PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Description of Work- The Bovee Restoration Stewardship project is a 1,135 acre timber salvage and fuels reduction project proposed in order to reduce hazardous fuels following the Bovee Fire, in preparation for reforestation activities and future forest management activities including prescribed fire. The project includes cutting, yarding, and decking of all conifer material greater than 5” diameter at breast height within the cutting units. Removal of pine sawtimber meeting merchantability specifications is mandatory, and removal of all other decked material is subject to agreement. 606 acres of Priority 1 units will be accomplished first, and 529 acres of priority 2 units will be optional and accomplished as funding allows. All material is to be processed within the units, with slash spread on skid/yard trails and the excess lopped and scattered. Pre-haul, during, and post-haul road maintenance will be required.

Project Location- The project is located in Thomas County, Nebraska, between the Middle Loup and Dismal Rivers near Halsey, NE. The project area is located 2.9 miles southwest of Halsey, NE, and 16.4 miles east-southeast of Thedford, NE. It is in Township 22N, Range 36W. Access to the area is from State Highway 2 to State Highway 86B. 86B is a two-lane scenic road that sees heavy recreational traffic, and passes through the US Forest Service Bessey Nursery and administrative areas.