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FOREST SERVICE MANUAL
PACIFIC SOUTHWEST RESEARCH STATION (PSW)
ALBANY, CA
PACIFIC SOUTHWEST REGION (REGION 5)
VALLEJO, CA
FSM 4000 – RESEARCH
CHAPTER 4060 - RESEARCH FACILITIES AND AREAS
Supplement No.: PSW_4000-2003-01 and R5_4000-2003-01
Effective Date: The Directive Manager completes this field.
Duration: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
Approved: HILDA DIAZ-SOLTERO
Station Director
Approved: BERNIE WEINGARDT
Deputy Regional Forester
Date Approved: 07/15/2003
Date Approved: 07/15/2003
Posting Instructions: Supplements are numbered consecutively by title and calendar year.
Post by document; remove the entire document and replace it with this supplement. Retain this
transmittal as the first page(s) of this document. The last PSW supplement to this title was PSW4000-2002-01 to FSM 4080. The last R5 supplement to this title was No. 4000-92-1 to FSM
4000.
New Document
4060
13 Pages
Superseded Document(s)
(Supplement Number and
Effective Date)
PSW Supp. No. 7, 9/1975
PSW Supp. No. 12, 12/1979
PSW Supp. No. 15, 9/1987
R5 Supp. No. 4000-92-1, 6/15/1992
3 Pages
7 Pages
7 Pages
15 Pages
Digest: Makes minor corrections in spelling, punctuation, and style practices. This is a technical
supplement that converts the format and style of this title to the current corporate word processing
application. Changes made were:
4062.04 - Name changed to Pacific Southwest Research Station. Name changed to Pacific
Southwest Region. Assigns additional responsibilities for experimental forests and
ranges. Exhibit 01 - List of experimental forests and ranges added.
4063.03- - Removed former Exhibit 01.
4063.04 - Assigns additional responsibilities for research natural areas.
4063.05 - Adds definitions for candidate, recommended and established Research Natural Area.
PSW SUPPLEMENT 4000-2003-01 and R5 SUPPLEMENT 4000-2003-01
EFFECTIVE DATE: 7/15/2003
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSM 4000 – RESEARCH
CHAPTER 4060 - RESEARCH FACILITIES AND AREAS
Table of Contents
4062 - EXPERIMENTAL FORESTS AND RANGES ...................................................... 3
4062.04 - Responsibility ......................................................................................................... 3
4063 - RESEARCH NATURAL AREAS ......................................................................... 5
4063.02 - Objectives ............................................................................................................... 5
4063.03 - Policy ...................................................................................................................... 5
4063.04 - Responsibility ......................................................................................................... 6
4063.05 - Definitions .............................................................................................................. 6
4063.2 - Selection ....................................................................................................................... 7
4063.4 - Establishment ............................................................................................................... 8
PSW SUPPLEMENT 4000-2003-01 and R5 SUPPLEMENT 4000-2003-01
EFFECTIVE DATE: 7/15/2003
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSM 4000 – RESEARCH
CHAPTER 4060 - RESEARCH FACILITIES AND AREAS
4062 - EXPERIMENTAL FORESTS AND RANGES
4062.04 - Responsibility
1. Station Director. The Station Director, Pacific Southwest Research Station, has the
responsibility for planning and executing research on experimental forests and ranges and for
determining if any proposed uses are compatible with the research objectives. The Station
Director assigns a Research Project Leader responsibility for the coordination of all activities on
each Experimental Forest or Range, and operation of that facility. The Station Director finances
resource administration, and any improvements relating to research alone. The Station Director
must approve any road construction projects before they may proceed. The Station Director has
final approval on any research conducted on Experimental Forests and Ranges including research
performed by other by other agencies, organizations or individuals. The Station Director also
has final approval on any non-research special use permits issued on Experimental Forests and
Ranges.
2. Regional Forester. The Regional Forester, Pacific Southwest Region, has primary
responsibility for protection of Experimental Forests and Ranges, and when appropriate, for the
development and maintenance of improvements that serve the needs of the general public.
Normally, this responsibility is delegated to the Forest Supervisor. The Regional Forester
ordinarily finances resource administration, and related improvements to the appropriate level of
management.
3. Research Project Leaders. The assigned Research Project Leader exercises control
over the research installations and activities required to conduct the research program and to
protect research investments. The assignment includes responsibility to:
a. Coordinate activities with the delegated Forest Supervisor or designate.
b. Prepare a five-year research management action plan.
c. Take special protections to safeguard or exclude the general public because of
experimental procedures and other activities.
d. Designate timber sale areas, cutting and logging methods, rehabilitation measures,
and special items related to research record keeping or objectives.
e. Participate in timber sale preparation and administration and any other activities
needed to ensure that research objectives are met.
f. Prepare and administer agreements involving research by other agencies or
individuals. Notify the delegated Forest Supervisor of these agreements once the
Station Director has approved them.
PSW SUPPLEMENT 4000-2003-01 and R5 SUPPLEMENT 4000-2003-01
EFFECTIVE DATE: 7/15/2003
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSM 4000 – RESEARCH
CHAPTER 4060 - RESEARCH FACILITIES AND AREAS
4. Forest Supervisors. The Forest Supervisors, delegated by the Regional Forester as
responsible for Experimental Forests and Ranges, have primary responsibility for protection of
the area, and for the development and maintenance of improvements that serve the general
public. These Forest Supervisors are responsible for:
a. Coordinating activities with the Research Project Leader or designate.
b. Road construction or maintenance; however, the Forest Supervisor shall obtain the
Station Director's concurrence prior to new road construction, road rerouting, or
major improvements.
c. Appraising, advertising, and supervising timber sales, administering the timber
sale contracts, and for taking corrective action in cases of contract noncompliance.
d. Issuing non-research special use permits after agreement has been reached with the
Research Project Leader or designate, and with concurrence of the Station Director.
e. Monitoring special use permits and taking corrective action in cases of permit
noncompliance.
5. Coordination Between Research Project Leaders and Forest Supervisors.
Coordination of activities on the Experimental Forests and Ranges between the Research Project
Leader and the Forest Supervisor is essential. To facilitate this coordination, the following
activities should be agreed upon:
a. Joint preparation of a five-year plan to include:
(1) Broad research objectives of the experimental forest or range.
(2) Major commitments of resources, particularly construction and maintenance.
(3) Responsibilities for research installations and operations, including timber
sales.
(4) Required actions, a calendar for these actions, related responsibilities, and
resources to be employed.
(5) Fire protection plan (FSM 4062.5).
b. An annual resource management plan (FSM 4062.5).
c. Joint preparation of proper environmental analyses for all research and nonresearch activities being considered for the area (FSM 1950).
PSW SUPPLEMENT 4000-2003-01 and R5 SUPPLEMENT 4000-2003-01
EFFECTIVE DATE: 7/15/2003
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSM 4000 – RESEARCH
CHAPTER 4060 - RESEARCH FACILITIES AND AREAS
A list of Experimental Forests and Ranges within the Pacific Southwest Region and Station is
shown in Exhibit 01.
Exhibit 01
EXPERIMENTAL FORESTS, RANGES AND AREA
WITHIN PACIFIC SOUTHWEST
REGION AND RESEARCH STATION
Name
Blacks Mountain Experimental Forest
Challenge Experimental Forest
North Mountain Experimental Area
Research
Work
Unit
4155
4155
4403
Onion Creek Experimental Forest
San Dimas Experimental Forest
San Joaquin Experimental Range
Stanislaus-Tuolumne Experimental Forest
Swain Mountain Experimental Forest
Teakettle Experimental Forest
Yurok Experimental Forest
4651
4403
4202
4155
4155
4202
4251
National Forest
Lassen
Plumas
California Desert District, USDI
Bureau of Land Management
Tahoe
Angeles
Sierra
Stanislaus
Lassen
Sierra
Six Rivers
4063 - RESEARCH NATURAL AREAS
4063.02 - Objectives
Establish Research Natural Areas (RNA's) where appropriate, to protect habitats of rare and
endangered species of plants and animals, and representative examples of vegetation
communities that occur on National Forest System land.
4063.03 - Policy
When evaluating impacts and alternatives for the location of timber sales, roads, campgrounds,
similar developments, and other resource values, give equal consideration to the value of RNA's.
Recognize all established, recommended, or candidate RNA's in Forest Land Management Plans.
Nominating and filling gaps in the Region's system of RNA's is an ongoing process and shall
continue as these gaps are identified. Completion of Forest Plans should not prevent Forest
Supervisors from processing RNA proposals.
PSW SUPPLEMENT 4000-2003-01 and R5 SUPPLEMENT 4000-2003-01
EFFECTIVE DATE: 7/15/2003
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSM 4000 – RESEARCH
CHAPTER 4060 - RESEARCH FACILITIES AND AREAS
4063.04 - Responsibility
4063.04b - Regions and Stations
1. Regional Forester and Station Director shall determine whether the number of
Research Natural Areas in the Region is adequate based on targets recommended by the
Regional Research Natural Area Committee.
2. Regional Research Natural Area Committee henceforth referred to as the Committee.
a. Objective. To perform the management and staff work necessary to identify and
establish in a timely manner an adequate number of Research Natural Areas for the
Regional Forester and Station Director. Committee expertise is available to Forest
Supervisors and District Rangers.
b. Composition. The Committee is composed of the following:
(1.) Pacific Southwest Region Members:
(a.) Regional Ecologist, Chair.
(b.) Forest Line Officer.
(c.) Aquatic Biologist Natural Resources Representative.
(d.) Planning Representative.
(e.) Timber Management Representative.
(2.) Pacific Southwest Research Station Members:
(a.) Headquarters Line Officer.
(b.) Headquarters Representative.
(c.) Silvicultural Laboratory, Redding, Representative.
(d.) Forest Fire Laboratory, Riverside, Representative.
(3.) The Chair may designate ad hoc members as needed.
4063.05 - Definitions
1. Candidate RNA. A proposed RNA, for which the RNA Nomination Form (Form R54000-01), signed by the Forest Supervisor, has been submitted to the Regional Forester.
PSW SUPPLEMENT 4000-2003-01 and R5 SUPPLEMENT 4000-2003-01
EFFECTIVE DATE: 7/15/2003
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSM 4000 – RESEARCH
CHAPTER 4060 - RESEARCH FACILITIES AND AREAS
2. Recommended RNA. A candidate RNA for which all of the following steps have been
completed:
a. A preliminary reconnaissance report has been prepared and the Committee has
recommended “retention” of the nomination.
b. A formal ecological survey has been carried out.
c. The Committee has reviewed the ecological survey and routed a final evaluation
and retention recommendation to the Regional Forester.
d. The Regional Forester has approved and signed the retention recommendation.
3. Established RNA. A recommended RNA for which:
a. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process has been completed.
b. A completed, formal Establishment Record has been signed by both the Regional
Forester and the Station Director.
4063.2 - Selection
In selecting RNA's, maintain a balance among the following criteria:
1. Accessibility. Accessibility to personnel and equipment serves to encourage research
and educational activity, and provides for reasonable efficiency in area use and protection.
2. Buffering and Remoteness. Reasonable buffering and/or remoteness are required to
allow ecological and ecosystem processes to occur in as natural a fashion as possible, so that,
among other things, non-destructive research and ecological study may be validly carried out.
3. Historical Land Uses. Practices such as livestock grazing, recreation use, plant
collecting and other similar public uses contribute in some degree to modification of the natural
ecosystem. When selecting areas subject to these uses, consider (a) the significant effects these
uses exert on scientific values, (b) opportunities for their elimination or control, and (c)
alternative availability of comparable but less impacted areas for RNA designation. Evaluate on
a case-by-case basis.
4. Representation of Target Elements. Evaluate nominated areas for the extent to which
they represent target elements recommended by the Committee. Compare all candidate RNA's
representing the same element to identify those of optimum quality. Also review data from
existing RNA's to determine the extent to which that target element is already represented. Base
selection on the degree to which the target element shall be adequately represented in the
physiographic province and in the Region.
PSW SUPPLEMENT 4000-2003-01 and R5 SUPPLEMENT 4000-2003-01
EFFECTIVE DATE: 7/15/2003
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSM 4000 – RESEARCH
CHAPTER 4060 - RESEARCH FACILITIES AND AREAS
5. Size. In order to provide better opportunity for survival of local genetic strains,
increase overall scientific and conservational value, and simplify management of surrounding
lands, combine target elements to form a few larger areas rather than many smaller ones, to the
extent feasible. Select individual areas on the basis of qualities and characteristics of the areas
themselves, rather than geographic location.
6. Current Land Designations. Designated areas such as Wilderness or National
Recreation Areas may contain the best or only opportunity to represent some target elements.
Identify and evaluate potential nominations within these designated areas on their merits.
Although the urgency for action may be less, RNA's may be established in these designated areas
if there is sufficient justification.
4063.4 - Establishment
Follow these procedures for establishing new RNA's. To the extent possible, bring areas already
being processed into conformity with these procedures.
1. The Regional Forester assigns target elements to Forest Supervisors, based on needs
for completing the RNA system, directing Forest Supervisors to initiate searches for and to
nominate prospective areas.
2. The Forest Supervisors nominate areas to Regional Forester by submitting a signed
form R5-4000-1, Research Natural Area Nomination. These nominated areas become Research
Natural Area Candidates. Exhibit 02 is a completed sample.
PSW SUPPLEMENT 4000-2003-01 and R5 SUPPLEMENT 4000-2003-01
EFFECTIVE DATE: 7/15/2003
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSM 4000 – RESEARCH
CHAPTER 4060 - RESEARCH FACILITIES AND AREAS
Exhibit 02
R5-4000-01 (Rev. 9/2002) RESEARCH NATURAL AREA NOMINATION
USDA Forest Service
Ref: FSM 4063 Research Natural Area Nomination
Research Natural Area Nomination
Six Rivers
Type No. 230
National Forest
Date: January 13, 2003
Type Name: Douglas fir - Western Hemlock
Suggested name of area: Upper Moose Creek RNA
Brief description of area and reasons for proposal:
The proposed Upper Moose Creek RNA is located just west of Forest road 15N01, on the
Gasquet Ranger District, Six Rivers National Forest. It is in the Klamath Mountains Province
and represents the Douglas fir - Western Hemlock type, SAF type 230. It is separated into two
small tracts along Moose Creek that total 380 acres. Most of the Douglas-fir - Western Hemlock
type in the Klamath Mountains Province is located on private land which has been logged.
Possible conflicting uses: Logging.
Map of area location:
(Cut a small section of Forest Service map and attach here within the square.) Either the map or
the brief description should have latitude/longitude coordinates for the RNA’s center.
________________________
Forest Supervisor
R5-4000-01
(Rev. 9/2002)
PSW SUPPLEMENT 4000-2003-01 and R5 SUPPLEMENT 4000-2003-01
EFFECTIVE DATE: 7/15/2003
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSM 4000 – RESEARCH
CHAPTER 4060 - RESEARCH FACILITIES AND AREAS
3. The Regional Forester refers the RNA candidate to the Committee for action.
4. The Committee Chair names a Reconnaissance Team of one or more individuals to
conduct field reconnaissance and suitability screening of the RNA candidate.
5. The Committee prepares a letter (to be signed by the Regional Forester) to
acknowledge receipt of nomination, and to inform the Forest Supervisor of the Reconnaissance
Team membership.
6. The Reconnaissance Team should schedule field reconnaissance for the first available
field season. The Team should correspond directly with the Forest Supervisor or Forest Staff
regarding arrangements, scheduling, and any other requirements or concerns.
7. The Reconnaissance Team performs field reconnaissance and prepares a written
preliminary evaluation including mandatory coverage of the following items:
a. Quality of the area for representing the target element(s).
b. Size and potential boundary options (including a suggested boundary for the
ecological survey).
c. Existing physical improvements.
d. Accessibility.
e. Evidence of past disturbances and modifications.
f. Existing public uses and activities.
g. Graphic display (photos, maps, etc.).
h. Recommendations for retention or release.
8. The Team routes copies of the preliminary evaluation to all Committee members, and
presents the results orally to the committee at its next regular meeting.
9. Based on the preliminary reconnaissance evaluation, the oral presentation, and any
other information available, the Committee recommends to the Regional Forester to either (1)
retain the area as a candidate, or to (2) release the area from consideration.
10. The Regional Forester informs the Forest Supervisor of the Committee's
recommendation. If the area has been retained, the Forest Supervisor is directed to continue
protection of the RNA candidate from modification until completion of the processing.
11. PSW arranges for an ecological survey of the RNA candidate. (See Exhibit 03.)
PSW SUPPLEMENT 4000-2003-01 and R5 SUPPLEMENT 4000-2003-01
EFFECTIVE DATE: 7/15/2003
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSM 4000 – RESEARCH
CHAPTER 4060 - RESEARCH FACILITIES AND AREAS
Exhibit 03
GUIDELINES FOR ECOLOGICAL SURVEYS OF
CANDIDATE RESEARCH NATURAL AREAS
The following requirements should guide the performance of contracts for ecological surveys of
Candidate Research Natural Areas:
1. The Forest Supervisor should describe, in advance, the boundary of the study area.
(This boundary may be somewhat larger than the proposed candidate area).
2. The ecological survey should be performed during the next available field season,
with a written report due at a specified time noted in contract.
3. An acceptable Ecological Survey Report should, at a minimum, contain the following
information:
a. Topographic map and narrative descriptions of all principal plant communities in
the study area, a discussion of size, general characteristics, successional relationships,
natural disturbance cycles, and scientific and educational values.
b. Notation of the occurrence of any endangered, threatened, sensitive, or rare plant or
animal species in the study area.
12. The Committee informs the Forest Supervisor of the arrangements made for the
ecological survey.
13. Upon receipt of the ecological survey results, the Committee prepares a letter for
Regional Forester signature, transmitting copies to Forest Supervisor and District Ranger and
asking them to promptly send any comments concerning omissions or factual errors.
14. The Chair appoints a Final Review Team, comprised of the original Reconnaissance
Team as well as other Committee members. The Final Review Team reviews the ecological
survey results, and other available information; and prepares a written draft evaluation, and
recommendation. (See Exhibit 04.)
PSW SUPPLEMENT 4000-2003-01 and R5 SUPPLEMENT 4000-2003-01
EFFECTIVE DATE: 7/15/2003
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSM 4000 – RESEARCH
CHAPTER 4060 - RESEARCH FACILITIES AND AREAS
Exhibit 04
CONTENTS OF ECOLOGICAL SURVEY EVALUATION
FOR RESEARCH NATURAL AREAS
1. Description of overall suitability of the Candidate Research Natural Area in terms of
quality criteria for Research Natural Areas.
2. Evaluation of each element represented in the Candidate Research Natural Area in
terms of need in the target element system. The evaluation should consider the presence of such
target elements in already established RNA's and other candidate areas.
3. Evaluation of each target element represented in the Candidate Research Natural Area
in terms of size and quality and corresponding ability to adequately represent that element in the
target RNA system.
4. Evaluation of other elements represented in the Candidate Research Natural Area in
terms of their unique scientific value and interrelationship with associated elements.
5. Identification of a minimum area boundary that adequately serves Research Natural
Area purposes.
6. Identification of a maximum area boundary beyond which Research Natural Area
values become redundant.
7. Recommendations, as appropriate.
15. The Committee Chair routes the ecological survey, together with the draft evaluation
and recommendation, to all Committee members for their review and comment.
16. The Committee revises the draft evaluation and recommendation to represent the
Committee's consensus, and then submits a final evaluation and recommendation to the Regional
Forester for consideration.
17. The Regional Forester approves or rejects the candidate RNA, or remands the
decision on the candidate RNA back to committee for further consideration.
18. Areas approved by the Regional Forester at this stage become Recommended
Research Natural Areas. Once the RNA reaches the Recommended stage, the RNA Committee
sends the final evaluation and recommendation to the Forest Supervisor, together with a letter
directing the Forest Supervisor to schedule the completion of the necessary NEPA analysis and
PSW SUPPLEMENT 4000-2003-01 and R5 SUPPLEMENT 4000-2003-01
EFFECTIVE DATE: 7/15/2003
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSM 4000 – RESEARCH
CHAPTER 4060 - RESEARCH FACILITIES AND AREAS
the Establishment Record. The NEPA analysis and Establishment Record must be completed no
later than the end of the following fiscal year. In some cases, the RNA Committee may provide
help in facilitating timely completion of Establishment Records.
19. Once Establishment Record and NEPA work are completed, the Regional Forester
approves establishment of the RNAs with concurrence of the Station Director.
20. Specifics relating to the Establishment Record and its contents are found in FSM
4063.41 and 4063.42. The Establishment Record must include a management plan ensuring
continued protection of the RNA and focusing on the establishment objectives (see FSM
4060.02) pertinent to the RNA.