Basic Silviculture Survey Training Dave Weaver RPB. Live Meeting Course May 31, 2011

Transcription

1 Basic Silviculture Survey Training Dave Weaver RPB Live Meeting Course May 31, 2011 Summer 2008

2 Silviculture Survey Training Session Topics A. SURVEY FUNDAMENTALS 1. Survey Definition & Legal Context Strat. & Reporting 2. Survey Type per Stand Structure B. BASIC EVEN-AGED SURVEY METHODOLOGIES 3. Survey Timing and Well Spaced & Free Growing Def n 4. Sampling Techniques 5. Data Collection - brief 6. Statistics - brief C. FREE GROWING ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 7. Appendix 9 Quadrant & Allowable Broadleaves 2

3 A. Survey Fundamentals Section 1 SILVICULTURE SURVEY DEF N & LEGAL CONTEXT Stratification Reporting & Precision 3

4 Silviculture Survey Procedures Manual Only a reference for data collection. No explicit legislated survey requirements, - - Only reporting precision standards. Manual provides guidance to meet the standards. Procedures will be used to measure achievement of an obligation C&E unless alternative procedure in FSP 4

5 What is a Silviculture Survey? An examination of an opening for the purpose of providing information to a forest manager on how the site and stand are progressing relative to the prescribed management objectives. 5

6 How are the Data & Prescriptions used? Measure of compliance to Stocking Standards Monitoring achievement of Management Objectives & Treatment Success Update Inventory Database VRIMS Base data for Timber Supply Review, Forest Estate Modeling & Annual Reports Basis for Prioritizing Treatments & Treatment Planning Identification of Forest Health Issues & Forest Health Trends 6

7 FPC vs. FRPA to a surveyor Old FPC Openings options 2 1 New Openings FRPA FDP & Silv Prescription Stocking Standards Survey Procedures? FRPA Optional FSP & Site Plan Stocking Standards 7

8 Surveys in FRPA Context FRPA May submit REGEN & FG If submit must have Forest Cover Inventory - as required by minister Optional for Licensee or via FSP procedure (except for Forest Cover Inventory) RESULTS Information Submission Specifications Inventory & Silviculture Label Content Defined Silv. Surveys Procedures Manual FIA, FFT, BCTS C&E 8

9 New Stratification Legislation & Standards Forest Cover & Milestone Regulation (FPPR 46.11) Minimum Polygon Size SU s < 1 ha. Regen Declaration SR or NSR Free Growing FG - Free Growing NFG - if mappable and less than 5% NAR Entire SU 1 ha 1 ha 1 to 2 ha mappable suggested definition: polygon > 20m length and > 20 m from nearest NFG area RISS Reserves, NP, NPBr areas: 0.25 ha 9

10 Example #2: Free Growing Milestone Is SU 1 (40.0 ha) free growing? Details: Stratum A 31.5 ha; FG Stratum B 1.5 ha; NFG Stratum C 7 ha; WTP 10

11 Reporting requirements FPPR (or any outstanding FPC obligations): Declarations - Section 97 (7) declaration under section 107 of the Act to the effect that the requirements for the regeneration date or free growing date on an area have been met.must include or incorporate by reference a current forest cover inventory for the area. Definitions forest cover inventory means a survey of trees and tree-related matters in an area that includes information required by the minister. Delegated to Chief Forester 11

12 RESULTS Info Submission Specifications RESULTS Information Submission Specifications (RISS) : Licensee Submissions (Edition 3b) Signed by Chief Forester Oct 10, 2008, Updated Jan, 2011 mostly regarding reporting of dispersed retention over 5 m2. Available on web site: ness.htm#submission_specifications 12

13 RISS Content Polygon Data Stocking Status & Type; Reserve Type & Objective; Site Index; Tree Cover Pattern Inventory Label Layer; Spp &%; Age & Ht.; Damage Agent & %; TT; Crown Closure; (BA) Silviculture Label Layer; Spp &%; Age & Ht.; Damage Agent & %; WS & FG; (BA) Spatial Data required with each submission Precision Standards 13

14 Precision Standards 14

15 Section 2 SURVEY TYPES PER STAND STRUCTURE 15

16 Complex Stand Structure ~ Surveys Manual ) CC Even-aged 2) Complex Vertical 3) Complex Horizontal 1) CC Even-aged 3 m 16

17 2) Complex Vertical Stand Structures Multi-storey Uneven-aged Layered Even-aged Layered & Deviation from Potential (DFP) 17

18 2) Complex Vertical Stand Structures Boreal Mixedwood Intimate Mixture 18

19 3) Complex Horizontal Stand Structures Even-aged Clustered Intermediate Cut Commercial Thinning 19

20 3) Complex Horizontal Stand Structures Clearcut with Reserves Coastal & Interior Mixedwood Patch Mixtures 20

21 Survey Methodology Selection Matrix Management Regime Even-aged stand structure Uneven-aged stand structure Stocking Standard Silviculture System Survey Methodology Options Clearcut (CC) < 5 m2 BA Dispersed Retention residual stems Standard CC/Even-aged Survey Methodology One Layer TSS & MSS Dispersed Retention of residual stems: > 5 m2 BA and < 20 m SIFR&NIFR / < 40 m2 CFR Layered Survey Procedures DFP related (SEDRSS) Mixedwood (Dec/Conifer)NE Interior and CFR Multiple Layer TSS & MSS Single tree selection > 5 m2 BA and < 20 m2 SIFR&NIFR / < 40 m2 CFR Multi-storey Survey only IDF zones or small area based tenures such as Woodlots. 21

22 I m confused!!!! Which survey do we use? Never mind, let s just estimate the stocking. 22

23 3 Types of Silviculture Surveys 1. Regeneration Delay Survey Milestone Well Spaced Assessment Prove SR & achievement of obligation. No Forest Health Acceptability Criteria. 2. Stocking Survey Intermediate Well Spaced Assessment Monitor Performance anytime before FG. Use of FG Damage Criteria optional. 3. Free Growing Survey Milestone Well Spaced & Free Growing Assessment Prove FG & achievement of obligation Use of FG Damage Criteria required. 23

24 Survey Objectives All of the 3 types of Surveys can incorporate: Plantability plantable & preparable spots. Brushing rating competition levels & determining competition indexes. Maximum Density tally of countable conifers (CC). Forest Health incidence outside of damage hazards or focus on any presence of a specific pest. 24

25 Section 3 SURVEY TIMING WELL SPACED AND FREE GROWING DEF N 25

26 Survey Timing Regen Delay Survey - on or before Regen Date - any snow free time of year - if vegetation cover survey in spring or fall - at time of planting with FS 704 is acceptable Free Growing - before 20 yrs after harvest FRPA blocks Survey - once FG Height achieved - between max leaf out & leaf fall Early free growing date* 1 Only for FPC blocks Time Commencement of harvest In FSP Regeneration date In FSP Free growing date Height Achieved 26

27 Well Spaced Tree - definition Mandatory factors are: 1.Preferred and Acceptable species as listed in the SP, FSP or FDP. 2.Minimum Inter-Tree Distance (MITD) from any other tree that is recorded as a well spaced tree, as specified in the SP, FSP or FDP. 27

28 Free Growing Tree & Stand - definition Mandatory factors are: 1. Well Spaced Tree. 2. Free of Unacceptable Pest Damage. - healthy - FRPA sec 1 3. Free of Unacceptable levels of Vegetation Competition. not impeded by competition - FRPA sec 1 4. Free Growing Height achieved. 5. Stand Maximum Density (CC) not exceeded. 6. Other Criteria in SP, FSP or FDP. 28

29 B. Basic Even-aged Survey Methodologies Section 4 SAMPLING TECHNIQUES 29

30 Stratification - definition The process of defining and identifying Populations with Similar Characteristics in an Opening MOST CRITICAL STEP in Survey Process Quality Quality of of Stratification Survey 30

31 Stratification - Objectives Sampling precision, by delineating homogenous populations. Variation within each stratum surveyed, as compared to the entire opening. Efficiency of the survey by reducing number of plots to achieve the desired precision. Reliability of the treatment prescriptions. 31

32 Why Stratify? 14 ha SR 1200 sph 11 ha NSR 200 sph What would be the total stems per ha. for the block without stratification? Without stratification, do we meet the objectives of a stocking survey (MSS 700 WS/ha)? 32

33 Stratification Suggested Criteria for Stratification: Δ SU and/or BEC Δ age class (>20 years) Δ stocking status Δ height class (>10 m) Δ leading species Δ site index (>3 m) Δ species composition (>20%) Δ treatment recommendations Δ from pure to species mix (Fdc100 vs. Fdc80Hw10Cw10) Δ crown closure (>10%) Δ stand structure 33

34 Stratification When and How? When is Stratification done? 1. Office Preliminary Stratification 2. Field Walkthrough Refinement 3. Field During Plots Refinement 4. Compilation During Summary if required How is Stratification done? No specific rules keep survey objectives in mind and why we stratify. Split first and lump afterwards. Requires good judgement this will come with more experience. 34

35 Case Study example photo Boundary Preliminary Stratification 2 1 Area of uncertainty possible brush? 35

36 Survey Design and Methodology Survey Design is a function of: 1. Survey objective 2. Required plot intensity and desired level of accuracy 3. Strata variability **Remember** A formal survey is no longer required under FRPA (also applies to all old FPC openings). Required only to produce an Inventory & Silviculture Label with a declaration. 36

37 Survey Methods 1. Grid Sampling Very structured Plots often 100m x 100m pattern, not always along cardinal bearings Contract rules for PoC, moving plots, distance from timber edge, etc. Suitable for: Strata with high variability Where many plots are required Statistical analysis is required 37

38 Survey Methods 2. Vector Sampling Moderately structured Pre-determined bearings (not usually more) Plot spaced evenly along the lines Suitable for: Unusually shaped openings < 10 ha. Where few plots are required Statistical analysis is required m 142m 142m 142m m 142m 38

39 Survey Methods 3. Representative Sampling Lightly structured Establish plots as if the plot data collected adequately represent the conditions on the stratum Suitable for: Obvious stocking status Skilled Surveyors Very few plots are required Statistical analysis is required **Use caution**

40 Survey Methods 3. Visual Assessments Not structured Relies on surveyor professionalism and experience Suitable for: Obvious stocking status Skilled Surveyors No formal plots are required Statistical analysis is not required **Use caution** 40

41 Dispersed or Mosaic Strata SU B/C Two or more strata that can be clearly defined & described, but impractical to map. May have to move plots on a pre-defined off set to completely sample each strata. Summarize each strata, but do not map. A A B/C B & C? A - 6 ha B/C 10 ha 80% B ( 8 ha) 20% C ( 2 ha) 41

42 Draft Field Map 42

43 Section 5 DATA COLLECTION 43

44 Survey Parameters Where & What? Where? SP, FSP, and/or FDP RESULTS Opening file. Aerial Photos conventional, ortho., high resolution digital. Forest Cover map. Previous silviculture treatment prescriptions or post treatment reports. Previous Surveys. Survey Contract Standards. Any others? What s needed for FS 657? Preferred & Acceptable Species. Target & Minimum Stocking Standards. Minimum Inter-Tree Distance. Regen Date. Early & late FG Dates (FPC). Regen Height (Contract). FG Height. Conifer to Brush Ratio. Maximum Density. Specific Forest Health Criteria Any others? 44

45 FS 660 Survey Reference Field Card 26 pages of good stuff!!! Steps to Complete Survey Stratification History Symbols Plot Conversion factors Tree Species Codes Soil Texture Key Appendix 9 Summary Damage Agent Codes Damage Criteria Even-aged; Unevenaged; Broadleaf; Advanced Regen Crown Closure Est. Stats Cheat Sheet Site Index Selection Key Inventory and Silviculture Label Guide 45

46 Virtual 3.99 m radius plot Well Spaced W W W W W W W p a P S 6 1 M

47 Data Collection Cards or Handheld? 3 Software providers currently: JRP Solutions Survey Wizard DR Systems Silva Star West Creek - SAP 47

48 Tally / 3M Sali ~ DRA 5F 5FS / 1M Rupa ~ DRA 3Pl GI Fdi AD 2F IWS 1Sx 48

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50 Inventory Labels = Inventory Update & TSR A Roughly averaged species composition to the nearest 10% based on visual observations recorded on the FS 658. The leading and second species are particularly important to be correct. B Using the FS 658 data, roughly average the age of the dominant and co-dominant leading (13 years) and then repeat for the second species (12 years). C Using the FS 658 data, roughly average the height of the dominant and co-dominant leading species (2.4 m) and then repeat for the second species (1.4 m). D Site index of the leading species in the label. The Fdi is predicted to be 23 m tall at 50 years after 1.3m in height is reached. I in this example indicates the method used to determine the site index is growth intercept. (see Table 30) E Crown closure estimated by visual observation of aerial photograph. Ground observation is possible but commonly less accurate (see Table 27 a, b, c). The trees described in A and F have a crown closure of 19%. F The average number of total trees of commercial species per hectare total trees per hectare. G The last 2 digits of the year the survey was conducted = (08). 50

51 Silviculture Labels = Stocking Standard Compliance H This prefix identifies the stocking status NSR, SR or FG. Subsequently the data that follows NSR and SR represent well spaced trees and following FG represents free growing trees. I The calculated species composition of the well-spaced trees present, recorded to the nearest 1%. Bl 36 = 36% Sub-alpine fir. J Average age of all free growing (well-spaced) trees, 13 years. K Average height of all free growing (well-spaced) trees, 2.5 m. L Site index of the leading species in the label. The Bl is predicted to be 21 m tall at 50 years after 1.3m in height is reached. E in this example indicates the method used to determine the site index is SIBEC. (see Table 30) M The average number of free growing (or well-spaced) trees per hectare free growing trees per hectare. When the results of a free growing survey indicate that the stratum is free growing, all of the components of the label should be replaced by values representing the free growing trees. G The last 2 digits of the year the survey was conducted = (08). 51

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53 Section 6 STATISTICS 53

54 Statistics - Definitions n = number of plots established x = sample mean or average S = standard deviation of the mean pm = plot multiplier s/ha = stems per hectare Sx = standard error or standard error of the mean t90 = t value, found on the FS 660 table CI = confidence interval LCL = lower confidence limit. MSS = minimum stocking standard e = desired survey precision level 54

55 Statistical Decisions 1) Free Growing No further plots Fewer free growing trees MSS LCL X More free growing trees 2) Not Free Growing No LCL required & no further plots Fewer free growing trees LCL X More free growing trees MSS 3) Not Free Growing Within precision? If not, further plots required. Fewer free growing trees LCL MSS More free growing trees X 55

56 Calculation Card for Confidence Limits FS 1138A 93B A 16 5 Compare with value on FS 659 to ensure they are the same!!! /2.236 =

57 Calculation Card for Confidence Limits FS 1138A - continued No Further Plots Required 57

58 Desired Precision or e value *** MoFR will accept X if LCL < e *** Methods of calculating e value: 1) X 1000 s/ha. e value = +/- 100 s/ha. 2) X > 1000 s/ha. e value = X x 10% If LCL > e More plots are required to a max of 1.5 / ha. Method of calculating the number of extra plots required: ( t 2 x S 2 ) / e 2 = number of plots required to meet precision (up to maximum 1.5 plot / ha. then no stats required) 58

59 Additional Plot Locations A B A B Example Extra Plot Locations - 59

60 C. Free Growing Assessment Criteria Section 7 APPENDIX 9 Mechanics of Quadrant System and Allowable Broadleafs 60

61 Free Growing or Not? Using Appendix 9 61

62 Free Growing review definition Appendix 9 1. Well Spaced Tree. p&a spp. and MITD 2. Free of Unacceptable Pest Damage. - healthy - FRPA sec 1 3. Free of Unacceptable levels of Vegetation Competition. not impeded by competition - FRPA sec 1 4. Free Growing Height achieved. 5. Stand Maximum Density (CC) not exceeded. 6. Other Criteria in SP, FSP or FDP. 62

63 Free Growing Brush Competition depends on vegetation type 63

64 Present Guidance Choice in Assessing Competition 1 Crop / Brush Ratio only Crop Tree is FG if: Shrub & Herbs < 100% C/B Broadleaf < 150% ( or 125%) C/B 2 Appendix 9- Quadrant Crop Tree is FG if: Shrub & Herbs < 100% in 3 of 4 Quadrants Broadleaf 1. < 150% ( or 125%) C/B in all 4 Quadrants OR 2. < 150% ( or 125%) C/B in 3 of 4 Quadrants, & < # of Allowable Broadleaf per plot 64

65 Appendix 9 Quadrant Method 65

66 Unacceptable competition Shrub and Herb - Interior For non-broadleaf competing vegetation: Simple Quadrant Rule To be free growing, competing vegetation within 1m of the crop tree can only be taller in one quadrant 66

67 Shrub and Herb Competition (non broadleaf) Crop tree is taller than shrub in at least 3 of 4 quadrants 67

68 Unacceptable Competition Broadleaf - Interior If the competition within one meter of the crop tree includes Ep, At, upland Act, then use the process of elimination to identify potentially free growing trees PROCESS: 1 st is it obviously not FG 2 nd is it obviously FG All other scenarios are Potentially Free Growing (PFG) 68

69 Broadleaf Brush Competition Conifer / Brush Ratio Free Growing Not Free Growing Potentially Free Growing 69

70 FG Flow Chart Differences Allowable Countable Broadleaf per plot Interior At, Act & Ep Coastal Dr, Ep & Vb 70

71 Potentially FG Assessment Steps 1. Determine all the potential FG trees 2. Determine the median height of the potential FG trees 3. Count Ep, At, Act, within your 3.99m plot that are taller than the median height of the potential FG trees 4. Use the table to determine if the potential FG trees are FG or not 71

72 Virtual 3.99 m radius plot Free Growing FG W W W NFG W FG NFG W PFG NFG W FG W FG p a P S 6 1 M At 5 3 IWW 2P 72

73 Training and support program Silviculture Survey Training Opportunities 10 day and 5 day training courses 1 day What s New On-going Support via MOFR staff and web pg 73

74 Thank You and Question Period Dave Weaver Silviculture Performance Assessment Specialist 74