: A5.1L Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A and B 

Stream#: A4.1R Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM

Concerns: yarding through RMA

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

Unit is in Low SIO and may be partially visible at a distance of 3/4 mile or more from the 30 Road. Thinning is not likely to 

be very noticeable to the typical forest visitor, particularly with topographic and vegetative screening.

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

Slopes generally range between about 15% and 60%. No slopes over 72% are likely to be present. No wetlands have been 

mapped in the unit. The soils and wetlands are generally suitable for partial suspension cable yarding or shovel yarding. All 

logging systems should follow BMPs 12.5, 13.2 and 13.9. Specifically the shovel operator should avoid the small nonforested areas of the unit to prevent rutting. Slopes over 25% gradient may not be suitable for shovel yarding under some soil 

moisture conditions. Use care when approving shovel yarding on slopes over 25% gradient. Avoid track slippage and rutting.

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Further analysis and/or field review will be 

completed prior to implementation to ensure that the activity areas do not exceed Region 10 Soil Quality Standards as 

appropriate BMP measures are applied.

 WILDLIFE:

Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat by improving forage availability and removing the stand from the stem 

exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again), though a road would be reconstructed to access the 

unit. Additionally, this unit does not have high importance on the landscape from a thinning perspective because it is 

surrounded by young-growth.

Alternatives 4 and 5: Dropped to eliminate the need for 2 miles of road reconstruction (producing only 30 acres of thinning, 

counting unit 532) and associated effects to wildlife (related to increased access) and watershed. Need to thin in this location 

does not outweigh road concerns.

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
3018100

3018110

3000000

3018100

3018122

A2

A4.1L

A5.1R

A4.1L.1L

A4.1L

A4.3L

A1

A4

A4.2L

A4.1R

A4

LAKE A1

A5

1973

1973

1973

1963

1973

1963

1963

1973

1973

1973 1973

1973

1969

532

533

133

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 533 Alternative 3 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

586

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 542

Total Unit

Acres:

16.3 Prescription: Systematic 

Thinning

VCU

Number:

585 Harvest

System:

Cable

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

91

LUD:

Timber Production

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: This unit lies entirely within Stand #5850100502.The stand origination date is 1964. This stand has not 

been pre-commercially thinned. The site potential in this area appears to range from medium to high. This unit is in a 

successional stage of stem exclusion. Approximately 9 acres of the unit lies within the Uplands/Mountain Slopes landscape 

zone. The remaining approximately 7 acres is in the Deer Winter Range landscape zone. Landscape zones and site potential 

were developed and defined as part of the Prince of Wales Island Young Growth Thinning Feasibility Study (Tetra Tech & 

Stuntzner Engineering/Forestry, 2011).

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation. 

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Uplands/Mountain Slopes):

The management goal of young-growth treatments in this landscape zone is to manage for a sustained yield, even flow of an 

industrial wood supply, while meeting multiple resource objectives, wherever possible. Treatments should improve growth 

and productivity, improve forest health, and promote forest stand conditions that will provide a diverse array of marketable 

forest products.

Silvicultural Prescription: Systematic Thinning

Apply systematic thinning strips in portions of the unit unsuitable for uniform thinning. Systematic thinning should be applied 

primarily in downhill settings where full suspension cannot be achieved or other areas where uniform thinning will result in 

unacceptable levels of residual tree damage or otherwise is operationally infeasible. Systematic thinning should remove all 

trees within corridors 20 to 60 feet wide depending on operational feasibility, visual concerns and /or windthrow potential. 

Maintain a 60-120 foot distance between cut corridors resulting in at least a 50% basal area retention. Where visuals are of 

concern, cut corridors should be kept to approximately 20 feet in width pending scenery direction. Although parallel strips 

are likely to be most common, there are options for fan shapes, depending on landing/road locations.

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for downhill cable yarding to the existing NFS road 3018252.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

This unit is accessed by reconstruction of existing NFS roads 3018250 and 3018252, totaling 2700 feet. See corresponding 

road cards for detailed information.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

 FISHERIES:

No streams found in unit at time of survey. If streams are found during implementation a fish biologist would be notified and 

appropriate protections would be applied.

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

Unit

Number 542 Alternatives 3

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
Unit 542

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

No Concerns

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

Slopes generally appear to range between about 15% and 80%. Therefore, slopes over 72% are likely to be present and 

field review is necessary. There is approximately 1/4 acre (1.6% of the unit) of emergent short-sedge wetland adjacent to the 

eastern unit boundary (BMP 12.5). The soils and wetlands are generally suitable for partial suspension (minimum) cable 

yarding. All logging systems should follow BMPs 12.5, 13.2 and 13.9. 

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Further analysis and/or field review will be 

completed prior to implementation to ensure that the activity areas do not exceed Region 10 Soil Quality Standards as 

appropriate BMP measures are applied.

 WILDLIFE:

Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat near Slide Creek by improving forage availability and removing the stand 

from the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again), though a road would be reconstructed 

to access this isolated unit. Additionally, this unit does not have high priority from a thinning perspective because it is 

surrounded by young-growth.

Alternatives 4 and 5: Dropped to reduce road reconstruction because unit is isolated, and to minimize associated effects to 

wildlife (related to increased access) and watershed. Need to thin does not outweigh road concerns.
3018251

3018495

3017420

3018220

3018250

3017422

3018200

3018250

3018252

A1

1965

1995

1993

1964

1995

1995

1995

542

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 542 Alternative 3 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

585

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 544

Total Unit

Acres:

27.4 Prescription: Systematic and 

Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

584 Harvest

System:

Cable, Shovel

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

163

LUD:

Modified Landscape

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: The unit lies primarily within Stand #5840200574. The stand origination date is 1966. Approximately 

82% of the stand area has been pre-commercially thinned, which was primarily completed in 2005. Approximately 3 acres of 

this unit lies within Stand #5840200575. The stand origination date is 1969. This stand has been completely precommercially thinned, which was primarily completed in 1984. Approximately 2 acres of the unit lies within Stand 

#5840300501. The stand origination date is 1966. Approximately 28% of the stand area has been pre-commercially thinned, 

which was primarily completed in 1983 and 2005. The site potential appears to range from medium to high. This unit is in a 

successional stage of stem exclusion. This unit lies within the Deer Winter Range landscape zone, and is located in the Ratz 

Harbor young-growth study area.

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Systematic Thinning

Apply systematic thinning strips in portions of the unit unsuitable for uniform thinning. Systematic thinning should be applied 

primarily in downhill settings where full suspension cannot be achieved or other areas where uniform thinning will result in 

unacceptable levels of residual tree damage or otherwise is operationally infeasible. Systematic thinning should remove all 

trees within corridors 20 to 60 feet wide depending on operational feasibility, visual concerns and /or windthrow potential. 

Maintain a 60-120 foot distance between cut corridors resulting in at least a 50% basal area retention. Where visuals are of 

concern, cut corridors should be kept to approximately 20 feet in width pending scenery direction. Although parallel strips 

are likely to be most common, there are options for fan shapes, depending on landing/road locations.

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for a combination of ground-based and cable yarding. Ground-based settings are planned for yarding to 

the existing NFS road 3020000. Cable settings are planned for downhill yarding to the existing NFS road 3020000. Uniform 

crown thinning is planned in ground-based settings. Strip thinning is planned in cable settings.

A Tongass Wide Young Growth Study site (POW SAL Experiment #4) is along the northern boundary. Protection of this site 

is required. Contact the Forestry Sciences Lab in Juneau for additional information.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

No proposed road construction.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

Unit

Number 544 Alternatives 3, 4, 5

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
Unit 544

 FISHERIES:

Streams are tributaries to Sal Creek. Stream characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, information.

Stream#: A1 (Sal Creek) Class: I Flagging: B/W C- Type: FPM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for FPM greater of 130 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland fens.

Alternatives: 3 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A 

 

Stream#: 3 Class: I, III Flagging: B/W, O/W C- Type: UC (AFM), AFH

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for AFM greater of 140 feet or active portion of the alluvial fan. Class III for AFM and AFH greater of 

140 feet or active portion of the alluvial fan. 

Alternatives: 3 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A and B 

Stream#: 5 Class: I, III Flagging: B/W, O/W C- Type: AFM, HCD, UC

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for AFH greater of 140 feet or active portion of the alluvial fan. Class III for HCD to the top of the sideslope break. Class IV for UC none.

Alternatives: 3 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A and B

Stream#: A2 Class: I, III Flagging: B/W, O/W C- Type: AFM, HCD

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for AFM greater of 140 feet or active portion of the alluvial fan. Class III for HCD to the top of the sideslope break.

Alternatives: 3 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A and B

Stream#: A2.1R Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCD.

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCD to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

The unit is broken into three separate polygons and includes about 5 acres of Moderate SIO, 1 acre of Low SIO, and 21 

acres of Very Low SIO. Because of vegetative and topographic screening, little of the uint would be visible from NFS Road 

3000000 or saltwater use areas. A portion of the unit is along NFS Road 3000000 and this will be uniformly thinned.

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

Slopes are estimated to be in the range of about 15% to 40%. There are approximately 19 acres (70% of the unit) of forested 

wetland in the unit (BMP 12.5). The soils and wetlands are suitable for a minimum partial suspension yarding or shovel 

yarding. All logging systems should follow BMPs 12.5, 13.2 and 13.9. Specifically, the shovel operator should avoid the small 

non-forested areas of the unit to prevent rutting. Slopes over 25% gradient may not be suitable for shovel yarding under 

some soil moisture conditions. Use care when approving shovel yarding on slopes over 25% gradient. Avoid track slippage 

and rutting.

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Further analysis and/or field review will be 

completed prior to implementation to ensure that the activity areas do not exceed Region 10 Soil Quality Standards as 
Unit 544

appropriate BMP measures are applied.

 WILDLIFE:

 Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat near Sal Creek by improving forage availability and moving the stand from 

the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again). Old-growth in the vicinity of Sal Creek 

provides connectivity between the beach fringe and the North Thorne drainage to the west.
3020000

3000210

3000000

8

A9

3. 1L 1. R

5.1L

3.1L.1R

A2

3

5

457-3.1L .1R

457-3.1L

A1

4.1R

2

9

4

5

4

6

457-3

3

1966

1969

1992

1966

1992

1966

149

457

457

457

544

545

148

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 544 Alternative 3 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

584

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3020000

3000210

3000000

3.1L.1R

A2

3

5

457-3. 1L.1R

457-3.1L

A1

4.1R

2

9

4

5

4

6

457-3

3

8

A9

3. 1L 1. R

5.1L

1966

1969

1992

1966

1992

1966

149

544

545

148

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 544 Alternative 4 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

584

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt4_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3020000

3000210

3000000

3.1L.1R

A2

3

5

457-3. 1L.1R

457-3.1L

A1

4.1R

2

9

4

5

4

6

457-3

3

8

A9

3. 1L 1. R

5.1L

1966

1969

1992

1966

1992

1966

149

544

545

148

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 544 Alternative 5 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Sytematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth 

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

584

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt5_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 545

Total Unit

Acres:

210.0 Prescription: Systematic and 

Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

584 Harvest

System:

Cable, Shovel

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

1,519

LUD:

Modified Landscape

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: This unit lies entirely within Stand #5840200574. The stand origination date is 1966. Approximately 53% 

of the area within this stand has been pre-commercially thinned, which was completed in 1983 and 2005. The site potential 

appears to range from medium to high. This unit is in a successional stage of stem exclusion. Approximately 209 acres of 

this unit lies within the Deer Winter Range landscape zone. The remaining approximately 1 acre lies within the 

Uplands/Mountain Slopes landscape zone. This unit is located in the Ratz Harbor young-growth study area. 

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation. 

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Uplands/Mountain Slopes):

The management goal of young-growth treatments in this landscape zone is to manage for a sustained yield, even flow of an 

industrial wood supply, while meeting multiple resource objectives, wherever possible. Treatments should improve growth 

and productivity, improve forest health, and promote forest stand conditions that will provide a diverse array of marketable 

forest products.

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Systematic Thinning

Apply systematic thinning strips in portions of the unit unsuitable for uniform thinning. Systematic thinning should be applied 

primarily in downhill settings where full suspension cannot be achieved or other areas where uniform thinning will result in 

unacceptable levels of residual tree damage or otherwise is operationally infeasible. Systematic thinning should remove all 

trees within corridors 20 to 60 feet wide depending on operational feasibility, visual concerns and /or windthrow potential. 

Maintain a 60-120 foot distance between cut corridors resulting in at least a 50% basal area retention. Where visuals are of 

concern, cut corridors should be kept to approximately 20 feet in width pending scenery direction. Although parallel strips 

are likely to be most common, there are options for fan shapes, depending on landing/road locations.

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for a combination of ground-based and cable yarding. Ground-based settings are planned for yarding to 

the existing NFS road 3020000. Cable settings are planned for downhill yarding to the existing NFS road 3020000. Uniform 

crown thinnings is planned in ground-based settings. Strip thinning is planned in cable yarding settings. Some ground-based 

and cable yarding through the RMA may be required. Yarding through RMA will be minimized and restricted to designated 

corridors.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

No proposed road construction.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

Unit

Number 545 Alternatives 3, 4, 5

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation
Unit 545

 FISHERIES:

Streams are tributaries to Sal Creek. Stream characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, information.

Stream#: A1 (Sal Creek) Class: I, II Flagging: B/W C- Type: FPM, MMM, HCV, MMM

Concerns: yarding through RMA

Buffer (RMA): Class I and II - greater of 130 feet (FPM) or 120 feet (MMM), flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian 

associated wetland fens. Class II for HCV greater of 100 feet or the top of the side-slope break. 

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A 

Stream#: A2 Class: I, III Flagging: B/W, O/W C- Type: AFM, HCD

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for AFM greater of 140 feet or active portion of the alluvial fan. Class III for HCD to the top of the sideslope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A and B 

Stream#: A2.1R Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCD

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCD to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B

Stream#: A3 Class: I, III Flagging: B/W, O/W C- Type: MMS, AFM, HCD

Concerns: yarding through RMA

Buffer (RMA): Class I for MMS greater of 120 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland 

fens. Class I for AFM greater of 140 feet or active portion of the alluvial fan. Class III for HCD to the top of the side-slope 

break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A and B 

Stream#: A3.1R Class: I, III Flagging: B/W, O/W C- Type: AFM, HCD

Concerns: yarding through RMA

Buffer (RMA): Class I for AFM greater of 140 feet or active portion of the alluvial fan. Class III for HCD to the top of the sideslope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A and B

Stream#: A3.1L Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCD

Concerns: yarding through RMA

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCD to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B 

Stream#: A4 Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B 

Stream#: A4.1L Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCO

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCO to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B 

Stream#: A5 Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
Unit 545

Protection: Category B

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

This unit contains 33 acres in Moderate SIO, 78 acres in Low SIO, and 24 acres in Very Low SIO. It is a very large unit, but 

most of it is not seen from visual priority routes and use areas. The largest portion that could be seen is considered 

Background and thinning, even strip thinning, would not be very noticeable from a distance. No concerns.

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

Slopes are estimated to be range about 15% to over 70%. About 10 acres have been affect by landslides. Field review is 

necessary due to slopes estimated close to 72% and landslide abundance. There are approximately 106 acres (50% of the 

unit) of forested wetland located in the southern half of the unit (BMP 12.5). The soils and wetlands are suitable for a 

minimum partial suspension yarding or shovel yarding. All logging systems should follow BMPs 12.5, 13.2 and 13.9. Slopes 

over 25% gradient may not be suitable for shovel yarding under some soil moisture conditions. Use care when approving 

shovel yarding on slopes over 25% gradient. Avoid track slippage and rutting.

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Further analysis and/or field review will be 

completed prior to implementation to ensure that the activity areas do not exceed Region 10 Soil Quality Standards as 

appropriate BMP measures are applied.

 WILDLIFE:

Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat near Sal Creek by improving forage availability and removing the stand for 

the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again). Old-growth in the vicinity of Sal Creek 

provides connectivity between the saltwater and the North Thorne drainage to the west.
3020110

3020100

3020000

3020000

A2

A4

5

A3

457-3.1L.1R

457-3.1L

A3.1L

3

A3.1R

A1

A3

A3

A5

457-2

A4

3

1.6L

8

2

9

5

2

6

457-3

4

1

6

4

A4.1L

1

A1

1

10

457- 1

A9

5.1L

7

3.1L. 1R

5 3.1L.1R

1993

1998

1998

1998

1966

1998

1966

1966

1998

1993

149

457 457

457

457

544

545

148

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 545 Alternative 3 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

584

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3020000

3020110

3020100

3020000

A3

45 7-3 .1L.1

4

R

57-3.1L

A3.1L

A3.1R

A1

A3

A4.1L

A3

A5

457-2

A4

3

1.6L

8

2

9

5

2

6

457-3

4

1

6

3

4

1

A1

1

10

457- 1

A9

5.1L

7

3.1L. 1R

5

3.1L.1R

A2

A4

5

1998

1998

1998

1966

1998

1993

1998

1966

1993

1966

149

544

545

148

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 545 Alternative 4 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

584

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt4_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3020000

3020110

3020100

3020000

A3

45 7-3 .1L.1

4

R

57-3.1L

A3.1L

A3.1R

A1

A3

A4.1L

A3

A5

457-2

A4

3

1.6L

8

2

9

5

2

6

457-3

4

1

6

3

4

1

A1

1

10

457- 1

A9

5.1L

7

3.1L. 1R

5

3.1L.1R

A2

A4

5

1998

1998

1998

1966

1998

1993

1998

1966

1993

1966

149

544

545

148

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 545 Alternative 5 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Sytematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth 

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

584

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt5_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 546

Total Unit

Acres:

3 - 135.3

4 - 30.7

5 - 25.7

Prescription: Systematic and 

Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

584 Harvest

System:

Cable, Shovel

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

3 - 958

4 - 213

5 - 185

LUD:

Modified Landscape

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: This unit lies entirely within Stand #5840100510. The stand origination date is 1964. This area has been 

entirely pre-commercially thinned, which was completed in 1999. The site potential appears to be medium. This unit is in a 

successional stage of stem exclusion. This unit lies within the Deer Winter Range landscape zone, and is located in the Ratz 

Harbor young-growth study area. 

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Systematic Thinning

Apply systematic thinning strips in portions of the unit unsuitable for uniform thinning. Systematic thinning should be applied 

primarily in downhill settings where full suspension cannot be achieved or other areas where uniform thinning will result in 

unacceptable levels of residual tree damage or otherwise is operationally infeasible. Systematic thinning should remove all 

trees within corridors 20 to 60 feet wide depending on operational feasibility, visual concerns and /or windthrow potential. 

Maintain a 60-120 foot distance between cut corridors resulting in at least a 50% basal area retention. Where visuals are of 

concern, cut corridors should be kept to approximately 20 feet in width pending scenery direction. Although parallel strips 

are likely to be most common, there are options for fan shapes, depending on landing/road locations.

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for a combination of ground-based and cable yarding. Ground-based settings are planned for yarding to 

the existing NFS roads 3023000, 3023100, 3000000, and the proposed temporary roads. Cable settings are planned for 

downhill yarding to existing NFS roads 3023000, 3023100, 3023200, 3000000, and the proposed temporary roads. Uniform 

crown thinning is planned in ground-based settings. Strip thinning is planned in downhill cable yarding settings.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

This unit is accessed by two proposed temporary roads, totaling 1600 feet, as displayed on the unit card. This road will be 

constructed entirely across decommissioned road bed. This unit is also accessed by reconstruction of existing NFS roads 

3023000, 3023100 and 3023200, totaling 6000 feet. See corresponding road cards for detailed information.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

 FISHERIES:

Unit

Number 546 Alternatives 3, 4, 5

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
Unit 546

Streams drain to Clarence Strait and Little Ratz Harbor. Stream characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, 

information.

Stream#: A1 Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCD

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCD to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B 

Stream#: A2 Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B 

Stream#: A3 Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B 

Stream#: 3 Class: II, III Flagging: B/W, O/W C- Type: HCLw, HCM, HCL 

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class II for HCLw greater of 100 feet or the top of the side-slope break. Class III for HCM and HCL to the top 

of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A and B 

Stream#: 3.2L Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCD

Concerns: none

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCD to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B 

Stream#: 4 Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCL 

Concerns: none 

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCL to the top of the side-slope break. 

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B 

Stream#: A4 Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM, HCD

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCM and HCD to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B 

Stream#: A4.1R Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B 

Stream#: A5 Class: I Flagging: B/W C- Type: MMS

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for MMS greater of 120 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland fens.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A 

Stream#: A5.1L Class: I, III Flagging: B/W, O/W C- Type: MMS, HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for MMS greater of 120 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland 

fens. Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed
Unit 546

Protection: Category A and B

Stream#: A5.1L.1L Class: I, III Flagging: B/W, O/W C- Type: MMS, HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for MMS greater of 120 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland 

fens. Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A and B 

Stream#: A5.1L.2L Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B 

Stream#: A5.2L Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B 

Stream#: A5.3L Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B

Stream#: A5.3L.1R Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B 

Temporary road (reopened decommissioned) for Unit 546: Alternatives 3, 4 and 5 -- One Class III stream crossings. The 

temporary roads have not been field verified and will be surveyed before implementation. Crossings structures and locations 

will be approved by USFS, in consultation with fisheries biologist or hydrologist, prior to construction (BMP 14.17). During 

construction of temporary roads implement BMPs 12.17, 13.10, 13.11, 13.16, 14.3, and 14.5.

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

In Alternative 3, unit has 33 acres of Moderate SIO, 78 acres of Low SIO, and 24 acres of Very Low SIO. In Alternative 4, 

Unit has 26 acres of Moderate SIO and 12 acres of Low SIO. In Alternative 5, unit has 21 acres of Moderate SIO and 5 acres 

of Low SIO. Most of the Moderate SIO is in the eastern end of the unit along the 30 Road. Under all alternatives, in 

systematic thinning settings of this area, use narrow corridors (about 20-ft width) to minimize visibility. Similarly, in 

Alternative 3, use narrow corridors to minimize viisbility in other systematic thinning settings further west, where settings are 

within 1/4 mile of the NFS Road 3000000.

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

Slopes are estimated to be range about 15% to 75%, especially on the upper slopes. Less than 2 acres have been affect by 

landslides. The soils and wetlands are suitable for a minimum partial suspension yarding or shovel yarding. All logging 

systems should follow BMPs 12.5, 13.2 and 13.9. Slopes over 25% gradient may not be suitable for shovel yarding under 

some soil moisture conditions. Use care when approving shovel yarding on slopes over 25% gradient. Avoid track slippage 

and rutting.
Unit 546

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Further analysis and/or field review will be 

completed prior to implementation to ensure that the activity areas do not exceed Region 10 Soil Quality Standards as 

appropriate BMP measures are applied.

Alternative 3: There is about 1/2 acre (0.2% of the unit) of emergent sedge/forested wetland complex in the north-central 

part of the unit and 30 acres (22% of the unit) of forested wetland predominantly located in the eastern third of the unit (BMP 

12.5).

Alternatives 4: There are approximately 7 acres (24% of the unit) of forested wetland, primarily in the eastern polygons of the 

unit (BMP 12.5).

Alternative 5: There are approximately 7 acres (25% of the unit) of forested wetland, primarily in the eastern polygons of the 

unit (BMP 12.5).

 WILDLIFE:

Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat near Little Ratz Harbor by improving forage availability and removing the 

stand for the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again), though a road would be 

reconstructed to access the unit.

Alternatives 4 and 5: Portions of unit dropped to minimize road reconstruction and associated effects to wildlife (associated 

with access) and watershed. Need to thin does not outweigh road concerns.
3000280

3000271

3023200

3000272

3000300

3000295

3000296

3000000

3000270

3000273

3023100

3023200

3023000

1.6R

A5.2L

A2.1R

A4

3

A5

A3

2.2L

51

4

5 0.1L

1.5L

2.1L

1.3L

1.4R

1.2R

1.10R.1L.1L

1.12R

1

1.11R

1.13R

1.14R

3.2L

3 3.1L

1

2

2

2

4.1L

A5.3L.1R

4

51

A5.1L.1L

2

3.2L

A5.1L

A5.1L.1L

1.10R.1L

A5.3L

A4.1L

A2

1.10R

A3

50

3

A4

4

A2

A1

A 1

A2.2R

A4.1R

1

A5.1L.1L.1R

A5.1L

1967

1994

1998

1964

1993

1964

1998 1997

1964

1965

1967

1964

1993

154

160

161

546

549

153

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 546 Alternative 3 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

584

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3000271

3023200

3000296

3000272

3000300

3000295

3000000

3000270

3000280

3023100

3023200

3023000

5 0.1L

A4

3

A5

A2.1R

4

51

4

1.6R

1.5L

2.1L

1.3L

1.4R

1.2R

1.10R.1L.1L

1.12R

1

1.11R

1.13R

2.2L

1.14R

3.2L

3 3.1L

1

2

2

2

4.1L

A2.2R

51

A5.1L.1L

2

3.2L

A5.1L

A5.1L.1L

1.10R.1L

A5.3L

A4.1L

A2

1.10R

A3

50

3

A4

4

A2

A1

A 1

A5.3L.1R

A4.1R

1

A5.1L.1L.1R

A5.1L

A5.2L

A3

1967

1964

1998

1964

1993

1998

1993

1997

1964

1964

1965

1967

1994

546

549

154

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 546 Alternative 4 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

584

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt4_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3000000

3000270

3000280

3000271

3023100

3000296

3023000

3023200

3000300

3000295

3000272

3023000

1.6R

A5.1L

A5.2L

A

A3 2.1R

A4

3

A5

A1

51

4

5 0.1L

1.5L

2.1L

1.3L

1.4R

1.2R

1.10R.1L.1L

1.12R

1

1.11R

2.2L

1.14R

3.2L

3 3.1L

1

2

2

2

4.1L

1.13R

4

51

A5.1L.1L

2

3.2L

A5.1L

A5.1L.1L

1.10R.1L

A5.3L

A4.1L

A2

1.10R

A3

50

3

A4

4

A2

A 1

A5.3L.1R

A2.2R

A4.1R

1

A5.1L.1L.1R

1967

1964

1967

1964

1993

1993

1998

1994

1998 1997

1964

1965

1964

154

160

161

546

549

153

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 546 Alternative 5 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Sytematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth 

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

584

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt5_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 547

Total Unit

Acres:

29.9 Prescription: Systematic and 

Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

584 Harvest

System:

Cable, Shovel

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

209

LUD:

Modified Landscape

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: This unit lies entirely within Stand #5840100121. The stand origination date is 1964. This stand has not 

been pre-commercially thinned. The site potential appears to be high. The unit is in a successional stage of stem exclusion. 

This unit is in the Deer Winter Range landscape zone, and is located in the Ratz Harbor young-growth study area.

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Systematic Thinning

Apply systematic thinning strips in portions of the unit unsuitable for uniform thinning. Systematic thinning should be applied 

primarily in downhill settings where full suspension cannot be achieved or other areas where uniform thinning will result in 

unacceptable levels of residual tree damage or otherwise is operationally infeasible. Systematic thinning should remove all 

trees within corridors 20 to 60 feet wide depending on operational feasibility, visual concerns and /or windthrow potential. 

Maintain a 60-120 foot distance between cut corridors resulting in at least a 50% basal area retention. Where visuals are of 

concern, cut corridors should be kept to approximately 20 feet in width pending scenery direction. Although parallel strips 

are likely to be most common, there are options for fan shapes, depending on landing/road locations.

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for a combination of ground-based and cable settings. Ground-based settings are planned for yarding to 

the existing NFS road 3023000. Cable settings are planned for downhill yarding to the existing NFS road 3023000. Uniform 

crown thinning is planned in ground-based settings. Strip thinning is planned in cable yarding settings.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

This unit is accessed by reconstruction of existing NFS road 3023000, totaling 10,600 feet. See corresponding road card for 

detailed information.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

 FISHERIES:

Unit

Number 547 Alternatives 3, 4

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
Unit 547

Streams are tributaries to Little Ratz Creek. Stream characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, information.

Stream#: A1 Class: II Flagging: B/W C- Type: MMM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class II for MMM greater of 120 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland 

fens.

Alternatives: 3 and 4 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A 

Stream#: A1.1L Class: II, III Flagging: B/W, O/W C- Type: MMS, HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class II for MMS greater of 120 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland 

fens. Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break. 

Alternatives: 3 and 4 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A and B

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

Unit has 15 acres in Low SIO and 15 acres in Very Low SIO.

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

Slopes are estimated to be range about 25 to 80%. There is approximately 3/4 acre (2% of the unit) of alpine/subalpine 

wetland and 6 acres (19% of the unit) of forested wetland in the central portion of the unit, near the southern unit boundary 

(BMP 12.5). The soils and wetlands are suitable for a minimum partial suspension yarding or shovel yarding. All logging 

systems should follow BMPs 12.5, 13.2 and 13.9. Slopes over 25% gradient may not be suitable for shovel yarding under 

some soil moisture conditions. Use care when approving shovel yarding on slopes over 25% gradient. Avoid track slippage 

and rutting.

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Further analysis and/or field review will be 

completed prior to implementation to ensure that the activity areas do not exceed Region 10 Soil Quality Standards as 

appropriate BMP measures are applied.

 WILDLIFE:

Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat near Little Creek by improving forage availability and removing the stand for 

the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again).
3023000

3023300

3023000

3

11

12

11.1L

17

1

1.1L

15

14

16

10

A1.1L

A1.1L.1L

1

2

A1

A1

1966

1999

1999

1966

1966

1964

1999

158

547

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 547 Alternative 3 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

584

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3023000

3023300

3023000

3

11

12

11.1L

17

1

1.1L

15

14

16

10

A1.1L

A1.1L.1L

1

2

A1

A1

1966

1999

1999

1966

1966

1964

1999

158

547

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 547 Alternative 4 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

584

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt4_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 549

Total Unit

Acres:

79.5 Prescription: Systematic and 

Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

584 Harvest

System:

Cable, Shovel

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

551

LUD:

Modified Landscape

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: This unit lies entirely within Stand #5840100524. The stand origination date is 1965. Approximately 17% 

of the stand area has been pre-commercially thinned, which was completed in 2005. The site potential appears to be 

medium. The unit is in a successional stage of stem exclusion. This unit lies within the Deer Winter Range Landscape Zone, 

and is located in the Ratz Harbor young-growth study area.

A Tongass Wide Young Growth Study site (POW Little Ratz Experiment #4) is along the the southwestern boundary. 

Protection of this site is required. Contact the Forestry Sciences Lab in Juneau for additional information.

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Systematic Thinning

Apply systematic thinning strips in portions of the unit unsuitable for uniform thinning. Systematic thinning should be applied 

primarily in downhill settings where full suspension cannot be achieved or other areas where uniform thinning will result in 

unacceptable levels of residual tree damage or otherwise is operationally infeasible. Systematic thinning should remove all 

trees within corridors 20 to 60 feet wide depending on operational feasibility, visual concerns and /or windthrow potential. 

Maintain a 60-120 foot distance between cut corridors resulting in at least a 50% basal area retention. Where visuals are of 

concern, cut corridors should be kept to approximately 20 feet in width pending scenery direction. Although parallel strips 

are likely to be most common, there are options for fan shapes, depending on landing/road locations.

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for a combination of ground-based and cable yarding. Ground-based settings are planned for yarding to 

the existing NFS road 3000300. Cable settings are planned for downhill yarding to the existing NFS road 3000300. Uniform 

crown thinning is planned in ground-based settings. Strip thinning is planned in cable yarding settings.

A Tongass Wide Young Growth Study site (POW Little Ratz Experiment #4) is along the the southwestern boundary. 

Protection of this site is required. Contact the Forestry Sciences Lab in Juneau for additional information.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

No proposed road construction.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

Unit

Number 549 Alternatives 3, 4, 5

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
Unit 549

 FISHERIES:

Streams are tributaries to Little Ratz Creek and Little Ratz Harbor. (Some stream characteristics do not include projectspecific, field-verified, information.

Stream#: 1 Class: I, II Flagging: B/W C- Type: FPM, MCM

Concerns: none

Buffer (RMA): Class I for FPM greater of 130 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland fens. 

Class II for MCM greater of 100 feet or the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A 

Stream#: 584-549-1.10R.1L Class: II, IV Flagging: B/W, G/W C- Type: HCO

Concerns: none

Buffer (RMA): Class II for HCO greater of 100 feet or the tiop of the side-slope break. Class IV for HCO none.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A and C 

Stream#: 1.10R Class: II, III Flagging: B/W, O/W C- Type: HCL, HCM

Concerns: none

Buffer (RMA): Class II for HCL greater of 100 feet or the top of the side-slope break. Class III for HCM to the top of the sideslope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A and B 

Stream#: 54 Class: III, IV Flagging: O/W, G/W C- Type: HCM, HCO

Concerns: none

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break. Class IV for HCO none.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B and C

Stream#: 53 Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM

Concerns: none

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break. 

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B

Stream#: A2 Class: I, II Flagging: B/W C- Type: MMS, HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for MMS greater of 120 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland 

fens. Class II for HCM greater of 100 feet or the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A 

Stream#: 51 Class: III, IV Flagging: O/W, G/W C- Type: HCM, HCO

Concerns: none

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break. Class IV for HCO none.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B and C 

Stream#: 50 Class: III, IV Flagging: O/W, G/W C- Type: HCM, HCL, HCO

Concerns: none

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCM and HCL to the top of the side-slope break. Class IV for HCO none.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B and C 

Stream#: A2.2R Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B

Stream#: A2.1R Class: I, III Flagging: B/W, O/W C- Type: MMS, HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for MMS greater of 120 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland 
Unit 549

fens. Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A and B 

Stream#: A3 Class: I, III Flagging: B/W, O/W C- Type: MMS, HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for MMS greater of 120 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland 

fens. Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A and B 

All other streams in unit: Class: IV Flagging: G/W C- Type: HC or MM

Buffer (RMA): none Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category C

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

Unit has 54 acres of Low SIO and 25 acres of Very Low SIO. In the two easternmost systematic thinning settings, use 

narrow corridors to minimize viisbility, where settings are relatively close to the 30 Road.

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

Slopes are estimated to range between 15% and close to 100%. There are approximately 68 acres (85% of the unit) of 

forested wetland in all but the southern end of the unit (BMP 12.5). The soils and wetlands are suitable for a minimum partial 

suspension yarding or shovel yarding. All logging systems should follow BMPs 12.5, 13.2 and 13.9. Slopes over 25% 

gradient may not be suitable for shovel yarding under some soil moisture conditions. Use care when approving shovel 

yarding on slopes over 25% gradient. Avoid track slippage and rutting.

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Further analysis and/or field review will be 

completed prior to implementation to ensure that the activity areas do not exceed Region 10 Soil Quality Standards as 

appropriate BMP measures are applied.

 WILDLIFE:

Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat near Little Ratz Harbor/Little Creek by improving forage availability and 

removing the stand for the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again).
3000300

3000295

3000296

3000000

A3

A2

A2.2R

1

A2.1R

54

51.1L

1.10R.1L.1L

1.12R

50.1L

52

1.11R

53

1.13R

51

51

A1.1L.1R.1R

1.10R.1L

A1.1L.2R

A1.1L.1R

50

1.10 R

1959

1997

1998

1965

161

549

550

160

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 549 Alternative 3 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

584

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3000300

3000296

3000000

3000295

A2.2R

1

A2.1R

54

51.1L

1.10R.1L.1L

1.12R

50.1L

52

1.11R

53

1.13R

51

51

A1.1L.1R.1R

1.10R.1L

A1.1L.2R

A1.1L.1R

50

1.10 R

A3

A2

1959

1997

1998

1965

550

549

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 549 Alternative 4 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

584

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt4_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3000300

3000295

3000296

3000000

A3

A2

A2.2R

1

A2.1R

54

51.1L

1.10R.1L.1L

1.12R

50.1L

52

1.11R

53

1.13R

51

51

A1.1L.1R.1R

1.10R.1L

A1.1L.2R

A1.1L.1R

50

1.10 R

1959

1997

1998

1965

161

549

550

160

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 549 Alternative 5 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Sytematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth 

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

584

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt5_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 550

Total Unit

Acres:

164.1 Prescription: Systematic and 

Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

583 Harvest

System:

Cable, Shovel

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

1,129

LUD:

Modified Landscape

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: This unit lies entirely within Stand #5830200567. The stand origination date is 1959. This portion of the 

stand has not been pre-commercially thinned. The site potential appears to be primarily high, except for small areas of 

medium. This unit is in a successional stage of stem exclusion. Approximately 162 acres of the unit lies within the Deer 

Winter Range landscape zone. The remaining approximately 2 acres is in the Uplands/Mountain Slopes landscape zone. 

This unit is located in the Ratz Harbor young-growth study area. 

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation. 

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Uplands/Mountain Slopes):

The management goal of young-growth treatments in this landscape zone is to manage for a sustained yield, even flow of an 

industrial wood supply, while meeting multiple resource objectives, wherever possible. Treatments should improve growth 

and productivity, improve forest health, and promote forest stand conditions that will provide a diverse array of marketable 

forest products.

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Systematic Thinning

Apply systematic thinning strips in portions of the unit unsuitable for uniform thinning. Systematic thinning should be applied 

primarily in downhill settings where full suspension cannot be achieved or other areas where uniform thinning will result in 

unacceptable levels of residual tree damage or otherwise is operationally infeasible. Systematic thinning should remove all 

trees within corridors 20 to 60 feet wide depending on operational feasibility, visual concerns and /or windthrow potential. 

Maintain a 60-120 foot distance between cut corridors resulting in at least a 50% basal area retention. Where visuals are of 

concern, cut corridors should be kept to approximately 20 feet in width pending scenery direction. Although parallel strips 

are likely to be most common, there are options for fan shapes, depending on landing/road locations.

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for a combination of shovel and cable yarding. Shovel settings are planned for yarding to the existing 

NFS road 3023500. Cable settings are planned for uphill and downhill yarding to the existing NFS road 3023500. Uniform 

crown thinning is planned in ground-based settings and uphill cable yarding settings. Strip thinning is planned in downhill 

cable yarding settings.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

No proposed road construction.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

Unit

Number 550 Alternatives 3, 4, 5

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation

 INVASIVE SPECIES:
Unit 550

 FISHERIES:

Streams are tributaries to Ratz Creek (Stream characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, information.

Stream#: A1 Class: I Flagging: B/W C- Type: MCS, MMS, PAS

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for MCS greater of 100 feet or the to of the side-slope break. Class I - greater of 120 feet (MMS) or 100 

feet (PAS), flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland fens. 

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A 

Stream#: A1.1L Class: I Flagging: B/W C- Type: PAS

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for PAS greater of 100 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland fens.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A 

Stream#: A1.1L.1R Class: I, II, III Flagging: B/W, O/W C- Type: HCLw, HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I HCLw and class II for HCL greater of 100 feet or to the top of the side-slope break. Class III for HCM 

to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A, B and C 

Stream#: A1.1L.1R.1R Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B

Stream#: A1.1L.2R Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B

Stream#: A1.2L Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

 Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A 

Stream#: A1.3L Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B

Stream#: A1.4L Class: III, IV Flagging: O/W, G/W C- Type: HCM, HCO

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break. Class III for HCO none.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B and C

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
Unit 550

 SCENERY:

Unit has 141 acres of Low SIO and 23 acres of Very Low SIO. In the easternmost systematic thinning setting, use narrow 

corridors to minimize viisbility.

 RECREATION:

Unit is near mouth of Big Lake. Maintain fishing access to Big Lake and outlet stream.

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

Slopes are estimated to range between 15% to near 100% and field review is necessary. There are approximately 18 acres 

(11% of the unit) of emergent sedge/forested wetland complex, 6 acres (4% of the unit) of emergent short sedge wetland and 

48 acres (29% of the unit) of forested wetland in the northeastern half of the unit (BMP 12.5). About 5 acres of debris 

avalanches are mapped near the southwest corner of the unit. There are slopes over 72% within the upslope soil exclusion 

area associated with units 159 and 161. About 8 acres were excluded due to colluvial activity on the soil surface, active and 

historic landslides, extremely steep and wet slopes, and MMI4 soils. Outside of the soil exclusion areas, the soils and 

wetlands are suitable for a minimum partial suspension yarding or shovel yarding. All logging systems should follow BMPs 

12.5, 13.2 and 13.9. Slopes over 25% gradient may not be suitable for shovel yarding under some soil moisture conditions. 

Use care when approving shovel yarding on slopes over 25% gradient. Avoid track slippage and rutting.

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Further analysis and/or field review will be 

completed prior to implementation to ensure that the activity areas do not exceed Region 10 Soil Quality Standards as 

appropriate BMP measures are applied.

 WILDLIFE:

Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat near Ratz Harbor/Big Lake by improving forage availability and removing 

the stand for the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again), though a road would be 

reconstructed to access part of the unit. This unit will enhance a low elevation travel route.
3000300

3000000

3000295

3000302

3023521

3000000

3023525

3000306

3023500

3023520

3000296

3023510

3000301

3023510

A1.1L.1R

50

1.10R

1

A2

A2.2R

A1.3L

A1.4L

A5

A1.5L

A1

A1.2L

1

1

1.13R

A

A3 2.1R

A1

A1.1L.2R

A1.1L

LA

KE

A5.1L.1L

1.16R1.15R

1.17R

2

1.18R.1L

1.1L 54

51.1L

1.5R

1.10R.1L.1L

1.6L

1.12R

50.1L

1.2 R

52

1.11R

53

3.1R

1.10R

1

1

1.6L

1.4L

1.6L.1R

1.14R

302-2

51

1 . 3L

1

1.1 R

3

1

20

2

1.9R

LAKE A1

51

A1.1L.1R

1.18R

A1.1L.1R.1R

A5.1L

1.10R.1L

A1.7L

1965

1964

1995

2006

1965

1967

1960

1960

1963

1964

1999

1966

1960 1965

1965

1965

1995

1959

1998 1999

1997

1960

1995

1966

160

161

171

172

546

549

550

551

559

562

159

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 550 Alternative 3 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

583

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3000300

3000000

3000295

3000302

3023521

3000000

3000301

3023525

3000306

3023520

3023500

3000296

3023510

3023510

1.10R

1

1

A2

A2.2R

A1.3L

A1.4L

A5

A1.5L

A1

A1.1L

1

1

A

A3 2.1R

A1

A1.1L.2R

A1.2L

LA

KE

A5.1L.1L

1.16R1.15R

1.17R

2

1.18R.1L

1.1L 54

51.1L

1.5R

1.10R.1L.1L

1.6L

1.12R

50.1L

1.2 R

52

1.11R

53

3.1R

1.10R

1.13R

1

1.6L

1.4L

1.6L.1R

1.14R

302-2

51

1 . 3L

1

1.1 R

3

1

20

2

1.9R

LAKE A1

51

A1.1L.1R

1.18R

A1.1L.1R.1R

A5.1L

1.10R.1L

A1.7L

A1.1L.1R

50

1965

1997

1964

1965

1967

1960

1960

1998

1999

1966

1960

1965

1965

1965

1995

1959

1963

1966

1995

1995

1999

2006

1960

1964

171

546

549

550

551

559

562

159

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 550 Alternative 4 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

583

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt4_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3023525

3000306

3023520

3000296

3023510

3000300

3000000

3000295

3000302

3023521

3000000

3023500

3000301

1.10R.1L

A1.7L

A1.1L.1R

50

1.10R

1

1

A2

A2.2R

A1.3L

A1.4L

A5

A1.5L

A1

A1.1L

1

1

A

A3 2.1R

A1

A1.1L.2R

A1.2L

LA

KE

A5.1L.1L

1.16R1.15R

1.17R

2

1.18R.1L

1.1L 54

51.1L

1.5R

1.10R.1L.1L

1.6L

1.12R

50.1L

1.2 R

52

1.11R

53

3.1R

1.10R

1.13R

1

1.6L

1.4L

1.6L.1R

1.14R

302-2

51

1 . 3L

1

1.1 R

3

1

20

2

1.9R

LAKE A1

51

A1.1L.1R

1.18R

A1.1L.1R.1R

A5.1L

1965

1995

1966

1999

1995

1964

1964

1965

1967

1960

1997

1999

1966

1960 1965

1965

1965

1995

1959

1963

1960

2006

1998

1960

160

161

171

172

546

549

550

551

559

562

159

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 550 Alternative 5 VCU: 

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Sytematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth 

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

583

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt5_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 551

Total Unit

Acres:

171.4 Prescription: Systematic and 

Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

583 Harvest

System:

Cable, Shovel

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

1,064

LUD:

Modified Landscape

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: This unit lies entirely within Stand #5830200567. The stand origination date is 1959. Approximately 2% 

of the stand area has been pre-commercially thinned, which was completed in 2006. The site potential appears to range from 

medium to high. This unit is in a successional stage of stem exclusion. Approximately 153 acres of the unit lies within the 

Deer Winter Range landscape zone. The remaining approximately 18 acres is in the Uplands/Mountain Slopes landscape 

zone. This unit is located in the Ratz Harbor young-growth study area.

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation. 

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Uplands/Mountain Slopes):

The management goal of young-growth treatments in this landscape zone is to manage for a sustained yield, even flow of an 

industrial wood supply, while meeting multiple resource objectives, wherever possible. Treatments should improve growth 

and productivity, improve forest health, and promote forest stand conditions that will provide a diverse array of marketable 

forest products.

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Systematic Thinning

Apply systematic thinning strips in portions of the unit unsuitable for uniform thinning. Systematic thinning should be applied 

primarily in downhill settings where full suspension cannot be achieved or other areas where uniform thinning will result in 

unacceptable levels of residual tree damage or otherwise is operationally infeasible. Systematic thinning should remove all 

trees within corridors 20 to 60 feet wide depending on operational feasibility, visual concerns and /or windthrow potential. 

Maintain a 60-120 foot distance between cut corridors resulting in at least a 50% basal area retention. Where visuals are of 

concern, cut corridors should be kept to approximately 20 feet in width pending scenery direction. Although parallel strips 

are likely to be most common, there are options for fan shapes, depending on landing/road locations.

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for a combination of ground-based and cable yarding. Ground-based settings are planned for yarding to 

the existing NFS road 3023500. Cable settings are planned for uphill and downhill yarding to the existing NFS road 3023500. 

Uniform thinning is planned for ground-based and uphill cable yarding settings, and downhill cable yarding settings where full 

suspension will likely be achieved. Strip thinning is planned in downhill cable yarding settings where full suspension will not 

likely be achieved.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

No proposed road construction.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

Unit

Number 551 Alternatives 3, 4, 5

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation
Unit 551

 FISHERIES:

Streams are tributaries to Big Lake and Ratz Creek. Stream characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, 

information.

Stream#: A1 Class: I Flagging: B/W C- Type: PAS

Concerns: none

Buffer (RMA): Class I for PAS greater of 100 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland fens.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A 

Stream#: Lake A1 (Big Lake) Class: I Flagging: B/W C- Type: L

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for Lake-A1 greater of 100 horizontal feet or to the extent of flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, 

riparian associated wetland fens, or height of one site potential tree. 

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A 

Stream#: 1.4L Class: III, IV Flagging: O/W, G/W C- Type: HCM, HCO

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break. Class IV for HCO none.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B and C 

Stream#: 1.5L Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B 

Stream#: 1 Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM, HCD

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCM and HCD to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B 

Stream#: 302-2 Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCD

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCD to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B

Stream#: A1.7L Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B 

Stream#:22 Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B 

Stream#: A10 Class: I, III Flagging: B/W, O/W C- Type: HCO

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for HCO greater of 100 feet or the top of the side-slope break. Class III for HCO to the top of the sideslope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A and B

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
Unit 551

Stream#: 2 Class: I, II Flagging: B/W C- Type: AFM, HCV

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for AFM greater of 140 feet or active portion of the alluvial fan. Class II for HCV greater of 100 feet or 

the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A 

All other streams in unit: Class: IV Flagging: G/W C- Type: HC or MM

Buffer (RMA): none Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category C

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

Unit has 118 acres in Low SIO and 54 acres in Very Low SIO. About 2/3 of the unit is planned for unitform thinning and 1/3 is 

planned for systematic thinning.

 RECREATION:

Unit is borders the Big Lake RMA and is between NFS Road 3023500. Maintain fishing access to Big Lake to the extent 

practical, during and after harvest.

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

Slopes are estimated to range from about 20% to over 100% and field review is necessary. There are approximately 5 acres 

(3% of the unit) of emergent sedge/forested wetland complex and 18 acres (10% of the unit) of forested wetland near the 

northern edge of the unit (BMP 12.5). About 2.5 acres of the unit have been affected by debris avalanches initiated in 1997. 

There are slopes over 72% within the upslope soil exclusion area associated with units 159 and 162. About 8 acres were 

excluded due to colluvial activity on the soil surface, active and historic landslides, extremely steep and wet slopes, and 

MMI4 soils. Field review is necessary due to steep slopes and landslide activity. The soils and wetlands appear to be suitable 

for a minimum partial suspension yarding or shovel yarding. All logging systems should follow BMPs 12.5, 13.2 and 13.9. 

Specifically, the shovel operator should avoid the small non-forested areas of the unit to prevent rutting. Slopes over 25% 

gradient may not be suitable for shovel yarding under some soil moisture conditions. Use care when approving shovel 

yarding on slopes over 25% gradient. Avoid track slippage and rutting.

 WILDLIFE:

Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat near Big Lake by improving forage availability and removing the stand for 

the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again). This unit will enhance a low elevation travel 

route.
3023520

3023500

3023520

3023300

3023521

3023530

3023500

2.7L

A1

LAKE A1

A1

2

1

22

A1.3L

LAKE A1

A1.4L

A10

A1.5L

1

A1.7L

31

2

2.4L

12

3.1R

3

32

A1.13L

21

2.2L

1

20

2.3L

2.1L

11

2.5L.1R

22

11.1L

302-2

10

24

2.6 L

2.5L

23

1995

1999

1966

1959

1963

1960

1995

1964

1966

1999

1960

159

162

162

547

550

551

158

552

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 551 VCU: Alternative 3

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

583

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3023520

3023500

3023520

3023300

3023521

3023530

3023500

2.7L

A1

LAKE A1

A1

2

1

22

A1.3L

LAKE A1

A1.4L

A10

A1.5L

1

A1.7L

31

2

2.4L

12

3.1R

3

32

A1.13L

21

2.2L

1

20

2.3L

2.1L

11

2.5L.1R

22

11.1L

302-2

10

24

2.6 L

2.5L

23

1995

1999

1966

1959

1963

1960

1995

1964

1966

1999

1960

159

162

162

547

550

551

158

552

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 551 VCU: Alternative 4

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

583

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt4_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3023500

3023520

3023300

3023521

3023520

3023530

3023500

LAKE A1

A1

2

1

22

A1.3L

A1.4L

A10

2.3L

A1.5L

1

A1.7L

31

2

2.4L

12

3.1R

3

32

A1.13L

21

2.2L

1

LAKE A1

20

2.1L

11

2.5L.1R

22

11.1L

302-2

10

24

2.6 L

2.5L

23

2.7L

A1

1999

1966

1959

1963

1960

1995

1964

1999

1960

1966 1995

159

162

162

550

551

552

158

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 551 VCU: Alternative 5

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Sytematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth 

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

583

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt5_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 552

Total Unit

Acres:

26.7 Prescription: Systematic and 

Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

583 Harvest

System:

Cable, Shovel

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

186

LUD:

Modified Landscape

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: This unit lies entirely within Stand #5830200567. The stand origination date is 1959. This portion of the 

stand has not been pre-commercially thinned. The site potential appears to be medium. The unit is in a successional stage of 

stem exclusion. This unit lies within the Deer Winter Range landscape zone, and is located in the Ratz Harbor young-growth 

study area.

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Systematic Thinning

Apply systematic thinning strips in portions of the unit unsuitable for uniform thinning. Systematic thinning should be applied 

primarily in downhill settings where full suspension cannot be achieved or other areas where uniform thinning will result in 

unacceptable levels of residual tree damage or otherwise is operationally infeasible. Systematic thinning should remove all 

trees within corridors 20 to 60 feet wide depending on operational feasibility, visual concerns and /or windthrow potential. 

Maintain a 60-120 foot distance between cut corridors resulting in at least a 50% basal area retention. Where visuals are of 

concern, cut corridors should be kept to approximately 20 feet in width pending scenery direction. Although parallel strips 

are likely to be most common, there are options for fan shapes, depending on landing/road locations.

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for a combination of ground-based and shovel yarding. Cable settings are planned for downhill yarding to 

the existing NFS road 3023500. Ground-based settings are planned for yarding to the existing NFS road 3023500. Uniform 

crown thinning is planned in ground-based settings. Strip thinning is planned in cable yarding settings.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

Unit is accessed by reconstruction of existing NFS road 3023500, totaling 2300 feet. See corresponding road card for 

detailed information.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

 FISHERIES:

Unit

Number 552 Alternatives 3, 4, 5

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
Unit 552

Streams are tributaries to Ratz Creek. Stream characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, information.

Stream #: 2 Class: I, II Flagging: B/W C- Type: AFM, HCV

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for AFM greater of 140 feet or active portion of the alluvial fan. Class II for HCV greater of 100 feet or 

the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

Unit is entirely categorized as Very Low SIO. No concerns.

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

Slopes are estimated to range from about 20% to about 100%. Therefore, slopes over 72% are likely to be present and field 

review is necessary. No wetlands have been mapped in the unit. The soils and wetlands are suitable for a minimum partial 

suspension yarding or shovel yarding. All logging systems should follow BMPs 12.5, 13.2 and 13.9. Specifically, the shovel 

operator should avoid the small non-forested areas of the unit to prevent rutting. Slopes over 25% gradient may not be 

suitable for shovel yarding under some soil moisture conditions. Use care when approving shovel yarding on slopes over 

25% gradient. Avoid track slippage and rutting.

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Further analysis and/or field review will be 

completed prior to implementation to ensure that the activity areas do not exceed Region 10 Soil Quality Standards as 

appropriate BMP measures are applied.

 WILDLIFE:

Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat near Big Lake by improving forage availability and removing the stand for 

the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again).
3023500

3023500

3023530

3023500

2.6L

2.5L

A10

1

2

22

2

A1.10L

2.7

1R

31

32

1.4R

LAKE A1

2.4L

2.5L.1R

2.2L

1.2R

1 2.3L

2.1L

1.3L

1959

1963

1995

1960

1995

1960

1995

551

552

556

557

162

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 552 VCU: Alternative 3

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

583

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3023500

3023500

3023530

3023500

2.6L

2.5L

A10

1

2

22

2

A1.10L

2.7

1R

31

32

1.4R

LAKE A1

2.4L

2.5L.1R

2.2L

1.2R

1 2.3L

2.1L

1.3L

1959

1963

1995

1960

1995

1960

1995

551

552

556

557

162

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 552 VCU: Alternative 4

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

583

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt4_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3023530 3023500

3023500

3023500

A10

1

2

22

2

A1.10L

2.7

1R

31

32

1.4R

LAKE A1

2.4L

2.5L.1R

2.2L

1.2R

1 2.3L

2.1L

1.3L

2.6L

2.5L

1959

1963

1995

1960

1995

1960

1995

551

552

162

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 552 VCU: Alternative 5

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Sytematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth 

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

583

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt5_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 555

Total Unit

Acres:

25.8 Prescription: Systematic 

Thinning

VCU

Number:

583 Harvest

System:

Cable

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

193

LUD:

Modified Landscape, 

Timber Production

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: This unit lies entirely within Stand #5830200502. The stand origination date is 1963. This stand has not 

been pre-commercially thinned. The site potential appears to be medium. This unit is in a successional stage of stem 

exclusion. Approximately 15 acres of the unit lies within the Deer Winter Range landscape zone. The remaining 

approximately 11 acres is in the Uplands/Mountain Slopes landscape zone. This unit is located in the Ratz Harbor younggrowth study area.

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation. 

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Uplands/Mountain Slopes):

The management goal of young-growth treatments in this landscape zone is to manage for a sustained yield, even flow of an 

industrial wood supply, while meeting multiple resource objectives, wherever possible. Treatments should improve growth 

and productivity, improve forest health, and promote forest stand conditions that will provide a diverse array of marketable 

forest products.

Silvicultural Prescription: Systematic Thinning

Apply systematic thinning strips in portions of the unit unsuitable for uniform thinning. Systematic thinning should be applied 

primarily in downhill settings where full suspension cannot be achieved or other areas where uniform thinning will result in 

unacceptable levels of residual tree damage or otherwise is operationally infeasible. Systematic thinning should remove all 

trees within corridors 20 to 60 feet wide depending on operational feasibility, visual concerns and /or windthrow potential. 

Maintain a 60-120 foot distance between cut corridors resulting in at least a 50% basal area retention. Where visuals are of 

concern, cut corridors should be kept to approximately 20 feet in width pending scenery direction. Although parallel strips 

are likely to be most common, there are options for fan shapes, depending on landing/road locations.

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for downhill cable yarding to the existing NFS road 3023535.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

Unit is accessed by reconstruction of existing NFS roads 3023500 and 3023535, totaling 8300 feet. See corresponding road 

cards for detailed information.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

 FISHERIES:

Unit

Number 555 Alternatives 3

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
Unit 555

Streams are tributaries to Ratz Creek. Stream characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, information.

Stream#: A3 Class: II, III Flagging: B/W, O/W C- Type: HCL, HCD

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class II for HCL greater of 100 feet or the top of the side-slope break. Class III for HCD to the top of the sideslope break.

Alternatives: 3 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A and B

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

Unit is entirely categorized as Very Low SIO. No concerns.

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

Slopes are estimated to range from about 20% to about 80%. Therefore, slopes over 72% are likely to be present and field 

review is necessary. There is about 1/2 acre (2% of the unit) of forested wetland adjacent to the southeastern boundary of 

the unit (BMP 12.5). It appears that a minimum of partial suspension would meet soil and wetland resource concerns (BMPs 

12.5, 13.5, and 13.9).

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Further analysis and/or field review will be 

completed prior to implementation to ensure that the activity areas do not exceed Region 10 Soil Quality Standards as 

appropriate BMP measures are applied.

 WILDLIFE:

Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat along Ratz Creek by improving forage availability and removing the stand 

for the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again), though a raod would be reconstructed to 

access the unit. Unit is not a priority on the landscape from a thinning perspective because it is isolated.

Alternatives 4 and 5: Unit dropped to minimize road reconstruction and associated effects to wildlife (increased access) and 

watershed. Need to thin does not outweigh road concerns.
3023535

3023535

1.4R

2

A1.10L.1R

a3

2

1963

1960

1963

1963

1960

167

168

169

555

557

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 555 VCU: Alternative 3

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

583

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 556

Total Unit

Acres:

2.6 Prescription: Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

583 Harvest

System:

Shovel

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

15

LUD:

Modified Landscape

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: This unit is entirely within Stand #5830300578. The stand origination date is 1960. The entire area within 

this small unit was pre-commercially thinned in 2006 and it may be a number of years before it is ready for commercial 

thinning. The site potential appears to be medium. This unit is in a successional stage of stem exclusion; however, precommercial thinning has opened the canopy. This unit lies within the Deer Winter Range landscape zone, and is located in 

the Ratz Harbor young-growth study area.

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for ground-based yarding to the existing NFS road 3023530.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

Unit is accessed by reconstruction of existing NFS roads 3023500 and 3023530, totaling 2,600 feet. See corresponding road 

cards for detailed information.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

 FISHERIES:

Streams are tributaries to Big Lake. Stream characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, information.

Stream#: A1.10L (Ratz Creek) Class: I Flagging: B/W, O/W C- Type: FPM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for FPM greater of 130 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland fens. 

Alternatives: 3 and 4 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

Unit

Number 556 Alternatives 3, 4

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
Unit 556

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

Unit is entirely categorized as Very Low SIO. No concerns.

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

Slopes are gentle and up to about 20%. There are approximately 3 acres (28% of the unit) of emergent short sedge/forested 

wetland complex and 1 acre (13% of unit) of tall sedge fen in the unit (BMP 12.5). The soils and wetlands are suitable for 

shovel yarding. Shovel yarding should follow BMPs 12.5, 13.2 and 13.9. Specifically, the shovel operator should avoid the 

small non-forested areas of the unit to prevent rutting. Slopes over 25% gradient may not be suitable for shovel yarding 

under some soil moisture conditions. Use care when approving shovel yarding on slopes over 25% gradient. Avoid track 

slippage and rutting.

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Further analysis and/or field review will be 

completed prior to implementation to ensure that the activity areas do not exceed Region 10 Soil Quality Standards as 

appropriate BMP measures are applied,

 WILDLIFE:

Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat along Ratz Creek by improving forage availability and removing the stand 

for the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again), though a road would be reconstructed to 

access the unit.
3023500

3023500

3023500

3023530

3023535

1.1R

LAKE A1

A1.13L

2

1

2

A1.10L.1R

A1.12L

1

1.2R

A1.10L

1959

1963

1995

1960

1960

1995 1995

167

168

551

552

556

557

558

558

162

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 556 VCU: Alternative 3

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

583

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3023500

3023500

3023535

3023500

3023530

1

1.2R

1.1R

LAKE A1

A1.13L

2

1

2

A1.10L.1R

A1.12L

A1.10L

1959

1963

1995

1960

1960

1995 1995

162

168

551

552

556

557

558

558

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 556 VCU: Alternative 4

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

583

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt4_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 557

Total Unit

Acres:

63.0 Prescription: Systematic and 

Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

583 Harvest

System:

Cable, Shovel

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

399

LUD:

Modified Landscape

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: This unit lies entirely within Stand #5830300577. The stand origination date is 1963. Approximately 41% 

of the stand area has been pre-commercially thinned, which was completed in 2005. Some portions of the unit may require a 

number of years before they are ready for commercial thinning. The site potential in this unit appears to be medium. This unit 

is in a successional stage of stem exclusion. Approximately 55 acres of the unit lies within the Deer Winter Range landscape 

zone. The remaining approximately 8 acres lies within the Uplands/Mountain Slopes landscape zone. This unit is located in 

the Ratz Harbor young-growth study area.

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation. 

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Uplands/Mountain Slopes):

The management goal of young-growth treatments in this landscape zone is to manage for a sustained yield, even flow of an 

industrial wood supply, while meeting multiple resource objectives, wherever possible. Treatments should improve growth 

and productivity, improve forest health, and promote forest stand conditions that will provide a diverse array of marketable 

forest products.

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Systematic Thinning

Apply systematic thinning strips in portions of the unit unsuitable for uniform thinning. Systematic thinning should be applied 

primarily in downhill settings where full suspension cannot be achieved or other areas where uniform thinning will result in 

unacceptable levels of residual tree damage or otherwise is operationally infeasible. Systematic thinning should remove all 

trees within corridors 20 to 60 feet wide depending on operational feasibility, visual concerns and /or windthrow potential. 

Maintain a 60-120 foot distance between cut corridors resulting in at least a 50% basal area retention. Where visuals are of 

concern, cut corridors should be kept to approximately 20 feet in width pending scenery direction. Although parallel strips 

are likely to be most common, there are options for fan shapes, depending on landing/road locations.

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for a combination of ground-based and cable yarding. Ground-based settings are planned for yarding to 

the proposed temporary road and existing NFS road 3023530. Cable settings are planned for uphill and downhill yarding to 

the proposed temporary road. Uniform crown thinning is planned for ground-based and uphill cable yarding settings. Strip 

thinning is planned for downhill cable yarding settings.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

Unit is accessed by a proposed temporary road, totaling 2800 feet, as displayed on the unit card. This road will be 

constructed entirely across decommissioned road bed. Unit is also accessed by reconstruction of existing NFS roads 

3023500 and 3023530, totaling 5500 feet. See corresponding road card for detailed information.

 BOTANY:

Unit

Number 557 Alternatives 3, 4

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation
Unit 557

No Concerns

 FISHERIES:

Streams are tributaries to Big Lake and Ratz Creek. Stream A1.10L and A1.10L.1R characteristics do not include projectspecific, field-verified, information.

Stream#: A1.10L (Ratz Creek) Class: I Flagging: B/W, O/W C- Type: FPM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for FPM greater of 130 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland fens. 

Alternatives: 3 and 4 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A 

Stream#: A1.10L.1R Class: II, III Flagging: B/W, O/W C- Type: HCL, HCV, HCD, HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class II for HCL and HCV greater of 100 feet or the top of the side-slope break. Class III for HCD and HCM to 

the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3 and 4 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A and B 

Stream#: 2 Class: I, III, IV lagging: B/W, O/W, G/W C-Type: PAS, HCD, HCL, HCO

Concerns: bank erosion and blowdown observed near upper unit, unknown below

Buffer (RMA): Class I for PAS greater of 100 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland 

fens. Class III for HCD and HCL to the top of the side-slope break. Class IV for HCO none.

Alternatives: 3 and 4 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A, B and C

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

Unit is entirely categorized as Very Low SIO. No concerns.

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

Slopes are estimated to range from about 10% in the lower portions of the unit to near 100% in the upper elevations, and the 

unit needs field review. About 2 acres have been affected by a debris torrent initiated in 1977. There is approximately 1 acre 

(1% of the unit) of forested wetland adjacent to the southeastern corner of the unit boundary (BMP 12.5). The soils and 

wetlands are suitable for a minimum partial suspension yarding or shovel yarding. All logging systems should follow BMPs 

12.5, 13.2 and 13.9. Slopes over 25% gradient may not be suitable for shovel yarding under some soil moisture conditions. 

Use care when approving shovel yarding on slopes over 25% gradient. Avoid track slippage and rutting.

 WILDLIFE:

Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat near Big Lake by improving forage availability and removing the stand for 

the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again), though a road would be reopened to access 

the unit. Habitat value is relatively high because of south-facing slopes.

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
3023530

3023535

3023530

3.3R 3.1R.1L

3.2R

1

4

2

1

A2

3

5

3.1 R

A1.13L

2

A1.10L.1R

2

A1.10L.1R.1R

A1.12L

A1.10L

1963

1995

1960

1963

177

556

557

558

558

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 557 VCU: Alternative 3

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

583

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3023530

3023535

3023530

3.3R 3.1R.1L

3.2R

1

4

2

1

A2

3

5

3.1 R

A1.13L

2

A1.10L.1R

2

A1.10L.1R.1R

A1.12L

A1.10L

1963

1995

1960

1963

177

556

557

558

558

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 557 VCU: Alternative 4

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

583

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt4_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 558

Total Unit

Acres:

34.0 Prescription: Systematic and 

Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

583 Harvest

System:

Cable, Shovel

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

203

LUD:

Modified Landscape

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: This unit lies entirely within Stand #5830300577. The stand origination date is 1963. Approximately 41% 

of the stand area has been pre-commercially thinned, which was completed in 2005. The site potential in this unit appears to 

be high. This unit is in a successional stage of stem exclusion. This unit lies within the Deer Winter Range landscape zone, 

and is located in the Ratz Harbor young-growth study area. The eastern, thinned portion of this unit coincides with a TWYG 

research site and will likely need to be dropped.

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Systematic Thinning

Apply systematic thinning strips in portions of the unit unsuitable for uniform thinning. Systematic thinning should be applied 

primarily in downhill settings where full suspension cannot be achieved or other areas where uniform thinning will result in 

unacceptable levels of residual tree damage or otherwise is operationally infeasible. Systematic thinning should remove all 

trees within corridors 20 to 60 feet wide depending on operational feasibility, visual concerns and /or windthrow potential. 

Maintain a 60-120 foot distance between cut corridors resulting in at least a 50% basal area retention. Where visuals are of 

concern, cut corridors should be kept to approximately 20 feet in width pending scenery direction. Although parallel strips 

are likely to be most common, there are options for fan shapes, depending on landing/road locations.

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

A Tongass Wide Young Growth Study site (POW Ratz Experiment #4) is along the eastern boundary. Protection of this site is 

required. Contact the Forestry Sciences Lab in Juneau for additional information.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for a combination of ground-based and cable yarding. Ground-based settings are planned for yarding to 

the existing NFS road 3023530. Cable settings are planned for uphill and downhill yarding to the existing NFS road 3023530. 

Uniform crown thinning is planned in ground-based and uphill cable yarding settings. Strip thinning is planned in downhill 

cable yarding settings.

A Tongass Wide Young Growth Study site (POW Ratz Experiment #4) is along the eastern boundary. Protection of this site is 

required. Contact the Forestry Sciences Lab in Juneau for more information.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

Unit is accessed by reconstruction of existing NFS roads 3023500 and 3023530, totaling 8500 feet. See corresponding road 

card for detailed information.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

Unit

Number 558 Alternatives 3, 4

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation
Unit 558

 FISHERIES:

Streams are tributaries to Big Lake. Stream characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, information.

 

Stream#: A1.11L Class: I, III Flagging: B/W, O/W C- Type: PAS, HCD

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for PAS greater of 100 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland fens. 

Class III for HCD to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3 and 4 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A and B

Stream#: 2 Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM

Concerns: none

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3 and 4 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B 

Stream#: A1.13L Class: III Flagging: O/W 	C- Type: HCM

Concerns: none

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3 and 4 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

Unit is entirely categorized as Very Low SIO. No concerns.

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

Slopes are estimated to range from about 15% to about 60%. There are approximately 8 acres (24% of the unit) of forested 

wetland in adjacent to the southern unit boundary (BMP 12.5). The soils and wetlands are suitable for a minimum partial 

suspension yarding or shovel yarding. All logging systems should follow BMPs 12.5, 13.2 and 13.9. Slopes over 25% 

gradient may not be suitable for shovel yarding under some soil moisture conditions. Use care when approving shovel 

yarding on slopes over 25% gradient. Avoid track slippage and rutting.

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Further analysis and/or field review will be 

completed prior to implementation to ensure that the activity areas do not exceed Region 10 Soil Quality Standards as 

appropriate BMP measures are applied.

 WILDLIFE:

Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat in this south-facing unit near Big Lake by improving forage availability and 

removing the stand for the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again), though a road would 

be reopened to access the unit.

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
3023530

3023520

3023535

3023530

1

3 3. R

3.1R.1L 3.2R

4

1

LAKE A1

A2

3

5

3. 1 R

2

A1.10L.1R

A1.13L

2

A1.12L

A1.10L

1959

1963

1960

175

177

551 556

557

558

558

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 558 VCU: Alternative 3

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

583

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3023530

3023520

3023535

3023530

1

3 3. R

3.1R.1L 3.2R

4

1

LAKE A1

A2

3

5

3. 1 R

2

A1.10L.1R

A1.13L

2

A1.12L

A1.10L

1959

1963

1960

175

177

551 556

557

558

558

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 558 VCU: Alternative 4

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

583

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt4_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 559

Total Unit

Acres:

25.5 Prescription: Systematic and 

Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

583 Harvest

System:

Cable, Shovel

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

162

LUD:

Old Growth Habitat

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: This unit lies entirely within Stand #5830200551. The stand origination date is 1960. The stand area 

within the unit has not been pre-commercially thinned. The site potential in this unit appears to range from medium to high. 

The unit is in a successional stage of stem exclusion. This unit lies inside a small OGR and is within the Old-growth Habitat 

LUD landscape zone. The unit is located in the Ratz Harbor young-growth study area. 

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Old-Growth Habitat):

The management objectives of young-growth treatments in Landscape Zone B are to accelerate development of advanced 

seral stand structure in order to restore the ecological integrity of habitat. Characteristics needed for wildlife habitat vary with 

the forest type and site potential of each stand. Treatments are intended to improve habitats, corridors, and connectivity for 

eagles, goshawks, deer, marten, otter, bear, and other wildlife species associated with maritime-influenced habitat.

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Systematic Thinning

Apply systematic thinning strips in portions of the unit unsuitable for uniform thinning. Systematic thinning should be applied 

primarily in downhill settings where full suspension cannot be achieved or other areas where uniform thinning will result in 

unacceptable levels of residual tree damage or otherwise is operationally infeasible. Systematic thinning should remove all 

trees within corridors 20 to 60 feet wide depending on operational feasibility, visual concerns and /or windthrow potential. 

Maintain a 60-120 foot distance between cut corridors resulting in at least a 50% basal area retention. Where visuals are of 

concern, cut corridors should be kept to approximately 20 feet in width pending scenery direction. Although parallel strips 

are likely to be most common, there are options for fan shapes, depending on landing/road locations.

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for a combination of ground-based and cable yarding. Ground-based settings are planned for yarding to 

the existing NFS roads 3000301and 3000303. Cable settings are planned for downhill yarding to the existing NFS road 

3000301.

Unit is inside a small OGR.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

Unit is accessed by reconstruction of existing NFS roads 3000301 and 3000303, totaling 1800 feet. See corresponding road 

cards for detailed information.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

 FISHERIES:

Unit

Number 559 Alternatives 3, 4, 5

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
Unit 559

Streams drain to Ratz Harbor. Stream characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, information.

Stream#: A1 Class: II, III Flagging: B/W, O/W C- Type: HCL, HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class II for HCL greater of 100 feet or to the top of the side-slope break. Class III for HCM to the top of the sideslope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A and B 

Stream#: A2 Class: II Flagging: B/W C- Type: HCL

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class II for HCL greater of 100 feet or to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

Unit is entirely in High SIO because it is in a small OGR. Only 10 acres are prescribed for systematic thinning. In these 

areas, implement narrow thinning corridors to minimize visibility.

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

Slopes are estimated range from about 20% to about 55%. No wetlands have been mapped in the unit. The soils and 

wetlands are suitable for a minimum partial suspension yarding or shovel yarding. All logging systems should follow BMPs 

12.5, 13.2 and 13.9. Slopes over 25% gradient may not be suitable for shovel yarding under some soil moisture conditions. 

Use care when approving shovel yarding on slopes over 25% gradient. Avoid track slippage and rutting.

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Further analysis and/or field review will be 

completed prior to implementation to ensure that the activity areas do not exceed Region 10 Soil Quality Standards as 

appropriate BMP measures are applied.

 WILDLIFE:

Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat in small OGR near Ratz Harbor by improving forage availability and 

removing the stand for the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again), though a road would 

be reopened to access the unit.

Unit is within a small OGR in all alterntives; create and maintain narrow thinning corridors in systematic thinning areas.
3000303

3000302

3000000

3000304

3000303

3000301

1

1

A1

A1

A3

A2

1.1L

1.5R

1.6L

1.2R

1.6L

1.4L

1.6L.1R

1.3 L

1965

1965

1960

2006

1995

1995

1960

1964

559

560

561

562

172

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 559 VCU: Alternative 3

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

583

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3000301

3000304

3000000

3000302

3000303

3000303

1.1L

1.5R

1.6L

1.2R

1.6L

1.4L

1.6L.1R

1.3 L

1

1

A1

A1

A3

A2

1965

1965

1964

1960

1995

1960

1995

2006

559

560

561

562

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 559 VCU: Alternative 4

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

583

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt4_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3000303

3000302

3000000

3000301

3000304

3000303

3000301

1

1

A1

A1

A3

A2

1.1L

1.5R

1.6L

1.2R

1.6L

1.4L

1.6L.1R

1.3 L

1965

1965

1960

2006

1995

1995

1960

1964

559

560

561

562

172

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 559 VCU: Alternative 5

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Sytematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth 

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

583

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt5_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 560

Total Unit

Acres:

4.2 Prescription: Systematic 

Thinning

VCU

Number:

583 Harvest

System:

Cable

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

31

LUD:

Modified Landscape, 

Old Growth Habitat

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: This unit lies entirely within Stand #5830200551. The stand origination date is 1960. The stand area 

within this unit has not been pre-commercially thinned. The site potential in this unit appears to range from medium to high. 

The unit is in a successional stage of stem exclusion. This unit lies within the Old-Growth Habitat Landscape Zone in 

Alternatives 4 and 5 and the Deer Winter Range Landscape Zone in Alternative 3, and is located in the Ratz Harbor younggrowth study area. 

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Old-Growth Habitat):

Under Alternatives 4 and 5, the management objectives of young-growth treatments in Landscape Zone B are followed. 

These objectives are to accelerate development of advanced seral stand structure in order to restore the ecological integrity 

of habitat. Characteristics needed for wildlife habitat vary with the forest type and site potential of each stand. Treatments are 

intended to improve habitats, corridors, and connectivity for eagles, goshawks, deer, marten, otter, bear, and other wildlife 

species associated with maritime-influenced habitat.

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

Under Alternative 3, the management objectives of this landscape zone are followed. The management goal of younggrowth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, while managing for a sustained 

yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in treated stands for the remainder 

of the rotation. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Systematic Thinning

Apply systematic thinning strips in portions of the unit unsuitable for uniform thinning. Systematic thinning should be applied 

primarily in downhill settings where full suspension cannot be achieved or other areas where uniform thinning will result in 

unacceptable levels of residual tree damage or otherwise is operationally infeasible. Systematic thinning should remove all 

trees within corridors 20 to 60 feet wide depending on operational feasibility, visual concerns and /or windthrow potential. 

Maintain a 60-120 foot distance between cut corridors resulting in at least a 50% basal area retention. Where visuals are of 

concern, cut corridors should be kept to approximately 20 feet in width pending scenery direction. Although parallel strips 

are likely to be most common, there are options for fan shapes, depending on landing/road locations.

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for downhill cable yarding to landings on the proposed temporary road.

Under Alternative 3, unit is in Modified Landscape LUD. It was formerly in an OGR, which was moved. Eastern boundary is 

within a few hundred feet of new OGR boundary.

Under Alternatives 4 and 5, unit is in small OGR.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

Unit is accessed by two proposed temporary roads, totaling 900 feet, as displayed on the unit card. Approximately 800 feet of 

this road will be constructed across decommissioned road bed.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

 FISHERIES:

Unit

Number 560 Alternatives 3, 4, 5

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
Unit 560

Streams tributaries to Ratz Creek and Ratz Harbor. Stream characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, 

information.

Stream#: A2 Class: II Flagging: B/W C- Type: HCL

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class II for HCL greater of 100 feet or to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A 

Stream#: A3 Class: II Flagging: B/W C- Type: HCLw

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class II for HCLw greater of 100 feet or to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A 

Temporary roads (new and reopened decommissioned) for Unit 560: Alternatives 3, 4 and 5 -- No known stream crossings. 

The temporary roads have not been field verified and will be surveyed before implementation. If any stream crossings are 

found, crossings structures and locations will be approved by USFS, in consultation with fisheries biologist or hydrologist, 

prior to construction (BMP 14.17). During construction of temporary roads implement BMPs 12.17, 13.10, 13.11, 13.16, 14.3, 

and 14.5.

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

Alternative 3: Unit is in Very Low SIO. No concerns.

Alternatives 4 and 5: Unit is entirely in High SIO because it is in a small OGR in these alternatives. Only 4 acres are 

prescribed for systematic thinning. Implement narrow thinning corridors to minimize visibility.

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

Slopes are estimated to range from about 15% to about 50%. A minimum of partial suspension would meet soil and wetland 

resource concerns (BMPs 12.5, 13.5, and 13.9).

Alternative 3: There is about 1/4 acre (1% of the unit) of emergent sedge/forested wetland complex and 2 acres (43% of the 

unit) of forested wetland that covers the unit except for the southeast lobe (BMP 12.5).

Alternatives 4 and 5:

There is about 1/4 acre (2% of the unit) of emergent sedge/forested wetland complex and 2 acres (43% of the unit) of 

forested wetland that covers the unit except for the western tip (BMP 12.5).

Alternatives 3, 4, and 5: A temporary road will impact less than 0.25 acres of forested wetland within the unit and less than 

0.25 acres of forested wetland outside the unit. Wetland avoidance was not practicable due to the abundance of forested 

wetland. Provide adequate cross drainage, remove structures, and close the road after harvest (BMP 14.9) (33 CFR BMPs 

4, 5, 6).

 WILDLIFE:

Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat near Trumpeter Lake by improving forage availability and removing the 

stand for the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again), though a road would be reopened 

to access the unit.

Unit is adjacent to a small OGR in Alternative 3.

Unit is within a small OGR in Alternatives 4 and 5 (consisent with the Forest Plan); create and maintain narrow thinning 

corridors in systematic thinning areas.
3025000

3000000

3000304

3000303

3000302

3000301

3000303

A1

A 6

A3

LAKE A1

A2

A4

1964

1965

1965

1965

1965

1964

1995

1960

1995

2006

559

560

561

562

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 560 VCU: Alternative 3

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

583

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3000301

3025000

3000000

3000304

3000303

3000302

3000303

A1

A 6

A3

LAKE A1

A2

A4

1964

1965

1965

1965

1965

1964

1995

1960

1995

2006

559

560

561

562

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 560 VCU: Alternative 4

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

583

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt4_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3000301

3025000

3000000

3000304

3000303

3000302

3000303

A1

A 6

A3

LAKE A1

A2

A4

1964

1965

1965

1965

1965

1964

1995

1960

1995

2006

559

560

561

562

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 560 VCU: Alternative 5

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Sytematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth 

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

583

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt5_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 561

Total Unit

Acres:

30.4 Prescription: Systematic and 

Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

583 Harvest

System:

Cable, Shovel

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

208

LUD:

Modified 

Landscape, 

Old-Growth Habitat

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: This unit lies entirely within Stand #5830200551. The stand origination date is 1960. Approximately 5.3 

acres along the western edge of the unit was pre-commercially thinned in 2006. The site potential in this unit appears to be 

medium. The unit is in a successional stage of stem exclusion. This unit lies within the Old-Growth Habitat Landscape Zone 

in Alternatives 4 and 5 and the Deer Winter Range Landscape Zone in Alternative 3, and is located in the Ratz Harbor younggrowth study area.

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Old-Growth Habitat):

Under Alternatives 4 and 5, the management objectives of young-growth treatments in Landscape Zone B are followed. 

These objectives are to accelerate development of advanced seral stand structure in order to restore the ecological integrity 

of habitat. Characteristics needed for wildlife habitat vary with the forest type and site potential of each stand. Treatments are 

intended to improve habitats, corridors, and connectivity for eagles, goshawks, deer, marten, otter, bear, and other wildlife 

species associated with maritime-influenced habitat.

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation.

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Systematic Thinning

Apply systematic thinning strips in portions of the unit unsuitable for uniform thinning. Systematic thinning should be applied 

primarily in downhill settings where full suspension cannot be achieved or other areas where uniform thinning will result in 

unacceptable levels of residual tree damage or otherwise is operationally infeasible. Systematic thinning should remove all 

trees within corridors 20 to 60 feet wide depending on operational feasibility, visual concerns and /or windthrow potential. 

Maintain a 60-120 foot distance between cut corridors resulting in at least a 50% basal area retention. Where visuals are of 

concern, cut corridors should be kept to approximately 20 feet in width pending scenery direction. Although parallel strips 

are likely to be most common, there are options for fan shapes, depending on landing/road locations.

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for a combination of ground-based and cable yarding. Cable settings are planned for downhill yarding to 

the proposed temporary road and existing NFS road 3000302. Ground-based settings are planned for yarding to the 

proposed temporary road and existing NFS road 3000302. Uniform crown thinning is planned in ground-based settings. Strip 

thinning is planned in downhill cable yarding settings.

Under Alternative 3, unit is in Modified Landscape LUD. It was formerly in an OGR, which was moved. Southern and 

northwestern boundaries are within a few hundred feet of new OGR boundary.

Under Alternatives 4 and 5, unit is in small OGR.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

Unit

Number 561 Alternatives 3, 4, 5

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation
Unit 561

Unit is accessed by a proposed temporary road, totaling 500 feet, as displayed on the unit card. This road will be constructed 

entirely across decommissioned road bed.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

 FISHERIES:

Streams tributaries to Ratz Creek. Stream characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, information.

Stream#: Lake A1 (Trumpeter Lake) Class: I Flagging: B/W C- Type: L

Concerns: none known known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for Lake-A1 greater of 100 horizontal feet or to the extent of flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, 

riparian associated wetland fens, or height of one site potential tree. 

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A 

Stream#: A4 Class: I Flagging: B/W C- Type: FPL, LCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for FPL greater of 130 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland fens. 

Class I for LCM greater of 100 feet or to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A 

Temporary road (reopened decommissioned) for Unit 561: Alternatives 3, 4 and 5-- No known stream crossings. The 

temporary roads have not been field verified and will be surveyed before implementation. If any stream crossings are found, 

crossings structures and locations will be approved by USFS, in consultation with fisheries biologist or hydrologist, prior to 

construction (BMP 14.17). During construction of temporary roads implement BMPs 12.17, 13.10, 13.11, 13.16, 14.3, and 

14.5.

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

Alternative 3: Unit has about 9 acres in Moderate SIO and 22 acres in Very Low SIO. 

Alternatives 4 and 5: Unit is entirely in High SIO because it is in a small OGR in these alternatives. About 20 acres are 

prescribed for systematic thinning. Implement narrow thinning corridors to minimize visibility.

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

Slopes are estimated to range from about 15% to about 60%. There are approximately 24 acres (68% of the unit) of forested 

wetland located primarily in the western polygon (BMP 12.5). The soils and wetlands are suitable for a minimum partial 

suspension yarding or shovel yarding. All logging systems should follow BMPs 12.5, 13.2 and 13.9. Slopes over 25% 

gradient may not be suitable for shovel yarding under some soil moisture conditions. Use care when approving shovel 

yarding on slopes over 25% gradient. Avoid track slippage and rutting. 

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Further analysis and/or field review will be 

completed prior to implementation to ensure that the activity areas do not exceed Region 10 Soil Quality Standards as 

appropriate BMP measures are applied.

 WILDLIFE:

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
Unit 561

Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat near Trumpeter Lake by improving forage availability and removing the 

stand for the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again).

Unit is adjacent to a small OGR in Alternative 3.

Unit is within a small OGR in Alternatives 4 and 5 (consistent with the Forest Plan); create and maintain narrow thinning 

corridors in systematic thinning areas.
3025500

3000304

3000303

3025000

3000302

3000000

3000303

A7

A3

LAKE A1

A6

A2

A4

1964

1965

1965

1965

1964

1995

1960

559

560

561

562

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 561 VCU: Alternative 3

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

583

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3025500

3000304

3000303

3025000

3000302

3000000

3000303

A7

A3

LAKE A1

A6

A2

A4

1964

1965

1965

1965

1964

1995

1960

559

560

561

562

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 561 VCU: Alternative 4

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

583

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt4_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3025500

3000304

3000303

3025000

3000302

3000000

3000303

A7

A3

LAKE A1

A6

A2

A4

1964

1965

1965

1965

1964

1995

1960

559

560

561

562

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 561 VCU: Alternative 5

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Sytematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth 

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

583

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt5_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 562

Total Unit

Acres:

44.7 Prescription: Systematic and 

Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

583 Harvest

System:

Cable, Shovel

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

312

LUD:

Old Growth Habitat

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: This unit lies entirely within Stand #5830200551. The stand origination date is 1960. The stand area 

within this unit has not been pre-commercially thinned. The site potential in this unit appears to be high. The unit is in a 

successional stage of stem exclusion. This unit lies within the Old-growth Habitat landscape zone, and is located in the Ratz 

Harbor young-growth study area.

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Old-Growth Habitat):

The management objectives of young-growth treatments in Landscape Zone B are to accelerate development of advanced 

seral stand structure in order to restore the ecological integrity of habitat. Characteristics needed for wildlife habitat vary with 

the forest type and site potential of each stand. Treatments are intended to improve habitats, corridors, and connectivity for 

eagles, goshawks, deer, marten, otter, bear, and other wildlife species associated with maritime-influenced habitat.

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Systematic Thinning

Apply systematic thinning strips in portions of the unit unsuitable for uniform thinning. Systematic thinning should be applied 

primarily in downhill settings where full suspension cannot be achieved or other areas where uniform thinning will result in 

unacceptable levels of residual tree damage or otherwise is operationally infeasible. Systematic thinning should remove all 

trees within corridors 20 to 60 feet wide depending on operational feasibility, visual concerns and /or windthrow potential. 

Maintain a 60-120 foot distance between cut corridors resulting in at least a 50% basal area retention. Where visuals are of 

concern, cut corridors should be kept to approximately 20 feet in width pending scenery direction. Although parallel strips 

are likely to be most common, there are options for fan shapes, depending on landing/road locations.

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for a combination of ground-based and cable yarding. Ground-based settings are planned for yarding to 

the existing NFS road 3000302. Cable settings are planned for downhill yarding to the existing NFS road 3000302. Uniform 

crown thinning is planned in ground-based settings. Strip thinning is planned in downhill cable yarding settings.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

No proposed road construction.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

 FISHERIES:

Unit

Number 562 Alternatives 3, 4, 5

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
Unit 562

Streams tributaries to Ratz Creek. Stream characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, information.

Stream#: Lake A1 (Trumpeter Lake) Class: I Flagging: B/W C- Type: L

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for Lake-A1 greater of 100 horizontal feet or to the extent of flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, 

riparian associated wetland fens, or height of one site potential tree. 

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A 

Stream #: A1 Class: I Flagging: B/W C- Type: FPM, MCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for FPM greater of 130 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland fens. 

Class I for MCM greater of 100 feet or to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

Unit is entirely in High SIO because it is in an OGR. About 33 acres are planned for systematic thinning. Implement narrow 

thinning corridors in order to minimize visibility.

 RECREATION:

Unit is close to the Big Lake Fish Pass Wildlife Viewing site. Although this is not a heavily used site, it is a developed 

recreation site. Thinning should take place outside the fish window so that access is not restricted during the peak visitor use 

period and should be neat and clean in appearance near the fish pass. During thinning operations, minimize access 

restrictions.

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

It is estimated that slopes range from about 15% to near 70% in the southeast upper slopes. The soils and wetlands are 

suitable for a minimum partial suspension yarding or shovel yarding. All logging systems should follow BMPs 12.5, 13.2 and 

13.9. Specifically, the shovel operator should avoid the small non-forested areas of the unit to prevent rutting. Slopes over 

25% gradient may not be suitable for shovel yarding under some soil moisture conditions. Use care when approving shovel 

yarding on slopes over 25% gradient. Avoid track slippage and rutting. There is approximately 3/4 acre (2% of the unit) of 

forested wetland in the northern tip of the wetland (BMP 12.5).

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Further analysis and/or field review will be 

completed prior to implementation to ensure that the activity areas do not exceed Region 10 Soil Quality Standards as 

appropriate BMP measures are applied.

 WILDLIFE:

Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat near Trumpeter Lake by improving forage availability and removing the 

stand for the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again), though a road would be reopened 

to access unit.

Unit is within a small OGR; create and maintain narrow thinning corridors in systematic thinning areas.
3000302

3023525

3000304

3000303

3000306

3000301

1

1. 9R

A2

LAKE

A1

A1

A 6

1.6L

1.10R

1

1.6L

1.6L.1R

1965

1960

1995

2006

1963

1995

1995

1965

559

560

561

562 172

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 562 VCU: Alternative 3

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

583

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3000301

3000304

3023525

3000301

3000306

3000303

3000302

A 6

1.6L

1.10R

1

1.6L

1.6L.1R

1

1. 9R

A2

LAKE

A1

A1

1965

1965

1995

1963

1995

1960

1995

2006

559

560

561

562

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 562 VCU: Alternative 4

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

583

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt4_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3000302

3023525

3000304

3000303

3000306

3000301

3000301

1

1. 9R

A2

LAKE

A1

A1

A 6

1.6L

1.10R

1

1.6L

1.6L.1R

1965

1960

1995

1963

2006

1995

1995

1965

559

560

561

562 172

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 562 VCU: Alternative 5

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Sytematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth 

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

583

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt5_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 563

Total Unit

Acres:

44.1 Prescription: Systematic and 

Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

583 Harvest

System:

Cable

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

315

LUD:

Modified Landscape

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: This unit lies entirely within Stand #5830300524. The stand origination date is 1965. This stand has 

been entirely pre-commercially thinned, which was primarily completed in 1994. The site potential in this unit appears to be 

high. The unit is in a successional stage of stem exclusion. This unit lies within the Deer Winter Range landscape zone, and 

is located in the Ratz Harbor young-growth study area.

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation.

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Systematic Thinning

Apply systematic thinning strips in portions of the unit unsuitable for uniform thinning. Systematic thinning should be applied 

primarily in downhill settings where full suspension cannot be achieved or other areas where uniform thinning will result in 

unacceptable levels of residual tree damage or otherwise is operationally infeasible. Systematic thinning should remove all 

trees within corridors 20 to 60 feet wide depending on operational feasibility, visual concerns and /or windthrow potential. 

Maintain a 60-120 foot distance between cut corridors resulting in at least a 50% basal area retention. Where visuals are of 

concern, cut corridors should be kept to approximately 20 feet in width pending scenery direction. Although parallel strips 

are likely to be most common, there are options for fan shapes, depending on landing/road locations.

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for a combination of uphill and downhill cable yarding to the existing NFS roads 3000000 and 3000306. 

Uniform thinning is planned in uphill cable yarding settings. Strip thinning is planned in downhill cable yarding settings.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

This unit is accessed by reconstruction of existing NFS road 3000306, totaling 1700 feet. See corresponding road card for 

detailed information.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

 FISHERIES:

Unit

Number 563 Alternatives 3, 4, 5

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
Unit 563

Streams are tributaries to Trumpeter Lake. Stream characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, information.

Stream#: A6 Class: I, II Flagging: B/W C- Type: AFM, HCV

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for AFM greater of 140 feet or active portion of the alluvial fan. Class II for HCV greater of 100 feet or 

to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

About 14 acres in Moderate SIO, 26 acres in Low SIO, and 4 acres in Very Low SIO. About 10 acres of the Moderate SIO 

area is prescribed for systematic thinning, along with almost all of the Low SIO areas. Implement narrow thinning corridors 

in order to minimize visibility, at least for those that are perpendicular to the 30 Road. Corridors can be widened along the 

3000306 Road if they can run parallel to the 30 Road to make them less visible.

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

It is estimated that slopes range from about 20% to about 60%. About 3.5 acres have been affected by a debris avalanche 

initiated in 1988. There are approximately 16 acres (35% of the unit) of forested wetland adjacent to the northern and eastern 

edges of the unit (BMP 12.5). A minimum of partial suspension would meet soil and wetland resource concerns (BMPs 12.5, 

13.5, and 13.9).

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Further analysis and/or field review will be 

completed prior to implementation to ensure that the activity areas do not exceed Region 10 Soil Quality Standards as 

appropriate BMP measures are applied.

 WILDLIFE:

Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat near Trumpeter Lake by improving forage availability and removing the 

stand for the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again).
3000306

3023525

3000000

3000306

4.1R

2

4

1

1.1R

3

1

LAKE

A1

A6

A1

A7

1964

1965

1965

1990

1995

1963

174

174

175

178

561

563

564

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 563 VCU: Alternative 3

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

583

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3000306

3023525

3000000

3000306

4.1R

2

4

1

1.1R

3

1

LAKE

A1

A6

A1

A7

1964

1965

1965

1990

1995

1963

174

174

175

178

561

563

564

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 563 VCU: Alternative 4

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

583

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt4_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3000306

3023525

3000000

3000306

4.1R

2

4

1

1.1R

3

1

LAKE

A1

A6

A1

A7

1964

1965

1965

1990

1995

1963

174

174

175

178

561

563

564

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 563 VCU: Alternative 5

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Sytematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth 

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

583

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt5_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 564

Total Unit

Acres:

9.8 Prescription: Systematic 

Thinning

VCU

Number:

583 Harvest

System:

Cable

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

73

LUD:

Modified Landscape

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: This unit lies entirely within Stand #5830300524. The stand origination date is 1965. This stand has 

been entirely pre-commercially thinned, which was primarily completed in 1994. The site potential in this unit appears to be 

high. The unit is in a successional stage of stem exclusion.This unit lies within the Deer Winter Range landscape zone, and 

is located in the Ratz Harbor young-growth study area.

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation.

Silvicultural Prescription: Systematic Thinning

Apply systematic thinning strips in portions of the unit unsuitable for uniform thinning. Systematic thinning should be applied 

primarily in downhill settings where full suspension cannot be achieved or other areas where uniform thinning will result in 

unacceptable levels of residual tree damage or otherwise is operationally infeasible. Systematic thinning should remove all 

trees within corridors 20 to 60 feet wide depending on operational feasibility, visual concerns and /or windthrow potential. 

Maintain a 60-120 foot distance between cut corridors resulting in at least a 50% basal area retention. Where visuals are of 

concern, cut corridors should be kept to approximately 20 feet in width pending scenery direction. Although parallel strips 

are likely to be most common, there are options for fan shapes, depending on landing/road locations.

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for downhill cable yarding to the existing NFS road 3000000.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

No proposed road construction.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

 FISHERIES:

Streams are tributaries to Trumpeter Lake. Stream characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, information.

Stream#: A6 Class: II Flagging: B/W C- Type: HCV

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class II for HCV greater of 100 feet or to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

Unit

Number 564 Alternatives 3, 4, 5

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
Unit 564

 SCENERY:

Unit is entirely Moderate SIO and includes about 10 acres of systematic thinning. Implement narrow thinning corridors in 

order to minimize visibility of harvest from 30 Road.

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

It is estimated that slopes range from about 30% to near 70%. There are approximately 3 acres (33% of the unit) of emergent 

sedge/forested wetland and 2 acres (22% of the unit) of forested wetland adjacent to the northern edge of the unit (BMP 

12.5). A minimum of partial suspension would meet soil and wetland resource concerns (BMPs 12.5, 13.5, and 13.9).

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Further analysis and/or field review will be 

completed prior to implementation to ensure that the activity areas do not exceed Region 10 Soil Quality Standards as 

appropriate BMP measures are applied.

 WILDLIFE:

Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat near Trumpeter Lake by improving forage availability and removing the 

stand for the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again).
3000306

3000000

3000306

2

4.1R

1

4

1.1R

A6

A1

A7

1964

1965

1990

1964

1965 1995

1963

174

174

175

178

563

564

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 564 VCU: Alternative 3

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

583

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3000306

3000000

3000306

2

4.1R

1

4

1.1R

A6

A1

A7

1964

1965

1990

1964

1965 1995

1963

174

174

175

178

563

564

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 564 VCU: Alternative 4

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

583

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt4_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3000306

3000000

3000306

2

4.1R

1

4

1.1R

A6

A1

A7

1964

1965

1990

1964

1965 1995

1963

174

174

175

178

563

564

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 564 VCU: Alternative 5

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Sytematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth 

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

583

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt5_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 565

Total Unit

Acres:

3.7 Prescription: Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

581 Harvest

System:

Shovel

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

21

LUD:

Modified Landscape

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: This unit lies entirely within Stand #5810200504. The stand origination date is 1969. Approximately 66% 

of the stand area has been pre-commercially thinned, which was completed in 1989. The site potential appears to range from 

medium to high. This unit is in a successional stage of stem exclusion.The unit is in the Deer Winter Range landscape zone.

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation.

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for ground-based yarding to existing NFS roads 3000310 and 3000000.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

This unit is accessed by reconstruction of existing NFS road 3000310, totaling 800 feet. See corresponding road card for 

detailed information.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

 FISHERIES:

Streams are tributaries to Luck Creek. Stream characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, information.

Stream#: A2 Class: I Flagging: B/W C- Type: AFM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for AFM greater of 140 feet or active portion of the alluvial fan.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

Unit

Number 565 Alternatives 3, 4, 5

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
Unit 565

 SCENERY:

Unit consists of about 3 acres with Moderate SIO and 1 acre with Low SIO and includes all uniform thinning. Attempt to 

mnimize visibility from the 30 Road.

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

It is estimated that slopes range from about 10% to about 30%. There are approximately 2 acres (7% of the unit) of emergent 

sedge/forested wetland complex adjacent to the western unit boundary (BMP 12.5). A minimum of partial suspension would 

meet soil and wetland resource concerns (BMPs 12.5, 13.5, and 13.9).

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Further analysis and/or field review will be 

completed prior to implementation to ensure that the activity areas do not exceed Region 10 Soil Quality Standards as 

appropriate BMP measures are applied.

 WILDLIFE:

Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat near Luck Lake by improving forage availability and removing the stand for 

the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again).
3000310

3000325

3000000

3000305

3000320

3000000

3000325

3000310

A3

1

A2.1L

A1

A2

1969

1969

1969

1969

1969

1969

1969

1973

1971

1969

2006

1970

1969

565

566

567

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 565 VCU: Alternative 3

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

581

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3000310

3000325

3000000

3000305

3000320

3000000

3000325

3000310

A3

1

A2.1L

A1

A2

1969

1969

1969

1969

1969

1969

1969

1973

1971

1969

2006

1970

1969

565

566

567

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 565 VCU: Alternative 4

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

581

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt4_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3000310

3000325

3000000

3000305

3000320

3000000

3000325

3000310

A3

1

A2.1L

A1

A2

1969

1969

1969

1969

1969

1969

1969

1973

1971

1969

2006

1970

1969

565

566

567

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 565 VCU: Alternative 5

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Sytematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth 

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

581

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt5_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 566

Total Unit

Acres:

15.1 Prescription: Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

581 Harvest

System:

Cable

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

85

LUD:

Modified Landscape

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: This unit lies entirely within Stand #5810200504. The stand origination date is 1969. Approximately 87% 

of the stand area was pre-commercially thinned in 1989. The site potential appears to range from medium to high. The unit is 

in a successional stage of stem exclusion. This unit lies within the Deer Winter Range landscape zone.

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation.

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for uphill cable yarding to the existing NFS road 3000310.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

This unit is accessed by reconstruction of existing NFS road 3000310, totaling 3800 feet. See corresponding road card for 

detailed information.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

 FISHERIES:

Streams tributaries to Luck Creek. Stream characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, information.

Stream#: A2 Class: II Flagging: B/W C- Type: HCV

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class II for HCV greater of 100 feet or to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

Unit

Number 566 Alternatives 3, 4, 5

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
Unit 566

No Concerns

 RECREATION:

Unit consists of about 13.5 acres of Low SIO and 1.5 acres of Very Low SIO and is prescribed for uniform thinning. No 

concerns.

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

It is estimated that slopes range from about 15% to about 45%. No wetlands have been mapped in the unit. A minimum of 

partial suspension would meet soil and wetland resource concerns (BMPs 12.5, 13.5, and 13.9).

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Further analysis and/or field review will be 

completed prior to implementation to ensure that the activity areas do not exceed Region 10 Soil Quality Standards as 

appropriate BMP measures are applied.

 WILDLIFE:

Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat near Luck Lake by improving forage availability and removing the stand for 

the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again), though a road would be reconstructed to 

access the unit.
3000310

3000325

3030110

3000305

3000310

3000320

3000000

3000325

3000310

A3

A2.1L

A2

1969 1969 1996 1993

1969

1969

2006

2006

2006

1969

1969

1969

1970 2006

1969

565

566

567

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 566 VCU: Alternative 3

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

581

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3000310

3000325

3030110

3000305

3000310

3000320

3000000

3000325

3000310

A3

A2.1L

A2

1969 1969 1996 1993

1969

1969

2006

2006

2006

1969

1969

1969

1970 2006

1969

565

566

567

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 566 VCU: Alternative 4

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

581

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt4_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3000310

3000325

3030110

3000305

3000310

3000320

3000000

3000325

3000310

A3

A2.1L

A2

1969 1969 1996 1993

1969

1969

2006

2006

2006

1969

1969

1969

1970 2006

1969

565

566

567

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 566 VCU: Alternative 5

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Sytematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth 

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

581

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt5_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 567

Total Unit

Acres:

15.8 Prescription: Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

581 Harvest

System:

Shovel

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

90

LUD:

Modified Landscape

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: This unit lies entirely within Stand #5810200504. The stand origination date is 1969. Approximately 87% 

of the stand area was pre-commercially thinned in 1989. The site potential appears to range from medium to high. This unit is 

in a successional stage of stem exclusion. The unit lies within the Deer Winter Range landscape zone.

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation.

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for ground-based yarding to the existing NFS roads 3000320 and 3000325.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

This unit is accessed by reconstruction of existing NFS road 3000325, totaling 1600 feet. See corresponding road card for 

detailed information.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

 FISHERIES:

Streams are tributaries to Luck Creek and Luck Lake. Stream characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, 

information.

 

Stream#: A1 (Luck Creek) Class: I Flagging: B/W C- Type: FPL

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for FPL greater of 130 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland fens. 

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A 

Stream#: A2 Class: I, II Flagging: B/W C- Type: AFM, HCV,

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for AFM greater of 140 feet or active portion of the alluvial fan. Class II for HCV greater of 100 feet or 

to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A 

Unit

Number 567 Alternatives 3, 4, 5

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
Unit 567

Stream#: A2.1L Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B

Stream#: A3 Class: I, III Flagging: B/W, O/W C- Type: MMS, HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for MMS greater of 120 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland 

fens. Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A and B

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

Unit consists of about 3 acres of Low SIO and 13 acres of Very Low SIO, and is prescribed for uniform thinning. No concerns.

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

It is estimated that slopes range from less than 10% to about 40%. No wetlands have been mapped in the unit. The soils and 

wetlands are suitable for shovel yarding. Shovel yarding should follow BMPs 12.5, 13.2 and 13.9. Slopes over 25% gradient 

may not be suitable for shovel yarding under some soil moisture conditions. Use care when approving shovel yarding on 

slopes over 25% gradient. Avoid track slippage and rutting.

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Further analysis and/or field review will be 

completed prior to implementation to ensure that the activity areas do not exceed Region 10 Soil Quality Standards as 

appropriate BMP measures are applied.

 WILDLIFE:

Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat near Luck Lake by improving forage availability and removing the stand for 

the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again), though a road would be constructed to 

access the unit.
3000310

3030110

3000305

3000310

3000325

3000320

3000000

3000325

3000310

A3

A2.1L

A2

A1

1969

1969

2006

1996

1969

1969

1969 2006

1969

1969

1969

1973

1969

565

566

567

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 567 VCU: Alternative 3

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

581

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3000310

3030110

3000305

3000310

3000325

3000320

3000000

3000325

3000310

A3

A2.1L

A2

A1

1969

1969

2006

1996

1969

1969

1969 2006

1969

1969

1969

1973

1969

565

566

567

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 567 VCU: Alternative 4

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

581

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt4_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3000310

3030110

3000305

3000310

3000325

3000320

3000000

3000325

3000310

A3

A2.1L

A2

A1

1969

1969

2006

1996

1969

1969

1969 2006

1969

1969

1969

1973

1969

565

566

567

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 567 VCU: Alternative 5

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Sytematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth 

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

581

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt5_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 568

Total Unit

Acres:

4.0 Prescription: Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

581 Harvest

System:

Shovel

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

22

LUD:

Modified Landscape

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: Approximately 2 acres of the unit lies within Stand #5810400501. The stand origination date is 1969. 

Approximately 45% of the stand area was pre-commercially thinned in 1985. Approximately 2 acres of the unit lies within 

Stand #5810300501. The stand origination date is 1968. This stand has not been pre-commercially thinned. The site 

potential appears to range from medium to high. The unit is in a successional stage of stem exclusion. This unit lies within 

the Deer Winter Range landscape zone. 

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation.

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Systematic Thinning

Apply systematic thinning strips in portions of the unit unsuitable for uniform thinning. Systematic thinning should be applied 

primarily in downhill settings where full suspension cannot be achieved or other areas where uniform thinning will result in 

unacceptable levels of residual tree damage or otherwise is operationally infeasible. Systematic thinning should remove all 

trees within corridors 20 to 60 feet wide depending on operational feasibility, visual concerns and /or windthrow potential. 

Maintain a 60-120 foot distance between cut corridors resulting in at least a 50% basal area retention. Where visuals are of 

concern, cut corridors should be kept to approximately 20 feet in width pending scenery direction. Although parallel strips 

are likely to be most common, there are options for fan shapes, depending on landing/road locations.

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

Unit is planned for ground-based yarding to the existing NFS road 3000000.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

No proposed road construction.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

 FISHERIES:

Unit

Number 568 Alternatives 3, 4, 5

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
Unit 568

Streams are tributaries to Luck Lake. Stream characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, information.

Stream#: A1 Class: I, II Flagging: B/W C- Type: FPM, AFM, HCV

Concerns: none

Buffer (RMA): Class I for FPM greater of 130 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland 

fens. Class I for AFM greater of 140 feet or active portion of the alluvial fan. Class II for HCV greater of 100 feet or to the top 

of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A

Stream#: A1 Class: I, II Flagging: B/W C- Type: MMS,FPM, HCL

Concerns: none

Buffer (RMA): Class I - greater of 120 feet (MMS) or 130 feet (FPM), flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian 

associated wetland fens. Class II for HCL greater of 100 feet or the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

Unit is mapped as Moderate SIO, but is only 4 acres and is uniform thinning. No concerns.

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

It is estimated that slopes range from less than 10% to about 40%. There are approximately 2 acres (38% of the unit) of 

forested wetland in the western half of the southern polygon and less than 1/4 acre (1% of unit) of emergent sedge/forested 

wetland complex in the unit (BMP 12.5). The soils and wetlands are suitable for shovel yarding. Shovel yarding should follow 

BMPs 12.5, 13.2 and 13.9. Slopes over 25% gradient may not be suitable for shovel yarding under some soil moisture 

conditions. Use care when approving shovel yarding on slopes over 25% gradient. Avoid track slippage and rutting.

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Further analysis and/or field review will be 

completed prior to implementation to ensure that the activity areas do not exceed Region 10 Soil Quality Standards as 

appropriate BMP measures are applied.

 WILDLIFE:

Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat near Luck Lake by improving forage availability and removing the stand for 

the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again).
3000329

3000320

3000000

3030000

A1.1L

2

1

2

A3

A2

1

A2

A1

A 1

A1

2005

1968

1987

1973

1971

1969

1968 1968

1969

2006 1969

1969

1969

568 1969

568

567

565

570

569

200

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 568 VCU: Alternative 3

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

581

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3000329

3000320

3000000

3030000

A1.1L

2

1

2

A3

A2

1

A2

A1

A 1

A1

2005

1968

1987

1973

1971

1969

1968 1968

1969

2006 1969

1969

1969

568 1969

568

567

565

570

569

200

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 568 VCU: Alternative 4

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

581

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt4_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3000329

3000320

3000000

3030000

A1.1L

2

1

2

A3

A2

1

A2

A1

A 1

A1

2005

1968

1987

1973

1971

1969

1968 1968

1969

2006 1969

1969

1969

568 1969

568

567

565

570

569

200

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 568 VCU: Alternative 5

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Sytematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth 

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

581

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt5_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 569

Total Unit

Acres:

25.5 Prescription: Systematic and 

Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

581 Harvest

System:

Cable, Shovel

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

160

LUD:

Modified Landscape

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: The majority of this unit lies within Stand #5810100511. The stand origination date is 1968. 

Approximately 95% of the stand area was pre-commercially thinned in 1987. Approximately 8 acres of the unit lies within 

Stand #5810100512. The stand origination date is 1968. This stand has had approximately 92% of the stand area precommercially thinned, which was completed in 1987. Approximately 1 acre of the unit lies within Stand #5810100513. The 

stand origination date is 1969. This stand has not been pre-commercially thinned. The site potential appears to range from 

medium to high. The unit is in a successional stage of stem exclusion.

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation.

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Systematic Thinning

Apply systematic thinning strips in portions of the unit unsuitable for uniform thinning. Systematic thinning should be applied 

primarily in downhill settings where full suspension cannot be achieved or other areas where uniform thinning will result in 

unacceptable levels of residual tree damage or otherwise is operationally infeasible. Systematic thinning should remove all 

trees within corridors 20 to 60 feet wide depending on operational feasibility, visual concerns and /or windthrow potential. 

Maintain a 60-120 foot distance between cut corridors resulting in at least a 50% basal area retention. Where visuals are of 

concern, cut corridors should be kept to approximately 20 feet in width pending scenery direction. Although parallel strips 

are likely to be most common, there are options for fan shapes, depending on landing/road locations.

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for a combination of ground-based and cable yarding. Ground-based settings are planned for yarding to 

the existing NFS road 3030000. Cable settings are planned for downhill yarding to the existing NFS road 3030000. Uniform 

crown thinning is planned in ground-based settings. Strip thinning is planned in downhill cable yarding settings.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

No proposed road construction.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

 FISHERIES:

Unit

Number 569 Alternatives 3, 4, 5

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
Unit 569

Streams are tributaries to Luck Lake. Stream characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, information.

Stream#: A3 Class: I, III Flagging: B/W, O/W C- Type: AFM, HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for AFM greater of 140 feet or active portion of the alluvial fan. Class III for HCM to the top of the sideslope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A and B 

Stream#: A2 Class: I, III Flagging: B/W, O/W C- Type: AFM, HCM

Concerns: none

Buffer (RMA): Class I for AFM greater of 140 feet or active portion of the alluvial fan. Class III for HCM to the side-slope 

break. 

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 	Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A and B 

 

Stream#: A1 Class: I, II Flagging: B/W C- Type: FPM, AFM, HCV

Concerns: none

Buffer (RMA): Class I for FPM greater of 130 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland 

fens. Class I for AFM greater of 140 feet or active portion of the alluvial fan. Class II for HCV greater of 100 feet or to the top 

of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

About 24 acres with Moderate SIO and 1 acre with Low SIO; about 9 acres of unit are prescribed for systematic thinning. 

Implement narrow thinning corridors in systematic thinning settings to minimize visibility from 3030 Road.

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

It is estimated that slopes range from about 15% to about 60%. There is less than 1/4 acre (0.2% of the unit) of forested 

wetland near the western edge of the unit boundary (BMP 12.5). The soils and wetlands are suitable for a minimum partial 

suspension yarding or shovel yarding. All logging systems should follow BMPs 12.5, 13.2 and 13.9. Specifically, the shovel 

operator should avoid the small non-forested areas of the unit to prevent rutting. Slopes over 25% gradient may not be 

suitable for shovel yarding under some soil moisture conditions. Use care when approving shovel yarding on slopes over 

25% gradient. Avoid track slippage and rutting.

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Further analysis and/or field review will be 

completed prior to implementation to ensure that the activity areas do not exceed Region 10 Soil Quality Standards as 

appropriate BMP measures are applied.

 WILDLIFE:

Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat near Luck Lake by improving forage availability and removing the stand for 

the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again).
3030000

3000000

3000329

A4

A3

1

2

A5

A1.1L

1

A2

A1

A 1

A1

1969

1992

2005 1968

1987

1973

1971

1968

1968

2006

1969

2006 1969

1969

1969

569

568

568

570

200

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 569 VCU: Alternative 3

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

581

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3030000

3000000

3000329

A4

A3

1

2

A5

A1.1L

1

A2

A1

A 1

A1

1969

1992

2005 1968

1987

1973

1971

1968

1968

2006

1969

2006 1969

1969

1969

569

568

568

570

200

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 569 VCU: Alternative 4

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

581

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt4_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3030000

3000000

3000329

A4

A3

1

2

A5

A1.1L

1

A2

A1

A 1

A1

1969

1992

2005 1968

1987

1973

1971

1968

1968

2006

1969

2006 1969

1969

1969

569

568

568

570

200

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 569 VCU: Alternative 5

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Sytematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth 

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

581

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt5_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 570

Total Unit

Acres:

154.2 Prescription: Systematic and 

Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

581 Harvest

System:

Cable, Shovel

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

941

LUD:

Modified Landscape

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: Approximately 31 acres of the unit lies within Stand #5810100510. The stand origination date is 1968. 

This stand was entirely pre-commercially thinned in 1987. Approximately 36 acres of the unit lies within Stand #5810100521. 

The stand origination date is 1968. This stand was entirely pre-commercially thinned in 1987. Approximately 11 acres of the 

unit lies within Stand #5810100512. The stand origination date is 1968. Approximately 92% of the stand was precommercially thinned in 1987. Approximately 76 acres of the unit lies within Stand # 5810100511. The stand origination date 

is 1968. Approximately 95% of the stand area was pre-commercially thinned in 1987. The site potential in the unit appears to 

range from medium to high. This unit is in a successional stage of stem exclusion. This unit lies within the Deer Winter 

Range landscape zone.

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation.

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Systematic Thinning

Apply systematic thinning strips in portions of the unit unsuitable for uniform thinning. Systematic thinning should be applied 

primarily in downhill settings where full suspension cannot be achieved or other areas where uniform thinning will result in 

unacceptable levels of residual tree damage or otherwise is operationally infeasible. Systematic thinning should remove all 

trees within corridors 20 to 60 feet wide depending on operational feasibility, visual concerns and /or windthrow potential. 

Maintain a 60-120 foot distance between cut corridors resulting in at least a 50% basal area retention. Where visuals are of 

concern, cut corridors should be kept to approximately 20 feet in width pending scenery direction. Although parallel strips 

are likely to be most common, there are options for fan shapes, depending on landing/road locations.

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for a combination of ground- based and cable yarding. Ground-based settings are planned for yarding to 

the existing NFS road 3030000. Cable settings are planned for uphill and downhill yarding to the existing NFS road 3030000, 

and the proposed temporary roads. Uniform crown thinning is planned in ground-based and uphill cable yarding settings. 

Strip thinning is planned in downhill cable yarding settings.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

Unit is accessed by two proposed temporary roads, totaling 5800 feet, as displayed on the unit card. These roads will be 

entirely constructed across decommissioned road bed.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

Unit

Number 570 Alternatives 3, 4, 5

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
Unit 570

 FISHERIES:

Streams are tributaries to Luck Lake. Stream characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, information.

Stream#: Lake A1 (Luck Lake) Class: I Flagging: B/W C- Type: L

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for Lake-A1 greater of 100 horizontal feet or to the extent of flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, 

riparian associated wetland fens, or height of one site potential tree. 

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A 

Stream#: A9 Class: I, II Flagging: B/W C- Type: AFM, HCV

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for AFM greater of 140 feet or active portion of the alluvial fan. Class II for HCV greater of 100 or to the 

top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A 

Stream#: A8 Class: I, III Flagging: B/W, O/W C- Type: AFM, HCD

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for AFM greater of 140 feet or active portion of the alluvial fan. Class II for HCD to the top of the sideslope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A and B 

Stream#: A7 Class: II, IV Flagging: B/W, G/W C- Type: HCO, UC

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class II for HCO greater of 100 or to the top of the side-slope break. Class IV for UC none.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A and C 

Stream#: A6 Class: I, IV Flagging: B/W, GW C- Type: AFM, HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for AFM greater of 140 feet or active portion of the alluvial fan. Class IV for HCM none.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A and C 

Stream#: A5 Class: I, III Flagging: B/W, O/W C- Type: AFM, HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for AFM greater of 140 feet or active portion of the alluvial fan. Class II for HCM greater of 100 or to 

the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A and B 

Stream#: A4 Class: I, III Flagging: B/W, O/W C- Type: AFM, HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for AFM greater of 140 feet or active portion of the alluvial fan. Class III for HCM to the top of the sideslope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 	Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A and B

 

Stream#: A3 	 Class: I, III Flagging: B/W, O/W C- Type: AFM, HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for AFM greater of 140 feet or active portion of the alluvial fan. Class III for HCM to the top of the sideslope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A and B 

Temporary roads (reopened decommissioned) for Unit 570: Alternatives 3, 4 and 5 -- Three Class III and two class IV stream 

crossings. The temporary roads have not been field verified and will be surveyed before implementation. Crossings 

structures and locations will be approved by USFS, in consultation with fisheries biologist or hydrologist, prior to construction 

(BMP 14.17). During construction of temporary roads implement BMPs 12.17, 13.10, 13.11, 13.16, 14.3, and 14.5.
Unit 570

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

About 106 acres with Moderate SIO and 48 acres with Low SIO; only about 14 acres of the Moderate SIO areas are 

prescribed for systematic thinning. Implement narrow thinning corridors in systematic thinning settings to minimize visibility 

from 3030 Road.

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

It is estimated that slopes range from less than 10% to about 80% in places. Therefore, slopes over 72% are likely to be 

present and field review is necessary. About 1 acre has been disturbed by a mapped debris torrent. There are approximately 

35 acres (23% of the unit) of forested wetland in the northwest quarter of the unit (BMP 12.5). The soils and wetlands are 

suitable for a minimum partial suspension yarding or shovel yarding. All logging systems should follow BMPs 12.5, 13.2 and 

13.9. Specifically, the shovel operator should avoid the small non-forested areas of the unit to prevent rutting. Slopes over 

25% gradient may not be suitable for shovel yarding under some soil moisture conditions. Use care when approving shovel 

yarding on slopes over 25% gradient. Avoid track slippage and rutting.

A decommissioned temporary road will be used for access, thus reducing soil disturbance.

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Further analysis and/or field review will be 

completed prior to implementation to ensure that the activity areas do not exceed Region 10 Soil Quality Standards as 

appropriate BMP measures are applied.

 WILDLIFE:

Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat near Luck Lake (low elevation, east-facing slopes) by improving forage 

availability and removing the stand for the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again), 

though a road would be reopened to access the unit.
3030000

1

A2

A6

A3

A7

A8.29

A8.1R

A8

A4

A5

LAKE

A1

A9

A8

A1

A8

1

3

A3

2

1968

1968

1968

1968

1968

2006

1995

2006

2010

569

570

571

197

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 570 VCU: Alternative 3

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

581

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3030000

1

A2

A6

A3

A7

A8.29

A8.1R

A8

A4

A5

LAKE

A1

A9

A8

A1

A8

1

3

A3

2

1968

1968

1968

1968

1968

2006

1995

2006

2010

569

570

571

197

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 570 VCU: Alternative 4

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

581

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt4_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3030000

1

A2

A6

A3

A7

A8.29

A8.1R

A8

A4

A5

LAKE

A1

A9

A8

A1

A8

1

3

A3

2

1968

1968

1968

1968

1968

2006

1995

2006

2010

569

570

571

197

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 570 VCU: Alternative 5

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Sytematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth 

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

581

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt5_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 571

Total Unit

Acres:

20.1 Prescription: Systematic and 

Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

581 Harvest

System:

Cable, Shovel

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

131

LUD:

Modified Landscape

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: Approximately 10 acres of unit lies within Stand #5810100510. The stand origination date is 1968. This 

stand was entirely pre-commercially thinned in 1986. Approximately 5 acres of the unit lies within Stand #5810100508. The 

stand origination date is 1968. This stand was entirely pre-commercially thinned in 1986. Approximately 5 acres of the unit 

lies within Stand #5810100507. The stand origination date is 1969. This stand was entirely pre-commercially thinned in 1986. 

The site potential in this unit appears to range from medium to high. This unit is in a successional stage of stem exclusion. 

The unit lies within the Deer Winter Range landscape zone.

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation.

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Systematic Thinning

Apply systematic thinning strips in portions of the unit unsuitable for uniform thinning. Systematic thinning should be applied 

primarily in downhill settings where full suspension cannot be achieved or other areas where uniform thinning will result in 

unacceptable levels of residual tree damage or otherwise is operationally infeasible. Systematic thinning should remove all 

trees within corridors 20 to 60 feet wide depending on operational feasibility, visual concerns and /or windthrow potential. 

Maintain a 60-120 foot distance between cut corridors resulting in at least a 50% basal area retention. Where visuals are of 

concern, cut corridors should be kept to approximately 20 feet in width pending scenery direction. Although parallel strips 

are likely to be most common, there are options for fan shapes, depending on landing/road locations.

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for a combination of ground-based and cable yarding. Ground-based settings are planned for yarding to 

the existing NFS road 3030000. Cable settings are planned for downhill yarding to the existing NFS road 3030000. Uniform 

crown thinning is planned for ground-based settings. Strip thinning is planned for cable yarding settings.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

No proposed road construction.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

 FISHERIES:

Unit

Number 571 Alternatives 3, 4, 5

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
Unit 571

Streams are tributaries to Luck Lake. Streams 2, 3, A9 and A10 characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, 

information.

Stream#: Lake A1 (Luck Lake) Class: I Flagging: B/W C- Type: L

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for Lake-A1 greater of 100 horizontal feet or to the extent of flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, 

riparian associated wetland fens, or height of one site potential tree. 

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A 

Stream#: 10 Class: I,II Flagging: B/W C- Type: MMS, HCM, HCL 

Concerns: blowdown observed near road mid-unit

Buffer (RMA): Class I for MMS greater of 120 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland 

fens. Class I and II for HCM and HCL greater of 100 feet or to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A

Stream#: 2 Class: I, II, III Flagging: B/W, O/W C- Type: MMO, HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for MMO greater of 120 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland 

fens. Class II for HCM greater of 100 or to the top of the side-slope break. Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope 

break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A and B 

Stream#: 3 Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B 

Stream#: A10 Class: I, IV Flagging: B/W, G/W C- Type: AFM, HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for AFM greater of 140 feet or active portion of the alluvial fan. Class IV for HCM none.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A and C 

Stream#: A9 Class: I, II Flagging: B/W C- Type: AFM, HCV

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for AFM greater of 140 feet or active portion of the alluvial fan. Class II for HCV greater of 100 or to 

the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

Unit is entirely in Moderate SIO; only about 10 acres are prescribed for systematic thinning. Implement narrow thinning 

corridors in systematic thinning settings to minimize visibility from 3030 Road.

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

It is estimated that slopes range from less than 10% to about 40%. There are approximately 10 acres (51% of the unit) of 

forested wetland in the southern half of the unit (BMP 12.5). The soils and wetlands are suitable for a minimum partial 

suspension yarding or shovel yarding. All logging systems should follow BMPs 12.5, 13.2 and 13.9. Specifically, the shovel 

operator should avoid the small non-forested areas of the unit to prevent rutting. Slopes over 25% gradient may not be 
Unit 571

suitable for shovel yarding under some soil moisture conditions. Use care when approving shovel yarding on slopes over 

25% gradient. Avoid track slippage and rutting.

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Further analysis and/or field review will be 

completed prior to implementation to ensure that the activity areas do not exceed Region 10 Soil Quality Standards as 

appropriate BMP measures are applied.

 WILDLIFE:

Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat near Luck Lake (low elevation, east-facing slopes) by improving forage 

availability and removing the stand for the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again).
3030000

10.1R.1L

10

2

8

2

1

1.2L

1.3L

2

LAKE A1

A10

A9

1.2L

7

A2

1L

7

10.2R

1.1L.1R

1.3L.1L

1.1L

5

10.1R.2L

10.2R.1L

4

1.2L.1L

10

3

1.2L.3R

10.2R.2L

10.1R.2L.1L

1.2L.1R

10.1R

9

1.1L

10.1

10.2R

R

3

10.1R.2L

1989

1969

1969

2005

1968

1968

1968

193

194

570

571

192

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 571 VCU: Alternative 3

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

581

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3030000

7

2

8

2

1

1.3L

3

2

LAKE A1

A10

A9

1.2L

A2

1L

7

10.2R

1.1L.1R

1.3L.1L

1.1L

5

10.1R.2L

10.2R.1L

4

1.2L 1.2L.1L

10

1.2L.3R

10.2R.2L

10.1R.2L.1L

1.2L.1R

10.1R

9

1.1L

10.1

10.2R

R

3

10.1R.2L

10.1R.1L

10

1989

1969

1969

2005

1968

1968

1968

570

571

194

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 571 VCU: Alternative 4

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

581

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt4_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3030000

10.1R.1L

10

2

8

2

1

1.2L

1.3L

2

LAKE A1

A10

A9

1.2L

7

A2

1L

7

10.2R

1.1L.1R

1.3L.1L

1.1L

5

10.1R.2L

10.2R.1L

4

1.2L.1L

10

3

1.2L.3R

10.2R.2L

10.1R.2L.1L

1.2L.1R

10.1R

9

1.1L

10.1

10.2R

R

3

10.1R.2L

1989

1969

1969

2005

1968

1968

1968

193

194

570

571

192

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 571 VCU: Alternative 5

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Sytematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth 

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

581

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt5_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 572

Total Unit

Acres:

31.0 Prescription: Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

581 Harvest

System:

Shovel

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

174

LUD:

Modified Landscape

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: This unit lies entirely within Stand #5810100524. The stand origination date is 1969. This stand was 

entirely pre-commercially thinned in 1989. The site potential appears to range from medium to high. This unit is in a 

successional stage of stem exclusion.The majority of this unit lies within the Deer Winter Range landscape zone. A small 

portion of the unit in Alternative 4 extends into a small OGR and is in the Old-Growth Habitat landscape zone.

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Old-Growth Habitat):

The management objectives of young-growth treatments in Landscape Zone B are to accelerate development of advanced 

seral stand structure in order to restore the ecological integrity of habitat. Characteristics needed for wildlife habitat vary with 

the forest type and site potential of each stand. Treatments are intended to improve habitats, corridors, and connectivity for 

eagles, goshawks, deer, marten, otter, bear, and other wildlife species associated with maritime-influenced habitat.

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation.

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for ground-based yarding to the existing NFS road 3030100 and the proposed temporary road. Some 

ground-based yarding through the RMA may be required. Yarding through RMA will be minimized and restricted to 

designated corridors.

Approximately 1 acre of this unit lies with an Old-Growth Habitat LUD.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

This unit is accessed by a proposed temporary road, totaling 600 feet, as displayed on the unit card. This road will be 

constructed entirely across decommissioned road bed.

 BOTANY:

One population of 3 lesser round-leaved orchid plants impacted by harvesting in unit; there is a large population nearby that 

is not affected by unit. Unit could indirectly affect one other lesser round-leaved orchid population to the north of the unit.

 FISHERIES:

Unit

Number 572 Alternatives 3, 4, 5

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

Infestation of common tansy along 3030100 road, about 500 ft southwest of the unit. This infestation should be treated and 

monitored.
Unit 572

Streams are tributaries to Eagle Creek. Stream characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, information.

Stream#: 1 (Eagle Creek) Class: I Flagging: B/W C- Type: MML, FPL, PAM

Concerns: Yarding through RMA may be required.

Buffer (RMA): Class I - greater of 120 feet (MML),130 feet (FPL), or 100 feet (PAM), flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, 

or riparian associated wetland fens .

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A 

Stream#: 4 Class: I, II Flagging: B/W C- Type: AFM, AFH, HCM

Concerns: Yarding through RMA may be required.

Buffer (RMA): Class I for AFM and AFH greater of 140 feet or active portion of the alluvial fan. Class II for HCM greater of 

100 feet or to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A 

All other streams in unit: Class: IV Flagging: G/W C- Type: HC or MM

Buffer (RMA): none Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category C

Temporary roads (reopened decommissioned) for Unit 572: Alternatives 3,4 and 5 -- No known stream crossings. The 

temporary roads have not been field verified and will be surveyed before implementation. If any stream crossings are found, 

crossings structures and locations will be approved by USFS, in consultation with fisheries biologist or hydrologist, prior to 

construction (BMP 14.17). During construction of temporary roads implement BMPs 12.17, 13.10, 13.11, 13.16, 14.3, and 

14.5.

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

Under Alternative 3, about 21 acres has a Moderate SIO and 10 acres has a Low SIO, while under Alternatives 4 and 5, 1 

acre of the Moderate SIO is switched to High because it is in a small OGR. In all alternatives, the prescription is uniform 

thinning and the topography is relatively flat, so visual impacts are expected to be low.

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

Slopes are nearly flat to about 20%. There are approximately 4 acres (11% of the unit) of emergent sedge/forested wetland 

complex in the middle of the unit and 1 acres (3% of the unit) of emergent short sedge wetland in the north end of the unit 

(BMP 12.5). The soils and wetlands are suitable for shovel yarding. Shovel yarding should follow BMPs 12.5, 13.2 and 13.9. 

Specifically, the shovel operator should avoid the small non-forested areas of the unit to prevent rutting. Slopes over 25% 

gradient may not be suitable for shovel yarding under some soil moisture conditions. Use care when approving shovel 

yarding on slopes over 25% gradient. Avoid track slippage and rutting.

A decommissioned temporary road will be used for access, thus reducing soil disturbance.

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Further analysis and/or field review will be 

completed prior to implementation to ensure that the activity areas do not exceed Region 10 Soil Quality Standards as 

appropriate BMP measures are applied.

 WILDLIFE:

Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat near Eagle Creek by improving forage availability and removing the stand 

for the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again), though a road would be reopened to 

access the unit. 

Eagle nest located near east end of unit. Nest activity will be determined prior to implementation; timing restrictions may 

apply.
3030110

3030105

3030000

3030100

3030108

3030200

3030100

1. 1R.7L.1L

1.1 R

7.1L

4

A1.1R

1

1

7

1.1R.7L.1L

1.5L

4

LAKE A1

7

2

2

3

5

1.1R.5 R

1.1R.4R

1R.7L.2R

1.1 R 1.

4.1L

.1

1 R.3R

4.1L

1 .1R.7 L

1.1R

7.1L.1L

7.1L

1.1R.7L.3L

4

7.1L.2R

6

5.1L

5

1.1R.2L

1

7

4

3

1969

1974

1969

1969

1969

1995

1989

192

464

465

466

469

470

572

575

576

574

191

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 572 VCU: Alternative 3

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

581

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3030108

3030100

3030200

3030110

3030105

3030000

2

LAKE A1

7

1.5L

4

1

1.1R.7L.3L

7

2

3

5

1.1R.5 R

1.1R.4R

1R.7L.2R

1.1 R.1R

4.1L

.1

1 R.3R

4.1L

1 .1R.7 L

1.1R.7L.1L

7.1L.1L

7.1L

1.1 R

4

7.1L.2R

6

5.1L

5

1.1R.2L

1

7

4

3

1. 1R.7L.1L

1.1R

7.1L

4

A1.1R

1

1974

1995

1969

1969

1989

1969

1969

574

575

576

572

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 572 VCU: Alternative 4

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

581

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt4_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3030100

3030000

3030105

3030108

3030200

3030110

3030100

A1.1R

1

LAKE A1

7

1.5L

4

1

7

2

2

3

5

1.1R.5 R

1.1R.4R

1R.7L.2R

1.1 R.1R

4.1L

.1

1 R.3R

4.1L

1 .1R.7 L

1.1R.7L.1L

7.1L.1L

7.1L

1.1R.7L.3L

4

7.1L.2R

6

5.1L

5

1.1R.2L

1

7

4

3

1. 1R.7L.1L

1

1.1

.1RR

7.1L

4

1974

1969

1969

1995

1989

1969

1969

192

572

574

575

576

191

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 572 VCU: Alternative 5

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Sytematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth 

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

581

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt5_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 574

Total Unit

Acres:

14.3 Prescription: Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

581 Harvest

System:

Shovel

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

80

LUD:

Modified Landscape

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: This unit lies entirely within Stand #5810200501. The stand origination date is 1969. This stand was 

entirely pre-commercially thinned in 1989. The site potential appears to range from medium to high. This unit is in a 

successional stage of stem exclusion. The unit lies within the Deer Winter Range landscape zone.

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation.

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for ground-based yarding to the existing NFS road 3030100, and the proposed temporary road.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

No road construction is required. This unit may utilize the proposed temporary road constructed to access Unit 575.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

 FISHERIES:

Streams are tributaries to Eagle Creek (Stream characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, information).

Stream#: 1 (Eagle Creek) Class: I Flagging: B/W C- Type: MML, FPL

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for MML greater of 120 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland 

fens. Class I for FPL greater of 130 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland fens.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A

Stream#: 1.5L Class: I Flagging: B/W C- Type: MMS, AFM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for MMS greater of 120 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland 

fens. Class I for AFM greater of 140 feet or active portion of the alluvial fan.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A

Stream#: 1.6L Class: I, II Flagging: B/W C- Type: AFM, HCL

Unit

Number 574 Alternatives 3, 4, 5

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
Unit 574

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for AFM greater of 140 feet or active portion of the alluvial fan. Class II for HCL greater of 100 feet or 

to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A 

Temporary roads (reopened decommissioned) for Unit 574: Alternative 3 , 4, and 5 -- one Class I stream crossing. The 

temporary roads have not been field verified and will be surveyed before implementation. Coho salmon species occur near 

the proposed Class I crossing. Crossing structures and locations will be approved by USFS, in consultation with fisheries 

biologist or hydrologist, prior to construction (BMP 14.17). The Class II crossing will be designed to provide fish passage, 

using a log culvert or bridge, will be installed under current timing constrictions and concurrence from the State will be 

solicited prior to starting the work. During construction of temporary roads implement BMPs 12.17, 13.10, 13.11, 13.16, 14.3, 

and 14.5.

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

About 6 acres with Moderate SIO and 8 acres with Very Low SIO. The entire unit is prescribed for uniform thinning and 

topography is relatively flat to rolling so visibility from Luck Lake or Eagle Creek is unlikely.

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

Slopes are estimated to be less than 25%. No wetlands have been mapped in the unit. The soils and wetlands are suitable 

for shovel yarding. Shovel yarding should follow BMPs 12.5, 13.2 and 13.9. Slopes over 25% gradient may not be suitable for 

shovel yarding under some soil moisture conditions. Use care when approving shovel yarding on slopes over 25% gradient. 

Avoid track slippage and rutting.

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Further analysis and/or field review will be 

completed prior to implementation to ensure that the activity areas do not exceed Region 10 Soil Quality Standards as 

appropriate BMP measures are applied.

 WILDLIFE:

Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat near Eagle Creek by improving forage availability and removing the stand 

for the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again).

Eagle nest near thornern end of unit. Nest activity will be determined prior to implementation; timing restrictions may apply.
3030100

3030112

3030110

3030108

3030113

3030105

3030100

A1.1R

1.5L

1

1

1

LAKE A1

1.5L

4

5

2.1R

4.1L

1.3L.1R

1.2L

5.1L

1

2

3

1.3L

4

1.4L

1995

1969

1995

1969

1969

1969

465

572

574

575 576

464

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 574 VCU: Alternative 3

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

581

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3030110

3030100

3030112

3030108

3030113

3030105

1.5L

1

1

1

LAKE A1

1.5L

4

5

2.1R

4.1L

1.3L.1R

1.2L

5.1L

1

2

3

1.3L

4

1.4L

A1.1R

1995

1969

1969

1995

1969

1969

574

575 576

572

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 574 VCU: Alternative 4

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

581

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt4_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3030110

3030108

3030113

3030105

3030100

3030112

3030100

1

1

1

LAKE A1

1.5L

4

5

2.1R

4.1L

1.3L.1R

1.2L

5.1L

1

2

3

1.3L

4

1.4L

A1.1R

1.5L

1995

1969

1995

1969

1969

1969

574

575 576

572

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 574 VCU: Alternative 5

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Sytematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth 

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

581

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt5_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 575

Total Unit

Acres:

7.5 Prescription: Systematic and 

Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

581 Harvest

System:

Cable, Shovel

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

54

LUD:

Modified Landscape

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: The majority of this unit lies within Stand # 5810200502. The stand origination date is 1969. 

Approximately 67% of the stand area has been pre-commercially thinned. This was primarily completed in 1989. Less than 

an acre of the unit lies within Stand #5810200501. The stand origination date is 1969. This stand was entirely precommercially thinned in 1989. The site potential in this unit appears to range from medium to high. This unit is in a 

successional stage of stem exclusion. The unit lies within the Deer Winter Range landscape zone.

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation.

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Systematic Thinning

Apply systematic thinning strips in portions of the unit unsuitable for uniform thinning. Systematic thinning should be applied 

primarily in downhill settings where full suspension cannot be achieved or other areas where uniform thinning will result in 

unacceptable levels of residual tree damage or otherwise is operationally infeasible. Systematic thinning should remove all 

trees within corridors 20 to 60 feet wide depending on operational feasibility, visual concerns and /or windthrow potential. 

Maintain a 60-120 foot distance between cut corridors resulting in at least a 50% basal area retention. Where visuals are of 

concern, cut corridors should be kept to approximately 20 feet in width pending scenery direction. Although parallel strips 

are likely to be most common, there are options for fan shapes, depending on landing/road locations.

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for a combination of ground-based and cable yarding. Ground-based settings are planned for yarding to 

the proposed temporary road. Cable settings are planned for downhill yarding to the proposed temporary road. Uniform 

crown thinning is planned in ground-based settings. Strip thinning is planned in cable yarding settings.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

Unit is accessed by a proposed temporary road, totaling 2000 feet, as displayed on the unit card. This road will be 

constructed entirely across decommissioned road bed.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

 FISHERIES:

Unit

Number 575 Alternatives 3, 4, 5

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
Unit 575

Streams are tributaries to Eagle Creek. Stream characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, information.

Stream#: A1.1R Class: I, II Flagging: B/W C- Type: AFM, HCL

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for AFM greater of 140 feet or the active portion of the alluvial fan. Class II for HCL greater of 100 feet 

or to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A

Temporary roads (reopened decommissioned) for Unit 575: Alternative 3, 4, and 5 -- one Class I stream crossing. The 

temporary roads have not been field verified and will be surveyed before implementation. Coho salmon occur near the 

proposed Class I crossing . Crossing structures and locations will be approved by USFS, in consultation with fisheries 

biologist or hydrologist, prior to construction (BMP 14.17). The Class II crossing will be designed to provide fish passage, 

using a log culvert or bridge, will be installed under current timing constrictions and concurrence from the State will be 

solicited prior to starting the work. During construction of temporary roads implement BMPs 12.17, 13.10, 13.11, 13.16, 14.3, 

and 14.5.

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

About 6 acres with Low SIO and less than 1 acre with Moderate SIO. Only a fraction of an acre of Moderate SIO is 

prescribed for systematic thinning. Implement narrow thinning corridors in systematic thinning settings to minimize visibility 

from Luck Lake or Eagle Creek.

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

Slopes are estimated to range from about 10% to about 50%. No wetlands have been mapped in the unit. The soils and 

wetlands are suitable for a minimum partial suspension yarding or shovel yarding. All logging systems should follow BMPs 

12.5, 13.2 and 13.9. Slopes over 25% gradient may not be suitable for shovel yarding under some soil moisture conditions. 

Use care when approving shovel yarding on slopes over 25% gradient. Avoid track slippage and rutting.

A decommissioned temporary road will be used for access, thus reducing soil disturbance.

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Further analysis and/or field review will be 

completed prior to implementation to ensure that the activity areas do not exceed Region 10 Soil Quality Standards as 

appropriate BMP measures are applied.

 WILDLIFE:

Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat near Luck Lake by improving forage availability and removing the stand for 

the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again).
3030100

3030110

3030105

3030113

3030108

3030112

3030100

UCK LAKE

3

4

A1.1R

1.5L

1

LAKE A1

5

1

1.5L

4

1

1969

1969

1969

1969

1969 1995

1995

465

572

574

575 576

464

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 575 VCU: Alternative 3

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

581

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3030100

3030105

3030113

3030108

3030112

3030110

UCK LAKE

3

1

54

A1.1R

1.5L

1

LAKE A1

1

1.5L

4

1969

1969

1969

1969

1969 1995

1995

572

574

575 576

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 575 VCU: Alternative 4

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

581

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt4_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3030100

3030105

3030113

3030108

3030112

3030110

3030100

UCK LAKE

3

1

54

A1.1R

1.5L

1

LAKE A1

1

1.5L

4

1969

1969

1969

1969

1969 1995

1995

572

574

575 576

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 575 VCU: Alternative 5

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Sytematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth 

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

581

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt5_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 576

Total Unit

Acres:

19.2 Prescription: Systematic and 

Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

581 Harvest

System:

Cable, Shovel

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

117

LUD:

Modified Landscape

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: This unit lies entirely within Stand #5810200501. The stand origination date is 1969. This stand was 

entirely pre-commercially thinned in 1989. The site strata potential appears to range from medium to high. The unit is in a 

successional stage of stem exclusion. This unit lies within the Deer Winter Range landscape zone.

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation.

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Systematic Thinning

Apply systematic thinning strips in portions of the unit unsuitable for uniform thinning. Systematic thinning should be applied 

primarily in downhill settings where full suspension cannot be achieved or other areas where uniform thinning will result in 

unacceptable levels of residual tree damage or otherwise is operationally infeasible. Systematic thinning should remove all 

trees within corridors 20 to 60 feet wide depending on operational feasibility, visual concerns and /or windthrow potential. 

Maintain a 60-120 foot distance between cut corridors resulting in at least a 50% basal area retention. Where visuals are of 

concern, cut corridors should be kept to approximately 20 feet in width pending scenery direction. Although parallel strips 

are likely to be most common, there are options for fan shapes, depending on landing/road locations.

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for a combination of ground-based and cable yarding. Ground-based settings are planned for yarding to 

the proposed temporary road and existing NFS road 3030110. Cable settings are planned for downhill yarding to the 

proposed temporary road. Uniform crown thinning is planned in ground-based settings. Strip thinning is planned in cable 

yarding settings.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

Unit is accessed by a proposed temporary road, totaling 1300 feet, as displayed on the unit card. This road will be 

constructed entirely across decommissioned road bed.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

 FISHERIES:

Unit

Number 576 Alternatives 3, 4, 5

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
Unit 576

Streams are tributaries to Eagle Creek. Stream characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, information.

Stream#: 1.5L Class: I, III Flagging: B/W, O/W C- Type: AFM, HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for AFM greater of 140 feet or active portion of the alluvial fan. Class III for HCM to the top of the sideslope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A and B 

Stream#: A1.1R Class: II Flagging: B/W C- Type: HCL

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class II for HCL greater of 100 feet or to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A 

Temporary road (reopened decommissioned) for Unit 576: Alternatives 3, 4 and 5 -- No known stream crossings. The 

temporary road has not been field verified and will be surveyed before implementation. If any stream crossings are found, 

crossings structures and locations will be approved by USFS, in consultation with fisheries biologist or hydrologist, prior to 

construction (BMP 14.17). During construction of temporary roads implement BMPs 12.17, 13.10, 13.11, 13.16, 14.3, and 

14.5.

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

Unit is almost entirely in Low SIO. Only about 5 acres are prescribed for systematic thinning. Implement narrow thinning 

corridors on these acres to minimize visibility from the Luck Lake and Eagle Creek area.

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

Slopes are estimated to range from about 15% to about 30%. There is approximately 1 acre (5% of the unit) of forested 

wetland in the southern tip of the unit (BMP 12.5). The soils and wetlands are suitable for a minimum partial suspension 

yarding or shovel yarding. All logging systems should follow BMPs 12.5, 13.2 and 13.9. Slopes over 25% gradient may not 

be suitable for shovel yarding under some soil moisture conditions. Use care when approving shovel yarding on slopes over 

25% gradient. Avoid track slippage and rutting.

A decommissioned temporary road will be used for access, thus reducing soil disturbance.

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Further analysis and/or field review will be 

completed prior to implementation to ensure that the activity areas do not exceed Region 10 Soil Quality Standards as 

appropriate BMP measures are applied.

 WILDLIFE:

Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat near Luck Lake by improving forage availability and removing the stand for 

the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again).
3030100

3030108

3030113

3030112

3030110

3030112

3030100

3

1

4

4

5

A1.1R

1.5L

1

1

1.5L

1996 1969

1969 1969

1969 1995

1995

464

465

572

574

575 576

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 576 VCU: Alternative 3

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

581

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3030100

3030108

3030113

3030112

3030110

3030112

3

1

4

4

5

A1.1R

1.5L

1

1

1.5L

1996 1969

1969 1969

1969 1995

1995

572

574

575 576

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 576 VCU: Alternative 4

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

581

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt4_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3030100

3030108

3030113

3030112

3030110

3030112

3030100

3

1

4

4

5

A1.1R

1.5L

1

1

1.5L

1996 1969

1969 1969

1969 1995

1995

572

574

575 576

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 576 VCU: Alternative 5

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Sytematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth 

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

581

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt5_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 577

Total Unit

Acres:

53.4 Prescription: Systematic and 

Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

581 Harvest

System:

Cable, Shovel

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

379

LUD:

Modified Landscape

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: This unit lies primarily within Stand #5810200008. The stand origination date is 1969. This stand was 

entirely pre-commercially thinned in 1991. Approximately 17 acres of the unit lies within Stand #5810200007. The stand 

origination date is 1969. This stand was entirely pre-commercially thinned in 1992. The site potential in this unit appears to 

range from medium to high. The unit is in a successional stage of stem exclusion. The unit lies within the Deer Winter Range 

landscape zone.

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation.

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Systematic Thinning

Apply systematic thinning strips in portions of the unit unsuitable for uniform thinning. Systematic thinning should be applied 

primarily in downhill settings where full suspension cannot be achieved or other areas where uniform thinning will result in 

unacceptable levels of residual tree damage or otherwise is operationally infeasible. Systematic thinning should remove all 

trees within corridors 20 to 60 feet wide depending on operational feasibility, visual concerns and /or windthrow potential. 

Maintain a 60-120 foot distance between cut corridors resulting in at least a 50% basal area retention. Where visuals are of 

concern, cut corridors should be kept to approximately 20 feet in width pending scenery direction. Although parallel strips 

are likely to be most common, there are options for fan shapes, depending on landing/road locations.

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for a combination of ground-based and cable yarding. Ground-based settings are planned for yarding the 

existing NFS road 3030100, and proposed temporary roads. Cable settings are planned for uphill and downhill yarding to the 

proposed temporary road, and existing NFS road 3030100. Uniform crown thinning is planned in ground-based and uphill 

cable yarding settings. Strip thinning is planned in downhill cable thinning settings.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

Unit is accessed by two proposed temporary roads, totaling 1600 feet, as displayed on the unit card. These roads will be 

constructed entirely across decommissioned road bed.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

 FISHERIES:

Unit

Number 577 Alternatives 3, 5

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
Unit 577

Streams drain to Clarence Strait. 

Stream#: 3 Class: II Flagging: B/W C- Type: MMO

Concerns: none 

Buffer (RMA): Class II for MMO greater of 120 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland 

fens. 

Alternatives: 3 and 5 	 Buffer (RAW): no review needed 

Protection: Category A 

Stream#: 3.1R Class: II Flagging: B/W C- Type: MMO, HCO, PAM, MMO

Concerns: none

Buffer (RMA): Class II for MMO greater of 120 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland 

fens. Class II for HCO greater of 100 feet or the side-slope break. Class II for PAM greater of 100 feet, flood plain, riparian 

vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland fens.

Alternatives: 3 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A 

Stream#: 3.1R.2L Class: II, IV Flagging: B/W C- Type: HCO

Concerns: none

Buffer (RMA): Class II for HCO greater of 100 feet or to the top of the side-slope break. Class IV for HCO none.

Alternatives: 3 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A and C 

All other streams in unit: Class: IV Flagging: G/W C- Type: HC or MM

Buffer (RMA): none Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category C 

Temporary road (reopened decommissioned) for Unit 577: Alternatives 3 and 5 -- No known stream crossings. The 

temporary road has not been field verified and will be surveyed before implementation. If any stream crossings are found, 

crossings structures and locations will be approved by USFS, in consultation with fisheries biologist or hydrologist, prior to 

construction (BMP 14.17). During construction of temporary roads implement BMPs 12.17, 13.10, 13.11, 13.16, 14.3, and 

14.5.

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

Unit has about 50 acres with Low SIO and 3 acres with Very Low SIO; about 42 acres of unit are prescribed for systematic 

thinning. Avoid wide thinning corridors in systematic thinning settings to reduce visibility from saltwater areas.

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

Slopes are estimated to range from about 15% to near 70%. About 1acre is affected by mapped debris torrents initiated in 

1988. There are approximately 10 acres (15% of the unit) of forested wetland along the southwest edge of the southern 

polygon (BMP 12.5). The soils and wetlands are suitable for a minimum partial suspension yarding or shovel yarding. All 

logging systems should follow BMPs 12.5, 13.2 and 13.9. Slopes over 25% gradient may not be suitable for shovel yarding 

under some soil moisture conditions. Use care when approving shovel yarding on slopes over 25% gradient. Avoid track 

slippage and rutting.

A decommissioned temporary road will be used for access, thus reducing soil disturbance.

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Further analysis and/or field review will be 

completed prior to implementation to ensure that the activity areas do not exceed Region 10 Soil Quality Standards as 

appropriate BMP measures are applied.

 WILDLIFE:
Unit 577

Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat near Luck Lake by improving forage availability and removing the stand for 

the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again), though a road would be reconstructed to 

access the unit. Unit is not a priority on the landscape from a thinning perspective because it is surrounded by young-growth.

Alternative 4: Unit dropped to minimize road construction and effects to wildlife associated with increased access. Need to 

thin does not outweigh road concerns.
3030112

3030100

3.2L

3.1R.1R. 1L 3.1R

3.1R.1R

3.1R.2L

1.2L

3

1

3.1 R

2

3

1

1996

1969

1969

1969

464

464

466

577

578

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 577 VCU: Alternative 3

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

581

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3030112

3030100

3.2L

3.1R.1R. 1L 3.1R

3.1R.1R

3.1R.2L

1.2L

3

1

3.1 R

2

3

1

1996

1969

1969

1969

577

578

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 577 VCU: Alternative 5

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Sytematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth 

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

581

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt5_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 578

Total Unit

Acres:

32.1 Prescription: Systematic and 

Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

581 Harvest

System:

Cable, Shovel

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

208

LUD:

Modified Landscape

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: This unit lies entirely within Stand #581020008. The stand origination date is 1969. This stand was 

entirely pre-commercially thinned in 1991. The site potential appears to range from medium to high. This unit is in a 

successional stage of stem exclusion. The unit lies primarily within the Deer Winter Range landscape zone. The remaining 

approximately 1 acre is in the Uplands/Mountain Slopes landscape zone.

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation.

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Uplands/Mountain Slopes):

The management goal of young-growth treatments in this landscape zone is to manage for a sustained yield, even flow of an 

industrial wood supply, while meeting multiple resource objectives, wherever possible. Treatments should improve growth 

and productivity, improve forest health, and promote forest stand conditions that will provide a diverse array of marketable 

forest products.

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

Silvicultural Prescription: Systematic Thinning

Apply systematic thinning strips in portions of the unit unsuitable for uniform thinning. Systematic thinning should be applied 

primarily in downhill settings where full suspension cannot be achieved or other areas where uniform thinning will result in 

unacceptable levels of residual tree damage or otherwise is operationally infeasible. Systematic thinning should remove all 

trees within corridors 20 to 60 feet wide depending on operational feasibility, visual concerns and /or windthrow potential. 

Maintain a 60-120 foot distance between cut corridors resulting in at least a 50% basal area retention. Where visuals are of 

concern, cut corridors should be kept to approximately 20 feet in width pending scenery direction. Although parallel strips 

are likely to be most common, there are options for fan shapes, depending on landing/road locations.

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for a combination of ground-based and cable yarding. Ground-based settings are planned for yarding to 

the existing NFS road 3030100 and the proposed temporary road. Cable settings are planned for uphill and downhill yarding 

to landings on the existing NFS road 3030100 and the proposed temporary road. Uniform crown thinning is planned in grounbased and uphill cable yarding settings. Strip thinning is planned in downhill cable yarding settings.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

Unit is accessed by a proposed temporary road, totaling 800 feet, as displayed on the unit card. This road will be constructed 

entirely across decommisioned road bed.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

Unit

Number 578 Alternatives 3, 5

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation

 INVASIVE SPECIES:
Unit 578

 FISHERIES:

All streams in 578 drain into Clarence Strait. 

All streams in unit: Class: IV Flagging: G/W C-Type: HC or MM 

Buffer (RMA): none Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category C 

Temporary road (reopened decommissioned) for Unit 578: Alternatives 3 and 5 -- No known stream crossings. The 

temporary road has not been field verified and will be surveyed before implementation. If any stream crossings are found, 

crossings structures and locations will be approved by USFS, in consultation with fisheries biologist or hydrologist, prior to 

construction (BMP 14.17). During construction of temporary roads implement BMPs 12.17, 13.10, 13.11, , 13.16, 14.3, and 

14.5.

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

Unit is entirely in an area with Low SIO; about 15 acres of unit are prescribed for systematic thinning. Avoid wide thinning 

corridors in systematic thinning settings to reduce visibility from saltwater areas.

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

Slopes are estimated to range from about 25% to about 65%. There is about 1/4 acre (1% of the unit) of forested wetland in 

the unit (BMP 12.5). The soils and wetlands are suitable for a minimum partial suspension yarding or shovel yarding. All 

logging systems should follow BMPs 12.5, 13.2 and 13.9. Slopes over 25% gradient may not be suitable for shovel yarding 

under some soil moisture conditions. Use care when approving shovel yarding on slopes over 25% gradient. Avoid track 

slippage and rutting.

A decommissioned temporary road will be used for access, thus reducing soil disturbance.

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Further analysis and/or field review will be 

completed prior to implementation to ensure that the activity areas do not exceed Region 10 Soil Quality Standards as 

appropriate BMP measures are applied.

 WILDLIFE:

Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat near Luck Lake by improving forage availability and removing the stand for 

the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again), though a road would be reconstructed to 

access the unit. Unit is not a priority on the landscape from a thinning perspective because it is surrounded by young-growth.

Alternative 4: Unit dropped to minimize road construction and effects to wildlife associated with increased access. Need to 

thin does not outweigh road concerns.

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
3030100

3030100

9.2R

11

12.1L

10

12

1

2

1996

1969

1969

207

577

578

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 578 VCU: Alternative 3

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

581

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3030100

3030100

9.2R

11

12.1L

10

12

1

2

1996

1969

1969

577

578

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 578 VCU: Alternative 5

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Sytematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth 

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

581

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt5_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 579

Total Unit

Acres:

19.5 Prescription: Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

581 Harvest

System:

Cable, Shovel

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

109

LUD:

Modified Landscape

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: This unit lies entirely within Stand #5810200502. The stand origination date is 1969. The stand has had 

approximately 67% of the stand area pre-commercially thinned. This was primarily completed in 1989. The site potential 

appears to range from medium to high. The unit is in a successional stage of stem exclusion. This unit lies within the Deer 

Winter Range landscape zone.

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation.

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for a combination of ground-based and cable yarding. Ground-based settings are planned for yarding to 

the proposed temporary road. Cable settings are planned for uphill yarding to the proposed temporary road.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

Unit is accessed by a proposed temporary road, totaling 1000 feet, as displayed on the unit card. This road will be 

constructed entirely across decommissioned road bed.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

 FISHERIES:

Streams are tributaries to Luck Lake. Stream characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, information.

Stream#: A1 Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B 

Temporary road (reopened decommissioned) for Unit 579: Alternatives 3, 4 and 5 -- No known stream crossings. The 

temporary road has not been field verified and will be surveyed before implementation. If any stream crossings are found, 

crossings structures and locations will be approved by USFS, in consultation with fisheries biologist or hydrologist, prior to 

construction (BMP 14.17). During construction of temporary roads implement BMPs 12.17, 13.10, 13.11, 13.16, 14.3, and 

14.5.

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

Unit

Number 579 Alternatives 3, 4, 5

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
Unit 579

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

Unit has about 19 acres with Low SIO and less than 1 acre with Moderate SIO. Entire unit is prescribed for uniform thinning; 

no concerns.

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

Slopes are estimated to range from about 10% to about 50%. There are approximately 12 acres (60% of the unit) of forested 

wetland in the southern two-thirds of the unit (BMP 12.5). The soils and wetlands are suitable for a minimum partial 

suspension yarding or shovel yarding. All logging systems should follow BMPs 12.5, 13.2 and 13.9. Slopes over 25% 

gradient may not be suitable for shovel yarding under some soil moisture conditions. Use care when approving shovel 

yarding on slopes over 25% gradient. Avoid track slippage and rutting.

A decommissioned temporary road will be used for access, thus reducing soil disturbance.

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Further analysis and/or field review will be 

completed prior to implementation to ensure that the activity areas do not exceed Region 10 Soil Quality Standards as 

appropriate BMP measures are applied.

 WILDLIFE:

Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat near Luck Lake by improving forage availability and removing the stand for 

the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again), though a road would be reopened to access 

the unit.
3030110

3030112

3030110

9

LUCK LAKE

A3

A2

LAKE A1

A1

1969

1993

1969

2010

579

580

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 579 VCU: Alternative 3

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

581

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3030110

3030112

3030110

9

LUCK LAKE

A3

A2

LAKE A1

A1

1969

1993

1969

2010

579

580

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 579 VCU: Alternative 4

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

581

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt4_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3030110

3030112

3030110

9

LUCK LAKE

A3

A2

LAKE A1

A1

1969

1993

1969

2010

579

580

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 579 VCU: Alternative 5

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Sytematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth 

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

581

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt5_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 580

Total Unit

Acres:

26.3 Prescription: Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

581 Harvest

System:

Cable

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

147

LUD:

Modified Landscape

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: This unit lies entirely within Stand #5810200503. The stand origination date is 1969. Approximately 48% 

of the stand area has been pre-commercially thinned. This was primarily completed in 1989, with a smaller portion being 

completed in 2005. The site potential appears to range from medium to high. This unit is in a successional stage of stem 

exclusion. Approximately 13 acres of the unit lies within the Deer Winter Range landscape zone. The remaining 

approximately 13 acres is in the Uplands/Mountain Slopes landscape zone. This unit coincides with a TWYG research site 

and may need to be dropped.

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation.

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Uplands/Mountain Slopes):

The management goal of young-growth treatments in this landscape zone is to manage for a sustained yield, even flow of an 

industrial wood supply, while meeting multiple resource objectives, wherever possible. Treatments should improve growth 

and productivity, improve forest health, and promote forest stand conditions that will provide a diverse array of marketable 

forest products.

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for uphill yarding to the existing NFS road 3030110.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

Unit is accessed by a proposed temporary road, totaling 200 feet, as displayed on the unit card. This road will be constructed 

entirely across decommissioned road bed.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

 FISHERIES:

Unit

Number 580 Alternatives 3, 4, 5

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
Unit 580

Streams are tributaries to Luck Lake. Stream characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, information.

Stream#: A3 Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category B (

Stream#: A2 Class: III Flagging: O/W C- Type: HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class III for HCM to the top of the side-slope break.

Alternatives: 3, 4 and 5 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: B Category 

Temporary road (reopened decommissioned) for Unit 580: Alternatives 3, 4 and 5 -- No known stream crossings. The 

temporary road has not been field verified and will be surveyed before implementation. If any stream crossings are found, 

crossings structures and locations will be approved by USFS, in consultation with fisheries biologist or hydrologist, prior to 

construction (BMP 14.17). During construction of temporary roads implement BMPs 12.7, 13.10, 13.11, 13.16,14.3, and 14.5.

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

Unit is within several hundred feet of significant karst resources, but no concern inside unit.

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

Entire unit has a Low SIO and is prescribed for uniform thinning; no concerns.

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

Slopes are estimated to range from about 25% to about 60%. There are approximately 11 acres (40% of the unit) of forested 

wetland along the eastern and western boundaries (BMP 12.5). A minimum of partial suspension would meet soil and 

wetland resource concerns (BMPs 12.5, 13.5, and 13.9).

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Further analysis and/or field review will be 

completed prior to implementation to ensure that the activity areas do not exceed Region 10 Soil Quality Standards as 

appropriate BMP measures are applied.

 WILDLIFE:

Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat near Luck Lake by improving forage availability and removing the stand for 

the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again).
3000320

3030114

3030110

A3

A2

LR1

A1

2004

1969

1993

1969

1969

2006

2010

2010

190

579

580

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 580 VCU: Alternative 3

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

581

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3000320

3030114

3030110

A3

A2

LR1

A1

2004

1969

1993

1969

1969

2006

2010

2010

190

579

580

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 580 VCU: Alternative 4

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

581

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt4_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3000320

3030114

3030110

A3

A2

LR1

A1

2004

1969

1993

1969

1969

2006

2010

2010

190

579

580

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 580 VCU: Alternative 5

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Sytematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth 

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

581

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt5_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 581

Total Unit

Acres:

10.9 Prescription: Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

581 Harvest

System:

Shovel

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

61

LUD:

Timber Production

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: Approximately 6 acres of this unit lies within Stand #5810400512. The stand origination date is 1969. 

Approximately 92% of the stand area was pre-commercially thinned in 1994. Approximately 5 acres of the unit lies within 

Stand #5810200506. The stand origination date is 1971. This stand was entirely pre-commercially thinned in 1992.The site 

potential in this unit appears to range from medium to high. The unit is in a successional stage of stem exclusion. This unit 

lies within the Deer Winter Habitat landscape zone.

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation.

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for ground-based yarding to the existing NFS road 3000000.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

No proposed road construction.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

 FISHERIES:

Streams are tributaries to Luck Creek. Stream characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, information.

Stream#: A15 Class: I Flagging: B/W C- Type: MMM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for MMM greater of 120 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland fens.

Alternatives: 3 and 4 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A 

Stream#: A6 Class: I, III Flagging: B/W, O/W C- Type: AFM, HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for AFM greater of 140 feet or active portion of the alluvial fan. Class III for HCM to the top of the sideslope break.

Alternatives: 3 and 4 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A and B 

Unit

Number 581 Alternatives 3, 4

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
Unit 581

Stream#: 16 Class: I, III Flagging: B/W, O/W C- Type: AFM, HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for AFM greater of 140 feet or active portion of the alluvial fan. Class III for HCM to the top of the sideslope break.

Alternatives: 3 and 4 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A and B 

Stream#: A5 Class: I, III Flagging: B/W, O/W C- Type: AFM, HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for AFM greater of 140 feet or active portion of the alluvial fan. Class III for HCM to the top of the sideslope break.

Alternatives: 3 and 4 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A and B 

Stream#: 17 Class: I, III Flagging: B/W, O/W C- Type: AFM, HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for AFM greater of 140 feet or active portion of the alluvial fan. Class III for HCM to the top of side-slope 

break.

Alternatives: 3 and 4 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A and B (

Stream#: 18 Class: I, III Flagging: B/W, O/W C- Type: AFM, HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for AFM greater of 140 feet or active portion of the alluvial fan. Class III for HCM to the top of the sideslope break.

Alternatives: 3 and 4 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A and B 

Stream#: 21 Class: I, III Flagging: B/W, O/W C- Type: AFM, HCM 

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for AFM greater of 140 feet or active portion of the alluvial fan. Class III for HCM to the top of the sideslope break.

Alternatives: 3 and 4 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A and B

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

Unit is mapped entirely with Low SIO and is entirely prescribed for uniform thinning. No concerns.

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

Slopes are estimated to range from about 15% to about 40%. Forested wetlands are intermixed throughout the unit. The soils 

and wetlands are suitable for shovel yarding. Shovel yarding should follow BMPs 12.5, 13.2 and 13.9. Specifically, the shovel 

operator should avoid the small non-forested areas of the unit to prevent rutting. Slopes over 25% gradient may not be 

suitable for shovel yarding under some soil moisture conditions. Use care when approving shovel yarding on slopes over 

25% gradient. Avoid track slippage and rutting.

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Further analysis and/or field review will be 

completed prior to implementation to ensure that the activity areas do not exceed Region 10 Soil Quality Standards as 

appropriate BMP measures are applied.

 WILDLIFE:

Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat along a tributary to Luck Creek by improving forage availability and 

removing the stand for the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again).
3000000

3000330

3000305

3

A1

A3

A15

A7

17

18

21

16

21

16

21.1L

20

17.1L

18

15

17

19

A4

A5

A2

A6

1969

1971

1970

1969

1973

1972

1971

581

581

582

582

189

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 581 VCU: Alternative 3

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

581

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3000000

3000330

3000305

3

A1

A3

A15

A7

17

18

21

16

21

16

21.1L

20

17.1L

18

15

17

19

A4

A5

A2

A6

1969

1971

1970

1969

1973

1972

1971

581

581

582

582

189

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 581 VCU: Alternative 4

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

581

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt4_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
Unit 582

Total Unit

Acres:

4.3 Prescription: Uniform Thinning

VCU

Number:

581 Harvest

System:

Shovel

Net Harvest

Volume

(MBF):

24

LUD:

Timber Production

 SILVICULTURE:

Existing Conditions: This unit lies entirely within Stand #5810400512. The stand origination date is 1969. Approximately 92% 

of the stand area was pre-commercially thinned in 1994. The site potential appears to range from medium to high. The unit is 

in a successional stage of stem exclusion. This unit lies within the Deer Winter Range landscape zone.

Silvicultural Objective/Desired Condition (Deer Winter Range):

The management goal of young-growth treatment in this landscape zone is to improve growth, productivity, and forest health, 

while managing for a sustained yield, even flow of an industrial wood supply and improving deer winter range conditions in 

treated stands for the remainder of the rotation.

Silvicultural Prescription: Intermediate Treatment Crown Thinning 

Apply crown thinning at approximately stand age 50. Crown thinning should retain at least 50% of the existing pretreatment 

stand basal area at that time. Retain trees in a generally uniform pattern. Skips or thickets may be left where logging system 

difficulties occur, in portions of settings where windthrow risk is expected to be unacceptable after thinning like along 

exposed stand edges or knobs, and in any areas where wildlife dens or nests are found. Gaps may occur where cable 

corridors come together near landings or other areas where extra room is needed to facilitate yarding or meet specific wildlife 

objectives. 

The treatments being proposed are based on the analysis of current data for this stand projected forward in time using 

growth modeling. Marking guidelines covering the specifics of the treatment, such as species to favor for retention will be 

developed at the time of treatment.

 TIMBER/LOGGING:

This unit is planned for ground-based yarding to the existing NFS road 3000000.

 ENGINEERING/ROADS:

No proposed road construction.

 BOTANY:

No Concerns

 FISHERIES:

Streams are tributaries to Luck Creek (Stream characteristics do not include project-specific, field-verified, information).

Stream#: A15 C lass: I Flagging: B/W C- Type: MMM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for MMM greater of 120 feet, flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated wetland fens.

Alternatives: 3 and 4 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A 

Stream#: 3 Class: I, III Flagging: B/W, O/W C- Type: AFM, HCM

Concerns: none known

Buffer (RMA): Class I for AFM greater of 140 feet or active portion of the alluvial fan. Class III for HCM to the side-slope 

break.

Alternatives: 3 and 4 Buffer (RAW): no review needed

Protection: Category A and B

 GEOLOGY/KARST:

Unit

Number 582 Alternatives 3, 4

Summary of Concerns, Responses, BMPs and Mitigation

 INVASIVE SPECIES:

No Concerns
Unit 582

No Concerns

 HERITAGE RESOURCES:

This unit was investigated per the third amended interagency Programmatic Agreement (PA) for historic properties. As

specified by the PA, any potential adverse effect on historic properties (if any) was mitigated and portions of the Area of

Potential Effect will be monitored by a qualified heritage specialist during and/or after actual ground disturbance.

 SCENERY:

Unit is mapped entirely with Low SIO and is entirely prescribed for uniform thinning. No concerns.

 RECREATION:

No Concerns

 SOILS/WETLANDS:

Slopes are estimated to range from about 15% to about 30%. There is about 1/2 acre (10% of the unit) of forested wetland 

adjacent to the southwestern unit boundaries (BMP 12.5). The soils and wetlands are suitable for shovel yarding. Shovel 

yarding should follow BMPs 12.5, 13.2 and 13.9. Specifically, the shovel operator should avoid the small non-forested areas 

of the unit to prevent rutting. Slopes over 25% gradient may not be suitable for shovel yarding under some soil moisture 

conditions. Use care when approving shovel yarding on slopes over 25% gradient. Avoid track slippage and rutting.

Existing detrimental soil disturbance is expected in second growth units. Further analysis and/or field review will be 

completed prior to implementation to ensure that the activity areas do not exceed Region 10 Soil Quality Standards as 

appropriate BMP measures are applied.

 WILDLIFE:

Commercial thinning will enhance wildlife habitat along a tributary to Luck Creek by improving forage availability and 

removing the stand for the stem exclusion phase for the duration of rotation (until it is harvested again).
3000000

3000305

A2

3

A1

A3

A15

16

17

18

21

17.1L

21.1L

17

18

21

20

19

2

A6

A5

3

1

A4

1969

1971

1973

1971

1972

1972

581

581

582

582

189

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 582 VCU: Alternative 3

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

581

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt3_YG.mxd 19 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth
3000000

3000305

A2

3

A1

A3

A15

16

17

18

21

17.1L

21.1L

17

18

21

20

19

2

A6

A5

3

1

A4

1969

1971

1973

1971

1972

1972

581

581

582

582

189

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

10 10

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

Unit Number 582 VCU: Alternative 4

0 500

Feet

Past Harvest

(Year Origin)

Unsuitable Soils

Riparian Management

Area

Slope > 72%

Other Ownership

Old Growth Habitat LUD

Recreation River LUD

Scenic River LUD

State Highway

National Forest System Road - Open

National Forest System Road - Stored

Non-National Forest 

System Road

Proposed Reconstructed Road

Proposed System Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed Temporary Road 

(reopened Decommissioned)

Proposed System Road

Proposed Temporary

Road

Young Growth

Systematic Strip Thin

Uniform Crown Thin

Old Growth

Helicopter

Shovel or Cable

Partial Cut

Class 1 Stream

Class 2 Stream

Class 3 Stream

Class 4 Stream

Lake

100’ Contour

Legacy

Visual Buffer

Deferred (within

Original Unit

Reconnaissance

Area)

Original Unit 

Reconnaissance 

Area

581

R:\projects_2010\BigThorneEIS\maps\Unitcards\Alt4_YG.mxd 20 March 2012

RR

SR

Young Growth