Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 38, September 20, 2024
The purpose of Timber Stand Improvement (TSI) is to increase
tree growth and quality, improve forest vigor and health, influence tree
species composition, enhance diversity of native flora, and improve wildlife
habitat in forest stands by eliminating certain trees and vegetation to achieve
optimal forest conditions. TSI practice is intended to benefit high quality
desirable tree species in the dominant, codominant or intermediate canopy
layer. TSI is implemented on the ground by following a detailed quantitative
and qualitative prescription.
a)
Cost-share is only authorized for TSI based upon a silvicultural prescription,
approved by the IDNR Forester, developed using forest stand analysis that
supports the purpose for this practice and the goals and objectives stated in
the Plan.
b) Cost-Share
Rates/Specifications
1) Timber Stand
Improvement - The flat rate payment for this practice is a variable amount
ranging from $45 to $60 per acre. The base cost is a variable amount ranging
from $60 to $80 per acre. The Plan preparer shall conduct a careful field
inspection of current tree cover and condition to determine the appropriate
category and cost-share rate. The cost-share categories and cost-share rates
are:
A) Kill a minimum of 10 square feet for
BA (basal area) per acre and release a minimum of 15 desired trees per acre.
The flat rate payment for this practice is $45 per acre with a base cost of $60
per acre; or
B) Kill a minimum of
30 square feet of BA per acre and release a minimum of 25 desired trees per
acre. The flat rate payment for this practice is $60 per acre with a base cost
of $80 per acre.
2) Work
will be accomplished using approved methods, including cutting, girdling,
herbicide treatment, or a combination of methods to favor and release trees to
leave an adequately stocked stand composed of high quality, well-distributed
trees. All cut trees not girdled must be completely severed from their stump.
Stocking guides and species selection shall be determined by referencing
literature and tables in "Recommended Silviculture and Management Practices for
Illinois Hardwood Forest Types", Illinois Technical Forestry Association
(1972), Illinois Cooperative Extension Service, University of Illinois, 110
Mumford Hall, Urbana IL 61081 or in "Crop Tree Management in Eastern
Hardwoods", Arlyn Perkey 1993, NA-TP-19-93, USDA Forest Service, Morgantown WV
(no later editions or amendments are incorporated).
3) Herbicide application treatments are
required in implementing this practice when utilizing any method. Applications
of herbicide must conform to and follow the label on appropriate herbicide
products that are labeled and approved by the Illinois Department of
Agriculture. Herbicide application may be omitted on cut stems or stumps of any
desirable forest species noted in the Plan or on certain other species if
approved by the IDNR Forester.
4)
Cost-share assistance will not be approved for any acre from which commercial
products from that acre are sold or traded in the process of carrying out the
timber stand improvement practices.
