Distribution: RSI—Guy Newsome; DCC—Kerri Howse
Contact: Elaine Armagost, SSSP Coordinator

Document name: \\fridge\s63023\!Workgrp\SSSProg\Elaine\SSSPletters\CSSH Association - sep2005.doc

File:19545-00

September 13, 2005

Cariboo Small Scale Harvester’s Association

PO Box 4846

WilliamsLake, British Columbia

V2G 2V8

Dear Leonard Teppema:

RE:Cariboo Small Scale Harvester's Association Request for Variance to Include Broadleaf Species in the Stocking Standards for Salvage (Harvested Under Exemption, Leaving a Stocked Stand After Harvest)

In response to your letter dated August 10, 2005, this letter approves your request and specifies applicable situations and leave tree descriptions that will apply when recognizing deciduous as leave trees in small scale salvage applications within the Central Cariboo Forest District.

Pine salvage can occur in stands that are between 40 and 60 percent pine (pre-harvest) outside of Old Growth Management Areas and Mule Deer Winter Ranges. The result is this variance will apply to stands that will have approximately 40 to 60 percent “other species” mainly spruce and deciduous existing in the stand.

Under Section 46(2) of the Forest Planning and Practices Regulation, I specify the following to apply in biogeoclimatic units SBSdw1, SBSdw2, ICHwk4, ICHwk2, SBPSmk and ICHmk3 as listed in the Reference Guide for FDP Stocking Standards, as amended from time to time. In stands greater than 20 percent deciduous pre-harvest, the standards indicate species superscripted with an "a”, these are considered "preferred" broadleaf species, and those superscripted with a "b" can be considered "acceptable" broadleaf species. For stands <20 percent pre-harvest: broadleaf species identified in the reference guide can be considered "acceptable".

When considering the number of deciduous leave trees, only healthy deciduous trees, free of disease and of good form and vigour in Layer 1 can be considered preferred and/or acceptable. Other layers must meet the current default standards.

Harvesting operations must be conducted in such a manner to avoid mechanical damage. The following are damage criteria outlined in the Commercial Thinning Guide.

Maximum Individual Scar Size: 400 cm² (20 cm x 20 cm)

Maximum Cumulative Scars/Tree: 900 cm²

Scar on a Major Root: no scars <70 cm from base of stem

Small Scars: no more the 10% of leave trees to have scars < 400 cm²

Gouges: no gouges on stem or major roots

Crown Damage: no reduction in crown mass of >10%

Small Scale Salvage Program proposals should request approval of these standards in their application so that it is explicit that the stand will be converted to a mixed or deciduous-leading stand prior to harvest approval.

If further information is required, please call Elaine Armagost, Small Scale Salvage Program Coordinator at 3984715.

Yours truly,

Allan Balogh, R.P.F.
District Manager
Central Cariboo Forest District

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