HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-09-27 99-332 ORDERCOUNCILACTION
Item No. mal
Date: September 27, 1999
Item/Subject: Order, Adopting Bangor City Forest Stewardship Incentive plan
Responsible Department; Public Wake
The City Forest Stewardship Incentive Plan prepared by Charles Sampson provides a long-range plan for
development of the City forest. The adoption of this plan is crucial to the grant application submitted to the
Maine Forest S ricethis past spring. The plan will be used tojustify anions turen in the City Fored, after
the ice dorm, m remove dangerous trees, branches, and downed limbs near trach. This plan also provNes a
ton year capital plan for the forest, allowing the Maine Forest Service to consider funding a requested
$330.000 in City Forest wank. The key to MIs consideration is the acre tince of this StexaNship Plan.
The most immediam Impart of MIs plan a the release of funds requested under the Maine Forest Service gam
request for damages Inflicted during the January 1990 ice storm. Mr. Simpson points out mat although the ice
storm damage wasclassimiJ as light therewesdamage Mthetregofthe City Forest. Thisdamagedces
need to he repalretl because some limbs and branches are harping, creating a danger to the public using the
Forest as well as the opportunity for add bound damage W other living trees. Ocher branches are lying on or
car the trails, causing obstructions and preseming fuel for increased fire danger. In eight mtlse subareas of
the Forest, the ice storm ceased suNk3ent damage M require remedial action m lower the fire risk. Mr.
Simpson recommend clearing debris along the traps in mese eight areas for fire miagadon.
Secondary management objectives In the forest deal with wildlife protection and enhancement.
Recommended activities Include: pemanent wood yards, Beetling woad yards and trails, consbuRlon of duck
bores, bird houses, and beaver control devices. The plan also recommends development of a cambiums
forest inventory system of pemwnent sample pbbs within the forest m monitor and establish not annual
growth, harvest levels, canditim of feed, and the number of den and most trees.
Overall, the pan recommends: establishing an advisory committee of forest users, removal of safety harards
and unsightly debrs, acquiring currently manhod Interior bas, developing a Ne pmtectlon plan, conducting
fire ponds, and eliminating hunting and eventually mmorixad vehicles from the forest.
Department Head
Managers Comments:
TIB Municipal Operations Committee has reaiewed the confused plan and recommards it to you for approval.
City Manager
Associated Information: Order, plan
Budget Approval:
re Chapter
Legal Approval:
lVity
4U
Solicbnr
Intimidated! nor
X Passage
_ First Reading
Page_ of
Referral to Finance
AatigdbCowoilm polmm 9epte ex 27, 1999
A CITY OF BANGOR
(TITLE.) Order, Adopdng Bangor City Forest Sbvxardshlp IncenRve Plan
By Bre city cwamvW Bie ory of Bangor:
ORDERED,
THAT
The attached Bangor City Forest Stewardship Incentive Nan dated luly 1999 is hereby
adopted.
IM CITY COUNCIL
Septm6ei 27, 1999
Motion for Passage Mede and Seconded
Passed
99-332
ORDER
❑de,Adoptlsg Baogoi City Forest Steward -
sup Ineentive Plan
AsOgnedto
C9undlor
4koval
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BANGOR CITY FOREST
STEWARDSHIP INCENTIVE PLAN
JULY 1999
Prepazed By: Charles J. Simpson
Mame Licermed Professional Forester #446
DBA: Woodchuck Forestry
735 College Road
Old Town, Me. 04468
Tel: (207) 827-3034
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r. - TABLE OF CONTENTS
TOPIC
PAGE
Introduction
2
General Information
3
General Condition oftbe Forest
4
Recreation Management
6
Bstabfisbment ofa Demonstration Forest
11
Ice Damage Assessment
18
Secoxiary Management Objectives
20
Continuous Forestry Inventory System
22
Summary
23
Glossary ofForesuy Terms
Bangor City Forest Pictures
Maes
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%" Introduction'
This Stewardship Incentive Plan has ban prepared for the Bangor City Forest It
represents an upgrade of previous plan Prepared for the City ofBangor by Promise and
Carlisle Management Company, Inc. in 1994. Thai plan was entitled:
City of Bangor
Forest Management Plan- Penjajawoc Forest
September 1994
581 Acres
Since that plan the city hes acquired additional land in the area to bring the
present acreage of the Bangor City Forest to 652 acres. That acreage floor was derived
from an area calculation of a map provided by the city entitled:
Bangor City Forest
Recreation, Wildlife, Education
And Forest Management Plan
Dated February, 1999 by R.F. Perry
A copy of this map is included with the plan, and was the basis for this
Stewardship Plan. Other maps included with this plan were either provided by the City
of Bangor's Engineering Office, or are from Prentiss and Carlisle's 1994 plan. In
addition, a report compiled by J. Dirkmmh of the Maine Forest Service in October of 1987
also provided information used in this plan. That report was entitled:
City of Bangor
Preliminary Recommendations for the Use of City -Owned Parcels
The aathor of this Stewardship Incentive Plan acknowledges the assistance
Provided by the above mentioned reports and people in the preparation of this plan I
also ware to ackrwwledge the assistance ofBangor City Forester Rolland Perry, for his
time and effort in providing necessary information for this plm. Thanks to all for you
help.
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t,.. GENERAL INFORMATION:
Owner and Location
The City ofBangor, 73 Harlow Street, Bangor, Maine 04401, owns this forest. It
is located in tM noRMvert wryer of the city along the Bangor/Orono town line, and
adjacent to the old Veazie Railroad bed. It begins at the north end of the Kittredge Road
m the former city landfill site. The Fay Hyland Bog is to the east and north, the railroad
bed is to the ra nh add west, and me Kittredge Road and Tripp Drive border on the
somhwest and wudeast respectively. Rolland Perry, Bangor City Forester bas
management responsibility for the forest
Acreage Listing
The Bangor City Forest consists of 652 acres. Of that, 25 acres are contained m
the minor landfill,105 acres have been designated as wildlife handed areas, 208 acres are
bugs, swamp or fowage%mid 314 acres are furesdand! in be managed odder flus Plan as a
- deraman tion forest. Figure 1. Illustrates the acreage breakdown
Figure 1. Acreage Breakdown
Management Objectives
The primary management objectives ane:
Recreationaluse
• DemonsostiodofForest Maingement
3
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Secondary n a agement objectives include:
• Wildlife habitat protection
• Soiladwaterproteetion
• Timber production
GENERAL CONDMON OF FOREST:
Terrain
Tbis forest is characterized by relatively flat, rolling tenain. The most significant
terrain factor is the proximity of this forest to alarge bog. The Fay Hyland Bog is
immediately adjacent to this forest, and is recognized as a National Historic Natural Area
This bog is part of the larger Greer Caribou Bog, recently designmol as a National
Natural Landmark. The forest also contains several smaller swamps, bogs and flowages
within its bmmdaries.
Soils
The soils command on this forest are generally poorly in moderately well drained.
Soil types present include Bangor, Biddeford, Buxton, Divneart, Howland,
MonerdaBurvham, Scants and Thorndike. There are also sigrdficavt amounts of peat
and Mack associated with the bogs and swamps. ceverally, suit types favor softwood
management. A soil map with summary descriptions and Productivity ratings accompany
this plan
Access
Vehicular access to this forest is currently via the nuedge Road from the
southwest, and Tripp Drive from the southeast. The old Veazie Railroad Bed has been a
tred@iond recreational weess from the north by snow sled and all -terrain vehicle. The
roads are gated, and the access from the railroad grade has been blocked. Once on the
forest, a well developed gravel road and recreational trail system provides excellent
accessto most areas.
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Insects and Disease I-
Hstsmnfn on this forest shows evidence of spruce budworm damage from the
outbreak of the 1970's and 1980's. Much of it is fallen, standing dead or in very poor
health. Spruce was also alleged, although not as severely White pine blister rust and
white pine weevil are also evident to a minor degree. The weevil may become a mare
destructive factor in this forest over tho extent few decades due to the large annuls of
white pine regeneration that has been established and thin ed pre -commercially.
Ice storm damage on this lot wms generally time to light. A summary table by
forest stand accompanies this plan. Although ice damage was relatively light, it still has
regatively impacted this forest Debris along the many recreational trails is both
unsightly, and costes some overbead safety hazards. The danger from wildfue has also
increased from the debris given the heavy recreational use of the forest. These
detrimemal effects will be addressed farther later in this plan
-„ Past History
Historically, this forest comprisxi of several different lots being obtained by the
city and conmlidmed. Much of the had appemsm have been agricultural 100-125 years
no. Theremescaft ed newallsm appletreesthatsuggeetthispastum. Mostof
the mea has had some type oftimber harvest, mainly removal of large pine trees. The
stands on the forest today are indicators of such past harvests, and vary according In
which ofthe individual lots they occurred on.
Boundary Line Conditions
The exterior boundary lines of this forest we in good shape. They have been
binned and painted, m have many ofthe interior lot lines. Wien added to the markings
for the various silvicannal treatment meas, the result is a well-defined forest.
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Legal Restrictions Affecting ManagenaenI
Certainly the amount of bog, swamp and wetlands on or adjacent to this forest
present the biggest challenges in management. Bogs, swamps and wetlands of 10
contiguous ares or more repave a 75' no cut buffer around them, plus a 4Wa maximum
volume removal in aten year period from '/5'-250'tuck. Much ofthe northern side of
the forest ad virtually the entire eastern side will come under this restriction. The bog
tomatoes some the southem 1/3 of the forest The forest managemem activities called
for in this plan should not conflict with those restraints, as Inge areas of the regulated
zonas are set azide as wildlife corridors and/or behind.
The recent dalara ion oftbe Great Caribou Bog and the Fay Hyland Bog
designations as National Natural Landmarks may have fuller impacts on management
activities on the Bangor City Forest, but they will likely be mhdmat, given the city's
objectives in managing its forest
RECREATION MANAGEMENT:
Gwent Use
The maongemem plan prepared by Prentiss and Carlisle refers to a meeting lu
November of 1993 ofverions interest groups all users of the Bangor City Forest. At flet
meeting, the group agreed thm providing recreational opportunities for the citizens of
Bangor would take precedence over other activities and uses of the forest. Wildlife
management was considered important all should be planned for, especially when it
could add to a visitor's recreational experience.
The approach toward recreational management on the Bangor City Forest will be
shaped by how the public now rt. Ming, jogging, cross-country skiing and trail bike
rising are major uses Horsing, snow sledding and ATV riding are other currem uses.
Cunently, trails are rather rustic with many obstacles that provide challenges to were.
Gravel road surfaces are smooth and hard, providing excellent opportunity for use by a
wide range of users. Roads are mazkd with name signs at every intersection. and
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distance markers every 500' from the roads' origins. Trailheads are marked with name
signs, and appear on the large roup accompanying this plan. However, tails are not
marked at various imersections with other tads, row are they marked along their length.
Future Use
]fie recreatoml use on the Bangor City Forest will likely increase significantly
over the next 10 years. General public knowledge of the forest and the opportunities it
holds for recreation is relatively low. As rtore people realize the resource exists, use will
increase. This is especiallytueifecomudcwnditiowcontinuetobe favorable. In
additionto increased use, I anticipate tbatthe types anal variety ofuse will increase.
Moumsin bddrog has grown tremendously over the last several years Other new anal
diBemnt recreational aotivdies are likely to be developed I yaking, although et an
applicable use on the forest, is an exannple of recreational activity that bas eaploded in
popularity nwently. Horseback riding has always been popular, but local popularity of
this activity seems to be increasing rapidly.
Management Recommendations
The city will hove to peke some decisions about how recreation is handled on the
Bangor City Forest. Is recreation on the forest encouraged and were foully managed;
or is the current passive approach the desirable one? Certainly increasing the use of the
forest caul increase the educational berce5t than the demorutation forest can have on the
public. On the other hand, increased saw could place additional demands on the city to
improve hails and facdhies to accommodate the using public.
Continuing the curtest approach can be handled with little additional demands on
financial and human resources of the city. I recommend that trails be narked along their
length and at points of intersection with other trails. Hezazds such as dead trees or
hanging limbs should be removed. This could be done through the Community Forest
lbecovery program Some minor improvemerds like corduroy or bridging placed over
wet most; ofthe had would enhance use. Moth consideration is to label the tails Is to
L level of difficulty at the road intersection points.
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5
If the city wants to more fully develop the recreational use of the Bangor City
Forest, there are asocial recommendations I would make:
• Construct parking areas at entry points
Have trail maps available at entry points
• Widen hails, and improve them by grading and/or chips
Construct rustic batches and place them along trails and roads
• Thin and prune trees along both sides of aide
Create openings for visors along trials
• Develop a trail difficulty rating system for users
• Purchase equipment for grooming ski India
• Develop one or more picas areas on forest
• Build a skating, fishing (also a Erecormol) pond
• Hold seasonal open louses and mars of the city forest
• Sponsor morning, bike, and ski owes on forest
• Develop a nature interpretation mail similar o Audubon's"Secrets of the
Forest"
• Build awheekhatr accessible trail or trails
These nwhowndations would cermady require financial and personnel
comrmanow from the car, However, a more wtensive appreach to recreatloral use of
the Bangor City Forest could become a major meet in the city's overall ootid and
scoromic desimbility. Many ofthe improvements listed could receive grant finding
from a number of sources. If this approach to recreation was taken, I envision the wed
for regular staffing for the forest to take care Of things bike anderm ance, trash removed,
safety issues, education, and inforwhan and policy enforcement.
Areas of Concern
There has been general consensus for several years that few wheel drive vehicles
and ATV's may not be deshable on the forest. Gates can be effective for motor vehicles,
but control of monsoonal vehicles is very difficult. However, se recreational use of the
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forest grows, sodoesthe risk of an accident involving vehicles and/or people. Withthe
conducting of forestry operations comes large tacks and equipment than also pose some
risk. I strongly recommend then vehicular traffic be limited beyond the forest entry points
to authorized vehicles only. ATV and stow sled use should le restricted to designated
trails, times of day, minimum aged operators, and/or through organized riding clubs; or
they may need to be excluded from the forest.
Hauring on the Bangor City Forest is another historical use that needs to be
looked atcarefWly. Many ofthe trails ran parallel to mads, and throughthe wildlife
roues. As the forest becomes more heavily used (nodi I believe it will), allowing hunting
wpb firearms onthe Bangor Cloy Forest will bewme an important issue. I recommend
that the carrying aml discharge of firearms be prohibited on the Bangor City Forest.
Allowing it to wurmue is asking for as accidW. Archery hunting mould still be allowed,
but it too my have to he controlled. Many public lands m southern states allow hunting
only from designated hoe stands at specific sues. This system could be utilized on this
forest, with a sped number of acceptable burning smnd sues being identified, and a
lottery system employed to allow humors to archery hour don those stands. General
recreational use in these areas could be temporarily remitted for additional safety.
Whether or rot the city cbowes to intpaify the recreazional management of as
forest, competing and non -compatible recreational uses are going to develop in the furnace
shooting at game with fnearms and people walking or riding on hails is Ilse most obvious
camon one. However, the city will be faced with other uses of the forest that are
appropriate, taken individually, but when combined with other uses, less desirable. An
example might w pwpic walking then dogs and horseback riding. Gr mountain bikes
and horses, crosscouatry skiing and snowsleds,etc. The city should plan for these
conflicts and how on deal with them proactively.
I recommend that a conmittce of forest users be formed similar to the one that
met in November of 1993. That Foup should meet on a regular basis, perhaps four times
normally, to discuss recreational use ofthe Bangor City Forest. h would be advisory ordy
99-332 l
an the Bangor City Forester. This would provide a mmm in which uses oftlre forest
could be discussed, and proactive measures to handle Polemist problems might be
formulated One ofthe best ways to encourage forest users to take nesponsihility fir their
use could be to give them a voice in the planning for that use.
Maintenance and Development Plan
When the city decides the level of intensity it wants m apply to the recreational
use of the Bangor City Forest, it can plan for maintaining and improving the desired uses.
Mhmansing owncer-user and user -user conflims can be addressed with some of the
recommendations listed previously. The city has already utilized a variety of groupsto
develop the facilities and use of the forest These include the College Conservation
Corps, the Charleston Correctional Facility Work Release Program, Public Works
employees during otherwise slow times the Maine Forest Service, University of Maine
and v non, comps eas and individuals. This use of available resources should continue
and expand on other groups and programs Some of these that could be utilized if the city
warned to mensify it recreational management are:
Local snowmobile clubs
• Boy scouts or simibar Organizations
• Community Development Chards
• Stewardship or Community Forest Recovery Program Cost-sharing
• YMCANWCA9
• Area Chamber of Commerce
• Area businesses (adopt a traiVroad/sign program)
The costs for improving the recreational potential or facilities on the Bangor City Forest
might not he as expensive as one would thiak. It is very important however, to plan for
the mannamance and repairs of my improvements along with then establishment. Often
the long-range costs are barred, ant poorly maintained facilities are probably worse that
no facilities.
to
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ESTABLISHMENT OF A DEMONSTRATION FOREST:
Ctnxent Situation
The Bangor City Forest has been the site of on going forest management activities
for the Inst several years. Tbat activity has developed into a formalized plan for a
Demonstration Forest that showcased a variety of forest management approaches, along.
with consideration for9 needs ofwlldlife witian the forest ecosystem. Tlustras
developed from the efforts of City Forever Rolland Perry; who has molded the
recommendations from Sack Diumuu in 1987, Prentiss and Carlisle's management plan
of 1994, and personal contacts with a variety ofpubhc and private industry foresters into
the plan described on the fold -Our asupaccompavying [Itis plan. The objective of anis
demonstration forest is to educate the general public about various silvlcalbral
approaches to forest management. This derwnsiratiov forest is, to my knowledge,
unique in the State of Maine, a represents joraaoagrlishmem for Perry and the City
ofBangor.
The demommaom forest involves 314 acres of forestland managed in a variety of
ways along with t05 acres of wildlife zones and 208 acres of associated wet areas
wcludiag swamps, bogs and tlowages. Activities on this Ind are documented by
explanatory signs, and can be viewed from the excellent mad and trail system throughout
the forest.
Timber Inventory
pnor iss mrd Carlisle Company performed a timber inventory of this forest in
association with the 1994 Management Plan. That mvemory estimated a volume of 5,718
cords of pulpwood and 798 MBF of sawlogs on 418 forested acres. Since that inventory,
the city acquired the Shamsen Lot ofappoximately 65 acres. No inventory was done for
this Stewardship Plan.
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Harvesting has occurred on the forest since the inventory, as the demonstrmion
forest has beendeveloped. In 1998, Seven Islands Lnnd Company harvested about 265
cords and 97 MBF ofsewkigs Harvesting on this forest will occur only in ro jurcAion
with the establishment and maintenance of the demonstration forest.
Forest Stand Map
A Forest Stand Map is included in this plan. It identifies 12 individual stands
totaling 314 actes. Stand sizes range from a one acre commercial clear-cut (Stand k3) to
a 72 acre strip sheltemood (Stand A). Included in the stands is the Eve -acre mboretam
she (Stand 410). Individual stands for this plan were identified by their intended
management system, and not by forest characteristic similarities normally used in
management planning. This isduetothe unique forestry objectives oftlis Stewardship
Plan of creating a demonstration forest with specific silvicultural approaches.
Stand Descriptions
Stand # 1 Hardwood S le ['on System 11 Acres
This stand commis pole sized to log sized stems of white birch, red maple, beech,
white pine, space, fir and eager maple. The mend has a large amount of fir regeneration
throughout. Volume is approximately 15 cords per acts, with hardwood pulpwood the
predomman t product. General stand vigor is fah to good for hardwoods, but poor to fair
far fir sed space. There not good quality white pine sawtbaber stand trees scattered
througlautthemared.
Stand 42 %he Fine Sh 1 odS stem 37 Acres
This stand is the highest quality am on the forest from a timber management
perspective. It consists of good quality and vigor white pine wths of pulpwood to sawing
size, with scattered red oaks. Mostoftlus and was dunned during the lam year. The
harvested area contains an estimated 20 cards per acre.
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INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING THE NOTICE OF ELECTION
You bave been provided with two (2) copies of the Notice of Election for the November 2, 1999
Referendum Election. The steps for completing the Notice are as follows:
1. The blank spaces on the notice should be completed with the appropriate information for your
municipality, by insetting the municipality, more, the voting district (if my), the name and location of
the voting place, and the opening fire for thepolls in your municipality.
NOTE: If the municipality consists of more than one voting district, the general information pertawng
to the municipality, the times the polls will open, and the times when alsswtce ballots will be processed,
should be completed fust. You may then photocopy the Notice ro avoid retyping the same information
onto several forms. Each of the photocopied documents must then be completed with the remaining
information pdtining to voting distfic, voting place name and location.
2. Uemberendum quesfions far this election are already provided on the Notice.
3. The Clerk must sign and attest a Notice of Election for each voting district. M attested copy of the
notice must be posted in a conspicuous public place in each voting district in the municipality by
Tuesday, October 26, M9, which is-'/ days before the election. The Clerk may post the notice or have
it posted by a designee.
4. The Clerk must record a copy of the Norm of Election for each voting district in the municipality's
roods, and must record the times and places where the Notices were posted.
If you have any questions about the Notice of Election, please contact the Elections Section at 2874186.
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Yl
Stead # 3Commercial Clear cut- 1 Acre
This sand was harvested of all merchantable timber last year. It contains
scattered small stents of low quality and vigor. Volume par acre is negligible.
Staid # 4- Strip Shchinveo d Svsum, n Ac
This mixed stood is the largest on tiro fres[. Species include while pine, spruce,
cedar, balsam fir, red maple, white birch and red oak It las been laid out f a series of
100' wide strips to be harvested every fur years over a 12 -year period. The fust strips
were barvested Inst Year. Timber quality is good to excellent, with spruce and white pine
the most desirable stems. Residual volume is estimated to average 10 cords per acre.
Stand # 5- Sedi Tree System-2Acre
s
This stand was harvested in 1997 to set up a white pine seed trce regeneration
White pine seedlings were subsequently underidstawd. Residual stand qualitY is good,
with approxhtately 4 cords per acre remaining.
Stand # 6- Uniform Shelterwood System- 52 Acres
This stand contains scanted white pine, red oak and red maple trees firm
pulpwood m sawlog shre. Much of this stand was heavily harvested under previous
owners yeas ago. The resulting stand has a large amount of mixed regeneration from
five to 25 fat tall. Much of it is desirable white pine. This regeneration has been pre -
commercially [binned to release pine, spruce and th.
Stand # 7' S rip Selection System 36 Acres
The northern portion of this stand has been harvested in the past, and resembles
Stand # 6 a great deal. Pre -commercial tbwning has released desirable regeneration here.
The southern portion of the good is laid out in strips, hat yet to be harvested. These 100'
wide strips are in a series of sin to be harvested afour-year inderstaL Praw(Y species
include spruce, white pine, fir, red unpin and red oak. Estimated volume is l2 cords par
acre.
13
��- Stand Descriptions (continued)
Stanxi 4 8- (moup Selection System, Aci
This stand is primarily softwood with spruce, white per, fir and red maple
communing. Alarge percentage of the fir has died and fallen over from spruce budworm.
Etimated volume is eight cards per acre. The spruce is good quality, with white pine
being fay. A good-sized swamp borders the stand, and soil is poorly dmived.
kms.
Stead#9'Individual T Selectiop S Acres
Spruce, white pine, fir, red maple and red oak occupy Iles stand. It is virtually
encircled by bog on all sides. Quality is fair to good, with estimmed volume at 12 cads
per acre. The stand is also bisectol by a road, making access extremely good. -
Sound #10-Arlwret -5 Acres
The arboretum site is adjacent to the forma landfill. It is divided into sections,
W planted to Aims and spmxa.
Stand #IIS IWildlifeHb' Acm
This stand has been divided into fon series of 100' wide strips to be harvestad a
ten-year intervals. It is formerly open tent mw occupied by gay birch alders, aspen,
spruce, fir and red maple. Its poskion along the Main Road makes it the first starch
entered fi on the Khtredge Road.
Stand # 12-SpinSelection S t 35 Acres
This s" contains red maple, fir, order, red oak and aspen. Tree quality is fain,
but vigor is good. It is the first stand entered from Tripp Drive.
Wildlife Z 3muy Mection SvAeM, 105 Acres
The wildlife zones on this forest serve as travel corridors, wetland buffers, ant
den wintering areas in this plan They are primarily mixed wood stands along wet areas.
primary species are spruce, cedar, alder, red maple and fr.
14
6< 1
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Recommendations and prescriptions
fhe management of the 12 identified forest stands will follow a comparatively
formal schedule as described on the large, foldout map with this plan. Asummary of this
schedule by stand follows, along with general recommendations for management of the
wildlife zones.
Stand # 1.
This stand will be managed under a hardwood selection system. Both individual
Ore selection and small group selection may be used I recommend harvests at ten-year
intervals then concentrate on removal of the poorest stems first, regardless of species.
Desirable species to manage for include white birch, white pine and sugar maple. Rnd
Oak should also be favored due to its wildlife benefits. With the advanced fir
regemation, this stall will develop into softwood if an effort isn't made to comrol it.
Before the fast harvest, a detailed inventory ofthls stand should be conducted to compare
whhdeshedchmcmri it ofanuneven-agedhardwoodstand. Convertingthisstand
from its present even -aged status to uneven aged will net be easy or quick, given the
species and regeneration present.
Stagy# 2
This unifort p.^" shelterwood has almost completely been established. Afew
acres m the northwest comer of the stand remain to be harvested. Trees were marked to
save,andthe remaining trees harvested. RMoaktreesand den trees were left witbiathe
stand for wildfife benefit. A one -acre uncut portion was retained to slow how the stand
looked before treatment Residual crop trees will be pruned.
Start # 3,
This commercial clear cm has been recently harvested. It serves as a
demonstration ofan all too common approach to forestland in Maine. It bas valuable
demonstrative value in its location between two exarnples of appropriate forestry
practices in Stands # 2 and # 4.
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Stand # 4:
This snip sheherwood is divided into four series of 100' wide strips to be can on a
four-year interval. The objective is to create a 70 -year rotation age. All tress in the strips
are harvested except for white pin, den and meet trees. Follow-up silviculture
opmandan mauve cull trees, and desirable regeneration is thinned and pruned. Some
aodm planting will be done to ambance natural regeneration.
S #5:
This two -acre seed has system has been completed and under plamed with white
pine. Control of competing hardwood regeneration should be carried our when needed -
Stand
eeded
St # 6:
This is a uniform shekerwood system like Stared # 2. It also includes a oneaae
nnut area for demoustrazive purposes. Much of this stall contains advarred
regenmtron from previous cutting histotY, and has leen pre-wmmereiallY thinned and
pruned for hoth forest management and aesthetic puryoses. A rotation of 120 years is the
objective in this stand and Stand # 2.
Stand # 7:
This stand will be managed abler a strip selection system in which six series of
too' wide snips we barvested every 12 years. All merchantable trees except white pine,
den and mast trees are harvested, with the objective of creating a stand with six age
classes over the 72 -year target rotation pmiod
Stand # 8:
A group selection system will be applied to this stand in the form of Y. etre patch
crosarrangedtluoughomthes[and urn guLvshapes. Harvestswilloccurevery12
years, and will not exceed the periodic growth as determvred by C n inuous Forest
Inventory Plots. Spruce will be the target species ofmmagennart
16
Stand#
M in habsin l vee selection system will be applied to this stood, with spruce again
the primary species ofchoice. harvests will occur every 10 years, with the management
objective of growing high quality sawtimber trees. Den and most trees will again be
encouraged.
Stud # 10
The arboretum is the site of pine and spruce plantings for demonstrative purposes.
A variety of each species has been planted, including white, black, norway, red and blue
spruce. Pines include white, red, jack, pitch and scotch Tarmacklmsalsobeenplanted.
Stata:14 11
This special wildlife habitat management area will favor grouse, woodcock and
beaver. A series of four grirs100'wide will be harvested on a 10-yem interval.
Desirable wildlife plants will be encouraged and also planted. No timber stand
improvement will be conducted on the readud stand. The objective istoestablish aF0-
year rotating within this stand.
Stood 4 12,
This is anther strip selection system similar to Stand # 7. It will be managed
under the some guidelines.
Wildlife Zones:
These areas will be harvested under individual tree or Mop selection criteria as
reacted to insure healthy forest stands with a variety of age, size and height diversity.
Activities and operations in these seas will be restricted to times when their use by
wildlife is mirdmal (don't work in deer wintering area during the whiter). All den trees
will be left, and no 0mber stand improvement operations will be conducted. Removal of
dead trees or sgogs will only occur along unix for safety reasons. Management activities
within these wildlife acnes will he scheduled according to their need as determined by
l rdinuous Forest Inventory Plots designed to evaluated wildlife criteria.
ICE DAMAGE ASSESSMENT:
Ice damage from the 1998 storm was light on the Bangor City Forest. Most ofthe
stands have significant portions of softwood, which generally fared better than
hardwoods. Lots of branches were stripped from he", but the area didn't see the vast
areas of forests with complete treetops snapped off that many names saw. Although
damage was classified as trace to fight for this Stewardship Pliny there was ice damage
that impacts the Bangor City Forest and needs mitigation. H is also important to note that
this Ice Damage Assessment was done over a year after the storm During that time, the
city has already cleaved up most of debris, particularly along roads and trails.
Because of the emphasis on recreation, it's important that forested areas along
roads and trails have dead and damaged trees removed as safety hazards. In many cases,
limbs broken from the I9981ce Storm still remail lodged in trees where they could fall
and injure a passerby. Several individual tree that sustained henry damage have since
died, and pose a safety concern as well. All mads suit trails need to be traveled, and
hazard trees identified for corrective action.
In addition, the aesthetic impact of ice storm debris lying near the trails should be
evaluated. Tlus same debris is cause for concern as increase fiel for forest fires Again,
with the shound ofuntfic in the area, the potential for a discarded cigarette or match to
ignite a fie is significant I recommend that the roads and hails be cleared of fallen
debris for a distance of 15' either side of the traveled path Cort sharing for this activity
could be applied for miler the Fite Hazard Mitigation Program, or the Community Forest
Recovery Program through the Maine Forest Service.
I also recommend that the city investigate the possibility of build g one or more
the ponds on the properly to serve as a water source for the man. A tough tennis fire
truck may be so order as well. The larger area amwd the Bangor City Forest is at
increased risk of fire due to the heavy recreational use combined with increase fuel bad
from the ice storm and the mmsually dry summer we've had. The fact we've actually had
several drier than normal summers the Inn law years may indicate this will be a long -
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99 332
term concern Atthe lend, a fire protection plan should be developed in cooperation with
the Bangor Fire Department and the Maine Forest Service in Old Town. That plan
should include a map of the forest for all parties, and keys for the access gates. The
Maine Warden Service should also have a key for access to the forest.
A table of Ice Tannage Asassmem by Stand on the Bangor City Forest follows:
Stand 9
Ice Damage Class
Remedial Work Necessary
1
Light
Salvage damage during harvest; clear debris
along East Trail
2
Trace
Clear debris along Rabbit and Wes[ Trail
3
None
Noce
4
Trace
Clear debris along West Trail
5
Trace
Now
6
Traco-Light
Clear debris along Bobcat, Fox and Dar
Trails
7
Trace -Light
Clear debris along Lynx, Skonk and Gopher
Torahs
8
Trace -Light
Clem debris along Deer Trail
9
TraccLight
Clear debris along East and Bog Trails
10
Nom
None
11
Trace -Light
None
12
Trace -Light
Clear debris along Bog Trail
I raommend this work be done with the College Conservation Corps, and cost -
share be applied for under the Community Force Recovery Frogman and/or the Fire
Baard Mitigation Program through the Maine Forest Service.
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99-332
' SECONDARY MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES:
Wildlife Habitat Protection
Wildlife habitat protection and enhancement is an important secondary objective
of the Barrett City Forest, primarily as it relates to improving the recreational experience
of forest users. By maintaining diversity of types of forest stands in a healthy condition
and stages of development, this objective should be achieved. Considering the needs of
wildlife for den snit mast trees should ensure the compatibility of the !ravaged stands on
this fires[ with a variety ofwildlife species. Addi[brWly, the main[etance ofvavel
corridors, undisturbed wetlands, and whtering areas or tha unmanaged areas of the forest
should insure suitable habitat halo the future. In addition, the following activities are
rewmmended to enhance the wildlife potential for this forest:
• Construction ofpermmeN wood yards throughout the forest
• Seeding the wood yards and skid vats with conservation mix after use
• Construction of duck hones in the flowage some
• Construction and insmllation of birdhouses ha opening (particularly around
the arborenmm and former landfill site)
• hustallation of beaver control devices at newly created flowages to control
water levels while allowing flowage development
These and other activities can increase wildlife use and viewing opportunities for
the forest users.
Soil and Water Protection
As previously mentioned in this Stewardship Plan, one of the most unique and
valuable resources associated with the Bangor City Forest is the wellands, including
swamps, bogs avd flowaga. The protection of these resources, along with the fragile
wflsdatoftenaccompanythern,isofmmostimpo�tothis Plan. ThebBOwing
actions are designed to protect these resources, and will be utilized on the Bangor City
Forest:
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99-332
• Best Maragemerat practices (BMWs) will be followed during road
construction and harvesting activities
• Whenever possible, harvesting activities will be limited to times when
the ground is solidly frown
• Buffer moss around fragile wils/water will be laid out before
harvesting or construction activities begin
• Equipment will not be allowed to operate within sensitive buffer areas
without special permission of the City Forester
• Activities on the forest may be hafted during times when conditions
presevt brogue potential for soil erosion or water sedimentation
Timber Production
Timber production on the Bangor City forest will be carried out only as it relates
to the creation and maimemance of the demonstration forest. It will be an objecrive of
this plan to manage timber for the highest quality and value forest products consistent
with other primary and secondary objectives. It is recognlzed that [he production and
sale of forest products is an important source of revenue that can and should be need to
belp fund management cost of the form and/or be used to purchase additional adjacent
forestland when desirable.
Land Acquisition
The Bangor City Forest is an extremely valuable asset to the city. Its value is
expected to hawase, as land open far public recreation becomes less available. To
protectthe resource, the acquisition of adjoining property to the forest is desirable. Two
properties them sbould be obtained by the city if possible are the Laos Lot bordering the
Orono Town fine, and the Schmidt Lot bordering the Veazie railroad bed. The addition
of these two parcels would solidify the Bangor City Forest, and protect it boom possible
undesirable development.
21
99-333
CONTINUOUS FOREST INVENTORY SYSTEM:
Commutes Forest Inventory Systems (CFI) are a system ofpermaoem sample
plots located throughout a forest. ]hese plots are measured periodically, often at five or
ten year intervals. I)etailed measurements record increases or decreases in growth,
quality ofrescau es, regeneration, and various other pieces of information used to rreke
management decisions. lsha agement operations are conducted as normal on the plots.
The reach over time is a record of the growth and condition of the forest. From this
information, decisions can be made as to what operations are desirable mho where.
The Bangor City Forest should have a CFI system developed on it as soon as
possible. It takes a series of measurement period before a CFI system begins to provide
helpful management information. I recommend that the CFI system fir the Bangor City
Forest contain a minimum of 35 plots. Tbese plots should be located proportionately
somngthe different savicaltmel systems types and within the wildlife zones. Seven of
the plots could be unseasoned each year. That would out the whole system on a five-year
mention, and begin to provide some useful information sooner.
bfonmadon collected @oro CFI plots enables do resource manager to determine
ret amoral growth. This is necessary to determine a sustainable harvest level for the
forest. Other information such as the amount and condition of feed or suitable cover in
the wildlife zones is also helpful for decisions. The number of den and mast
trees can also be reacted through this system to insure adequate habitat conditions. CFI
plots are also valuable educational [oohs. I recommend that one CFI plot be located
where the public can view it. A sign explaining de purpose of the plot would help
people understand the function of the CFI system, and how overall management
decisions are made on the forest A CTI system could be established by city personnel, or
contracted to a professional forester. All CFI plot locations should be described and
mapped.
22
ll�
The Bangor City Forest provides wonderful opportunities for the citizens of
Bangor and the surrounding area to recreate and observe the implementation of forestry
systems. The work done to date to develop the recreational potential of the forest, and
the demnnstrazion forest management areas is m be applauded. The city now has to
detemdne what direction to take in the future management of the forest.
The first priority should be the removal of safety hazards sod unsightly debris
from the 1998 Ice Storm The intensity to which the recreational facilities are developed
isthenex[decision. Thederaonstrazionforenhasbeenw UH ablished. Oocealloftbe
initial treatments surf the CFI system have been done, maintenance of the demonstration
forest will be lass intensive. The city should make every effort to acquire the ]arc ard
Schmidt lots to consolidate its holdings in the area A fire protection plan should be
developed, possibly W cooperative with neighboring Orono. Fine Ford construction on
the forest should be one of the considerations of that plan The walurcation of hunting
with finances and operation ofnntorized recreational vehicles on the Wren should be
evaluated as to their compntbility, with other objectives.
It is hoped that this Stewardship Plan will assist the City ofHangor in its
decisions regarding the Bangor City Forest.
23
This plan reflects my objectives as the landowner. I accept
and approve the recommendations made by the resource professional.
I pledge that any managment practices implemented on my land will
be consistent with these recommendations, and it is my intention
to follow them wherever possible.