USDA Forest Service Mission to In Support for the Development Of a Management Plan for Manadaratsy Pine Plantation,

FINAL REPORT

Mission Dates: June 2 – 20, 2007

Report Submitted by:

David Maercklein Hiawatha National Forest USDA Forest Service, Northeast Region 2727 N. Lincolin Road Escanaba, Michigan (906) 789-3301 [email protected]

Table of Contents

SCOPE OF THE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE 3 BACKGROUND 3 MISSION OBJECTIVES 3 MISSION ACTIVITIES 4 DELIVERABLES 4 MISSION ITINERARY 4 MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE PLANTATIONS OF HAUTE-MATSIATRA 6 Purpose of a Management Plan 6 I. HAUTE-MATSIATRA MANAGEMENT DIRECTION 6 A. Vegetation Management 6 B. Fuels Management 7 C. Water Management 8 D. Soils 9 II. PERIMETER MANAGEMENT DIRECTION 9 A. Mandaratsy 9 1. Vegetation Management 9 2. Fire and Fuels Management 10 3. Water Management 10 B. The other Perimeters (, Ambatovaky, Ampamaherana, Andoharanomaitso, , Fanandrana, Lakera, Mahazoarivo, Ranomainty, Sahanimira, , Sangasanga) 11 III. MONITORING 11 IV. APPENDIX 12 A. Management Issues 12 B. Monitoring Guide (Example) 12 C. Definitions 13 MONITORING QUESTION COMPONENTS DEFINITIONS 14 RECOMMENDATIONS 16 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 17 REFERENCES 18 LIST OF ACCRONYMS 18

Page 2 of 19 SCOPE OF THE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE The focus of this technical assistance effort will be to provide a Plan d’Amenagment du Perimetre de Reboisement de Manadaratsy, Fianarantsoa and a framework for all the other plantations of Upper Matsiatra. This assistance will provide recommendations to development of the management plan and may include specific implementation options as well as areas where additional study may be beneficial.

BACKGROUND As with many other tropical countries, deforestation is the major environmental issue in Madagascar. Recent studies estimate that between 100,000 and 150,000 hectares of natural closed forest disappear every year. Faced with this alarming trend, in 2003 the President of the Republic stated the intention of his government to increase the country’s protected areas from 1.7 to 6 million hectares. This Durban Vision was materialized at the end of 2004 by a cabinet order suspending the issuance of permits for forest logging and mining in the new protected areas (approximately 6 million hectares). Through these drastic measures, Madagascar has made rapid progress towards the development of new protected areas. The PE3 mission, however, has found that this approach to forest resource conservation focused on critical ecosystem protection and did not adequately address the issues of sound and sustainable management and forest ecosystem restoration. Experiences have shown that massive extension of protected areas will not allow all critical key ecosystems to be preserved. In many areas, forest ecosystem degradation and fragmentation have advanced to such a degree that sustainable protection and management are no longer sufficient actions to ensure the conservation of these areas, and, therefore, they need to be complemented with restoration actions. Timber forest resource use and demand is increasing for construction at the national level (approximately 4 million cubic meters per year) and represents a major source of income for millions of people living in rural areas. Depriving them of these sources of income may oblige them to shift to income generating activities much more harmful to forest ecosystems such as land clearance for cash crops. In contrast, sustainable management of protected areas has the advantage of generating tangible benefits for those involved and contributing to rural development, which significantly enhances motivation to conserve the resources. Within this context DGEF (Direction Générale des Eaux et Forêts) has initiated the concept of KoloAla sites for sustainable forest management. This initiative is to be understood as an integral part of efforts to conserve forest resources as well as a complement to the activities for protecting and restoring forest ecosystems. In addition, it focuses on improved forest sector involvement in rural areas through professional, efficient, and sustainable use of timber and non-timber forest resources. Within this framework for forest management, the JariAla team is actively involved in helping develop KoloAla sites. For the success of these efforts, the involvement of an USFS expert in sustainable forest management is desired to assist the Fianarantsoa CIREEF and a national forest consulting firm in developing a general management plan for the Mandaratsy plantation perimeter in the Upper Matsiatra area. This management plan will serve as foundation for the transfer of management of the Mandaratsy PR (management agreement or leasing arrangement) to a private operator through competitive bidding but should also serve as a model for the development of other management plans in natural and plantation forests atn different KoloAla sites.

MISSION OBJECTIVES A USDA Forest Service funded mission of a USDA Forest Service professional was undertaken during June 1 – 20, 2007. The mission professional was: David Maercklein – Forest Planner, USDA Forest Service, Hiawatha National Forest, Northeastern Region Page 3 of 19 The overall objective of this mission is to take part in sustainable forest resource development and use in the Fianarantsoa CIREEF in accordance with forest zoning through the setting up of several KoloAla sites for sustainable and sound management within the Perimeters for Reforestation in the High Matsiatra region (PRHM). The specific objectives of this technical assistance mission are as follows: • Review the social, environmental, silvicultural and economic information concerning the Mandaratsy pine plantation. • Supporting the development of an overall forest management for the Mandaratsy reforestation perimeter to be used as a basis for management transfer to private operators. • Train Malagasy Forest Service (CIREEF) staff in the development of sustainable forest management plans and developing one plan that can serve as a model for other sites

MISSION ACTIVITIES In order to meet the above objectives the USFS consultant will carry out the following tasks: • Review existing documents about the history and management of the High Matsiatra pine plantations in general and particularly the Mandaratsy reforestation perimeter. • Develop a broad methodology for the development of a forest management plan covering the Mandaratsy pine plantation. • Review social, environmental, silvicultural and economic data concerning the High Matsiatra reforestation perimeters and the Mandaratsy plantation collected by a national consulting firm. • Assist the CIREEF and the national consulting firm in developing a long term forest management plan for the Mandaratsy reforestation perimeter. • Assist in the presentation of the management plan to the CIREEF, partners and stakeholders.

DELIVERABLES The consultant will provide a report containing the following elements: o Description of tasks completed during the mission o A management plan with table of contents o A description of key constraints impeding successful implementation of the management plan and next steps for plan implementation o Assessment of the CIREEF’s capacity to elaborate additional plans and an identification of key capacity building needs, including future support activities the USFS could implement

MISSION ITINERARY Date Activities Participants • Travel to Madagascar June 1 to 3 David Maercklein • Arrival in Tana Sunday 9h55 PM David Maercklein • Briefing with DGEF DGEF: DG, DPB, SESPAF Monday, June 4 • Meeting with JariAla and SAVAIVO staff USAID: Lisa • Briefing with USAID SAVAIVO: Andry JariAla: Christian, Ranto

Page 4 of 19 • Meeting on forest management planning with David Maercklein DGEF, JariAla and SAVAIVO DGEF: DPB, SESPAF Tuesday, June 5 • Meeting on management of the Mandaratsy SAVAIVO: Andry perimeter with SAVAIVO and JariAla JariAla: Christian, Ranto David Maercklein Wednesday, June 6 • Travel to Fianarantsoa SAVAIVO: Andry • Meeting with CIREEF staff and regional David Maercklein stakeholders (ERI, etc.) CIREEF : Chef CIREEF, Etienne Thursday, June 7 • Review of available information about the SAVAIVO: Andry Mandaratsy plantations JariAla: Bako David Maercklein CIREEF : Chef CIREEF, Etienne Friday, June 8 • Field visit to Mandaratsy pine plantations SAVAIVO: Andry JariAla: Bako David Maercklein Saturday, June 9 • Visit to E&F tree nurseries CIREEF : Chef CIREEF, Etienne JariAla: Bako • Visit south of Ambrava to small village David Maercklein Sunday, June 10 managed Lemur reserve and wood CIREEF : Chef CIREEF, Etienne transforming enterprises. JariAla: Bako David Maercklein • Support CIREEF and SAVAIVO in working Monday, June 11 CIREEF : Chef CIREEF on Mandaratsy management plan SAVAIVO: Andry David Maercklein • Support CIREEF and SAVAIVO in working Tuesday, June 12 CIREEF : Chef CIREEF on Mandaratsy management plan SAVAIVO: Andry David Maercklein • Support CIREEF and SAVAIVO in working Wednesday, June 13 CIREEF : Chef CIREEF, Etienne on Mandaratsy management plan SAVAIVO: Andry • Support CIREEF and SAVAIVO in working on Mandaratsy management plan David Maercklein • Assist preparations of a presentation of CIREEF : Chef CIREEF, Etienne Thursday, June 14 planned management activities to regional SAVAIVO: Andry stakeholders Chef de Région • Breifing with Chef de Région Haute Matsiatra • Support CIREEF and SAVAIVO in working on Mandaratsy management plan. David Maercklein Friday, June 15 • Assist preparations of a presentation of CIREEF : Chef CIREEF, Etienne planned management activities to regional SAVAIVO: Andry stakeholders. David Maercklein Saturday, June 16 • Travel to Tana SAVAIVO: Andry • Report writing David Maercklein Sunday and Monday, Meeting on work in Fianarantsoa with SAVAIVO: Andry June 17 and 18 • SAVAIVO and JariAla JariAla: Christian, Ranto • Presentation of achieved results and further David Maercklein Tuesday, June 19 activities to DGEF SAVAIVO: Andry • Debriefing with USAID JariAla: Christian, Ranto Wednesday, June 20 • Travel to USa, Departure Tana 1h00 AM David Maercklein

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Management Plan for the Plantations of Haute-Matsiatra

June, 2007

Purpose of a Management Plan This Management Plan guides all natural resource management activities for the Haute-Matsiatra Forests. It describes desired resource conditions, management practices, and levels of resource production and management. The Plan provides management direction to ensure that ecosystems are capable of providing a sustainable flow of goods and services to the public. More specifically, it establishes: How the Haute-Matsiatra should look if the Management Plan is fully implemented (goals and desired conditions); Measurable, planned results that contribute to reaching the desired conditions (objectives); Required action designed to meet the desired conditions and objectives (management constraints); Management direction that applies only to specific perimeter areas; Monitoring and evaluation requirements (questions);

I. Haute-Matsiatra Management Direction This section presents management direction for the Haue-Matsiatra as a whole. It describes by resource area, the forest-wide desired conditions, goals, objectives, and management constraints that will be used in managing the Forest. The desired conditions, goals, objectives and management constraints apply to all perimeter areas of the Haute-Matsiatra. A. Vegetation Management Desired Condition The Haute-Matsiatra forests are “industrial” forests that provide for a productive, healthy and sustainable forest that is resilient to natural and human-caused disturbances. The Forest contributes to the health of soils and water resources. Vegetation conditions constantly change through management activities and through naturally occurring growth. Vegetation is present in amounts, distribution and characteristics that allow contribution to a sustained yield of timber products. The Forest is a mix of even aged pine and eucalyptus stands originally intended for pulp production but now to be managed for saw timber, charcoal and other forest products. Established pine plantations are maintained through appropriate rotation lengths, being regenerated naturally through clear cut systems. Prescribed fire is used as a tool to establish regeneration and reduce fuel loadings in these types where appropriate. Trees will have thrifty, well developed crowns, and fully occupy the site. Thinning will occur in order to reduce excessive stocking, reduce evapotranspiration, and maximize growth. Early thinning eliminates the need for expensive fuels treatments. Commercial thinning will maintain growth on selected trees and maximize growth. Final harvest will occur at or near Page 6 of 19 rotation age, and will result in prompt regeneration of pine species on the site. As additional markets are established, treatment practices can be adjusted that result in the highest economic return. Diameter size class distributions will be evenly balanced across the landscape so harvest can be sustained over time throughout the area. Balanced diameter size distributions will mediate effects of changes in canopy cover on water yield. A balanced diameter size distribution will facilitate approximately even flow of forest products. There exist small isolated scattered parcels of native forest thru the areas. These areas are protected from fire, harvesting, and clearing for other purposes in order to provide refuge of biodiversity and areas for future use and studies. Revenues generated from exploitation of the pine resource will provide capital for improving forest conditions thru thinning and pruning, and maintaining the road infrastructure. Goals 1. Forest vegetation is productive, healthy and resilient to disturbances. 2. The forest is used for industrial purposes, primarily charcoal and saw boards. 3. Forest vegetation conditions contribute toward social sustainability by providing employment and satisfying the demand for commercial forest products to the Haute Matsiatra and other local areas. 4. Harvest activities occur at sustainable levels. 5. Abandoned agricultural lands (tanety) are reforested to pine or eucalyptus were possible. 6. The remaining central highland native forests are protected from fire and clearing for other purposes to protect biodiversity. Objectives i. Reforest all agriculturally abandoned lands within 5 years. Management Constraints i. After regeneration harvest, full regeneration of pine or eucalyptus is assured after 3 years. ii. To protect the remaining diversity, maintain the existing natural forest cover of the area. iii. To improve eucalyptus charcoal production and recovery, the harvest of eucalyptus stems will be 10 cm. or greater in diameter. iv. To improve fiber recovery, eucalyptus for saw-timber should be harvested at a minimum diameter of 20 cm. and stumps should be no higher then 10 cm above the ground. v. Thinning should emphasize removal of the smallest diameter trees leaving the largest trees. B. Fuels Management Desired Condition The Haute-Matsiatra Forests have a reduced risk from catastrophic wild land fire due to healthy forests and increasing resilience to the effects of wild land fires. Accumulations of natural and activity caused fuels are treated to enhance resiliency and to maintain desired fuel levels. Prescribed fire is present on the landscape, restoring or maintaining desirable forest conditions, processes and functions. Wild land fire is actively suppressed, where necessary, to protect life and valuable resources. Goals 1. Forest plantations are protected from wild fire.

Page 7 of 19 2. Prescribed fire, mechanical treatments and other tools are used to establish, maintain or improve vegetative conditions. 3. Forest fuels are treated in high fire hazard areas to reduce the risk from wild land fire. 4. Fuels are reduced and vegetation on the stands are managed such that low intensity surface fires are not catastrophic to the parcel. 5. Hazardous fuel loads are reduced where catastrophic disturbances such as wind throw occur. Objectives i. To help suppress wild fires when they occur and keep them small, construct fuel breaks around the perimeter of each parcel and where appropriate within 5 years. ii. Conduct fire prevention education to all local communes within 3 years and maintain an annual program in the communities. Management Constraints i. To prevent wild fires and enhance regeneration, reduce harvest created and naturally occurring biomass through use of prescribed fire or mechanical treatment methods. ii. To increase biomass decomposition, activity generated fuels are looped to less then 50 cm. in height. iii. Suppress all wildfires. iv. Protect remaining natural forests in the highlands from wild fires and harvesting. C. Water Management Desired Condition The Haute-Matsiatra watersheds are resilient to disturbance events such as floods, fire and drought and are capable of absorbing the effects of human-induced disturbances. Healthy watersheds absorb rain, recharge groundwater, filter sediment, provide cleaner water, increase soil fertility and decrease erosion. The watershed provides high quality water for the city of Fianarantsoa and agricultural cultivation, primarily rice. The physical and biological function of wetlands are maintained or restored over time. Water movement through the system of forested parcels is clean, clear, free from sediment, and provide for flood retention, economic value and other uses. Long-term productivity and hydrologic function is maintained. The transportation system will be well designed and maintained to preserve the high water quality and serve the needs of the communities while efficiently transporting product to external markets. Goals 1. Watersheds are protected and improved to provide sustained water quality and quantity for intended beneficial uses and conditions necessary to support proper ecological function of streams, lakes, riparian areas and wetlands. 2. Healthy watersheds meet the needs of current and future generations, are resilient to natural and human disturbances and provide for local beneficial uses 3. Riparian corridors are managed for riparian-dependent resources by restoring and enhancing the riparian ecological function. 4. Water quality is maintained to the standards identified by BV. Management Constraints i. Wetland roads or trail crossings will preserve cross drainage.

Page 8 of 19 ii. Fire breaks will have erosion control structures constructed to eliminate soil movement into the water systems. iii. Keep all mechanical equipment out of bottom lands and at a distance of at least 25 meters. iv. To protect water quality during rainy seasons, do not allow the use of mechanical equipment to yard logs to landing (timing restriction) v. The transportation system has a drainage structure in place that prevents the movement of native surface material into the water systems. D. Soils Desired Condition The Haute-Matsiatra soils will be physically, chemically and biologically resilient to human and natural disturbances. Soil productivity will be maintained or enhanced and will contribute to ecological sustainability of the Forest. Soil water percolation and infiltration rates will be within the natural range. Goals: 1. Soil productivity is restored, maintained or enhanced. Objectives i. To maintain soil productivity, prevent off site soil erosion on 100% of the parcels. Management Constraints i. Maintain soil productivity by minimizing soil disturbance during the wet season. ii. Minimize soil displacement from harvesting disturbance and use appropriate measures to prevent displacement of soil by rainfall and water runoff. iii. To maintain soil productivity, minimize erosion, maximum percent of soils in a compacted condition is 15% (skid trails, landings, portable sawmill site).

II. Perimeter Management Direction This section presents management direction for specific perimeters areas. It describes the specific desired condition, objective and management constraints that are exclusive to that area. A. Mandaratsy 1. Vegetation Management Desired Condition The Forest is a mix of even aged and sized pine parcels managed for saw-timber, and various sized eucalyptus stands occuring along the road systems with management by the communes for charcoal and saw-timber production. Established pine plantations are maintained through appropriate rotation lengths, being regenerated through clearcut systems. Prescribed fire or mechanical treatments are used as a tool to establish regeneration and reduce fuel loading in these types where appropriate. Pine plantations will have the following tree densities and diameters at the following stages: 1. Parcel tree density of 900 - 1000 trees / hectare before the trees reach a maximum diameter of 10 cm. 2. Parcel tree density of 400 – 500 trees per hectare when the average diameter is 30 cm. 3. Prune from 300 of the tallest trees per hectare all live and dead limbs 5 meters in height by the time the trees are 20 meters tall. 4. Regeneration harvest when the average tree diameter is more then 40 cm (approximately 25 to 30 years old). Page 9 of 19 Goal 1. 3,000 hectares of forest. Objectives i. To provide sustained timber commodities from the forest, regeneration harvest should occur on 55 - 60 hectares (???) per year during the initial 10 years of implementing this management plan. This harvest schedule is “area” determined based upon the distribution of available timber land (~2,300 hectares) spread out equally over the rotation age (~30 years). (See page 19 – 23, FINAL REPORT, Section 2: Protoype Privatized Management Plan and Silvicultural Scenarios: Mandaratsy Pine Plantations, Fianarantsoa, Madagascar, Mission Dates: July 2 – 21, 2001). ii. Annual regeneration harvest can be increased after initial 10 year period depending upon growth conditions, ages, and treatments (thinning and pruning) of remaining forests. Increases of thinning and pruning investments result in a greater annual regeneration harvest. iii. When forest is fully regulated, annual maximum harvest is 75 hectares per year. (based on a 2,300 hectare land base - if no increases to forested area occurs). iv. To allow annual flexibility for market or other needs, allow a variation of + / - 25 % of regeneration harvest each year but the 5 year average should be 55 - 60 ha per year. v. Up to 10% of perimeter of Mandaratsy trees can be in Eucalyptus plantations. vi. Plant pine or eucalyptus (develop existing plant regenerations) 700 hectares within 5 years. (choice of species: patula or keysia; robusta or austrata) Management Constraints i. To prevent site conversion to non forest crops and forest sustainability, maintain 3,000 (2,300?) hectares in pine and eucalyptus plantations. ii. Elagage should not reduce live crown ratio to less then 30% of tree height iii. Elagage to mature trees should retain 25% of the live crown. iv. To insure investments in non-commercial and undersized parcels are thinned and pruned to increase growth and maturity to larger size classes, for every hectare of regeneration harvest, two additional hectares is non-commercial thinned and pruned. 2. Fire and Fuels Management Objectives i. To reduce risk of fire, reduce existing fuel loads on 25% of the parcels in the Mandarsty forest in the next 5 years. Management Constraints i. To reduce fuel loading, non-commercial thin at the earliest age practical. 3. Water Management Objectives i. To improve water quality, reduce sedimentation into Lake Antarambiby by 10% in the next decade. ii. Maintain water flow of existing springs in Lake Antarambiby watershed in the next 5 years. iii. In the next 5 years (10 to 15 years), restore 2 springs that were not flowing water in 2007. Management Constraints i. To protect water quality, prevent dead biomass from entering Lake Antarambiby, wetlands, springs, and reverie areas. Page 10 of 19 ii. Protect the springs that are the source of water for Lake Antarambiby by keeping mechanical equipment out of spring areas and no vegetation management immediately adjacent to the springs. iii. Plant vetiver grass adjacent to the lake shore to prevent sedimentation from entering the lake from pasture land run-off. iv. To maintain existing water quantity, no additional rice cultivation should be allowed above Lake Antarambiby. v. To improve water flow from the springs that drain into Lake Antarmbiby, prioritize forest treatment to reduce tree crown volume to those parcels within the Lake Antarambiby watershed basin. B. The other Perimeters (Ambalakindresy, Ambatovaky, Ampamaherana, Andoharanomaitso, Androy, Fanandrana, Lakera, Mahazoarivo, Ranomainty, Sahanimira, Sahatona, Sangasanga)

III. Monitoring Monitoring and evaluation determines how well the Management Plan is working. It is designed to answer the following questions: Did we do what we said we were going to do? This question addresses how well the Management Plan direction is being implemented. Collected information is compared to objectives and management constraints. Did it work how we said it would? This question addresses whether the application of management constraints is achieving objectives, and whether objectives are achieving goals and desired condition. The aim of monitoring is to be able to respond to current conditions or to make appropriate changes based on new information or technology. Depending on the answers to the above questions, the Management Plan can be changed to adapt to new information and changing conditions. This section provides programmatic direction for monitoring and evaluating the management plan implementation. Monitoring and evaluation are separate activities. Monitoring is the process of collecting data and information. Evaluation analyzes and interprets the information and data collected from monitoring. Monitoring questions were developed to address the Management Plan desired condition, goals, objectives, management constraints, issues and assumptions. The following monitoring questions are specifically for this management plan: A. Vegetation Management 1. Are harvested lands adequately restocked after 3 years? 2. To what extent is the Forest meeting the vegetative composition desired conditions (tree density, diameter, and pruned conditions)? B. Soils Management 1. Are the effects of Forest management resulting in significant changes to the productivity of the land? C. Water Quality and Quantity 1. Is the Forest providing clean water and desired quantity to the city of Fianarantsoa?

Page 11 of 19 IV. Appendix A. Management Issues Management issues are conflicts or disputes regarding the management of forest resources. They can describe a major on-going problem or they can suggest other management actions. Issues are used to identify and develop desired conditions, goals, objectives, and management constraints. Issues for the Matsiatra reforestation perimeter: i. Provide timber products to the regional economy and actively manage the forest of Mandaratsa. ii. Provide for and ensure water quality & quantity to the city of Fianarantsoa. iii. Protect soil productivity in the forest of Mandaratsa. iv. Protect the Mandaratsa forest from wild fire. B. Monitoring Guide (Example)

Monitoring and Evaluation Question: To what extent is the Forest meeting the Forest composition desired conditions (tree density and diameter)? Monitoring Indicator: Monitoring will allow assessment of the effectiveness of treatments and forest growth in moving the Forest vegetation toward desired conditions.

Rationale and Explanation: Vegetation desired condition was developed to provide a sustainable forest that is resilient to natural and human-caused disturbances. Forest tree diameter and densities per hectare are such to maximize growth and provide timber products. Monitoring of Forest tree size and densities provides feedback regarding the Forest’s degree of success in meeting desired conditions and goals.

Sampling Variables or Parameters: Forest cover type; Tree diameter; Tree densities; Pruning height and number pruned per hectare;

Sampling Protocol (method / design): Vegetation sampling is required. Parcel sampling after treatments to insure desired tree density is obtained. Random plots are installed of sufficient number to obtain acceptable statistical error. Plot data is calculated to hectare estimates. Parcel data are updated when activities occur that result in a change to forest cover type and/or stand age, or conditions from harvest and reforestation activities.

Sampling Unit of Measure: Post treatment vegetation condition parameters to allow size and structure determination are Page 12 of 19 forest cover type, clear bole height, tree diameter, and density.

Data Collection Method: Random plots installed of adequate size to sample 6 to 8 trees per plot. Plot size will vary for each condition sampled. For example, regeneration plots could be one to two meters in diameter while plot diameter for larger size trees could use variable diameter plots (angle gauge).

Data Collection Frequency: After all silviculture treatments of prunning, thinning, and regeneration harvest.

Analysis Method: Parcel trees per hectare, average diameter, and bole height pruned are determined for each parcel from sample plots.

Benchmark Thresholds: Trees per hectare: + / - 10% at each desired condition class. Stand average diameter: + / - 10% at each desired condition class. Bole height clear of braches: + / - 0.5 meter.

Data Storage: GIS and access data bases, updated when conditions change.

Reporting (Evaluation) Frequency: Annually.

Cooperators: JariAla, Eco-Regional Initiatives, USAID

C. Definitions Desired Condition / Goals: Desired conditions set the context for goals and other management direction by providing a broad, user-friendly snapshot of what the forest or perimeter will look like when goals, objectives, management constraints have been met. Goals are concise statements that describe desired conditions to be achieved in the future. Goals address Forest priorities and issues. They are broad and general in scope with no specific timeframe, and can be developed for the entire forest or for specific perimeters. In either case, they set the context for management direction by providing a broad, user-friendly snapshot of what the landscape or perimeter will look like when goals, objectives and management constraints have been met. Goals address Region priorities and issues. They are broad and general in scope with no specific timeframe, and can be developed for all Perimeters or for a specific perimeter. Global: A “broad scale” condition that covers all 13 Perimeters to meet. What do you wish to see in 30 (35?) years?

Page 13 of 19 Perimeter Level: What do you wish to see in 30 (35?) years for this perimeter? This may be the same as the broader landscape desired condition, or may vary because this perimeter has some unique value, contribution or place in the system. Objectives: A concise, time-specific statement of measurable planned results that respond to established desired conditions or goals. They should have a specific timeframe for attainment. Objectives should be measurable written as either a directional trend or a general range. Avoid language that could legally mandate the attainment of an objective (“minimum” “no more than”). Objectives do not prescribe the management practices or precise steps for their accomplishment. Management Constraints: Mandatory permissions or limitations needed to achieve the desired condition or goals and objectives. They are applicable to all foreseeable management practices and deviations from them are generally not allowed. They should be easily implemented and comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies of the country. They should not depend on future plans, analysis, or accomplishments that may never occur and should not attempt to regulate factors beyond management control. They should be able to be monitored and written in a way that compliance could be verified. Monitoring: The process of collecting information to evaluate whether the objective and anticipated or assumed results of a management plan are being realized, or if implementation is proceeding as planned. The fundamental purpose of monitoring and evaluation is to determine the degree to which desired conditions and objectives are being achieved, and whether there is a need to change management plan components or to adjust the on-the-ground management. Monitoring and evaluation helps identify the need to adjust desired conditions, goals, objectives, and management constraints as conditions change and whether assumptions made in the planning process are valid. Monitoring makes the management plan dynamic, relevant and useful. Monitoring and evaluation are separate activities. Monitoring is the process of collecting data and information. Evaluation analyzes and interprets the information and data collected from monitoring. The monitoring program must be efficient, practical and affordable, and not duplicate the collection of data already underway for other purposes. Monitoring is not performed on every single activity, nor does it need to meet the statistical rigor of formal research. Monitoring Questions: Monitoring questions are developed to address Management Plan Desired Condition, Goals, Objectives, and management constraints. A monitoring and evaluation Report analyzes and summarizes the monitoring results.

MONITORING QUESTION COMPONENTS DEFINITIONS Monitoring and Evaluation Question: From the Forest Management Plan. The intent of the monitoring evaluative question is to identify what specific direction or decision in the Forest Plan needs to be evaluated and the intent of that evaluation. The monitoring question addresses the information essential to measure the Plans accomplishment and effectiveness. The associated evaluation process determines whether the observed changes are consistent with the Plans desired conditions, goals, objectives and what adjustments may be needed. Monitoring Indicator: Indicators are variables to be measured that represent the monitoring question. Indicators translate a desired condition, goal or standard into something measurable. A monitoring indicator is a quantitative or qualitative parameter that can be measured or estimated. A particular monitoring indicator may be used to answer more than one monitoring

Page 14 of 19 question or conversely, more than one monitoring indicator may be required to adequately address a monitoring question. Rationale and Explanation: This rationale forms the basis for evaluation (analysis) and ensures that monitoring focuses in the right direction. Include an explanation or rationale of the purpose of the specific monitoring activity. Sampling Variables or Parameters: Indicators can include a number of specific parameters or variables. List the variables to be measured appropriate for the indicator. In most cases, a subset of variables will be selected for the indicator. If the variables/parameters selected only address a subset of the indicator or evaluative question provide a rationale. Sampling Protocol (method / design): The intent is to describe the methods in enough detail such that sufficient information is provided so that someone other than the author can read and apply the methods. Where feasible, standardized approved protocols should be used. If you are modifying an approved protocol be sure to document the modifications and rationale for the modifications. If this is a local protocol describe it thoroughly, including sampling and testing, and review procedures used. Discuss the statistical basis of the sample design. Include rational for determination of sample design. Includes the number of samples, how they are located, the frequency of sampling, and the equipment used. Reference any technical guides, peer-reviewed literature and personal communications with research personnel. Discuss sample frequency and replication, mapping concepts and relationships) as appropriate and reference any classifications used. Sampling Unit of Measure: Make sure these are reasonable measures of the variables/parameters selected. Describe the temporal and spatial monitoring units and the intensity of the sampling. Data Collection Method: Provide a description of the data collection methods. Be sure to define all critical terms. The “who” and “when” of data collection should be specified. Data Collection Frequency: Describe the frequency and timing of data collection (monthly, annually etc). Analysis Method: This field documents the evaluation process used. Describe the standard and recommended approaches for analysis including statistical procedures. Where analysis is described more fully in another document (e.g., the protocol) simply reference by referral here and note any changes, modifications, or customizations. If analysis procedures have not been developed or fully developed indicate the status and need in this field. Benchmark Thresholds: Refer to a comparison to which an indicator can be examined or gauged. The benchmark gives a point of comparison to help assess whether we are moving in the desired direction and at the right pace. Identify acceptable maximum, minimum, or range values. Describe the type of benchmark including the source and/or method for constructing the benchmark value. If trend analysis is used, explain and define the base year. Where feasible, you should also identify the potential response to not achieving the reference value. If benchmark values have not been developed or fully developed indicate the status and need in this field. Data Storage: Include detailed metadata on where the associated data is stored. Where feasible, monitoring data should be stored in corporate databases. Indicate and describe whether or not this data is available as part of a corporate data collection program.

Page 15 of 19 Reporting (Evaluation) Frequency: The frequency for which reporting the results for this monitoring element (e.g., annual, every 5 years etc). The reporting frequency (in years) should not be confused with the frequency of measurement described in methods of data collection. Cooperators: Describe cooperators involved in monitoring.

Recommendations • Biodiversity is an important world wide issue. The Pine and Eucalyptus trees are a valuable asset to Madagascar and do very well in this climate and soils. But, there is a concern an insect or disease could enter Madagascar and impact the pine and eucalyptus plantations through out the nation. Protecting and if feasible expanding the native forest would be goo increasing bio-diversity and resiliency to natural and non-native disturbances. Any research and studies on native forest ecosystems, mapping of ecological potential, how to expand the native forest cover, and uses as commercial products would be very valuable. If there are any sized parcels of native forest existing in the central highlands, protecting and developing management plans for them would be advantageous. This task would be more difficult then a management plan for the pine and eucalyptus plantations and would require more information. Restoring the native forest would also be very difficult. • Establish a baseline of water flow into Lake Antarmbiby from the springs in the basin. o Water yield (flow) monitoring; o Map delineation of spring watershed boundaries; o Rainfall analysis (water cycle budget); o Determine relationship between tree crown volume and spring water production. For example, thin trees in spring basins to different crown volume densities to determine desirable forest density for water production. Maybe thin to four different densities replicated three times in 12 of the 13 spring areas. Measure the effects on spring volume production and determine acceptable tree density / crown volume desired to maintain desired spring water production. • Inventoried data of site potential, growth rates, and timber yield tables to help develop better estimates of sustain harvest rates. Some of this data is being collected and will soon be available. As the forest moves to a regulated condition, collect tree volume data from different sites and ages to determine & improve site productivity yields. When available, a refined harvest rate can be determined. • Establish acceptable levels of activity generated fuel loading (tons per hectare by differing size classes). How much dead biomass is acceptable? How much dead biomass is left on sites from the different management treatments (pruning, thinning, regeneration harvest)? What are decomposition rates? This data could help establish management direction (constraints) pertaining to fuels management to address wild fire risks. There are many examples of fuel model studies, burning prescriptions, and prescribed fire burning techniques in the United States that could be either replicated here or use with modifications. • Explore other wood uses of biomass. For example, charcoal production. Examine the possibility of using pine for charcoal production via creating briquettes and use of briquettes with eucalyptus to reduce waste. • Invite forestry Peace Corps volunteers to work with communes and Eaux et Forets to be a conduct of forestry education, fire protection, and forestry management practices.

Page 16 of 19 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The author greatly acknowledges the assistance and participation of the following key contacts:

Director General Ministry of the Environment, Water, and Forests Directorate of Water and Forests Andriamparany Rakotomavo , Madagascar SAVAIVO Antananarivo 101, Madagascar Associate Director des Eaux et Foret Director de ? Bako Antananarivo, Madagascar JariAla Fianarantsoa, Madagascar Hanta Rabetalianina Chief de Region Etienne Fianarantsoa, Madagascar Eaux et Foret Fianarantsoa, Madagascar Mr. Julien Noel Rakotoarisoa CIREEF Sitraka Randrianarifetra Fianarantsoa Region Office National pour l’Envirronnment Fianarantsoa, Madagascar Fianarantsoa, Madagascar

Andea Naivo Letisia Autorite Nationale de L’Eau et JariAla del’Assainissement Fianarantsoa, Madagascar Fianarantsoa Region Fianarantsoa, Madagascar

My sincerest appreciation for invaluable in-country logistical and communication assistance is afforded:

Christian Burren JariAla Coordinator Antananarivo, Madagascar Mark Freudenberger, PhD Lisa Gaylord Regional Director Environmental Program Coordinator Programme de Transition Eco-Régional (PTE) USAID / Madagascar Fianarantsoa, Madagascar Antananarivo, Madagascar

Additional acknowledgement and gratitude for pre and post-travel logistics and briefings must be afforded to:

Oliver Pierson Kame Westerman International Programs USDA Forest Service Africa Program Specialist 1099 14th Street, NW, 5500W USDA Forest Service International Programs Washington, DC 20005 1099 14th St., NW Suite 5500W Washington, DC 20005-3402

Page 17 of 19 REFERENCES USDA Forest Service Mission, Fianarantsoa, Madagascar: In Support of the Landscape Development Interventions Project, FINAL REPORT; Section 1: An Outline and Process for Management of the Pine Plantations of the Haute Matsiatra; Section 2: Protoype Privatized Management Plan and Silvicultural Scenarios: Mandaratsy Pine Plantations, Fianarantsoa, Madagascar; Section 3: Economic Analysis Of Pine Plantation Management In Haute Matsiatra; Mission Dates: July 2 – 21, 2001, by John Townsley, Peter Gaulke, and Denise Ingram. USDA-Forest Service Technical Assistance Trip, Republic of Madagascar: In Support to USAID Madagascar for Assistance in Developing a Technical and Financial Diagnosis of the Utilization, by the Fanalamanga Corporation, of 60 000 ha of Pine Forest in the Region of Moramanga, in order to support the development of a New Restructuring Plan, a Utilization Plan, and a Business Plan; FINAL REPORT: Mission Dates: July 18 – July 31, 2004, By: Marlin A. Johnson, Mike Higgs, and David E. Kretschmann. Plan d’aménagement du périmètre de reboisement de Mandaratsy. USDA Forest Service Technical Assistqnce Program Mission Report, PART I: In Collaboration with JariAla and Fanalamanga; Fanalmanga Plantation In Republic Of Madagascar; Mission Dates: October 22 – November 13, 2006; by Tim Howard USDA-Forest Service Technical Assistance Trip, Republic of Madagascar: In Support to USAID Madagascar for Assistance in the Development of a Plan d’ Amenagement Simplifie Bassin Verssant De Lac Antarambiby and Plan d’ Amenagement Du Perimetre De Reboisement De Manadaratsy Fianarantsoa; FINAL REPORT, Mission Dates: February 16 – February 27, 2004, By DAVID SALO and JEFFREY L. TREJO Plan d’Amaenagement du Perimetre de Reboisement Bassin-Versant de Mandaratsy/Antarambiby, Gestion des resources forestieres, de l’eau et des sols. Juillet 2004 Offre technique et financière relative à l’appui à la mise en place des SKA dans la CIREF de Fianarantsoa Caracteristiques de Marais de Lac Antarambiby. Termes de Reference: Programme d’Appui aux Communes et Organizations Rurales pur le Developpement du Sud (ACORDS); Plan de Developpement Villageois: Terroir D’Antarambiby, Fivondronana de Fianarantsoa II, Faritany de Fianarantsoa; Octobre 2004

LIST OF ACCRONYMS APMM Association des Populations des Montagnes du Monde AMD Association Antarambiby Miara Dia CIREEF Circonscription de l'Environnement, des Eaux et Forêts CUF Commune Urbaine de Fianarantsoa CI Conservation International DGEF Direction Générale des Eaux et Forêts DIREEF Direction Inter-régionale de l’Environnement et des Eaux et Forêts DIREM Direction Inter-Regionale de l’Energie et des Mines DRDR Direction Regionale en charge du Développement des Régions JIRAMA Jiro sy Rano Malagasy LDI Landscape Development Interventions

Page 18 of 19 MEEF Ministère de l’Environnement, des Eaux et Forêts ONG Organisme Non Gouvernemental OPCI Organisme Public de Coopération Intercommunale PACT Private Agencies Cooperating Together PTE Ecoregional Transition Project (Programme de Transition Eco-Régional) (ex-LDI) SAGE Schéma d’Aménagement et de Gestion de l’Eau USAID United States Agency for International Development USDA – FS United States Department of Agriculture – Forest Service USFS United States Forest Service (informal name for USDA-FS)

RESUME OF David Maercklein 1974 B.S., University of Wisconsin - Madison, Forest Resource Management 1975 – 1978: Forestry Peace Corp Volunteer, Rep. du Niger 1979 – 1987: Reforestation, TSI, Timber Sale Planning, and Silviculture Forester, Happy Camp RD, Klamath National Forest 1987 – 1990: Sale Planning Forester, Rigdon RD, Willamette National Forest 1990 – 1999: District Assistant Ranger (Big Summit RD), Forest NEPA Coordinator, Assistant Forest Planner, Ochoco National Forest. 1999 – 2007: Forest Planning Staff Officer, Hiawatha National Forest

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