Use group selection and single tree selection to release existing regeneration, and establish more regeneration. Basal area will be reduced to approximately 84 sqft/ac in trees greater than 5” DBH.
Harvest quantities:
<5 ft2 of basal area in large sawtimber 16+” DBH (High risk only)
10 ft2 of basal area in the small sawtimber class (approximately 1 of every 3 trees)
30 ft2 of basal area in the pole class (approximately 1 of every 2 trees)
Prioritize harvest of sugar maple over yellow birch and black cherry, retaining the latter two species when possible. Reserve all conifers except balsam fir. Reserve snags and live den trees, up to 10/ac, unless they are a safety hazard. While marking for these guidelines, create 2 to 4 25’ - 40’ and 1 or 2 60’ - 75’ canopy gaps per acre, especially where regeneration is abundant and/or stem quality is poor, near mid-tolerant seed trees (yellow birch, black cherry, white pine). This northern hardwood stand should continue to regenerate naturally with periodic harvests using mechanized equipment into the future. Many of the gaps are established adjacent to large yellow birch; and by removing groups of poor quality and high risk maple. Five patches of aspen within the sale area are designated for coppice with standards. In these gaps, cut all stems greater than 1” DBH. Locate these gaps southeast of seed trees. All merchantable ironwood, balsam fir, and aspen with at least 2 sticks shall be harvested. With the exception of balsam fir, all other conifers (white pine, hemlock, white cedar, white spruce) will be retained. Large den and snag trees, especially yellow birch, remain for wildlife purposes.
There should be at least 3 to 6 live cavity or den trees and 3 trees per acre greater than 15” DBH left in the stand.