SMALL SCALE SALVAGE MANUAL (Implementation Plan / Program Description) for

Transcription

1 Okanagan Shuswap Forest District th Avenue Vernon, BC V1T 8Z1 SMALL SCALE SALVAGE MANUAL (Implementation Plan / Program Description) for November 1, 2007 Draft 10 1

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 SCOPE OF THE SALVAGE PLAN STRATEGIC PLAN IMPLEMENTATION RESPONSIBILITIES TYPES OF LICENCES AVAILABLE UNDER THE SSSP RATIONALE FOR DIRECT AWARD OF FLTCS: CLIENT DRIVEN OPPORTUNITIES ADVERTISED DIRECT AWARD SALVAGE OPPORTUNITIES FOREST HEALTH BEETLE SURVEY SITES PROFESSIONAL SALVAGE APPLICATION PROCESS: PROCESS OVERVIEW PROCESSING TIME NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS LEGITIMATE APPLICATIONS COMPLEXITY OF SALVAGE OPPORTUNITIES SSSP PRE-APPLICATION STEPS LIMITATIONS ARCHAEOLOGY AND AREAS OF INTEREST NRFL AREAS CLIENT AND PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS SALVAGE APPLICANTS AND PRE-APPLICATIONS RPFS AND APPLICATIONS THE SALVAGE LICENSEE PROFESSIONAL SALVAGE APPLICATION PSA INITIATIVE OFFICE PROCEDURES FIELD PROCEDURES MAPPING REQUIREMENTS MAPPING ACCURACY ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION FRAMEWORK HARVEST GUIDE MAPPING

3 10.0 LICENCE ISSUANCE START UP NOTICE COMMUNICATION WITH SSSP STAFF ROAD MAINTENANCE AGREEMENTS ROAD PERMIT EXEMPTIONS FLTC SCHEDULE A DEPOSIT STUMPAGE PAYMENTS SSSP SILVICULTURE LEVY CC<1HA LEVY CC>1HA LEVY UNUSUAL CIRCUMSTANCES LEVY INTERMEDIATE SALVAGE LEVY SSSP SILVICULTURE (REVISED ) HOLDING PATTERN APPROACH SILVICULTURE APPROACH SILVICULTURE OBLIGATIONS HARVESTING: POST HARVEST ASSESSMENT POST HARVESTING REPORT SSSP SURVEY STANDARDS SURVEY PROCEDURES FOR SSSP POST HARVEST REPORTING - RESULTS VOLUME AMENDMENTS TERM EXTENSIONS GRADE CHANGE EFFECTS EXCESS HARVEST PENALTY BILLING INTERSPERSED, ACCESS AND SAFETY WOOD TIMBER MARKING ROAD USE TRAILS

4 22.1 BLADED TRAILS NON BLADED TRAILS LARGE SCALE EQUIPMENT IN SSSP DEAD AND DOWN CEDAR: DISEASED TIMBER: GENERAL STRATEGY REDUCING TREE WOUNDING SSSP FOREST HEALTH STRATEGY PLI APPLICATIONS AND BEETLE FLIGHT FDI APPLICATIONS AND BEETLE FLIGHT APPLICATIONS IN SALVAGE BMUS MAPS ON SSSP WEBSITE RETENTION PLANS SALVAGE FIRE KILL - SILVICULTURE EXEMPTION FOREST HEALTH BEETLE SURVEY SITES FOREST HEALTH BEETLE SURVEY SITES BOUNDARIES AND BEETLE TREES RANGE RANGE BARRIERS RANGE CONCERNS INVASIVE PLANTS PERMANENT SAMPLE PLOTS GENERAL FIELD DETECTION PSP SPATIAL INFORMATION OGMA'S AND SSSP FOREST FIRE PREVENTION AND SUPPRESSION HOLDERS OF OPEN BURNING REGISTRATION NUMBERS WORKSAFE BC FIREWOOD CASH SALES DEFINITION CUT TO LENGTH FIREWOOD SALES LOG LENGTH FIREWOOD SALES

5 33.4 COMMERCIAL FIREWOOD SALVAGE APPLICATIONS GREATER THAN 50 M3 FLTCS LOGGING DEBRIS APPLICATIONS SSSP WASTE AND RESIDUE POLICY INTRODUCTION DEFINITIONS PURPOSE SCOPE TAKE OR PAY PENALTY BILLING COARSE WOODY DEBRIS FACTORS AFFECTING WASTE AND RESIDUE IN SSSP RISK HARVEST METHODS MOUNTAIN PINE BEETLE EPIDEMIC REQUIREMENTS UNDER LEGISLATION REQUIREMENTS UNDER SSS POLICY METHODS TRAINING & CERTIFICATION ADMINISTRATION SSSP AUDIT PROGRAM PURPOSE OF THE AUDIT EXTENT OF AUDITS SCOPE OF AUDIT SELECTION OF BLOCK METHODOLOGY AUDIT DOCUMENTATION REPORTING FOLLOW UP INTERMEDIATE SALVAGE INITIATIVE ELIGIBLE TIMBER INVITATION TO TENDER EVALUATION AND AWARD TIMBER PRICING SECURITY DEPOSIT PROCESSING OF TENDERS OCCUPATION AND HARVESTING RIGHTS SSSP COMMUNICATION PLAN

6 38.0 CONTACT INFORMATION APPENDIX 1 - SSSP STOCKING STANDARDS DEFINITIONS APPENDIX 2 DISEASED TIMBER: ALTERNATIVE STRATEGY ARMILLARIA ROOT DISEASE PHELLINUS ROOT DISEASE TOMENTOSUS ROOT DISEASE ALTERNATIVE STRATEGY APPENDIX 3 - REDUCING TREE WOUNDING BEFORE HARVEST DURING HARVEST MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVE REGIMES DAMAGE CRITERIA BY MANAGEMENT REGIME APPENDIX 4 - ESF SUBMISSIONS APPENDIX 5 - STAKEHOLDER REFERRAL DETAIL TRAPLINE IDENTIFICATION GUIDE OUTFITTER LIST APPENDIX 6 PROVINCIAL STANDARDS FOR APPLICATION FOR A FORESTRY LICENCE TO CUT APPENDIX 7 FOCUS GROUP PROGRAM REVIEW APPENDIX WORKSHOP ACTION ITEMS APPENDIX 9 PSA DOCUMENTS

7 1.0 SCOPE OF THE SALVAGE PLAN This document replaces the 2003/2004 SSSP Transition Program Description and includes district manager and small scale salvage program direction since STRATEGIC PLAN IMPLEMENTATION This document provides specific direction for implementation of the Okanagan Shuswap Forest District s (OSFD) Small Scale Salvage Program (SSSP) Strategic Plan. The guidance in this document will help ministry staff and small scale salvage clients achieve sound forest management on SSSP sites. The six main goals of the Strategic Plan are identified below. Actions to address the goals are also identified. 1. To ensure SSSP clients operate safely on salvage sites the program will; a) Ensure safety and safe work practices are prioritized over everything else. b) Work in co-operation with Work Safe BC c) Provide Work Safe BC Safety information to Salvage clients d) Review regulations and policy from a safety perspective e) Establish best practices f) Ensure business objectives are viewed through a safety lens g) Ensure compliance and enforcement of legislation and licences h) Raise the profile of forest safety internally and externally 2. To ensure activities and operations under the SSSP are consistent with sound forest stewardship the program will; a) Focus SSS activities away from areas that would normally be addressed through large scale salvage operations. b) Avoid small patch fragmentation across the landscape, c) Minimize any silviculture liabilities to the MFR, particularly un-funded liabilities. d) Direct applications away from standing dead timber with marginal value where valuable timber must be felled to access the target timber. e) Through RPF site-specific planning, salvage operations will be conducted in accordance with the Forest And Range Practices Act, and associated 7

8 Regulations to ensure proper forest management protects key resource values including soils, visual quality, timber, forage, water, fish, wildlife, biodiversity, recreation, cultural heritage, and designated resource features. f) Planned salvage operations will also be consistent with the objectives identified in the Okanagan Shuswap Land and Resource Management Plan: g) Salvage operations will be environmentally sustainable and will reflect the important contribution which standing dead and down timber make to biological diversity, stream stability and soil building processes. h) Provide information and extension services to clients and RPFs. i) Participate in innovative activities such as the intermediate Salvage pilot. 3. To ensure the SSSP maximizes recovery of timber that would otherwise be un-salvaged losses the program will; a) Maintain a viable niche for Small Scale harvesting operators in the Okanagan Shuswap Forest District. b) Support other district objectives including delivery of the district Forest Health Strategy. 4. To maintain a balance between SSSP effectiveness and size the program will; a) Concentrate on Professional Salvage Applications with low to moderate complexity b) Concentrate on higher priority applications as identified in the strategic plan. 5. To establish a SSSP application and approval process that is efficient, effective and transparent, the program will; a) Utilize professional applications and professional post harvest assessments to support administrative and operational delivery of the program. b) Maintain adequate communication and consultation with all affected stakeholders, tenure or agreement holders, and First Nations, with respect to SSS activities. c) Develop and deliver on an annual contract with management that sets targets for processing applications. 8

9 6. To ensure the SSSP generates revenue for the Crown the program will; a) Work with BCTS, major licensees and the Tenures program to identify when alternative tenures for harvesting are more appropriate than direct award FLTC s. b) Continue to streamline the review process and search for improvements in delivery of services. c) Find innovative ways to share information with clients and RPF on salvage opportunities. d) Collect the appropriate amount of Stumpage and Silviculture Levy. The implementation plan will be reviewed and updated annually to incorporate objectives set out in the Ministry of Forests and Range s service plan. It will also be updated periodically to improve the practicality and effectiveness of SSSP guidance and to incorporate changes in ministry policies governing the SSSP. 9

10 3.0 RESPONSIBILITIES The primary focus of the SSSP is smaller scattered patches of imperilled timber that are not practical for major licensees or the BCTS program to harvest. Generally, salvage of larger patches of timber is the responsibility of the operating area licensee, i.e. the major licensee or the BCTS program. Licensees are required to take timely action on all salvage before wood values deteriorate or infestations spread to other timber. Salvage of small patches of timber is also the responsibility of the operating area licensee (major licensee) if the patch is located within their pre-designated "development planning area". These are areas where the major licensee has carried out development work or plans to carry it out in the near future. Development planning areas are mapped by the major licensee and submitted to the Forest Service annually. Within a development planning area, the major licensee has first refusal privileges on salvage applications. However, in conjunction with this privilege, the major licensee also accepts full responsibility for addressing all salvage. Major licensees may address salvage by encouraging salvage operators to apply for the wood or by logging the salvage themselves and using their own quota. Where a major licensee "refuses" a salvage application, it is expected that they will adequately address the salvage in a timely manner. Enforcement options are available under sections 72 and 73 of the Forest Act. In the absence of an approved development planning area, the default area of responsibility for a major licensee is any area within a reasonable distance (less than 400 m) of a cut block or road identified in a Forest Development Plan or Forest Stewardship Plan, a cut block that was recently logged (within last two years) or a road that was recently constructed. In addition, major licensees are responsible for salvage within area-based tenures and within cutblocks that have outstanding reforestation obligations. Licensees are not responsible for salvage of timber contained within acceptable amounts of logging residue. The remaining areas of small patches and scattered, salvage timber (up to 2000 m3) will be addressed by the Forest Service under the Small Scale Salvage Program (SSSP). This will be done either through cutting permits issued under the salvage licenses or through direct Forestry Licences to Cut. All salvage applications will be referred to the relevant major licensee in order to identify potential conflicts. If the major licensee requires a final FLTC exhibit A of the salvage area, it can be requested in the referral response letter. Licensees will try to respond to written referrals from RPFs within 10 clear working days (2 weeks). Maximum will be 15 clear working days (3 weeks). It is acceptable to respond in that period documenting the need for more time to respond. If no response received, MOF may proceed with issuance of a FLTC. 10

11 4.0 1 TYPES OF LICENCES AVAILABLE UNDER THE SSSP 1) Cash FLTC: used for volumes under 50 m3, and where the volume can be accurately determined prior to sale. The volume is determined, and the appropriate stumpage is paid in full in advance of harvesting. 2) Direct FLTC: (provincial FLTC document): restricted to volumes up to 2000 m3, preferably where small patches less than 500 m3 within close proximity can be grouped into one sale for administrative efficiency (see the Professional Salvage Application section). 3) Intermediate Salvage FLTC: Salvage Timber over 2000 m³ up to 5000 m³ that cannot be addressed by a major licensee may be competitively awarded under an Intermediate Salvage Forestry Licence to Cut (see the Intermediate Salvage Initiative section below). 4) SNRFLs: Salvage Non Replaceable Forest Licenses (SNRFLs) will continue to play an important role in SSSP by addressing small but challenging areas that require reforestation due to salvage operations. The licensee incurs the silviculture liability. The volume of the SNRFL licenses will range from 7,500 to 10,000 m3 per year and will give the holder the right to harvest small patches (generally less than 2000 m3) of qualifying timber scattered throughout a defined portion of the district. The Licensee may harvest trees that are dead or infested with beetles and those trees that are required to be removed to facilitate the removal of the infested timber. The area is restricted to a maximum clearcut size of 10 hectares, and that have been previously harvested after 1985, by single tree selection or small patch cut harvesting methods, over greater than 75 per cent of the cutting permit area. The area is also restricted to stands that will become not sufficiently restocked (NSR) as a result of current blowdown or bark beetle activity, and is further restricted to cutblocks where the volume of green healthy timber does not exceed 60 per cent of the volume of timber harvested in the cutblock. 1 Note: The Ministry of Forests and Range (MFR) and the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) came to agreement in 2006 about the future of the RDNO community salvage license. With the agreement of the RDNO, the Okanagan Shuswap Forest District is again accepting small scale salvage applications over the RDNO community salvage license area. 11

12 5.0 RATIONALE FOR DIRECT AWARD OF FLTCS: 5.1 Client Driven Opportunities Salvage timber may be direct awarded under the forestry licence to cut when: 1) the volume of timber specified does not exceed m3 and; 2) harvesting is restricted to timber that is dead or, in the opinion of the district manager, is in danger, as a result of an insect infestation, fire, or windthrow, of being significantly reduced in value, lost or destroyed, and; 3) when the district manager has determined that other measures, such as forest licences, are not practicable and would: a) excessively delay the timely removal of the salvage, leading to wood loss or deterioration and/or insect spread; b) create excessive workload which would jeopardize the timely processing of salvage applications; c) discourage applications to the point where damaged timber would not be discovered in time to be salvageable; or d) not guarantee the quality of harvesting or type of equipment needed to salvage log a sensitive site. 5.2 Advertised Direct Award Salvage Opportunities Specific salvage opportunities known to SSSP will be posted on the SSSP website and will provide for at least a 7-day advertising period followed by a random draw from applications received to identify the successful applicant. notification of a posting using the salvage client distribution list will precede the website advertising period. A one page pre-application and map, plus a site visit are requirements for eligibility. This approach will provide an opportunity for interested parties to view the site and to be included in the opportunity for the direct award, while still providing a fast turn around time for high priority salvage. 5.3 Forest Health Beetle Survey Sites In addition to the above, Forest Health Survey Crews routinely identify a number of potential SSSP salvage application sites. A spreadsheet on the SSSP website identifies mapsheet, UTM coordinates, geographic location, and beetle detail. This opportunity comes with the standard notice that there is no guarantee for an issued licence on an any application. 12

13 Note: Direct award FLTC s are preferred where volumes are under 500 m 3. However, where several applications from the same applicant are within close proximity of each other, the areas will be grouped into one FLTC where the volume is less than 2000m3 for administrative efficiency. 6.0 PROFESSIONAL SALVAGE APPLICATION PROCESS: 6.1 Process Overview The core process for small scale requires six (6) basic steps. Step 1 (Pre-application) Applicant or RPF Step 2 (Application) - RPF Step 3 (Review and approval) - District Manager Step 4 (Operations) - Licensee Step 5 (Post Harvesting Report) - RPF Step 6 (Deletion) - District Manager or Forest Officer 6.2 Processing Time Every attempt will be made to process pre-application and PSA submissions in a timely manner. A longer time may be required if demand exceeds our resource capability, if the application involves high risk harvesting, complex values and issues, or if documentation is not adequate. Note that conventional (no consulting RPF) applications for volumes less than 50 m3 are considered lower priority for processing than PSAs. There is no maximum processing time; the program is driven by forest stewardship priorities, available resources, workload and date of application. The intention is to provide services as follows (considers intermittent/seasonal nature of submissions): a. 90 % of Pre-apps processed within 10 calendar days b. 75% of moderate & high priority PSAs processed within 25 calendar days c. 80% of PSA amendments processed within 15 calendar days d. 80% of Deletions processed within 25 calendar days 6.3 Number Of Applications The maximum number of salvage applications per applicant is three (3). The maximum number of issued Forestry Licences to Cut is three (3) (grand total is three (3). The Ministry of Forests may limit the number of applications that any individual family or company may submit or vary the maximum number of applications submitted by an individual in special circumstances 13

14 6.4 Legitimate Applications It is important to ensure that submitted pre-applications are not frivolous in nature. Major licensees have expressed concerns about receiving referrals for salvage applications that are within a major licensees cutting permit block boundary, especially where complete field layout is obvious (ribbons, paint, etc). Careful checking of the major licensee FDP/FSP maps and any amendments to the FDP/FSP is necessary before proceeding with a referral. In addition, application areas must be checked for existing layout. Another example of a frivolous application is where field assessment has not occurred and/or where volumes of true salvage timber are misrepresented or non-existent. 6.5 Complexity Of Salvage Opportunities The SSSP will concentrate on Professional Salvage Applications with low to moderate complexity. Salvage harvesting opportunities can be identified by the complexity of the logging opportunity and potential for post harvest site and stocking issues. More complex applications will require additional time to review and award, or will be disallowed due to risk. Basic applications include the following salvage situations: Leading edge beetle attack Suppression BMU Bark Beetle Management Units Green Attack small outbreak Single Tree Selection with no patch cuts exceeding 0.5 ha Very high ratio of target tree to access/safety tree Existing trails Minimal Trail Width (average 3.0 m and maximum 3.5 m) Hand Fall, Line Skid No stream crossings No conflict with ML referral Small area, well defined patches Mixed species stands 0 to 30% component of pine High Value, high priority salvage timber Application and maps clearly identify the location and type of salvage, identify landing and trail location, accurately assess species and volume, justify the value of proceeding, and address all forest management concerns. Thorough and accurate field layout including tree, trail and sensitive area identification 14

15 Moderately complex applications include, but are not limited to, the following salvage situations: Ungulate Winter Range S6 stream crossings 30 to 50 % component of pine Holding BMU Bark Beetle Management Units Significant Access/Safety Wood is required significant new trail required modified landings Close proximity to private land, resource features, recreation reserves, OGMAs, etc Range resources within the block A series of patch cuts Highly complex applications include, but are not limited to, the following salvage situations: OGMA WTP WHA Stream Crossings S1-S4 Multiple Stream Crossings any class Salvage BMU Bark Beetle Management Units Epidemic level mountain pine beetle attack Significant access and safety wood required New bladed trail is required Plans to exceed average trail width (3.5 m) Salvage in extensive root rot areas (ICH, IDF wet) Upgrade of old road systems New landings required Community watersheds Class A lakes High Visual Quality Feller buncher Grapple skidder Terrain stability concerns Steep slopes Many patch cuts or patch cuts that are close to 1 ha in size Multiple openings in stand within 200 meters Post harvest stocking plan includes understory regeneration Clear cuts that exceed 1 ha Estimated residual stocking level is at or near minimum standard (20 m2/ha) 50 % or more component of pine 15

16 High archeologically potential or proximal to known archaeological sites Other First Nations high interest areas A significant portion of the residual stand is low value timber (i.e. balsam) A significant portion of the stand is small diameter timber The residual stand contributes to a reduced opportunity/high risk for an economical final entry. 7.0 SSSP PRE-APPLICATION 7.1 Steps 1. Complete a one page pre-application form (Client or RPF). 2. Produce a clear and accurate map of suitable scale (generally 1:5,000 to 1:20,000 scale) identifying the precise location and extent of the timber to be salvaged. Provide accurate directions to access the site from the city. Forestry consulting firms in the Okanagan/Shuswap may provide base map service (Client or RPF). 3. Submit the application and map to the MFR (Client or RPF). 4. Carry out a check to ensure the area is free from current FLTC applications. After the application is entered in the database, the applicant will be given a reference number. Note that these pre applications will be retained for a period of sixty (60) days. Where a follow up P.S.A. is not received within sixty days the application will expire, and will require re-application in order to proceed (SSSP staff). 7.2 Limitations The Pre-app review involves a check ONLY for overlaps with other SSSP applications and known archaeology. It does not include a check for major licensee blocks. If there are no overlaps a letter is sent indicating the client may proceed with the professional application. 7.3 Archaeology and Areas Of Interest SSSP runs a check on the proximity of applications to known archaeology sites and on areas of high interest to first nations during the preapplication review. The known archaeology site location maps are not available to the public. It is important that both the RPF and the licensee understand the requirement (Heritage Conservation Act) to cease operations and report when any new archaeology site becomes evident either before, or as operations are underway. 16

17 7.4 NRFL Areas SSSP staff will refer to Tenures staff any salvage application located within a proposed non-replaceable forest licence (NRFL) operating area. Applicants must anticipate a delay where applications fall within these areas. 17

18 8.0 CLIENT AND PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS 1. To qualify for a licence, applicants must be a resident of British Columbia, be 19 years of age or over and have suitable logging experience. 2. Preference will be given to proponents that have significant logging experience in salvage situations where resource values are high or the site is difficult or sensitive to harvest. 3. Preference will be given to proponents that have specialized equipment (e.g. horses and narrow-gauge skidders) for salvage situations where resource values are high or the site is difficult or sensitive to harvest. 4. APPLICANTS ARE EXPECTED TO THOROUGHLY INVESTIGATE THE SALVAGE SITE BEFORE APPLYING FOR A FORESTRY LICENCE TO CUT. THE LOGGING CHANCE MUST BE CONFIRMED, THE LOCATION ACCURATELY PLOTTED ON A FOREST COVER MAP, AND THE VOLUME ESTIMATED BY SALVAGE TYPE AND SPECIES. IN ADDITION A MARKET FOR THE TIMBER MUST BE IDENTIFIED. 5. Applicants must hire their own consultant (qualified, registered professional forester) to complete a professional salvage application (PSA), so that the MFR may issue a FLTC (see Professional Salvage Application section). 6. Before a 4th application is considered and before a new FLTC is issued, all obligations from previous sales must be complied with unless they are post-harvesting obligations that should wait for suitable operating conditions. 7. Salvage applications are to be referred to operating area licensees to identify potential conflicts. 8. The applicant may require the services of a consulting biologist, engineer, or other professional in sensitive or high-risk areas, where the issue is outside the RPF s scope of practice. 9. The applicant is required to have proposed skid trails marked, trees to cut marked, corner posts identified, and in appropriate situations, the boundary ribboned. 18

19 8.1 Performance Expectations The OSFD is considering a performance based rating system to expedite the application review and awarding of licenses for professional applications. This expedited review and awarding process would also apply to amendment requests, post harvest assessments, and related authorizations. Expectations are that applications are accurate, thorough, and complete and are consistent with forestry legislation, and written direction from the District Manager. A performance based rating system can be used to manage risk during the issuance process. It allows for the issuance and approval process to be expedited where pre-applications, professional salvage applications, amendment requests, and post harvest assessments are consistently delivered with accuracy and thoroughness. The issuance and approval process can be expedited where harvesting operations have been consistently conducted in accordance with the Harvest Guide and the professional salvage application, forestry legislation, the licence, and written direction from the District Manager. 8.2 Salvage Applicants and Pre-Applications Applicants are expected to have at least one year of harvesting experience and knowledge on how to properly apply for a Forestry Licence to Cut. New clients are expected to gain experience through employment with experienced operators. Pre-applications must be legible and accurate (See section on pre-applications). A pre-application that is not legible or accurate will be disallowed and a letter will be sent to the applicant with an explanation of the problems found. When additional inaccurate pre-applications are identified a meeting with the applicant and program staff is required. If no improvement is evident a meeting with the district manager is required and a warning will be provided that any further pre-applications that are substandard will result in removal of the client from the SSSP program for a period of time to be determined by the district manager. 8.3 RPFs and Applications It is expected that every RPF submitting a salvage application is working within the scope of his or her practice. An RPF that is unfamiliar with the proper forestry management under the small scale salvage program must have gained experience in the program by working with other RPFs or forestry companies. RPFs must become familiar with the district direction and provincial legislation with respect to the Forestry Licence to Cut (FLTC) tenure and the SSSP. Submitted professional salvage applications (PSAs) are considered the final application and must meet the program standards. Processing of the application will include a cursory office review by a SSSP technician or forester. 19

20 Applications that are found not to meet program standards will be disallowed and returned to the applicant with a letter of explanation. The RPF will be sent a copy of the disallowance letter. Depending on the issue, revision and re-submission may be allowed. The application will fall out of the processing queue when it is disallowed. Processing timelines will be based on the date when re-submission occurs. Further applications submitted by the RPF in the above situation will fall into a higher risk category and will require additional scrutiny during review. The RPF and his or her client must expect the processing of these applications to fall well outside of the normal processing timelines. Background detail on any aspect of the application may be requested by the reviewer. A site visit/audit by salvage staff may be required when the review finds concerns with the volume estimate, the forest management approach, the layout description, and any other aspect of the application. Timing for a field review will be dependant on the salvage staff workload. 8.4 The Salvage Licensee It is expected that the salvage licensee works at harvesting the licence area throughout the term of the licence. A licensee is expected to have at least one year of harvesting experience. Inexperienced clients are expected to gain experience through employment with experienced operators. The licensee must be familiar with the licence terms and conditions, district policy, and provincial legislation with respect to the Forestry Licence to Cut tenure and the SSS Program. Operations that contravene licence terms and conditions, and district policy with respect to the Forestry Licence to Cut tenure will result in SSSP field audits and a conversation with the licensee. Operations that are serious contraventions or that continue to contravene licence terms and conditions, district policy, and provincial legislation with respect to the Forestry Licence to Cut tenure will result in a suspension and cancellation of the licence. Operations that are contraventions of provincial legislation will result in action by compliance and enforcement. A trend of suspended and/or cancelled licenses will result in removal of the licensee from the SSSP program for a period of time to be determined by the district manager. 20

21 9.0 PROFESSIONAL SALVAGE APPLICATION 9.1 PSA initiative All applications for small-scale salvage must be submitted as Professional Salvage Applications (PSA). A PSA is a proposal where the salvage applicant (licensee) hires a qualified registered professional forester to complete a salvage application. The exception to PSAs will be for small salvage area applications that involve less than 50 m3 of timber. Under the PSA initiative, it is required that a registered professional forester (RPF) sign and seal the application package to confirm that it complies with all legal and policy requirements and that it otherwise conforms to accepted standards of forestry practice. 9.2 Office Procedures PSA steps are as follows: 1. After receiving the pre-app response letter form the client and before undertaking any further work on a professional application on behalf of their clients, the RPF must refer the proposed salvage area to the major licensee (including BCTS) operating in the area of interest to identify any potential conflicts. The RPF must obtain a positive response to the SSS harvest proposal. If the major licensee identifies concerns with the proposal, the RPF must provide a written rationale that addresses those concerns before proceeding. Any changes to the size or location of the initially referred area will require an amended referral to the major licensee. 2. The work completed by the RPF takes into account full professional reliance. Considerations will include, but not be limited to: status check for conflicts, referrals to major licensees and other stake holders, field data collection, assessments, preparation of all required documents and maps, harvest area layout, tree marking, and completion of related documents and maps, etc. 3. Accuracy of inventory volume and species composition is a matter of professional reliance and licensee responsibility. Volume estimates species composition, and salvage type (e.g. green attack, red attack, blowdown) estimates indicated in the application must be within 20 percent of actual volume harvested. Accuracy will be assessed based on load slip and harvest billing information, and / or field assessments. 4. The RPF is responsible to discuss, address and document any concerns raised by the operating area major licensee, by other resource agencies and by other referral parties prior to final submission of the application. Referrals are required for all applicable 21

22 agencies and licensed resource users and also any person that may be materially affected by the proposed operations including but not limited to MOE, BC Hydro, MOTH, water purveyors / irrigation districts, trappers, and ranchers. 5. The RPF is required to ensure that the salvage proposal and harvest guide are consistent with the key resource values under the Forest and Range Practices Act (FRPA) and all other pertinent legislation. Key values under FRPA include soils, visual quality, timber, forage, water, fish, wildlife, biodiversity, recreation, cultural heritage, and designated resource features. The RPF must also ensure that the planned harvest operations do not conflict with major licensee forest stewardship plans or forest development plans. 6. The RPF must ensure that the planned harvest operations are consistent with the objectives identified in the Okanagan Shuswap Land and Resource Management Plan. 7. Once the salvage licensee and consultant have agreed on a final FLTC application and signed and sealed applicable documents, the complete package is submitted as a "final" submission. Problems with draft documents must be resolved prior to receiving the proposal. All submissions shall have the reference number and/or FLTC number noted on them. Incomplete or inaccurate applications will be disallowed. 8. The salvage logger submitting the salvage application is deemed to be the "licensee" that is making a FLTC application in a similar fashion that a major licensee makes a cutting permit application. The licensee may appoint the RPF to act as his or her agent in dealing with the MFR, providing that the licensee states this in writing and includes a statement that he has reviewed and accepted the work. The licensee is responsible to ensure the work from the hired consultant is acceptable to meet their requirements for the intended salvage proposal, before making an application to the MFR 9. The harvest guide must be signed and sealed by a Registered Professional Forester and the applicant. 10. One copy of the complete salvage application package along with three (3) sets of maps (see mapping requirements section below) are to be submitted with a signed cover letter attesting that the application is accurate and conforms with all relevant legislation, applicable major licensee Forest Development Plan and /or Forest Stewardship Plan, the Okanagan Shuswap Land and Resource Management Plan and the District small-scale salvage direction. Professional salvage application package contents will include (but not be limited to): cover letter, Okanagan Shuswap Forest District salvage application form, field report form, Harvest Guide, Harvest Guide Map, FLTC Exhibit A 22

23 Map, major licensee referral letter, other stakeholder or agency comments, and RPF certification form. Additional requirements may include operational planning assessments, road maintenance agreements, permission for access through private land, and free growing declarations. Note that road use under the Forest and Range Practices Act (FRPA) is subject to conditions in accordance with Section 22.1, subsection (5) including, if required by the road permit holder, the requirement for the exemption holder (FLTC licensee) to pay for road use maintenance in accordance with section 22.3 of the FRPA 11. The application will be forwarded to the applicable SSS staff person for review according to the principles of professional reliance. If satisfactory, stumpage rates and FLTC documents will be prepared and forwarded to the DM for signing. It is the proponent and consultant s responsibility to provide the DM with adequate assurance that the actions prescribed in the harvest plan will succeed. 12. If the major licensee requests a map of the FLTC exhibit A, it will be provided to them by the MFR once the application is completed. 9.3 Field Procedures 1. Clearly mark the boundaries of the area to be harvested in the field with durable orange flagging tape if harvest is for blowdown or will result in a small clearcut less than 1 ha. Boundaries of partial-cut, single-tree selection harvest areas may not require a boundary in some circumstances. 2. For single-tree selection harvest, the application must exclude areas of impracticable timber salvage, such as low or non-existent levels of beetle attacked timber. 3. For single-tree selection salvage harvest salvage timber must be paint marked with blue paint all trees to be cut, with a paint slash below stump height reaching the ground, with a line encircling the tree at breast height, and with consecutive numbering of all trees. 4. Establish corner post trees on all salvage application areas (mandatory) with 3 orange ribbons, 3 horizontal blue paint lines, an axe blaze, and a metal tag stating NW, NE, SW, SE corner, date, licence number, and name. Locate the corner posts with GPS latitude and longitude (or UTM) co-ordinates (minimum standard for corner post location is handheld GPS unit). 5. Clearly mark all major skid trails in the field with durable yellow flagging tape. The reference number and or Forestry Licence to Cut (FLTC) number must be clearly marked on the flagging tape that starts each skid trail from each landing. 23

24 6. Riparian Areas with No Operations must be clearly marked in the field with durable flagging tape stating the words Riparian Reserve Zone. Riparian Areas with Restricted Operations must be marked with the words Riparian Management Area. 7. Provide a tally of the number of marked access/safety trees and salvage trees separately that includes average tree heights and diameters and an estimate of the volumes. 8. The RPF needs to collect and analyze all the necessary information to be able to ensure that the harvesting does not cause environmental damage or does not impact, beyond reasonable levels, other resources. The content requirements previously required (under FPC) outlined, in general, the minimum information needed for that analyses of the harvesting impacts and reforestation strategies. The professional forester is to have similar information on hand and able to provide that information to show the status of the resources prior to harvest and to back-up their decisions on the site. While the format of that information is not specified professional reliance models require the professional forester to show due diligence and that does not mean deference to decisions ("trust me") but requires documentation as back-up to their decisions. 9.4 Mapping Requirements Mapping Accuracy The minimum standard for accuracy of boundary location is to locate the corner posts with GPS latitude and longitude (or UTM) co-ordinates using a handheld GPS unit. A hand held GPS track of the entire Exhibit A boundary is recommended to prevent trespassing and unauthorized harvest. For single-tree selection harvest the application must accurately identify the location of salvage timber. The application must exclude areas of impracticable timber salvage, such as large areas of low or non-existent levels of beetle attacked timber. The map must accurately reflect the exclusion of these areas. 24

25 9.4.2 Electronic Submission Framework One goal of the Ministry of Forests and Range is to have accurate and complete information available to assist in making the best land management decisions. An important element of that information is the spatial or map based detail. All professional applications must include both paper copy maps and the digital files associated with the map. The digital files (spatial and attribute data) must be submitted through the MFR Electronic Submission Framework (ESF). Applicants can do the electronic submissions themselves or through the use of a service provider for ESF. To make an ESF submission a BCEid user number is required. A consultant (RPF or service provider) who submits on the licensee s behalf will need to use the licensee s BCEid. To apply for a business BCEid user number call or use the link below; For a list of ESF service providers use the following link; The document below entitled Mandatory Fields for Electronic Submission of Forestry Licence to Cut (FLTC) will assist the client / service provider exchange of required information. Once a submission is received the District geomatics staff will carry out a land status clearance operation. This check is to identify conflicts with Forest and Range, and Land Act Tenures. The client s RPF is still required to ensure all forest management constraints and conflicts are resolved. Please note that all other aspects and requirements of both the preapplication (1 page map and 1 page form) and the professional application process remain the same. The pre application response letter will include a Forestry Licence to Cut licence number and information on spatial standards. It is important that the ESF service provider enter the provided FLTC number in the ESF submission. Otherwise the system automatically generates a new FLTC number and the application review will be delayed. SSSP still requires the paper submission of the application and maps. The maps still require all the detail identified below. 25

26 9.4.3 Harvest Guide Mapping Computer aided design digital ARC maps are required along with a hardcopy as an Exhibit A and a Harvest Guide map. Required detail on base maps is described below. In addition to the harvest guide map and Exhibit A we require a simple landscape level overview map to identify the block location that includes identifiable features within the district. The following describes minimum standards for a map that must accompany a Small Scale Salvage Application for a FLTC. 1) Scale 1:5,000 to 1:10,000 for Harvest Guide Map as required for detail. 2) Reference to the appropriate 1:20000 forest cover map sheet number (e.g. 82L006). 3) Geographic description (name of nearest known feature) 4) Description of access from nearest town or well known point 5) UTM coordinates or latitude and longitude 6) Legend 7) Boundaries of private land, Indian reserve, parks, woodlot license, or other tenures. 8) Boundary of the area proposed for harvesting under the Forestry License to Cut. 9) Significant topographic features within the application area, including streams, wetlands and lakes. 10) Resource features, as defined by legislation, in the vicinity of the salvage area. 11) Clearcut areas, including plantations adjacent to the areas proposed for salvage. 12) Access roads and trails to or between harvest sites (not including dispersed skid routes to conduct single tree removal within the area) 13) Landings to be utilized on or off the proposed salvage area 14) Stream crossings and machine free zones 15) Domestic water supply intakes and water supply infrastructure 16) Government approved experimental projects, growth and yield plots, operational trials and research installations 17) Range improvements, including structures, excavations or constructed livestock trails 18) Trapping cabins, identified trapping sites and access trails 19) Recreation sites and known features 20) Cultural heritage resource features 21) Critical wildlife habitat areas 22) Streams, wetlands and lakes along with identified class. 23) Location of main salvage patches and type of salvage clearly identified within the proposed block area. 26

27 10.0 LICENCE ISSUANCE 10.1 Start up notice As per the Workers Compensation Act and associated regulations, operators are required to provide the WCB with a 5 day notice of project commencement for forestry activities. For WCB requirements and notice of project forestry (NOPF) forms try this link: Communication with SSSP Staff Professional reliance and the Professional Salvage Application approach rely on the RPF to convey to the licensee all harvesting operation information. A pre-work site visit between the two parties is recommended. The SSSP technician or Forester may audit a site at the pre-application, application, active, or post harvest stage for technical or professional reasons. Such visits are to determine the rationale for certain operations or to assess the salvage operation results, but are not intended to recommend forest management options. Licensee concerns or questions may be directed to the salvage technician at any stage of the application process or following issuance of the licence. Concerns about changed circumstances that will affect intended results must be brought to the attention of the SSSP coordinator Road Maintenance Agreements The licensee is required to enter into a Road Maintenance Agreement with the primary user of the road. Before a salvage FLTC is issued, the applicant is required to produce a signed agreement with the Road Permit holder or in the case of a FSR, the Road Use Permit holder who has maintenance responsibility to the Ministry of Forests and Range Road Permit Exemptions Small scale salvage licensees (FLTC only) are automatically exempted from obtaining a Road Permit or Road Use Permit under the Forest Road Regulation if the road has not been deactivated, if the road will not be modified, if the road is used for a period of less than 60 days and if the District Manager has not otherwise specified the requirement for a Permit. Despite the provision for automatic exemption, the district manager may still make an exemption subject to conditions under certain circumstances. 27

28 This will be specified by exemption letter if applicable. A person who is exempted must notify the primary road user at least 48 hours before using the road FLTC Schedule A The Schedule A includes important conditions, requirements, and obligations that must be adhered to by the licensee. An example of a schedule A condition is that all operations on the Licence shall be carried out in accordance with the Harvest Guide submitted as part of the professional salvage application. Each license may have specific Schedule A clauses Deposit The licensee is required to pay a deposit according to the Advertising, Deposits, Disposition and Extension Regulation that is the sum of 10% of the first $ of the total estimated stumpage value plus 5% of the remaining total estimated stumpage value. The deposit is maintained for the duration of the licence and until all obligations have been fulfilled. This and any other charges owed to the MFR will be payable before further applications will be considered Stumpage Payments Stumpage will be payable based on the stumpage rate and weight or piece scale. Table 6 rates in the Interior Appraisal Manual apply for FLTCs in the SSSP. Table rates are usually set in August of each year. Salvage and Special Products stumpage rates can be found in the appraisal manual online. A full appraisal is an option available for any application BUT note the rates are not fixed and will adjust automatically each quarter SSSP SILVICULTURE LEVY The Ministry of Forests and Range Small-Scale Salvage initiative (SSS) manages all sites under Forestry Licence To Cut's (FLTC s), including areas that are less than 1 hectare, to ensure they are adequately reforested as outlined in the Reference Guide for Forest Development Plan (FDP) Stocking Standards. Further, all openings are to be tracked in the Ministry Of Forest and Range (MFR) RESULTS database. 28

29 This direction is due to indications that reliance on natural regeneration on the majority of areas harvested with FLTCs with no silviculture obligation is not as successful a strategy as originally planned in the Interior Forest Regions. To fund this initiative, a silviculture levy will now be added to Table 6-2 rates for FLTC s under the holding pattern approach (described below) CC<1ha Levy The Ministry of Forests and Range Small-Scale Salvage initiative (SSS) will manage all sites under Forestry Licence To Cut's (FLTC s), including areas that are less than 1 hectare, to ensure they are adequately reforested as outlined in the Reference Guide for Forest Development Plan (FDP) Stocking Standards. Further, all openings are to be tracked in the Ministry Of Forest and Range (MFR) RESULTS database. This change is due to indications that reliance on natural regeneration on the majority of areas harvested with FLTCs with no silviculture obligation is not as successful a strategy as originally planned in the Interior Forest Regions. To fund this initiative, a silviculture levy of $1.65/m3 (as of October 1, 2007) will be added to Table 6-2 rates for most FLTC s under the holding pattern approach (described below). Details on how this change and other changes will be implemented in the Okanagan Shuswap Forest District are identified in italics below CC>1ha Levy The current Silviculture Levy for all species is $5.93/m3 (as of October 1, 2007). This levy will apply to all grades of timber. If a salvage block harvested using the CC<1ha approach is found to be non-stocked postharvest, then Section of the Forest Act may apply to re-adjust the stumpage rate to include a silviculture levy Unusual Circumstances Levy Where exceptional costs area anticipated, as in the case of helicopter logging or extremely remote locations, the District Manager may set a higher than average silviculture levy to ensure the levy will meet the costs Intermediate Salvage Levy The levy for intermediate salvage will be set using site specific information including size of block (ha) and biogeoclimatic zone. 29