EN Official Journal of the European Union L 334/1

COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 1737/2006

of 7 November 2006

laying down detailed rules for the implementation of Regulation (EC) No 2152/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning monitoring of forests and environmental interactions in the Community

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Regulation (EC) No 2152/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 November 2003 concerning monitoring of forests and environmental interactions in the Community (1), and in particular Articles 4(2), 5(5), 6(4), 7(3), 8(6), 9(6), 10(2), 14(5) and 15(4) thereof,

Whereas:

(1) With effect from 1 January 2003, Regulation (EC) No 2152/2003 provides the basis to continue and further develop, with an integrated approach, the measures previously carried out under Council Regulation (EEC) No 3528/86 of 17 November 1986 on the protection of the Community's forests against atmospheric pollution (2) and Council Regulation (EEC) No 2158/92 of 23 July 1992 on protection of the Community's forests against fire (3). Regulation (EC) No 2152/2003 also provides possibilities to address new environmental issues of relevance for the Community in the future.

(2) At present the following Regulations apply: Commission Regulation (EEC) 1696/87 of 10 June 1987 laying down certain detailed rules for the implementation of Council Regulation (EEC) No 3528/86 on the protection of the Community's forests against atmospheric pollution (4), Commission Regulation (EC) No 804/94 of 11 April 1994 laying down certain detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2158/92 as regards forest-fire information systems (5), Commission Regulation (EC) No 1091/94 of 29 April 1994 laying down certain detailed rules for the implementation of Council Regulation (EEC) No 3528/86 on the protection of the Community's forests against atmospheric pollution (6), Commission Regulation (EC) No 1727/1999 of 28 July 1999 laying down certain detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2158/92 on protection of the Community's forests against fire (7), Commission Regulation (EC) No 2278/1999 of 21 October 1999 laying down certain detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EEC) No 3528/86 on the protection of the Community's forests against atmospheric pollution (8). For the purpose of implementing the provisions of Regulation (EC) No 2152/2003, certain provisions of following implementing Regulations should continue to apply, while others should be amended. In the interest of effectiveness, clarity and rationality, those Regulations should be replaced by a single text, and the provisions that are still relevant should be incorporated into that text.

(3) The monitoring of air pollution effects on forests should continue to be carried out on the basis of the systematic network of observation points and of the network of observation plots for intensive and continuous monitoring, established and implemented under Regulation (EEC) No 3528/86 and Regulations (EEC) No 1696/87 and (EC) No 1091/94.

(4) The development of new monitoring activities should be limited to pilot phase actions in carrying out studies, experiments and demonstration projects in order to identify options for the establishment of such new monitoring activities.

(5) Detailed rules and guidelines for the implementation of Articles 6(3) and 16(3) of Regulation (EC) No 2152/2003, as regards the establishment of new monitoring activities and the reporting of the results of theses new activities are not needed for the period 2003 to 2006 as such monitoring activities are not foreseen to be implemented during this period.

(6) The manual on parameters, monitoring methods and data formats referred to in Article 10 of Regulation (EC) No 2152/2003 is based on the monitoring provisions set out in the Annexes to Regulations (EEC) No 1696/87, (EC) No 804/94 and (EC) No 1091/94. In the light of recent technical progress it is however necessary to revise those provisions. In particular the methodology for the crown condition surveys on the systematic network of observation points and the network of observation plots for intensive monitoring should be merged. The manual should also cover methodologies for the additional monitoring activities on issues such as phenology, ambient air quality, ozone injury and litterfall.

(7) Monitoring of forest fires should continue to be carried out on the basis of the European Forest Fire Information System, (EFFIS). EFFIS has been built on the achievements of the Community information system on forest fires, established and implemented under Regulation (EEC) No 2158/92 and Regulation (EC) No 804/94 and includes additional information gathered by the Joint Research Centre under the Forest Fire Risk Forecasting System (EFFRFS) and the European Forest Fire Damage Assessment System (EFFDAS).

(8) Prevention measures against forest fires should be established building on the achievements of Regulation (EEC) No 2158/92 provided that such measures are not supported through Council Regulation (EC) No 1257/99 of 17 May 1999 on support for rural development from the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF) and amending and repealing certain Regulations (9) and provided they are not included in the rural development programmes drawn up by the Member States. This Regulation should establish common core data to be submitted by Member States for any forest fires occurred in their territory as well as technical specifications for the supply of such data.

(9) For the purpose of ensuring coherence with other Community funded activities and to avoid duplications and double funding, proposals for studies, experiments and demonstration projects submitted by the Member States pursuant to Articles 5, 6 and 7 of Regulation (EC) No 2152/2003 should be evaluated by the Commission according to specified criteria.

(10) In order to ensure that such studies, experiments and demonstration projects are adapted to on-going issues and respond to actual needs in the field of forest monitoring it will be necessary to establish a ranking of priorities for granting Community support to such activities.

(11) The setting up of the national programmes and the financial aspects related to it should in particular take account of the provisions of Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (10) and Commission Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2342/2002 of 23 December 2002 laying down detailed rules for the implementation of Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (11).

(12) Eligibility rules should be introduced to define the scope of costs considered eligible for Community part financing.

(13) The Scientific Advisory Group to be established pursuant to Article 9(3) of Regulation (EC) No 2152/2003 should advise the Standing Forestry Committee on technical matters of the monitoring scheme.

(14) Each Member State should designate a competent body on the basis of criteria established by the basic act according to Article 54(2)(c) of Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 in order to ensure compliance with the requirements of a sound financial management and full respect of the principles of non-discrimination and transparency. The Member States, which should have the legal and financial responsibility for implementing the approved national programme, should be responsible for any irregularities, neglect or fraud of the competent body.

(15) In view of their decentralised administrative organisational structures, Belgium, Germany and Portugal should be allowed to designate more than one competent body.

(16) Data forwarded by Member States within the framework of Regulation (EC) No 2152/2003 to the Commission should be considered as documents within the meaning of Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2001 regarding public access to European Parliament, Council and Commission documents (12).

(17) The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Forestry Committee established by Council Decision 89/367/EEC (13),

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

CHAPTER I

SUBJECT MATTER

Article 1

This Regulation lays down the detailed rules for the implementation of Article 4, Article 5(1) and (2), Article 6(1) and (2), Article 7(1) and (2), Article 8, Article 9(3), Articles 10 and 14, and Article 15(1) of Regulation (EC) No 2152/2003.

CHAPTER II

MONITORING OF AIR POLLUTION EFFECTS

SECTION 1

NETWORK OF OBSERVATION POINTS

(Article 4(1)(a) and 10(1) of Regulation (EC) No 2152/2003)

Article 2

Systematic network of observation points and monitoring

1. The systematic network of observation points, hereinafter ‘Level I points’, corresponding to a grid composed of units measuring 16 × 16 km, covering the entire territory of each Member State, hereinafter referred to as ‘the grid’, shall be utilised to carry out annual crown conditions surveys.

Those surveys shall be carried out using the methods set out in Chapter 2 of Annex I.

2. Observations shall be made at each intersection point falling on forested land.

3. Member States may use denser networks than the Level I points where it is necessary for the preparation of their annual reports in accordance with Article 15(1) of Regulation (EC) No 2152/2003, and in order to obtain representative data at a national or regional level.

Article 3

Exceptions concerning the grid density

1. A sub-sample of the grid with units measuring 32 × 32 km may be used for the inventory covering other wooded land.

2. A sub-sample of the grid with units measuring 32 × 32 km may also be used for the inventory covering the large homogeneous forest areas situated in Finland north of 65° 30′ latitude and in Sweden north of 59° latitude.

Article 4

Transmission of data

1. By 15 December each year, each Member State shall forward to the Commission the data collected during the preceding year for each Level I point using the methods and forms set out in Chapter 14 of Annex I.

In addition to that data, Member States shall submit a data accompanying report setting out background information on the monitoring methods applied. That report shall be drawn up in accordance with Chapter 13 and point IV.1 of Chapter 14 of Annex I.

The instructions and codes set out in Chapter 15 of Annex I shall be used for the transmission of data collected in accordance with the first subparagraph.

2. Data related to privately owned land shall be geo-referenced by latitude and longitude coordinates expressed at least in degrees and in minutes. All other data shall be geo-referenced in terms of latitude and longitude coordinates expressed in degrees and in minutes and in seconds.

3. The part of the data accompanying report describing the monitoring methods shall remain valid until those methods are changed.

SECTION 2

NETWORK OF OBSERVATION PLOTS

(Article 4(1)(b) and Article 10(1) of Regulation (EC) No 2152/2003)

Article 5

Establishment of observation plots for intensive monitoring

1. The network of permanent observation plots established by the Member States, hereinafter ‘Level II plots’, shall be used for intensive and continuous monitoring of air pollution effects on forest ecosystems. The number of Level II plots to be selected for that network shall be limited to 15 for each Member State.

However, Member States may select a larger number of Level II plots on the condition that the number does not exceed 20 % of the number of national Level I points.

2. Once a new or additional Level II plot is established Member States shall together with the first data transmission concerning that plot forward a review of the selection criteria and a complete list of all plots to the Commission, including basic information such as location, that is to say longitude, latitude and altitude, and species, as well as general plot information for each Level II plot installed in a standardised form.

3. The Level II plots shall be selected using the common methods set out in Chapter 1 of Annex I.

Article 6

Monitoring

The intensive and continuous monitoring of the forest ecosystems shall include the following:

(a) the continuous inventory of crown condition, foliar chemistry measurements and increment changes, on each observation Level II plot in accordance with Chapters 2, 3 and 4 of Annex I;

(b) measurements of deposition chemistry, meteorology and soil solution chemistry, as well as assessment of ground vegetation, on at least 10 % of the observation Level II plots in accordance with Chapters 5 to 8 of Annex I;

(c) where appropriate, other monitoring activities such as assessment of ambient air quality, visible ozone injury and litterfall and phenological observations in accordance with Chapters 9 to 12 of Annex I.

Article 7

Transmission of data

1. By 15 December each year Member States shall forward to the Commission all data measured during the preceding year for each Level II plot using the methods and forms set out in Chapter 14 of Annex I.

In addition to that data, Member States shall submit a data accompanying report setting out the background information on the monitoring methods applied. That report shall be drawn up in accordance with Chapter 13 and point IV.1 of Chapter14 of Annex I.

The instructions and codes set out in Chapter 15 of Annex I shall be used for the transmission of data collected in accordance with the first subparagraph.

2. Data related to privately owned land shall be geo-referenced by latitude and longitude coordinates expressed respectively at least in degrees and in minutes. All other data shall be geo-referenced in terms of latitude and longitude coordinates expressed respectively in degrees and in minutes and in seconds.

3. The part of the data accompanying report describing the monitoring methods shall remain valid until those methods are changed.

CHAPTER III

EUROPEAN FOREST FIRE INFORMATION SYSTEM

(Article 5(1) of Regulation (EC) No 2152/2003)

Article 8

Information covered

1. The European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) shall be operated by the Joint Research Centre of the Commission.

2. The following data shall be recorded in EFFIS:

(a) the common core data submitted in accordance with Article 9;

(b) additional data for forest fires affecting areas of at least 50 hectares submitted in accordance with Article 10;

(c) information provided by the Joint Research Centre on forecast of fire risk within the framework of the European Forest Fire Risk Forecasting System (EFFRFS) and on mapping and evaluation of damages caused by fire which affect an area of at least 50 hectares within the framework of the European Forest Fire Damage Assessment System (EFFDAS).

Article 9

Common core data

1. By 1 July each year, each Member States shall submit to the Commission the common core data for every forest fire which has occurred in their territory during the preceding year. The common core data shall at least comprise the following information presented in such a way as to be comparable at Community level, in respect of each forest fire:

(a) date and local time of first alert;

(b) date and local time of first intervention;

(c) date and local time of extinction;

(d) location of the outbreak at the commune level (common code);

(e) total fire-damaged area;

(f) breakdown of the fire-damaged area into forest and other wooded land and non forested areas;

(g) presumed cause.

2. The technical specifications set out in Annex II shall be used for the purpose of recording the common core data referred to in paragraph 1.

Article 10

Additional information

For forest fires which affect areas of at least 50 hectares additional information may be provided annually by the Member States to the Commission in addition to the common core data referred to in Article 9.

Such additional information shall, if provided, include the level of damage, that is to say, whether low, medium or high, and the location.

CHAPTER IV

STUDIES, EXPERIMENTS AND DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS

(Article 5(2), 6(2) and 7(2) of Regulation (EC) No 2152/2003)

Article 11

Evaluation of project proposals

The proposals for studies, experiments and demonstration projects and testing on the basis of a pilot phase submitted by the Member States pursuant to Articles 5(2), 6(2) and 7(2) of Regulation (EC) No 2152/2003, hereinafter referred to as ‘project proposals’, shall be evaluated by the Commission on the basis of the criteria established in Annex III.

Article 12

Decision concerning the ranking for project proposals

The Commission shall establish a ranking of priorities for granting Community support of the project proposals.

CHAPTER V

COMPETENT BODIES

(Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 2152/2003)

Article 13

Competent bodies

1. The competent body to be designated by each Member State pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 2152/2003, hereinafter referred to as ‘competent bodies’, shall be the contact point for the Commission.

2. Belgium, Germany and Portugal may designate more than one competent body.

Article 14

Selection Criteria

1. The competent bodies shall comply with the rules laid down in Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 and Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2342/2002 as well as with the provisions laid down in the present Regulation.

2. The competent bodies shall meet at least the following criteria:

(a) they shall be national public-sector bodies or private-law entities with a public-service mission, governed by the law of one of the Member States;

(b) they shall offer adequate financial guarantees, issued by a public authority, in particular as regards full recovery of amounts due to the Commission;

(c) they shall operate according to the requirements of sound financial management;

(d) they shall ensure the transparency of the operations carried out in accordance with Article 56(1) of Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002.

Article 15

Additional conditions for private-law entities

Where Member States pursuant to Article 14 designate private-law entities the Commission shall base its approval of those entities on the following proof provided by those entities:

(a) their technical and professional capacity, on the basis of documentary evidence of the educational and professional qualifications of the members of their managerial staff;

(b) their economic and financial capacity, on the basis of the state guarantee provided in accordance with Article 14(3)(e) of Regulation (EC) No 2152/2003 and appropriate statements from banks or evidence of relevant professional risk indemnity insurance, or balance sheets, or extracts from balance sheets, covering at least the last two years for which accounts have been closed, where publication of the balance sheet is required under the company law of the Member State in which the entity is established;

(c) their competence under national law to perform the budget-implementation tasks, as attested by documentary evidence such as their enrolment in a professional or trade register or a sworn declaration or certificate, membership of a specific organisation, express authorisation or entry in a register for value added tax (VAT);

(d) that they are not in one of the situations listed in Articles 93 and 94 of Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002;

(e) that they agree to an audit by the Court of Auditors.

Article 16

Agreement

The Commission shall conclude an agreement with the competent bodies in conformity with Articles 56 of Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 and Articles 35 and 41 of Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2342/2002.

Article 17

Tasks of the competent bodies

The competent bodies shall carry out the following tasks:

(a) they shall conduct regular checks to ensure that the actions to be financed under Regulation (EC) No 2152/2003 have been implemented correctly;

(b) they shall take appropriate measures to prevent irregularities and fraud and if necessary bring prosecutions to recover funds lost, wrongly paid or incorrectly used;

(c) they shall provide the Commission with any information it requests;

(d) they shall be the intermediary to whom the Community contribution is paid,

(e) they shall hold the accounts and records of the receipt and payment of that contribution in support of the national programme, including all invoices and documents of a similar probative value to support the costs of the programme.

Article 18

Checks by the Commission

The Commission may carry out document and on-the-spot checks into the existence, the relevance and proper operation of the competent bodies, in accordance with the rules of sound financial management.

CHAPTER VI

NATIONAL PROGRAMMES AND ADAPTATIONS

SECTION 1

NATIONAL PROGRAMMES

(Article 7(2) and 8(1) and (2) of Regulation (EC) No 2152/2003)

Article 19

Content

1. The national programmes and the adaptations of those programmes in accordance with Article 8 of Regulation (EC) No 2152/2003 shall contain the information and supporting documents indicated in Annex IV.

Member States shall use the forms set out in that Annex for submitting, in paper and digital format, the national programmes and related adaptations to the Commission.

2. All activities provided for in Articles 4 and 5, Article 6(2) and (3) and Article 7(2) of Regulation (EC) No 2152/2003 for which a Community financial contribution is requested shall be included in the national programme as individual applications.

Article 20

Sub-programmes

The national programmes of Belgium, Germany and Portugal may consist of sub-programmes provided by the competent bodies.

SECTION 2

ADAPTATION

(Article 8(3) of Regulation (EC) No 2152/2003)

Article 21

Adaptation

1. Adaptations of the national programme shall only concern studies, experiments, demonstration projects as well as monitoring test phases in accordance with Articles 5(2), 6(2) and 7(2) of Regulation (EC) No 2152/2003.

2. Applications for the adaptation of the national programme shall be submitted to the Commission using the forms set out in Annex IV.

3. Applications for the adaptation of the national programmes for 2005-2006 shall be submitted to the Commission not later than 31 October 2005 to be taken into consideration for the following year.

CHAPTER VII

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING

SECTION 1

COSTS

Article 22

Definition of eligible costs

Eligible costs are costs that are directly and wholly attributable to the national programme approved by the Commission.

Member States may apply stricter national rules for determining eligible costs.

Article 23

Justification of expenditure

The expenditure shall be justified by adequate original documents, such as invoices, or documents of equal probative value.

The original documents shall not be annexed to the statement of expenditures. The competent body shall, however, if requested, provide the Commission with all details, including invoices, which it might need to assure the evaluation of the expenditure.

Article 24

Costs considered eligible

1. To be considered eligible, costs must have been provided for in the approved national programme, and be directly linked to, and necessary for, carrying out that programme.

2. The costs must be reasonable and comply with the principles of sound financial management, in particular value for money and cost-effectiveness.

3. The costs must have been actually incurred during the period of eligibility set out in the Commission decision approving the national programme. A cost is considered as incurred during the period of eligibility when:

(a) the legal obligation to pay the cost has been contracted after the beginning of the period of eligibility and before the end of that period;

(b) the execution of the activity to which the cost is related must have started after the beginning of the period of eligibility and must be completed before the end of that period.

4. The costs must have been fully paid before the submission of the final documentation together with the final statement of expenditure and income.

Article 25

Personnel costs

Personnel costs may be considered as eligible direct expenditure in respect of the actual time devoted to the national programme. They shall be calculated on the basis of the actual gross salary or wages plus obligatory social charges, but excluding any other cost.

The working time of each employee, including national civil servants and governmental agency employees working within the national programme, shall be registered using time sheets or reports from a time recording system established and certified by the competent body and its eventual partners.

Article 26

Travel costs

Travel costs may be considered eligible if they are directly and wholly attributable to the approved national programme. Travel costs shall be charged in accordance with the internal rules of the competent body.

Article 27

Overhead costs

1. Overhead costs which are intended to cover general indirect costs needed to employ, manage, accommodate and support directly or indirectly the personnel performing the work on the national programme or which relate to on-site infrastructure and equipment shall be eligible provided those costs are actual, justifiable and do not include costs assigned to another budget heading.

2. Overhead costs are eligible up to a maximum of 7 % of the total amount of eligible direct costs.

3. Overhead costs shall be charged to the national programme in accordance with the authorized cost accounting policy of the competent body.

Article 28

Capital costs

Where the costs include depreciation of capital investments with a life of more than one year and a price of more than EUR 500, these depreciation costs shall be considered eligible provided they relate exclusively to the national programme and the eligibility period of the concerned programme phase provided that: For investment in construction and infrastructure these costs are depreciated over 10 years using the straight line method, and for other equipment including informatics equipment 5 years straight line method.

Article 29

Costs for the purchase of second-hand equipment

The purchase costs of second-hand equipment shall be eligible under the following three conditions:

(a) the seller of the equipment shall provide a declaration stating its origin, and confirm that at no point during the previous seven years has it been purchased with the aid of national or Community grants;

(b) the price of the equipment shall not exceed its market value and shall be less than the cost of similar new equipment; and

(c) the equipment shall have the technical characteristics necessary for the operation and comply with applicable norms and standards.

Article 30

Subcontracting

Expenditure relating to subcontracts with intermediaries or consultants shall be based upon actual costs and shall be supported by the appropriate invoices and other supporting documents. Exceptionally, where the cost is defined as a percentage of the total costs of the operations, such cost may be considered eligible only if the competent body is able to justify it by reference to the actual value of the work or services provided.

Article 31

Value-added tax

Value added tax (VAT) shall be considered eligible when the competent body is not in a position to recover the VAT paid under the national programme.

The competent body shall provide a declaration from the relevant national authorities that VAT could not be recovered for the assets and services required for the measures carried out under the national programmes.

Article 32

Ineligible costs

1. The following shall not be regarded as eligible:

(a) any cost incurred for actions which benefit from aid under other Community financial instruments;

(b) exchange rate losses;

(c) unnecessary or wasteful outlays;

(d) distribution expenses and marketing and advertising expenses to promote products or commercial activities;

(e) any provisions for possible future losses or liabilities;

(f) any debtor interest and interest on borrowed capital;

(g) bad debts.

Certain of the costs referred to in point (d) may, however, be considered eligible as agreed with the Commission.

2. The non-eligible costs referred to in paragraph 1 shall not be considered by the Commission for the calculation of the total programme cost.

Article 33

Exchange rate

1. Conversion between the euro and the national currency shall be made using the daily euro rate published in the C series of the Official Journal of the European Union.

2. The rate to be used for conversion between the euro and national currencies shall be the exchange rate published on the last working day of the month preceding that in which the national programme, or as regards payments, the financial report and request for payment is signed and submitted to the Commission.

SECTION 2

PAYMENT

(Article 8(5) of Regulation (EC) No 2152/2003)

Article 34

Decision on financial contribution

The Commission shall decide on financial contributions to the eligible costs of the national programmes in two phases, one decision for each year of the programming period, hereinafter referred to as the ‘Commission decision’. The Commission decision shall be addressed to the Member State.

Article 35

Pre-financing

The competent bodies may ask for a pre-financing of 50 % of the annual Community assistance for the national programme as indicated in the national programme no sooner than three months after the date of notification of the Commission decision. The pre-financing shall be subjected to conclusion of an agreement pursuant to Article 16.

Article 36

Statements

1. The competent bodies shall submit to the Commission statements of the payments made under the national programme, using the models set out in Annex V. Those statements shall be accompanied by a statement concerning the progress of the activities undertaken under the national programme. The statements shall be submitted not later than 15 months after the date of notification of the Commission decision, and cover expenditure made in the previous year.

2. Eligible expenditures which comply with the provisions of Section 1 of this Chapter and is identified in the annual statement shall be offset by the Commission against the pre-financing to the Member States under the national programmes.

Where the statements exceed the related pre-financing the Commission shall make an interim payment.

In no circumstances may those interim payments exceed 30 % of the annual Community assistance for the national programme.

Article 37

Technical and financial implementation

1. Each of the two phases as referred to in Article 34 must have achieved full technical and financial implementation in accordance with the requirements of Regulation (EC) No 2152/2003 and of this Regulation not later than two years after the date of notification of the Commission decision.

The competent bodies shall make the request for payment of the balance of the eligible expenditure not later than 27 months after the date of notification of the Commission decision.

2. The balance for each phase shall be paid after the Commission has received a request for final payment for each phase and has checked the financial statement accompanying this request for payment.

Article 38

Coordination of requests for payment

In accordance with their national law Member States shall ensure that requests for payments by the competent bodies are coordinated and comply with the Commission decision.

Article 39

Applications for pre-financing and payments

The competent bodies shall submit applications to the Commission for pre-financing and for payments using the models set out in Annexes VI, VII, and VIII.

SECTION 3

IRREGULARITIES

(Article 14(3) of Regulation (EC) No 2152/2003)

Article 40

Irregularities

1. Any amounts lost through irregularities or negligence shall be recovered by the Member State and shall be reimbursed to the Community.

2. Where the Commission, within five years following the final payment of the balance of the final year of the national programme, notes any irregularity in an operation financed by the Community where the amount concerned has not been reimbursed to the Community under paragraph 1, it shall inform the Member State thereof and give it an opportunity to comment.

3. If analysis of the situation and any comments by the Member State concerned result in the Commission confirming the irregularity, the Member State shall reimburse the amounts concerned.

SECTION 4

CHECKS, AUDITS AND TECHNICAL VISITS

(Article 14(4) of Regulation (EC) No 2152/2003)

Article 41

Commission financial audit

1. The Commission, or any representative authorised by it, may audit the competent bodies, the contractors or sub-contractors responsible for the detailed implementation of the measures carried out under the national programme at any time during the contract and up to five years after the final payments of the Community contribution to the national programme.

2. The Commission or any authorised representative shall have access to documentation required to ascertain the eligibility of costs of the national programme participants such as invoices and pay roll extracts.

3. The audit shall be carried out on a confidential basis. The Commission shall take appropriate steps to ensure that its authorized representatives treat confidentially the data to which they have access or which have been provided to them.

The Commission may verify the use made by the competent bodies, the contractors or the sub-contractors responsible for the detailed implementation of the measures carried out under the national programme of the Community's financial contribution.

4. A report on the findings of the audit, pertaining to the competent bodies and other parties responsible for the implementation of the measures of the national programme, shall be sent to the competent bodies, the contractors and sub-contractors concerned. They may communicate their observations to the Commission within one month of receiving it. The Commission may decide not to take into account the observations conveyed after the deadline.

5. On the basis of the conclusions of the audit, the Commission shall take all appropriate measures it considers necessary, including the issuing of a recovery order regarding all or part of the payments made by it.

Article 42

Checks and technical visits

The competent bodies shall allow Commission staff and persons authorised by the Commission access to the sites or premises where the measures under a national programme are being carried out and to all documents relating to the technical and financial management of the operation. Access by persons authorised by the Commission may be subject to confidentiality arrangements to be agreed between the Commission and the competent body.

Checks may be initiated during the programming period and shall be carried out on a confidential basis.

The competent bodies and the parties responsible for the implementation of the measures carried out under the national programme shall provide appropriate assistance to the Commission or persons authorised by it.

Article 43

Evaluations

(Article 8(4) of Regulation (EC) No 2152/2003)

1. Member States shall carry out ex-ante evaluation, mid-term review and an ex-post evaluation of the national programmes in accordance with Annex IX.

2. The ex-ante evaluation shall include verification in detail of the relevance, feasibility and sustainability of the activities set out in the national programme as well as an examination of the results to be expected. The results of the ex-ante evaluation shall be transmitted to the Commission together with the national programmes.

3. The mid-term review and the ex-post evaluation shall include an assessment of the implementation status, the effectiveness and efficiency of the monitoring activities carried out within the framework of Regulation (EC) No 2152/2003. The results of the mid-term review shall be transmitted to the Commission before the 1 July 2006 and the results of the ex-post evaluation shall be transmitted to the Commission before 1 July 2007.

CHAPTER VIII

SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY GROUP

(Article 9(3) of Regulation (EC) No 2152/2003)

Article 44

Tasks

1. The Scientific Advisory Group to be established pursuant to Article 9(3) of Regulation (EC) No 2152/2003 shall advise the Standing Forestry Committee on the following subjects:

(a) the need to carry out specific studies or analyses;

(b) the need to set up ad hoc working groups for specific topics;

(c) the improvement of the organisation and structure of the monitoring scheme;

(d) science-policy interface;

2. The Scientific Advisory Group may give its opinion on:

(a) proposals for studies,

(b) results deriving from the studies such as relevance and data quality and, more generally, from the reports presenting the results from the monitoring scheme,

(c) draft manuals.

3. The mandate of the Scientific Advisory Group shall be limited to the execution period of the scheme set out in Article 12(1) of Regulation (EC) No 2152/2003.

CHAPTER IX

ACCESS TO DATA

(Article 15(1) of Regulation (EC) No 2152/2003)

Article 45

Access to data

As far as necessary for the realisation of their actions on the basis of Article 9(5) and 11(2) of Regulation (EC) No 2152/2003, access to the data referred to in Articles 4(1) and 5(1) of that Regulation shall be granted to the European Environmental Agency and the International Co-operative Programme on Assessment and Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Forests operating under the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, (ICP Forests).

CHAPTER X

FINAL PROVISIONS

Article 46

Repeal

Regulation (EEC) No 1696/87 and Regulations (EC) No 804/94, (EC) No 1091/94, (EC) No 1727/1999 and (EC) No 2278/1999 are repealed.

Article 47

Entry into force

This Regulation shall enter into force on the third day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States. Done at Brussels, 7 November 2006. For the Commission Stavros DIMAS Member of the Commission

(1) OJ L 324, 11.12.2003, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 788/2004 (OJ L 138, 30.4.2004, p. 17).

(2) OJ L 326, 21.11.1986, p. 2. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 804/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 132, 17.5.2002, p. 1).

(3) OJ L 217, 31.7.1992, p. 3. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 805/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 132, 17.5.2002, p. 3).

(4) OJ L 161, 22.6.1987, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 2278/1999 (OJ L 279, 29.10.1999, p. 3).

(5) OJ L 93, 12.4.1994, p. 11.

(6) OJ L 125, 18.5.1994, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 2278/1999.

(7) OJ L 203, 3.8.1999, p. 41. Regulation as amended by Regulation (EC) No 2121/2004 (OJ L 367, 14.12.2004, p. 17).

(8) OJ L 279, 29.10.1999, p. 3. Regulation as amended by Regulation (EC) No 2121/2004.

(9) OJ L 160, 26.6.1999, p. 80. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 (OJ L 277, 21.10.2005, p. 1).

(10) OJ L 248, 16.9.2002, p. 1.

(11) OJ L 357, 31.12.2002, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1248/2006 (OJ L 227, 19.8.2006, p. 3).

(12) OJ L 145, 31.5.2001, p. 43.

(13) OJ L 165, 15.6.1989, p. 14.

ANNEX I

Manual on parameters, monitoring methods and data formats for harmonised monitoring of air pollution effects on forests

Structure of the Manual

This manual consists of the following 15 chapters:

Chapter 1 COMMON METHODS FOR THE SELECTION OF LEVEL II PLOTS Chapter 2 COMMON METHODS FOR THE SURVEY OF THE CROWN CONDITION ON LEVEL I AND LEVEL II PLOTS Chapter 3 COMMON METHODS FOR FOLIAR CHEMISTRY MEASUREMENTS ON LEVEL II PLOTS Chapter 4 COMMON METHODS FOR MEASUREMENTS OF INCREMENT CHANGES ON LEVEL II PLOTS Chapter 5 COMMON METHODS FOR DEPOSITION MEASUREMENTS ON THE LEVEL II PLOTS Chapter 6 COMMON METHODS FOR MEASUREMENTS OF METEOROLOGY ON LEVEL II PLOTS Chapter 7 COMMON METHODS FOR SOIL SOLUTION MONITORING ON LEVEL II PLOTS Chapter 8 COMMON METHODS FOR GROUND VEGETATION ASSESSMENT ON LEVEL II PLOTS Chapter 9 COMMON METHODS FOR LITTERFALL ASSESSMENT ON LEVEL II PLOTS Chapter 10 COMMON METHODS FOR AMBIENT AIR QUALITY ASSESSMENT ON LEVEL II PLOTS Chapter 11 COMMON METHODS FOR VISIBLE OZONE INJURY ASSESSMENT ON LEVEL II PLOTS Chapter 12 COMMON METHODS FOR PHENOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS ON LEVEL II PLOTS Chapter 13 DETAILS FOR THE SUBMISSION OF BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON THE MONITORING METHODS APPLIED AND THE RESULTS OF EVALUATION/INTERPRETATION OBTAINED ON NATIONAL LEVEL Chapter 14 COMMON INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE REPORTING OF THE RESULTS AND THE DATA FORMATS Chapter 15 CODE LIST AND EXPLANATORY ITEMS FOR SURVEY DATA OF LEVEL I AND LEVEL II PLOTS

The specific provisions established by each chapter are based on technical recommendations of Expert Panels of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe International Co-operative Programme on Assessment and Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Forests (ICP Forests). A distinction is made between mandatory and optional monitoring activities (parameters, methods, etc.).

The chapters 1 to 8 and 14 to 15 build on the technical descriptions made in the Annexes of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1091/94 and in addition on sub-manuals concerning litterfall, ambient air quality, visible ozone injury and phenological assessments, which have not been covered by the above mentioned Regulation.

Chapter 2 provides for the technical details concerning the monitoring of crown condition on Level I points as well as on Level II plots as this is the only survey to be carried out regularly on both networks. Apart from this, only the two chapters on data submission and data formats (chapters 14 and 15) cover both Level I and Level II.

CHAPTER 1

COMMON METHODS FOR THE SELECTION OF LEVEL II PLOTS

I. Selection of Level II plots

The selection of monitoring plots is under the responsibility of the Member States, although the following criteria for the selection shall apply:

— the minimum size of a plot shall be 0,25 hectares measured on a horizontal plane,

— to minimise the effects from activities on surrounding areas the plot shall be surrounded by a buffer zone. The actual width of this zone depends on the type and age of the forest. If the area of the plot and its surroundings is uniform with regard to height and age structure, the width of the buffer zone can be restricted to 5 or 10 m. If the forest area in which the plot is located consists of mixed stands, different species or age structure, the buffer zone shall be enlarged to up to five times the potential maximum height of the trees in the plot,

— the plots shall be easily accessible at all times and no restrictions with regard to the access and sampling should exist,

— there shall be no differences in the management of the plot, its buffer zone and the surrounding forest,

— disturbance caused by the monitoring shall be kept to a minimum,

— direct pollution from known local sources shall be avoided

— the plots shall be located sufficiently far away from the forest edge, up to five times the potential maximum height of the trees in the plot.

II. Installation and documentation of plots

Each installed plot shall be described in detail. General data concerning new or additional plots shall be determined and reported to the Commission in the framework of the next regular data submission. The detailed description of the plot shall include: the exact location of the plot (positioning of the centre and the corners of the plot), a sketch map showing the permanent marking of the plot corners and/or boundaries, the number of trees in the plot and any other relevant permanent identifiable elements in or nearby the plot (e. g. access road, rivers, ditches, large trees). The location of samplers and sample sites (e.g. deposition samplers or soil pits) shall be positioned (GPS or distance and direction from the centre of the plot) and recorded on this map as well.

III. Definition of a sub-plot

In principle all trees in the total plot are to be included in the sample for the tree assessments (e.g. crown inventory, increment assessment). In the case that the plot has many trees (i.e. dense stands), a sub-plot may be defined to be used for these surveys. The size of the sub-plot at the time of the installation of the plot should be large enough to give reliable estimates for these surveys for a minimum of 20 years, preferably throughout the life of the stand. A minimum of at least 20 trees in the sub-plot should be available in this period.

IV. General information on each plot

The following general information on each permanent observation plot for the intensive and continuous monitoring shall be collected during the installation of a new plot and the first surveys:

Installation First surveys — Descriptive code Country Observation plot number Actual latitude and longitude — Site data Altitude Orientation Total plot size Number of trees in plot Subplot (if any) Availability of water to the principal species Humus type Soil unit (estimate) — Stand data Mean age of dominant storey Main tree species Yield (estimate) — Other observations History of the plot Other monitoring stations situated nearby

Where additional plots are installed in order to complete the national intensive monitoring programme, the Member States shall forward to the European Commission for each installed plot the information collected during the installation using a data file and reports (by the end of the same year in which the installation took place).

All changes during the years concerning the monitoring set-up and other important information (e.g. forest operations, storms and pests incidents) shall be submitted yearly.

V. Replacement of destroyed plots and additional plots

Destroyed and additional plots should be selected among the existing Level I plots and following the selection criteria set out in this Chapter. The re-installed or additional plots shall be given a new number. Member States shall submit to the Commission, together with the next regular data submission, information on the reason for the plot replacement or the need for additional plots, the results of last observations/measurements made and the criteria applied for the selection of the new plots.

VI. Data transfer

Member States shall forward the information referred to in this Chapter to the Commission for each Level II plot using the formats established by forms 1 and 2 set out in Chapter 14.

CHAPTER 2

COMMON METHODS FOR THE SURVEY OF CROWN CONDITION ON LEVEL I POINTS AND LEVEL II PLOTS

I. General remarks

The survey of crown condition pursuant to Article 2 and Article 6(a) is mandatory and shall be carried out on all Level I points and Level II plots and shall be repeated annually. The following provisions are based on technical recommendations of Expert Panel on Crown Condition of the UNECE International Cooperative Programme on Assessment and Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Forests (ICP Forests).

II. Selection of sample trees

II.1. Selection of sample trees on Level I points

At each sampling point, sample trees shall be selected according to a stringently defined, objective and unbiased statistical procedure (e.g. four point cross cluster orientated along the main compass directions with corner points at 25 m distance from the grid point using a six-tree sampling process on each subplot or sample trees chosen following a spiral from the plot centre). In younger dense stands where individual crowns are not assessable, the selection of sample trees should be based on a defined geometrical process. This process shall be repeated until a sufficient number of trees with assessable crowns have been found. The following selection criteria are to be taken into account:

— Member States may decide on the number of trees to be assessed at each point; however, the sample shall not consist of less than 20 trees or more than 30 and the number shall remain constant,

— all tree species shall be included in the assessment. Sample trees should have a minimum height of 60 cm. Only predominant, dominant and co-dominant trees corresponding to the Kraft tree classes 1, 2, and 3 respectively, qualify as sample trees for the purpose of crown condition assessment. Trees of these social classes with broken tops cannot qualify as sample trees,

— trees removed as part of management operations, fallen trees (e.g. blown over by the wind or broken) and dead trees must be replaced by new sample trees selected according to an unbiased procedure. A tree is defined as dead if all conductive tissues in the stem have died. A dead tree must be recorded but only once. Clear-cutting of the stands imply that the sample point ceases to exist until a new stand has been established,

— the centre of a sampling unit must be marked for reassessment of subsequent inventories. Sample trees should be identifiable for the following year's assessment, if possible without permanent labeling.

II.2. Selection of sample trees on Level II plots

All pre-dominant, dominant and co-dominant trees corresponding to the Kraft tree classes 1, 2, and 3 respectively, in the total plot are to be monitored. In the case that the plot has many trees (e.g. dense stands), the number of sample trees for the crown assessment can be reduced by using a sub-plot. In the case of a sub-plot all the pre-dominant, dominant and co-dominant trees corresponding to the Kraft tree classes 1, 2, and 3 respectively, in the sub-plot are to be monitored. In certain cases it can be allowed that a different, but objective and unbiased system is used to reduce or to select the number of trees to be sampled. The same methods shall be applied every year and a minimum of 20 trees shall be assessed each survey.

III. Date of assessment

The inventory shall be undertaken between the end of the formation of new needles and leaves and before the autumnal leaf discoloration.

IV. General background information

The following plot and tree parameters must be assessed on Level I points:

— for each plot: — descriptive code, — country, — date of observation, — observation point number, — actual latitude and longitude coordinates, — availability of water to principal species, — humus type, — altitude, — orientation, — stand data, — mean age of dominant storey, — soil data, — soil unit, — additional plot information specific for the current year (operations, events),

— for each tree in the plot: — plot number, — sample tree data: — tree number, — tree species, — defoliation, — discoloration, — damage due to easily identifiable causes (insect, fungi, abiotic agents…), — identification of damage type, — observations on the tree in the plot.

The following plot and tree information must be collected on Level II plots:

— country,

— plot number,

— date of assessment

— number of trees

— tree species

— orientation,

— information on removals and mortality,

— exposure,

— social class,

— crown shading,

— visibility.

V. Assessment of sample trees

V.1. Visual assessment of defoliation

Defoliation shall be estimated annually in 5 % steps in relation to a tree with full foliage in local condition. The classification of trees into degrees of defoliation shall be carried out during the observation and shall be registered in 5 % steps.

A tree with a defoliation between 95 % and 100 %, which is still alive, is scored as 99. The score 100 is reserved for dead trees.

Class Degree of defoliation Percentage of needle/leaf loss 0 not defoliated 0 - 10 1 slightly defoliated 11 - 25 2 moderately defoliated 26 - 60 3 severely defoliated 61 - 99 4 Dead 100

V.2. Visual assessment of discoloration

The classification of trees into degrees of discoloration shall be carried out.

The degrees of discoloration shall be defined as follows:

Class Discoloration Indicative percentage of needles/leaves discolored 0 None or negligible 0 - 10 1 Slight 11 - 25 2 Moderate 26 - 60 3 Severe > 60

If, in addition, defoliation and discoloration classes are combined, the following combined damage classes shall be used:

Defoliation class Discoloration class 1 2 3 Resulting damage class 0 0 I II 1 I II II 2 II III III 3 III III III 4 IV IV IV 0 = not damaged, I = slightly damaged, II = moderately damaged, III = severely damaged, IV = dead

VI. Assessment of damage causes

VI.1. Selection of sample trees

The assessment of damage causes is optional in order to complement the annual crown condition survey.

VI.2. Frequency and timing

Level I + Level II: assessment of damage causes shall be carried out during normal crown condition assessment in summer.

In Level II plots where the complete programme is carried out, the so-called ‘key-plots’’, an additional visit for damage assessment shall be made if important damage is observed outside the period of crown condition assessment. The observations of the staff responsible for deposition sampling or phenological observations may act as an early warning system. This additional visit shall be made at the time when the main damage cause is supposed to be at its maximum (e.g. spring for defoliators).

VI.3. Parameters to be assessed

The following table sets out an overview of parameters in Level I points/Level II plots.

Symptom description Specification of affected part Symptom Specification of symptom Location in crown 1.1. Cause 1.2. Extent

VII. Data transfer

Member States shall use forms 3-8 set out in Chapter 14 for the transmission to the Commission of the information for each plot

CHAPTER 3

COMMON METHODS FOR FOLIAR CHEMISTRY MEASUREMENTS ON LEVEL II PLOTS

I. General remarks

The inventory of foliar chemistry in accordance with Article 6(a) shall be carried out on all Level II plots and shall be repeated on each individual plot in a two year interval. The following provisions are based on technical recommendations of Expert Panel on Foliar Chemistry of the UNECE International Cooperative Programme on Assessment and Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Forests (ICP Forests).

II. Inventory methodology

II.1. Date of sampling

Deciduous species and larch: sampling shall be done when the new leaves are fully developed, and before the very beginning of the autumnal yellowing and senescence.

Evergreen species: sampling shall be done during the dormancy period. Member States are requested to define for each region, and inside each region for plains and mountains, the most convenient period for the sampling and analysis of the various species, and to keep to this period.

The foliage inventory shall be carried out for deciduous species and larch in summer 2005 and for evergreen species in winter 2005/2006. The inventory shall be repeated on each individual plot in a two years interval.

II.2. Selection of trees

Every second year, at least five trees of each main species present in the plot shall be sampled.

The numbers of trees needed for the sampling shall be selected in such a way that:

— the trees are different from those used for the crown assessment, in order to avoid that successive samplings introduce loss of foliage,

— in case the vitality assessment is restricted to the trees in the sub-plot, the trees for the foliage sampling shall be selected from the remaining part of the total plot. If no sub-plot is used the trees for sampling shall be selected from the trees in the buffer zone. In this case the trees selected for sampling in the buffer zone shall be given a special number,

— the trees belong to the predominant and dominant classes (forest with closed canopy) or to the trees with average height ±20 % (forest with open canopy),

— the trees are in the vicinity of the locations where soil samples were taken for analysis; however care shall be taken that the main roots of the sample trees have not been damaged by soil sampling,

— the trees are representative of the mean defoliation level of the plot (±5 % of the mean foliage loss),

— the trees are representative of the sanitary status of the plot.

The same sample trees shall be sampled over the years; the trees shall be numbered. To avoid damage to the sample trees, it is allowed to alternate between two sets of five trees, when necessary. Each set shall respond to the above conditions.

Only trees of the main species shall be sampled (see Annex I, Chapter 15, item 16).

Trees which are used for the sampling of foliage shall be assessed on crown condition, using the existing or the specially assigned numbers.

II.3. General information

The following information shall be collected:

— plot number,

— data of sampling and analysis;

— tree species.

II.4. Selection and quantity of leaves and needles

The trees in the plot shall not be felled, which may influence the sampling method of leaves or needles. It is important that sampled leaves or needles have developed in full light.

The sampled leaves or needles shall be taken from the upper third of crown, but not from the very first whorls in the conifers;

For deciduous species, sampling shall be done on current year leaves or needles.

For evergreen species, sampling shall be done of both the current year needles or leaves and the second year needles or leaves (current + 1).

For all species it is necessary to take care that leaves or needles which are sampled are mature ones, especially for species which have several flushes per year (e.g. Pinus Halepensis, Pseudotsuga menziesii, Eucalyptus sp. Quercus sp.) For Larix sp. and Cedrus sp. samples are taken of the short twigs of the previous year.

In general, sampling shall be carried out in such a way that all the orientations are represented in the set of sample trees. If necessary it is allowed to sample different orientations on each tree of the sample set. In special sites with evident influence of one orientation (e.g. steep slopes or strong dominant wind) only one orientation is sampled, which always has to be the same. In such cases, it is necessary to document the orientation.

For the analysis of major elements and Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, the recommended quantity is 30 grams of fresh needles or leaves for each sampled age class.

Each country may decide to sample a larger quantity of leaf material, according to the need of its own analytical methods, or in order to conserve samples for the future.

II.5. Means of sampling

As trees cannot be felled, any convenient way of sampling, taking into consideration kind and size of stands etc., is acceptable, provided that it does not lead to contamination of the sample, to heavy tree damage, or to risks for the sampling team.

II.6. Pre-treatment before sending the samples to the laboratories for analysis

At least five trees of each main species present in the plot are sampled; the five samples are individually preserved in bags; for analysis, a composite sample shall be made by mixing equal quantities of each of the five samples (in case the five trees are analysed individually, the mean value is calculated for each element).

Great care shall be taken to clearly mark each sample (forest, number of plot, species, age of needles, etc.) before sending it to the laboratory for analysis. These identifications shall be given outside the bag (directly on the bag by indelible ink, or by clasping a label on the bag).

II.7. Treatment before analysis

The determination of the mass of 100 leaves or 1 000 needles, as well as the shoot mass, shall be used for the intensive and continuous surveillance on the permanent observation plots and the current year shoot.

It is not necessary to cut the petioles of the leaves but in case of compound leaves it may be advisable to detach the small leaves from the axis if this has not been done in the forest. To avoid contamination, no powdered plastic gloves shall be used.

It is not necessary to systematically wash the samples, but it may be advisable in regions with a high level of air pollution or near the sea. The samples shall be washed with water without any additions.

Oven drying shall be done at no more than 80 °C for at least 24 hours. The needles shall be removed from the twigs with the same precautions as for detaching the small leaves from their axis.

II.8. Chemical analyses

Only the total element concentration is determined.

Each country is allowed to use its national methods. But it is necessary to certify the total element concentrations obtained by national methods with those certified on the reference standard samples. The foliage inventory will distinguish between mandatory and optional parameters (see list below)

Mandatory parameters Optional parameters Nitrogen (N) Zinc (Zn) Sulphur (S) Manganese (Mn) Phosphorus (P) Iron (Fe) Calcium (Ca) Copper (Cu) Magnesium (Mg) Lead (Pb) Potassium (K) Boron (B)

III. Data transfer

Member States shall use formats established by forms 9, 10 and 11 set out in Chapter 14 for the transmission to the Commission of the information for each plot.

CHAPTER 4

COMMON METHODS FOR MEASUREMENTS OF INCREMENT CHANGES ON LEVEL II PLOTS

I. General remarks

The measurements of increment changes in accordance with Article 6(a) shall be carried out on all plots in the dormancy period. The reference for the first inventory under Regulation (EC) 2152/2003 shall be dormancy period of the winter 2004/2005 and shall be repeated in a five year interval.

The following provisions are based on technical recommendations of Expert Panel on Forest growth of the UN/ECE International Cooperative Programme on Assessment and Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Forests (ICP Forests). The measurement of the growth is divided into two parts:

— periodic measurements on tree parameters (mandatory all five years),

— tree ring analysis by means of increment cores and stem discs (optional).

The methodologies described here are inappropriate for maquis and similar vegetation types.

Member States are free to carry out, in addition to the periodic measurements on tree parameters, permanent continuous girth band measurements.

II. Inventory methodology

II.1. Date of measurements

Measurements shall be done during the dormancy period.

II.2. Selection of sample trees

In principle all trees in the total plot shall be monitored. In the case that the plot has many trees (e.g. dense stands), a sub-plot may have been defined to be used for the tree assessment. In this case the trees in the sub-plot shall be monitored. The size of the sub-plot at the time of the inventory should be large enough to give reliable estimates for stand increment over the entire measurement period. The exact size of this sub-plot shall be determined and reported.

All trees with at least 5 cm diameter over bark shall be individually identifiable by numbering.

II.3. General information

The following information shall be collected:

— plot number,

— data of sampling and analysis,

— tree number.

II.4. Parameters to be measured

Mandatory parameters Optional parameters Periodic measurements Tree species Bark Diameter at breast height (DBH) Tree height (on all trees) Tree height Crown height (on all trees) Height to crown base on a sub-sample of trees in the plot Crown width Information on management operations Volume estimates Tree ring analysis Ring width History of the tree diameter under bark in five years intervals Basal area and volume estimates

III. Data transfer

Member States shall use forms 12 to 16 set out in Chapter 14 for the transmission to the Commission of the information for each plot

CHAPTER 5

COMMON METHODS FOR DEPOSITION MEASUREMENTS ON LEVEL II PLOTS

I. General remarks

The measurements of deposition in accordance with Article 6(b) shall be carried out on at least 10 % of the Level II plots.

The following provisions are based on technical recommendations of Expert Panel on Deposition of the UNECE International Cooperative Programme on Assessment and Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Forests (ICP Forests).

II. Monitoring methodology

Each deposition plot shall be described in detail. Some of the information is already included in the descriptions of the forest monitoring plots (longitude, latitude, altitude, exposure, tree species, etc.). Other information needs to be documented with special consideration to the deposition situation (exposition to local emission sources and local land use, location in relation to forest edges etc.). For interpretation and understanding of the deposition processes, information on factors such as canopy roughness, leaf area index, etc. is valuable.

II.1. Monitoring throughfall

Deposition monitoring shall be site specific. Measurements shall be made in such a way that they are spatially well distributed over the country, if necessary on all Level II plots. Throughfall deposition measurements shall be made on the plot itself. If this is not possible, the measurements shall be made close to the plot and in the same stand. The measurements shall in no way interfere with other measurements of soil and vegetation. Caution shall be taken not to cause any damage to the forest plot.

II.2. Monitoring in an open area in the forest

At a location near the actual plot (within a distance of 2 km), wet-only and/or bulk deposition collectors shall be installed. The location shall be selected in such a way that the surrounding objects are not closer than two times their height.

II.3. Monitoring air pollution

Air pollution measurements shall be site specific, but could for practical reasons, or for reasons of co-ordination with other projects, be made at some distance. The measurement site shall not be influenced by local emission sources.

II.4. Measurement period

The measuring will be made 4-weekly, weekly or at a time interval between the two depending mainly on the general weather conditions at the specific plot.

When it is necessary to use different measuring periods during the year (e. g. weekly in summer and monthly in winter), two separate monitoring periods shall be identified and the results shall be reported separately. Within one monitoring period the length of the measuring period shall be constant. The same measuring period shall be used for the monitoring under the forest canopy and the open area monitoring.

II.5. Sampling, sample handling

Clean collection gauges and containers shall be used for the collection of samples. Deionized water shall be used to rinse the equipment. It is important that the containers are kept away from light and kept cool during the sampling and transport. In sunny and warm conditions preservatives may be added to prevent the growth of algae. In this case only such preservatives should be used that do not interfere with the analysis of any ion of interest.

II.6. Pre-treatment of samples, transport and storage

The volume of each collected sample from each individual throughfall, stemflow or open air collector shall be determined. The samples may be analysed separately or pooled with samples collected from the same plot in the same time interval. Throughfall, stemflow or open air samples shall be analysed separately. Samples from stemflow measurements can only be pooled for trees of the same species and similar size and dominance.

Samples from short periods may be analysed as they are, or can be mixed to monthly samples before analysis. If samples are mixed they should be mixed in proportion to the total sample volume.

The samples shall be transported to the laboratory as soon as possible (preferably in cold boxes) and kept in a cold (4 °C) and dark store until analysed.

II.7. General information

The following information shall be collected:

— plot number,

— sampler code,

— first date of monitoring period,

— last date of monitoring period,

— number of (equal) measuring periods in monitoring period.

Additional optional information may be collected, where it is useful for the interpretation of the results, such as canopy roughness, leaf area index etc.

II.8. Chemical analysis

Mandatory and optional parameters to be analysed on bulk deposition, throughfall, stemflow and fog samples are provided for in the following table:

Sample type Mandatory Optional Bulk deposition, throughfall, stemflow Amount of precipitation pH and conductivity at 25 °C Na, K, Mg, Ca, NH4 Al, Mn, Fe, and other heavy metals, e.g. Cu, Zn, Hg, Pb, Cd, Co, Mo Cl, NO3 SO4 P total, PO4 Total alkalinity Mandatory for individual samples if pH > 5 DOC, Ntotal (N total is not mandatory for bulk deposition, but is highly recommended) S total, HCO3 HCO3 can either be obtained by calculation (from pH, total alkalinity, temperature and ionic strength) or by direct measurement Fog, frozen fog (rime) pH, conductivity Na, K, Mg, Ca, NH4 Cl, NO3, SO4, P total Alkalinity Al, Mn, Fe, and other heavy metals, e.g. Cu, Zn, Hg, Pb, Cd, Co, Mo DOC = dissolved organic carbon, and N total = total nitrogen.

III. Data transfer

Member States shall use forms 17 to 19 set out in Chapter 14 for the transmission to the Commission of the information for each plot.

CHAPTER 6

COMMON METHODS FOR MEASUREMENTS OF METEOROLOGY ON LEVEL II PLOTS

I. General remarks

The measurements of meteorology in accordance with Article 6(b) shall be carried out on at least 10 % of the observation plots. The following provisions are based on technical recommendations of Expert Panel on Meteorology and Phenology of the UNECE International Cooperative Programmed on Assessment and Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Forests (ICP Forests).

II. Inventory methodology

II.1. Location of sampling equipment

To represent the specific climatic conditions of woodlands the measurements shall be carried out inside the forest area concerned. In general the measurements (with the exception of soil temperatures, soil moisture and stand precipitation) may be taken either above the forest stand canopy at the plot or at an open field station within the forest area in close proximity (in general not more than 2 km distance) to the stand of the plot. The distance from the measuring point at open field stations to the surrounding stands or other obstacles shall be at least two times the height of a mature tree obstacle. Soil temperature, soil moisture and stand precipitation shall be measured inside the stand of the permanent observation plot.

Whenever possible a combination with the equipment for deposition shall be made. To avoid disturbances to the roots and soil situation, the equipment shall be placed so that it can be reached and maintained without actually passing through the plot.

II.2. Methods to measure the actual meteorological situation in or close to the plot

By installation of a meteorological station in an open area close to the plot or the installation of a tower in the stand near the plot, the weather situation shall be monitored continuously. The technical equipment, sensors and their placement are to be in accordance with the international meteorological standards. The following variables are to be obtained.

Mandatory Optional Precipitation UVB radiation Air temperature Soil temperatures Air humidity Soil moisture Wind speed (matric potential, water content) Wind direction Stand precipitation (quantity of through fall and stem flow) Solar radiation

II.3. Collection, aggregation, storage and submission of information

Data shall be aggregated to daily values (sum or average/mean, minimum and maximum respectively) before submission.

The following plot information shall be collected and submitted:

— country,

— plot number,

— exact details of the used equipment,

— location of the plots (longitude, latitude, altitude) and of equipment (relative to the plot),

— start and end dates of the measurements,

— Frequency (number of periods).

LIST OF PARAMETERS

Parameter Units Mean Sum Minimum Maximum Remarks Precipitation (mm) (*) Total precipitation (Including snow, etc.) Air temperature (°C) (*) (*) (*) Relative humidity (%) Wind speed (m/s) (*) (*) Wind direction (°) (*) Prevailing wind direction Solar radiation (W/m2) (*) UVB radiation (W/m2) (*) Soil temperature (°C) (*) (*) (*) Soil moisture: Matric potential in soil (hPa) Soil moisture: Water content in soil (Vol %) (*) (*) (*) Stand precipitation (through fall and stem flow) (mm) (*) Others To be specified in the data accompanying Report (*) = To be submitted.

III. Data transfer

Member States shall use the formats established by forms 20 to 23 set out in Chapter 14 for the transmission to the Commission of the information for each plot.

CHAPTER 7

COMMON METHODS FOR SOIL SOLUTION MONITORING ON LEVEL II PLOTS

I. General remarks

Monitoring of soil solution in accordance with Article 6(b) shall be carried out on at least 10 % of Level II plots.

The following provisions are based on technical recommendations of the Soil Expert Panel of the UNECE International Cooperative Programme on Assessment and Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Forests (ICP Forests).

II. Inventory methodology

II.1. Selection of sampler location

Soil solution samplers shall be installed close to where crown condition assessment is conducted. Lysimeters may be distributed randomly or systematically over the whole plot although this may be limited by the presence of stones or stems (distance from a tree is not specified). Because of disturbances to the soil, zero-tension lysimeters shall not be installed in the central part of the plot where tree parameters are monitored. For practical reasons, a representative subplot can be used. Lysimeters that have already been installed may be maintained, but new installations shall be made as proposed above.

II.2. Sampling depths

Lysimeters shall be installed at fixed depths but installation by horizons is also acceptable.

— Soil solution collectors

Where appropriate lysimeters shall be placed at least two depths, i.e. one within the rooting zone (suggested depth is 10 to 20 cm) to gain insight into concentrations of nutrients and toxic elements near the fine roots (aim 1) and one below the rooting zone (suggested depth is 40- 80 cm), to estimate the element output (aim 2). A third lysimeter may also be placed immediately below the humus layer.

II.3. Sampling frequency

On plots where other intensive monitoring programmes are carried out, e.g. deposition and meteorological measurements, the sampling of the soil solution shall be done monthly or bi-weekly. Sampling shall be done at the same month of the year.

II.4. Transport, storage and preparation

The samples shall be transported and stored in such a way that chemical changes are minimized.

Cool (4 °C) and dark storage of the soil solution within the lysimeter system will diminish biological activity. In many cases, and especially during colder season, keeping the bottle dark is sufficient. Organic or inorganic preservatives may be used, but they may interfere with the analysis. To diminish possible changes in the samples, the soil solution should be collected as soon as possible after the suction has been applied.

Transport and storage procedures (including waiting periods) shall be reported. Where applicable the problems and deviations of these procedures shall be reported in detail.

For determination of trace metals, aliquots of the sample shall be transported to the laboratory in acid washed bottles.

If soil samples are collected, they shall be kept cool in plastic or polyethylene bags and stored at 4 °C until centrifugation or the preparation of the saturation extract. Centrifugation or extraction shall take place within one day (18 - 30 hours) after collection of the soil samples.

II.5. General background information

The following information shall be collected:

— country,

— plot number,

— information on sampler (type, depth),

— first date of monitoring period,

— last date of monitoring period,

— number of (equal) measuring periods in monitoring period.

II.6. Analysis methods

The inventory of the forest soil solution monitoring distinguishes between mandatory and optional parameters (See list below).

LIST OF PARAMETERS

Parameter Unit Mandatory/Optional Conductivity μS/cm Opt. pH Man Alkalinity μmolc/l Opt (if pH > 5) DOC mg/l Man Sodium (Na) mg/l Opt (1) Potassium (K) mg/l Man Calcium (Ca) mg/l Man Magnesium (Mg) mg/l Man Aluminium (total) mg/l Man (if pH< 5) Aluminium (labile) mg/l Opt Iron (Fe) mg/l Opt Manganese (Mn) mg/l Opt. Total Phosphorus (P) mg/l Opt NO3-N mg/l Man SO4-S mg/l Man NH4-N mg/l Opt (2) Chlorine (Cl) mg/l Opt (1) Chromium (Cr) μg/l Opt Nickel (Ni) μg/l Opt Zinc (Zn) μg/l Opt (3) Copper (Cu) μg/l Opt (3) Lead (Pb) μg/l Opt Cadmium (Cd) μg/l Opt Silicon (Si) mg/l Opt Man. = Mandatory Opt. = Optional

III. Data transfer

Member States shall use the formats established by forms 24, 25 and 26 set out in Chapter 14 for the transmission to the Commission of information for each plot.

CHAPTER 8

COMMON METHODS FOR GROUND VEGETATION ASSESSMENT ON LEVEL II PLOTS

I. General remarks

The inventory of ground vegetation in accordance with Article 6(b) shall be carried out on at least 10 % of the Level II plots.

The following provisions are based on technical recommendations of Expert Panel on Ground Vegetation condition of the UNECE International Cooperative Programme on Assessment and Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Forests (ICP Forests).

II. Inventory methodology

II.1. Sampling design

Two different sampling designs may be used, which either lead to a more qualitative or to a more quantitative characterization:

— in the first case, the dynamics are assessed by monitoring changes in the species composition over a large area, utilizing sampling units greater than 100 m2, with a low to medium accuracy in estimates of changes in cover for each of these species,

— in the second case, the study concentrates on population dynamics (expansion or regression) on a smaller area. Small sampling units (in general fewer than 10 m2) are used for a more accurate estimation of species cover.

The area selected for vegetation assessment shall be representative for the plot, in order to allow the comparison with other parameters recorded on the same plot. Several sampling units shall be used in order to obtain statistical replication.

According to phytosociological usage, the minimal requirement is to map the species at the plot level. In order to achieve comparability of results between countries, a common sampling area (CSA) of 400 m2, representative for the ground vegetation of the Level II plot, is mandatory. This area can be reached as the sum of smaller sub-plots within the Level II plot area. Data shall be submitted for the total CSA area, not per sub plot (aggregated data). Member States shall keep the results of separate sub-plots in their national databases.

Countries are free to select the number and shape of the sampling units.

If sampling units are not contiguous, they shall be placed as far apart as possible within the Level II plot or in its buffer zone in order to minimize spatial correlation between the sampling units within a plot. They shall also exclude major heterogeneities at any scale of sampling (boulders and cliffs, tracks and paths, fire places, streams and ponds, ditches and channels, peaty pools).

A permanent marking system has to be installed for the sampling units.

II.2. General information

The following general information shall be collected:

— country

— plot number

— date of sampling and analysis

— fencing

— total area sampled

— information on the total ground vegetation layer (cover), the shrub and herbs layer (cover and average height) and the moss layer (cover).

II.3. Measurement of species abundance or cover

Member States are free to apply in the assessment their own scaling system as long as it can be directly converted into percentage cover ranking from 0,01 % (very rare) to 100 % (complete cover).

II.4. Species

All phanerogams, vascular cryptogams, terricolous bryophytes and lichens shall be taken into account. The list of species shall be complete for these groups. Non-terricolous species and fungi can be noted additionally, but should ideally be the subject of separate surveys. Unidentified species should be noted as such, and, if not rare within the sampling units, should be sampled and stored in a herbarium for subsequent identification.

Species only encountered in special places (e.g. rocks, tree stumps, tracks and paths, dead wood, etc.) should be noted separately.

II.5. Frequency and assessment time

Every five years, vegetation studies shall be undertaken on at least 10 % of the plots. In the case of a seasonally complex vegetation composition, a second assessment during the year may be needed to assess the full vegetation cover. The subsequent ground vegetation assessments shall be carried out around the same date of the year.

II.6. Analysis

The assessed information on sampling units shall be aggregated to plot level.

III. Data transfer

Member States shall use the formats established by forms 27 and 28 set out in Chapter 14 for the transmission to the Commission of the results of the ground vegetation assessment.

CHAPTER 9

COMMON METHODS FOR LITTERFALL ASSESSMENT ON LEVEL II PLOTS

I. General remarks

Monitoring of litterfall in accordance with Article 6(c) shall be carried out on optional basis on Level II plots from the year 2005 onwards. Where litterfall monitoring is carried out the following provisions shall be applicable.

The following provisions are based on technical recommendations of the ad hoc Working group on Litterfall of the UNECE International Cooperative Programme on Assessment and Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Forests (ICP Forests).

II. Inventory methodology

II.1. Sampling

For all aims of litterfall assessment it is suggested that the sampling design of plots represents a wide range of soils, climates and stand structure of a given species.

Litterfall assessment shall be carried only on Level II monitoring plots where intensive monitoring of meteorology, deposition, soil water, and phenology are also performed.

II.2. Siting and number of litterfall traps

Litterfall traps shall be set up in a design enabling comparisons with deposition and soil water results. The traps are fixed and may be placed randomly or systematically e.g. at regular intervals and in a sufficient number to represent the whole plot and not only the dominant tree species

Litterfall traps should be distributed all over the plot area. Litterfall shall be sampled from at least 10 collectors per plot and even up to 20 collectors depending on plot size and tree species involved in the assessment.

The countries are free to select the type of traps for the monitoring of litterfall.

II.3. Frequency of sampling

Litterfall shall be collected at least monthly and even bi-weekly in periods of heavy litterfall. The samples may be pooled to periodic samples for chemical analyses. In regions with snow and frost in wintertime and in remote areas it may be necessary to let the traps stay over winter in the forest. Litterfall may then be collected once before the winter period and once after snowmelt, as frost limits drainage and litter decomposition.

II.4. Parameters and analysis

Litterfall assessment distinguishes between mandatory and optional parameters (See list below).

LIST OF PARAMETERS

Mandatory Optional Ca, K, Mg, C, N, P, S Na, Zn, Mn, Fe, Cu, Pb, Al, B

For chemical analysis the litterfall samples are dried to constant weight in an oven at maximum 80 °C, preferably at 65 °C. After this drying, the mass of 100 leaves or 1 000 needles is determined at 105 °C. Knowing the percentage of moisture in the sub samples, the whole amount of each fraction can be converted to dried mass at 80 °C. The samples dried at max 80 °C are grounded to a homogeneous powder. The chemical analysis of litter is similar to the foliar chemical analysis. The results of litterfall chemical analysis are reported to 80 °C just like the litterfall mass.

III. Data transfer

Member States shall use the formats established by forms 29, 30 and 31 set out in Chapter 14 for the transmission to the Commission of the information for each plot

CHAPTER 10

COMMON METHODS FOR AMBIENT AIR QUALITY ASSESSMENT ON LEVEL II PLOTS

I. General remarks

Assessment of ambient air quality is to be carried out on an optional basis on Level II plots. Where ambient air quality is assessed the following provisions shall be applicable.

The following provisions are based on technical recommendations of the Working Group on Ambient Air Quality of the UN/ECE International Cooperative Programme on Assessment and Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Forests (ICP Forests).

II. Choice of method and Equipment

Passive sampling shall be applied on sites that do not currently monitor main air pollutants using active samplers.

Individual countries are free to select the type of passive sampling device that is used. However, it has to be shown that both the samplers and procedure that are used, comply with measurements made using a reference method (active sampler).

III. Measurement period

Sampling shall preferably be carried out at least on a 2-weekly basis. At remote sites, the measurement period can be extended to four weeks if necessary, and at highly polluted sites, shortened to one week. Measurements of ozone shall be limited to the leafed period for deciduous species, but shall be continued for the rest of the year for other pollutants.

IV. Selection of plots and location

Ambient air quality monitoring shall be site specific and shall be carried out on plots where meteorology and deposition data are available. Sites with variable exposure should be chosen i.e. sites where high exposure is expected in addition to a few background stations.

Air pollution concentrations shall be measured near, but outside the forest, in a place representative of the plot. Monitoring can be carried out in an open field, preferably where the samplers for wet deposition and the meteorological equipment are installed.

V. Parameters

The following parameters are part of the optional ambient air quality monitoring.

Compounds Parameters Comment Gaseous compounds O3, SO2, NO2, NO, HNO3, HNO2, NH3, VOC With regard to direct effect on vegetation, ozone is in most areas in Europe the most important pollutant. Particulate compounds SO4 2-, NO3-, NH4+, base cations For calculating the dry deposition of particulate compounds, measurements should preferably be made with consideration to particle size distribution.





O3 NH3 NO2 SO2 mean concentration X X X X max (4). concentration X X X X AOT 40 (4) X

VI. Data transfer

Member States shall use formats established by forms 32, 33 and 34 set out in Chapter 14 for the transmission to the Commission of the information for each plot.

CHAPTER 11

COMMON METHODS FOR VISIBLE OZONE INJURY ASSESSMENT ON LEVEL II PLOTS

I. General remarks

Assessment of ozone injury in accordance with Article 6(c) shall be carried out on an optional basis on Level II plots. Where ozone injury is assessed the following provisions shall be applicable.

The following provisions are based on technical recommendations of the Working Group on Ambient Air Quality of the UNECE International Cooperative Programme on Assessment and Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Forests (ICP Forests). [Reference is made to the sub-manual prepared by this Working Group where additional information is made available.]

II. Scope

The assessment of the symptoms of visible ozone injury shall be conducted preferably on the plots where the passive ozone sampling is carried out.

III. Assessment and Evaluation

III.1. Assessment within the Level II plots

The assessment for visible ozone injury on main tree species within the Intensive Monitoring Plot (IMP) shall be conducted at least on the branches from the same 5 individual trees where foliar sampling for chemical analysis is carried out.

The samples for foliar injury should be collected every second year from the upper sun exposed crown.

An annual assessment is preferred but optional.

III.2. Assessment within the Light Exposed Sampling Site (LESS)

A Light Exposed Sampling Site (hereinafter referred to as LESS) shall be established within the vicinity of the location where the ozone passive sampler is installed. The aim of the assessment within the LESS is to provide estimates of ozone foliar injury on the vegetation at the light exposed forest edge closest to the ozone measurement device within a maximum radius of 500 m. The suggested sampling scheme is a random sampling design as described in Appendix I of the sub-manual prepared by the Working Group where additional information is made available.

The assessment is done on trees, shrubs, vines and perennial herbs (annual herbs are optional);

Only monocots are excluded from the assessment.

III.3. Evaluation period

Identification and quantification of visible ozone injury within Level II plot shall be carried out during: for conifers between October and February, and for broadleaves between July and beginning of September.

In general, identification of visible ozone injury on trees, shrubs and herbs within the LESS and for the ground vegetation within the IMP (optional) shall be carried out at least once during late summer (and in early summer if feasible) before natural leaf discoloration sets in and senescence and/or drought leads to leaf loss.

III.4. Evaluation for the main broadleaf tree species

For the main tree species, five branches (as small as possible, but with all leaf age stages present) from each tree shall be pruned from the sun exposed portion of the upper third of the crown, simultaneously with the biannual foliar sampling for the chemical analysis of needles and leaves or according to the local symptoms phenology if possible. Once collected, a representative number of leaves per branch (i.e. approximately 30 leaves in the case of Fagus sylvatica) shall be examined under best light conditions and scored for occurrence of ozone-injury (yes/no).

Score Percentage, definition 0 No injury, none of the leaves injured. 1 1 %-5 % of the leaves show ozone symptoms 2 6 %-50 % of the leaves show ozone symptoms 3 51 %-100 % of leaves show ozone symptoms

III.5. Evaluation for the conifer main tree species

Following the leaf-sampling procedure, from each tree several branches (5 branches as small as possible but having at least the current year's needles (C-needles) and previous year's needles (C+1-needles)) shall be pruned from the sun-exposed portion of the upper part of the crown. If this part of the tree is not accessible, use part of the branches collected for foliar analysis.

The chlorotic mottling will be scored for each needle age class (from current year's (C) to 3-year old (C+2) needles) in percentage of total surface affected by locating all needles of one age class forming a surface, and then the corresponding score (classes) for that percentage will be assigned, according to the following table.

Score Definition 0 No injury present. 1 1-5 % of the surface is affected 2 6- 50 % of the surface is affected 3 51 – 100 % of the surface is affected.

The scores shall be produced per needle class; thus trees (and species) will have separate scores for the needles of age-classes C, C+1, C+2, etc. The final score of an individual tree shall be the score corresponding to the average injury percentage of a given needle year-class for that tree (this is obtained by averaging the injury percentages of all individual needle-whorls of a given age-class on that tree); similarly, the final score for the plot shall be the score corresponding to the average of the injury percentages of all sampled trees.

III.6. Identification of visible ozone on (small) tree, shrub, and perennial species within the LESS and (optional) the ground vegetation within the Level II plot

For the symptom assessment of small tree, shrub, and herbs species within the LESS and the ground vegetation (optional) within the Level II plot the following information is required for each of the randomly selected sampling spatial unit:

— The scientific name and code of the present (small) tree, shrub, and herbs species with the indication whether they show symptoms or not.

— Trees and shrubs shall be assessed singularly, vines and herbs as populations;

— Estimates are therefore resulting in terms of frequency, means and totals: — frequency of quadrates including symptomatic plants (% of forest edge vegetation area affected), — frequency of symptomatic species (% of symptomatic species over the total number of species of the forest edge), — mean number of symptomatic species, — total number of symptomatic species, — estimates should be reported with confidence intervals at a 95 % probability level.

Soil moisture conditions shall be recorded within the LESS and the optional subplots. Samples and pictures of each injured are to taken of species in accordance with the technical recommendations of the Working Group on Ambient Air Quality.

IV. Data transfer

Member States shall use forms 35, 36 and 37 set out in Chapter 14 for the transmission to the Commission of the information for each plot.

CHAPTER 12

COMMON METHODS FOR PHENOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS ON LEVEL II PLOTS

I. General remarks

Assessment of phenology in accordance with Article 6(c) shall be carried out on an optional basis on Level II plots. Where phenology is assessed the following provisions shall apply.

The following provisions are based on technical recommendations of Expert Panel on Meteorology and Phenology of the UNECE International Cooperative Programme on Assessment and Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Forests (ICP Forests). [Reference is made to the sub-manual prepared by this Expert Panel where additional information is made available.]

II. Scope

A cursory examination on the plot and the buffer zone shall only be performed on those Level II plots where meteorological observations, deposition and litterfall measurement are being carried out.

III. Observation and recording at the plot level

Further background information on ecological processes on the plot, as well as an early warning system on events affecting the condition of the trees, could be obtained by recording the most obvious effects of biotic and abiotic (damaging) events and phenological phenomena. This is of special interest for the evaluation of Level II data at the national level.

The observations and recordings should be easy and simple, and limited to:

— Occurrence of flushing, color change and leaf/needle fall

— Biotic damage (pests and/or diseases),

— Abiotic damage (e.g. frost, wind, hail).

III.1. Location

The observations should be made on the plot and/or the buffer zone of all those Level II plots where continuous measurements are carried out.

III.2. Frequency

Observation dates may coincide with the collection of deposition samples or soil solution. A frequency of at least once every second week during the growing period is needed to follow the phenological changes.

III.3. Observation and recording

All species on the intensive monitoring plots are of interest; however priority should be given to the main tree species on the plot. Member States are free to include more species. In this case, however, each species should be recorded separately. Only events that have occurred and/or have changed their frequency/intensity since the last visit should be recorded. As the individual phases of phenological phenomena occur, assessments shall be repeated until the phase is completed.

IV. Intensive phenological monitoring at the individual tree level

The phases to be monitored (whenever applicable on the species) are: leaf/needle appearance, appearance of Lammas shoots, secondary flushing, flowering, autumn coloring, leaf/needle death and leaf/needle fall.

IV.1. Selection of species and plots

Priority should be given to:

— those plots where (at least) meteorological measurements are carried out,

— the most important species on the plot, which is already reported as the main species (other species on the same plot may be added).

IV.2. Criteria for the selection of sample trees

Criteria for selecting trees are:

Trees should be selected from those on which crown condition assessments are carried out. Preference should be given to trees that are clearly visible when standing outside the plot, because the high frequency of the observation may affect the condition of the ground vegetation on the plot.

If there is an insufficient number of crown condition trees visible, it will be necessary to select additional trees from the plot or from the buffer zone. In this case:

— trees should be dominant or co-dominant,

— trees on which periodical measurement of DBH and height is (planned to be) made should be preferred,

— trees selected for leaf/needle sampling and analysis are not to be included.

Between 10 and 20 trees per species on a plot are selected for the sampling. All trees should be numbered. If they already have numbers (e.g. for crown condition or increment assessment) these numbers shall be kept and used.

If a selected tree dies or is removed it can be replaced. The newly selected tree should be given a new number and it shall be registered and reported to the Commission.

IV.3. Crown to be assessed

Preferably the top of the crown (light crown) should be visible from one observation point. If this is not possible, then the middle part of the crown is also acceptable. The same part of the crown should be considered for subsequent phenological observations throughout the whole year, as well as for subsequent years.

IV.4. Direction of assessment

The direction from which the observations on individual trees are made should be the same every time. It should be recorded using an eight-class system at the time the trees are selected and reported on form 12a. Any change in this position should be recorded and reported as well.

IV.5. Frequency of observations

During the periods from the beginning to the end of the phenological phases in question, weekly observations shall be made on the same day of the week.

IV.6. Phases to be monitored

In principle, all phenological phases are of interest for phenological monitoring. However, from the practical point of view (e.g. financial input, ease and reliability of the monitoring, European-wide comparability, compatibility with other surveys like Crown Condition) it is necessary to concentrate on a limited set of phases and on the major species or groups of species.

A distinction is made between conifers and broad-leaved species:

Conifers Broad-leaved species Needle appearance Leaf unfolding Lammas shoots Secondary flushing Flowering Flowering Autumn coloring Leaf death and leaf fall

For the flowering phase, only the beginning of opening of the male flowers (characterised by pollen shed) is to be recorded, whereas the other phases are to be recorded quantitatively. In addition, damage to needles, leaves or flowers caused by late frost in spring should also be recorded, as well as its intensity. The definitions and determinations of the individual phases are described hereafter.

V. Additional monitoring techniques

Additional techniques (such as litterfall collection or girth b