Wildlife Trees + Danger Trees Flashcards
What does LOD stand for ?
Level of disturbance
What are some wildlife features ?
Soft wood / woodpecker holes
Scars or conks that indicate decay
Loose bark
Cavities and dead tops
Witches broom creates nest platforms
How many decay classes for conifers? What about decid?
9 for conifers, from perfect live tree to soft spongy downed woody debris
6 for deciduous
Important wildlife tree characteristics?
> 15m height
> 30cm DBH interior or >70cm DBH on coast
Decay class 2-6
Broken top, large branches,
Intact bark with loose spaces
Nest cavities or feeding excavations
Evidence of decay
What are the 5 groups that need wildlife trees?
Primary cavity nesters
Secondary cavity users
Open nesters (Eagles, heron, osprey)
Mammals (bears, Martin, squirrel).
Amphibians
What is a very important law that impacts forestry during bird mating season?
Wildlife protection act criminalizes the harming of nesting birds.
What is a danger tree?
Tree that causes a hazard to workers
Location or lean
Physical damage
Overhead conditions
Deterioration
What is the 4 step process for danger tree mgmt
- Site assesment and LOD determination
- Conduct tree inspections
- Make safety decision
- Provide documentation
What is included in the inspection
Stand History & Condition (Snow, wind, fog, flooding, etc.)
Windthrow Potential (Past failures, age, species, evidence of disease, etc.)
Common Environmental Conditions (Prevailing winds, exposure, rooting, history, etc.)
Signs of Stress (Cone crop, thinning, etc.)
Tree Lean - Recent (Location & Exposure to Workers)
What are some LOD 1 activities?
- planting
- brushing
- pruning (stems 5500 kg GVWR) on ballasted and compacted roads
- fire control with hand tools
- over 40 Kmh winds makes any of these activities unacceptable
If it is known or likely that workers will be exposed to hazards by danger trees, what is the protocol
Dangerous trees removed or
Risk assessment performed by trained person
Implement mitigation program
All of this done before work starts
How are danger trees mitigated?
Cut tree down
Remove hazardous part
Set up a no work buffer if the tree will remain
How big should the no work zone be on a leave danger tree?
1.5x defect length radius encircling the hazard
What are the limitations of qualified personel?
Can only assess for wind speed less than 40 km/hour
If uncertain, qualified persons must consult with danger tree assessor
QP are NOT qualified to perform initial site assessments on HIGH STEM DENSITY SITES (fire sites and MPB kill)
Why are wildlife trees often considered danger trees?
The same structural characteristics that are supporting to wildlife are also dangerous (I.e. Dead trees / rotten limbs)
