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FOREST SERVICE MANUAL
NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS (WO)
WASHINGTON, DC
FSM 1600 – INFORMATION SERVICES
CHAPTER 1660 – WEB CONTENT AND FORMAT
Amendment No.: 1600-2010-1
Effective Date: July 7, 2010
Duration: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
Approved: THOMAS L. TIDWELL
Chief
Date Approved: 07/02/2010
Posting Instructions: Amendments are numbered consecutively by title and calendar year. Post
by document; remove the entire document and replace it with this amendment. Retain this
transmittal as the first page(s) of this document. The last amendment to this title was
1600-2006-4 to FSM 1640.
New Document
1660
33 Pages
Superseded Document(s) by
Issuance Number and
Effective Date
1660
(Amendment 1600-2006-1, 3/09/2006)
32 Pages
Digest:
1660.04b - Throughout chapter replaces all references to “Information Resource Management
(IRM)” with “Chief Information Officer (CIO)”.
1666 - Establishes code and caption “Use of Forest Service Insignia on Websites”.
WO AMENDMENT 1600-2010-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 07/07/2010
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
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CHAPTER 1660 - WEB CONTENT AND FORMAT
Table of Contents
1660.01 - Authority ................................................................................................................. 4
1660.02 - Objectives ............................................................................................................... 5
1660.03 - Policy ...................................................................................................................... 5
1660.03a - Consistent “Look and Feel” .................................................................................. 5
1660.03b - Official Business................................................................................................... 5
1660.03c - Support of Mission................................................................................................ 6
1660.03d - Content Responsibility ......................................................................................... 6
1660.03e - Public Information ................................................................................................ 6
1660.03f - Single Source Information .................................................................................... 6
1660.03g - Removal of Content From the Forest Service Web Site ...................................... 6
1660.04 - Responsibility ......................................................................................................... 7
1660.04a - Director, Office of Communication, Washington Office ..................................... 7
1660.04b - Chief Information Officer, Washington Office .................................................... 7
1660.04c - National Web Manager, Office of Communication, Washington Office ............. 8
1660.04d - Regional Foresters, Station Directors, Area Directors, Institute Directors, Forest
and Grassland Supervisors, District Rangers and Washington Office Staff Directors 9
1660.04e - Unit Web Managers .............................................................................................. 9
1660.04f - Unit Public Affairs Officers (PAOs) or Publishing Managers ............................ 10
1660.04g - Unit Staff ............................................................................................................ 11
1660.04h - Contributors ........................................................................................................ 11
1660.05 - Definitions ............................................................................................................ 12
1661 - WEB SITE CONTENT ....................................................................................... 15
1661.1 - Clearance Procedures for Content Published on the Forest Service Web Site........... 15
1661.11 - Steps for Clearing Changes to Existing Materials ................................................ 15
1661.2 - Posting on the Publicly Accessible Web Site ............................................................. 16
1661.3 - Copyrighted Material.................................................................................................. 16
1661.4 - Hyperlinks to External Web Sites .............................................................................. 16
1661.5 - Information Inappropriate for the Web Site ............................................................... 17
1662 - ACCESSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS .................................................................. 20
1663 - COMMERCIAL ENDORSEMENT...................................................................... 27
1663.1 - Graphics or Logos ...................................................................................................... 27
1663.2 - Browser Recommendations and Plug-ins ................................................................... 27
1663.3 - Contractors ................................................................................................................. 27
1664 - ADDITIONAL FOREST SERVICE WEB SITE REQUIRMENTS ....................... 27
1664.1 - Nondiscrimination ...................................................................................................... 27
1664.2 - External Links ............................................................................................................ 28
1664.3 - Privacy Notice ............................................................................................................ 28
1665 - INFORMATION .................................................................................................. 31
1665.1 - Quality of Information ................................................................................................ 31
1665.2 - Collection of Information ........................................................................................... 31
1665.21 - Compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act .................................................. 31
WO AMENDMENT 1600-2010-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 07/07/2010
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
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1665.22 - Automated Collection of Information on Publicly Accessible Web Sites ........... 32
1665.3 - Print Publications........................................................................................................ 32
1665.4 - Under Construction .................................................................................................... 32
1666 - USE OF FOREST SERVICE INSIGNIA ON WEB SITES .................................. 33
WO AMENDMENT 1600-2010-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 07/07/2010
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSM 1600 - INFORMATION SERVICES
CHAPTER 1660 - WEB CONTENT AND FORMAT
1660.01 - Authority
1. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) of 1966, as amended in 2002 (5 U.S.C. 552) and
Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a). FOIA sets standards for determining which records
are made available to the public and which records can be withheld from disclosure. The
law also provides administrative and judicial remedies for those denied access to records.
Above all, the statute requires Federal agencies to provide the fullest possible disclosure
of information to the public (5 U.S.C. § 552).
2. The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. § 3501 et seq.). This Act
provides limitations on agency collection of information processes from the public,
through control of agency paperwork burdens on the public. One specific requirement is
that efforts to collect information from 10 or more individuals through any number of
identical questions must be reviewed and approved by the Office of Management and
Budget (OMB). Exemptions exist for facts or opinions solicited as general public
comments, including self-identification, and facts or opinions obtained at or in
connection with public hearings or meetings.
3. Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. 794d), as amended by the Workforce
Investment Act of 1998 (P.L. 105-220) [U.S. Code Number is the same as above],
August 7, 1998. Section 508 provides guidance for ensuring that Web-based intranet and
internet information and applications are accessible to people who use assistive
technology.
4. Policies for Federal Agency Public Web sites, Office of Management and Budget,
December 17th, 2004. http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/memoranda/fy2005/m05-04.pdf
5. Departmental Regulation 3430–001 (DR 3430–001). This Departmental Regulation
provides direction on the development and maintenance of internet Web sites.
http://www.ocio.usda.gov/directives/doc/DR3430-001.pdf
6. Departmental Regulation 1440–002 (DR 1440–002). This Department Regulation
provides detailed policy guidance for production and dissemination of current
information materials, principally news releases, backgrounders, media advisories, and
similar information for working with news media representatives.
http://www.ocio.usda.gov/directives/doc/DR1440-002.pdf
7. Departmental Regulation 3440–002 (DR 3440–002). This Departmental Regulation
provides policy guidance on the control and protection of "Sensitive Security
Information." http://www.ocio.usda.gov/directives/doc/DR3440-002.pdf
WO AMENDMENT 1600-2010-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 07/07/2010
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
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1660.02 - Objectives
1. To ensure that the publicly accessible Forest Service Web site effectively contributes
to the Forest Service mission.
2. The adoption of a common look and navigation to create and maintain the impression
that we are one, cohesive agency, just as our uniforms, and signs do.
3. Leverage the Web to enhance the Agency’s ability to provide services and information
to citizens and other key stakeholders.
4. Simplify the delivery of Agency services and information using the Web.
5. Increase efficiency and accountability in the delivery of Forest Service Web solutions.
1660.03 - Policy
1660.03a - Consistent “Look and Feel”
1. The Forest Service publicly accessible Web site, which includes all publicly
accessible Web pages within the USDA Forest Service, will adopt a consistent and
standardized “look and feel” for all Web pages and navigational objects. In order to
provide our Web audiences instant recognition of Forest Service Web content, all Forest
Service offices and units must use official templates when publishing content to the Web.
Therefore, official templates must be used by all Forest Service units to help prepare
content for publishing to the Web. While these templates and even the tools used to
manage, maintain and leverage these templates, change or evolve over time, all Forest
Service units must adhere to a single uniform template as directed by the National Web
Manager under the authority of the Washington Office Director, Office of
Communication. USDA’s Enterprise Share Services (ESS) environment is an example of
a forthcoming change in Web publishing tools which the Forest Service uses for all Web
content publishing.
2. Content on the Forest Service Web site must be organized around categories or topics
that are meaningful to Forest Service audiences.
1660.03b - Official Business
All information disseminated on the internet by the Forest Service must be directly related to the
official duties and responsibilities of individuals and offices fulfilling their assigned missions
consistent with Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Federal Government policy.
WO AMENDMENT 1600-2010-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 07/07/2010
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
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1660.03c - Support of Mission
Web pages created on behalf of the agency must have a clearly defined purpose that supports the
strategic mission of the Forest Service.
1660.03d - Content Responsibility
The Forest Service will only publish information:
1. Which it creates;
2. Which it has direct responsibility; or
3. That it has been authorized to publish by partner agencies or organizations.
Web pages that contain information pursuant to the requirements of the Freedom of Information
Act (5 U.S.C. § 552) are exempt from this restriction.
1660.03e - Public Information
1. Only information that is cleared for public release, as defined in FSM 1650 are
published on Forest Service public Web site.
2. Sensitive, confidential, or private information intended for internal use only must not
be placed on the Forest Service public Web site.
1660.03f - Single Source Information
1. Information already on the Web should not be replicated from its source. However,
through the use of a Web Content Management System, the notion of repurposing content
throughout the agency is an acceptable practice. In doing this, content is still only stored
in a single common repository, but may be presented in multiple areas within the
agency’s Web presence.
2. Obtain permission of the copyright owner before posting copyrighted information on
the Forest Service public Web site.
3. Establish procedures for updating replicated information. Release of information must
be approved by the source from which the information is copied.
1660.03g - Removal of Content From the Forest Service Web Site
Content from the Forest Service public Web site if it is outdated, in conflict with established
policy or procedures, or found to be in error.
WO AMENDMENT 1600-2010-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 07/07/2010
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
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1660.04 - Responsibility
1660.04a - Director, Office of Communication, Washington Office
The Washington Office Director, Office of Communication, has the authority and responsibility
for maintaining the content on the Forest Service’s publicly accessible Web site and is
responsible for:
1. Overseeing policy and guidance to ensure the credibility of Forest Service information
released through the publicly accessible Web site.
2. Providing internet policies for the Forest Service and keeping these policies congruent
with Federal and Department of Agriculture internet policies and procedures.
3. Designating the Forest Service National Web Manager.
4. Coordinating agency content by facilitating collaboration among program areas, and
designating content area leads through the National Web Manager.
5. Assigning contributors for major content categories for the agency’s Web presence.
6. Carrying out general responsibilities for maintaining information on the Web.
7. Coordinating with appropriate Deputy and staff areas to define business requirements
and providing training, as necessary, for the efficient operation of Forest Service World
Wide Web services.
8. Reporting on Forest Service internet activity to USDA, the General Services
Administration (GSA) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), with the
assistance of Chief Information Office (CIO), as required.
9. Coordinating with appropriate staff areas for budgeting and planning for Web
operations.
1660.04b - Chief Information Officer, Washington Office
The Washington Office Chief Information Officer (CIO) is responsible for managing the Forest
Service internet infrastructure:
1. Maintaining the information technology (IT) infrastructure in accordance with the
Enterprise Architecture Framework (EAF) for operation of Forest Service internet
systems, or for overseeing the outsourcing of these activities and services.
2. Serving as the technical approval authority for the agency’s Web presence.
WO AMENDMENT 1600-2010-1
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DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
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3. Ensuring that the Forest Service’s internet systems are operational 24 hours a day,
7 days a week, or is responsible for establishing appropriate operational Service Level
Agreements with USDA, if hosting arrangements are finalized with the National
Information Technology Center (NITC).
4. Developing, implementing, and maintaining a security plan for any public-facing Web
server.
5. Budgeting and planning for agency internet information technology (IT)
infrastructure.
6. Configuring and maintaining the agency’s Web search appliance through consultation,
and recommendations from the National Web Manager.
7. Providing national leadership in internet applications development and IT investments
(FSM 6610).
1660.04c - National Web Manager, Office of Communication, Washington Office
The Forest Service National Web Manager is responsible for:
1. Coordinating with appropriate staff offices and field units to maintain the Forest
Service publicly accessible Web site.
2. Providing policy guidance for Forest Service internet operations in compliance with
government-wide statutes, rules, and policy statements.
3. Ensuring standards for the periodic review of Web content on the Forest Service
publicly accessible Web site by contributors, and notifying agency content contributors
for follow-up action.
4. Reviewing, approving, and placing new content on the Forest Service Web site, when
appropriate.
5. Acting as the national headquarters liaison to interagency organizations, Department
of Agriculture, regions and research stations, content contributors, and CIO.
6. Providing Information Architecture (IA), policy, and Web presentation guidance to
unit content contributors and unit Web managers.
7. Maintaining an electronic mailing list designed to distribute policy, guidance, and
national Web direction to all unit Web managers.
8. Establishing and maintaining a process for continuous improvement of the agency’s
information architecture, Web site design, layout, and presentation.
WO AMENDMENT 1600-2010-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 07/07/2010
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
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1660.04d - Regional Foresters, Station Directors, Area Directors, Institute
Directors, Forest and Grassland Supervisors, District Rangers and Washington
Office Staff Directors
Consistent with other leadership responsibilities for public and internal communication, line
officers of Forest Service organizational units are responsible for:
1. Ensuring unit procedures are in place for developing, clearing, and maintaining all
information published from their organizations on the internet, including screening for
security and other concerns.
2. Ensuring accuracy and reliability of information by performing periodic reviews of all
Web content produced, and maintained by their organizations.
3. Ensuring approved security and privacy notices, and applicable disclaimers are placed
on all Forest Service Web content contributed by their organization.
4. Ensuring all information placed on publicly accessible Web pages is appropriate for
worldwide dissemination, and does not place Forest Service personnel and programs
mission effectiveness, or the privacy of individuals at risk.
5. Providing the necessary resources to support Forest Service Web content unique to
their unit.
6. Designating and supporting unit content contributors who represent their
organizational units. Content contributors are assigned responsibility for coordinating
clearance and posting of their respective organizational unit materials for the Forest
Service Web presence. For content management, content contributors at the region,
forest, and district levels generally are in the public affairs office or office of
communication.
1660.04e - Unit Web Managers
Unit Web managers, in cooperation with public affairs officers or publishing managers, Freedom
of Information Act/Privacy Act coordinators, records management professionals, or other
positions designated by the appropriate line officer are responsible for:
1. Identifying appropriate information to be posted on the Web.
2. Identifying with the contributor, a target audience for information.
3. Reviewing the content for sensitivity and distribution/release controls, including
sensitivity of information in the aggregate.
WO AMENDMENT 1600-2010-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 07/07/2010
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
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4. Ensuring new content is useful and meaningful to its intended users, or providing it
helps meet the business goals of the agency.
5. Determining if the content already exists on the Forest Service Web site, before
recreating or publishing duplicative Web content.
6. Ensuring that approval has been completed for new Web content. This includes
obtaining necessary clearances and concurrences.
7. Determining the value to the public of the proposed content.
8. Ensuring that the content passes the appropriate access and security controls.
9. Examining content for compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
standards.
10. Examining content for external links and following the process detailed in section
1665.2 for approving external links.
11. Ensuring that appropriate records management principles are applied.
12. Establishing the publishing date and time, the retirement date and time of Web
content.
13. Providing contact information for questions about Web page content.
14. Verifying that the materials intended for public release in other formats, which have
been cleared using agency clearance guidelines, do not require further review/clearance
before posting on the publicly accessible webpage. Forest Service printed publications
are available for the external public will be placed on the Web must receive editorial
review from the USDA Office of Communications (DR-1400).
1660.04f - Unit Public Affairs Officers (PAOs) or Publishing Managers
Consistent with responsibilities for public information, the public affairs officer, or publishing
manager shall review and approve unit Web sites, and are responsible for:
1. Ensuring uniformity of communication by relating the intended site to the unit’s
communication strategy and integrating it with other communication products.
2. Assisting with the marketing of Web-based content and services to their intended
audience, while staying aligned with Agency “look and feel” requirements.
3. Ensuring accuracy of public information, either by direct review, or by coordinating
the content review by subject matter specialists.
WO AMENDMENT 1600-2010-1
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DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
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4. Ensuring accessibility of information, by suggesting alternatives for people with
disabilities, limited technology, or other factors identified in the intended audience, and
ensuring that language, style, and format contribute to readability.
5. Ensuring Web content or content ready to publish have been reviewed and approved
by the appropriate authorities. Also, ensuring content asset dependencies are approved,
ready for publishing, and publishing the content.
1660.04g - Unit Staff
Unit staff (Web content creators, publishers, editors, and approvers) has responsibility for:
1. Managing the process of creation, clearance for public releases, publication,
maintenance, and periodic review of all content published on the Forest Service publicly
accessible Web site from their units in all formats such as text, images, and documents.
This responsibility includes tracking the approval of content submitted by contributors.
2. Applying national standards for accuracy and currency of all Web content produced
and maintained on the Web by contributors within their units and for information
routinely updated by content managers, establishment of standards, and periodic review
for compliance.
3. Advising line officers to designate and authorize individual contributors within their
units, as necessary, to contribute or maintain Web content on the unit’s site.
4. Providing training to contributors in the creation and maintenance of information for
internet publication.
5. Ensuring that all appropriate concurrences have been obtained before submitting any
new information or Web content for posting on the Web.
6. Ensuring accessibility of information, by suggesting alternatives for people with
disabilities, limited technology, or other factors identified in the intended audience; and
ensuring that language, style, and format contribute to readability.
1660.04h - Contributors
Contributors have the responsibility for:
1. Contributing articles, documents, data and images, and other content are subject
matter experts, or are directly responsible.
2. Preparing Web content using production methods that facilitate publishing in many
different formats used by the public.
WO AMENDMENT 1600-2010-1
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DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
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3. Conducting periodic reviews of content are responsible and editing, or replacing it to
keep it current, accurate, and reliable.
4. Attending unit training to familiarize themselves with the policies and procedures
detailed in this chapter pertaining to content clearance and formatting, particularly
regarding Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 requirements for accessibility
detailed in section 1663, exhibit 01.
http://www.section508.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=Content&ID=12#Web
1660.05 - Definitions
Contributor. An individual, or office that has created or sponsored the work that
generated the information, or received/acquired the information on behalf of the Forest
Service. The contributor is granted access and authority to contribute or edit information
referred to as Web content within a unit’s site. Contributors and subject matter experts
who originate information are in the best position to ensure the information is accurate,
current, and complete, and accurately maintained over time.
Cookie. A “cookie” is a small file sent by a Web server and stored on a user’s computer
system so it can later be read back from that system. Cookies may be categorized as
“session” or “persistent” cookies: A “Session” cookies are temporary cookies that are
used to maintain context or “state” between otherwise stateless Web transactions (for
example, to maintain a “shopping basket” of goods selected during a single logical
session at a site). Session cookies are deleted at the end of the Web session in which they
are created. A. “Persistent” cookies remain on the user’s computer and can be used for a
variety of purposes, including to track a user’s access over time and across Web sites, or
to establish user preferences.
Domain. A group of networked computers that share a common communications
address, such as fs.fed.us. In order to promote the vision of a unified online Web
presence, the use of third and fourth level domain names (4thlevel.3rdlevel.fs.fed.us.) is
restricted. Use of these domain name levels requires the approval of the Forest Service
Chief Information Officer (CIO).
Enterprise Architecture Framework (EAF). An EAF is a strategic information asset base,
which defines the mission, the information and technologies necessary to perform the
mission, and the transitional processes for implementing new technologies in response to
the changing needs of the mission.
An EAF provides the context for making effective, consistent decisions about information
resources throughout the enterprise. It pertains to all information systems that support enterprise
management and operations, explicitly recognizing the missions, goals, and business needs of the
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organization. It contains an explicit description of the current “as-is” environment, the target
“to-be” environment, which the agency wishes to create, and the transition plan to move the
enterprise from the current environment to the target architecture.
Forest Service Web site. The Forest Service public Web site, http://www.fs.fed.us,
includes all Web pages related to that website address, (herein referred to as a “domain”),
that includes the site sections maintained by Forest Service units (regions, forests,
districts, areas, and research institutes/stations). Additional domains for which the Forest
Service is responsible are subject to this policy as if they are part of the main Forest
Service domain. The scope of this definition includes all publicly available internet
pages currently residing under the www internet fs.fed.us domain and all other publicfacing domains under direct Forest Service control or management.
Forest Service Insignia. Forest Service Insignia may include the Forest Service badge,
logo and shield, which may be used interchangeably. The Forest Service shield is the
most notable insignia and is identified by having both “Forest Service" and "Department
of Agriculture" around a large "US" in the center. Guidelines for the general use of Use
of Forest Service Insignia are found at 36 CFR part 264, subpart A.
Hyperlink. A clickable link in text or graphics on a web page that takes you to another
place on the same page, another page, another website, or to a document or file.
Internet, World Wide Web (WWW), or “Web”. The internet is a data communication
that connects computer systems using widely supported standard protocols such as
Transmission Control Protocol/internet Protocol (TCP/IP). Various services can make
use of this system, including file transfer protocol (FTP), newsgroups, internet chat,
telnet, and other services. The most popular service on the internet is the World Wide
Web. Like most services on the internet, specialized client software is needed to make
full use of that capability generally through a Web browser program.
Intranet (FSweb). The intranet is a closed system (private network) that uses the same
types of hardware and software technology as the internet, but which has restricted
access. While the intranet Web servers can link to or serve public information, their
primary content consists of information that is not in the public domain. Information on
the intranet is restricted for use by the Forest Service employees and it may not be
disseminated outside of the agency without authorization.
Home Page/Landing Page. This is typically the primary entry point for a particular Web
site.
Personally Identifying Information. Information, including, but not limited to, first and
last name, social security number, e-mail or postal address, telephone number, or any
identification that is tied to an individual.
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Special Areas. Special areas include botanical areas, experimental forest or range,
geological areas, national historic landmarks, national historic trails, national monuments,
national natural landmarks, national recreation areas, national recreation trails, national
scenic areas, national scenic trails, national trails, research natural areas, scenic byways,
significant caves, wild and scenic rivers, and wilderness or wilderness study areas.
Template. A Web page used as a master with a standard format and layout. Templates
are used to automate the process of producing Web pages in an efficient and timely
manner; templates are also used to apply consistent architecture across a Web site.
URL. A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is an address that points to a particular Web
site, document, image, or other resource on an internet or intranet server. The URL for
the Forest Service home page is http://www.fs.fed.us.
Web Browser. A browser is software that is specifically designed to download, display,
and print “Web pages.” Browser software may also support additional capabilities, such
as file downloading, application engines, and email.
Web Content. Documents, text, maps, images, photos, graphics, data, presentations,
video and sound clips; all the categories of information that constitute the content on the
Web.
Web Manager. General designation used by the agency to identify the person assigned to
ensure that the organization’s Web site is properly managed and to ensure that all policies
and procedures for posting material on the Web site have been followed before material
is posted.
Web Presence. A collection of Web application and files that makeup the Forest Service
Web site.
Web site. A location on the World Wide Web. Each Web site contains a home page
which is the first level of the Web site. The term “Web site” is used to represent the
entire collection of material maintained under the same home page by an organization or
business entity. An example of a Web site is the national publicly accessible Web
presence for the Forest Service.
Workflow. The flow or process of content as it is contributed and subsequently edited,
technically processed, approved, published, and maintained.
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1661 - WEB SITE CONTENT
1661.1 - Clearance Procedures for Content Published on the Forest Service Web
Site
The clearance process described here is intended to ensure that all material, either new or
changed, posted on the Forest Service publicly accessible Web site conforms to current Forest
Service policies and procedures. See FSM 1630, 1640, and 1650.
1661.11 - Steps for Clearing Changes to Existing Materials
1. Grammatical and typographical changes. The contributor may make editorial changes
that do not alter the original meaning of the text without substantive review.
2. Minor Factual Changes. The contributor may make minor factual changes, such as
updating telephone numbers, program statistics, or a new number assigned to a
publication without substantive review.
3. Significant Changes. Conform to the requirements for clearance of new materials for
changes that alter original meaning of existing pages or applications or resulting data,
reports, or output of an application without substantive review.
4. Removal of Cleared Material on the Forest Service public Web site. Content should
be removed from the Forest Service public Web site if it is outdated, in conflict with
established policy or procedures, or found to be in error.
a. Permanent Removal. The unit Web manager from the originating office may
perform permanent removal of materials from the Forest Service public Web site.
Any contributor, employee, party, or person that believes that a document should be
removed must contact the originating office.
b. Temporary Removal. When the Forest Service has determined an urgent need to
do so, Web content may be temporarily removed immediately, pending policy
decisions. In such cases, it may be appropriate to remove the material in question to
an archive file. The Web manager shall ensure that readers are informed that the
document is under review.
c. Notice of Removal. The originating Web manager shall notify unit Web managers
when they have pages with links to pages scheduled for permanent removal.
Corresponding links must be removed immediately.
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d. Archived Materials. All materials, including those which are removed from the
Forest Service Web site, are handled according to Forest Service records management
policy.
1661.2 - Posting on the Publicly Accessible Web Site
The unit’s public affairs officer will validate the need to post information on the Forest Service
public Web site. The posting of information on the Forest Service public Web site should be
based on meeting Forest Service responsibility to inform the public. Satisfying the need of one
specific individual or a small group of individuals may not necessarily constitute a requirement
of having information available on the Web. Concurrence of public affairs officers may apply
(sec. 1660.04i).
1661.3 - Copyrighted Material
Copyrighted material may be posted only when allowed by copyright laws and may be posted
only if the Web content relate to the unit’s stated Web site mission. Copyrighted material must
be accompanied by copyright information and statement of permission of use. Consult with the
Office of the General Counsel before using any copyrighted material. (Direction on publishing
and copyrights is found in FSM 1631.5.)
1661.4 - Hyperlinks to External Web Sites
The ability to hyperlink to sources external to an organization is a fundamental part of the World
Wide Web and can add significant value to the functionality of the Forest Service public Web
site. Forest Service units must consider USDA standards and establish objective and supportable
criteria for the selection and maintenance of links to external Web pages based on:
1. Official Relationship. External links to nongovernmental or private sector information
should only be used when there is an official relationship between a Department of
Agriculture or Forest Service program, such as a Memorandum of Agreement or
Memorandum of Understanding, and the program of the private sector organization.
2. Non-Endorsement. Evaluate hyperlinks for impartiality and the appearance of
endorsement. When units decide that it is an essential public service to include a
hyperlink to one non-government site, the unit is obliged to link to all similar sites if
those similar sites request it.
3. Support of the Mission. Consider linking to Federal, tribal, state, county, local
government, or community Web sites before considering a non-government or
commercial site. A statement explaining how the link supports Forest Service Web
presence goals and objectives or the unit’s mission should accompany links to nongovernment Web resources. External links should be reviewed periodically to ensure
their continued suitability.
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4. Link Verification. Prior to inclusion of the link, the contributor and/or unit Web
manager must verify the accuracy of the outside URL address.
5. Link Content Review. The contributor and/or unit Web manager must review the
content of the external page and secondary pages to ensure that inappropriate materials
are not being linked from Forest Service Web sites.
6. Link Disclaimer. When external links are used, include a disclaimer that the Forest
Service does not endorse the product or organization at the destination, nor does the
Forest Service exercise any responsibility over the content at the destination.
This is a sample of appropriate intercept text if needed.
“You are now leaving this Web site to enter an external site. This link
does not indicate endorsement by the USDA Forest Service of the
information, services, or products contained at the destination Web
site. [OK] [Cancel]”
1661.5 - Information Inappropriate for the Web Site
Items that are exempt from public disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
(5 U.S.C. § 552) and the Privacy Act (PA) (5 U.S.C. § 552a) are inappropriate for the Forest
Service public Web site. Some content is covered by other regulations and requires special
review before considering posting to the Forest Service public Web site. Contact your unit
FOIA/PA coordinator for more information.
1. Guidelines for identifying information that may be inappropriate for posting to
publicly accessible web sites.
a. Official Information or Internal Information.
(1) Do not post information to the Forest Service public Web site, the
disclosure of which would cause a foreseeable harm an interest protected by
one or more of the exemptions to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
This information may or may not include a “For Official Use Only” (FOUO)
designation. Documents that do contain FOUO information will normally be
marked at the time of creation. Review the documents for information that
requires continued protection and qualifies as exempt from public release.
This may require coordination with the originator of the information.
(2) Do not assume that documents with no FOUO designation contain no
FOUO information.
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b. Employee Information. Do not post information about Forest Service employees,
the release of which would be a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.
This information includes, but is not limited to, the following categories:
(1) Social Security account numbers.
(2) Dates of birth.
(3) Home addresses.
(4) Telephone numbers other than duty office numbers.
c. Employee Family Member Information. Names, locations, and any other
identifying information about family members of Forest Service employees.
d. Travel Itineraries. Detailed official travel itineraries before the travel is
completed.
e. Personnel Rules. Internal personnel rules and practices unless cleared for public
release.
f. Financial Disclosure Reports. Financial Disclosure Reports of Special
Government Employees, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. App. 4, § 207, (a) (1) 2.
g. Union Information. Representation Rights and Duties, Labor Unions, pursuant to
5 U.S.C. § 7114 (b) (4).
h. Medical Records. Confidential medical records, pursuant to 10 U.S.C. § 1002.
i. Civil Service Examination. Civil Service Examination, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §
1917.
j. Drug Abuse/Rehabilitation Records. Drug Abuse/Rehabilitation records, pursuant
to 21 USC § 1175.
k. Patient Records. Confidential Patient Records, pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 290-dd-2.
l. Proprietary Information. Includes information submitted by a contractor and
protected by a Limited Rights Statement or other agreement, trade secrets, and
commercial and financial information submitted by an entity outside the government
that considers the information to be protected from public release. Other categories
include:
(1) Contractor proposals.
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(2) Commercial or financial information received in confidence with loans,
bids, contracts or proposals.
(3) Information received in confidence, such as trade secrets, inventions,
discoveries, or other proprietary data.
(4) Statistical data and commercial or financial information concerning
contract performance, income, profit, losses, and expenditures, if offered and
received in confidence from a contractor or potential contractor.
(5) Scientific and manufacturing processes or developments concerning
technical or scientific data and other information submitted with an application
for research grants or with a report while research is in progress.
(6) Test and evaluation of commercial products produced by a nongovernmental entity.
(7) Patents unless licensed for publication by the United States.
(8) Software documentation must be distributed according to the terms of the
software license.
(9) A-76 studies and other outsourcing studies that provide detailed
descriptions of sensitive organizational operations.
(10) Administrative Dispute Resolutions, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. § 574 (j).
(11) Internal advice, recommendations, and evaluations.
2. Identification of Information. Examine potential consequences of placing information
on the Web before making it publicly accessible.
3. Identification of Target Audience. Post only information to publicly accessible Web
site that is of value to the public, and that does not require additional protection.
4. Unmarked Documents. Documents that bear no marking being considered for
publication on the internet must be assumed to be FOUO unless, and until their
releasability can be determined. Information currently published on the intranet that is
being considered for publication on the internet must also be considered FOUO, and may
not be published on the internet, until its releasability can be determined. Consult the
contributor whenever there is doubt about the sensitivity of the information or
distribution restrictions on its release.
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1662 - ACCESSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Pursuant to Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794d), Forest Service Web
sites must meet Federal requirements for accessibility. Below are the basic requirements with
detailed examples:
The Forest Service shall:
1. Provide a text equivalent for every non-text element that conveys information (for
example, via “ALT”, “LONGDESC”, or in element content).
a. Text descriptions should be meaningful to describe the content of a visual image.
Avoid ALT text such as “Picture 1.” Instead, consider for example “Colony of
penguins” to describe such an image. When writing ALT text, think of what a blind
person would hear through a screen reader.
b. For images such as charts and graphs that require a long description, offer the long
description through a separate, linked file through the LONGDESC attribute. An
example of an image link using the LONGDESC attribute is:
<img src=“yearlygraph.gif” alt =“The chart displays the types of animals on the
farm for the year. Details are available through the long description link.”
longdesc=“yearlygraphtext.html” width=“300” height=“300”>
The yearlygraphtext.html file could include the following text:
“The chart displays the types of animals on the farm for the year. The pigs and
chickens were counted and remained at 70 to 90 throughout the year. The number
of cows dropped dramatically due to the Foot and Mouth disease in the fourth
quarter, from 90 to 10.”
c. For spacers and line graphics used for spacing and visual presentation only, use
ALT=“ “ (with one space).
2. Synchonize the equivalent alternatives for any multimedia presentation with the
presentation.
Provide captions and audio descriptions for audio products and video products with a soundtrack.
The Synchronized Multimedia Integration Language (SMIL) is typically used to synchronize
video, audio, and captioning tracks for internet products. Details about making audio and video
products accessible is available through the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) at
http://www.w3.org/AudioVideo/
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3. Design Web pages so that all information conveyed in color is also available without
color, for example, from context or markup.
For example, the following text appearing next to the image would convey the same information:
East (black) is 20.
West (purple) is 35.
South (blue) is 45.
North (red) is 22.
4. Organize Web pages so they are readable without requiring an associated style sheet
and separate content from presentation using external cascading style sheets.
5. Provide redundant text hyperlinks for each active region of a server-side image map.
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For example, the following table would provide an alternative method to access the areas of the
map above:
Alabama
Colorado
Hawaii
Kansas
Massachusetts
Montana
New Mexico
Oklahoma
South Dakota
Virginia
Alaska
Connecticut
Idaho
Kentucky
Michigan
Nebraska
New York
Oregon
Tennessee
Washington
Arizona
Delaware
Illinois
Louisiana
Minnesota
Nevada
North Carolina
Pennsylvania
Texas
West Virginia
Arkansas
Florida
Indiana
Maine
Mississippi
New Hampshire
North Dakota
Rhode Island
Utah
Wisconsin
California
Georgia
Iowa
Maryland
Missouri
New Jersey
Ohio
South Carolina
Vermont
Wyoming
6. Provide client-side image maps instead of server-side image maps except where the
regions of the image map may not be defined with an available geometric shape.
7. Identify row and column headers for data tables.
<TABLE border=“1” summary=“This table charts the number of cups of coffee
consumed by each senator, the type of coffee (decaf or regular), and whether taken with
sugar.”>
<CAPTION>Cups of coffee consumed by each senator</CAPTION>
<TR>
<TH id=“header1”>Name</TH>
<TH id=“header2”>Cups</TH>
<TH id=“header3”>Type of Coffee</TH>
<TH id=“header4”>Sugar?</TH>
<TR>
<TD headers=“header1”>T. Sexton</TD>
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<TD headers=“header2”>10</TD>
<TD headers=“header3”>Espresso</TD>
<TD headers=“header4”>No</TD>
<TR>
<TD headers=“header1”>J. Dinnen</TD>
<TD headers=“header2”>5</TD>
<TD headers=“header3”>Decaf</TD>
<TD headers=“header4”>Yes</TD>
</TABLE>
Results of the code:
Cups of coffee consumed by each senator
Name
Cups
Type of Coffee
Sugar?
T. Sexton
10
Espresso
No
J. Dinnen
5
Decaf
Yes
8. Use markup to associate data cells and header cells for data tables that have two or
more logical levels of row or column headers.
<TABLE border=“1”>
<CAPTION>Travel Expense Report</CAPTION>
<TR>
<TH></TH>
<TH id=“header2” axis=“expenses”>Meals
<TH id=“header3” axis=“expenses”>Hotels
<TH id=“header4” axis=“expenses”>Transport
<TD>subtotals</TD>
<TR>
<TH id=“header6” axis=“location”>San Jose
<TH> <TH> <TH> <TD>
<TR>
<TD id=“header7” axis=“date”>25-Aug-97
<TD headers=“header6 header7 header2”>37.74
<TD headers=“header6 header7 header3”>112.00
<TD headers=“header6 header7 header4”>45.00
<TD>
<TR>
<TD id=“header8” axis=“date”>26-Aug-97
<TD headers=“header6 header8 header2”>27.28
<TD headers=“header6 header8 header3”>112.00
<TD headers=“header6 header8 header4”>45.00
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<TD>
<TR>
<TD>subtotals
<TD>65.02
<TD>224.00
<TD>90.00
<TD>379.02
<TR>
<TH id=“header10” axis=“location”>Seattle
<TH> <TH> <TH> <TD>
<TR>
<TD id=“header11” axis=“date”>27-Aug-97
<TD headers=“header10 header11 header2”>96.25
<TD headers=“header10 header11 header3”>109.00
<TD headers=“header10 header11 header4”>36.00
<TD>
<TR>
<TD id=“header12” axis=“date”>28-Aug-97
<TD headers=“header10 header12 header2”>35.00
<TD headers=“header10 header12 header3”>109.00
<TD headers=“header10 header12 header4”>36.00
<TD>
<TR>
<TD>subtotals
<TD>131.25
<TD>218.00
<TD>72.00
<TD>421.25
<TR>
<TH>Totals
<TD>196.27
<TD>442.00
<TD>162.00
<TD>800.27
</TABLE>
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Results of the code:
Travel Expense Report
Meals Hotels Transport subtotals
San Jose
25-Aug-97 37.74 112.00 45.00
26-Aug-97 27.28 112.00 45.00
subtotals
65.02 224.00 90.00
379.02
Seattle
27-Aug-97 96.25 109.00 36.00
28-Aug-97 35.00 109.00 36.00
subtotals
131.25 218.00 72.00
421.25
Totals
196.27 442.00 162.00
800.27
If the table is very complicated, include a separate link for a description of travel table, as
needed. Here is an example of how the text description of this table may look:
“Long description of table of travel expenses”
This diagram illustrates a possible rendering by a desktop graphical browser of a multidimensional example table. The example markup before the table in the document
illustrates the use of the “axis” attribute in HTML 4.0.
The caption centered above the table reads “Travel Expense Report”.
The axes of the table are:
 City
 Travel dates
 Meal expenses
 Hotel expenses
 Transport expenses
The first row of the table contains these headers in a serif font: “Meals,” “Hotels,”
“Transport,” and “subtotals.” The first row group shows expenses in San Jose for those
categories on August 25 and 26 1997. Below that row group, the subtotals of all
expenses in San Jose are listed. The second row group presents similar data for expenses
incurred in Seattle on August 27 and 28. That group is followed by a row of subtitles as
well. The final row of the table presents totaled expenses (for all dates and cities) for
“Meals,” “Hotels,” and “Transport.” Borders separate all cells, header or data.
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9. Title frames with text that help identify and navigate frams. (Title each HTML file to
work around the inability of a screen reader to read frame titles.)
<frame title=“navbar”>
10. Design pages to avoid causing the screen to flicker with a frequency greater than 2
Hz and lower than 55 Hz.
11. Provide a text-only page, with equivalent information or functionality to make a Web
site comply with the provisions of this section, when compliance may not be
accomplished in any other way. Update content of the text-only page whenever the
primary page changes.
12. Identify the information provided by the script with functional text that can be read
by assistive technology, when pages use scripting languages to display content, or to
create interface elements.
<OBJECT classid=“java:Press.class” width=“500” height=“500”>As temperature
increases, the molecules in the balloon...</OBJECT>
Mouseovers: include the proper ALT text tags in images used for mouseover effects.
Indicate when a link or action will open in a new window:
<a href=“/news/2002/02/02042002.html” target=“_blank” title=“page will open in a new
browser window”> OR
<form action=“/cgi–bin/jobs.cgi” method=“post” name=“Job Search” target=“_blank”
title=“page will open in a new browser window”>
13. Provide a link to a plug-in or applet that complies with 36 CFR §1194.21(a) through
(l), when a Web page requires that an applet, plug-in, or other application be present on
the client system to interpret page content.
(pdf file, requires the Acrobat Reader plug–in)
14. Facilitate people using assistive technology to access the information, field elements,
and functionality required for completion and submission of the form, including all
directions and cues, when electronic forms are designed for online completion.





Tabindex=“number”
<FORM>, </FORM>
<LABEL>, </LABEL>
<OPTGROUP>, </OPRGROUP>
<FIELDSET>, </FIELDSET>
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15. Provide a method that permits users to skip repetitive navigation links.
Most sites include some type of header at the top and main navigation links along the left
side of every page. The actual content is in a separate area of the page to the right of the
navigation links.
Add an internal anchor where the actual content begin, like <a
name=“CONTENT”></a>. Link to this anchor at the top of the page through a link such
as <a href=“#CONTENT”>Skip navigation links</a>
16. When a timed response is required, alert the user and allow sufficient time to indicate
if more time is required.
1663 - COMMERCIAL ENDORSEMENT
Avoid endorsing any commercial entity.
1663.1 - Graphics or Logos
Graphics or logos depicting companies or products may not appear on Forest Service public Web
sites. The definition of “companies or products” includes application plug-in software, Web
browser software, search services, or any other Web service such as Adobe, Acrobat Reader,
Netscape, Infoseek, as well as conventional firms and their goods and services.
1663.2 - Browser Recommendations and Plug-ins
Web sites must not require or encourage users to choose any specific commercial browser
software. Do not use statements such as “Best viewed with . . .” requiring users to download
plug-ins is discouraged, but may be justified. If a plug-in is required to view certain information,
Web sites should include a link to the download location.
1663.3 - Contractors
Statements crediting or giving copyright to contractors that create unit Web sites and/or links to
contractor Web sites are prohibited.
1664 - ADDITIONAL FOREST SERVICE WEB SITE REQUIRMENTS
1664.1 - Nondiscrimination
Include the standard U.S. Department of Agriculture nondiscrimination disclaimer statement on
all Forest Service Web sites. Approved text for the disclaimer is below:
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all
its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex,
religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or
family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with
disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program
information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's
TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).
To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil
Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW,
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD).
USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
If the material is too small to permit the full statement to be included, the
material will at minimum include the statement, in print size no smaller
than the text, that "The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and
employer. (source URL)
1664.2 - External Links
If a Forest Service Public website includes hyperlinks to non-government Web sites, provide an
external link disclaimer. Approved text for the disclaimer is:
External Links: The appearance of hyperlinks to non-government sites is
provided to supplement information and does not constitute endorsement by
the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the USDA Forest Service, or the unit
sponsoring this Web site of the information, products, or services contained
at the destination Web sites. Neither the U.S. Department of Agriculture,
nor the USDA Forest Service, nor this unit exercises any editorial control
over the information you may find at these linked Web sites. Such links are
provided consistent with the purpose of this unit’s Web site. (source URL)
1664.3 - Privacy Notice
A general privacy notice must be given to users of each Forest Service Web site and must be
prominently displayed or announced on at least the first page of all major sections of each Web
site. The notice describes how in general, security is maintained on the site, what specific
information is collected, why it is collected, and how it is used. Describe all information that is
in this notice. The following exhibit (ex. 01) shows an example of the national Web site privacy
notice:
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1664.3 - Exhibit 01
National Web site Privacy Notice
All Forest Service Web sites will link to the national site privacy notice unless a unit’s Web site treats
information in a way that requires additions or deletions to the standard notice. For example, unit Web
sites that collect personal identifying information from children through their “Just for Kids” sections
must provide additional privacy information based on requirements of the Children’s Online Privacy
Protection Act of 1998 (13 U.S.C. § 1301 et seq). In those cases, the following privacy notice may be
tailored in the indicated areas by each organization sponsoring a publicly accessible Web site. The
appropriate unit’s legal authority is required to approve this notice before it is used on the Web.
Link from Index.html pages -- “Privacy Notice”.
( ) - indicates sections to be tailored at the installation level.
[ ] - indicates hyperlinks.
* - indicates information located at the hyperlink destination indicated.
PRIVACY NOTICE
1. This Web site is provided as a public service by ([unit name]).
2. Information presented on this Web site is considered public information
and may be distributed or copied unless otherwise indicated. Use of
appropriate byline/photo/image credit is requested.
3. For site management, [information is collected]* for statistical purposes.
This government computer system uses software programs to create
summary statistics, which are used for such purposes as assessing what
information is of most and least interest, determining technical design
specifications, and identifying system performance or problem areas.
4. For site security purposes and to ensure that this service remains
available to all users, this government computer system employs software
programs to monitor network traffic, to identify unauthorized attempts to
upload, or change information, or otherwise cause damage.
5. Except for authorized law enforcement investigations, no other attempts
are made to identify individual users or their usage habits. Raw data logs
are used for no other purposes than those stated in this notice.
6. Unauthorized attempts to upload information or change information on
this service are strictly prohibited and may be punishable under the
Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1987 and the National Information
Infrastructure Protection Act of 1996.
7. If you have any questions or comments about the information presented
here, please forward them to (us using the [Comment Form]).
8. To protect your privacy, this site does not use “persistent cookies.”
* Link from “information is collected” to the text below on the same or a separate page:
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1664.3 - Exhibit 02
Information Collected from (Web site name) for Statistical Purposes
Below is an example of the information collected based on a standard request for a World Wide
Web document:
xxx.yyy.com - - [28/Jan/1997:00:00:01 -0500] “GET /news/nr012797.html HTTP/1.0” 200
16704 Mozilla 3.0/www.altavista.digital.com
xxx.yyy.com (or 123.123.23.12)--this is the host name (or IP address) associated with the
requester (you as the visitor). In this case, (.com) the requester is coming from a commercial
address. Depending on the requester’s method of network connection, the host name (or IP
address) may or may not identify a specific computer. Connections via many Internet Service
Providers assign different IP addresses for each session, so the host name identifies only the ISP.
The host name (or IP address) will identify a specific computer if that computer has a fixed IP
address:
[28/Jan/1997:00:00:01 -0500] – this is the date and time of the request
“GET /news/nr012797.html HTTP/1.0” – this is the location of the requested file on the
Web server
200 – this is the status code – 200 is OK – the request was filled
16704 – this is the size of the requested file in bytes
Mozilla 3.0 – this identifies the type of browser software used to access the page, which
indicates what design parameters to use in constructing the pages
www.altavista.digital.com - this indicates the last site the person visited, which indicates
how people find our site.
“Requests for other types of documents use similar information. No personallyidentifying information is collected.”
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1665 - INFORMATION
1665.1 - Quality of Information
Display a link to the Forest Service’s Quality of Information Web page on at least the first page
of all major sections of each Web site. Incorporate this hyperlink within the unit’s Web page
footer. The Quality of Information guidelines provide the public with information on how to
request correction of information disseminated by the Forest Service and who to contact.
1665.2 - Collection of Information
In certain instances it is necessary and appropriate to collect information from visitors to Web
sites. Sample privacy statements are included in section 1664.3 exhibit 01.
1665.21 - Compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act
The Forest Service public Web site must comply with the requirements of Paperwork Reduction
Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. § 3501 et seq.) as described below. The PRA requires that the
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approve collecting information from the public under
certain circumstances.
1. Requests for identical information (information collection) from 10 or more members
of the public, to include Forest Service contractors, must be approved by OMB. Such
requests include customer comment systems that ask the customer to complete a survey.
2. The PRA applies to electronic forms/information collections on Web sites that collect
information from the public. It does not apply to collection of information from current
Forest Service employees in the scope of their employment. Surveys on Forest Service
public Web sites are not exempt from the requirement to obtain OMB approval under this
exception.
3. When a form has been issued an OMB approval number, a Privacy Act statement may
also be required. If a Privacy Act statement is used, it should appear near the form on the
Web page usually at the bottom of the form or page, and will include the OMB approval
number and expiration date.
4. Forms for general solicitations of comments that do not seek responses to standard
questions, such as the common open-ended feedback forms and e-mail links, do not
require OMB clearance, but may require a Privacy Act statement. For more information
about the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, contact your unit’s Paperwork Reduction
Control Officer or Forest Service Information Collection Officer.
WO AMENDMENT 1600-2010-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 07/07/2010
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
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CHAPTER 1660 - WEB CONTENT AND FORMAT
1665.22 - Automated Collection of Information on Publicly Accessible Web Sites
1. Prohibition Against Use of Persistent Cookies. In accordance with Forest Service,
Department of Agriculture, and Office of Management and Budget policy, the use of
persistent cookies on Forest Service Web sites is prohibited unless specifically approved
by the Secretary of Agriculture. Requests must be routed through the Washington Office,
National Web Manager and Director, Office of Communication to check for
opportunities for consolidation of requests before being sent to the U.S. Department of
Agriculture for action.
2. Other Automated Means of Collecting Information. Except for system log files/site
usage data, use of other technologies to collect personally identifiable information
requires the same approvals as described regarding cookies.
3. Usage Statistics. As a management tool, evaluation of site usage data (log files) is a
valuable way to evaluate the effectiveness of Web sites. However, collection of data
from publicly accessible sites for undisclosed purposes is inappropriate. There are
software packages that will summarize log file data into usable statistics for management
purposes, such as the most/least requested documents, type of browser software used to
access the Web site, and so on. Use of this type of software is appropriate, as long as
there is full disclosure as specified in the Privacy Act statement. Organizations must
insure that usage statistics methods are in accordance with the U.S. Department of
Agriculture’s policy regarding use of cookies as described above.
1665.3 - Print Publications
Publications of national interest distributed to the public must have formal approval from USDA.
The Executive Services branch, Washington Office, the Office of Communication, is responsible
for obtaining this approval. Approved publications may be posted to the Forest Service Web
site. Unit publications must undergo their respective unit’s approval process (FSM 1630).
1665.4 - Under Construction
1. Temporary placeholders on pages such as “there are no news releases to date” on a
news release page, are acceptable, since the page is complete and accurate until other
documents are made public.
2. Incomplete pages are not allowed on Forest Service public Web sites. Pages must not
contain references to information that is “under construction” or “coming soon.”
Responsible offices must remove such notations from existing pages.
WO AMENDMENT 1600-2010-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 07/07/2010
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSM 1600 - INFORMATION SERVICES
CHAPTER 1660 - WEB CONTENT AND FORMAT
1666 - USE OF FOREST SERVICE INSIGNIA ON WEB SITES
Forest Service insignia (that is Forest Service shield) may be used on any Forest Service Web
site that has a domain suffix of ‘.us’ or ‘.gov’.
The Office of Communication must review and approve all requests to use the Forest Service
insignia on all other public-facing, external Web sites. In order to approve cooperators seeking
to use the Forest Service insignia on these sites, the Office of Communication requires the
requesting unit show proof that a formal relationship exists based on the terms outlined in a
FSM 1580 agreement such as a memorandum of understanding, cooperative agreements, or
interagency agreements. If there is no agreement, the Office of Communication will deny the
request to use Forest Service insignia on the Web site.
The Office of Communication review process is as follows:
1. Project/Program managers should submit a copy of the signed (FSM 1580) agreement
and the cooperator’s written request for use of Forest Service insignias to the Office of
Communication. The agreement must acknowledge the anticipated use(s) of Forest
Service insignia in the statement of work. However, the agreement language may not
grant permission, either explicitly or implicitly, for the use of the insignia. Additionally,
the agreement must contain the Use of Forest Service Insignia provision located in
FSH 1509.11, chapter 90.
2. The Office of Communication must provide the Cooperator with a letter either
approving or disapproving the request, and copies to Grants & Agreements staff and the
appropriate project/program manager. If the cooperator’s request is approved, then the
letter must describe how the cooperator may use the Forest Service insignia on the
external website. The cooperator’s use of the Forest Service's insignia is only approved
to the extent that it is described in the letter. The Director of Office of Communication
will issue the letter based on delegated authority residing with the Forest Service Chief.