7109.14, 2.1
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FOREST SERVICE HANDBOOK
PACIFIC NORTHWEST REGION (REGION 6)
PORTLAND, OREGON
FSH 7109.14 – GEOGRAPHIC NAMES HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 2 – FOREST SERVICE PROCEDURES
R6 Supplement No.: 7109.14-2009-1
Effective Date: May 4, 2009.
Duration: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
Approved: LISA E. FREEDMAN
For the Regional Forester
Date Approved: 05/04/2009
Posting Instructions: Supplements are numbered consecutively by Handbook number and
calendar year. Post by document; remove the entire document and replace it with this
supplement. Retain this transmittal as the first page(s) of this document. The last supplement to
this handbook was R6 FSH Supplement No. 4 dated May, 1972.
New Document
R6 FSH Supp. 7109.14, 2.1
4 Pages
Superseded Document(s)
by Issuance Number and
Effective Date
R6 FSH Supplement No. 4 dated May, 1972
2 Pages
Digest:
2.11 – Updates to official sources for geographic names, and to examples of operational maps.
2.12 – Updates to authoritative sources for geographic names, and appropriate form.
R6 SUPPLEMENT FSH-7109.14-2009-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: May 4, 2009
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
7109.14, 2.1
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FSH 7109.14 – GEOGRAPHIC NAMES HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 2 – FOREST SERVICE PROCEDURES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2.1 - NAME CASE INVESTIGATIONS. .......................................................................... 3
2.11 – Classes of Investigations. ................................................................................................. 3
2.11c – Map Editing. ............................................................................................................... 3
2.12c – Field Procedures. ........................................................................................................ 4
R6 SUPPLEMENT FSH-7109.14-2009-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: May 4, 2009
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
7109.14, 2.1
Page 3 of 4
FSH 7109.14 – GEOGRAPHIC NAMES HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 2 – FOREST SERVICE PROCEDURES
2.1 – NAME CASE INVESTIGATIONS.
2.11 – Classes of Investigations.
2.11c – Map Editing.
A geographic name cannot be placed on an operational map, or any miscellaneous series map,
unless it already appears on the base series, or appears in the National Geographic Names
Database (the Geographic Names Information System, or GNIS), or is approved according to
US Board on Geographic Names principles (FSM 7147).
There is no difference between the various Forest Service maps when applying geographic
names; therefore, geographic names proposed for use on Ranger District, Fire, Grazing type,
Transportation, or other operational maps are subject to the same requirements as given for use
on base series maps (FSH 7109.14, Chapter 1.20). Operational maps may be temporary or
permanent. The quantity and distribution may be restricted or non-restricted. The limiting
accuracy statements which often appear on these maps do not apply to the geographic names.
R6 SUPPLEMENT FSH-7109.14-2009-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: May 4, 2009
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
7109.14, 2.1
Page 4 of 4
FSH 7109.14 – GEOGRAPHIC NAMES HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 2 – FOREST SERVICE PROCEDURES
2.12c – Field Procedures.
2. Signs Posted signs and usage on maps are two of the end products of the geographic
naming process. It is necessary, after a name has been formally approved by a U. S. Board on
Geographic Names (BGN) decision, that signs and maps agree with that decision. Normally all
approved names appear on Forest Service base maps; sign use of approved names would be at
the decision of the land manager. If a geographic name has a posted sign, as a result of local
usage or administrative need, but does not appear on base maps or carry a BGN approved name,
it should be documented on a Domestic Geographic Name Report (DGNR), available at
http://geonames.usgs.gov/docs/a-c.pdf, and submitted with supporting background
documentation to the Regional Office, for BGN approval. Every effort should be made to ensure
that discrepancies between signs and maps are avoided. (FSM 7160.32).
3. Reporting. A Forest officer proposing a geographic name will use the DGNR form
above. The Regional Office will use the data to prepare a formal name proposal for submission
to the Washington Office. The information on the DGNR will also satisfy requirements of the
state and national geographic names boards.
In order to expedite name actions, it is essential that complete information appears on the
DGNR. A detailed map, such as a 1:24,000 scale topographic quadrangle, with the proposed
name applied, and the location of the feature highlighted for emphasis, must be provided with the
proposal. If additional identifying aids are available, such as photographs, other maps, etc., they
should be included. A brief description of the feature will give the extent in terms of area or
linear measurement. Included in the description will be its relationship to adjacent geographic
features, and where applicable, its relationship to the nearest town or community.
All data obtained from local authorities, whether favorable or unfavorable to the proposal, will
be recorded on the DGNR form, or on an attached sheet.