Summer 2008

Basic Silviculture

Survey Training Dave Weaver RPB

Live Meeting Course May 31, 2011

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

3

A. Survey Fundamentals

Section 1

SILVICULTURE SURVEY DEF’N

& LEGAL CONTEXT

Stratification

Reporting &

Precision

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

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.”

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

7

FPC vs. FRPA to a surveyor

New Openings

FRPA

Old FPC Openings

“options”

FDP & Silv

Prescription FSP &

Site

Plan

1 2

Stocking

Standards Stocking

Standards

Survey

Procedures?

FRPA

“Optional”

8

Surveys in FRPA Context

FRPA

•May submit REGEN & FG

•If submit must have

Forest Cover Inventory

- as required by minister

Silv. Surveys

Procedures

Manual

FIA, FFT,

BCTS

“C&E”

RESULTS Information

Submission Specifications

Inventory & Silviculture Label

Content Defined

Optional for

Licensee or

via FSP

procedure

(except for

Forest Cover

Inventory)

9

New Stratification Legislation &

Standards

Forest Cover & Milestone Regulation - 2007

(FPPR 46.11) Minimum Polygon Size

• SU’s < 1 ha. Entire SU

• Regen Declaration SR or NSR – 1 ha

• Free Growing FG - 1 ha

• Free Growing NFG - 1 to 2 ha

if “mappable” and less than 5% NAR • “mappable” suggested definition: polygon > 20m length and > 20 m

from nearest NFG area

RISS

• Reserves, NP, NPBr areas: 0.25 ha

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

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

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:

http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/his/results/busi

ness.htm#Submission_Specifications

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

14

Precision Standards

15

SURVEY TYPES PER

STAND STRUCTURE

Section 2

16

Complex Stand Structure ~ Surveys Manual 2010

1) CC Even-aged 2) Complex Vertical 3) Complex Horizontal

1) CC Even-aged

3 m

17

2) Complex Vertical Stand Structures

Multi-storey Uneven-aged

Layered Even-aged – Layered & Deviation from Potential (DFP)

18

2) Complex Vertical Stand Structures

Boreal Mixedwood Intimate Mixture

19

3) Complex Horizontal Stand Structures

Even-aged Clustered

Intermediate Cut – Commercial Thinning

20

3) Complex Horizontal Stand Structures

Clearcut with Reserves

Coastal & Interior Mixedwood – Patch Mixtures

21

Survey Methodology Selection Matrix

Management Regime

Even-aged stand structure Uneven-aged

stand structure

Stocking

Standard

One Layer TSS & MSS Multiple Layer

TSS & MSS

Silviculture

System

Clearcut (CC)

< 5 m2 BA Dispersed

Retention residual

stems

Dispersed Retention of

residual stems:

> 5 m2 BA and < 20 m

SIFR&NIFR / < 40 m2

CFR

Single tree

selection

> 5 m2 BA and < 20

m2 SIFR&NIFR /

< 40 m2 CFR

Survey

Methodology

Options

Standard

CC/Even-aged

Survey

Methodology

Layered Survey

Procedures

DFP related

(SEDRSS)

Mixedwood

(Dec/Conifer)NE

Interior and CFR

Multi-storey

Survey only IDF

zones or small

area based

tenures such

as Woodlots.

22

I’m confused!!!! Which survey do we

use?

Never mind, let’s just estimate the

stocking.

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.

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.

25

SURVEY TIMING

WELL SPACED AND FREE

GROWING DEF’N

Section 3

26

Survey Timing

Regen Delay - on or before Regen Date

Survey - 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

Time

Commencementof harvest

Regenerationdate

Free growingdate

Early freegrowing date*

1 Only for FPC blocks

In FSP In FSP

Height Achieved

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.

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.

29

B. Basic Even-aged Survey Methodologies

Section 4

SAMPLING TECHNIQUES

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

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.

32

Why Stratify ?

• 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)?

14 ha

SR

1200 sph

11 ha

NSR

200 sph

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

34

Stratification – When and How?

When is Stratification done?

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.

1. Office

Preliminary

Stratification

2. Field

Walkthrough

“Refinement”

3. Field

During Plots

“Refinement”

4. Compilation

During Summary

“if required”

35

Case Study – example photo

Boundary

Preliminary

Stratification

Area of

uncertainty

– possible

brush?

1

1

2 3

3

2

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.

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

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

400m

@ 2

0

200m

@ 1

60

250m @ 90

142m

142m

142m

142m

142m

142m

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

400m

@ 2

0

200m

@ 1

60

250m @ 90

1

2

3

**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**

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 - 6 ha

B/C – 10 ha 80% B ( 8 ha)

20% C ( 2 ha)

A

B & C ?

A B/C

42

Draft Field Map

43

DATA COLLECTION

Section 5

44

Survey Parameters – Where & What?

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?

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?

45

FS 660 Survey Reference Field Card

• Damage Agent Codes

• Damage Criteria –

Even-aged; Uneven-

aged; Broadleaf;

Advanced Regen

• Crown Closure Est.

• Stats Cheat Sheet

• Site Index Selection Key

• Inventory and

Silviculture Label Guide

•Steps to Complete Survey

•Stratification

•History Symbols

•Plot Conversion factors

•Tree Species Codes

•Soil Texture Key

•Appendix 9 Summary

26 pages of good stuff!!!

46

Virtual 3.99 m radius plot – Well Spaced

12 12

p a

P S

W

W W W

W

W W

6 1

M

6 1.1 0 0

47

Data Collection – Cards or Handheld?

3 Software providers currently:

•JRP Solutions – Survey Wizard

•DR Systems – Silva Star

•West Creek - SAP

48

Tally 5 313 282 228 14 6 6 4 1 9 / 3M 10 1.7 5 1 Sali ~22 2.3 DRA 5F 5FS

13 5 2 3 17 / 1M 12 2.4 Rupa ~35 1.3 DRA 3Pl

GI 4 2.5 Fdi AD 2F

IWS 1Sx

49

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. 12520 total trees per hectare.

G The last 2 digits of the year the survey was conducted. 2008 = (08).

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. 1120 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. 2008 = (08).

52

53

STATISTICS

Section 6

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

55

Statistical Decisions

MSS LCL

Fewer

free growing treesMore

free growing trees

X

MSSLCL

Fewer

free growing treesMore

free growing trees

X

MSSLCL

Fewer

free growing treesMore

free growing trees

X

1) Free Growing

No further plots

2) Not Free Growing

No LCL required &

no further plots

3) Not Free Growing

Within precision?

If not , further plots

required.

56

Calculation Card for Confidence Limits FS 1138A

93B023-123

A

16

5

4.6 920

0.894/2.236 = 0.400

0.894

Compare with

value on FS 659

to ensure they

are the same !!!

57

Calculation Card for Confidence Limits FS 1138A - continued

2.132

No Further Plots Required

3.747

0.853 171

749

700

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:

( t2 x S2 ) / e2 = number of plots required to meet precision

(up to maximum 1.5 plot / ha. – then no stats required)

59

Additional Plot Locations

AB

A

B

Example Extra Plot Locations -

60

C. Free Growing Assessment Criteria

Section 7

APPENDIX 9

Mechanics of Quadrant System

and Allowable Broadleafs

61

Free Growing or Not? Using Appendix 9

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.

63

Free Growing Brush Competition depends on vegetation type

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

65

Appendix 9 – Quadrant Method

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

67

Shrub and Herb Competition (non broadleaf)

Crop tree is taller than shrub in at least 3 of 4 quadrants

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:

• 1st is it obviously not FG

• 2nd is it obviously FG

• All other scenarios are

Potentially Free Growing (PFG)

69

Broadleaf Brush Competition

Conifer

/ Brush

Ratio

Free

Growing

Not Free

Growing

Potentially

Free

Growing

70

FG Flow Chart Differences

Allowable Countable Broadleaf per plot

Interior

At, Act & Ep

Coastal

Dr, Ep & Vb

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

72

Virtual 3.99 m radius plot – Free Growing

15 12 10 40

p a

P S

W

W W

W

W W

W

6 1

M

0 0

FG

FG FG

FG

3 1

4

10 1.6 At 5 3 IWW 2P

PFG

NFG NFG

NFG

73

Training and support program

Silviculture Survey Training

Opportunities

10 day and 5 day

training courses

On-going Support via MOFR staff and web pg

1 day “What’s

New”

74

Thank You and Question Period

Dave Weaver

Silviculture Performance Assessment Specialist