2409.12_40
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FOREST SERVICE HANDBOOK
SOUTHWESTERN REGION (R3)
ALBUQUERQUE, NM
FSH 2409.12 – TIMBER CRUISING HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 40 – CRUISE PLANNING, DATA RECORDING, AND CRUISE
REPORTING
Supplement No.: r3_2409.12-2004-4
Effective Date: October 27, 2004
Duration: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
Approved:
PHYLLIS M. LYNDOE
Regional Directive Manager
Date Approved:
September 27, 2004
Posting Instructions: Supplements are numbered consecutively by Handbook number 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
Handbook was 2409.12-2004-3 to 2409.12_30.
New Document(s):
2409.12,40
2 Pages
Superseded Document(s) by
Issuance Number and
Effective Date
2409.12_40 (supplement 2409.12-97-1, 3/28/97)
2 Pages
Digest:
40 – This is a technical supplement that converts the format and style of this chapter to the new
FSH template using the agency’s current corporate word processing software. Although some
minor typographical and technical errors have been corrected, this supplement contains no
changes to the substantive direction in this chapter.
The direction included in this chapter has been developed through the coordinated efforts of
Regions 1, 2, 3, and 4. This coordination was initiated by the leadership of each Region under
the concept of shared services. All four Regions must concur on future changes to this direction.
R3 SUPPLEMENT 2409.12-2004-4
EFFECTIVE DATE: October 27, 2004
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
2409.12_40
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FSH 2409.12 – TIMBER CRUISING HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 40 – CRUISE PLANNING, DATA RECORDING, AND CRUISE REPORTING
41 – CRUISE PLANNING
41.1 - Sampling Error Standards
The parent text prescribes standard maximum sampling errors. These standards are defined at
two decimal places, for example, 10 percent means 10.00 percent. All sawtimber sales in excess
of 2000 Ccf (1mm bd. ft.) must be check cruised. To ensure overall quality control, a percentage
of sawtimber sales under 2000 Ccf must also be check cruised.
41.31 - How to Use Pre-Cruise Data
Sometimes a silvicultural prescription or a need for resource protection dictates a designation
method that is not the most cost effective in terms of cruising. When this occurs give first
priority to the prescription and/or resource consideration. When deviating from the most cost
efficient method, document the reasons in the cruise plan.
43.1 - Information to Report
Maintain sufficient records to provide an audit trail of how the sale contract volume was derived:
from cruise plan to the final calculation of net volume entered in the A provisions of the timber
sale contract. As a minimum, maintain the following information:
1. The original cruise design, including all changes to the original plan. Include the
name and signature of the person who prepared the plan or changes.
2. Cruise implementation notes that indicate what was actually done on the ground, such
as: maps, tallies, paint colors actually used, and any deviations from the cruise design.
3. Cruise reports from cruise software, including data listing and key-file components.
4. Work sheets that document any adjustments made to the volume shown on the cruise
reports.
5. Traverse data and reports (GPS or azmuth-distance).