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Alberta Agriculture and Forestry GOA PSP Manual June 28, 2016 Pg 1

Alberta Government Forestry Permanent Sample Plots

Stand Dynamics System, Alberta Forest Service and Forest Management Branch Types

Re-Measurement, Maintenance and Establishment Procedures

June 28, 2017

Introduction This manual has been adapted from previous versions of the Stand Dynamics System (SDS) and Alberta Forest Service (AFS) Permanent Sample Plot (PSP) Field Procedures Manuals (both dated March 2005) and the Provincial Growth and Yield Initiative (PGYI) Manual (July 2014). These changes were required to convert AFS and SDS plot systems to a similar layout and data format which met the requirements for PGYI. This manual also sets out a layout for new Government of Alberta (GOA) PSPs established from 2015 forward; these will be called Forest Management Branch (FMB) type PSPs. A preliminary version of this manual was used in the April 2014-March 2015 measurement season: this document captures the measurement techniques used in 2014 and forward, including the allowance for high density regeneration subplots, required for black spruce PSPs, young stands, and possibly some other exceptionally dense older stands. Key changes compared to pre-2014 are:

1) Use of the new PGYI 3-part condition code system 2) Addition of regen subplots with tagged trees to the AFS plots to achieve a layout similar to the

SDS system and provide the tagged regen required by PYGI, 3) Expansion of small (<60 m2) sapling subplots to a full ¼ plot (affects ~20% of AFS plots) and 4) Expansion of small main plots (<400 m2; rare) also to meet PGYI requirements, 5) Elimination of regen height class tallies in all plots older than 10 years aside from exceptional

cases, 6) Elimination of birth year assessment on large ingress in SDS plots, 7) Addition of birth year assessment on regen and sapling ingress <3m height in AFS plots, 8) Confining RCD assessment to trees with <3m height in regen plots 9) Protocol for establishing new “FMB”-type plots.

Historically, the PSPs established by the former Alberta Forest Service (AFS) were called “PSPs” and the Stand Dynamics System (SDS) PSPs established by the Research Branch were called “SDS” even though they are both Permanent Sample Plots. Labelling in AFS plots will often use “PSP”. In SDS plots, both “SDS” and “PSP” are sometimes used. New plots established to PGYI requirements will be called FMB plots.

Alberta Agriculture and Forestry GOA PSP Manual June 28, 2016 Pg 2 Table of Contents INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................................... 1

WHAT TO DO IN A NUTSHELL .......................................................................................................... 3

PLOT LAYOUT AND ATTRIBUTES ................................................................................................... 3

PLOT MAINTENANCE SHEET ............................................................................................................ 4

PLOT MONUMENTING (PLOT AND TREE MARKINGS) ............................................................. 8 TREE TAGGING AND NUMBERING ............................................................................................................10 AFS PSP TAGGING:.................................................................................................................................11 FMB PSP TAGGING: ...............................................................................................................................12 SDS PSP TAGGING:.................................................................................................................................13 WHAT TO MEASURE: ...............................................................................................................................14 Tagged Stems: ........................................................................................................................... 14 General Measurement Notes ..................................................................................................... 14 Specific Notes ............................................................................................................................ 16

PLOT MODIFICATIONS TO AFS PSPS ........................................................................................... 17 MAIN AND SAPLING PLOT EXPANSION (CURRENT MAIN PLOT <400 M2): .................................................18 EXPANSION OF THE SAPLING SUBPLOT ONLY (CURRENT MAIN PLOT ≥400 M2 BUT SAPLING SUBPLOT < 60

M2): ...............................................................................................................................................19

ESTABLISHMENT OF FMB PSPS ..................................................................................................... 19

ESTABLISHMENT OF REGENERATION SUBPLOTS (AFS AND FMB PSPS) ........................ 21

REGEN SUBPLOT MEASUREMENTS ............................................................................................. 22

REGEN PARTIAL TALLIES ............................................................................................................... 23

SAPLING SUBPLOT MEASUREMENTS .......................................................................................... 23

TREE PLOT MEASUREMENTS ........................................................................................................ 23

TREE CONDITION CODES ................................................................................................................ 24 Tree condition code look-up table (see below for Interpretations and Detailed Tables). ......... 25 Severity Code Interpretation Table............................................................................................ 26 Detailed Condition Codes .......................................................................................................... 27 Descriptions of general tree condition codes, causal agents and severity of condition. ............ 28

ALLOWABLE ERRORS ....................................................................................................................... 30 Table 1 Standards for PSP measurement and allowable errors. ................................................ 30 PLOT REJECTION ................................................................................................................... 31

TREE SPECIES CODES USED IN ALBERTA .................................................................................. 32 Figure 4. Example tree datasheet. Grey rows are former dead and down, missing or disqualified trees (no need to look for these). Err field identifies missed or out of range data. A blank datasheet is provided on the last page for ease of printing. .......................................................................... 33 Figure 5. Checklist which should be completed before leaving a plot. Circle every entry, using NA for not applicable. ............................................................................................................................ 34

Alberta Agriculture and Forestry GOA PSP Manual June 28, 2016 Pg 3 What to do in a Nutshell 1. Access and Maintenance Locate the plot using the maps, GPS and old Maintenance Sheet Re-paint and re-tag the posts, refresh/adjust the buffer paint and flag as needed (accurate GPS

may be required), check for damage and treatments, perform vegetation and ecological assessments

Complete the new maintenance sheet (Figure 2, page 3 and blank sheets at the end of the manual). Some calls (field AVI, treatments) are better done after trees are measured

2. Tree Measurement See Figure 4, page 33 and the rest of this manual In addition to live trees, ensure you assess standing dead trees and all ingress, including tree-

size (>5.1 or 9.1cm DBH) standing dead ingress, which have grown over the tag limits for each subplot area

3. Regeneration Height Class Tally Sheet (rarely required) To be used only if authorized by the Province’s Contracting Manager. Seldom used except in

extreme high density plots (e.g. young stands, some black spruce stands). All trees are normally tagged and measured in regen subplots. Prior to 2014, height tallies were used for all regen (HT<1.3m) in all AFS PSPs, and for a partial tally of regen in high density SDS PSPs.

See Figure 6, page 35 4. Conflict Sheet If you see a * next to a tree number on a tree datasheet or a Conflict on the Data collection

Aoo, you need to respond to the problem specified in the “Conflict” description (paper Conflict sheets if not using the Data App)

Once you’ve completed the corrective action, you MUST make a clear written response on the Conflict Response field that the office staff will understand – be descriptive; we’ll send you back if unclear!

5. Plot centre photos One facing east, one west, with a clearly labelled photo-card visible, across the centre post

6. Checklist Complete before you leave the plot to ensure complete measurements and maintenance; see

Figure 5, page 34

A field card is provided as a measurement and coding guide. Plot Layout and Attributes There are several layouts, but all plots are square and have a sapling subplot in the NW corner. Most PSPs with numbers 351 and lower, plus PSP 462, 584 and 585, have a cluster of 4 spatially

separate plots around a group centre (GC) post. Plot 1 is to the east of GC, plot 2 south, plot 3 west and plot 4 north. Each plot has a plot centre post, four corner posts and at least a sapling plot SE corner post (may be a red plastic pin or pigtail). NE and SW sapling subplot posts need to be added if missing. Plot size is variable, from 202-2023 m2. The sapling subplot is typically (with some


exceptions) 1/16th of the plot area in AFS PSPs, and ¼ of the plot area (250 m2) in SDS PSPs or in the exception AFS PSPs.

Figure 1. Layout of Forest Management Branch PSPs. Plot Maintenance Sheet The maintenance sheet describes the access information, any damage to the plot, and basic ecological information. The former maintenance sheet will be provided; much of this information may be copied over to the new sheet if unchanged. A sketch of access, plot dimensions, and damage areas must be filled out. The reverse side has treatment and damage codes for the database, AVI calls, ecosite information, and a form to complete the vegetation cover in the regen subplots.

Figure 2. Example of a four-plot cluster maintenance sheet. Single-plot maintenance sheets have fewer fields.

1. Record date of field visit and crew initials + last names. Legal location is given.

N

Buffer

Buffer

PSP group centre post

PSP plot centre post

Plot 1

Plot 2

Plot 3

Plot 4

Tree plot

PSP plot centre post

sapling subplot (~1/16 plot size)

PSP plot corner posts sapling subplot (~1/16 or 1/4 plot size)

Sapling subplot SE corner post

Typically 318 x 318 m

Typically 200 x 200 m

Most AFS PSP 1-351, 462, 584, 585 Most AFS PSPs 352-799, SDS 1500-9999, FMB (8000+)

2

3

4

1 5 6 7

8 9 10

11

31.7m

Alberta Agriculture and Forestry GOA PSP Manual June 28, 2016 Pg 5 2. Record access (enter the current access type code) and describe how to reach plot centre in writing

with enough detail to find it without a GPS. Should start with a ~permanent feature on a major highway (intersection, creek crossing), have driving distance to parking, plus ATV and walking directions (distances, azimuths) to tie point A, then directions to subsequent tie points (if required), and finally distance and azimuth to plot centre. A basic GPS can be very effective to obtain these distances, azimuths, otherwise use a hip chain and compass. If same as last time, copy over.

3. Ensure declination given is current (see date) within one year (change if not, using Natural Resources Canada geomagnetic declination website; write in the declination used and date it was calculated for). Set your compass to this declination so all azimuths reported are corrected to true north using this declination.

4. Sketch the map of plot, to include: North arrow (change if incorrect) Tie point(s) and distance/azimuth to plot centre (sketch directions to ATV/walk from parking to

plot) – this is usually not to scale. Using GPS (low-res/uncorrected Garmin ok), write lat/long NAD83 coordinates of parking

location and any intersections/tie points on the way in. These are important for complex ATV or walk-ins.

Anthropogenic or other disturbance and relevant natural features within the buffer If new major damage (seismic line, road, fire, massive blowdown, beaver pond), sketch

features, contact Province. Diagram of plot (including sapling and regen plots – draw circles in approx. position, label

RP1-RP4) and plot buffer (approx. shape if not square) Dimensions of main plot and sapling subplot – transfer from last sheet unless post replaced;

then measure all sides with a tape. Also record azimuth of west and north main plot sides. Distances and azimuths for buffer edges (transfer if not changed); more detailed if buffer is

not square e.g. to avoid dispositions/major disturbances (beaver ponds, clearcuts, roads) Use hip chain/compass or GPS to measure buffer (Garmin ok unless precise GPS requested

by the Province, then typically a Trimble differentially corrected to ±<3m required). If unchanged, copy map over from previous sheet (will be provided; also available by

searching the PSP number at https://extranet.gov.ab.ca/env/psp/).

https://extranet.gov.ab.ca/env/psp/

Alberta Agriculture and Forestry GOA PSP Manual June 28, 2016 Pg 6 5. Flip the sheet. Plot status is the most obvious condition of the plot at the time of measurement.

Choose one code from the following table. Older AFS PSPs (numbers up to 351) had four main plots in a group. Give a status code for each plot plus an estimate of the year of damage (if relevant, e.g. 1-NA or 3-2009). Use the following as a guide to disturbance year (for conifers): Most needles on dead conifers present – same year; some (<5%) dead needles left – last year; fine twig loss or curling ~5 years; some bark loss ~10 years. The previous code may be provided but should be changed if no longer valid. Assign a plot status to each plot in 4-plot AFS PSP clusters. Plot status and condition codes (choose one)

1 Active and no obvious damage 11 Destroyed (fire) 2 Natural damage (severe wind) 12 Destroyed (climate/weather) 3 Natural damage (flood and water) 13 Plot closed and reopened 4 Natural damage (defoliation) 14 Burned 5 Man-made damage (road, seismic, pipeline) 15 Missing or lost 6 Man-made damage (herbicide and treatment) 16 Mistletoe 7 Natural and man-made damage (cause unknown) 17 Mountain pine beetle 8 Harvested or cut down 18 Spruce bud worm 9 Horse logged 19 Plot harvested & re-established

10 Inactive, closed or abandoned 20 Retired by other reason(s)

6. Plot disturbance. Up to three additional damage codes from the table below. Estimate the year damage occurred. (e.g. beaver flooding ~5 years ago due to fine twig curling on conifers; seismic line cut within 2 years due to retention of a few needles on damaged conifers: coded as NDW-2009, MLU-2012). Previous codes will be provided but should be changed if superseded by more important disturbances. Call disturbance for each plot in 4-plot clusters. Plot disturbances (up to three): BU Burned DC = Destroyed (climate/weather) DF Destroyed by fire HL = Horse logged MI Missing or lost MLU = Man-made (seismic, pipeline) MU Cause unknown NDC = Natural (climate) NDD Natural defoliation NDI = Natural (insect, disease) NDW Natural (flood, water)


Code % Crown ClosureV 0-5A 6-30B 31-50C 51-70D 71-100

1 2

7

3 4

6 5

7. Plot treatments. Give up to 5 codes from the table below and an estimate of the year (and month-day if known) they occurred for plot treatments. Older codes/years will be given. Only update with new treatments. Estimate year (see 4 above) if not known. Call treatments for each plot in 4-plot clusters. Plot treatments (up to 5)

NT No treatment P Planting FI Fill plant H Harvested M Site prepared, mechanical (using blades, disks, drags, mixers, mounders, plows, etc.) C Site prepared, chemical (using herbicide) B Site prepared, burning (using a prescribed burn) TH Tended, chemical (using herbicide, following planting) TW Tended, manual/mechanical (using manual or mechanical means, i.e., cleaning or weeding) F Fertilized (any treatment where fertilizer is applied) PC Pre-commercial thinning CT Commercial thinning S Shelterwood, or selection harvest UP Understory protection (strip harvesting while protecting desirable understorey) UA Understory avoidance D Drainage (treatment used to channel excess water off site)

NK Not known if the plot was treated or not

8. Record overstory and understory (if present) AVI field call for each main plot area. This is used to check that the plot is representative of the map AVI call, but must be a field call. Use the most common height of the Codominant and Dominant trees measured in the plot and consider the crown closure for the plot only, using the following format: Crown closure: see table on right (A-D, V) Height (nearest m) Species composition (in deciles, adding to 10, e.g. Aw7Pb3) Example label: Overstory B20Aw7Pb3, Understory C4Sb6Sw4

9. Enter the slope position: A number from 1 to 7 used to indicate the relative topographic position of the plot, in a hydrological sense, when compared to the general immediate area surrounding the plot (see illustration below). It is related to soil moisture class.

1 ― Hollow or depression, for plots located in local topographic depressions (collecting water) 2 ― Flat or level, for plots located on flat terrain (receiving water) 3 ― Toe, for plots at the bottom of the slope (receiving) 4 ― Lower slope, for plots on lower end of slopes 5 ― Middle slope, for plots on mid slopes 6 ― Upper slope, for plots on upper slopes (shedding water) 7 ― Hilltop or crest, for plots located on ridge crests (shedding)

Enter the slope as a % gradient (rise/run x 100), and aspect as the azimuth facing downhill (NA if slope=0)

10. Ecosite classification (using Beckingham et al. 1996 Field Guides) – if blank, do ecosite as part of the services. Enter the guide used (Northern, West-Central, Southwestern). Note that the boundary


between the Southwestern and West-Central Guide has been moved to Highway 1, rather than Rocky Mountain House west as the guides suggest. Use Southwestern guide if south of Highway 1, West-central if north of it. If filled in, confirm the call; but if you disagree with the call, re-do it and document reasons (veg cover, soil texture). Natural subregion will be given using 2005 region boundaries, since the guides have the older 1994 maps (so ignore the maps in the guidebooks). For plots that are borderline between guides or natural subregions, you must first key to at least ecosite phase using the natural subregion given by the department and enter that ecosite information. If you feel the ecosite in an adjacent region fits better, also key this and make notes why it is a better fit, but leave it as a secondary option. Soil pits, if needed to confirm doubtful ecosite fits (to observe soil texture, mottles, gleying), should be dug outside the plot.

11. Assess the four Vegetation Layers (shrubs, forbs, grass/sedges, moss/lichen) for cover and modal height (height of most cover in layer). Some oddities: club mosses, horsetails, ferns, and bunchberry are considered forbs. Twinflower, on the other hand, is a shrub. If the contract requires, in a 4-plot cluster, do this in each of the four regen subplots within each plot in the cluster (i.e. 16 regen subplots per cluster). However, most contracts will only require measurement of one set of 4 regen subplots in one plot per cluster. In the latter case, be sure to measure the correct plot and leave the rest blank.

Plot Monumenting (Plot and Tree Markings) What a plot is supposed to look like (otherwise refresh/replace as required):

1. Tie Point(s) Refresh tie plate (plot number, distance and azimuth to next TP or plot centre) with Sharpie Obtain a low-resolution GPS point (Garmin ok) on the parking location, tie plate and any useful

trail or natural feature intersections you encounter on the way in. Mark this info on the maintenance map.

2. Buffers Generally 318 x 318 m for 4 plot PSPs, 150-200 m per side for single plot PSPs, but will follow

road edges, other reservation edges or topographic features. Blue paint every 5 m or less. This must be painted on larger trees in 20cm high bands facing out

from the plot, and visible from sides). Tie blue “PSP”-marked winter flagging every 5 m (alternating, so something every ~2.5 m). Can move off buffer line a few meters to find enough trees to paint. Enough visibility to stop a surveyor, line cutter or buncher from proceeding. Paint is very important (lasts longest) and will be inspected. Do not skimp on buffer paint.

Double band several trees at buffer corners with location written down stem on 1 tree (eg. NEC, NWC)

Adjust boundary if any man-made disturbance is found (but can ignore seismic lines, small trails); document disturbance (incl trails/lines) by sketching on maintenance sheet map. Obtain accurate GPS of all corners if buffer is modified.

If the Department requires accurate GPS coordinates, Trimble (or similar) GPS to ≤+/- 3m all corners or points where direction changes. Collect enough points on each corner to achieve the required accuracy. Differential correction will be required. Report which base station and data


provider was used for correction. If using your own base station, explain how its location was determined.

In older plots, the buffer may need to be expanded on request by the Department (will be noted in the contract services). Use black paint to cover old blue bands if moving buffer (avoids confusion later). Some old maintenance sheets request an expansion of the buffer even though there was no request in the contract – confirm with the department contract manager or designate. If you observe windthrow in the area (often associated with sandy or wet soils), contact the department to discuss buffer expansion. Buffer corners must be GPS’d accurately if expanded.

3. Plot Boundary “Out” trees (just outside main plot) may optionally be painted with orange or yellow vertical

stripe facing plot centre or orange ribbon. May paint the snow or run a string along edge to aid in capturing all in-plot trees

4. Plot Centre Post Ensure this is a ~1.5m aluminum angle post driven 2ft into ground. Remove steel post if present

and re-use for regen post or set aside. Aluminum will not interfere with bearings taken for stem mapping from plot centre

Painted blue with orange, yellow and blue flagging Plot centre marked with tag noting plot # and that it’s the centre, e.g PSP101-P4 PC (for PSP

group 101, plot 4), or SDS4016-PC (for SDS plot 4016). 5. Plot Corner Post There should be short angle aluminum (~30in long) pounded almost to ground-level, with a

~1.5m steel post immediately beside it, so if a post is missing, look for the angle post If absent, add short angle aluminum posts touching the steel post and drive till ~6 inches

exposed. These are the permanent pins that remain through fire or harvest. Paint posts blue; add orange and blue flagging Corner posts marked with tag showing plot # and corner, e.g. PSP101-P4 NW, SDS4016-NW

6. Sapling Plot SE, NE and SW Posts – short angle aluminum or steel post pounded well into ground. In the past sometimes only a pigtail or plastic pin was used. Ensure an angle aluminum or steel post is placed here and driven deep Painted blue; use only orange flagging Tag as (e.g.) “SAP-SE”, “SAP-NE” If missing, posts will be added at all corners of sapling subplot to help define in/out

Alberta Agriculture and Forestry GOA PSP Manual June 28, 2016 Pg 10 7. Regen subplot centre posts (need to be added in AFS plots) ~1.5m steel post painted blue – no flagging In SDS plots, equally spaced across sapling subplot (5.6 m on diagonals from sapling corners) In AFS and FMB plots these regen posts will be placed 2.78 m on the diagonal from sapling

subplot corners 8. All tagged/measured trees In older AFS PSPs, tags were nailed, but never in SDS or FMB PSPs. You can keep existing nails,

but do not add new nails in any PSP. Wire the tag instead. If kept, nail should be pulled to expose 4cm or wire added so tag will not be grown over in 10 yr.

Hang tags at eye level where possible; use at least 5 twists in wire joins. Small conifers with branches – use short copper wire attached to tags & try to hang on two

branches (if 1 breaks, other may hold) Very small conifers or deciduous stems w/o branches – use pigtails

placed immediately behind stem when viewed from regen plot post. If the stem dies, then there is less confusion which stem the pigtail belongs to. If you find older SDS plots with trees marked with thin plastic nursery stakes, these should be replaced. Note these were also placed behind each stem relative to the regen post, and will lack the first 2 digits specific to the regen plot (eg stem 1013 will be 13 on the plastic stake – check both the bottom and top of the stake for this number; it was usually written twice).

Deciduous or big conifer without low branches – use enough wire around stem to allow tree to grow to 40cm DBH. Snug wire to stem (or pass over branch stubs) to stay up, but do not twist (girdling risk). Newly-tagged trees or overgrown tags should not get new nails – use wire.

Narrow line of blue paint at breast height facing plot centre Dot of blue paint below DBH in the direction that vertex/clinometer height was taken

* DO NOT add any other markings to the plot/trees unless it’s flagging or pigtails, and remove flagging around plot tree stems before you leave (flag is a girdling risk). Corner post flags should tie to branches not stems.

* All old (replaced) tags must be removed from the plot; pigtails may be left near regen plots for next measurement (but remove any attached tags). Stray tags on the ground will confuse crews at next measurement.

TREE TAGGING AND NUMBERING Never switch a tag number unless a Conflict asks you to. Tag numbers should never repeat in the same subplot (in SDS they may repeat in different regen subplots). Always number new trees using the next tag number in sequence.

Orange Blue Yellow Sample tag

group centre Y Y Y Y PSP101 GC

plot centre Y Y Y Y PSP101-P4 PC

plot corner Y Y Y PSP101-P4-SW

sapling SE Y Y

Post TypeBlue paint

Flagging

Regen post Small stem

pigtail

1.78m radius

Alberta Agriculture and Forestry GOA PSP Manual June 28, 2016 Pg 11 Tag numbers and subplot location are assigned based on a tree’s spatial location only, not its

size. Tags are NOT changed when a tree grows over a tag limit. Note the provincial database uses the size codes (R1-5, S and T) to denote tagging limits; these codes should not be confused with the tree’s subplot location (RP1-4, SP, TP)

If a tree grows over a tag limit and is tagged, but later damage reduces its height or DBH (eg DBH taken on new leader) below the tag limit, CONTINUE to measure the stem.

New tags are numbered down the tag, not sidewise. Tag wire must be copper or brass, NOT steel AFS PSP TAGGING: 1. Regen subplots RP1 (NW) 6001+, RP2 (NE) 6501+, RP3 (SE) 7001+, RP4 (SW) 7501+ Tree or saplings may occur in regen subplots; do not change tag numbers of these unless a

Conflict requests this. If a new (ingress) tree is sapling or tree size but is in a regen plot, give it a regen plot tag number.

Use and keep regen tag numbers even if new stems HT>1.3m found or if regen grows over 1.3m or 9.1 DBH.

Note regen subplot identifier and # in the Subplot column when entering measurements (RP1, RP2, RP3, RP4).

2. Sapling subplot = the NW corner, not including the regen subplots 1. Applies to all saplings and trees outside the regen plots but inside the sapling plot 2. Numbering: usually 8001+. In some plots, saplings may have same series of tag numbers as

trees, but they should never duplicate. Conflict sheets may request that you change saplings to 8001+ numbers, otherwise leave sapling tag numbers as-is, and start numbering any new saplings or trees as 8001+.

3. If there is no sapling plot expansion required, write “SP” in the Subplot column after carefully checking the boundaries to ensure it is not in the tree plot or a regen subplot.

4. If the sapling subplot is <60 m2, its size must be increased to allow regen subplots to fit. If there is a request to expand the sapling plot, carefully check whether each tree falls into the previous sapling plot (ie. is now part of both the old and new sapling plots) or is in the L-shaped strip between the old and new sapling boundary (ie. is a sapling only for the new sapling subplot). This is important to reconcile the old and new plot size. (See overlay sketch below)

o write “SPO” (‘Sapling subPlot Old’) in the Subplot column if it falls in the old sapling plot o write “SPN” (‘Sapling subPlot New’) in the Subplot column if it falls in the L-shaped strip

between new and old sapling boundaries

1237 1 2 3 7 ←No Yes→


Figure 3.Subplot labels during plot expansion. Old plot sizes are green, new are blue. A) Sapling subplot expansion only. B) Sapling and main plot expansion. 3. Tree subplot = the reverse-L-shaped area not including the sapling area. Numbering: usually 1-999; some may have 4-digit numbers, e.g. 1001+ in plot 1, 2001+ in plot

2, etc. A few have tags in the 5000 range. Sometimes AFS plots start at an odd first #, e.g. 291. o Write “TP” in the Subplot column unless there subplot expansion was done. If the sapling

plot only was expanded (not the main plot), all tree-size (DBH≥9.1cm) individuals falling in the strip between the old and new sapling boundaries should be entered as Subplot=SPN rather than TP. If the main and sapling plots were expanded see next.

If there is a request to expand the main plot, position the posts for this first, then as you measure, carefully check whether each tree falls into the previous “tree-subplot” quadrants or into the L-shaped new tree-subplot strip between the old and new tree plot boundaries as shown below. Note the “tree-subplot” refers to the main plot without the sapling subplot. There is the further wrinkle that part of the old tree-subplot is now part of the new sapling subplot. See the sketch above to visualize. o all tree-size (DBH≥9.1cm) individuals falling in the strip between the old and new sapling

boundaries should be entered as Subplot=SPN rather than TPO. o Write “TPO” (Tree subPlot Old”) in the Subplot column if a tree falls within the L-shaped

strip between the new sapling subplot (SPN) and the old tree subplot o Write “TPN” (Tree subPlot New”) in the Subplot column if a tree falls within the L-shaped

strip between the old tree subplot boundary and the new tree subplot boundary.

FMB PSP TAGGING: These plots will be tagged similarly to the AFS plots. The only difference is that planted trees will receive 5001+ numbers. Numbers will be sequential in each subplot Natural trees in Regen subplots RP1-RP4: RP1 (NW) 6001+, RP2 (NE) 6501+, RP3 (SE) 7001+, RP4

(SW) 7501+ Natural trees in Sapling subplot (SP, but outside the 4 regen plots) 8001+ Natural trees in Tree subplot (TP, the area of the main plot outside the sapling plot) 1+

SPO*

SPN*

SPO

SPN

TPO*

TPN*

TP

A) B)

Alberta Agriculture and Forestry GOA PSP Manual June 28, 2016 Pg 13 Planted trees anywhere in FMB type PSPs will receive 5001+ numbers regardless of where they

occur (RP1-4, SP, TP) and will be tagged sequentially across the entire plot. Note that the subplot they occur in must be recorded. There is no tagging size limit for planted trees; be very careful not to assign planted status and tag numbers to natural ingress trees. Identify the subplot each planted tree occurs in (RP1-4, SP, TP).

There will be no duplication of tree numbers within a FMB PSP.

SDS PSP TAGGING: These have the most complex tagging system. Read carefully and contact department if unsure. 1. Regen plots RP1-RP4 Natural-origin stems are tagged: RP1 (1001+), RP2 (1051+), RP3 (1101+), RP4 (1151+) In high density plots, regen tag numbers can overlap between regen subplots (e.g. RP1 may

have enough stems that tags go above 1050); so IMPORTANT to have regen subplot # (RP1-4) noted in subplot column on tally sheet to identify stem

In RP4, naturals may go into the “>1200” series which is reserved for planted stems, but care has been taken in this plot to give planted stems high 1200 numbers (…, 1298, 1299) to avoid conflict.

Planted stems in RP1-RP4 plots will have numbers 1201-1299. These numbers are integrated with planted stems in the sapling subplot (below) so there are never two planted 1201’s, etc. in the PSP. Planted stems were tagged at establishment; there should be no ingress of planted stems (exceptions are forks under BH from a planted stem or perhaps planted stems on sapling plot edge that were missed).

2. Sapling subplot natural origin stems outside of regen plots RP1-RP4 but inside the NW quadrant: All naturals ≥ 1.3 m Numbering: 2001-29991 Subplot label = “SP”

3. “Sapling” subplot planted stems, which excludes regen plots RP1-RP4: All planted trees (regardless of size) should have been tagged at SDS establishment across the

entire sapling subplot. There is no 1.3m minimum tagging limit for planted-origin stems in the sapling subplot.

Numbering: 1201-1299; sequence includes planted stems falling in RP1-4. Subplot label = “SP” IMPORTANT: all planted seedlings are numbered 1201+ across the entire sapling plot, but

planted trees that fall into the RP1-RP4 plots are recorded with regen plot number RP1 to 4, not SP

Planted trees were determined at SDS establishment. You should never need to add planted tree tags in the sapling or RP1-4 area (except forks under BH, missed edge trees).

4. Tree plot (outside of sapling plot area): Tag all trees ≥ 9.1 cm DBH.

1 One exception: in SDS 7079, extreme sapling density forced tagging saplings into 3000’s for some trees near plot centre. It will be very important to identify the subplot when looking for 3001+ trees in this SDS plot.

Alberta Agriculture and Forestry GOA PSP Manual June 28, 2016 Pg 14 Numbering: 3001-39991. Both planted and natural are in the same sequence in this subplot

area - in contrast to the regen and sapling areas. The origin field is where you distinguish planted from natural. The planted trees in this area have been marked with lots of blue paint all around the stem away from BH (to avoid confusion with the BH lines), so when they grow over 9.1cm DBH and receive a tag, origin can be recorded as PC or PR (look at the planted stem data in the sapling area for the type of planted stock). The blue paint all around the stems should be renewed on stems in the tree plot area that have not yet reached 9.1 cm, so they remain marked as planted for next measurement. This marking is not needed once tagged, since origin is then recorded.

WHAT TO MEASURE:

Tagged Stems:

General Measurement Notes IMPORTANT! For any subplot, if no trees, saplings or regen are found, add one record under that

subplot w/ species=NO. This confirms that you checked (vs missed the plot). Subplot must be recorded for every live or standing dead tree. Tag limits are not reversible! Once a tree grows over a tag limit (HT≥1.3m, DBH≥5.1cm (FMB) or

DBH≥ 9.1 cm (AFS, SDS)) and receives a tag appropriate for that subplot, it must be measured even if later damage puts it back below the tagging limit (e.g. top broken below 1.3m, lateral branch forming new leader but now DBH<5.1 or 9.1cm). Only dead&down, missing or cut-down trees are no longer measured.

Tag #'sTree origin Subplots SDS+AFS FMB SDS AFS FMB Species Origin* BirthYr CrCl** Height DBH RCD Codes CC-CA-SV Azim Dist HTLC*ǂ Cr Radii*ǂ

Tree D≥9.1cm D≥5.1cm 3001+ All Newǂ All All All All H<3m All New NewSapl H1.3-D9.0 H1.3-D5.0 All New All All All All H<3m All New New

RP1-5 H1.3-D9.0 H1.3-D5.0 All New All All All All H<3m All New NewRP1-5 H<1.3m H<1.3m All New All All All - H<3m All New NewTree D≥9.1 cm D≥5.1 cm 3001+ varies,

often 1+ 1+ All New All All All - All New NewSapl H1.3-D9.0 H1.3-D5.0 2001+ 8001+ 8001+ All New H<3m All All All All New NewRP1 RP2 RP3 RP4

H0-D9.0 H0-D5.0

1001+ 1051+ 1100+ 1150+

6001+ 6501+ 7001+ 7501+

6001+ 6501+ 7001+ 7501+

All New H<3m All All H≥1.3m H<3m All

Prev tagged + live, now stands dead All All All All All All All All All - -

Last time tagged + standing dead All All All All All All All - -Standing dead

ingress All D≥9.1 cm D≥5.1 cm All All All All New - All All - All - -Dead and down - - - - - - - dead-down or missing - - - -

Units/Codes eg AW NU,..* year D,C,I,S,-** m cm cm PYGI-2014 1-360 m m m

Record to Nearest n/a n/a 1 n/a0.01 ≤5m 0.1 >5m

0.1 0.1 n/a 0.5° 0.010.01 ≤5m 0.1 >5m

0.1

Accuracy (greater of) ± exact exact 2y, 5% 1 class 5cm, 5% 3% 5% 2° 2% 10% 20%*NU=nat'l unknown, SN=nat'l seed, SA=artificial seed, SK=sucker, SS=stump sprout, LY=layer, AD=advanced, AV=advanced superdominant veteran, UK=not known if nat'l / planted*PR=Planted bareRoot, PC=Planted Container, PI=planted genetic Improved, PU=planted Unknwn/mixed origin (check past data for type - ONLY blue-banded trees planted; o/w natural)**Dominant, Codominant, Intermediate, Suppressed, use "-" if dead or cutǂNew=new ingress tree not prev iously recordedǂǂ1st time standing dead means get HT to dead tip, DBH at first measurement tree is found standing dead. If prev iously recorded as standing dead, only do cond codesǂǂǂAll but prev DND=record codes for all EXCEPT missing & trees prev iously recorded as Dead-aNd-Down, disqualified or cut down (CC=D, N, X)*ǂDo not do HTLC&CR if dead, cut, missing, disq (CC=S, D, X, M, N), or crown deformed (ie. mod-sev damage-unless typical); replace with another of the same species*ǂHTLC is to lowest point on crown that is ~continuous green with the upper crown. Ignore isolated low green branches. Do NOT do HTLC to lowest green branch insertion - meas to lowest foliage

rm tag or position/species/size before dead-down call (o/w miss

↙same tree↘

Planted trees

New

Natural trees

Sample if Crstat=Y and healthy or minor damage, replace

damaged and dead, and do 10% ingress (by

species) but at least 10 of each species in entire plot. Ensure sample

includes the full range of size, from regen to

Tagging limit

1201+5001+N/A

H≥1.3m

Alberta Agriculture and Forestry GOA PSP Manual June 28, 2016 Pg 15 Best practice: if in doubt, measure the stem. Easier to remove it from database than to return to

the plot. E.g. Measure all stems you think should be disqualified, but include a disqualify code and makes a comment why (“out of plot”)

Origin is called for new (ingress) stems or if origin missing or incorrect. In regen plots it is usually possible to call the origin in detail (sucker, seed, stump sprout, layer). For a layer origin, gently tug to confirm the branch is rooted and connected to the parent (eg. SB). If the roots have not established enough to anchor the branch tip, do not tag it separately (consider it a branch off the parent tree). In sapling plots and certainly in tree subplots, origin calls will be coarser: more typical calls are natural unknown (NU) for deciduous or black spruce, natural seed (SN) for most other conifer, or AD/AV for advanced/highly advanced veteran growth. Veterans are older than the disturbance that started the main cohort of trees. Some stump sprouts may still be obvious (BW, tended aspen). Planted trees are typically identified at establishment and should not occur as ingress later unless specially marked (eg. blue-painted planted ingress into SDS tree-plots).

Birth year is called using terminal bud scars (deciduous, preferred for small conifers) or nodal whorls (the major branch whorls formed from lateral buds at the base of the terminal bud on conifers) to count backward from the current year to the year the tree germinated. This is only required for new ingress in regen and sapling plots, and if the ingress is <3m in HT (impractical for taller).

HT: measure height vertically from ground to highest live bud. Do NOT straighten leaning trees. Height pole or stiff tape is required for smaller trees (to ~5 m tall; can continue using for taller), clinometer/vertex may only be used for trees taller than 5m. If using clinometer on sloping ground, note distance from tree must be horizontal (not distance along slope) Make sure to add a dot of blue paint below DBH in the direction that vertex/clino height was taken

DBH: measure 1.3m along the bole (not vertical) from point of germination. Slumping, litter build-up, erosion or leaning may mean DBH is not 1.3m above ground. Since HT measured as vertical, a leaning tree can have a DBH and be HT<1.3m. Paint a thin line at DBH. If DBH needs to shift due to bole deformity, note shift in comments (e.g. D + 10cm)

RCD is measured in the regen plots only (including planted trees in RP5) if tree HT<3m See below for new PGYI tree condition codes. Old SRD single codes will no longer be used.

Decrease in HT or DBH requires a condition code other than healthy (e.g. broken top), or DblChk comment if healthy

Forks/same stump: if forked below DBH, use 2 trees and 2 tags (or more for multi-stem), CC=Y and give other tag in comments (e.g. “Y with 2076”); if fork above DBH use 1 tree and 1 tag, but use CC=F, and CA=(best guess or -), and use severity to estimate impact on bole form. Do not use fork or same stump for small, frequent leader dieback and replacement: any fork or same stump calls should be forks you expect to persist to maturity. Same stump should particularly be a rare call as over-calling this gives a falsely high mortality rate (tag death is only branch death, not tree death). Never call a “mild” severity same stump.

Azimuth and distance are recorded from plot centre. Existing tree positions can be used to map new ingress, but test to ensure they are accurate first. Any new tree >1.3m (including currently dead that are tree size – see below) must have azimuth and distance. Each tree must have a unique


position compared to neighbors (no azimuth – distance pair can be the same for two trees in a PSP). If tight, use the centimeter shifts in distance or 0.5 degree shifts to ensure position given will help the next crew identify which tree is which in a cluster if tags are lost.

Specific Notes 1. Dead and missing trees, saplings, regen All dead stems should have a “death code” (CC=S or D) and a cause of death (no severity

required for dead) The first time a tree is found standing dead (alive last measurement), DBH and vertical HT (to

tallest dead tip) must also be recorded. Ingress (previously untagged but now over tagging limit) standing dead stems of tree size only

require death codes and cause, other damage conditions, HT and DBH measurement, azimuth and distance. Note we decided in 2016 to only tag “tree” size ingress (i.e. over 5.1 or 9.1cm tag limit, depending on the plot system). Smaller dead trees often occur at high density in sapling and regen plots and do not contribute to snag models. To our knowledge, no dead ingress has ever been recorded in regen plots. It was occasionally recorded for saplings.

Stems recorded at last measurement as standing dead do not require DBH or HT, but do require condition codes if still standing. E.g. a tree standing dead at the previous measurement (died from internal rot), but now has quite a few woodpecker holes and a broken top (upper third) would now be recorded as CC1/CA1/SE1=S/9/-; CC2/CA2/SE2=B/11/b; CC3/CA3/SE3=T/16/b. Note the standing dead code and cause remain. If the tree was standing dead, and is now dead and down, give the cause you think knocked it down. e.g. if windthrow, record CC1=D/12/-. If the tree was standing dead previously and now missing (MUST scan dead & down trees for this tag or tree of same species, DBH, position first), record CC1=M/-/99, SE=- (unknown cause).

If a previously alive tree is now dead and down, code it CC1=D and CA=guessed cause that killed/knocked it down, SE=-. No DBH or HT is required for dead and down stems.

If tree was previously dead and down or cut or missing (CC1=D, X, M), do not look for tree. Occasionally a live tree is found with no apparent tag that fits one of these tree’s previous DBH, species and location. Record in comments if you think it was mistakenly called dead-down or missing at previous measure.

If previously live tree is missing, and no fallen trees match its species, DBH and position, call it missing (CC1=M) with no cause or severity. If a tree is found dead and down in ~ the right location and matching the species and approximate size, ok to call this tree dead and down without finding the tag. Missing should be a rare call, though will probably be more common when measurements are made in deep snow

2. Crown size (HTLC, CR) subsample Height to live crown (HTLC) and Crown Radius (CR) must be taken on the same trees, starting

with CrStat=Y trees. If any of these are dead or damaged replace with an undamaged tree of the same species.

CrStat trees should be representative. Do not do CR if dead or moderate to severe damage (SE=b or c) of any cause unless that level of damage is typical for the plot.

Alberta Agriculture and Forestry GOA PSP Manual June 28, 2016 Pg 17 There should be at least 10 crown measurements per species across the entire plot, if there are

that many trees. For new trees (ingress), subsample to ensure this minimum and a target total of 10% of the new trees per species using the following scheme: If <=10 acceptable regen/saplings/trees of each species (new and old), sample all

undamaged If > 10 acceptable regen/sapling/trees of each species (new and old), sample the existing

Crstat=Y (+ replace if damaged) plus additional to make up a sample of 10 for that species, then every 10th new stem of each species.

Live crown starts at the lowest point of the ±continuous green crown, NOT where the lowest live branch attaches to the bole. Ignore discontinuous green branches. Units are m to same precision as HT.

Crown width is to be measured in each cardinal direction (N, E, S, W) in m from the centre of the crown (centre may not be at the stem for tall trees with a minor lean) to the edge. Send a crewperson some distance back to tell you when you are under the centre and the edge. For straight trees, ensure you measure from ~the pith in the centre of the stem to crown edge (i.e. if you measure out from the bole facing you, add half the DBH to get back to the pith)

Add a DblChk (“CR ok” comment) or circle the value if crown radius is odd in one direction (rubbed against another tree, rogue branch). E.g. if CRN, CRE, CRS, CRW are 0.4, 0.5, 0.3, 2 m it’s not clear if you dropped a decimal from 0.2m or if a long branch sticks out to the west. The DblChk or circle confirms.

Plot Modifications to AFS PSPs 1. Some AFS PSPs have a very small main plot area: as low as 202 m2. The provincial standard is now

at least 400 m2, so smaller AFS plots must be expanded to this size. Similarly, sapling subplots must be at least 40m2, preferably 100 m2. The Department’s policy is as follows: Main plot smaller than 400 m2: expand main plot to 400 m2 and sapling subplot to 100 m2. Main plot ≥400 m2 but sapling subplot smaller than 60 m2: expand sapling subplot to ¼ of the

main plot area (the sapling area will vary from 100-200 m2).

Crown Radius-measure from crown centre to drip-edge (note atypical trees, generally leaners>20°, moderately bowed or pressed stems are not measured for HTLC and CR)

Height to live crown-measure from ground to base of continuous live crown (not where branch inserts)

Alberta Agriculture and Forestry GOA PSP Manual June 28, 2016 Pg 18 Plot expansions must be done so that stem data can be registered into both the old plot size

and the new, using the following subplot identifiers for every stem: SPO (sapling plot old), SPN (sapling plot new), TPO (tree plot old) and TPN (tree plot new). Regen was previously tallied, so there is no need for old regen subplot identifiers: RP1-RP4 will be the subplot label used for tagged regen trees.

Note the most common sapling subplot area in AFS plots was 62.5 m2. For the sake of continuity these will not be changed. They meet the PGYI minimum, though not the desired 100 m2.

MAIN AND SAPLING PLOT EXPANSION (CURRENT MAIN PLOT <400 M2): The NW plot corner is to the fixed anchor in this expansion, and the NE, SE, SW and plot centre

(PC) points are to be re-positioned with new posts. The old NE, SE, SW and PC posts must be left in place and tagged “old NE”, “old SE”, etc. Once the department is satisfied with the expansion, crews may be asked to remove the old posts. All sides as well as the diagonal distances of the main and sapling subplots must be measured with a measuring tape (a vertex is a useful preliminary layout tool but should not be used to measure final distance). Distances must be horizontal distances (corrected for slope if slope>15%) and within 20 cm of the target dimensions shown below (10m, 14.1m, 20m, 28.3m). The final distances, including diagonal distances, must be written on the maintenance sketch. Azimuth must also be reported for main plot sides (e.g. “19.8m @ 358°”).

IMPORTANT! Previous to this main plot expansion, trees have been mapped (azimuth, distance) from the former plot centre. For the measurement in which the main plot is being expanded, continue to map ingress back to the former plot centre. All azimuth and distance coordinates will be translated to the new plot centre in the office following this measurement. Be VERY CAREFUL to map back to former plot centre for the EXPANSION MEASUREMENT ONLY..

In future measurements on these expanded plots, azimuth and distance of all trees will be relative to the new plot centre.

Existing plot<400 m2 Desired plot = 400 m2 Overlay, showing all posts & subplot IDs

20m

20m

10m

10m

SPO*

SPN*

TPO

TPN

*stems within a regen subplot should be labelled by their RP#, not SPO or SPN

Alberta Agriculture and Forestry GOA PSP Manual June 28, 2016 Pg 19 EXPANSION OF THE SAPLING SUBPLOT ONLY (CURRENT MAIN PLOT ≥400 M2 BUT SAPLING SUBPLOT < 60 M2): AFS PSPs with main plots ≥400 m2, and sapling subplots <60 m2, need to have the sapling

subplot expanded to ¼ the main plot area. New sapling NE and SW posts must be added in careful alignment with plot centre and the edges of the main plot. The old sapling SE post is retained (labeled “old Sap SE”). Sapling and main plot must be measured with tape on all sides and diagonals, and reported on the maintenance sheet sketch. New sapling plot dimensions must be horizontal distances (corrected for slope if slope >15%) within 20cm of targets and the diagonal measurements should be within 20cm of each other. Existing layout, sapling subplot <60m2 New layout, sapling subplot ¼ of main plot area

*trees within a regen subplot should be labelled by their RP#, not SPO or SPN.

Establishment of FMB PSPs FMB PSPs will be laid out similar to SDS and some AFS PSPs, with a sapling subplot in the NW quadrant and four 10 m2 regen subplots nested within the sapling subplot. All FMB PSPs will have square, 400 m2 main plots, with dimensions as shown in the table below. Use a vertex as a layout tool; but final measurements must be made with a measuring tape and recorded on the maintenance sketch map. Distances must be horizontal (correct for slope if slope>15%). A maximum outage of 0.2m from these values is permitted for any side or diagonal dimension. The bearing along each main plot side should be N-S or E-W within 2 degrees. Record the final bearing on the maintenance map. Larger outages than these will result in plot rejection. Subplot Side Dimensions (m) Diagonal dimensions (m) Main 20 28.28 Sapling 10 14.14 At each corner and main plot centre, a 0.6m aluminum angle post must be driven at least 0.4m in-ground (max 20cm exposed) as a permanent marker in case of fire or harvest. Steel posts 1.5m long must then be driven at least 40cm in-ground at plot centre and each of the main plot corners. Drive the steel post into the angle of the short post. Label each corner with the PSP number and corner type (e.g.

½ width width

½ width

½ depth

depth

½ depth

SPO*

SPN*

Alberta Agriculture and Forestry GOA PSP Manual June 28, 2016 Pg 20 PSP 8001 – NW, PSP 8001 – PC). Two additional short aluminum posts are then driven at the NE and SW corners of the sapling subplot. Regen subplots will be located with within the sapling subplot by driving a 1.5m steel post in the ground at a point 2.78m on the diagonal from the corners of this subplot, as shown for regen subplot establishment below.

Alberta Agriculture and Forestry GOA PSP Manual June 28, 2016 Pg 21 Establishment of Regeneration Subplots (AFS and FMB PSPs) 1. AFS PSPs formerly only tallied regen (stems<1.3m) into 5 height classes. The new 2014 provincial

standard requires that at least a subsample of regen be tagged. The Department choice for AFS and SDS regen subplots, is that all regen will be tagged and measured except under exceptional cases or in young high density stands. To facilitate this, 1.78 m radius circular regen subplots will be established in AFS and FMB PSPs. If exceptionally high density regen plots are found (>50 trees per subplot), this should be communicated to the department, and a partial tally may be authorized.

2. Regen SubPlot Establishment Protocol (for AFS and FMB PSPs only): First, ensure any expansions to AFS main and sapling subplots have been done (if requested). The sapling subplot must be at least 60 m2 in area (7.7 x 7.7m) or the regen subplots would overlap (unacceptable). Position all four regen subplots within the sapling subplot according to the instructions and diagram below: Ensure there are steel or aluminum posts in the corners of the sapling subplot and tag each

corner (e.g. PSP101-P4-SapSE). The NW post should be there as it is shared with the main plot; there should be a SE sapling post as well (may be at plot centre; replace with a steel post if only a pigtail or wood post). Short (0.6m) aluminum posts are preferred in the NE and SW sapling plot corners (steel is ok).

Measure 2.78m inward on 45° diagonals from each corner of the sapling subplot and drive a 1.5m steel post to mark the centre of the regen subplot. Tag the NW regen subplot as ‘RP1’, the NE as ‘RP2’, the SE as ‘RP3’ and SW as ‘RP4’ (i.e. number them clockwise from NW).

2.78m 2.78m

2.78m 2.78m

Variable distance (depends on sapling subplot size)

1.78m

Regen subplot centre posts (new steel)

RP1 RP2

RP4 RP3

Sapling plot width, minimum 7.7 m

New NE sapling post (angle aluminum)

New SW sapling post (angle aluminum) Steel SE sapling post or plot

centre post

Existing NW corner post

1m

Regen subplot centre posts (new steel)

Tree plot

Layout for regen subplots RP1-RP4 in AFS PSPs

Tree plot

Alberta Agriculture and Forestry GOA PSP Manual June 28, 2016 Pg 22 Regen Subplot Measurements

1. In all regen subplots (AFS, SDS and FMB PSPs), measure all trees within 1.78m of the regen post, adding tags in sequence to new trees in the tag number range specified above under “Tree Tagging and Numbering”. Enter measurements on the tree datasheets, starting each regen subplot with a dark line across the datasheet. Ensure you record the regen subplot # (RP1, RP2, ..) in the subplot column. When establishing new regen subplots, tag new trees sequentially in a clockwise direction starting in the NW direction in RP1, then at the side nearest the previous subplot for RP2, RP3, RP4 respectively (see swathing

pattern diagram). This helps locate small trees that lose tags at subsequent measurements. Ingress trees tagged at subsequent re-measurements should also follow this pattern; however crews should realize that the higher tag numbers on later ingress will not neatly increase in this pattern.

2. When establishing regen subplots in existing AFS PSPs, do not re-tag trees that already have tags (e.g. sapling or tree size from previous measurements) unless a Conflict asks you to, but always record which subplot each stem falls into (RP1, RP2, RP3, RP4, SP, TP, or SPO, SPN, TPO, TPN if plot size was adjusted at this measurement). If a tagged stem in a regen plot grows over a height of 1.3m or DBH 9.1cm, keep the same tag number. If there are no trees in the regen plot, IMPORTANT to enter “NO” on the datasheet next to the

Regen subplot#. Separate regen plots with a dark line on the datasheets

3. In the SDS plots only, Regen Subplot 5 (RP5) is the same area as the sapling subplot and contains RP1-RP4 within it. At establishment of this subplot, all planted trees regardless of size are tagged sequentially with 1201+ numbers throughout this area (with the exception of planted trees in RP4 which start with 1299 and are numbered going down: 1299, 1298, 1297,…). Planted trees falling into RP1-RP4 are marked as belonging to these subplots; the rest within this area are assigned to RP5. Because of this complete tagging of all planted trees at establishment, there should be no

ingress of “planted” trees into RP1-RP5 at subsequent measurement. Assume new trees (conifer and deciduous) are natural origin and tag them with natural regen or sapling subplot numbers, NOT 1201+ . The only exceptions may be planted trees missed at establishment (e.g. on the plot edge) and rarely “ingress” forming a distinctly separate tree from the same stump of another planted tree (a fork below 1.3m)

If RP4, natural origin trees may need to be tagged into the 1201+ range, hence the planted stems are assigned 1299, 1298, 1297… instead.

4. In the FMB PSPs, all planted trees regardless of size (tagging limit of zero HT) will be tagged throughout the main, sapling and regen subplots sequentially with tags 5001+. As these are measured, the subplot in which the tree occurs should be noted in the subplot column (RP1-RP4,

NW Corner

Sapling Plot

R4

R1 R2

R3

Swathing pattern when regen subplots established


SP, TP). At re-measurements, crews must look for these planted trees, and recognize they may be smaller than the typical tagging limit of the subplot.

Regen Partial Tallies 1. The PGYI protocol requires that 10 trees of each species taller than 0.3 m HT and less than 1.3m HT

be tagged in the regen subplots. PGYI allows additional trees less than 1.3m HT be tallied. However, tallies are less desirable as they have often been done improperly in the field. Only in young stands and in cases with extreme densities (e.g. some black spruce stands) will a partial tally be authorized. IF AUTHORIZED, the requirements of this tally are: Tag and measure all trees in each regen plot which are ≥1.3m. Tag any ingress ≥ 0.3 and <1.3m HT to maintain at least 10 of each species in this size range in

each regen plot. If an existing tree grows over 1.3m, a replacement ingress must be tagged if available. If there are lots of trees, attempt to tag the full size range between 0.3 and 1.3m.

Tally the rest of the trees by species into 6 bins by HT class: 0-0.09 m, 0.10-0.29 m, 0.3-0.59m, 0.60-0.89m, 0.9-1.20m, 1.2-1.29m

Use the regen HT class tally form (form TM100, end of this manual) IMPORTANT! DO NOT include any tagged trees in the tally.

Sapling Subplot Measurements 1. All natural trees ≥1.3 m HT are to be tagged in the sapling subplot area. Note in SDS plots, that

planted trees in the sapling area will be tagged as 1201+ as part of regen plot 5. In FMB plots, where there are planted trees, they will be tagged throughout the entire plot. For SDS PSPs, read notes carefully on regen subplot 5 which covers the same area but is used to

separate the planted from the naturals AFS PSPs shouldn’t have any planted trees. Report to Department if you find any, measure

them using natural stem tag numbers but set origin = PU. New trees get tags in sequence following the last previously tagged number (see Tree tagging

above for number range). Leaning, bowed, broken top trees: HT is measured vertically, but DBH 1.3m up the bole, so

trees that were previously tagged but now are leaning or bowed under 1.3m vertical HT, will still be measured as saplings, and get DBH measured at the BH mark (should be at 1.3m from point of germination along the bole). Previously tagged saplings whose broken tops put their bole length now under 1.3m HT do not need DBH but still get measured for HT. Once a sapling, always a sapling (till dead and down).

Tree Plot Measurements 1. All trees ≥9.1 cm DBH in AFS and SDS plots, and ≥5.1 cm DBH in FMB plots, are to be tagged in the

main plot area. In the sapling subplot (and nested regen subplots), we will continue measuring trees as they grow over 9.1cm, so ingress over 9.1/5.1cm needs to be tagged only in the area outside the sapling subplot.

Alberta Agriculture and Forestry GOA PSP Manual June 28, 2016 Pg 24 For ingress, use the next tags in sequence for the tree area (Tree Tagging and Numbering

above), depending on the plot system

For SDS PSPs, planted trees in the main plot outside the sapling subplot should have painted blue bands around stem well above or below DBH. This marking is used to track the origin of planted trees until they reach or exceed 9.1 cm DBH and can be recorded. If any trees are still under 9.1cm DBH and have blue bands, IMPORTANT to refresh blue paint on these bands. Once tagged, the tree’s origin is identified in the data and blue bands are no longer necessary. DO NOT add blue bands to any new trees, which should be assumed to be natural-origin: only refresh paint if already banded (look carefully).

Tree Condition Codes • Tree condition codes are now in three parts: condition (CC), cause (CA) and severity (SE). Condition is

the site of injury (bole, crown, root) or general status (dead, broken top, sweep, lean, same stump, cut down, etc). Cause is a description of what happened to put the tree in that condition (windthrow, mountain pine beetle, Armillaria, defoliator,…). Severity is how much the condition is expected to impact a tree’s long-term growth and survival. See the summary and detailed tables below.

• Three sets of these three-part codes are used to denote up to three observed (most obvious) tree conditions. Codes are provided from the previous measurement, but since these are translated from our old codes, they are incomplete (severity usually not known, cause may not be known). When giving this measurement’s codes, call complete CC, CA, SE. Note CA and SE not needed for some CC; we require using a consistent code for these such as dash (“-“) or “u” or 99. Choose only one of these and stick to it for all datasheets. This way, all fields are populated with something, so we know it was considered; consistency makes data compilation simpler.

• The causes of the tree condition codes are limited to the ones that are important and reasonable for field crews to differentiate. General categories (insect, disease, climate, anthropogenic and unknown) would be used for ones not on the list or that field crews cannot identify.

• When multiple causes are suspected, only the “most obvious cause” for the observed condition is usually recorded. It is understood that the “most obvious cause” is sometimes a judgment call by a trained crew member. If multiple causes are deemed important to record, one could record the same condition more than once at the expense of other conditions, using a second and a third set of tree condition codes to record multiple causes. For instance, three tree condition codes could all be “bole damage”, but the causes could be “MPB”, “WGR” and “Stem disease”, with severity codes c, b, and a respectively.

• No cause or severity code is needed for “live and healthy” trees. No severity code is needed for live and healthy, dead, missing, disqualified, same stump, newly qualified, or cut down trees. Enter a dash “-” or “u” for these

• Note that conks/cankers, burls, scars, cracks and stem decay can be assigned as “bole damage” (CC=B); competition suppression, dying, poor vigor, half-dead and unhealthy looking can be typically assigned as “crown damage” (CC=C).

• Some causes will need to be coded more than once! E.g. a tree dead due to mountain pine beetle will have CC1/CA1/SE1=S/3/- ; CC2/CA2/SE2=B/3/b to acknowledge that MPB probably killed the tree and that there is damage to the bole (40-100 pitch tubes – see severity tables below). Similarly western gall rust may be both on the stem and the branches, requiring codes B/10/b and C/10/a.

• The PGYI protocol was developed with numeric codes for all three fields (condition, cause and severity). However, in the field it can be difficult to keep 3 sets of numbers straight. The Department


requires the use of an uppercase letter code for condition, a number code for cause, and a lowercase letter code for severity. A dash (“-“) or “u” should be entered for unknown or N/A cause and severity. These are listed on the following summary and detailed tables.

Tree condition code look-up table (see below for Interpretations and Detailed Tables). Condition (CC) – use field letter codes! Cause (CA) - Severity (SE)

PGYI

Fiel

d

PGYI

Fi

eld

0 H Live and healthy (no CA or SE needed) 1 Spruce budworm 1 a Minor 1 S Dead but standing (no SE needed) 2 Defoliator 2 b Moderate 2 D Dead and down (; no SE) 3 Mountain pine beetle (MPB) 3 c Severe 3 T Broken or dead top 4 Root collar weevil 9 - Unknown or N/A 4 B Bole damage 5 Terminal weevil (use dash in field) 5 C Crown damage 6 Armillaria root disease

6 R Root damage 7 Shepherd’s crook 7 K Crook 8 Dwarf mistletoe 8 W Sweep or bow, bend 9 Stem disease 9 F Fork (e.g., multiple leaders above DBH) 10 Western gall rust (WGR) 10 L Lean 11 Animal damage 11 P Poor form 12 Wind damage 12 Y Same stump (fork below DBH; no SE) 13 Snow/ice/frost damage/cracks 13 X Cut down (no SE) 14 Hail damage 14 M Missing tree (no SE) 15 Fire damage 15 N Disqualified tree (no SE) e.g. out of plot 16 Mechanical damage 16 Q Newly qualified (likely missed last meas;

no SE) 17 Improper planting

18 Poor ground conditions 19 Competition

20 Insect (other) 21 Disease (other) 22 Climate/weather/flood damage 23 Anthropogenic damage

-

Unknown or not applicable use dash in field (=PGYI 99)


Severity Code Interpretation Table CC Description Severity=a (minor) Severity=b

( d ) Severity=c (severe) Severity=-

PG

YI #

cod

e

Fiel

d Le

tter

code

(use

!) General

guidance ⇒ Minor - no lasting impact on growth; no mortality or merchantability concern

Long-lasting damage but not severe; some impacts on growth and merchantability

Severe long-lasting damage, major impacts on growth & merchantability, mortality is likely

Use (rarely) if impact not certain – it is best to estimate severity

0 H Healthy - - - - 1 S Standing dead - - - - 2 D Dead and down - - - - 3 T Broken/dead

top new leader will form and minor crook should disappear in ~10yr

<1/3 of tree HT but ≥minor criterion

>=1/3 of tree HT but ≥minor criterion

4 B Bole damage MPB (CA=3)

Less than 40 pitch tubes in bole

40-100 pitch tubes in bole

>100 pitch tubes in bole or tubes plus any woodpecker damage*

4 B Bole damage – WGR (CA=10)

minor impact (small stem galls encircling bole <25%)

Gall encircles 25-49% of bole

Gall encircles≥50% of bole

4 B Bole damage (other causes)

<1/3 of bole length or width

1/3-2/3 of bole, or bole weakened

>2/3 of bole, or likely to be fatal

5 C Crown damage <1/3 of crown length affected or minor competition (growth likely better in open)

1/3-2/3 of crown affected or moderate competition (definite growth suppression)

>2/3 of crown affected or severe competition, tree likely to die

6 R Root damage often severe if noticed 7 K Crook minor impact to merch

value, tree may grow over crook by maturity

Crook will persist to maturity, some impact to mature merch value

tree likely not merch at maturity; bole likely to break

8 W Sweep/bow/ bend

minor impact to survival or merch value

some impact to survival or merch value

tree may not survive or be merch

9 F Fork seldom used, possibly for a noteable fork with no distinct crown (leader replacement dynamics use CC= T)

intermediate (one stem clearly smaller with a somewhat separate crown)

will form 2 ~similar stems at maturity with some separation of crowns

10 L Lean 10-20 deg 20-44 deg ≥45 deg 11 P Poor form no impact to survival or

merch quality some impact to survival or quality value

tree may not survive or be merchantable

12 Y Same stump (tags that share this stump must be noted in comments)

DO NOT CALL! Minor branches extending upward from same stump are likely to die* (leader replacement dynamics should use CC= T)

intermediate (one stem clearly smaller with a somewhat separate crown)

will form 2 very similar stems with some separation of crowns at maturity

13 X Harvested/cut - - - - 14 M Missing - - - - 15 N Disqualified - - - - 16 Q Newly qualified - - - -

*Pitch tubes may not be obvious in stressed pine (no sap); but woodpeckers usually feed on pine severely infested with MPB. *Tagging and calling same stump on small branches will result in false high mortality. Tagging upward shoots and calling same stump should never be done unless you are sure the leaders are likely to persist to maturity.

Alberta Agriculture and Forestry GOA PSP Manual June 28, 2016 Pg 27 Detailed Condition Codes

Descriptions of general tree condition codes, causal agents and severity of condition. General Tree Condition Codes – field crews should use letter codes

PGYI # Code

Field code

Condition Description of Use

0 H Live and Healthy A tree is live and has no noticeable defect or damage.

1 S Dead but Standing A tree is completely dead (i.e., no live buds or foliage) but remains standing.

2 D Dead and Down

Used in plot re-measurements when a tree is dead and no longer supported by its root system. The tree must be located in order to use this code.

3 T Broken or Dead Top The upper portion of the tree has died or broken off.

4 B Bole Damage

The main stem of a tree is damaged as a result of mechanical or abiotic factors or from animal, insect, disease or anthropogenic activity.

5 C Crown Damage

A tree’s crown is damaged as a result of mechanical or abiotic factors or from animal, insect, disease, shading or anthropogenic activity. Trees growing poorly due to competition suppression may be called crown damage with suitable severity according to the amount of shade they are under. A dying tree could be coded as severe crown damage.

6 R Root Damage

The root system of a tree is damaged as a result of mechanical or abiotic factors or from animal, insect, disease or anthropogenic activity.

7 K Crook The bole of a tree exhibits an abrupt curvature.

8 W Sweep The bole of a tree exhibits a gradual curvature. This includes “pistol grip” trees which have a large horizontal displacement at their base or bending from snow loading.

9 F Fork

Used for all prominent forks above DBH. Forks occur where there is clearly going to be more than one leader for at least 10yr. Forks must not be confused with natural branching patterns and frequent current leader replacement dynamics in hardwoods, or short-term leader replacement dynamics after browse (use CC=T).

10 L Lean A tree that is leaning a minimum of 10 degrees from vertical.

11 P Poor Form This applies to trees which have form defects other than crooks, sweeps, leans, forks or same stumps. This includes excessively limby trees (wolf trees) and various other tree form anomalies.

12 Y Same Stump

Used when two or more prominent trees share the same stump (i.e., forked below DBH). Note that all trees (multiple tags) originating from the same stump receive the “same stump” code, and these other tags are recorded in comments. Like forks, do not use for temporary leader replacement dynamics, stump sprouts/upright branches. It is a serious issue to over-call and tag same stump, as this creates false mortality events. Do not tag and call same stump unless you are sure the leaders will persist and form two trees with ~distinct crowns. Never call “same stump” with “minor” severity.

13 X Harvested or Cut

Used in plot re-measurements when a tree has clearly been cut. The location of the cut stump will have to be verified before a cut code can be assigned.

14 M Missing Tree Used in plot re-measurements to represent a tree that can no longer be located.

15 N Disqualified Tree

Used in plot re-measurements when a tagged tree no longer satisfies the necessary criteria under current PSP protocols to be measured (e.g. determined to be out of plot).

16 Q Newly Qualified Tree

Used in plot re-measurements, when a tree was clearly missed during a previous measurement.

Alberta Agriculture and Forestry GOA PSP Manual June 28, 2016 Pg 28 Descriptions of general tree condition codes, causal agents and severity of condition.

Causal Agents –field crews should use number code for cause

Code Cause Description of Use

1 Spruce Budworm

Tree shows evidence of Eastern Spruce Budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana (Clemens)) attack. Symptoms include: webbing, frass and rust colouring on the tree crown. Primary hosts are white spruce, black spruce and balsam fir.

2 Defoliator Tree shows evidence of attack from any defoliating insect other than spruce budworm.

3 Mountain Pine Beetle

Tree shows evidence of mountain pine beetle attack (Dendroctonus ponderosae (Hopkins)). Symptoms include: evidence of entrance or exit holes and accumulations of pitch and sawdust. Primary hosts are lodgepole pine and jack pine.

4 Root Collar Weevil

Tree shows evidence of attack from any species of root collar weevil. Identified by presence of resin flow and tunnels in the bark and cambium at or below the duff layer. Most conifer species are susceptible to root collar weevil attack.

5 Terminal Weevil

Tree shows evidence of attack from any species of terminal weevil. Identified by presence of bent-over leaders with obvious exit holes. Most conifer species are susceptible to terminal weevil attack.

6 Armillaria Root Disease

Tree shows evidence of attack from Armillaria root disease (Armillaria spp.). Identified by the presence of mycelial fans around the root collar.

7 Shepherd’s Crook

Tree shows evidence of aspen leaf and twig blight (Venturia spp.) which causes terminal shoots and leaves to wilt and turn black, ultimately forming a shepherd’s crook.

8 Dwarf Mistletoe

Tree shows evidence of dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium spp.), notably the characteristic witches broom associated with this parasitic plant. Most species of conifer are susceptible.

9 Stem Disease

Tree shows evidence of a stem pathogen typically caused by canker, heart rot and sap rot diseases. Evidence is usually in the form of a canker (sunken or swollen lesion), conk or other fruiting body on the stem.

10 Western Gall Rust

Tree shows evidence of western gall rust (Endocronartium harknessii (J.P. Moore) Y. Hairatsuka) most notably woody swellings (galls) on the main stem and/or branches. Primary hosts are lodgepole pine and jack pine.

11 Animal Damage

Tree has been damaged by any type of mammal or bird. This includes small mammal feeding, ungulate rubs, ungulate browsing, beaver gnawing, bear clawing, woodpecker and sapsucker damage, etc.

12 Wind Damage

Tree exhibits signs of wind damage, such as uprooting, broken stem or branches (with indications such as numerous ~fresh branches on the ground), “flag” growth form (in extreme wind exposure).

13 Snow/Ice/ Frost Damage

Tree has been damaged by snow, ice or frost. This may result from ice build-up, heavy snow loads and early or late frosts which damage trees that are not properly hardened off. This includes: snow press, frost cracks and frost heave.

14 Hail Damage

Tree has been damaged by hail. Signs of hail damage may include stripped branches and extensive scarring on stems and branches. Damage is greatest on younger shoots, making younger trees more susceptible.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Choristoneura_fumiferana


15 Fire Damage Tree has been damaged as a result of burning or scorching.

16 Mechanical Damage

Tree has been damaged by the natural mechanical action of trees contacting each other, resulting in scarring or crown damage. This may be caused by wind, but if the scarring or damage is due to rubbing by a tree or branch, call mech damage.

17 Improper Planting

Tree has been planted in a manner that is adversely affecting growth. This includes J-rooted trees, shallow or deeply planted trees, trees that are planted loosely or trees planted at an acute angle.

18 Poor Ground Conditions

Tree is growing in an inappropriate location (i.e., poor microsite: hardpan, rotten logs, rock, deep organic soil) including subsequent events making the soil less suitable (i.e., slumping, wind erosion or burial etc.).

19 Competi-tion

Tree is suffering from competition from herbaceous, woody or other tree vegetation. Growth improvement should be clearly expected if the competitors were removed. Note shade tolerant species such as spruce and fir are less prone to competition effects and should require denser competition for the same call vs shade-intolerants.

20 Insect (Other)

Tree shows evidence of attack from an insect other than those listed in 1 through 5 or from an unidentified insect.

21 Disease (Other)

Tree shows evidence of attack from a disease other than those listed in 6 through 10 or from an unidentified disease.

22

Climate, Weather or Flood Damage

Tree exhibits damage resulting from climate, weather or flooding. This includes damage caused by lightning, drought, sunscald and desiccation, water erosion, beaver-caused flooding (beaver flooding or damage to >10% of plot area should also be noted as plot damage on the maintenance sheet also).

23 Anthropo-genic Damage

Tree exhibits damage resulting from some type of human activity. This includes damage from cutting, land clearing, herbicide and other human caused activities. Damage affecting more than 5% of the plot area should also be noted as plot damage on the maintenance sheet.

-, u Unknown Tree has been damaged by some sort of unknown cause.

Severity of Condition

Code Severity Description of Use

a Minor Condition is noticeable but is unlikely to have an adverse impact on the long-term survival, growth or form of the tree. Impacts on fibre quality and yield at the time of harvest are expected to be negligible.

b Moderate

Condition is obvious and could potentially have an adverse impact on the long-term survival, growth or form of the tree. If the tree survives, some minor to moderate impacts on fibre quality and yield at the time of harvest can be expected.

c Severe

Condition is prominent and is almost certain to affect the long-term survival, growth or form of the tree (e.g., gull rust circling ≥50% of the main stem, leaning ≥450 off the vertical axis). If the tree survives, major impacts on fibre quality and yield at the time of harvest can be expected.

- or u Unknown/Not Applicable The severity of the condition is not known, not applicable or unquantifiable.

Alberta Agriculture and Forestry GOA PSP Manual June 28, 2016 Pg 30 Allowable Errors

Table 1 Standards for PSP measurement and allowable errors. ITEM STANDARD ALLOWABLE ERROR

Trees already tagged Solid effort must be made to locate tagged trees that are not previously dead and down or disqualified, and at least one set of condition-cause-severity codes must be given (can be healthy). If tree cannot be found after inspecting untagged neighbors and fallen trees, only then can it be coded as missing

If tree (including saplings and regen) is standing in the plot, and has a tag, no allowable error: it must be coded and measured as required. This data must be associated with the correct tag. If tree is standing in the plot but has lost its tag, and fits the description and location of a previously tagged tree, 1% allowable error.

New tree species stems (ingress) Numbering continues from last tagged tree in same subplot. Sapling and tree numbers should never overlap. Sapling must have appropriate condition code(s) recorded. Saplings must be mapped, correctly numbered and at least one condition code given. Use compass and tape or electronic device with <2% accuracy to map trees.

No tolerance on tag numbers: all ingress meeting the tagging limit for its subplot must be tagged correctly (number in sequence for the subplot). Measurements must be associated with the correct tag. Azimuth recorded within 0.5 degrees of true north (2 degree tolerance) and distance within 2% of actual distance from main plot centre. Compass declination must be set at the value determined for the plot location and within one year as given by Natural Resources Canada geomagnetic calculator. New trees must have different azimuth and distance from existing trees.

Species All trees must be correctly identified by species. Special consideration should be given to black spruce (fine twig hair) versus white spruce (smooth twigs), balsam poplar (large sticky buds) versus trembling aspen (small smooth buds) and jack (cones curl outward) vs. lodgepole (cones curl inward) pine.

Species must be correct for trees>9.1 DBH, saplings >=1.3m HT, and 95% of regen. Some additional tolerance permitted for regen and sapling size (DBH<9.1cm) black vs. white spruce if trees have no cones and black spruce twig hair is not obvious, and for lodgepole vs jack pine of any size if they lack cones.

Origin Call considering species establishment habits (possible layering for black spruce, stump sprouts in hardwoods), plot treatments, and observed root collar location/features. Where unclear, more general calls should be used (e.g. NU, UK)

Blue banded trees in SDS must be called planted. SDS trees that are not blue-banded must have an appropriate natural origin call. For other trees and plots, origin must reflect the treatment information provided on the maintenance sheet, species, and root collar location.

Birth Year (for ingress HT<3m) Count back from current year using terminal bud scars (preferred) or branch whorls

Allowable error +/- 2 years or 30% of age whichever is larger


Stem Diameter at 1.3m (DBH; if over 1.3m height)

Measure at breast height (1.3 m). DBH in cm units. Record to nearest 0.1 cm.

Diameter measured within 3 mm or 3%, whichever is larger. Breast height is assumed to be at previous blue line (even if ground level has changed). For new ingress, breast height line must be +5cm from 1.3m height unless stem deformed here (then comment on shift).

Root collar diameter (RCD; regen with HT<3m only)

Measure near ground level, but above butt swell. Units are cm, recorded to nearest 0.1cm

Allowable error +/- 3mm.

Height (HT) Height pole or stiff tape to 5m, clinometer for >5m. Units in m, recorded to nearest 0.01m below 5m, 0.1m above.

The allowable error for measured heights is +/-5 cm or 5%, whichever is larger

Crown class Call D, C, I, S according to where the tallest live bud is relative to the canopy. Trees in local gaps should be moved up one category. Dead, missing, disqualified get “-“.

Allowable error is one class (e.g. D or I for a C class tree).

Height to live crown (HTLC) Use same equipment, units and precision as for height. But if <2m, wise to use tape.

Allowable error is 10%

Crown radius (CR) Use tape from crown centre outward. For straight trees, measure from centre of stem outward. Units in m, recorded to nearest 0.1m

Allowable error is 20%.

PLOT REJECTION The plot may be required to be re-measured if the entire plot has: • more than 5 percent of measurements of any of birth year, DBH, RCD, HT, crown class, HTLC or CR

are outside specified allowable error (Table 1); or • species is incorrect on more than 2 percent of the trees (including regen and saplings) except as

noted in Table 1; or • origin is incorrect on more than 5 percent of the trees (including regen and saplings); or • condition codes are missing on more than 2 percent of the saplings and trees; or • the condition codes are incorrect on more than 10 percent of the saplings and trees; or • azimuth and distance measurements are incorrect on more than 10 percent of the saplings or

trees; or • the number of seedlings by species is incorrect in more than 2 height classes on a plot (if a regen

height class tally is required); or • the plot maintenance report is incomplete.

Alberta Agriculture and Forestry GOA PSP Manual June 28, 2016 Pg 32 Tree Species Codes Used in Alberta

Code Tree species Hw Hardwood (aspen, balsam poplar, birch)

Used for stand types only Aw Trembling (white) aspen (Populus tremuloides) Bw Paper (white) birch (Betula papyrifera) Pb Balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera) Pj Jack pine (Pinus banksiana) Pl Lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta)

Occasionally used for generic pine stand type Px Pine hybrid (Pinus contorta x banksiana) or

pine stand type Pf Limber pine (Pinus flexilis) Pw Whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) Lt Tamarack (Larix laricina) La Subalpine larch (Larix lyalli) Lw Western larch (Larix occidentalis) Sb Black spruce (Picea mariana) Sw White spruce (Picea glauca) Se Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmanii) Sx Hybrid spruce (Picea glauca x engelmanii) Fb Balsam fir (Abies balsamea) Fa Subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa) Fd Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)


Figure 4. Example tree datasheet. Grey rows are former dead and down, missing or disqualified trees (no need to look for these). Err field identifies missed or out of range data. A blank datasheet is provided on the last page for ease of printing.

Mnth Day Alberta FMB PSP DATA SHEET Crew: J Doe, I Dopsp

12 6 Last measured in 2005* See Conflict Sheet **NU=nat'l unknown; SK=sucker; SS=stump sprout; LY=layer; S_=seed:Natural or Artificial; P_=planted:Unknown / bareRoot / Container / Improved; AD=advanced; AV=superdominant veteran; UK= unknown if nat'l or planted

SubP RP1-RP5,

SP, TP

Tree # Spp Origin** NU SK SS LY S_ P_ AD AV UK

Birth Yr (Reg/Sap

only)

last DBH

DBH 0.0 cm

RCD 0.0 cm (H<3m)

last HT

HT 0.00 m

Crwn Class DCIS N

last

CC1

CC1 letter

CA1 1-23

-

SE1 abc

-

CC2 letter

CA2 1-23

-

SE2 abc

-

CC3 letter

CA3 1-23

-

SE3 abc

-

Az 1-360.0

Dist 0.00 m

Cr Stat

HTLC 0.00 m

CrN 0.0 m

CrW 0.0 m

CrS 0.0 m

CrE 0.0 m

Comments Err

RP1 1001 SW NS D

RP1 1002 SW NS 19820.76

- H M - -

RP1 1003 SW NS D

RP1 1004 PB NU D

RP1 1005 SW NS 19801.12

- H M - -

RP1 1006 PB NU D

RP1 1007 SW NS D

RP1 1008 SW NS D

RP1 1009 PB NU D

RP1 1010 PB NU D

RP1 1011 SW NS D

RP1 1012 SW NS D

RP1 1013 SW NS D

RP1 1014 SW NS 1982 1.500.76

1.1 S C L - c K - b W - a Y 0.52 CR

RP1 1015 FB NS 19810.3

2.301.34

1.8 S H W - a 319 17.45 Y 0.60 0.4 0.9 0.5 0.5 DBH

RP1 1016 FB NS 1981 0.10 2.400.95

1.4 S T H - - Y 0.20 0.5 0.8 0.8 0.4 Azi

RP1 1017 SW NS D

RP1 1018 FB NS 19830.43

0.4 S T T - b K - a RCD

RP1 1019 SW NS D

RP1 1020 AW NU D

RP1 1021 PB NU D

RP1 1022 SW NS 1980 1.20.98

- H M - -

RP1 1023 FB NS D

RP1 1024 AW NU 19815.3

8.20 -10.10

9.0 C K H 320 17.00 Y 8.80 1.1 2.5 1.0 0.5 HT/code

RP1 1025 PB NU D

RP1 1026 SW NS D

PSP.plot Year

3007 2015


Figure 5. Checklist which should be completed before leaving a plot. Circle every entry, using NA for not applicable.

DatePlot number (for 4-plotters give cluster.plot) Include current leader in ht? Include ExcludeDeclination used (in June, the current leader is typically excluded)Crew (intial and last names)TREE DATASHEETS MAINTENANCE SHEETSubplot filled in for all standing stems? Yes No NA Sketch map has dist/bearings from TP to PC? Yes No NAExisting tags maintained and sequential - wired for room to grow? Yes No NA Sketch any disturbance? Yes No NASpecies done? Yes No NA Sketch Buffer dist/bearings? Yes No NAOrigin done for all standing stems? Yes No NA Sketch Main and sapling plot sides dist/bearing? Yes No NABirth yr for all saplings and regen Ht<3m Yes No NA Update access type (AWR, DWR, etc) Yes No NADBH for all HT≥1.3m incl first time std_dead+checked for shrinkage Yes No NA Written access description from major intersection? Yes No NARCD for all live in RPs HT≤3m Yes No NA Plot status, disturbance codes, new treatments? Yes No NAHt incl first time std_dead+checked for shrinkage Yes No NA AVI field call Yes No NACrown class done for all live Yes No NA Slope position, slope%, aspect Yes No NACC1-CA1-SE1 done (no blanks: unknown/- ok) Yes No NA Ecosite and guide? Yes No NAif CC2 or CC3 then CA and SE not blank Yes No NA Veg layer assessed for appropriate regen plots? Yes No NAAz&dist if HT≥1.3m Yes No NA Posts painted and flagged Yes No NACrowns for min 10/species then 20% subsample Yes No NA Tieplate checked and refreshed Yes No NARegen Ht Class Tally done (only if authorized) Yes No NA Plot buffer painted every 5m or less + flagged? Yes No NA No tagged trees overlap Regen Ht Tally? Yes No NA Pictures taken with dated plot card? Yes No NARegen ingress captured? Yes No NASapling ingress captured? Yes No NATree plot ingress captured? Yes No NAPlanted trees (if any) measured in sapling plot /RP5 Yes No NAPlanted trees(if any) <91mm DBH repainted blue in NE,SE, SW quadrants Yes No NA Conflict sheet completed - clear answers on sheet Yes No NANatural ingress kept distinct (i.e. not painted, different tags) from planted ? Yes No NA

If required, accurate GPS obtained (PC and buffer corners) Yes No NA

Surveyor Comments:


Figure 6. Regen Height Class tally form. To be used only if authorized

Permanent Sample Plot Page _____ of ______Record Type PSP#

Plot in cluster (1-4) Year Month Day Regen Height Class Record Crew:

61

Tally regen <130cm by species. Do NOT include tagged trees in this tally. Enter 'Nil' for each regen plot if no regen to tally (e.g. none or all tagged). One column for dot tally, one to write the total (must total the dot tally to confirm). Note odd bin range for class 0 and 5

REG PLOT SPECIES HtClass 0 HtClass 1 HtClass 2 HtClass 3 HtClass 4 HtClass 5

(RP1-4) (0-9cm) (10-29cm) (30-59cm) (60-89cm) (90-119cm) (120-129cm)

Rev 5/2016 TM 100

Rev 2/2016 TM267d Page 2/2

| | | | |

Permanent Sample Plot Assessment

PD code1 PD year1 PD code2 PD year2 PD code3 PD year3 PT code1 PT year1 PT code2 PT year2 PT code3 PT year3 PT code4 PT year4 PT code5 PT year5

1 (e)

2 (s)

3 (w)

4 (n)

Plot*

Slope position

(1-7)†Aspect (N, NE,…) Slope (%)

NSR (1-21) Guide used***: N WC SW

1 (e)

2 (s)

3 (w)

4 (n)*Old ESRD PSPs (plot #<351) have four separate main plots per PSP group; all others have just one †Slope position:**Estimate disturbance/treatment year: look for leaf/needle loss on damaged trees, bark loss, rot, new tree growth***Beckingham et al. 1994 Field Guide to Ecosites of ___ Alberta. Include ecosite and community type 1Plot status codes (choose the most important):

Vegetation Layer Assessment Notes: forbs include club moss and bunchberry; shrubs include twinflower

% CoverHeight (cm)** % Cover

Height (cm)** % Cover


Height (cm)**

1 (e) 1 10

1 (e) 2 10

1 (e) 3 10

1 (e) 4 10

2 (s) 1 10

2 (s) 2 10

2 (s) 3 10

2 (s) 4 10 3Plot treatment codes (up to 5)

3 (w) 1 10

3 (w) 2 10

3 (w) 3 10

3 (w) 4 10

4 (n) 1 10

4 (n) 2 10

4 (n) 3 10

4 (n) 4 10

Plot Treatment3 + year occurred** (e.g. W-2002; up to 5 codes)

Ecosite and community type (e.g. BMd1.3)

Subplot Area (m2)

Graminoid Moss/lichen

AVI Field Call (e.g. B14Aw5Sw4Fb1)

Plot Disturbance2 - year occurred** (eg NDW-2010, MLU-2013; up to 3 codes)

Plot*

Regen subplot

Plot (group

position)

Year

| | | |

ForbsShrubs

Plot status1

(1 code)

Agency

ESRD

Group - Plot number

12

7

346

5

1 Active and no obvious damage 11 Destroyed (fire) 2 Natural damage (severe wind) 12 Destroyed (climate/weather) 3 Natural damage (flood and water) 13 Plot closed and reopened 4 Natural damage (defoliation) 14 Burned 5 Man-made damage (road, seismic, pipeline) 15 Missing or lost 6 Man-made damage (herbicide and treatment) 16 Mistletoe 7 Natural and man-made damage (cause unknown) 17 Mountain pine beetle 8 Harvested or cut down 18 Spruce bud worm 9 Horse logged 19 Plot harvested & re-established


N ― No treatment or not site prepared M ― Site prepared, mechanical (includes various scarification and mechanized site preparation

methods using blades, disks, drags, mixers, mounders, plows, etc.) C ― Site prepared, chemical (using herbicide) B ― Site prepared, burning (using a prescribed burn) H ― Tended, chemical (using herbicide, following planting) W ― Tended, manual/mechanical (using manual of mechanical means, i.e., cleaning or weeding F ― Fertilized (any treatment where fertilizer is applied) P ― Pre-commercial thinning T ― Commercial thinning S ― Shelterwood, or selection harvest U ― Understory protection (strip harvesting while protecting desirable under-storey) A ― Understory avoidance D ― Drainage (treatment used to channel excess water off site)

BU Partially burned DA Destroyed (anthropogenic or man-made)DC Destroyed (climate/weather) DF Destroyed (fire) HL Horse logged or partially harvested MI Missing or lost MLU Man-made (seismic, pipeline) MU Cause unknownNDC Natural (climate) NDD Natural (defoliation)NDI Natural (insect, disease) NDW Natural (flood, water)

Rev 11/2017 TM267d

Rev 12/2015 TM267d Page 1/2

PERMANENT SAMPLE PLOT MAINTENANCE SHEETAgency Group - Plot number Year Month Day Merid Twp Rge Sec Sec Sec Sec LSD LSD LSD LSD Crew:

GOA | | | | | | | | | | W of | | | | | | | | | | | Last measurement:

Plot Centre Geolocation

(NAD83, decimal degrees) N W

Access: Sketch map (not to scale). Draw and number regen subplots, main and sapling side dimensions/bearings, and access path1=AWR 2=DWR 3=DETR 4=ATV 5=HELI

Access Directions and Comments:

Declination/date:see over for plot assessment data

Latitude Longitude

Rev 12/2015 TM267d Page 2/2

| | | | |

Permanent Sample Plot Assessment

PD code1 PD year1 PD code2 PD year2 PD code3 PD year3 PT code1 PT year1 PT code2 PT year2 PT code3 PT year3 PT code4 PT year4 PT code5 PT year5

1

Plot*

Slope position

(1-7)†Aspect (N, NE,…) Slope (%)

NSR (1-21) Guide used***: N WC SW

1

*Use 4-plotter maintenance sheets for old ESRD PSPs (plot #<351) which have four separate main plots per PSP group; †Slope position:**Estimate disturbance/treatment year: look for leaf/needle loss on damaged trees, bark loss, rot, new tree growth***Beckingham et al. 1994 Field Guide to Ecosites of ___ Alberta. Include ecosite and community type

Vegetation Layer Assessment Notes: forbs include club moss and bunchberry; shrubs include twinflower1Plot status codes (choose the most important):

% CoverHeight (cm)** % Cover



Height (cm)**

10

10

10

10**Height is the layer height

2Plot Disturbance Codes (up to 3: include the plot status code disturbance + year) 3Plot treatment codes (up to 5)

Plot Treatment3 + year occurred** (e.g. W-2002; up to 5 codes)

Ecosite and community type (e.g. BMd1.3)

Subplot Area (m2)

1

2

Graminoid Moss/lichen

AVI Field Call (e.g. B14Aw5Sw4Fb1)

Plot Disturbance2 - year occurred** (eg NDW-2010, MLU-2013; up to 3 codes)

Regen Subplot

Plot*

Year

| | | |

ForbsShrubs

Plot status1

(1 code)

3

4

Agency

GOA

Group - Plot number

12

7

34

65

1 Active and no obvious damage 11 Destroyed (fire) 2 Natural damage (severe wind) 12 Destroyed (climate/weather) 3 Natural damage (flood and water) 13 Plot closed and reopened 4 Natural damage (defoliation) 14 Burned 5 Man-made damage (road, seismic, pipeline) 15 Missing or lost 6 Man-made damage (herbicide and treatment) 16 Mistletoe 7 Natural and man-made damage (cause unknown) 17 Mountain pine beetle 8 Harvested or cut down 18 Spruce bud worm 9 Horse logged 19 Plot harvested & re-establish


N ― No treatment or not site prepared M ― Site prepared, mechanical (includes various scarification and mechanized site preparation

methods using blades, disks, drags, mixers, mounders, plows, etc.) C ― Site prepared, chemical (using herbicide) B ― Site prepared, burning (using a prescribed burn) H ― Tended, chemical (using herbicide, following planting) W ― Tended, manual/mechanical (using manual of mechanical means, i.e., cleaning or weeding) F ― Fertilized (any treatment where fertilizer is applied) P ― Pre-commercial thinning T ― Commercial thinning S ― Shelterwood, or selection harvest U ― Understory protection (strip harvesting while protecting desirable under-storey) A ― Understory avoidance D ― Drainage (treatment used to channel excess water off site)

BU Partially burned DA Destroyed (anthropogenic or man-made)DC Destroyed (climate/weather) DF Destroyed (fire) HL Horse logged or partially harvested MI Missing or lost MLU Man-made (seismic, pipeline) MU Cause unknownNDC Natural (climate) NDD Natural (defoliation)NDI Natural (insect, disease) NDW Natural (flood, water)

Page __ of ___ Mnth Day Alberta FMB PSP DATA SHEET Crew:

Last measured in * See Conflict Sheet **NU=nat'l unknown; SK=sucker; SS=stump sprout; LY=layer; S_=seed:Natural or Artificial; P_=planted:Unknown / bareRoot / Container / Improved; AD=advanced; AV=superdominant veteran; UK= unknown if nat'l or planted

SubP RP1-RP5,

SP, TP

Tree # Spp Origin** NU SK SS LY S_ P_ AD AV UK

Birth Yr (Reg/Sap

only)

last DBH

DBH 0.0 cm

RCD 0.0 cm (H<3m)

last HT

HT 0.00 m

Crwn Class DCIS N

last CC

1

CC1 letter

CA1 1-23

-

SE1 abc

-

CC2 letter

CA2 1-23

-

SE2 abc

-

CC3 letter

CA3 1-23

-

SE3 abc

-

Az 1-360.0

Dist 0.00 m

Cr Stat

HTLC 0.00 m

CrN 0.0 m

CrW 0.0 m

CrS 0.0 m

CrE 0.0 m

Comments

PSP.plot Year

alberta government forestry permanent sample plots · alberta agriculture and forestry goa psp...

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