2409.12_70 Page 1 of 8 FOREST SERVICE HANDBOOK ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION (R2) DENVER, CO FSH 2409.12 – TIMBER CRUISING HANDBOOK CHAPTER 70 – DESIGNATING TIMBER FOR CUTTING Supplement No.: 2409.12-2005-5 Effective Date: June 21, 2005 Duration: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed. Approved: RICK D. CABLES Regional Forester Date Approved: 06/07/2005 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 2409.12-2005-4 to 2409.12_60. New Document 2409.12_70 8 Pages Superseded Document(s) by Issuance Number and Effective Date 2409.12_70 (supplement 2409.12-2002-4, 9/20/2002) 7 Pages Digest: 72, para 4. – Removes sentence that a cruiser should be able to testify that they are 100% sure the tree record accurately reflected pre-harvest conditions. R2 SUPPLEMENT 2409.12-2005-5 EFFECTIVE DATE: 06/21/2005 DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed. 2409.12_70 Page 2 of 8 FSH 2409.12 – TIMBER CRUISING HANDBOOK CHAPTER 70 – DESIGNATING TIMBER FOR CUTTING 71 – TIMBER MARKING 71.21 – Marking With Paint Refer to the parent text, section 72.2, for direction on painting quality stump marks for designating cut trees, leave trees, and boundary trees. 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 a paint blaze at eye level. Make the blaze visible from three sides, facing into the unit, as well as each direction along the boundary line. Mark sufficient trees so paint marks are visible from other boundary trees. Paint the cutting unit number, facing into the unit, on every fifth painted boundary tree. 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. 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: R2 SUPPLEMENT 2409.12-2005-5 EFFECTIVE DATE: 06/21/2005 DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed. 2409.12_70 Page 3 of 8 FSH 2409.12 – TIMBER CRUISING HANDBOOK CHAPTER 70 – DESIGNATING TIMBER FOR CUTTING 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 four-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 the person checking the status of trees. This provides official testament that they have personally completed the work. R2 SUPPLEMENT 2409.12-2005-5 EFFECTIVE DATE: 06/21/2005 DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed. 2409.12_70 Page 4 of 8 FSH 2409.12 – TIMBER CRUISING HANDBOOK CHAPTER 70 – DESIGNATING TIMBER FOR CUTTING 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. DBH. 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 DBH 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. 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. R2 SUPPLEMENT 2409.12-2005-5 EFFECTIVE DATE: 06/21/2005 DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed. 2409.12_70 Page 5 of 8 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. R2 SUPPLEMENT 2409.12-2005-5 EFFECTIVE DATE: 06/21/2005 DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed. 2409.12_70 Page 6 of 8 FSH 2409.12 – TIMBER CRUISING HANDBOOK CHAPTER 70 – DESIGNATING TIMBER FOR CUTTING 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. 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. R2 SUPPLEMENT 2409.12-2005-5 EFFECTIVE DATE: 06/21/2005 DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed. 2409.12_70 Page 7 of 8 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 R2 SUPPLEMENT 2409.12-2005-5 EFFECTIVE DATE: 06/21/2005 DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed. 2409.12_70 Page 8 of 8 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, DBH 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