1909.14, 10
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FOREST SERVICE HANDBOOK
BEDFORD, IN
FSH 1909.14 – RESOURCE INVENTORY HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 10 – INVENTORY PLANNING, DESIGNS, AND DOCUMENTATION
Supplement No.: R9 Hoosier 1909.14-2001-1
Effective Date: June 19, 2001
Duration: Effective until superseded or removed
Approved: KENNETH G. DAY
Forest Supervisor
Date Approved: 06/19/2001
Posting Instructions: Supplements are numbered consecutively by Handbook number and
calendar year. Post by document name. Remove entire document and replace with this
supplement. Retain this transmittal as the first page of this document.
New Document(s):
R9 Hoosier 1909.14-2001-1
3 Pages
Superseded Document(s):
1909.14-95-1
3 Pages
(Last supplement was 1909.14-95-1)
Digest: Insert digest information here
Final standard marking methods for researchers. Updated to reflect new
format. No change in direction.
HOF SUPPLEMENT 1909.14-2001-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 06/19/2001
DURATION: Effective until superseded or removed
1909.14, 10
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FSH 1909.14 – RESOURCE INVENTORY HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 10 – INVENTORY PLANNING, DESIGNS, AND DOCUMENTATION
12.1 Design Options
Standard Marking Methods for Researchers
General Forest Direction
1) The marking of locations or trees by anyone should be as unobtrusive as possible.
2) Any research project which involves marking trees or plots on NF land must use HNFauthorized "Research Area" signs, unless such signs would interfere with the confidentiality of a
study. In such case, the use of no "Research Area" signs will be cleared with the District Ranger
prior to implementation of the study. These signs will be 5"x7" and diamond-shaped, with black
letters on a grey background. They may be nailed (aluminum nails only) to trees at eye level to
mark trail turnoffs, plot centers, etc.
3) Orange/black striped flagging is the only acceptable flagging color. Flagging shall be
as unobtrusive as possible, and to the extent possible, shall not be visible from roads or any other
travel way, including horse and hiking trails. The person hanging the flagging shall consider
seasonal landscape changes and shall attempt to maintain low flagging visibility throughout the
year.
4) To mark research plot entry points along roads, any of the following materials are
acceptable :
green or brown steel fence posts
4" by 4" wooden posts
wooden fence posts
brown carsonite posts
"Research Area" signs as mentioned above nailed to trees
Reflective stickers with a white background may be used on posts or trees to increase
visibility.
5) Rebar may be used to mark plot centers, but the top must be bent over or covered with
a cap specially-designed for rebar for safety reasons.
6) No painting of trees or other objects in the forest is allowed.
HOF SUPPLEMENT 1909.14-2001-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 06/19/2001
DURATION: Effective until superseded or removed
1909.14, 10
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FSH 1909.14 – RESOURCE INVENTORY HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 10 – INVENTORY PLANNING, DESIGNS, AND DOCUMENTATION
7) Aluminum tags may be used to mark trees. They should be nailed to the base of the
tree using aluminum nails.
8) Wire stakes with tag numbers may be used to mark seedlings or other trees too small
to be tagged with aluminum markers.
9) Eye-shine Trail Marking Spray (sold by Forestry Suppliers) may be used on trees or
posts for projects involving night work. This product creates reflective spots which last several
weeks before dissolving naturally.
10) Flagging may remain in an area for several years, but shall be removed by the
researcher upon the completion of the study. For long-term projects that have alternating periods
of work and no work, the flagging shall be removed at the end of the active period of work.
Direction for Charles C. Deam Wilderness
The above direction applies EXCEPT:
1) Only unpainted wooden stakes (stakes are defined as a 2"x2"x12" wooden stick) may
be used to mark plot centers; rebar may not be used.
2) Only brown carsonite posts may be used to mark entry points along Tower Ridge
Road, and the posts must be placed parallel to the road.
3) Parking is allowed in designated areas only.
Other Comments...
The direction listed for the Wilderness may also apply to other visually sensitive areas on NF
land. Each research project will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Appropriate marking
guidelines for research projects in Research Natural Areas (Pioneer Mothers' Memorial Forest)
will be developed with Forest Service Research personnel as necessary.