2409.17_8.5 Page 1 of 26 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EVALUATIONS Supplement No.: 2409.17-96-2 Effective Date: April 18, 1996 Duration: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.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 New Document(s): 2409.17_8.5 2409.17_8.5_ex01_02 20 Pages 7 Pages Superseded Document(s) by Issuance Number and Effective Date Digest: 8.5 - Revises entire section to include direction for Regions 1, 2, 3, and 4.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. R3 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-96-2 EFFECTIVE DATE: 04/18/1996 DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed 2409.17_8.5 Page 2 of 26 FSH 2409.17 – SILVICULTURAL PRACTICES HANDBOOK CHAPTER 8 – SILVICULTURAL EXAMINATIONS, PRESCRIPTIONS, AND EVALUATIONS 8.5 -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. R3 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-96-2 EFFECTIVE DATE: 04/18/1996 DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed 2409.17_8.5 Page 3 of 26 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: R3 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-96-2 EFFECTIVE DATE: 04/18/1996 DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed 2409.17_8.5 Page 4 of 26 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, R3 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-96-2 EFFECTIVE DATE: 04/18/1996 DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed 2409.17_8.5 Page 5 of 26 FSH 2409.17 – SILVICULTURAL PRACTICES HANDBOOK CHAPTER 8 – SILVICULTURAL EXAMINATIONS, PRESCRIPTIONS, AND EVALUATIONS 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. R3 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-96-2 EFFECTIVE DATE: 04/18/1996 DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed 2409.17_8.5 Page 6 of 26 FSH 2409.17 – SILVICULTURAL PRACTICES HANDBOOK CHAPTER 8 – SILVICULTURAL EXAMINATIONS, PRESCRIPTIONS, AND EVALUATIONS (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 R3 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-96-2 EFFECTIVE DATE: 04/18/1996 DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed 2409.17_8.5 Page 7 of 26 FSH 2409.17 – SILVICULTURAL PRACTICES HANDBOOK CHAPTER 8 – SILVICULTURAL EXAMINATIONS, PRESCRIPTIONS, AND EVALUATIONS 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 R3 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-96-2 EFFECTIVE DATE: 04/18/1996 DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed 2409.17_8.5 Page 8 of 26 FSH 2409.17 – SILVICULTURAL PRACTICES HANDBOOK CHAPTER 8 – SILVICULTURAL EXAMINATIONS, PRESCRIPTIONS, AND EVALUATIONS 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 R3 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-96-2 EFFECTIVE DATE: 04/18/1996 DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed 2409.17_8.5 Page 9 of 26 FSH 2409.17 – SILVICULTURAL PRACTICES HANDBOOK CHAPTER 8 – SILVICULTURAL EXAMINATIONS, PRESCRIPTIONS, AND EVALUATIONS 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. R3 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-96-2 EFFECTIVE DATE: 04/18/1996 DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed 2409.17_8.5 Page 10 of 26 FSH 2409.17 – SILVICULTURAL PRACTICES HANDBOOK CHAPTER 8 – SILVICULTURAL EXAMINATIONS, PRESCRIPTIONS, AND EVALUATIONS (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. R3 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-96-2 EFFECTIVE DATE: 04/18/1996 DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed 2409.17_8.5 Page 11 of 26 FSH 2409.17 – SILVICULTURAL PRACTICES HANDBOOK CHAPTER 8 – SILVICULTURAL EXAMINATIONS, PRESCRIPTIONS, AND EVALUATIONS 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. R3 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-96-2 EFFECTIVE DATE: 04/18/1996 DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed 2409.17_8.5 Page 12 of 26 FSH 2409.17 – SILVICULTURAL PRACTICES HANDBOOK CHAPTER 8 – SILVICULTURAL EXAMINATIONS, PRESCRIPTIONS, AND EVALUATIONS 8.5 - EXHIBITS 01 AND 02 ARE SEPARATE DOCUMENTS. R3 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-96-2 EFFECTIVE DATE: 04/18/1996 DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed 2409.17_8.5 Page 13 of 26 FSH 2409.17 – SILVICULTURAL PRACTICES HANDBOOK CHAPTER 8 – SILVICULTURAL EXAMINATIONS, PRESCRIPTIONS, AND EVALUATIONS 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 R3 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-96-2 EFFECTIVE DATE: 04/18/1996 DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed 2409.17_8.5 Page 14 of 26 FSH 2409.17 – SILVICULTURAL PRACTICES HANDBOOK CHAPTER 8 – SILVICULTURAL EXAMINATIONS, PRESCRIPTIONS, AND EVALUATIONS 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. R3 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-96-2 EFFECTIVE DATE: 04/18/1996 DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed 2409.17_8.5 Page 15 of 26 FSH 2409.17 – SILVICULTURAL PRACTICES HANDBOOK CHAPTER 8 – SILVICULTURAL EXAMINATIONS, PRESCRIPTIONS, AND EVALUATIONS 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 | | R3 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-96-2 EFFECTIVE DATE: 04/18/1996 DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed 2409.17_8.5 Page 16 of 26 FSH 2409.17 – SILVICULTURAL PRACTICES HANDBOOK CHAPTER 8 – SILVICULTURAL EXAMINATIONS, PRESCRIPTIONS, AND EVALUATIONS 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 R3 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-96-2 EFFECTIVE DATE: 04/18/1996 DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed 2409.17_8.5 Page 17 of 26 FSH 2409.17 – SILVICULTURAL PRACTICES HANDBOOK CHAPTER 8 – SILVICULTURAL EXAMINATIONS, PRESCRIPTIONS, AND EVALUATIONS 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 R3 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-96-2 EFFECTIVE DATE: 04/18/1996 DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed 2409.17_8.5 Page 18 of 26 FSH 2409.17 – SILVICULTURAL PRACTICES HANDBOOK CHAPTER 8 – SILVICULTURAL EXAMINATIONS, PRESCRIPTIONS, AND EVALUATIONS 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 | | R3 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-96-2 EFFECTIVE DATE: 04/18/1996 DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed 2409.17_8.5 Page 19 of 26 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 | | R3 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-96-2 EFFECTIVE DATE: 04/18/1996 DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed 2409.17_8.5 Page 20 of 26 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: R3 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-96-2 EFFECTIVE DATE: 04/18/1996 DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed 2409.17_8.5 Page 21 of 26 FSH 2409.17 – SILVICULTURAL PRACTICES HANDBOOK 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? R3 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-96-2 EFFECTIVE DATE: 04/18/1996 DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed 2409.17_8.5 Page 22 of 26 FSH 2409.17 – SILVICULTURAL PRACTICES HANDBOOK CHAPTER 8 – SILVICULTURAL EXAMINATIONS, PRESCRIPTIONS, AND EVALUATIONS 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; R3 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-96-2 EFFECTIVE DATE: 04/18/1996 DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed 2409.17_8.5 Page 23 of 26 FSH 2409.17 – SILVICULTURAL PRACTICES HANDBOOK 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 | R3 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-96-2 EFFECTIVE DATE: 04/18/1996 DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed 2409.17_8.5 Page 24 of 26 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 R3 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-96-2 EFFECTIVE DATE: 04/18/1996 DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed 2409.17_8.5 Page 25 of 26 FSH 2409.17 – SILVICULTURAL PRACTICES HANDBOOK 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 R3 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-96-2 EFFECTIVE DATE: 04/18/1996 DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed 2409.17_8.5 Page 26 of 26 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.