Legacy Tree Benchmark
There are a minimum of three vigorous and wind-firm legacy trees per acre measuring over 19 inches in diameter at breast height (DBH).
Tree Species Richness Benchmark
Native tree species richness is maintained when pre- and post-treatment levels are compared.
Snag & Cavity Trees Benchmark
There are a minimum of four large, secure cavity or snag trees per acre with one exceeding 21 inches in diameter at breast height (DBH) and four exceeding 15 inches.
Access Paths and Trails Benchmark
Erosion control structures such as water bars, broad-based dips, and turn-ups are properly installed on all forwarding paths and skid trails at intervals according to Table 1 of the Vermont AMPs.
Log Landing Benchmark
Log landings are located on nearly level, stable ground, kept out of protective strips, and graded to prevent soil erosion and stream sedimentation.
Stream Crossing Benchmark
Streams are crossed with bridges or culverts that are properly sized according to Table 2 in the Vermont AMPs and carefully installed perpendicular to the stream.
Large Downed Wood Benchmark
There are a minimum of four downed trees or 16+ foot long logs per acre on average, with one exceeding 21 inches DBH and four exceeding 15 inches DBH.*
Small Woody Debris Benchmark
All leaves, needles, and tree limbs less than 3 inches in diameter are left in or close to the place where they were felled.
Stream Protective Strip Benchmark
All streams are bordered by protective strips that exceed the minimum widths listed in Table 4 of the Vermont AMPs, have little or no bare mineral soil or ground disturbance, and have at least 70% crown closure.
Stream Condition Benchmark
All streams and other bodies of water are kept free of logging slash, debris, and waste.
Ecologically Sensitive Areas Benchmark
Sensitive areas such as rare upland forest communities and forest wetlands are properly buffered.
Non-native Invasive Tree & Shrub Species Benchmark
Invasive tree and shrub species are absent.
