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FOREST SERVICE MANUAL
CARIBOU-TARGHEE NATIONAL FOREST (REGION 4)
IDAHO FALLS, ID
FSM 2400 – TIMBER MANAGEMENT
CHAPTER 2430 – COMMERCIAL TIMBER SALES
Supplement No.: 2400-2001-2
Effective Date: January 30, 2001
Duration: Effective until superseded or removed
Approved: JERRY B. REESE
Forest Supervisor
Date Approved: 01/16/2001
Posting Instructions: Supplements are numbered consecutively by Title and calendar year.
Post by document name. Remove entire document and replace with this supplement. Retain this
transmittal as the first page of this document.
New Document(s):
2432
8 Pages
Superseded Document(s):
2432 (Supplement 2400-98-3.)
7 Pages
(Last supplement was 2400-2001-1.)
Digest: Insert digest information here
2432
2432.04c
2432.11
2432.2
2432.4
2432.5
2432.6
Combines the Caribou and Targhee National Forests’ supplements to
reflect the consolidation of the two forests. No direction changes were
made; only the forest name is updated.
CARIBOU-TARGHEE SUPPLEMENT 2400-2001-2
EFFECTIVE DATE: 01/30/2001
DURATION: Effective until superseded or removed
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FSM 2400 – TIMBER MANAGEMENT
CHAPTER 2430 – COMMERCIAL TIMBER SALES
CHAPTER 2430 - COMMERCIAL TIMBER SALES
2432 - PRESALE PREPARATION.
The purpose of the timber sale process and time line is to guide the development of all
programmed timber sales in an orderly manner and to ensure conformance to laws, regulations,
orders and the "Gates" tracking system. They are also designed to aid in assessing project
development in relation to the time frame for project completion. For simple proposals,
modifications may be authorized by the responsible line officer when approving the "time line".
The process is broken down into a series of gates and further subdivided into stages. A gate has
been defined as the point at which a sale progresses from one phase of existence to another.
There are six gates in the timber sale preparation process. Stages are defined here as
distinguishable actions performed usually in sequence between gates. A gate may be passed
only after all stages leading up to it are successfully completed. This is visually displayed by the
Timber Sale Preparation Time Line (Exhibit 1). To further assist the user, a flow chart is
presented (Exhibit 2).
SEE THE PAPER COPY OF THE MASTER SET
FOR 2432 - EXHIBIT 01 AND 02
2432.04c - District Rangers.
It is the responsibility of the District Ranger to:
1. Prepare and submit to the S.O. the semi-annual sales volume objectives and program
for the District not later than September 1 and March 1 of each year. The report will contain all
information indicated on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest Form 15-2400-8
2432.11 - GATE 1: Position Statement Development.
Prepare an extensive review of the project. Obtain information and provide recommendations in
the report to demonstrate biological, economic and technical feasibility of a commercial timber
sale. The objective is to ensure the addition of high quality, timely, economically efficient, and
environmentally sound project proposals to the timber sale action plan. The first stage should
begin so the gate can be passed 6 1/2 years prior to the desired sale date.
Stage A. - Identify Sale Area. Propose a potential area where a timber sale or a series of
timber sales could occur. Delineation of this area should coincide with natural topographic
features, vegetation types, compartments, management areas or any logical configuration that
would comprise an entity for timber management planning.
CARIBOU-TARGHEE SUPPLEMENT 2400-2001-2
EFFECTIVE DATE: 01/30/2001
DURATION: Effective until superseded or removed
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FSM 2400 – TIMBER MANAGEMENT
CHAPTER 2430 – COMMERCIAL TIMBER SALES
Stage B. - Extensive Reconnaissance. If the compartment exam data has not been
collected for the sale area it should be done at this stage. Silvicultural diagnosis will be made on
all stands proposed for treatment with the sale, stands immediately adjacent to them, and all
stands within the proposed sale area boundary. Much of the reconnaissances can generally be
done from data available in the office but some field checking is necessary.
Stage C. - Transportation Feasibility. A transportation analysis area will be delineated
along with the identification of the existing transportation system serving the area. A feasibility
study will be conducted to determine if the projects can be developed within acceptable
economic and environmental constraints. This project-worthiness evaluation would include a
preliminary analysis of environmental, social an economic effects of the proposed route
development. The study shall also include tentative roading alternatives,
construction/reconstruction cost estimates, and an assessment of whether the roads will be
developed by the timber purchaser or as a public works project prior to the timber sale. If the
project is feasible, the work in this stage will later be used to write the transportation plan.
Stage D. - Identify Barriers. The main purpose of this stage is to ensure that obvious "nogo" sales are eliminated from consideration before significant investments are made. The
process includes an extensive review of all currently existing information to arrive at an initial
approximation of project feasibility, including the land management plan, fish and wildlife
surveys and inventories, aerial photos, compartment inventory of stand data, range allotment
folders, other resource data files and knowledge possessed by District personnel concerning the
project area and adjacent land.
This stage will be documented using Forest Form 15-2400-10 (3/84) Feasibility Report (Exhibit
3).
SEE THE PAPER COPY OF THE MASTER SET
FOR 2432 - EXHIBIT 03
Stage E. - Develop Time Line. Enter planned dates in the Timber Sale Preparation
Timber Line (Exhibit1). This will be a guide to project completion through the day of sale.
When completed each stage should be initialed by the responsible person or accountable officer
as indicated by a box on the time line. Each gate should be initialed by the responsible line
officer to approve passing the gate. Thereafter, if new information warrants returning to an
earlier stage, doing so should be approved by the line officer.
Stage F. - Position Statement. The final stage and prior to passing the gate will be
documented by a letter to the Forest Supervisor proposing the timber sale and an statement for
the sale. This letter should be attached. I.D. team members are requested by name up to five
members. State departments for fish and game may be invited to participate with the I.D. teams
in all stages except the decision, which is reserved to the responsible line officer.
CARIBOU-TARGHEE SUPPLEMENT 2400-2001-2
EFFECTIVE DATE: 01/30/2001
DURATION: Effective until superseded or removed
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FSM 2400 – TIMBER MANAGEMENT
CHAPTER 2430 – COMMERCIAL TIMBER SALES
2432.2 - GATE 2: Sale Area Design.
These stages begin when an interdisciplinary team is approved and assigned by the responsible
line officer. The gate will be passed with completion of actions necessary to meet the National
Environmental Policy Act process. The I.D. team will review each stage of the environmental
Policy Act process. The I.D. team will review each stag of the environmental assessment with
the District Ranger. The accountable officers will sign off on approvals, reviews, and signature
responsibility as outlined by the NEPA. When the Forest Supervisor is the accountable officer, a
60 day staff review is needed at each NEPA approval step. Silvicultural prescriptions are
written, certified and approved. This gate should be passed 5 1/2 years prior tot he desired sale
date.
Stage A. - Scoping. The I.D. team identifies and describes the purpose and need for the
project through the objectives, issues, concerns, and opportunities; develops evaluation criteria;
and need for basic data collection.
Public involvement shall begin at this stage by informing concerned individuals and receiving
comments during the remainder of the process.
Stage B. - Basic Data Collection and Interpretation. Resource and support specialists will
collect and provide information requested by the I.D. team. Engineering will prepare a
comprehensive transportation plan that addresses objectives, issues and concerns; and establishes
goals and strategies for conducting the planning process; and specifies criteria for measuring the
effectiveness of each transportation alternative in meeting these parameters. Transportation
alternatives shall be analyzed in view of access needs in adjacent areas and future use in addition
to current project proposal. Development and the use of transportation system will be evaluated
in relation to effects on natural resource, economics, and social environments. Engineering cost
analysis revisions shall be made concurrent with the availability of up-dated data so that the
process is responsive to changing economic conditions. The completed plan will later be
inserted in the environmental assessment document as a appendix. The I.D. team will evaluate
all information available as to its relevance to previously developed criteria. If new issues or
concerns are identified at this point, any additional data needed will be collected before
proceeding.
Stage C. - Formulate Alternatives. The I.D. team will develop alternatives to be
evaluated. The alternatives shall address issues and concerns, the silvicultural objectives, size of
area to be treated, and scheduling. Logging systems that are economically and environmentally
compatible will specified with each alternative. The silvicultural "no action" alternative must
always be included.
The transportation design criteria, design, and "Operations and Maintenance Decisions Form"
will be prepared and jointly approved by the District Ranger and Forest Engineer for routes to
access the proposed project.
CARIBOU-TARGHEE SUPPLEMENT 2400-2001-2
EFFECTIVE DATE: 01/30/2001
DURATION: Effective until superseded or removed
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CHAPTER 2430 – COMMERCIAL TIMBER SALES
Stage D. - Estimate Effected Environments. This evaluation will deal only with the
effected environments. The I.D. team will consider resource, social, and economic environments
as they relate to specific issues, concerns, and opportunities previously identified. In most cases
at least cost or a benefit/cost analysis will be included. The effect involved will be described in
sufficient detail to enable a person unfamiliar with the site to understand what would occur and
why.
Stage E. - Evaluate Alternatives and Recommend Preferred Alternative. The I.D. Team
will compare the alternatives in relation to the issues, concerns, effected environment and
selection criteria. An apparent preferred alternative will be identified and the rationale for its
selection will be prepared. The entire environmental analysis package will be reviewed with the
District Ranger, and when satisfactory, forwarded with three copies of the assessment document
and the Decision Notice/FONSI to the accountable line officer for approval.
Stage F. - Environmental Assessment and Decision Notice/FONSI Approval.
Forest Supervisor authority projects will receive the final 60 day staff review. Upon staff
recommendations, the accountable line officer will identify the preferred alternative and affix the
approval signature on the "Decision Notice/FONSI".
Stage G. - Public Notice and Review Period. A public notice will be posted in local
newspaper announcing the decision. Notify individuals, organizations, Federal, State, County
and local government entities and others who have expressed an earlier interest of this finding.
In the event the proposal effects any wetlands, streams, lakes or is unprecedented, there will be a
30 day public review to allow further comment before any action is taken to implement the sale
Stage H. - Silvicultural Prescription. The silvicultural diagnosis, environmental analysis,
growth projection, and economic comparison are analyzed and a silvicultural prescription is
prepared by a project forester or silviculturist, then certified by a silviculturist and approved by
the responsible line officer.
2432.3 - GATE 3: Sale Plan Implementation.
The sale is put onto the five-year action plan. Active field preparation is accomplished along
with documentation related to it. This gate should be passed at least one year prior to the desired
sale data.
Stage A. - Final Sale Layout and Road Location. The district timber staff will complete
final on-the-ground unit and sale boundary flagging and prepare an appraisal map showing
boundaries, cutting prescriptions, existing and planned system roads, temporary roads, and sale
area improvements needs. Engineer will flag planned system road locations.
CARIBOU-TARGHEE SUPPLEMENT 2400-2001-2
EFFECTIVE DATE: 01/30/2001
DURATION: Effective until superseded or removed
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CHAPTER 2430 – COMMERCIAL TIMBER SALES
Project forester will ensure all property lines and corners are located and posted which influence
the sale area. Engineer will do the same for property boundaries in or outside the sale boundary
near planned system roads.
Stage B. - Right-of-Way. The Forest lands officer shall complete all rights-of-way
acquisition needs.
Stage C. - Road Survey and Design. Engineer will survey and design system roads to be
constructed. Design shall include determination of quantities and preparation of a cost estimate
for the project. If public works funding is required, all engineering work needed for advertising
a public works contract shall be completed in this stage. Final action will be a plans-in-hand
review to assure design, plan, and specifications are in compliance with the Forest Plan, project
environmental assessment, and established goals, objectives and criteria. This stage normally
will occur at least one year before final contract package and by the concurrent with Stage III B.
Stage D. - Timber Designation. The project forester will complete the area measurement,
tree and boundary marking, cruising, and boundary posting. The appraisal map will be upgraded
as needed. Volume will be calculated and the spread sheer summarizing acreages, volume,
harvest methods, slash disposal, erosion control, and sale area improvement needs will be
completed.
2432.4 - GATE 4: Final Package Preparation, Review, Appraisal, and Offering.
Work begins when the sale is placed on the 12-month timber sale program announcement. It
consists of preparing the road package; work plans for slash disposal, sale area improvements,
erosion control, and salvage sale fund; timber sale contract; appraisal report; and culminates with
a final quality control review and sale advertisement. This gate should be passed 1 1/2 months
prior to the desired sale date.
Stage A. - Final Road Package and Work Plans. Engineer prepares drawings and
specifications for all work to be performed on the forest development transportation system.
Special project specifications shall be initiated and approved as required. Any additional cost
determinations such as road maintenance, surface replacement assessments, cost share
agreements, etc. shall be completed and incorporated into the timber sale package where
appropriate. Project forester will prepare the plans for slash disposal, erosion control, sale area
improvement, and salvage sale fund in accordance with the silvicultural prescription,
environmental analysis, and other Forest Guidelines. A review by the S.O. staff is optional at
this stage.
Stage B. - Contract, Final Engineering Estimate and Timber Sale Appraisal. A sample
timber sale contract including the standard contract sections and the sale area map that
incorporates all requirements identified in the planning and preparation stages will be assembled
by the project forester. Engineering cost estimate shall be prepared for the appraisal subject to
CARIBOU-TARGHEE SUPPLEMENT 2400-2001-2
EFFECTIVE DATE: 01/30/2001
DURATION: Effective until superseded or removed
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CHAPTER 2430 – COMMERCIAL TIMBER SALES
final review just prior to advertisement. The timber sale appraisal and report shall be completed
by the project forester at least 45 days prior to the advertisement date and the entire package
submitted to the Forest Supervisor for review if sale is Forest Supervisor authority or larger.
Final review of District Ranger authority sales is by District staff and review time may be
reduced to that needed to assure a quality package.
Stage C. - Final Package Quality Control. The Forest or District timber project staff and
business management staff will make a final review of the sale package for technical corrections.
They will ensure mathematical accuracy, completeness of plans and sample contacts, and
agreement between all documents in the package. Engineering staff will make final review of
road costs no more than two weeks prior to advertisement.
Stage D. - Advertisement. For large sales the Forest Staff will prepare the prospectus and
the advertisement following legal guidelines in the Forest Service Manual. The district staff will
do it for District Ranger authority ales. These will be published in newspapers and posted in
public places for at least the period specified in Manual guidelines. Optional mailing to
interested parties is permissible. Show-me trips will be announced as part of the advertisement
and will be conducted by the district project forester prior to the date of the bid opening. Trips
are to be held when the sale area conditions can be seen and evaluated. Minimum time lapse for
sale advertisement should be exceeded if needed to ensure adequate review on winter offerings.
2432.5 - GATE 5: Bid Opening.
The business management staff will review bids on the date and time in the manner prescribed
by the advertisement. The apparent high bidder will be identified and recommended to the
Contracting Officer for ward.
2432.6 - GATE 6: Sale Award.
After the Contracting Officer selects the successful bidder, the business management staff will
prepare an award notice for signature and convey it to the bidder.