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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHilton Bluffs - Land, Farms & Timber ReportLand, Farms & Timber, Inc. JAMES R. (BUD) COOK Consulting Forester NC Registered Forester Number 586 The purpose of this report is to identify and characterize timber stands on the Hilton Tract. The Hilton Tract is located in New Hanover County, North of Wilmington, .65 miles north of the intersection of I-140 and NC 133 (Castle Hayne Road), and west of NC 133. The New Hanover County Parcel ID Number R00900-001-001-000 (R00900001001000) and part of the Sjm Hilton Llc property. The property is located beside the GE Plant and the Northeast Cape Fear River. The timber stands were identified by using aerial photographs, Google Earth Pro history, GIS analysis, and on the ground field verification. The previous owners’ forest management plans, harvest schedules and reforestation methods were very beneficial in delineating the forest stands. A timber stand is defined as a contiguous group of trees that are relatively uniform in species composition, age class, structure, and are distinguishable from surrounding forest areas. Each stand will be identified and recorded on a map, noting the acreage and stand characteristics. Sampling within each stand was done by 1/10-acre fixed radius sample plots to gather data. These plots were placed randomly to ensure representative coverage of each stand. The plots have been marked with GPS Coordinates with blue paint on trees nearest to plot center identified with pink glow flagging. These GPS Coordinates have been placed on a stand map included with this report. In each 1/10 acre plot the following data will be collected: • Stand Number • Stand Acres • Type -general description of trees • GPS Coordinates -for location of plot • Data Point -location of plot shown on stand map • Number of Trees-count all trees above a minimum of 4.5” above DBH (diameter breast height) • Tree Species – identification of all tree species within plot and look for any Regulated Trees as defined by the Unified Development Ordinance of New Hanover County. Abbreviation of tree species on tally sheets: Loblolly Pine (LB), Longleaf Pine (LL), Southern Red Oak (SRO), Water Oak (Wtr Oak), Willow Oak (Willow Oak), Sweet Gum (SG), Red Maple (RM),Sweet Bay (Sweet Bay), Laurel Oak (Laurel Oak), Hickory (Hickory), Post Oak (Post Oak), White Oak (White Oak), • Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) -measurement of tree diameters in 1” diameter classes • Basal Area-measurement of density of forest stand • Trees per Acre (TPA)- number of trees in an acre in this type • Total Number Of Trees- trees per acre multiplied by number of acres • Tree Height – estimate of average total height within plot • Age- Estimated age of stand • Understory–composition of smaller trees, vines and shrubs • Comments-any significant features observed with emphasis on Specimen Trees The data collected from all plots was extrapolated to estimate stand-level statistics over the total acres in the stand. Tract Overview This tract consists of a total of 582.57 acres. There is a mix of longleaf and loblolly pine, hardwoods, and in the wetland areas, some cypress. The majority of the tract, around 415 acres, is mature timber that is ready for final harvest or will be ready for final harvest in the near future. The remainder are young pine trees. An extensive road system provides access to nearly all areas of the tract. Wildlife species observed during the timber inventory included whitetail deer, turkey, fox and gray squirrels, bobwhite quail, wood duck, cottontail rabbit, various songbird species, and various reptile species. Evidence of black bears was also found. Soils on this tract consist mainly of Mu (Murville fine sand), Le (Leon sand), and Be (Baymeade fine sand, 1-6% slopes). For your information and convenience, the data from each stand follows: Stand 1 Loblolly Pine Plantation Overview: Stand 1 is 102.70 acres and consists of loblolly pine. This stand has a dense understory of sweetgum, loblolly pine, and gall berry. The average trees per acre is 663. The average DBH (Diameter at Breast Height) is 2 inches to 6.2 inches. The average height of trees in this stand is 17 feet. This stand currently contains no merchantable timber. This stand was clearcut in sections from 2018 to 2020. Average age of plantation is 5 years old. Stand Acres- 102.70 Type – Loblolly Pine Plantation GPS Coordinates – See attached stand map and tally sheets Data Point - See attached stand map and tally sheets Number of Trees- in plot see attached stand map and tally sheets Tree Species – Loblolly Pine and sweet gum Diameter at Breast Height (DBH)- the average is 2’’ to 6” Basal Area- not applicable Trees per Acre (TPA)- 663 Total Number of Trees- 68,090 Tree Height – 17 Feet Age- 5 years old Understory- dense sweetgum and loblolly regeneration Comments- no merchantable timber or regulated trees observed in this stand Regulated Trees 5.3.4A Unified Development Ordinance Documented Trees Diameter Breast Height (DBH) 4’6” above Ground Level • Dogwoods and American Hollies 4” to 7”DBH 0% or 0 Trees • Longleaf Pine, Pond Cypress, Bald Cypress, and Hardwoods 8” to 17”DBH 0% or 0 Trees • Other Conifers 12 “ to 23” DBH 0% or 0 Trees Significant Trees • Dogwoods, Magnolias, Native Flowering Trees and American Hollies 8” DBH and Greater 0% or 0 Trees • Longleaf Pine, Pond Cypress, Bald Cypress and Hardwoods 18” DBH and Greater 0% or 0 Trees • Other Conifers 24” DBH and Greater 0% or 0 Trees Specimen Trees • Live Oaks, Pond Cypress, and Bald Cypress 36” DBH and Greater 0% or 0 Trees Stand 2 Loblolly Pine, Longleaf Pine, Red Oak and Upland Hardwood Overview- Stand 2 is 169.12 acres and consists of longleaf pine, loblolly pine, and various red oak species. This stand has an open understory consisting of natural pine regeneration, grasses, gall berry, and mixed hardwoods including oak and sweetgum. The average DBH is 15.6 inches. The average basal area is 65 square feet per acre. The average trees per acre is 61. The average tree height is 80 feet. This stand was thinned in 2020 and 2021. Average age is 40+ years. Stand Acres- 169.12 Type – Loblolly Pine, Longleaf Pine, Red Oak and Upland Hardwood GPS Coordinates – See attached stand map and tally sheets Data Point - See attached stand map and tally sheets Number of Trees- in plot see attached stand map and tally sheets Tree Species – Loblolly Pine 51%, Longleaf Pine 21%, Red Oak 28% Diameter at Breast Height (DBH)- the average is 15.6” Basal Area- 65 square feet per acre Trees per Acre (TPA) 61 Total Number of Trees: 10,316 Tree Height – 80 Feet Age- 40+ years old Understory- mixed hardwood, gall berry generally open Regulated Trees 5.3.4A Unified Development Ordinance Documented Trees Diameter Breast Height (DBH) 4’6” above Ground Level • Dogwoods and American Hollies 4” to 7” DBH 0% or 0 Trees • Longleaf Pine, Pond Cypress, Bald Cypress, and Hardwoods 8” to 17 “DBH Longleaf Pine 8” to 17” 13.12% or 1,353 trees Hardwoods 8” to 17” 11.48% or 1,184 trees • Other Conifers 12 “ to 23” DBH Loblolly Pine 12” to 23” 49.18% or 5,072 trees Significant Trees • Dogwoods, Magnolias, Native Flowering Trees and American Hollies 8” DBH and greater 0% or 0 Trees • Longleaf Pine, Pond Cypress, Bald Cypress and Hardwoods 18” DBH and Greater Longleaf Pine 18” and greater 8.20% or 846 trees Hardwoods 18” and greater 6.56% or 677 Trees • Other Conifers 24” DBH and Greaer 0% or 0 Trees Specimen Trees • Live Oaks, Pond Cypress, and Bald Cypress 36” DBH and Greater 0% or 0 Trees Stand 3 Loblolly Pine Overview -Stand 3 is 79.79 acres and consists of mainly loblolly pine with scattered longleaf pine and sweetgum. The understory is dense and consist of gall berry, titi, sweetgum, loblolly pine, and oaks. The average DBH is 9.6 inches. The average basal area is 108 square feet per acre. The average trees per acre is 183. The average tree height is 66 feet. This stand was thinned in 2017. The average age is 30 years old. Stand Acres- 79.79 Type – Loblolly Pine GPS Coordinates – See attached stand map and tally sheets Data Point - See attached stand map and tally sheets Number of Trees- in plot see attached stand map and tally sheets Tree Species – Loblolly Pine 83%, Longleaf Pine 8%, Sweetgum 9% Diameter at Breast Height (DBH)- the average is 9.6” Basal Area- 108 square feet per acre Trees per Acre (TPA) 183 Total Number of Trees: 14,602 Tree Height – 66 Feet Age- 30+ years old Understory- mixed hardwood, gall berry Regulated Trees 5.3.4A Unified Development Ordinance Documented Trees Diameter Breast Height (DBH) 4’6” above Ground Level • Dogwoods and American Hollies 4” to 7”DBH 0% or 0 Trees • Longleaf Pine, Pond Cypress, Bald Cypress, and Hardwoods 8”to 17” DBH Longleaf Pine 8” to 17” .0% or 0 trees Hardwoods 8” to 17” 0% or 0 trees • Other Conifers 12” to 23”DBH Loblolly Pine 12” to 23” 34.25% or 5,001 trees Significant Trees • Dogwoods, Magnolias, Native Flowering Trees and American Hollies 8” DBH and Greater 0% or 0 Trees • Longleaf Pine, Pond Cypress, Bald Cypress and Hardwoods 18” DBH and Greater Longleaf Pine 18” and greater 0% or 0 trees Hardwoods 18’ and greater 0% or 0 Trees • Other Conifers 24” DBH and Greater 0% or 0 Trees Specimen Trees • Live Oaks, Pond Cypress, and Bald Cypress 36” DBH and Greater 0% or 0 Trees Stand 4 Loblolly Pine and Long Leaf pine Overview- Stand 4 is 51.48 acres and consists of longleaf and loblolly pine. The understory consists of gall berry, longleaf and loblolly pine, and various hardwood species. The average DBH is 6.4 inches. The average basal area is 98 square feet per acre. The average trees per acre is 265. The average height is 41 feet. This stand was clearcut partially in 2007 and partially in 2010. Stand Acres- 51.48 Type – Loblolly Pine, Longleaf Pine GPS Coordinates – See attached stand map and tally sheets Data Point - See attached stand map and tally sheets Number of Trees- in plot see attached stand map and tally sheets Tree Species – Loblolly Pine 69%, Longleaf Pine 31% Diameter at Breast Height (DBH)- the average is 6.4” Basal Area- 98 square feet per acre Trees per Acre (TPA) 265 Total Number of Trees: 13,642 Tree Height – 41 Feet Age- 15 years old Understory- mixed hardwood, gall berry Regulated Trees 5.3.4A Unified Development Ordinance Documented Trees Diameter Breast Height (DBH) 4’6” above Ground Level • Dogwoods and American Hollies 4” to 7” DBH 0% or 0 Trees • Longleaf Pine, Pond Cypress, Bald Cypress, and Hardwoods 8” to 17” DBH Longleaf Pine 8” to 17” .95% or 130 trees Hardwoods 8” to 17” 0% or 0 trees • Other Conifers 12” to 23” DBH Loblolly Pine 12” to 23” 0% or 0 trees Significant Trees • Dogwoods, Magnolias, Native Flowering Trees and American Hollies 8” DBH and Greater 0% or 0 Trees • Longleaf Pine, Pond Cypress, Bald Cypress and Hardwoods 18” DBH and Greater Longleaf Pine 18” and greater 0% or 0 trees Hardwoods 18’ and greater 0% or 0 Trees • Other Conifers 24” DBH and Greater 0% or 0 Trees Specimen Trees • Live Oaks, Pond Cypress, and Bald Cypress 36” DBH and Greater 0% or 0 Trees Stand 5 Loblolly Pine and Hardwood Overview- Stand 5 is 89.89 acres and consists of loblolly pine and various hardwood species. The understory consists of wax myrtle, mixed hardwoods, grasses, and sweet bay. The average DBH is 12.4 inches. The average basal area is 128 square feet per acre. The average trees per acre is 126. The average height is 87 feet. This stand was thinned in 2002. Stand Acres- 89.89 Type – Loblolly Pine and Hardwood GPS Coordinates – See attached stand map and tally sheets Data Point - See attached stand map and tally sheets Number of Trees- in plot see attached stand map and tally sheets Tree Species – Loblolly Pine 72%, Longleaf Pine 1%, Mixed Hardwood 27% Diameter at Breast Height (DBH)- the average is 12.4” Basal Area- 128 square feet per acre Trees per Acre (TPA) 125 Total Number of Trees: 11,236 Tree Height – 87 Feet Age- 40+ years old Understory- mixed hardwood, gall berry and wax myrtle Regulated Trees 5.3.4A Unified Development Ordinance Documented Trees Diameter Breast Height (DBH) 4’6” above Ground Level • Dogwoods and American Hollies 4” to 7” DBH 0% or 0 Trees • Longleaf Pine, Pond Cypress, Bald Cypress, and Hardwoods 8”to 17” DBH Longleaf Pine 8” to 17” 0% or 0 trees Hardwoods 8” to 17” 21.06% or 2,366 trees • Other Conifers 12” to 23”DBH Loblolly Pine 12” to 23” 47.37% or 5,322 trees Significant Trees • Dogwoods, Magnolias, Native Flowering Trees and American Hollies 8” DBH and Greater 0% or 0 Trees • Longleaf Pine, Pond Cypress, Bald Cypress and Hardwoods 18” DBH and greater Longleaf Pine 18” and greater 1.32% or 148 trees Hardwoods 18’ and greater 0% or 0 Trees • Other Conifers 24” DBH and Greater 0% or 0 Trees Specimen Trees • Live Oaks, Pond Cypress, and Bald Cypress 36” DBH and Greater 0% or 0 Trees Stand 6 Loblolly Pine and Upland Hardwood Overview- Stand 6 is 73.32 acres and is the edge of the wetlands. This stand consists of various species including longleaf and loblolly pines, various oaks, hickories, black gum, sweetgum, and sweet bay. The understory consists of American holly, various oak and hickories, and sweet bay. The average DBH is 12 inches. The average basal area is 160 square feet per acre. The average trees per acre is 188. The average height is 80 feet. The average age is 40+ years Stand Acres- 73.32 Type – Loblolly Pine, Longleaf Pine, Red Oak and Upland Hardwood GPS Coordinates – See attached stand map and tally sheets Data Point - See attached stand map and tally sheets Number of Trees- in plot see attached stand map and tally sheets Tree Species – Loblolly Pine 60%, Longleaf Pine 3%, Hardwood 37% Diameter at Breast Height (DBH)- the average is 12.0” Basal Area- 160 square feet per acre Trees per Acre (TPA) 213 Total Number of Trees: 15,617 Tree Height – 80 Feet Age- 40+ years old Understory- mixed hardwood, gall berry generally open Regulated Trees 5.3.4A Unified Development Ordinance Documented Trees Diameter Breast Height (DBH) 4’6” above Ground Level • Dogwoods and American Hollies 4” to 7”DBH 0% or 0 Trees • Longleaf Pine, Pond Cypress, Bald Cypress, and Hardwoods 8” to 17”DBH Longleaf Pine 8” to 17” 3.53% or 551 trees Hardwoods 8” to 17” 10.59% or 1,654 trees • Other Conifers 12” to 23” DBH Loblolly Pine 12” to 23” 47.06% or 7,349 trees Significant Trees • Dogwoods, Magnolias, Native Flowering Trees and American Hollies 8” DBH or Greater 0% or 0 Trees • Longleaf Pine, Pond Cypress, Bald Cypress and Hardwoods 18” DBH and Greater Longleaf Pine 18” and greater 0% or 0 trees Hardwoods 18’ and greater 0% or 0 Trees • Other Conifers 24” DBH and Greater 1.18% or 184 Trees Specimen Trees • Live Oaks, Pond Cypress, and Bald Cypress 36” DBH and Greater 0% or 0 Trees