By:Danielle E. Banchio

California Registered Professional Forester #2808For the

Truckee-Donner Land Trust

July 6th, 2013

Ecological Restoration!!

Current RG forests are extremely overcrowded with trees.

Historic tree density with wildfire = 50-70 trees per acre

Current density without fire = 300-1000 trees per acre

More trees = more fuel = very high fire threat, continued decline of forest health (insects, disease), conversion of meadows to timberland, loss of natural forage & associated biodiversity.

Aspen

Wildflowers

Grasses

Meadows

Vernal Pools

Cytospora

Dwarf Mistletoe

1. Have a Plan!

Preliminary Long Term Forest Management Plan completed for Royal Gorge in Dec. 2012

Gives short term direction so we continue to move forward during the Long Term Planning

Allows for prioritization:

Fuel Reduction

Ecological Restoration (provide for wildlife, biodiversity, long-term fire resilience, ecological balance).

1. Identify and GPS all roads, access, watercourses, property corners, proposed treatment area.

2. Conduct surveys: biological, botanical, archaeological.3. Mark timber:

1. Gap & cluster2. Trees >12” DBH to be removed marked in blue3. Sample mark between Pahatsi, Big Ben, and northern Hillside

residences

4. Meet with Prospective Contractor(s).5. File appropriate Exemption with Cal Fire.

- Objectives: 1. Reduce vertical and horizontal continuity of fuels; 2. Provide for increased forest resilience to wildfire and

other damaging agents.- Thin stands by removing conifers <30” Stump DOB- Space residual trees to provide for distinct break in crowns - Reduce surface fuels such as brush, small trees, and dead and down woody material

“Feller Buncher”, a formof mechanized falling equipment.

Rubber Tired Skidder

Chip Size (small) Chip Size (moderate)

Chip Size (large) Masticated area immediately after

operations.