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FOREST SERVICE MANUAL
BIGHORN NATIONAL FOREST
SHERIDAN, WY
FSM 6400 – PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
CHAPTER 6410 – PERSONAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
Supplement No.: 6410-2005-1
Effective Date: April 15, 2005
Duration: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
Approved: /s/ William T. Bass
Date Approved: April 8, 2005
Forest Supervisor
Posting Instructions: Supplements are numbered consecutively by Title and calendar
year. Post by document; remove entire document and replace it with this supplement.
Retain this transmittal as the first page(s) of this document. The last supplement to this
title was 6440-1999-3 to FSM 6440.
New Document(s):
6410
12 Pages
Superseded Document(s)
by
Issuance Number and
Effective Date
6410 (Supplement 6410-1999-1,
4/19/1999)
12 Page
Digest:
Updates the Pack and Saddle Stock Management Plan for the Bighorn National Forest.
BIGH SUPPLEMENT 6410-2005-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 04/15/2005
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSM 6700 – SAFETY AND HEALTH
CHAPTER 6730 – ACCIDENT REPORTING AND INVESTIGATION
6413.4 – Items Requiring Special Handling
2. Animals
BIGHORN NATIONAL FOREST
PACK AND SADDLE STOCK MANAGEMENT PLAN
2005-2008
PREFACE
The Bighorn National Forest consists of approximately 1.1 million acres of land. Much of this
land is inaccessible to vehicle travel. The terrain varies from rolling plains at 4,000 elevation, to
the Alpine Tundra types over 13,000 elevation.
The use of pack and saddle stock has been, and will continue to be, an important tool for
administering the programs and uses on the National Forest. Used properly, pack and saddle
stock may be used safely while increasing and projecting a proper image of the Forest Service.
Approved this 15th day of April, 2005.
Approved by _/s/William T. Bass
William Bass
Forest Supervisor
BIGH SUPPLEMENT 6410-2005-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 04/15/2005
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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CHAPTER 6730 – ACCIDENT REPORTING AND INVESTIGATION
STOCK MANAGEMENT PLAN
BIGHORN NATIONAL FOREST
1. PURPOSE
This Stock Management Plan establishes the policy, procedures, and criteria by which the
Bighorn National Forest will operate, maintain, and replace the pack and saddle stock on the
Forest. Stock is defined as: horses, mules and llamas. The intent of this plan is to provide
direction by which the Forest can provide for safe and efficient use of the livestock, develop the
optimal herd size, anticipate and deal with periods of unusual or occasional needs and develop a
policy for rental from employees and commercial sources.
2. ADMINISTRATION OF THE LIVESTOCK PROGRAM
Each Unit will manage and care for their people and livestock as outlined in this Plan. To
facilitate this, each unit will designate a qualified person as its stock manager.
2.1 - Unit Stock Manager.
The Unit Stock Manager will:
1. Determine the attributes of each animal appropriate to its use/users and make assignments
accordingly.
2. Routinely monitor each animal concerning it's ability to meet work demands as it ages.
3. Assign experienced riders to handle long-term rental stock for the first week of use as they
may possess unpredictable and unknown traits at the time of rental. This may be waived if
the rented animals have been used as "dude horses" by an outfitter and will be used in a
similar manner while the Forest Service has them.
4. Maintain Individual Stock Records and review them at least annually to evaluate stock
needs on the Unit.
5. Be responsible for determining suitability of stock for purchase.
6. Coordinate all stock purchases through the Forest Purchasing Agent.
2.2 Training/Safety
1. Employee Training. Employee safety is our major emphasis in the use of livestock on the
Forest. Since we have a variety of skills in the people using our animals, it is critical that we
have well trained stock with a gentle temperament. Livestock should be properly trained by
a qualified horse trainer, either before being bought or after purchase by Government or
contracted personnel.
BIGH SUPPLEMENT 6410-2005-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 04/15/2005
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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2. Horsemanship Training. Horses are large animals capable of inflicting serious injury to
any user. For this reason, it is imperative that all users be properly trained in the handling
and use of horses. Each Line Officer shall identify people on their Unit who need training.
As necessary, District Offices will arrange a time and place for a horsemanship workshop. If
a person is not able to attend a workshop, the Unit should provide the training on either a
one-on-one or group basis. When Units conduct the training, subjects covered and amount of
time spent in such training should be well documented. Employees will be divided into three
classes upon completion of course:
a. Non-rider
b. Novice rider
c. Qualified rider
Non-riders will not use horses. Novice rider must be accompanied by a qualified rider. A
qualified rider is authorized to ride alone, to handle stock and pack animals.
People using stock for packing should receive specific packing training.
3. HERD SIZE & LIVESTOCK NEEDS
3.1 - Historic Use and Use Estimates.
1. Number of Animals on Unit. The number of pack and saddle animals required on the
Bighorn National Forest (see Exhibit 1) is based upon historic use and each Unit Manager's
estimate of use for the next two years. The estimated use is based on outyear budget and
planned workload. Annually by November 1st, Unit Managers will submit to the Forest
Supervisor their requests for the upcoming fiscal year. The Forest Supervisor will review the
Unit's requests and consolidate them for inclusion in the Forest Stock Management Plan.
2. Adjustments to Owned Herd. Generally, the Forests' Program of Work from year to year
remains fairly consistent. Fluctuations in livestock needs should be resolved using rental
stock or borrowing from another Unit. Major adjustments to the owned herd size should not
be done annually, but be adjusted to reflect a program average to meet the Unit's needs over
the long term.
3. Percentages of Owned/Rented Stock. We recognize that there will be times when the
Forest herd will not meet the Program of Work needs. To deal with these program
differences, commercial rentals should be evaluated to fill the demand. Ideally, the rented
stock would meet the desirable characteristics outlined below in this plan and should be
utilized to complement Forest Service owned stock.
4. Effective and Efficient Use. Units should work closely to pool, share, and schedule their
livestock resources so that duplication and waste are minimized and the herd is used most
efficiently and effectively.
BIGH SUPPLEMENT 6410-2005-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 04/15/2005
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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3.2 - Desirable Characteristics and Livestock Purchase.
1. Characteristics of Animals. Employee safety is our major emphasis in the use of livestock
on the Forest. Regardless of breed, we will select animals that are well mannered (gentle),
have sound conformation and a free and easy gait. Exhibit 2, Specifications for any Breed,
identifies desirable specifications that will be used when purchasing horses for the Forest.
2. Purchase of Stock. Stock shall be purchased in accordance with Washington and Regional
Office direction. While this direction addresses purchasing locally as much as possible, if we
are unable to adequately achieve our safety and conformation standards, we will expand the
market area as necessary. Livestock procurements will be made by S.O. purchasing
personnel and Unit Stock Managers. A minimum of two Unit Stock Managers will evaluate
stock being considered for purchase.
a. Livestock Purchasing Guidelines are:
(1). Any procurement will be done in accordance with the Federal Acquisition
Regulations as supplemented by the Department, the Washington Office, the
Regional Office and this Stock Management Plan.
(2). Coordinate all procurements through S.O. purchasing agents.
(3). While it may not always be possible, we recommend that an animal be rented
for a short period to verify it's traits. When so renting an animal, ask for an
option to apply the rental cost against the purchase price if the animal is found
acceptable.
(4). Seller needs to agree to pay for and furnish:
(a) Veterinarian Health Certificate and Coggins Test.
(b) State Brand Inspection and Bill of Sale.
(5). Prices should include all purchase costs (initial price, transportation to
destination, and other costs specified above).
3. Use of Stock. Stock use varies from an individual using stock alone in the backcountry
for extended periods, to riding in large groups that may include animals of varying
temperament and ability. Stock must be capable of adapting to these variations. In addition,
few employees possess significant experience in the uses of pack and saddle stock especially
for extended use in rough terrain. Stock Managers purchasing and managing the stock
should therefore, consider:
 a. Animals that tend to become excited in unpredictable situations will be considered
unsafe. Exceptions may be made if the excitement is predictable and the animal will be used
only by experienced employees who feel safe using the animal. Rationale for such a decision
BIGH SUPPLEMENT 6410-2005-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 04/15/2005
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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shall be documented. The animal will not be available for use by employees who in the
judgement of the Unit's Stock Manager are not adequately experienced.
b. Animals must be able to adapt their gait to match terrain and the pace set by others
riding in a group.
c. Animals must be willing to be caught and loaded by "novice" to "medium"
experienced handlers.
d. Animals must be sure footed on the varied terrain of the forest.
e. Horses will generally be four (4) to nine (9) years old at time of purchase. Mules will
generally be three (3) to eight (8) years old at time of purchase and llamas 3 to 7 years old.
f. Geldings will be the preferred gender for horses. Mules may be either gender.
g. The animals to be purchased should be matched by size, weight, etc. to anticipated
use. Riding stock should weigh between 1000 to 1300 pounds and be 14-1/2 to 17 hands
high, depending upon the size of anticipated riders.
3.3 - Commercially Rented Stock.
When a source is available, commercially rented stock is the preferred method for supplementing
the Forest-owned herd.
1. Written Agreement. Commercially rented animals should be put under written agreement
by a person with purchasing authority prior to use. The agreement should include as a
minimum, a complete and accurate description, brand identification, estimated fair market
value, and rental rate. Pre and post inspections will be performed.
2. Renting from Permittees and Outfitters. Some rental opportunities exist from local
permittees and outfitters. Such stock is available only when not needed by the outfitter's
clients. Their season of use is similar to our work season, thus making scheduling an effort.
Many horses will not meet our quality and safety requirements. Therefore, it is important to
work closely with the owners to insure that our standards are met.
3. Conflict of Interest. One must also be aware of the possible appearance of a conflict of
interest when renting livestock owned by a permittee or outfitter. Such a rental should be
well documented, the price should be consistent with prices from other vendors and the work
you are doing with the animal should not be on that permittee's area.
3.4 - Employee Owned Stock Use.
Employees are permitted to use their personal horses for official business under two different
types of arrangements.
BIGH SUPPLEMENT 6410-2005-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 04/15/2005
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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1. Rental From Employees. Rental from employees will be considered under certain
conditions for short term use only. If season-long use is desired, the Unit should first
consider commercial rental or adding Forest Service owned stock. Rentals shall be justified
in writing and signed by the Forest Supervisor. The justification shall be a part of the
procurement file and is required for each action. The justification shall include:
a. Why Forest Service stock is not available.
b. What action was taken to obtain stock commercially, and why the action was not
successful.
c. Duration of the rental period. Rental of an employee's stock shall be facilitated using
an SF-838 with it's standard terms and conditions, plus the following conditions:
d. The price must be fair and reasonable and in line with open market prices in the local
area.
e. The stock would be under Forest Service control but for safety purposes only used by
the owner or their designate.
f. The Government would be responsible for loss or damage except when attributable to
ordinary wear and tear. The Government will not be responsible for loss or damage due
to acts of God unless such loss or damage was due to Government negligence.
g. The employee will keep the stock in shoes and be responsible for care due to ordinary
wear and tear.
2. Personal Preference. If an employee prefers to use their own stock, it is not necessary to
check for availability of commercial horses.
The following provisions apply:
a. Such livestock use must be noted in the Unit's input to the Stock Management Plan
and be approved in writing by the employee's supervisor prior to use.
b. When personal preference use is to the Government's advantage, as determined by the
person's supervisor, the following reimbursement rates would apply:
(1) Government provides feed - $5 per day.
(2) Employee provides feed - $8 per day.
Government provided feed is considered to include Government rented or owned pasture,
purchased hay, grain, or processed feed. Native grass use, open to the general public, shall not
be considered either government or employee provided feed.
If no feed is provided the lower rate would apply.
BIGH SUPPLEMENT 6410-2005-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 04/15/2005
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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c. Reimbursement shall be documented and submitted for payment on SF 1164. All
claims for personal owned horses must be into the SO prior to 9/30 for obligation and
payment during that FY.
(1) Personal preference shall be limited to 60 days of use per fiscal year.
(2) Personal preference use animals shall be used exclusively by the
owner/employee.
(3) Employee assumes all liability for loss/damage/death of their animal(s).
(4) Employee is responsible for all care of his livestock including vet service and
shoeing.
(5) Government pasture may be provided during days of actual use. If animal is
held on government pasture longer than a day before or after the actual use
period, a $3/day fee shall be charged the employee.
c. Personal preference use of horse trailers is permitted when approved in writing by the
Unit's Line Officer in charge. However, this use should be the exception and not the
rule. Forest Service fleet shall be the preferred option. Other provisions include:
(1) Employee shall tow the trailer with their own vehicle. The vehicle shall be
reimbursed under rates established in the travel regulations.
(2) Employee assumes liability for loss, damage, or destruction of their vehicle
and trailer.
(3) Reimbursement rate for the trailer shall be at the rate of $15/day.
(4) Towing vehicle and trailer shall comply with Forest Service equipment safety
standards.
(5) There shall be no mixing of towing vehicles or trailers with Forest Service
equipment.
4. PROPERTY CARE, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND IDENTIFICATION
4.1 - Livestock.
1. Responsible Care. Each Unit shall manage and care for its herd in a responsible manner.
In order to maintain healthy animals, each Unit will provide timely preventive treatment for
internal parasites, vaccinations and treatment of injuries and diseases.
BIGH SUPPLEMENT 6410-2005-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 04/15/2005
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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2. Sensitive Property. All Government owned livestock is considered sensitive property,
regardless of value. Each animal will be assigned a property number and recorded on
property inventories. Each animal will have a folder at it's assigned Unit which will include
use logs, registration papers (if any), photographs showing all distinguishing marks and
medical records. Purchase price, age, color, and other significant characteristics will be
recorded on BNF-6400-3, Individual Animal Record (see Exhibit 3 for example).
3. Stock Inspection. As required by the Wyoming Brand Board, the BNF will have all stock
inspected by a brand inspector and have permanent hauling papers completed. The hauling
papers should be with the animal whenever it is transported across county lines from its
home base. The Brand Board inspection fee is an appropriate expenditure of Forest Service
funds.
4.2 - Tack.
1. Not Personal Property. Saddles and other tack are not considered personal equipment and
are not assigned officially to any particular individual. Tack will be shared, traded or given
to other Units to make the most efficient use of all available property. All tack shall be well
maintained to maximize it's service life. Procurement requests for saddles over $1500 and
pack saddles over $500 shall be forwarded to the Regional Office for administrative
approval.
2. Saddle Inventory. As a part of this plan, each Unit will keep an inventory of their riding
and pack saddles. Like the livestock inventory, this will be used as a guide for managing the
needs of the Forest.
3. Regional Guidelines for Purchase of Saddles and Tack. The Regional criteria regarding
safety and comfort of saddles and other tack is established to obtain good quality saddles and
tack that are not extravagantly appointed. Custom made saddles are not allowed unless an
employee has specific physical characteristics making customizing necessary. Such
purchases must first be justified in writing, recommended by the District Ranger or Unit Staff
Officer, and approved by the Forest Supervisor.
4. Specialized Tack. Transfer of specialized tack with employees will only be allowed when
the employee transfers to a position that entails substantial use of stock. No other tack
should be transferred with an employee.
4.3 - Property Identification.
1. Tack. All tack shall be stamped or marked "USFS" in a conspicuous location so there is
no question as to ownership. Difficult items to mark may be stamped with "US" to indicate
ownership.
2. Livestock. All Forest livestock will be branded with the US brand.
4.4 - Disposal of Stock and Tack.
BIGH SUPPLEMENT 6410-2005-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 04/15/2005
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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1. Stock. Both stock and tack will become old and unserviceable over time if used as
intended. When an animal is recommended for disposal, provide written documentation to
the Property Management Officer of the defects that make the animal unable to perform
required work functions. Such defects generally involve physical conditions or problems of
temperament. A veterinarian's statement about proper disposal of an animal may be
included.
2. Tack. Tack may be declared unserviceable when continued use endangers either stock or
rider, or when the cost of repair exceeds 50 percent of the purchase price of new equipment.
Exhibit 1
BIGHORN STOCK INVENTORY
April 15, 2005
NAME
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
Flax
Gambler
Willy
Houdini
L7
Yankee
Roane
Thunder
Bandit
Sundance
Festus
Caution Light
Buck
Boden
Biscuit
Assigned
MW/PR
PRRD
MW/PR
MW/PR
Tongue
Tongue
MW/PR
Tongue
PRRD
Tongue
Tongue
MW/PR
MW/PR
PRRD
MW/PR
Birthdate Purchase Date
Comments
2/18/1993
3/20/2000
4/4/1995
3/20/2000 Proposed for replacement
1980
2/18/1984 To be replaced in 2005
1989
1/12/1996
4/15/2002
4/25/1995
5/1/1991
8/25/1999
5/22/1984
4/6/1988
1996
7/10/2002
4/3/1980
7/18/1984 To be replaced in 05 or 06
6/15/1993
1998
5/24/1997
5/21/2003
4/20/1998
7/1/2004
Spring 1999
7/1/2004
5/21/2003
1996
7/10/2002
BIGH SUPPLEMENT 6410-2005-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 04/15/2005
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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Exhibit 2
SPECIFICATIONS FOR ANY BREED
Sex -Gelding. (Preferred)
Weight-1000-1200 lbs.
Age-Fully matured (4-9 years).
Color-No requirements.
Height-14.3 - 15.3 hands.
Hooves-Prefer black, no quarter cracks.
Mouth-Sound, no abnormal teeth. No parrot mouth.
Eyes-Good sight, chestnut hue with a sparkle in eyes.
Ears-Good hearing.
Shoulders-Deep, well sloped.
Chest-Wide, but not excessive.
Forelegs/-Good conformation, well proportioned, properly
Hind Quarters set, firmly muscled, looks good, and in balance with body.
Gait- A fast walk, running walk, or gait that is smooth and easy on the rider.
Soundness-Horse must be sound without the following:
Faulty conformation, scars from old wounds, straight shoulders, crooked legs, weak back, or
drooping croup.
Disposition-Gentle and easy to catch. Halters and leads well. Does not bite, kick, or pull back.
Stands quietly when tied.
Training-Broke to ride for people with a variety of skill levels. Has good stopping and reining
ability.
Trailer-Will load into trailer with ease and not fight the trailer when traveling.
Shoes-Easily shod, with no hoof deformity.
BIGH SUPPLEMENT 6410-2005-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 04/15/2005
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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Exhibit 3
INDIVIDUAL ANIMAL RECORD
NAME OF ANIMAL:
UNIT:
NFC NUMBER:
HORSE/MULE/OTHER:
OWNERSHIP:
BIRTH DATE
PURCHASED FROM:
DATE OF PURCHASE:
SEX:
PURCHASE PRICE:
BRAND AND COLOR:
REGISTRY:
Habits or Weaknesses - (i.e., Old, Hard to Load, Goes Lame, Kicks, Bucks, Lunges,
Fights Other Horses, Spooks, etc.)
Explain:
Recommended Special Handling:
Compiled by:
Last Updated