2409.12_70
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FOREST SERVICE HANDBOOK
NORTHERN REGION (REGION 1)
MISSOULA, MT
FSH 2409.12 – TIMBER CRUISING HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 70 – DESIGNATING TIMBER FOR CUTTING
Supplement No.: 2409.12-2010-4
Effective Date: September 10, 2010
Duration: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
Approved: LESLIE A. C. WELDON
Regional Forester
Date Approved: 09/10/2010
Posting Instructions: Supplements are numbered consecutively by Handbook number and
calendar year. Post by document; remove the entire document and replace it with this
supplement. Retain this transmittal as the first page(s) of this document. The last supplement to
this Handbook was 2409.12-2010-3, to Chapter 60.
New Document
2409.12_70
8 Pages
Superseded Document(s) by
Issuance Number and
Effective Date
2409.12-2008-1 (12/08/2008)
8 Pages
Digest
71.21 – Defines the proper application of tracer tree marking paint for Leave Tree Marking
(LTM) and Cut Tree Marking (CTM), as a means of preventing accidental timber cutting and
preventing or detecting timber theft. This new direction is applicable in Region One only.
R1 SUPPLEMENT 2409.12-2010-4
EFFECTIVE DATE: 09/10/2010
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSH 2409.12 – TIMBER CRUISING HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 70 – DESIGNATING TIMBER FOR CUTTING
71 – TIMBER MARKING
71.21 - Marking with Paint
When conducting Leave Tree Marking (LTM) or Cut Tree Marking (CTM), paint must be
visible on all sides of the tree. Paint will be applied to the tree at or above eye level, with
heights normally ranging between DBH to 6 feet or more above the surface of the ground.
All trees designated as cut trees, leave trees, and boundary trees will have a prominent stump
mark painted on the downhill side of the tree at ground level. At a minimum, the stump mark
will be a horizontal mark at least one-fourth the circumference of the tree or 12 inches in length,
which ever is greater, and at least 2 inches in width.
Good cutting-unit boundary marks are important for obtaining quality contract performance and
preventing trespass, especially on units designated for clear cutting, by leave-tree marks, or by
diameter limits. On all cutting units, and in addition to stump marks, mark all boundary trees
with three painted vertical stripes. Each vertical stripe will be a minimum of three feet in length
and 2 inches in width. When possible, the base of each vertical stripe will be painted at or near
diameter breast height, (DBH) on each boundary tree. For each boundary tree, one painted stripe
should face into the cutting unit and the other two painted stripes should be facing on line with
the cutting unit boundary. Mark sufficient number of trees so paint marks are visible from other
boundary trees. Randomly select boundary trees and paint the cutting unit number, facing into
the unit.
72 - TRESPASS PREVENTION
Use the following guidelines for using surveillance plots to deter and detect trespass on timber
sales. A two-person team has proven effective for establishing and checking surveillance plots.
1. Surveillance Plots. Surveillance plots provide a record of the exact position of
selected leave-trees in reference to a point that can be relocated by carefully following original
survey notes, but is otherwise not marked on the ground.
The objective of surveillance plots is to detect and deter timber trespass by providing a
systematic way to check for cutting of leave-trees, despite any attempts made at cover-ups.
Use surveillance plots, with other practices, for detection and prevention of timber trespass. A
good walk-through of each cutting unit remains an essential part of trespass detection. The legal
basis for a trespass case can be undermined if poor sale preparation or administration practices
are followed. Ensure that proper marking procedures are used for trees and boundaries, and that
Sale Administrators paint and document any additional trees they designate.
2. Planning Plot Densities and Locations. Use surveillance plots as an optional tool for
monitoring activity on sales of any size. As a guide, put in one plot with a total of ten or more
leave-trees for each $100,000 of sale value.
R1 SUPPLEMENT 2409.12-2010-4
EFFECTIVE DATE: 09/10/2010
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSH 2409.12 – TIMBER CRUISING HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 70 – DESIGNATING TIMBER FOR CUTTING
Vary plot location and density to match the expected risk of trespass. Make adjustments as
needed by adding plots at any time before felling operations. Plot location is discretionary and
does not need to be random. Consider three general factors when assessing risk:
a. Previously documented contract violations or criminal activity, or suspected
activity.
b. The risk inherent to the area due to sale design. Two adjacent units with dissimilar
marking methods may pose a greater risk than two adjacent units where everything
was marked the same. The remote back edge of a unit might be at greater risk than an
area near the road or landing.
c. The risk associated with the size or value of individual trees.
3. Navigating to and Setting Plot Centers. Site conditions, convenience, and ease of
relocating dictate the survey route and final position for a plot center.
Carefully survey and document the survey route and location of the plot center so it can be
reestablished with certainty later. Specific accuracy requirements depend on how easy it is to
recognize the pattern of reference trees established for each plot (described below). In general an
accuracy of 1:100 should suffice if plots are spaced a maximum of 1000-feet apart. This should
place a crew within about 10-feet of a plot center. In open timber, surveying back to within 30feet may be sufficient to detect the pattern of reference trees. On each plot, record three or more
reference trees (or objects) so the exact plot center can be reestablished through triangulation.
Select reference trees that provide a pattern that can be easily recognized. As an option, use
other permanent features such as distinctive rock outcrops.
Set a 4-inch rebar or other metal object below ground level at plot center if there is any doubt
about being able to reestablish the exact point through survey and triangulation. Then use a
metal detector to relocate the specific center.
Document the survey route on a separate form such as the one shown in exhibit 01. Record
reference points needed to establish the survey origin, any intermediate reference points, and the
plot centers. The format can be in x-y-z coordinates or the more traditional azimuth-distanceslope format.
4. Collecting Plot Information. No specific plot shape or size is required for surveillance
plots. As a guide, record a minimum of ten leave-trees per plot. Select leave-trees based on risk
criteria previously described, and record trees in a convenient pattern and order. Record
information on a form similar to the one shown in exhibit 02.
Clearly identify the plot number, cutting unit number, sale name, STARS number, District
number, and Forest number for each surveillance plot. Record the specific method used to
designate cut/leave trees and indicate if changes (marking-out) have been made within the
cutting unit. Include signature, printed name, and date of the person recording information and
R1 SUPPLEMENT 2409.12-2010-4
EFFECTIVE DATE: 09/10/2010
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSH 2409.12 – TIMBER CRUISING HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 70 – DESIGNATING TIMBER FOR CUTTING
the person checking the status of trees. This provides official testament that they have personally
completed the work.
Tree information to record depends on specific objectives; basic data includes:
a. Tree number.
b. Azimuth from plot center.
c. Distance from plot center.
d. Species.
e. d.b.h.
f. Tree status: cut-tree or leave-tree.
g. Check status.
h. Notes: characteristics of reference trees/objects, reference to photographs (if
taken), and so forth.
Items a through e are for tree identification. Record d.b.h. when designation is by diameter limit.
Item f, "C/L" indicates if the recorded tree is designated for cutting or as a leave-tree. Normally
only leave-trees are recorded, but occasionally a cut-tree (stump) may serve as a reference object.
Entering an "L" for leave, or a "C" for cut, serves as positive affirmation that the tree was
checked all the way around and is in fact cut or leave. The cruiser should be able to testify that
they are 100% sure tree record accurately reflects pre-harvest conditions.
Item g, "CHK" indicates the tree status found during the post-harvest check. Standard codes are:
leave blank if not checked, a check mark if found ok (leave tree left, cut tree cut), an asterisk "*"
if a leave tree was cut.
Item h, "NOTES" provides space for any additional documentation needed, either when the plot
is established or checked. Reference trees may need a physical description including total
height, major visible defects, or other descriptive characters. Describe relevant problems such as
poor marking. As an option, use notes to describe excessive damage to the tree, other
observations made in regard to the sale activity, or to reference a photograph number. Use the
right margin, or notes column, if space is needed to document a second or third check during the
life of the sale.
If needed, use the back of the plot record to diagram the position of the plot center and reference
trees or objects.
5. Checking Plots. Relocate plots by starting at the original reference points and
following the survey records and notes.
R1 SUPPLEMENT 2409.12-2010-4
EFFECTIVE DATE: 09/10/2010
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSH 2409.12 – TIMBER CRUISING HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 70 – DESIGNATING TIMBER FOR CUTTING
Check plots at least once before the sale is closed so contract actions remain as an option. A
good time to check plots is just before or during final inspection of a payment unit. Check the
plots again if there is concern a payment unit was reentered after it was closed. Check plots right
after felling if problems are suspected or an objective is to get on top of things early.
Carefully check trees in the same order as listed on the plot record and document their status in
the "CHK" column. Use the notes column or the back of the form to document comments on
missing trees. The purpose of this step is to detect missing leave-trees and to collect appropriate
evidence to evaluate the merits of further investigation. Initiate the following if a leave-tree is
found missing:
a. Make sure the correct tree is being reviewed.
b. Document any evidence that suggests why a leave-tree might have been cut.
c. Look for and document evidence that suggests tampering, such as suspicious paint
marks or scraped bark.
d. Survey the general vicinity to see if other stumps fit the pattern of the missing
leave-tree.
e. Check the sale folder for records of any trees designated by the Sale Administrator
within the cutting unit.
f. Test for the proper tracer element on leave-trees that appear to have been
designated with paint by the Sale Administrator.
g. Immediately report missing trees to the contracting officer and appropriate law
enforcement officer.
6. Boundary Surveys. As needed, use boundary surveillance surveys to document and
relocate the precise position of cutting unit boundaries. The survey stations can also be used to
establish boundary trees as reference points for surveillance plots. Most traverse records should
be adequate for this purpose if they provide a reference to the starting point. Evaluate the
application of boundary surveys based on risk factors similar to those described for surveillance
plots. A boundary along a road would not be at risk for being moved, nor would many fence
lines. Boundary surveillance surveys are not a substitute for good boundary marking.
7. Records and Reports. Summarize results of checking surveillance plots and boundary
surveys in a timely fashion and report to the contracting officer. Immediately report missing
trees or suspicions of theft to the contracting officer and appropriate law enforcement officer.
Keep all information related to surveillance activities confidential, and keep records secure in a
locked file with limited access. Use record headers and footers or other labels to indicate the
information is confidential. In general, do not acknowledge in advance either the presence or
absence of surveillance plots on specific sales, as this would reduce their value as a deterrent.
Acknowledge only that we are using surveillance plots on our timber sales.
R1 SUPPLEMENT 2409.12-2010-4
EFFECTIVE DATE: 09/10/2010
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSH 2409.12 – TIMBER CRUISING HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 70 – DESIGNATING TIMBER FOR CUTTING
Make public any traverse records used for area-expansion cruises, but keep confidential any use
related to surveillance. If needed, make a second copy of traverse records to document notes
made for surveillance purposes.
Counsel employees involved in establishing or checking surveillance plots on the need for
confidentiality.
R1 SUPPLEMENT 2409.12-2010-4
EFFECTIVE DATE: 09/10/2010
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSH 2409.12 – TIMBER CRUISING HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 70 – DESIGNATING TIMBER FOR CUTTING
72 - Exhibit 01
Surveillance Survey-Route Record
FOREST #
10
DISTRICT#
**** CONFIDENTIAL ****
SURVEILLANCE SURVEY-ROUTE RECORD
(7/93 VERSION)
04
SALE STAR #
12345
SALE NAME
FELIPITO #8
DECLINATION
11.5
Example 1 using XYZ coordinates
STATION
NUMBER
OPTIONAL
F-AZM / B-AZM
- - - COORDINATES - - X
Y
Z
(DIST)
(AZM) (SLOPE)
NOTES
RP-1 location - Form road 422 as it enters unit 8 on south side,
cross the cattle guard. Approximately 29.3 ft. at 63.6 degrees is
a survey marker with an aluminum cap. RP-1 is located 090/4ft
from marker.
RP-1
/
0
0
0
SP-1
/
-1130.2
-220.4
149.4
SP-1 is located 200ft. from southern boundary in the center of
unit 18, east side of two 24 inch stumps.
SP-2
/
-1576.7
-235.0
197.3
SP-2 is located 37ft. from a 27-inch PP snag. Snag is located on
a 292 degree bearing from the plot center.
/
Example 2 using distance and azimuth
RP-1
SP-3
SP-4
From the NW corner of road junction 422 and 372, RP1 located
10 feet at 360 degrees from the road sign. Plots are located in
unit 21.
/
/210 deg
350 deg/170 deg
327.6
ft
030
deg
Point is located on the southwest side of a group of large PP.
PP closest to plot center has a large fire scar pointing directly at
plot center approx. 17ft.
402 ft
170
deg
Point is located 42 ft., 282 degrees from fence corner 30-inch
snag with broken top at 32 ft. located 20 feet at 090 degrees
from plot center.
/
/
/
SIGNATURE & DATE
SIGNATURE & DATE
JOE SMITH
STEVE JOHNSON
NAME NAME
**** CONFIDENTIAL ****
SURVEILLANCE SURVEY–ROUTE RECORD
R1 SUPPLEMENT 2409.12-2010-4
EFFECTIVE DATE: 09/10/2010
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSH 2409.12 – TIMBER CRUISING HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 70 – DESIGNATING TIMBER FOR CUTTING
72 - Exhibit 02
Surveillance Point Record
**** CONFIDENTIAL****
SURVEILLANCE POINT
(7/93 VERSION)
SIGNATURE & DATE
SIGNATURE & DATE
FOREST 10 DIST# 04
JOE SMITH
(NAME OF RECORDER)
STEVE JOHNSON
CERTIFICATE OF PLOT INSTALLATION
SALE NAME
C-UNIT:
STAR# 12345
FELIPITO #8
8
PNT/STA#
SP#1
Laser lens Ht. 4.8 ft. All measurements taken at 6" height from the ground, tree center unless otherwise indicated.
TREE
NO
DISTANCE
AZIMUTH
1
59.8
4.6
PP
13
L
Meas. 6" rt., Leave tree is joined at base w/cut tree.
Yellow paint splattered on cut tree stump.
2
95.9
18.5
PP
18
L
Meas. 4.5'/6" right.
3
122.6
38.5
PP
16
L
Small CF at base facing plot center.
4
191.3
49.6
PP
22
L
Meas. 13.5' right/5' high large crook at 17 ft.
Butt blaze stops 4" above ground line.
5
168.0
52.9
WF
14
L
6
159.7
62.0
PP
13
L
Meas. 5ft. high/6" right.
7
92.2
90.8
WF
22
L
Meas. 5' high/12" left.
8
243.5
150.2
PP
23
L
Meas. 3' high.
9
22.5
158.1
PP
18
L
10
49.9
160.4
PP
21
L
Meas. 4' high/1.5' right, weak butt blaze, d.b.h. mark OK.
11
210.3
160.5
PP
27
L
Meas. 5' high, boundary tree, orange paint blazes ok
Inter-visible boundary marks OK.
12
145.8
200.6
WF
18
L
SP DBH C/L CHK NOTES
(X: -1130.2
Y: -220.4
Z: 149.4)
CERTIFICATION OF CHECK
SIGNATURE & DATE
NAME
SIGNATURE & DATE
NAME
**** CONFIDENTIAL****
SURVEILLANCE POINT