FOREST SERVICE HANDBOOK SOUTHWESTERN REGION (REGION 3) ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO

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2409.17_8.5
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FOREST SERVICE HANDBOOK
SOUTHWESTERN REGION (REGION 3)
ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO
FSH 2409.17 – SILVICULTURAL PRACTICES HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 8 – SILVICULTURAL EXAMINATIONS,
PRESCRIPTIONS, AND EVALUATIONS
Supplement No.: 2409.17-96-2
Effective Date: April 18, 1996
Duration: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
Approved: CHARLES W. CARTWRIGHT
Regional Forester
Date Approved: 04/18/1996
Posting Instructions: Supplements are numbered consecutively by Handbook number and
calendar year. Post by document; remove the entire document and replace with this supplement.
Retain this transmittal as the first page(s) of this document. The last supplement to this
Handbook was Supplement 2409.17-96-1 to 2409.17,8.1-8.4.
New Document(s):
2409.17_8.5
2409.17_8.5_ex01_02
20 Pages
7 Pages
Superseded Document(s) by
Issuance Number and
Effective Date
Digest:
8.5 - Revises entire section to include direction for Regions 1, 2, 3, and 4. All future
supplements will be issued jointly in the four regions.
Exhibits 01-02 - Updates the list of Certified Silviculturists and Regional Silvicultural
Representatives (RSR) in Regions 1, 2, 3 and 4.
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EFFECTIVE DATE: 04/18/1996
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed
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FSH 2409.17 – SILVICULTURAL PRACTICES HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 8 – SILVICULTURAL EXAMINATIONS, PRESCRIPTIONS, AND EVALUATIONS
8.5 - Minimum National Standards for Silviculturist Certification.
The Certification program for silviculturists in Regions 1, 2, 3 and 4 is designed to ensure that
practicing silviculturists have the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to prepare adequate
silvicultural prescriptions. Initial certification involves three phases which collectively attest to
the qualifications of a candidate. These are work experience, formal education and prescription
examination. Individual mentoring of employees seeking silviculturist certification by an
experienced Forest or District silviculturist may be an effective way to help the candidate
through the process of identifying and completing requirements. On successful completion of all
three phases, candidates are certified to prepare and approve silvicultural prescriptions for all
timber cultural work; including reforestation, timber stand improvement and timber harvest
activities.
1. Work Experience. Recognizing that certain practical skills, as well as the ability to
deal with complex resource situations, can only be attained through experience in observing
success and failure, certified silviculturists must have accrued 36 months of professional forester
(GS-460 series) experience, including the following operational categories:
Type of Work Experience
Length of Experience
Stand Examination
Timber Sale Layout
Timber Sale Administration
Reforestation
Timber Stand Improvement
Integrated Management Planning
Silvicultural Prescription
1 Season (about 3 months)
2 Seasons
1 Season
2 Seasons
1 Season
1 Season (assessments at multiple
scales/appeals exp.)
1 Season
Work experience in different operational categories can accrue simultaneously. Additional
experience in any one category cannot be substituted for a lacking category. Qualifying
experience can be gained during the period the candidate is attending continuing education.
2. Education. Knowledge of concepts and techniques is required for certification in
addition to skills and abilities acquired through experience. This knowledge is attained both
through in-service training and formal course work at the undergraduate level, and beyond the
graduate level in specific subject matter areas.
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FSH 2409.17 – SILVICULTURAL PRACTICES HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 8 – SILVICULTURAL EXAMINATIONS, PRESCRIPTIONS, AND EVALUATIONS
Following are the standards designated for the four Regions in place of the variable standards
listed for KSA's in the National Standards.
Task
Standard
I.B.1.e. (1)
I.B.1.e. (2)
I.B.1.g. (1)
I.B.2.a. (1)
I.B.2.b. (1)
I.B.2.d. (5)
I.B.2.e. (5)
II.A.1.e.
Working level
Working level
Recognition level
Recognition level
Recognition level
Working level
Recognition level
Working level
a. Knowledge of application techniques is gained through Regional Training as
currently available in the following subjects:
(1) Insect and disease identification and control.
(2) Animal damage control.
(3) Cultural awareness.
(4) Visual management.
(5) Fuels management.
b. Familiarity with the current revisions of the following handbooks is also
required:
(1) FSH 2409.26f, Seed Handbook.
(2) FSH 2409.26b, Reforestation Handbook.
(3) FSH 2409.26g, Tree Improvement Handbook.
(4) FSH 2409.17, Silvicultural Practices Handbook - including Regional
Supplements.
(5) FSH 2409.19, Renewable Resource Uses for Knutson-Vandenberg (K-V)
Fund Handbook.
c. Knowledge of the concepts supporting forest ecology, silviculture and related
subjects must be based on formal course work taught at the undergraduate and
graduate level. This course work shall be in the following broad topics areas:
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FSH 2409.17 – SILVICULTURAL PRACTICES HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 8 – SILVICULTURAL EXAMINATIONS, PRESCRIPTIONS, AND EVALUATIONS
Ecological/
Evolutionary
Concepts
Ecosystem
Structure &
Function
Geology
Meteorology
Climatology
Soils
Cultural
History
Woody Plant
Anatomy
Plant
Physiology
Species
Adaptation
Conservation
Biology
Forest and
Grassland
Ecology
Geomorphology
Hydrology
Landscape
Ecology
Population
Dynamics
Disturbance
Regimes
Synecology
Silvics
Social
Values &
Dynamics
Genetics &
Population
Dynamics
Integrated
Analysis
Resource
Policy/law
Landscape
Models
Growth Models
Economic theory
Statistics/
Sampling
Growth &
Yield
Forest
Regulation
Wildlife/Range/
Watershed
Models
Ecosystem
Management
Implementation
GIS
Tree Improvement
Reforestation
Management of
Ecosystems at
Multiple scales
This knowledge may be gained through undergraduate education and continuing education
courses, such as Continuing Education in Ecosystem Management (CEEM), or independent
graduate study. Masters' candidates in the cooperative education program can arrange their
course work to satisfy national and regional requirements at many universities. Those with prior
graduate degrees or continuing education may already meet, or be able to supplement their
education to meet requirements.
3. Certification Examination. Prescription examination is the final phase of the
silviculturist certification program. Upon successful completion of the education and experience
requirements for certification, all silviculturist candidates must prepare a written silvicultural
prescription for a timber stand on their home unit. The content and format of the test
prescription is assigned by the Regional Silviculturist.
a. Testing the candidate's ability is the objective of this test. Candidates must
integrate and apply silvicultural concepts to the development of alternative treatments
that satisfy land management objectives for a specific timber stand. The Certification
Panel uses both the written document and responses to oral questioning to determine
if all appropriate and relevant concepts were addressed. The Panel also checks that
the concepts were applied in a technically correct and logical manner. The
silvicultural concepts for which the candidate is responsible are the knowledge, skills,
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and abilities identified as necessary to accomplish the tasks of a fully qualified
silviculturist as defined by national standards.
b. The Prescription Format. Although the test is not considered a typical operational
prescription, it should follow the general format described in section 8.1. The
Regional Silviculturist should provide an expanded outline of this format to all
candidates.
c. The Oral Examination.
(1) Process.
(a) After the knowledge and experience requirements have been met, the candidate
must make application by December 1, through their supervisor to the Regional
Silviculturist for a field exercise. The field exercise should be conducted between
May 15 and September 30, following field season. The candidate's supervisor must
sign a work experience questionnaire and submit to the Regional Silviculturist at the
time of application for examination. Form R4-2400-1 may be used or regions may
develop a comparable questionnaire.
(b) After Regional Office review of the application to verify education and
experience requirements are satisfactory, assign the case to the Regional Silviculturist
(RS) or a Regional Silviculturist's Representative (RSR) from another unit. By May
1, each candidate must submit six complete copies of their prescription report to the
Regional Office's Silviculture group.
(c) The Regional Silviculturist (RS) or the assigned Regional Silviculturist's
Representative (RSR) must assemble a panel, schedule time, and conduct the
exercise. RSR should forward results of the exercise to the Regional Office for
review and processing. The list of certified Silviculturists is updated once a year by
March (see exhibit 01).
(2) Steps of the field exercise are:
(a) Introductory comments and instructions.
(b) The candidate shall conduct a tour of the stand first. During this time the
candidate should present a brief summary of work experience, educational
background and the written prescription. The panel may ask only questions for
information during the tour. Ensure each member of the group hears the questions
and the answers.
(c) The RS or RSR should lead the group and set the tone for formal questioning,
using the prescription as a guide.
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(d) The Panel should discuss the outcome in private and objectively evaluate the
candidate's performance based on responses to the prescription review questions.
Consider the experience of the candidate in the certification decision.
(e) Inform the candidate of the decision and offer a verbal critique of the
examination. Send a documented review of the candidate's examination and the
decision concerning certification to the Forest with a copy to the candidate. The
documentation should include a completed Examination Record as shown in exhibit
03.
There are three possible outcomes of the exam. The candidate may be certified for four years,
certification may be withheld until experience requirements are met, or certification may be
withheld. Fully qualified silviculturists receive a certificate documenting successful completion
of all the requirements of a Certified Forest Service Silviculturist by Regional standards.
d. The Certification Panel should include, at a minimum, the RS or RSR, a Forest
Supervisor (or Deputy Forest Supervisor), a silviculturist from another Forest, a
resource person from another unit, and either a university representative or a
scientist from Forest Service Research, as well as another agency representative
as appropriate. Changes may be made in the membership of the panel to meet
short term scheduling needs and to meet other agency needs. (The Bureau of
Indian Affairs (BIA) shares a common silviculturist certification process with
Region 3 of the Forest Service).
e. The Regional Silviculturist assigns the Regional Silviculturist's
Representatives (RSR) to act on their behalf in leading the certification exercise.
The requirements for serving as an RSR include:
(1) Certification as a silviculturist in Region 1-4.
(2) Extensive experience in preparing and implementing silvicultural
prescriptions.
(3) The ability to lead a group through the certification exercise and decision.
Personal interest and a willingness to assume the responsibility for maintaining
regional certification standards are mandatory requirements.
RSR's serve an indefinite term at the invitation of the Regional Silviculturist and
permission of the RSR's Forest. New RSR's must receive training by the regional
silviculturist before leading a certification panel. A list of regional silviculturist's
representatives is shown in exhibit 02.
4. Revalidation of Certified Silviculturists. Certification of silviculturists who have
achieved a four-year certification by the four Regions standards should be revalidated at 4-year
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intervals. Only those who have prepared prescriptions; provided technical review and approval
of operational prescriptions; or those primarily involved with implementing silvicultural
prescriptions, are eligible for revalidation. Certification can also remain current while
participating as a member of the land management team that is developing, monitoring, or
evaluating land management prescriptions for Forest Plans or Regional Guides. Those who have
not written or reviewed silvicultural prescriptions may document their continued training and
education in silviculture in order to support future recertification. Regional Forester must
evaluate exceptions.
5. Structure of the Revalidation Process. Revalidation depends on demonstrated
proficiency in three categories:
a. Practice of Silviculture. Actual practice (preparing or providing technical review
of operational prescriptions or implementing silvicultural prescriptions) in the
certification period immediately preceding the revalidation test is required for
eligibility. Competence in the practice of silviculture shall be based on the National
and Regional Standards for prescription development and certification in FSH
2409.17. The quality of practice shall be assessed by evaluating a sample of
operational prescriptions, formal prescription reviews, or by review of a case study.
b. Knowledge of Current Literature. All silviculturists are encouraged to maintain
their current level of technical expertise through relevant literature, a variety of
professional journals and publications relating to the practice of silviculture.
c. Acquisition of Formal Training. In addition to meeting basic education
requirements for certification, each silviculturist is expected to have participated in a
minimal number of training opportunities available throughout each year. Training
opportunities selected must emphasize concepts and not be "how-to-do" sessions.
Revalidation may be withheld for lack of adequate participation in training
opportunities.
The following represents the minimum and recommended requirements to be met
over the four year period since the last revalidation.
CATEGORY
MINIMUM
NUMBER
OF COURSES
RECOMMENDED
NUMBER
OF COURSES
Advanced education courses
offered by universities or
symposiums offered
3
5
Regional Training:
Regional Silviculture Workshop
Regional co-sponsored workshops
3
7
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Regional training and meetings
on reforestation, tree improvement,
Insect & Disease, and so forth.
Forest Workshops
Other Resource Training related
to Silviculture
2
4
1
1
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RECOMMENDED NUMBER OF HOURS FOR THE ABOVE IS 300, WITH A MINIMUM
NUMBER OF 140 HOURS.
6. Evaluation.
a. First Revalidation. The objective of the first revalidation exercise following
initial certification is to evaluate the capability of the silviculturist on the basis of
an operational prescription in the field. The Forest/Zoned Silviculturist or RSR
shall conduct the review of all District and other Staff Silviculturists. A team
composed of the Forest/Zoned Silviculturist (or an RSR), a Ranger from another
District and a Certified Silviculturist from an adjoining Forest, and the Regional
Silviculturist by request shall carry out the review. The candidate's work
supervisor should participate as an observer. The team shall transmit
recommendation to revalidate or withhold certification to the Regional
Silviculturist by December 1 each year. Forest Silviculturists or RSR's must be
certified to conduct a revalidation review.
If a field exercise is needed, the Regional Silviculturist should conduct this review
of all Forest/Zoned Silviculturists. All recommendations must be reviewed by the
appropriate staff director and transmitted to the Regional Forester for approval.
(1) Practice Category. The reviewing silviculturist should randomly select three
prescriptions (or prescription reviews) from a complete listing prepared by the
candidate during the preceding year. The reviewer and candidate jointly choose
one of the three prescriptions for field examination. The prescription shall be
rated against National and Regional Standards. Ratings are documented on the
Four Region Silviculturist Certification Examination Record format (ex. 03).
Forward the evaluation format, all three prescriptions (or prescription reviews),
and recommendation for revalidation to the Regional Silviculturist for transmittal
to the Regional Forester.
(2) Literature Category. The field test of the prescription (review) covers the
application of appropriate literature to the stand in question.
(3) Training Category. The candidate should list courses attended for
consideration by the Review Team.
Following are instructions for the reviewing silviculturist when conducting the
field exercise:
(a) Discuss the revalidation process with the candidate silviculturist and their
supervisor.
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(b) Visit the subject stand of the selected prescription with the candidate
silviculturist and the candidate's supervisor.
(c) Have the candidate present an overview of the prescription and discuss the
review questions.
(d) Based on the written prescription, discussion with the candidate, and personal
observations, answer the numbered questions (YES or NO) under each topic
heading (ex. 03).
(e) Explain all "NO" answers to the numbered questions with a brief written
narrative.
(f) After considering the responses to the numbered questions, answer the A, B,
C key area questions (circle YES or NO).
(g) Write a general evaluation of the prescription and proposed treatment which
explains the answers (either YES or NO) in step 6.
(h) Evaluate the candidate's training record and past history of silvicultural
practice. Explain the evaluation with a brief narrative.
(i) Reach a joint recommendation for revalidation with the revalidation team.
Revalidation should be withheld if any of the three key area questions are not
satisfied.
(j) Sign and date Exam Record. Discuss the evaluation and decision with the
candidate silviculturist and have the candidate sign the form.
(k) Transmitt form to the Regional Silviculturist with the candidate's training
record by December 1.
b. Subsequent Revalidations. The objective of the second and all subsequent
revalidations is to evaluate the capability of the silviculturist on the basis of a
written case study. Regional Office should compile and distribute case studies to
all silviculturists annually.
The Forest and Regional Silviculturist shall review the case study, work history,
continuing education, and recommend for or against revalidation. If a
recommendation to withhold certification is made, a follow up field exercise
similar to the first revalidation may be needed. Regional Forester shall make
decision for certification.
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As options to the case study, either the candidate silviculturist, Forest Supervisor,
or work supervisor may elect to use a field defense in lieu of the case study for
subsequent revalidations.
(1) Practice Category. Working with the Forest Silviculturists, the Regional
Office should select a subject Forest and assign a case study for each candidate.
These case studies must involve silviculture and ecosystem management, with the
topics changing from year to year. Include a general outline and product
expected, with the assigned case study topic each year.
(2) Literature Category. The analysis of the case study topic should cover the
application of current literature.
(3) Training Category. The candidate should list training courses attended for
consideration by the reviewer.
Exhibit 04 charts the basic differences between initial certification, first revalidation, and
subsequent revalidations.
7. Review and Revalidation. The Regional Silviculturist shall notify each Forest of
potential candidates for revalidation each February. Forest Silviculturists or RSRs must schedule
participation of review team members, conduct field reviews, and forward completed package
for revalidation consideration for the candidates to the Regional Silviculturist by December 1 of
each year.
Forest/zoned Silviculturists are responsible for scheduling their own reviews with the Regional
Silviculturist. The Regional Silviculturist assembles all material on all candidates to present to
the appropriate staff director prior to February 1. Notice of revalidation shall be given during
February.
8. Recertification. Persons who have allowed their certification to lapse may become
recertified by maintaining currency in the literature, attending training courses from the
recognized list, and practicing writing or reviewing prescriptions. At the end of one year the
candidate may become recertified by submitting to a field review of their work or participating in
a case study as assigned and furnishing evidence of training.
Persons who have failed revalidation may become recertified after writing or reviewing
prescriptions in the previous year, meeting literature and training requirements, and submitting to
a field review of their work.
9. Interim Review. The revalidation field review can be used to evaluate the certification
of a silviculturist at any time prior to revalidation. Forest Supervisors can initiate this process
with a request to the Regional Forester.
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8.5 - EXHIBITS 01 AND 02 ARE SEPARATE DOCUMENTS.
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8.5 - Exhibit 3
SILVICULTURIST CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION RECORD
Candidate
Date
Forest
Ranger District
Recommendations:
4-Year Certification
Not Certified
Recommend return
Needs experience
4-Year Revalidation
Withhold Revalidation
Panelist
Date
(Signature)
Panelist
Date
Panelist
Date
Panelist
Date
Panelist
Date
The review and evaluation was discussed with me.
Candidate Silviculturist
Date
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8.5 - Exhibit 3--Continued
Question Format For The Prescription Examination
Examination standard:
The objective of the prescription examination is to test the candidate's ability to integrate and
apply the knowledge, concepts, and analysis techniques learned through training and experience,
to an actual field problem that involves meeting a specified set of resource objectives.
The questioning format used will draw from emphasis items included in the national standards
for silviculturist certification located in the Silviculture Practices Handbook (FSH 2409.17). The
defense shall be judged on its technical merit and logic. Beginning silviculturists are not
expected to solve the most challenging stand management problems, but they must be able to
integrate several management objectives and resource concerns into a treatment prescription for
typical stand compositions, structures and conditions. The stand must be within the regulated
timber base to provide a full range of management options to choose from when developing
alternatives in the prescription report.
The candidate must be able to demonstrate expertise in the following key areas:
A. Can the silviculturist develop alternative treatments that are technically correct
and environmentally sound? YES NO
B. Can the silviculturist clearly show how the proposed and alternative treatments
will develop a stand that can meet land management objectives? YES NO
C. Can the silviculturist give the necessary direction for implementation of the
proposed treatment? YES NO
To evaluate the candidate's ability to meet the standards for this exercise, the following format
for the detailed questioning during the exercise shall be followed. Questions in the section below
should be answered by the panel prior to an evaluation of how well the candidate met the above
key areas.
Each panel member will document their evaluation on the form, and a composite evaluation shall
be documented on the form and forwarded to the candidate.
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8.5 - Exhibit 3--Continued
I. Forest Stand Location
Important Questions:
1. Does the candidate understand the concept of a forest stand as a
management unit? YES NO
Evaluation:
Adequate |
Comments:
| Inadequate |
|
II. Forest Plan Objectives
Important Questions:
1. Does the candidate understand how land management objectives are related
to the subject stand? YES NO
For example, you should key on items like:
Vegetation
Even/uneven-aged regulation
Wildlife habitat
Visual quality
Human Dimension
Evaluation:
Adequate |
Comments:
| Inadequate |
|
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III. The Physical Site and its Environmental Setting
Important Questions:
1. Does the candidate understand how the described site data and attributes,
are related to management of pertinent resources? YES NO
8.5 - Exhibit 3--Continued
Evaluation:
Adequate |
Comments:
| Inadequate |
|
IV. The Forest Community and its Ecosystem Setting
Important Questions:
1. Can the candidate adequately evaluate the results of the examination of the
existing stand? YES NO
2. Can the candidate explain why the sample inventory is designed correctly
and why the reliability of stand data is adequate? YES NO
3. Does the candidate understand the structure and composition of the forest
community that the treatment is being prescribed for? YES NO
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4. Does the candidate understand the processes and functions that influence the
subject landscape? (Such as fire, insect and disease.) YES NO
5. Can the candidate characterize the Human Dimension (social values, wants
and needs) associated with the host landscape? YES NO
Evaluation:
Adequate |
Comments:
| Inadequate |
|
V. Stand History and Development
Important Questions:
1. Can the stand successional stage and trend be correctly described by the
candidate? YES NO
2. Does the candidate understand past and current potential for insect, disease,
fire, fire regime, and any other processes and functions such as nutrient cycling
and windthrow patterns, that have played a role or may do so in the future of
this stand? YES NO
8.5 - Exhibit 3--Continued
3. Does the candidate have an understanding of the concept of a natural range
of variation of composition and structure? YES NO
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4. Has the candidate correctly evaluated the role insects and pathogens play in
stand dynamics and in reaching resource objectives? YES NO
5. Has prediction of tree growth included appropriate use of growth and yields
models? Does the candidate understand concepts of forest stand dynamics?
YES NO
Evaluation:
Adequate |
Comments:
| Inadequate |
|
VI. Site Productivity Potential
Important Questions:
1. Can the candidate use various resource potentials and capabilities and relate
them to management objectives for the site under study? YES NO
2. Can the candidate estimate site index and potential productivity based on
site attributes and current stand conditions? YES NO
Evaluation:
Adequate |
| Inadequate |
|
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EFFECTIVE DATE: 04/18/1996
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed
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FSH 2409.17 – SILVICULTURAL PRACTICES HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 8 – SILVICULTURAL EXAMINATIONS, PRESCRIPTIONS, AND EVALUATIONS
Comments:
VII. Stand Objectives
Important Questions:
1. Can the candidate explain why the species to be managed and stand
structures identified are compatible with the anticipated successional
development? YES NO
8.5 - Exhibit 3--Continued
2. Can the candidate show that the target stand composition and structure are
consistent with natural processes in the area? (Such as fire regime, insect and
disease etc.) YES NO
3. Can the candidate explain how the desired stand conditions meet the full
complement of resource objectives identified for the stand? YES NO
4. Can the candidate relate the target composition and structure identified to
achieving resource objectives over time? YES NO
Evaluation:
Adequate |
Comments:
| Inadequate |
|
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DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed
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FSH 2409.17 – SILVICULTURAL PRACTICES HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 8 – SILVICULTURAL EXAMINATIONS, PRESCRIPTIONS, AND EVALUATIONS
VIII. Alternative Treatments
Important Questions:
1. Can the candidate develop sufficient and reasonable treatment alternatives
related to the pertinent issues and resources? YES NO
2. Can the candidate relate current stand conditions, including growth, to target
objectives? YES NO
3. Can the candidate evaluate the need for intermediate entries in the stand?
YES NO
4. Can the candidate think ahead through a logical sequence of activities that
would carry the stand through one rotation period? YES NO
5. Can the candidate show that the proposed alternative silvicultural system is
feasible to implement on the site? YES NO
6. Can the candidate use correct terminology? YES NO
Evaluation:
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EFFECTIVE DATE: 04/18/1996
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed
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CHAPTER 8 – SILVICULTURAL EXAMINATIONS, PRESCRIPTIONS, AND EVALUATIONS
8.5 - Exhibit 3--Continued
Adequate |
Comments:
| Inadequate |
|
IX. Analysis of Alternatives
Important Questions:
1. Can the candidate describe the levels of resource outputs over time for each
alternative? YES NO
2. Has prediction of tree growth following treatment included appropriate use of
growth and yields models?
YES NO
3. Can the candidate demonstrate knowledge of tree survival and growth and
environmental relationships such as respiration, photosynthesis and
germination requirements? YES NO
4. Can the candidate show that the alternatives are consistent with the
ecosystem processes that historically played a role on this site? YES NO
5. Can the candidate show if the alternatives contribute to forest regulation
goals? YES NO
6. Can the candidate demonstrate an economic comparison of the alternatives?
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DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed
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YES NO
7. Can the candidate explain how the various resource management objectives
would be met through the alternative treatments? YES NO
8. Does the candidate recognize that Forest Plan Amendments may be
necessary to implement any of the proposed alternatives? YES NO
9. Can the candidate demonstrate knowledge of the genetic implications that
the various alternatives may have to the future of the forest stand? YES NO
Evaluation:
Adequate |
Comments:
| Inadequate |
|
8.5 - Exhibit 3--Continued
X. The Prescribed Treatment
Important Questions:
1. Can the candidate correctly specify implementation requirements such as:
regeneration needs including site preparation, appropriate distribution of seed
or shelterwood trees, regeneration type (natural vs. artificial) and species,
appropriate stock type, care and handling, stocking rates, and probability of any
other cultural needs including animal damage control; gene conservation,
genetic diversity, and tree improvement; insect and diseases; site productivity;
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CHAPTER 8 – SILVICULTURAL EXAMINATIONS, PRESCRIPTIONS, AND EVALUATIONS
stocking level needs; windthrow and fire potential; and product type? YES NO
2. Did the candidate determine that the site can be regenerated within legally
mandated time frames? YES NO
3. Can the candidate carry the prescription to a logical conclusion? YES NO
4. Does the candidate know if the proposed treatment can be implemented with
current technology? YES NO
5. Can the candidate identify all the pertinent treatment and evaluation and
monitoring actions? YES NO
6. Can the candidate defend the actions proposed, in terms of legal and policy
mandates? YES NO
7. Can the candidate specify sufficient detail of timing, leave tree selection, etc.,
for implementation? YES NO
Evaluation:
Adequate |
Comments:
| Inadequate |
XI. Effects of the Treatment
|
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FSH 2409.17 – SILVICULTURAL PRACTICES HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 8 – SILVICULTURAL EXAMINATIONS, PRESCRIPTIONS, AND EVALUATIONS
Important Questions:
1. Can the candidate describe the overall effects to the site resulting from the
proposed treatment? YES NO
2. Does the candidate know the immediate and long-term effects this proposed
treatment will have on the larger landscape? YES NO
8.5 - Exhibit 3--Continued
3. Can the candidate demonstrate how this treatment sequence contributes to
the desired condition identified for the landscape within which this stand is
"nested"? YES NO
Evaluation:
Adequate |
Comments:
| Inadequate |
|
XII. Literature
Important Questions:
1. Can the candidate apply the literature correctly? YES NO
2. Did the candidate miss any significant literature in the development of this
prescription? YES NO
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DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed
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CHAPTER 8 – SILVICULTURAL EXAMINATIONS, PRESCRIPTIONS, AND EVALUATIONS
3. Is the prescription supported by the literature? YES NO
Evaluation:
Adequate |
Comments:
| Inadequate |
|
SUMMARY EVALUATION OF THE PRESCRIPTION AND THE EXERCISE
EVALUATION OF TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
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DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed
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FSH 2409.17 – SILVICULTURAL PRACTICES HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 8 – SILVICULTURAL EXAMINATIONS, PRESCRIPTIONS, AND EVALUATIONS
8.5 - Exhibit 4
|First
|Revalidation
|Subsequent
|Revalidations
(1) After 4 years of
practice,confirm
ability by a field
defense of an
operational pre
scription before a
Forest review team.
(1) After 8 years
of practice,demonstrate continuing
ability by
analyzing and documenting a
case study report or as in 1st
revalidation
(2) Same.
(2) Meet minimum
experience requirements in FSH.
(2) Practice silviculture for at
least 1 preceding
year.
Literature
Category
Use literature
effectively in
defense of prescription.
Demonstrate knowledge
of recent scientific
information in
prescription defense.
Use current technical literature
in case
study/oral defense of a
prescription.
Training
Category
CEEM or equivalent
graduate level
education.
Participate in a reasonable Same.
number of applicable
training courses,
workshops, or symposia.
|Initial
|Certification
Practice
Category
(1) At the entry
level determine
capability of
silviculturist to
apply concepts by
defending a pre
scription before
Regional panel.
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