2409.26f,500
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FSH 2409.26f - SEED HANDBOOK
R2 AMENDMENT 2409.26f-93-1
EFFECTIVE 6/15/93
CHAPTER 500 - CONE COLLECTION AND HANDLING
Contents
510
PLANNING AND ORGANIZATION FOR CONE AND SEED
COLLECTION
520
521
PROCUREMENT BY BID CONTRACT
Contracting Officer's Representative
530
531
532
LOCAL CONE PURCHASE
Guidelines for Local Cone Collector
Inspection and Measuring
540
CONE COLLECTION EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES
550
MINIMUM CONE COLLECTION SIZE
560
SACKING AND LABELING
570
571
572
CONE HANDLING CHECKLIST
Responsibilities
Instructions for Completing the Cone Handling Checklist
580
DELIVERY TO EXTRACTORY
R2 Amendment 2409.26f-93-1
Effective 06/15/93
2409.26f,500
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510 - PROCUREMENT METHODS. Cones or seed may be obtained by the
following methods.
1. Contracting. A bid contract may be issued for collection and delivery of
cones. Contracts for cone purchase by this method should be limited to large
collections in excess of 50 bushels. It may, therefore, be necessary to contract for
several collections at the same time and in the same general area before commercial
collectors will respond. Payment will be made on the basis of specified amounts of
clean cones having specified average counts of mature, filled seeds per cut cone face.
2. Local Cone Purchase and Forest Service Processing. This procedure is
commonly used to collect cones or seed from local designated collection areas.
Collections are made by cone allotments to individual local collectors. Payment is
based on bushels of clean, sound cones, having specified minimum number of
mature, filled seed per cut face.
3. Force Account. When Force Account Collection is used, the same collection
standards as required for contract collection should be followed.
520 - PROCUREMENT BY BID CONTRACT. Contracts for collection and delivery
of clean cones may be issued by Forest or Regional Office Contracting Offices, upon
recommendation of the responsible Timber Management Officers.
Such contracts require the contractor to collect cones from specified sources, to
identify the collected cones, to maintain this identification during handling, storage,
transporting, and processing, and to deliver clean cones or seed of a specified
standard to the Forest Service.
It may be desirable to coordinate and consolidate cone purchases on different forests
to insure collection of a large enough quantity of seed to interest cone collectors
from nonlocal areas. Early determination of a collectible cone and seed crop is
essential. Known collectors from other areas can be notified of collection needs and
their interest in bidding determined. If there is no interest in bidding indicated,
alternative collection methods must be evaluated and planned.
521 - Contracting Officer's Representative (COR). Field activities for cone collection
are administered at the Forest level by a Contracting Officer's Representative
(COR) designated by the Contracting Officer (CO).
530 - LOCAL CONE PURCHASE. Local cone purchase at a price per bushel of
cones is one of the most economical methods of cone collection and is probably the
most frequently used method of obtaining cones. Local cone purchase will not be
made in areas where cone contracts are active.
531 - Guidelines for Local Cone Collectors. Inform potential local cone collectors of
current cone collection opportunities.
1. Cone collection announcements should include:
a. Species and quantity of cones to be purchased.
R2 Amendment 2409.26f-93-1
Effective 06/15/93
2409.26f,500
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b. Designated seed zone, elevations, and collection areas.
c. Method of collection.
d. Price per bushel of cones by species.
e. Payment method - cash or purchase order.
f. Minimum quality standards.
2. Suggested aids for local collectors:
a. Display board showing sample cones of species to be collected. Include
samples of cut cones having acceptable counts of sound, mature seed per
cut seed face. If possible, include samples of unacceptable and insect
infested cones.
b. Display inspection table including supply of acceptable, clean cones of
desired species and unacceptable cone lots having wrong species, insect
damaged cones, and foreign matter.
c. Provide diagrammatic maps showing collection areas including
recognizable reference points. Include elevations of collection areas
referenced to landmarks on the maps.
d. Display a one U.S. standard bushel measurement container.
e. Provide "Instructions for Cone Collectors" (ex. 01) to each collector
receiving a collection allotment.
f. Display a burlap cone sack (obtained from the Bessey Tree Nursery)
properly filled with one U.S. standard bushel of cleaned and sorted cones,
tied and identified with a completed Cone Identification Tag (see Section
560 for sacking and labeling of cones).
R2 Amendment 2409.26f-93-1
Effective 06/15/93
2409.26f,500
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531 - Exhibit 01
INSTRUCTIONS FOR CONE COLLECTORS
FS Unit
Date
Contractor
Address
You are hereby authorized to collect tree cones of the species listed below, in the
amounts specified for each, in compliance with the terms and conditions stated
herein.
1. Amounts:
Species
Ponderosa pine
Ponderosa pine
Bushels
80
70
Price Per Bushel
$25
$20
2. Sources from which cones are to be collected by species:
Species
Ponderosa pine
Ponderosa pine
Ponderosa pine
Bushels
30
50
70
Location
(Name or T, R, Sect.)
Boggy Draw
Turkey Creek
McPhee Park
Elevation
(Feet)
7,600
7,800
8,000
Map No.
1
2
3
3. Cones will be delivered to Dolores R.D. Office for measurement and inspection.
(Delivery Point)
4. Cone Inspection and Payment.
a. Cones will be accepted only if they are collected from specified seed zones
and elevations, designated stands and individual trees. Frequent period inspections
to the designed collection areas must be made to insure compliance with collection
specifications. If inspector has justifiable reason to believe that all or part of a
collection is from a source other than that specified the entire lot will be rejected.
b. Except for lodgepole pine, only current year cones having sound mature
seed will be accepted. For lodgepole pine, closed (never previously opened) cones
from previous years crops will be accepted that have less than 1/2 of their surface
area of grey color (weathered).
c. Only cones of the specified species will be accepted.
d. All cones will be measured in standard U.S. bushel (2,150 cubic inches)
containers. Payment will be made for full bushels only.
e. Only dry cones free of trash, debris (twigs, branches, needles, rocks, and so
forth) and mold will be accepted. Sacks containing debris must be cleaned and
resacked before acceptance and payment.
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Effective 06/15/93
2409.26f,500
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531 - Exhibit 01--Continued
f. Cones must be undamaged by rodents, insects, fungi, and negligence by the
collector. Cones totally destroyed by insects will be rejected. Lots of cones, other
than true firs which contain 75 percent or more sound seed, will be accepted at full
price. True firs will be accepted at 50 percent or more sound seed. Cones having
less than 75 percent but more than 35 percent sound seed will be accepted but an
adjustment will be made in the number of bushels paid for on the basis of the ratio
of sound seed to 75 percent, except for true firs which will be appropriately
adjusted. Example: If only 50 percent of the seed is sound, the number of bushels
paid for will be .50/.75 or two-thirds of the total furnished, but all cones will be the
property of the Forest Service. Lots having less than 35 percent sound seed will be
rejected and ownership retained by the vendor.
g. Soundness will be determined on the basis of cutting lengthwise a
representative, randomly selected sample (minimum of 10 cones per lot of cones) of
the cones and counting the sound and unsound seed faces exposed.
h. The vendor will have the option of rejecting offers of partial payment. In
such a case, the vendor will retain ownership of the cones and will be responsible for
removing the same from the premises. The same will apply to all cones rejected for
other reasons. If not removed within three days from time of inspection, all rejected
cones will be destroyed.
i. Payment will be made as promptly as possible for all cones accepted.
However, it will be necessary to process purchase orders and payment vouchers
through several offices. Consequently, it may require 30 days to process these
payments.
j. Cones will not be accepted after November 1.
k. Nothing in these instructions or conditions shall be construed to be a
definite contract to bind the vendor as to the amount of cones furnished in
accordance hereto. Cones will not be accepted in excess of the authorized amount
without prior approval of the purchasing officer.
532 - Inspection and Measuring. Inspection tests should be standard and uniform
for all cone collectors, including Forest Service crews. The cone and seed cutting
test, both in the field and at the time of purchase, is the only method that can be
relied upon to determine seed maturity and to estimate yields of quality seed. Each
sack of cones must not be more than half full of cones of a single species. Before
purchase, all cones offered for sale must be measured to insure proper purchase and
payment. All sacks must be free of debris and only clean, dry cones of the specified
species will be purchased and shipped to the Bessey Nursery for seed extraction.
540 - CONE COLLECTION EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES.
Suggested Cone Collecting Equipment and Supplies:
R2 Amendment 2409.26f-93-1
Effective 06/15/93
2409.26f,500
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1. Cone cutter.
2. Cone identification tags (R2-2470-10).
3. Cone Handling Checklist (R2-2470-25).
4. String, binder twine, and so forth, used to close and tie sacks (do not use
wire to tie sacks).
5. Standard U.S. bushel meal cone measure. (Do not use for collecting cones).
6. Gloves, leather preferred, especially when working with lodgepole and
ponderosa pines.
7. Ladders, if tree climbing is planned.
8. Safety belt, ropes and other equipment if climbing is planned.
9. Branch hooks for hand picking and "S" hooks for attaching cone sacks to
limbs, if climbing is planned.
10. Hard hats and other required safety equipment.
11. Altimeter to record elevation of collections. Use contour maps if
altimeter is not available.
12. Waterproof marking pencils for completing tags.
13. Copy of appropriate seed handbook pages.
14. Hand cleaner and rags for cleanup.
15. Burlap cone collection sacks. These sacks will be supplied by the Bessey
Nursery. Do not use tight weave or plastic sacks because they will cause heating
and molding of cones.
16. Stone to sharpen cone cutter.
17. First-aid kit for appropriate crew size.
18. Binoculars (6X or 8X).
19. Hand lens (10X) and razor blades (protect properly).
20. Plastic flagging for stand and individual tree marking.
21. Axe and/or chain saw with equipment, gas and oil.
22. Tarpaulins or drop cloths.
23. Hand pruners and/or pruners.
24. Portable cone cleaner.
R2 Amendment 2409.26f-93-1
Effective 06/15/93
2409.26f,500
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25. Rifle and ammunition with authorization to use if shooting for checking
cones is anticipated.
550 - MINIMUM CONE COLLECTION SIZE. The minimum cone collection size
for Engelmann spruce, lodgepole pine, Douglas-fir and white fir will be five bushels.
For blue spruce and ponderosa pine the minimum collection size will be 10 bushels.
Cones must be collected from a minimum of 20 individual trees in a stand. Small
lots are difficult and expensive to handle, both in the field and at the seed
extractory. Exceptions are appropriate for special purposes, such as tests, special
projects, tree improvement programs, and for shrub species. These special project
collections and special processing necessary should be financed by Project and not
Working Capital Funds.
560 - SACKING AND LABELING. Burlap cone sacks should be obtained from the
Bessey Nursery and used for sacking of cones. Do not fill the sacks more than half
full.
A U.S. standard one-bushel, metal measure (2150 cubic inches) should be used to
measure cones for sacking (ex. 01). These metal cone measuring containers should
be marked and used for cone collection measuring only. A wooden box measuring
12x12x15 inches inside measure (2160 cubic inches) can be used as a substitute
measuring device.
Before sacks are tied, Cone Identification Tags (R2-2470-10) should be completed
(ex. 02). These tags can be obtained from the Bessey Nursery at the same time as
cone sacks are obtained. The completed bottom portion of the Cone Identification
Tag should be placed inside the sack. The completed top portion of this tag is then
securely fastened to the outside of the sack near the top. The cone tag string should
not be used to close and fasten the sack. If the portion of the cone tag on the outside
of the sack is damaged or lost, the portion inside the sack will identify the seed.
Cones received at the nursery that are lacking both tag portions or that cannot be
accurately identified will not be accepted by the nursery. The cone sack should be
securely tied near the open end with heavy string, cord or binder twine (no wire),
leaving ample room for cone expansion as they dry.
R2 Amendment 2409.26f-93-1
Effective 06/15/93
2409.26f,500
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560 - Exhibit 01
Bushel Measure - Measure Level Full
SEE THE PAPER COPY OF THE MASTER SET
FOR SECTION 560 - EXHIBIT 01.
R2 Amendment 2409.26f-93-1
Effective 06/15/93
2409.26f,500
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560 - Exhibit 02
Cone Identification Tag
/
\
/
0
/
\
/
/
\
USDA - FOREST SERVICE
CONE IDENTIFICATION TAG
Forest
San Juan
District
Dolores
\
0
\
/
\
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Refer to FSH 2409.26f,
Section 560.
2. Use pencil only.
Source
Code P P:1 3 : 2 4 7: 0 7 6 : 9 2
3. Fill in Forest and District.
4. Fill in Source Code.
USDA - FOREST SERVICE
CONE IENTIFICATION TAG
Refer to FSH 2409.26f,
Section 230.
5. Complete both protions of tag
Forest
San Juan
District
Dolores
Source
Code P P:1 3 : 2 4 7: 0 7 6 : 9 2
6. Detach bottom portion of tag.
Securely fasten (string) top
portion to outside (top) of
collection sack. Place
bottom portion inside sack.
R2-2470-10 (Rev. 8/92)
FRONT
BACK
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Effective 06/15/93
2409.26f,500
Page 10 of 15
570 - CONE HANDLING CHECKLIST. All plant reproductive materials (seed,
seedlings, cuttings, and so forth) used in revegetation and tree improvement
projects in Region 2 will be identified, including source and origin, from time of
collection through final use, and to identify plant materials used in site records and
in RMRIS (seed source). Data on origin of cones and seed collected for use in
revegetation projects will be recorded on form R2-2470-25, Cone Handling
Checklist.
571 - Responsibilities.
1. Regional Forester will:
a. Assure verification of origin of all cone and seed lots to the detail
necessary for determining compatibility of lots and revegetation sites and
maintenance of accurate records.
b. Provide for permanent records of plant material origin information.
c. Assure long-term continuity in the identity-control system.
2. Nursery Manager, Bessey Nursery will:
a. Maintain long-term, complete and accurate seed lot records for all seed
handled and stored at the Bessey Nursery.
b. Distribute current seedbank inventories to the Regional Office and
Forests by June 1 each year.
3. Forest Supervisors will assure that Districts submit completed Cone
Handling Checklists to the Bessey Nursery for each cone and seed lot shipped to the
Bessey Nursery.
4. District Rangers will provide complete and accurate Cone Handling
Checklists to the Bessey Nursery for each cone and seed lot shipped to the Bessey
Nursery for seed extraction and storage.
572 - Instructions for Completing Cone Handling Checklist. This form should be
obtained from the Bessey Nursery when cone sacks and Cone Identification Tags
are ordered. This form will be completed by District or Forest personnel. This form,
when combined with the Cone Identification Tags, provides all the essential
verification records and information to deal with the seed lot and its unique genetic
properties. All of the required NMIS reporting information will be included on this
form. This required information is necessary for seed transfer, parentage for genetic
records, and for identification of stands and seed sources exhibiting desirable
characteristics.
Each of the following items shall be included on the Cone Handling Checklist. A
completed field portion of the checklist is shown in Exhibit 1. Only section A of the
checklist is to be completed by the District or Forest. The remainder of the checklist
will be completed by the Bessey Nursery and a copy returned to the Forest as a
processed seed record.
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Effective 06/15/93
2409.26f,500
Page 11 of 15
1. Seed Source (PMIC). Enter the appropriate 12-digit alpha numeric PMIC,
as described in section 240, which identifies the seedlot.
2. Collection Date (six-digit numeric code). Enter the month, date, and year of
collection. Example: October 5, 1992 is coded 10/05/92.
3. Species (two-digit alpha code). Enter the PMIC species code listed in
Section 240, Exhibit 1 and common name. Example: PP/Ponderosa pine.
4. Forest/District (four digit-numeric code). Enter the numeric codes for
Forest and District. Also write the name of the Forest and Ranger District.
Example: 13/02 San Juan/Dolores
5. Seed Zone (three-or four-digit numeric code). Enter the appropriate seed
zone number as shown in section 210, exhibit 01 or in USDA Forest Service
Research Paper RM-150 (Cunningham 1975).
6. Elevation (four-or five-digit numeric code). Elevation of the midpoint of
collection is recorded to the nearest 50 feet. For example: If the elevation of the
midpoint of a ponderosa pine seed collection on the San Juan NF is 7,620 feet,
record 7600 for elevation. If the elevation of the midpoint of an Engelmann spruce
seed collection from the San Juan NF is 10,540 feet, record 10550 for elevation.
7. Geographic Location. Enter Township, Range, Section, and 1/4 Section for
location of seed source. Enter Latitude and Longitude to the nearest degree and
minute.
8. Habitat Type (eight-digit alpha code). Record the eight-digit alpha code for
habitat type.
9. Genetic Base (four-digit numeric code). These numbers describe the extent
of the genetic base of the seed collection. The first two digits of the code specify the
number of stands where seed was collected. The last digits are used to indicate the
average number of trees from which seed was collected in each stand. For example:
if ten stands were collected from and and an average of five trees per stand, record
1005 on the form. When the number of stands or trees collected from exceeds 99,
the number 99 is recorded. For example: the code 0399 indicates that seed was
collected from three stands and 99 or more trees per stand. The genetic base in
Exhibit 1 indicates that seed was collected from 20 trees in one stand. Note: Seed
should be collected from a minimum of 20 trees per collection to maintain a broad
genetic base for each seed lot.
10. Collection Method (two-digit numeric code). This code identifies the
methods used for cone collection. The first digit indicates the method used for cone
collection. The second digit indicates how the cones were collected. Use the
following codes:
R2 Amendment 2409.26f-93-1
Effective 06/15/93
Method Used
1 - Force Account
2 - Contract
3 - Local Cone Purchase
4 - Dealer Purchase
5 - Cooperator
6 - Forest User
2409.26f,500
Page 12 of 15
How Collected
1 - Felled Trees
2 - Climbing
3 - Squirrel Cache
4 - Clean Seed
5 - Shaking
6 - Pole Pruner
7 - Other
Exhibit 01 indicates a contract collection by climbing.
11. Collection Type (three-or four- digit numeric code). This code consists of
national codes used to identify the collection source and the tree improvement
intensity level. The first number in the code identifies the source of collection. For
the first number use the following codes which are described in Section 230.
Code
1
2
3
4
Description
Natural Stands Designated Seed Area (Level 1).
Seed Collection Stand (Level 2).
Seed Production Areas (Level 3a).
Selected Trees (Level 3b).
The next two or three numbers identify unique Seed Collection Stands, Seed
Production Areas, or Selected Trees. These are numbers that have been assigned
by the Regional Office. Exhibit 1 indicates that the collection was made in Seed
Production Area 03, Boggy Draw.
12. Sublot Number (One-digit numeric code). When the same species, same
mid-point elevation, and seed zone are collected from, each succeeding lot shall be
assigned a different sublot number. Zero indicates the first collection; a second
collection is assigned a 1. For example: if three collections of the same species, from
the same elevation and seed zone, are being made, then the sublot number for the
third collection would be 2.
13. Seed Bank (one-digit code). This code is used to identify the area of fiscal
responsibility for the seed being collected. The codes to be used include:
Code
Area Responsible
1
Collected with WCF to replace inventory used.
2
Collected with K-V funds.
3
Appropriated, Range Improvement.
4
Appropriated, Reforestation.
5
Appropriated, Soil/Water Rehabilitation.
6
Appropriated, Wildlife Improvement.
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Effective 06/15/93
2409.26f,500
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7
Addition to Inventory (must be approved by RO).
8
Replacement of Inventory Donated by Appropriated Funds.
14. Owner. Enter name of seed ownership.
15. Collector. Enter the name of the collector, whether by Force Account,
Contract, or other.
16. Checked By. Enter name of individual responsible for checking collection.
17. Seed Count/Cut Face. Record the number of seeds per single cut face for
10 individual cones and average for the 10 cones. Cutting of cones is the main
method for determining seed maturity, insect and disease damage, number of
healthy seed and suitability of the cones for processing.
NOTE: If this step is not completed prior to arrival of the collection at the Bessey
Nursery, the collection will not be accepted.
18. Bushels Shipped. Indicate the number of bushels of cones in the shipment,
to the nearest half bushel. Example: If 23 1/2 bushels are shipped, enter 23.5.
19. Date Shipped (six-digit numeric code). Enter the mm/dd/yr of shipment.
20. Remarks. Enter any special information on the collection, such as the
nature of the collection, special processing needs, and so forth.
21. Special Processing Alert. This block in the upper right hand corner should
be used to indicate if processing of the seed lot is necessary so that the seed may be
used the following spring.
22. Color Coding of Cone Collections. If more than one cone collection is
shipped to the Bessey Nursery, it will be helpful in identifying each collection by
using small pieces of colored plastic flagging, stapled to the Cone Handling
Checklist and each cone tag from the same collection. Use the same color flagging
for each collection and different colors for different collections.
R2 Amendment 2409.26f-93-1
Effective 06/15/93
2409.26f,500
Page 14 of 15
572 - Exhibit 01
CONE HANDLING CHECKLIST
SEE THE PAPER COPY OF THE MASTER SET
FOR SECTION 572 - EXHIBIT 01.
R2 Amendment 2409.26f-93-1
Effective 06/15/93
2409.26f,500
Page 15 of 15
580 - DELIVERY TO EXTRACTORY. After inspection, sacking and labeling, cones
should be delivered promptly to the Bessey Nursery for extraction. If temporary
storage is necessary, follow proper temporary storage procedures.
Collections from a single seed source should not be split and delivered in two or
more shipments. Delay shipment of partial collections until an entire collection is
available. This will avoid duplication of handling, storage and record keeping for
single collections and will greatly simplify extraction at the Nursery.
Sacked cones must have good air circulation and room for cone expansion. Fill cone
sacks no more than half full. Sacks must be stored off the ground in dry, shaded,
and well ventilated facilities. Hose drying racks or wooden pallets can be used for
temporary cone storage, or simple, temporary storage racks can be constructed
locally. Cone sacks can be hung on large hooks screwed into the storage racks. See
Dobbs et al. 1976 for illustrations of these types of interim storage facilities. Cone
sacks must be turned frequently to prevent heat buildup within the sacks and to
allow for cone expansion. Cones should not be stored in facilities containing
petroleum products, such as gasoline or oil, because exposure of cones and seed to
these chemicals will damage the seed.
Districts and Forests should provide for cone shipment to the extractory by the most
appropriate and efficient method available. Delivery to the extractory should be
coordinated between Districts and Forests to the fullest extent possible. Timing of
cone shipments should be communicated between the District or Forest and the
Bessey Nursery.
Cones should be delivered in clean, dry, covered, and well ventilated vehicles.
Delivery vehicles should not contain stored petroleum products that can damage the
seed. Shipment of cones should be via the most direct method possible to prevent
damage to seed. It is recommended the Forests deliver cones to the
Nursery for processing in vehicles that will prevent cones from heating up (e.g.,
refrigerated vans, ventilated trailers, and so forth) If cones must be shipped,
commercial transport firms like UPS should be avoided as shipment is not direct
and seed could be damaged during shipment. Shipment of cones during the heat-ofthe-day should be avoided whenever possible. It is also recommended that the
Forest/District contact the Nursery prior to making shipping arrangements in the
event that Nursery personnel would be scheduled to be in the area and could
transport cones back to the Nursery.
Each cone collection from a single seed source must be accompanied by a completed
Cone Handling Checklist (sec. 570) which includes required pertinent information
related to seed origin, method of collection, genetic base, time of collection, and so
forth. Individual cone sacks can be correlated with their appropriate Cone
Handling Checklist at the extractory by the seed source code, assigned at the
collection station, and included on the Cone Identification Tags and the Cone
Handling Checklist.