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FOREST SERVICE HANDBOOK
PACIFIC SOUTHWEST REGION (R5)
VALLEJO CA
FSH 2409.15 - TIMBER SALE ADMINISTRATION HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 60 - OPERATIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS
Supplement No.: 2409.15-2012-01
Effective Date: August 2, 2012
Duration: This Supplement expires 5 years from the effective date unless superseded or
removed earlier.
Approved: RANDY MOORE
Regional Forester
Date Approved: 08/02/2012
Posting Instructions: Supplements are numbered consecutively by Handbook number 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 supplement
to this Handbook was 2409.15-2011-2 to Chapter 20
New Document
2409.15_60
Superseded Document(s) by
Issuance Number and
Effective Date
All Previous
83 Pages
Digest:
Combined all R5 2409.15 chapter 60 supplements into a single supplement and updated
formatting.
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60.4 - Responsibility
Provision C/CT6.1 requires that each party have a designated representative readily available to
the sale area with authority to receive notices and take action relative to performance under the
contract. For the Forest Service, this is generally the Forest Service Representative. The
Purchaser is obligated to designate in writing a Purchaser Representative. These two individuals,
the Purchaser Representative and the Forest Service Representative serve as the primary
communications link for the exchange of written notices as provided for in provision B/BT6.11.
In addition to the designated official representatives, both parties will normally designate other
administrative and supervisory personnel in order to meet many of the on-the-ground contractual
obligations. The titles, responsibilities, authorities and relationships of these individuals are
outlined in Zero Code, section 04 of this Handbook. These individuals normally deal with one
another on a day-to-day basis whereas the Forest Service Representative and the Purchaser
Representative may not.
61 - OPERATIONS PROVISIONS (FORM FS-2400-6 AND FS-2400-6T, 1970 AND
1973 EDITIONS)
61.11 - Protection of Improvements (B/BT6.22)
Before approving log removal operations, Sale Administrators should consider the protection
needs of:
1. Existing or planned improvements such as utility lines, dwellings, mining claim rights
and developments.
2. Antiquity areas, historical sites, and visual resources.
3. Other permitted uses such as range allotments, apiary sites and riding and hiking trails.
Refer to Chapter 10 for a detailed listing of other considerations.
4. Mining claims (access, tunnels, air shafts, equipment and buildings)
5. Roads, trails, bridges, fords and cattleguards.
6. Fences, ditches, dams and waterholes.
7. Water sources, pipelines and tanks.
8. Power and telephone transmissions which include lines on the surface or buried lines.
9. Heliports and helispots.
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10. Residual trees, reserve trees and wildlife den trees such as snags.
11. Summer homes.
12. Isolated residences.
13. Resorts, lodges and organizational camps.
61.11a - Protection of Land Survey Monuments (B/BT6.23)
See FSM 7152 for additional information.
61.22 - Operating Schedule (B/BT6.31)
Although not required under the timber sale contract, schedule a preoperations meeting before
operations begin. Facilitate joint preparation or review of the operating schedule, safety
precautions, fire plan, slash treatment schedule, log accountability agreement and other necessary
agreements.
As a minimum, the Purchaser Representative, Field Representative, Forest Service
Representative, Sale Administrator, Harvest Inspector, Engineering Representative, and
Construction Inspector should attend the preoperations meeting. Schedule meetings far enough
in advance of planned activity (5-10 days) to provide participants sufficient time on the ground
to reach necessary agreements and complete preliminary work.
Before attending a preoperations meeting, Sale Officers should conduct a field review of the sale
area and become familiar with specific contract requirements, special provisions and other
background information such as the timber sale and appraisal report, environmental analysis, sale
preparation folder and so on)
61.24 - Safety (B/BT6.33) and (C/CT6.33)
1. Safety References. Applicable laws, orders and Forest Service reference material
pertaining to safety include:
a. Subchapter 13. Logging and Sawmill Safety Orders. These orders are outlined in
the California Administrative Code, Title 8, Industrial Relations Chapter 4, Division
of Industrial Safety. By agreement between the State of California and the United
States Department of Labor, these orders supersede any similar regulations
encompassed by the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)
b. Other Safety Orders. The Division of Industrial Safety, Construction Safety
Orders and General Industrial Safety Orders outline safety rules
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for operations involving helicopters and explosives. The State Orders and the logging
and Sawmill Safety Orders are available through the
Department of General Services, Documents & Publications, P.O. Box 1015, North
Highlands, CA 95660.
c. Forest Service Health and Safety Code, FSH 6709.11. Use this handbook as the
primary guide to perform all Forest Service activities safely. Sale Officers shall
become familiar with all sections of FSH 6709.11 relating to sale administration.
d. Job Hazard Analysis. The Safety and Health Program Handbook, FSH 6709.12,
requires a Job Hazard Analysis for each project.
2. Action to Correct Safety problems. When violations occur which are an immediate
threat to the safety of Forest Service personnel or the general public, immediately
suspend the offending operation and promptly notify the Field Representative. Notify the
Purchaser Representative and the Forest Service Representative at the earliest
opportunity.
Violations which are not an immediate threat to the safety of Forest Service personnel or
the general public may be more common and many can be corrected by working with the
Field Representative. If unable to reach agreement on correction, refer the problem to the
Purchaser Representative and the Forest Service Representative for resolution.
The Purchaser Representative does not have the authority to enforce violations of safety
orders which affect only the Purchaser, agents and employees. The Forest Service has an
obligation, however, to notify the Purchaser of unsafe practices. It may become
necessary to bring such violations to the attention of the California Division of Industrial
Safety but never before complete discussion between the Purchaser Representative and
the Forest Service Representative. This action could include breach and suspension
provided for in B/BT9.3 if conditions warrant.
3. Safe practices.
a. Pre-Operations Meeting. Use the preoperations meeting to plan special safety
precautions for a particular sale such as those needed in recreation areas, on the haul
route or with helicopter logging.
b. Travel. Increased use on adjacent forest roads requires Sale Officers to be
particularly alert and aware of road and vehicle conditions. While traveling to and
from the sale, the Sale Administrator should make periodic checks of logging trucks
and roads to ensure:
(1) Proper log binding.
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(2) Appropriate driving speeds.
(3) Proper dust abatement and road maintenance.
(4) Adequate warning signs or traffic control on roads where adjacent timber felling
is in progress, areas of road construction and reconstruction, truck crossings and so
on.
c. Felling and Bucking. Felling and bucking is considered one of the most hazardous
activities in a logging operation. Felling and bucking require the following
precautions:
(1) Before entering a felling and bucking area, the Sale Officer should:
(a) Look for warning signs that timber felling is occurring in the area.
(b) Know how many fallers and buckers there are and where they are working.
(c) Know the experience level of the fallers.
(d) Listen for the sound of saws to locate fallers and buckers. Be especially alert if
electric saws are in use, as the only sound may come from a small, idling tractor.
(e) Know the cutting method and the felling pattern (uphill, sidehill or quartering) to
allow the Sale Administrator to approach from the safest direction.
(f) Stop and park Forest Service vehicle in a safe place.
(2) Foot travel in felling areas:
(a) While felling is in progress, never approach closer than twice the average height
of trees being felled.
(b) Be certain fallers know of your presence before approaching within tree length.
If thick undergrowth prevents visible contact, use voice contact.
(c) Approach fallers or buckers from above or the side and never from below.
(d) The Logging and Sawmill Safety Orders require fallers to stop their saws and
give a warning cry indicating direction of fall just before the tree is ready to fall over.
Do not rely on such vocal warnings. They may not be given or they may not be
heard.
(e) Always wear a hard hat.
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(f) Walk on logs with extreme caution. They may roll or move resulting in loss of
footing and a severe accident. Be especially aware when walking on logs on which
the bark has been knocked off, because they can be very slippery.
(g) Watch for rolling bucked logs.
(h) Do not use all-terrain vehicles in felling areas.
d. Skidding and Yarding. Before skidding and yarding operations begin, Sale
Officers should check the operating area for logs, rocks, chunks, widowmakers, snags
and unstable trees. Notify the Field Representative or Purchaser Representative of
any hazards.
(1) Tractor Yarding. Take the following precautions while working around tractors:
(a) To avoid rolling objects dislodged by tractors, always approach tractors from
above or from the side. Never approach from below.
(b) Before approaching a tractor, be sure the operator is aware of your presence.
Equipment has the capability of changing directions instantly.
(c) Watch for trees, limbs and so on that may have stored energy that may be
released after the tractor or logs pass by.
(d) Watch for trees that could be pushed over in areas where the tractor is working.
(2) Cable Yarding. Approach all cable operations with extreme caution. Some
safety items to observe include:
(a) Ensure guylines from the tower use stumps and not standing trees.
(b) Look at the guylines to see that they are free and clear and not rubbing against a
tree or some other obstacle. Do not stand directly beneath guylines, especially the
back-guys.
(c) Stay clear of the yarder unless it is necessary in order to complete an inspection.
Get the attention of the yarder engineer before climbing on the yarder. Watch for
moving parts, moving lines and for grease which may cause slippery footing. On
yarders with swinging booms, stay clear of the counter weight.
(d) Stay clear of the area between the yarder and the heel boom loader.
(e) Stay away from all operating lines. Never cross under the skyline unless the
operation is shut down or the rigging slinger has indicated it is
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safe to do so. If possible, stay on the same side of the skyline as the logs being
yarded.
(f) Know the location of the haulback line and the haulback corner blocks. Never get
in the bite of the line unless the equipment is shutdown.
(g) Approach the tailtree area from the back side. Anchors for tailtree guylines may
be standing trees instead of stumps.
(h) Watch for hangups during the yarding and rigging operations. A turn of logs or a
line that is hung up provides great potential for a failure somewhere in the system.
(i) Watch for unsafe rigging practices, worn blocks and frayed lines.
(j) Know the whistle signal system in use on the cable operation.
(k) Notify the North or South Zone Air Officer when a skyline operation begins
when the cable is suspended above the canopy.
(3) Helicopter Yarding. The following are safety items to observe around a
helicopter landing:
(a) Be aware of backing vehicles.
(b) Whenever the helicopter is within a tagline length above the landing or service
area, ground personnel in those areas will feel the full effect of the rotor downwash.
The air velocities at ground level can vary from 35 to 50 miles per hour. Wear a hard
hat with chin strap and eye protection when in the vicinity of the landing or service
area.
(c) Never approach the helicopter until the engines have been shut down and the
rotors have stopped turning.
(d) If making an inspection of the drop zone or decking area, wait until the helicopter
is down for fueling. This occurs approximately every 30 minutes.
(e) When walking through the sale area, watch for tops or limbs that may have been
broken by the rotor downwash or by a log hitting a tree during pickup. Know where
the helicopter is at all times and know its flight path. Do not walk in the flight path
unless it is an emergency and the pilot knows your location. Wear a high visibility
shirt or vest. This helps the pilot locate on-the-ground personnel.
Rotor downwash is more of a hazard in the unit than it is at the landing. The moving
air could break off branches, dislodge cones or even break out tops of trees. If the
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operation is over dry, powdery soil such as a burned area, there will be considerable
flying dust and debris.
(f) Inform other personnel, such as spectators and visitors, of the flight path and
require them to stay clear of all activities. Establish signed view points in safe
locations.
(g) Notify either the North or South Zone Air Officer when a helicopter operation
begins.
e. Loading. Safety practices to use at or near landings include:
(1) Stay clear of trucks being loaded. Logs can roll off of the trailer.
(2) When loading is in progress, cross the landing only after the loader operator gives
the signal.
(3) Stay clear of log decks. Logs can roll off for no apparent reason.
(4) When inspecting loaders, get the attention of the operator and wait until the
machine is shut down. Use caution and watch for grease which may cause slippery
footing.
(5) Be especially aware of frontend loaders: they move rapidly both forward and
backward. Watch for logs projecting from their forks.
(6) Be alert for maneuvering logging trucks.
(7) Watch for binders being thrown over loads.
(8) Keep Forest Service vehicles away from areas of heavy activity and traffic.
(9) Stay clear of workers on the landing such as landing chasers.
(10) Watch your footing. There is generally an accumulation of logging slash at
landings which can cause tripping.
f. Trucking. Safety items to consider are:
(1) Work with the Purchaser Representative and the Field Representative to ensure
that trucks are operating at speeds safe for existing road conditions.
(2) Ensure that loads are secured before moving from the loading spot and are
completely bound before leaving the loading area.
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(3) Require proper maintenance of roads such as dust abatement and grading to
ensure safe driving conditions.
g. Road Construction. Safety precautions and hazards for general logging operations
such as felling, bucking, skidding and decking are similar to those found in road
construction but are sometimes more concentrated. Safety provisions provide for
normal public use on roads being reconstructed. Such roads are normally designated
KO (Keep Open) on the sale area map. When needed, require the Purchaser to
provide warning signs and/or flaggers to control traffic. Schedule operations to
provide for necessary public access.
h. Explosives. California State Law (OSHA) reqires a permit for the transportation,
storage and use of explosive materials. The following safety practices are applicable
to the use of explosives:
(1) Know when and where explosives are in use.
(2) Allow only authorized individuals in areas where explosives are being used.
(3) Park vehicles in safe areas.
(4) Ensure the posting of proper warning signs and lookouts.
(5) Watch for other persons in areas who may not be aware of blasting.
(6) Restrict the use of two-way radios.
61.25 - Sanitation and Servicing (B/BT6.34)
Require Purchaser to take all reasonable precautions to prevent pollution, including but not
limited to, observance of applicable laws, Executive Orders, codes and regulations.
61.3 - Conduct of Logging (B/BT6.4)
Require Purchaser supervision of all operations to obtain high quality end results. In addition,
ensure that the Purchaser conducts operations in a manner which will meet the intended end
result of the timber sale contract without unnecessary damage to the forest resource.
Sale Officers should consider the following when evaluating Purchaser supervision:
1. Sale Officers shall not supervise Purchaser or puchaser employees or subcontractors.
The Purchaser is responsible for supervision. Sale Administrators evaluate how
operations meet the land management goals of the area, minimize resource damage and
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work with the Purchaser Representative and Field Representative to find suitable
alternatives when Purchaser's proposals are unacceptable.
2. A Purchaser with good supervision skills will initiate independent action in all areas,
exclusive of Sale Administrator direction, as a natural part of doing business. Sale
Administrators shall insist on adequate supervision. Use good documentation and clear
direction at the preoperations meeting to ensure that the Purchaser understands
supervision responsiblities.
3. Generally persistent problems are indicators of poor supervision. When problems
arise, Sale Officers must determine if poor supervision is the cause.
Use the indicators in 61.3 - Exhibit 01 to gauge quality of Purchaser supervision.
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61.3 - Exhibit 01
Effective Supervisor
Ineffective Supervisor
Reacts immediately and positively to
problems.
Unavailable or reluctant to take action when a
problem arises.
Gives clear direction and instructions to
employees or operators.
Gives poor or inadequate instructions.
Personally reviews completed work before
notifying the Forest Service that work is ready
for acceptance.
Does not review work before requesting Forest
Service approval.
Anticipates problems and initiates actions to
avoid problems.
Reacts to problems when they happen and
relies on Sale Administrators to warn of
impending problems.
Involves Sale Administrator in necessary
changes in plans.
Makes changes without involving or notifying
Sale Administrator.
Knows what is going on.
Unaware of status of operations.
Expects Sale Administrator to occasionally
answer questions asked by others.
Expects Sale Administrator to frequently issue
specific instructions to Purchaser's workers.
Uses the Purchaser Representative to answer
questions.
Purchaser Representative is unavailable or is
not used.
Makes agreements and follows through on
them.
Makes agreements but does something which
conflicts.
Searches for acceptable ways to do things or
suggests alternatives.
Argumentative, seldom tries to find a workable
solution.
Follows through on agreements and notifies
Sale Administrator of needed changes.
May not follow through on agreements.
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To aid the Purchaser in supervision responsibilities, Sale Administrators must make it clear that
the Sale Administrator's primary duty is to monitor progress and ensure that the Purchaser meets
the end result intended by the timber sale contract.
Sale Officers also have obligations under the timber sale contract which must be met in a timely
and professional manner. The quality and timeliness of Sale Officer performance has a great
deal of influence on the relationships between the Forest Service and the Purchaser's
organization as well as the Purchaser's or Operator's profit.
61.31 - Felling and Bucking (B/BT6.41)
Felling operations conducted in a professional manner maximize timber utilization and improve
the ability of others to buck, lop, skid or yard and perform other timber sale contract
requirements. Administration of felling operations requires a thorough knowledge of acceptable
felling practices and a thorough knowledge of the relationship between the felling operation and
other related operations such as skidding. A Sale Administrator must know enough about
felling, skidding and other related operations to discuss specific needs with the Field
Representative and fallers when coordinating felling
and skidding leads. The best way to acquire this knowledge is through on the ground experience
and discussion with experienced fallers.
1. Coordination of Felling with Other Phases of Logging. Carefully coordinate road,
landing and skid trail locations with felling leads to protect residual stands and maximize
utilization. The Forest Service requires approval of temporary roads, landings and skid
trails before construction. Accomplish timber felling in as many separate stages as
needed to promote reasonable utilization, protection of the residual stand and the
necessary coordination with other log removal resource protection controls. Exercising
this control is a necessary step towards coordinating activities with felling leads.
Begin coordination between felling, skidding, landing and temporary road locations when
reviewing the annual operating schedule. Felling should not be allowed to start until after
the Sale Administrator agrees to the proposed locations of skidding routes. It is essential
that Sale Administrators complete their responsibilities in a timely manner to avoid
unnecessary delay of Purchaser's operations.
A major objective in sale administration is to protect the residual stand. This is essential
to achieve acceptable tree growth and yield. When unnecessary damage occurs to the
residual stand, collect double stumpage payments for trees damaged beyond recovery
under B/BT3.45 and B/BT3.46. In addition, when a Sale Administrator does not receive
on-the-ground cooperation in coordinating felling with other phases, use the breach
process to remedy the situation.
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To ensure desired results, the Sale Administrator shall make frequent checks to ensure the
felling of all designated trees. In many cases the original sale preparation marking crew
may miss trees. In order to achieve the desired results, it may be necessary to mark
additional trees or possibly mark out trees. Contract Provision B/BT2.37 provides for
doing this only on a limited basis.
2. Specific Timber Felling Resource Protection Coordination Considerations. With
consideration for landing, skid road and skid trail location as available options, determine
available felling lead options for each major skid road. Select the combination of skid
road locations, stage felling and felling lead options which afford the best overall results
in respect to resource protection, residual stand protection and utilization of included
timber. Recognize that different sale area conditions such as road locations or felling
lead problems will dictate felling leads.
Keep in mind that the first felling stage is usually a preparation stage. Fell in this stage
the trees that are nearer the skid roads or obviously blocking the directional felling of
other trees. This opens the way for the next stage(s) to be a higher production stage while
protecting the residual stand from unnecessary damage.
Normally in old growth stands there will be problem trees which cannot be felled and
removed with the first stage. To protect the residual stand, do not hesitate to
require separate stage felling and skidding of these problem trees. Do not allow these
problem trees to dictate felling leads.
Use stage felling to offset problems caused by broken or steep ground, excessive defect,
obstacles such as rock or improvements and high volumes per acre.
Use wedges to control direction of fall of sound trees as well as defective trees. Use tree
jacks, wire rope secured high in a tree or a combination of wedge, jacks and rope to
control direction of fall. There must be an adequate amount of sound wood available to
use wedges or jacks.
3. Felling Fundamentals.
a. Sound Trees Growing Plumb. It is possible to fell live conifer trees which have a
symmetrical crown, contain little or no defect and have no lean in any direction
providing there is no wind or other external obstacles. Use an undercut extending
about a fourth of the way into the diameter of a tree with a back cut two to four inches
higher than the undercut. This is mandatory in California Logging and Safety Orders.
However, the size of an undercut will vary with conditions and in some cases good
felling practices may involve the use of an undercut extending up to one half of the
tree diameter. Not sawing undercuts and back cuts reasonably level could cause a
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tree to fall in a different direction than intended. A faller will never have the
assurance of maximum control of direction of fall without the use of wedges.
Encourage fallers to use conventional undercuts whenever possible as this helps
control the felling direction. The Sale Administrator shall request fallers to use
wedges when control is necessary to avoid unnecessary damage to the residual stand,
to trees already on the ground or to the tree being felled.
b. Sound Trees Which Lean. Sound trees with moderate lean can normally be felled
up to 90 degrees in either direction from the lean. When the center of gravity of a
leaning tree can be shifted enough by wedging or jacking, it is even possible for
experts to fell a tree in the opposite direction of the lean. Such optimum performance
is normally unnecessary to achieve desired results in felling operations.
In normal sale administration, expect fallers to fell sound trees with a moderate lean up to about
45 degrees in either direction from the lean. Trees requiring more than this change in direction
may have to be felled in a separate stage unless a skilled faller volunteers to fell such trees with
the lead to avoid second-stage felling. Many options are available to secure required end results.
If a faller does not have the skill to fell sound trees with moderate lean with the first-stage lead,
the Sale Administrator shall require felling a second stage.
To control the direction of fall when using jacks, lift trees enough to shift the center of gravity to
the intended direction of fall.
Sound trees with excessive lean cannot be felled in the opposite direction from the lean solely
with the aid of wedges and/or jacks. This is because it is not possible to shift the center of
gravity of excessively leaning trees enough to produce the desired results.
Exhibits 01 and 02 point out the fundamentals of shifting the center of gravity of a tree and the
relative ease of felling sound timber with a moderate lean up to about 45 degrees direction from
the head lead.
Except for required hazard tree removal or other special timber sale contract requirements, Sale
Administrators should not request operators to fell leaning or problem trees in radically different
directions from the lean. Experienced Sale Administrators usually solve felling lead problems by
requiring stage felling without resorting to more sophisticated felling techniques.
Many illustrations and discussion pertaining to felling practices can be found in a book entitled
Professional Timber Felling (A Procedural Approach) by D. Douglas Dent. All Sale
Administrators and Harvest Inspectors should read this publication.
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61.31 - Exhibit 01
Exhibit 01 shows a leaning tree which can probably be felled in a direction different than the
lean. The base of the plumb line dropping from the center of gravity of the tree falls on the
stump somewhere between the exact center and the bark. If there is enough wood available
between this plumb line and the bark to both back cut and jack or wedge the tree, this tree could
be felled in the opposite direction.
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61.31 - Exhibit 02
Exhibit 02 demonstrates how the base of the plumb line dropping down from the center of
gravity of the tree falls outside the circumference of the tree at stump height. This tree would
require more holding wood than is available and more wedging than is physically possible to
shift the center of gravity to the opposite direction and still control the direction of fall.
4. Felling Leads, Tractors Ground.
a. Overstory Removal and Selection Marked Areas.
(1) Slopes Over 30 Percent, Uniform Ground. Tractors cannot conveniently skid on
the contour on slopes more than about 30 percent. From both felling and skidding
standpoints, fell timber up the hill on uniformly steep slopes where tractors are
permitted to operate. Individual logs are then skidded down the hill to a main skid
road which quarters off the hill.
(2) Slopes Over 30 Percent, Broken Ground. To avoid confusion when trying to
determine suitable felling leads on steep broken ground, walk the ground and
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visualize one skid road at a time. Select an alternative that best protects the residual
stand, minimizes breakage and develops skid road locations compatible with resource
protection considerations. By carefully planning each skid road, it will become
obvious when to limit felling strips and leads to less ground. The use of stage logging
will help solve some problems. End lining up or down the hill to a skid road will also
help solve some problems.
Careful planning of the skid trail pattern can usually overcome even the most difficult
coordination problems. If unable to work out a solution for the satisfactory protection
of the resource, Sale Administrators should mark out the timber involved when
permissible under timber sale contract provisions. When marking out is not
permissible under timber sale contract terms, involve the Forest Service
Representative to resolve the problem.
(3) Ground Slopes Under 30 Percent. Tractors can do more contour skidding and
fallers have much more flexibility in selecting leads on gentler slopes. This makes it
possible to more easily turn the direction of felling leads.
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61.31 - Exhibit 03
Overstory Removal, Felling Lead and Skid Road Pattern on 45% Slope
Uniform Ground Conditions
As shown in Exhibit 03, to prevent erosion, most skid roads were designed to converge a
reasonable distance away from landings. Only three skid roads enter the landing. Skid roads
come off the hill at an angle. Rarely permit skid roads to come straight down the hill on steep
ground. Although the ground slope in Exhibit 03 is 45 percent, skid roads average only about 25
percent gradient.
The correct lay of individual trees allows skidding of logs to constructed skid roads with a
minimum change in direction. Do not allow use of an excessive number of chokers. An
excessive number of chokers is defined as any number over one which causes excessive damage
to the residual stand. Require endlining (using one choker at a time) where necessary to protect
the residual stand.
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61.31 - Exhibit 04
Overstory Removal, Felling Lead and Skid Road
Layout 30 to 50 Percent Slope. Rough Broken Up
or Rocky Ground, Short Length-of-Ground
Exhibit 04 is an example of how to deal with very rough, broken ground. To minimize the
number of excessive drainage crossings in badly broken up ground, the Sale Administrator
should agree to landing locations which preclude the need to cross drainages with skid roads and
locate tractor roads so that when winterized, soil will not reach drainages.
Coordinate the felling lead with resource protection needs so logs located between skid roads and
drainages are endlined or skidded a short distance uphill. Skid or endline all other logs downhill.
Use stage felling to avoid jackstrawing logs and causing unnecessary damage.
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61.31 - Exhibit 05
Overstory Removal, Felling Lead and Skid Road
Layout on 5 to 20 Percent Slopes
Gentle Slopes, Good Ground
As shown in Exhibit 05, the number of skid roads entering landing are held to a
minimum by converging as many skid roads as possible a suitable distance away
from landings.
Felling leads change direction gradually so it may be possible to skid most logs down
the hill to the skid road below. If it is not possible to fell trees with the first stage, fell
them in later stages.
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b. Clearcut and Regeneration Areas. Take the following precautions for trees felled
in regeneration units:
(1) Do not allow felling leads which unnecessarily fell trees into adjacent stands.
Such practices may accommodate a timber faller but may also create excessive
damage to the leave stand and unnecessary slash problems.
(2) Plan skid road locations in advance as is done in overstory removal areas.
However, in clearcuts and regeneration areas, sale officers cannot require agreement
on placement of skid roads prior to felling. Skid road location can only be agreed
upon prior to their construction. Refer to provision B/BT6.422.
(3) Utilize appropriate felling leads to minimize breakage and skidding impacts.
(4) Use the minor changes provision to mark out the occasional marked trees found
too close to drainages, roads and meadows whose removal would unnecessarily
damage the resource.
5. Felling Leads, Cable Ground.
a. Individual Tree Designated Areas. A well designed felling lead on cable ground
not only enhances protection of the residual stand, but also promotes efficiency of the
cable yarding operation.
Cable or skyline landing locations and cable road locations are the controlling factors
for cable felling leads. Agree to skyline/cable road locations before felling begins in
partial cuts (B/BT6.427)
b. Clearcut and Regeneration Areas. In clearcutting and regeneration units, design
the felling lead to provide safety and minimize breakage.
On even, uniform slopes, the most commonly used method is a sidehill lead. While
bucked logs may roll, rarely does an entire tree roll down a slope. On broken or short
ground, establish a lead which will minimize breakage. The most desirable practical
lead is one quartering up the hill. Avoid downhill felling. Excessive breakage will
occur and felled trees may slide to the bottom of the unit. Fell timber around the
edges of the unit into the unit. In many cases, it is difficult to yard trees felled outside
the unit with conventional high lead or slack line equipment. This can also create
slash and YUM cleanup problems.
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61.31 - Exhibit 06
Felling Patterns to Facilitate Yarding
As shown in Exhibit 06, on uniform slopes, rectangular shaped yarding settings are the most
desirable, with a fan shaped configuration used on corners.
6. Felling Leads, Helicopter Ground. Fell timber in helicopter areas up slope whenever
possible. This reduces breakage and prevents log roll during bucking and yarding
operations.
On heavily-timbered, broken ground, fell snags and obviously cull timber first because of
the limited lifting ability of the helicopter. If culls and snags are felled on top of
merchantable logs, the helicopter may not be able to yard the merchantable material out
or through the cull material. Be alert to the need for adequate rigging cuts in culls to
facilitate yarding merchantable logs clear of such obstructions.
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7. Felling Merchantable Trees with Extensive Rot, Bad Fire Scars and Other Significant
Felling Problems. When there is not enough sound wood at stump height to control
felling direction and it is not possible to use a high stump to improve the situation, fell
unsound trees last. Wedging is necessary to control felling direction. There must be
enough sound wood in a tree to permit the use of wedges in a back cut. There also must
be enough wood in the holding wood area between the undercut and the back cut. If a
tree has an extensive lean and extensive butt rot, a faller cannot normally depend on
sapwood alone to help control the direction of fall. Normally, fell trees containing little
or no sound heartwood, holding, or backcut wood in the safest direction. Sale
Administrators must recognize such situations and ensure that fallers plan to fell such
trees in a separate stage when necessary to control breakage.
8. Snags. Only require cutting of snags designated under the timber sale contract or
those that may cause a safety hazard along roads, adjacent to landings, within
campgrounds and so on. Special C provisions in the timber sale contract may designate
snags as save for wildlife.
9. Safety. Occasionally, fallers will leave a designated green tree or snag standing
because they consider it too dangerous to fell. If the Sale Administrator thinks a more
experienced faller could do the job safely, discuss it with the Field Representative. A
Sale Administrator should never judge what is safe or unsafe to fell. Let the faller make
the decision.
The timber sale contract does not allow for cutting of undesignated trees. Only trees
properly designated according to the timber sale contract may legally be felled. In
apparent conflict with the timber sale contract and 36 CFR 261.6 is the California Code
of Regulations, Division of Industrial Safety, Article 2, Section 6259 which states that,
"All trees or snags which appear to be dangerous to any operation shall be felled". For
consistency throughout the Region, the following policy provides for allowing cutting of
undesignated hazard trees, if the following conditions are met:
a. A reasonable effort has been made to avoid cutting any tree not previously
marked, for example, identification of a hazardous situation during skid trail layout or
pulling a hang-up down with nearby skidding equipment.
b. If it is necessary to cut a tree that is a true safety hazard, and the Forest Service
cannot promptly designate the tree, the faller shall identify the stump by an agreed
upon method, such as cutting an "X" in the stump with the chainsaw, flagging the
location and leaving the tree where it lies. Consider these felled trees as designated
for cutting only to eliminate a safety hazard. Remove only by Forest Service written
authorization under B/BT2.37. Take care to ensure that the tree is truly a hazard tree
and therefore an included tree and not one willfully and negligently cut.
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The faller shall immediately notify the Field Representative who shall in turn orally notify the
Forest Service. Follow up with written notification within twenty-four hours of cutting the tree.
Describe the nature of the hazard, the location, the approximate size and the species of the tree.
Convey these conditions clearly to the Purchaser Representative, the Field Representative and
the fallers preferably at the preoperations meeting. Document these conditions in the form of a
written agreement either on an R5-2400-181, Timber Sale Administration Report, a formal letter
or the signed minutes of the preoperations meeting.
61.31b - Stump Heights (Contract Provisions B/BT6.412 and A/AT8)
Provision A/AT8 of the timber sale contract lists stump height specifications. Measure stump
heights from the high side of the ground as shown in Exhibits 01 and 02.
In some cases, safety reasons may justify high stumps. Tree boles with excessive rot near
ground level may require cutting a high stump in order to properly control the felling direction.
There is no justification for cutting high stumps due to slash or logs against the trunk.
Sale Officers should develop the skill of reading tree stumps. In reviewing a strip after felling, it
may often be possible to determine the direction in which the tree leaned by the presence of
compression wood, eccentric annual growth rings and the location of pith. The color of bark on
different sides of the stump sometimes indicates direction of lean.
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61.31b - Exhibit 01
Exhibit 01 shows the proper method of measurement when timber utilization is the primary
concern.
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61.31b - Exhibit 02
Exhibit 02 shows the proper way to measure stump heights in sensitive areas such as in view
zones along highways or in recreation areas when identified on the sale area map.
61.31c - Bucking Lengths (B/BT6.413 and A/AT2)
To ensure proper utilization of included timber, fallers must buck sound material correctly as
well as bucking outcull material. Perform routine felling and bucking inspections to ensure that
fallersmeet standards. It is important to perform an inspection when the operation starts. This
allows for needed corrective action before significant volumes are cut.
Provision A/AT2 lists piece specifications which guide bucking practices. Require bucking of
tree tops to minimum diameters.
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a. Bucking For Greatest Utilization. The timber sale contract requires the Purchaser
to buck logs to obtain the greatest reasonable utilization. Sometimes buckers do not
buck to the closest 2 feet of merchantable wood because sawmills may have preferred
lengths. Regardless of a Purchaser's preferred lengths, require maximum utilization.
Not bucking into a break is another problem Sale Administrators sometime encounter.
Proper bucking requires cutting into breaks to produce logs in two-foot multiples as
long as the log end meets minimum percent defect standards. For example, a log
bucked into a break with 25 percent of the end utilizable meets standards.
b. Breakage. Lack of experience is usually the cause of improper bucking of logs in
a bind which causes needless slabbing or breakage. Normally, it is possible to buck
sound wood without slabbing or splitting by using expert methods in both the felling
and bucking operations. Common causes of breakage from improper bucking
practices are:
(1) Incomplete bucking. When skidding incompletely bucked logs, merchantable
wood is often slabbed off.
(2) Bucking in a bind. When a tree is in a bind at a point on the bole where it is
normally bucked, buck it in a manner which prevents slabbing or splitting or buck it
at a different location. Buck those logs which are in a bind from the underside until it
is safe to buck from the top side. If not bucked from the underside, merchantable
wood will be slabbed off or split.
Logs may be in a bind at the top, bottom or either side of the log. Proper bucking
includes making cuts on both sides of a bind as well as at right angles to the bind.
Buck logs to avoid significant slabbing or splintering. Accomplish this by cutting the
sapwood first on both sides of the log. Do the final cutting in the heartwood.
(3) Drop from Overhanging Logs. This condition exists when one end of the tree
projects upward, unsupported, and the logical place to buck the log is under tension
because of the overhanging weight. Bucking the log on the underside to the extent
necessary to prevent slabbing and possibly cutting on both sides will minimize
slabbing or splitting.
In general, buckers should size-up a tree before making the first cut. This is
necessary to properly buck out cull as well as to prevent excessive slabbing or
splitting.
c. Merchantability. Pie cut defective timber at intervals to determine
merchantability. Make test cuts on cull peelers with the grain. This leaves the log
peelable if it is not cull.
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61.32 - Skidding and Yarding (B/BT6.42)
Skidding and yarding is one of the most difficult sale operations to conduct within allowable
resource damage constraints. Inadequate administration of this operation can result in serious
damage to basic resources within a very short period of time. To effectively lessen this potential
damage, the Sale Officer must coordinate the presale followup needs, operating schedule
decisions and the preoperations meeting with the log removal operation.
The following is a discussion of the various types of equipment used in the log removal
operation.
1. Tractor Skidding.
a. Equipment Considerations. Unless the timber sale contract specifically limits the
width of a tractor, any size tractor is permissible for log skidding unless unnecessary
damage to the resource occurs. Sale Administrators should check individual contracts
for unique equipment requirements such as winches, dozer blades, arches, tractor
width limitations, number of chokers, rubber-tired skidders and so on.
b. Skid Road Location and Construction.
(1) Purchaser and Forest Service must agree to acceptable locations for all tractor
roads and skid trails.
(2) Check individual contracts to determine Purchaser's obligations to flag proposed
locations of skid roads and skid trails. After completion of flagging, Sale
Administrators shall determine if the flagged location is acceptable. Flag skid trails
prior to construction and felling.
(3) Plan downhill or contour skidding distances of approximately 20 chains in length
and minimize uphill skidding when possible.
(4) Do not allow more than 2 or 3 skid roads to enter a landing as a general rule.
(5) Have skid roads enter landings at as level a grade as possible.
(6) Approve landing and skid road locations so that crossings of streamcourses are
rare. If it is necessary to cross a streamcourse, require the installation of the same
temporary log crossings or culverts as for a temporary road and require operator to
keep soil out of running water. Do not approve drainage crossings at locations or
angles where cross drains cannot be effectively installed later. Ensure the installation
of cross drains so runoff can drain from the skid road before it reaches the drainage.
Avoid agreeing to stream crossings closer than 5 chains (330 feet)
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(7) Do not approve tractor roads involving through cuts that cannot properly drain
before reaching landings or drainages.
(8) On uniform ground, tractor roads should be about 2 chains (132 feet) apart except
where they converge.
(9) A tractor road about 12 feet wide is sufficient for straight skidding. Allow some
additional width on curves.
(10) Avoid sharp turns as much as possible. Suggest shear logs (logs placed along
the edge of the skid trail) to be used at sharp turns when necessary to protect the
residual stand.
(11) On steep ground, undulate or break grade to alleviate drainage problems. Never
agree to locations that involve long, sustained grades. Break grade every 5 chains
(330 feet) if possible. Grades up to 30 percent will properly drain roads under most
conditions. Over 30 percent, tractor control becomes limited and quality of cross
drains suffer. Hand constructed cross drains may be necessary on slopes over 40
percent.
(12) When soil conditions permit, construct tractor roads to the depth necessary to
keep the tailend of skidded logs from rolling down the hill on curves and destroying
needed stocking or other protected vegetation.
(13) If the operator felled timber before reaching agreement on skid road locations,
require the skid road location needed to complement the felling lead even if it means
the operator has to skid uphill or use a longer route. This would be a remedy to a
breach situation.
(14) Do not locate tractor roads in or closely parallel to wet, spongy or slide areas,
meadows, drainages or dry draws. In addition, do not locate roads adjacent to and
parallel to permanent roads or any other place where the added runoff from the tractor
trail will cause erosion or damage to the watershed.
(15) Do not approve skid road locations through heavy reproduction or other
protected vegetation when alternatives are available.
c. Skidding Operations.
(1) Skidding Operations in Regeneration Areas.
(a) Do not allow tractors to wear out a skid road. Retire a tractor road before it
becomes channeled to the point where it cannot properly be cross drained. Watch for
this in areas of sensitive soils.
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(b) Sale Administrators have several options if trees are found marked for
regeneration cutting on slopes over 35 percent. One option is to winch such trees to
tractors stopped at the 35 percent slope limit. Tractor skid these logs downhill to
constructed skid roads. Another option is to mark out designated trees after
agreement with the Purchaser Representative is reached and the agreement is
documented in writing.
(c) Make a special effort when laying out skid roads in regeneration units to predict
what kind of erosion prevention problems will occur after harvesting the timber.
(d) Locate tractor roads so they do not converge in areas sensitive to erosion.
(2) Skidding Operations in Residual Stands. The same restrictions in C(1) above
also apply to skidding in residual stands. In addition, consider the following:
(a) Back tractors as close to logs as stocking conditions will tolerate. Hook on to
logs and endline one log at a time out of the residual stand. Only allow operators to
bunch logs to make up a turn of logs at locations where damage will not occur to the
residual stand.
(b) When necessary, require operators to endline logs out of residual stands.
Endlining distances will vary depending on local practices and may range from 30 to
75 feet and greater in cases where the appraisal provided for extra endlining
allowances.
(c) Do not allow choker setters to set chokers in the breaks.
(d) Do not allow tractors to roll out logs to break limbs and to accommodate choker
setting without digging under logs.
(e) Require buckers to cut all exposed limbs from skidded logs which might damage
the residual stand.
(f) Do not allow tree-length skidding when tractor roads will not accommodate this
without excessive damage.
(g) Require rigging cuts in unmerchantable down material when this will prevent
unnecessary damage to needed stocking or felled trees.
(h) Do not allow arches or illegal dozer blades to operate in a residual stand or off
constructed roads or skid roads without written agreement.
(i) Restrict rubber-tired skidders and crawler tractors equipped with grapples to
approved skid roads unless equipped with a winch.
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(j) Rubber-tired skidders are faster and often cheaper to operate than crawler tractors.
However, they cannot work side hill on steep ground as well as crawler tractors.
Check to ensure unnecessary damage is not occurring with a rubber-tired skidder on
steeper ground.
Regardless of the kind of equipment used, require the needed level of resource
protection intended by the timber sale contract.
2. Cable and Skyline Yarding. Consider cable landing and yarding considerations
together. Equipment specifications show optimum yarding distances for stated
conditions. Consult the logging operator for variations in equipment. The use of tag
lines, tower height, size of mainline available, yarder horsepower and ground conditions
also influences yarding distance capabilities.
a. Ground profiles and Yarder Capability. It is unrealistic to expect specified yarding
equipment to cope with every yarding problem encountered on a typical sale.
Problems may include:
(1) Sidehill Yarding. It is not usually possible or desirable to completely eliminate
sidehill yarding. It is possible to identify yarding problems and site disturbance
potential associated with sidehill yarding. On clearcut operations, use of sidehill
yarding generates excellent results with respect to meeting erosion prevention
guidelines.
(2) Downhill Yarding. For running skylines in clearcuts, downhill yarding is not a
problem. For most other systems, the objective generally is to minimize downhill
yarding unless sale design specifically calls for downhill yarding.
Accurately define the system requirements.
b. Erosion Prevention and Streamcourse protection. Discuss timber sale
administration erosion prevention and streamcourse protection requirements with the
Purchaser Representative or Field Representative. Where problems exist and it is not
possible to work out satisfactory solutions, initiate action to resolve problems by
timber sale contract modification procedures. Do not permit tractor logging in areas
specified for cable logging unless the timber sale contract is modified or tractor
logging is agreed to under the Substitute Methods C provision.
c. Considerations Unique to Skyline Operations. Skyline yarding differs from
conventional yarding in that skyline yarders have the capability of yarding with one
end of logs suspended above the ground. This results in less impact on the ground
and on related resources.
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Basically, there are two classes of skylines: Short-span which is normally limited to
a maximum reach of one thousand feet and extended reach (long-span) which is
normally limited to maximum yarding distances of 2,500 - 3,000 feet. Some
European systems, however, can reach up to 5,500 feet.
(1) Corridor Widths. Corridors should not be wider than 15 feet and rarely exceed
20 feet in width. Control corridor widths by designating rub trees at the time the
corridor is located and agreed upon.
(2) Rub Trees. Most residual stand damage occurs during lateral yarding because of
a sideway motion of the skyline. Rub trees at strategic locations can drastically
reduce this action and minimize damage. Rub trees are generally severely damaged.
Mark them for removal unless they are needed for snags or other resource needs.
(3) Deflection. Normally, deflection of the skyline should never be less than 5
percent to get the necessary suspension of logs. The Purchaser should run ground
profiles when deflection is questionable.
(4) Carriages. The carriage on the skyline must have two capabilities which are
pulling slack or having slack pulled through it and it must be capable of maintaining a
fixed position on the skyline.
(5) Lateral Yarding. Short-span systems can laterally yard effectively for up to 150
feet provided there is proper positioning of the carriage and location of rub trees.
Some European and conventional long span systems can laterally yard up to 300 feet
provided the Purchaser takes proper steps in yarding to protect the resources. Longer
lateral yarding sometimes may be preferable and cheaper than establishing an extra
landing and setting up the system.
(6) Sidehill Yarding. It is usually not desirable to sidehill yard; it results in wider
corridors due to gravity and causes extensive damage to the stand on the downhill
side of the corridor. Corridors should be as close to the fall line as possible.
(7) Converging Corridors. With larger long span systems, space landings farther
apart and have several corridors converging to the same landing. A clearcut situation
normally will occur near the tower. Try to limit the number of corridors to 3 or 4 per
landing.
Short-span systems should seldom need more than two corridors per landing.
Normally the corridors should be parallel and 200 to 300 feet apart.
(8) Tail Holds. Tail hold anchors should be firm and adequate for the system used.
If there is a need for more deflection, rig in standing trees. When rigging a standing
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tree, use guylines. The Purchaser usually rigs these trees ahead of the corridor
change.
3. Helicopter Yarding. A typical helicopter yarding cycle consists of: (1) flying from
the landing to the hooker at the pickup point, (2) hovering over the anticipated load while
the hooker attaches the chokers to the electrically controlled hook on the end of the tag
line, (3) flying from the pickup point to the landing with the load and (4) hovering over
the landing to release the load. A loader then removes the logs to waiting trucks or to
storage areas. Maintain radio communications between helicopter and ground personnel
at all times.
To be efficient, carefully integrate helicopter yarding into the complete system of felling,
bucking, yarding, loading, and hauling. This requires good coordination.
Prior to the start of each helicopter sale, the Sale Administrator should:
a. Resolve any conflicts between appraisal design premise and actual lifting capacity
of helicopters. Consider lengthwise ripping of minimum length logs if such short
logs still exceed the lifting capacity of specified helicopters. Using explosives to split
logs is unsatisfactory due to excessive loss of merchantable volume.
b. In areas with a dense hardwood understory, some hardwoods may require felling
and bucking to prevent hangups when yarding.
c. Traffic control on roads may become a problem. Due to the unique nature of the
yarding, expect sightseers. It may be necessary to provide an observation area to
accommodate these visitors.
d. Check the sale area for aborted logs. Flag these logs for removal.
61.41 - Streamcourse Protection (B/BT6.5)
The following points are basic fundamentals in streamcourse protection:
a. Document all agreements between Purchaser/Field Representative and Sale
Officers.
b. Agree to streamcourse crossings by skid trails, tractor roads and temporary roads
before construction.
c. Require Purchaser to repair all damage to streamcourses which include banks and
stream channels to the extent possible.
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d. Remove all logging debris from streamcourses in an agreed upon manner that will
cause the least disturbance. Document this agreement.
e. Do not permit logging equipment to operate within 50 feet slope distance of the
normal maximum flow of protected streamcourses shown on the sale area map unless
another distance is posted prior to advertising. Modify this distance by written
agreement when needed in order to protect streamcourse values.
f. Endline logs out of streamside buffer areas. Only permit equipment in these areas
at agreed upon locations.
g. Locate cross drains and other erosion control structures to avoid channeling
sediment into streamcourses.
h. Remove material resulting from temporary roads and skid trails from streamcourse
crossings to the extent possible. Wherever ground conditions permit, restore stream
banks to original conditions by reshaping and grass seeding disturbed areas.
61.42a - Meadow Protection (B/BT6.61)
Remove slash deposited in meadows from Purchaser's operations. This may require hand
removal.
61.42c - Landings (B/BT6.63)
Sale Administrators must be familiar with specific land use planning, soil and watershed
protection direction, topography, presale planning and planned logging system capabilities in
order to evaluate landing location and restoration needs. Consider both the Purchaser's
objectives and Forest Service land use objectives when administering landing construction.
The Sale Administrator shall participate with the Purchaser/Field Representative to select
landing locations which are mutually acceptable. Landing locations must be compatable with
necessary truck road locations, the skidding plan, timber felling leads and resource protection
requirements. If a landing location proposed by the Purchaser is unacceptable, Sale
Administrators should explain the reason to the Purchaser and aid in the development of an
alternate location. The Sale Administrator shall document agreed upon locations. Drawing a
map and attaching it to the Timber Sale Administration Report, form R5-2400-181, helps avoid
conflicts or misunderstandings.
Do not approve the reuse of landings from previous timber sales if they do not meet current
resource protection or land use constraints.
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Although a Purchaser may desire landing locations with short skidding distances, most Forest
Service tractor skidding appraisal estimates are based on skidding distances of up to 20 chains
(1/4 mile or 1,320 feet) Use this distance as a guideline when agreeing to skid trail layout.
Select landing locations which minimize damage to reproduction, young growth timber and
desired vegetation.
Landing locations should reduce the need for excavation and need to take into account soil
erosion potential.
Locate landings near points of ridges to facilitate skidding of felled timber laying between
drainages. Skillful location of landings can eliminate the need to skid logs across drainages.
1. Landings for Ground Skidding Equipment. Review presale planning notes for an idea
of what the sale design intended. The number of landings depends on volume cut per
acre and sensitive areas to avoid. A general rule of thumb is to have no more than one
landing per 20 acres except when there is a need for more landings to limit resource
protection problems.
a. Location. Approve landings that:
(1) Minimize the number of main skid roads.
(2) Minimize abrupt changes in skidding direction to protect the residual stand from
log skidding damage.
(3) Minimize needed excavation.
(4) Minimize side-cast into drainages, meadows and other sensitive areas.
(5) Minimize impact on residual stand, sensitive drainages or other sensitive areas
including view zones.
(6) Provide effective drainage.
(7) Avoid unnecessary skidding across drainages or other sensitive features.
Special needs sometimes arise when permitting landings adjacent to a permanent
road. For each proposed landing location adjacent to permanent roads, determine
needs for landing slash cleanup, protection of streamcourses and erosion prevention
measures. Only approve landing locations where it is possible to obtain satisfactory
rehabilitation and soil stabilization.
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b. Size. Landing size will normally vary from one quarter acre for shovel loaders to
one third acre for frontend loaders. Smaller sized landings can sometimes safely
accommodate Purchaser's needs.
c. Frequency. Do not permit more landings than are needed. Sometimes more
landings are acceptable as a means of reducing the overall impact on resources.
Examples for more landings include highly broken topography and frequent
streamcourses. Additional landings may eliminate the need to skid logs across
streamcourses.
d. Construction. Provide space on the uphill side of the landing to store landing
slash. Uphill storage facilitates landing cleanup. Sale Administrators should estimate
the volume of slash that will be generated and plan landing locations and sizes
accordingly. If excavation is necessary, require installation of adequately sloped
banks and drainage ditches at the top of the cut to accommodate runoff. Avoid
excavated landings in highly erosive soils such as decomposed granite.
e. Decking, Storing and Loading Operations. Do not allow landing size to grow to
accommodate high volume loading levels. An average landing can generally
accommodate up to 200 MBF per 8-hour day. Any more than this will require
additional landing space to accommodate trucks, log decks and skidding machines.
This may cause excessive damage to the resources. The best way to avoid excessive
impact is to recommend a second logging side to the Purchaser Representative. See
provision B/BT6.4 requirements concerning unnecessary damage to the residual
stand. It is particularly important on any loading operation to require adequate fire
clearance around truck and loader operations and fuel storage areas.
f. Operations on a Landing.
(1) Limit the number of skidding machines to protect the residual stand and other
resources.
(2) Require felling hazardous snags or damaged trees before using the landing.
(3) Do not allow the construction of truck turn arounds that unnecessarily damage
residual timber and other desired vegetation.
(4) Observe California Logging and Sawmill Safety Orders and the timber sale
contract fire precautions in administering landing operations.
2. Landings for Cable Yarding Systems. Consider the following guidelines when
agreeing to landings for cable yarding systems.
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a. Location. Locate landings on ridgetops, flats or benches whenever possible. In
addition to the landing location considerations to protect resources for ground
skidding equipment, consider the following for cable yarding systems.
(1) Provide adequate anchors for all cable systems.
(2) Provide proper alignment for tail anchors for skyline systems.
(3) Provide safe guy angles. Landing location may not provide minimum angles
required due to resource needs.
(4) Provide ample room between hill and spar when yarding downhill.
(5) Provide for yarding distances which are compatible with resource values and the
equipment. The desired yarding distance should be that which best meets resource
objectives. This may require longer yarding distances and be more expensive.
(6) Minimize sidehill yarding and blind leads.
(7) Provide enough deflection to safely do the job.
(8) Prevent unsafe "V" or diamond leads.
b. Size. Landing size depends on many factors. Purchasers may seek larger, more
economic log handling areas. This, however, may be in direct conflict with land
management considerations which usually restrict landing size on steeper ground. In
any event, provide adequate room to meet California Logging and Sawmill Safety
order requirements.
For swing boom yarders, require a minimum three-foot clearance behind the
counterweight.
c. Frequency. Agree to landing spacings that provide resource protection and
economical logging. For most mobile yarders of the short span skyline type, landings
should be at least 150 feet apart. Larger long span type skyline or high lead yarders
require larger landings spaced farther apart.
d. Construction. Side casting material during landing construction can result in
unacceptable resource damage. The following should be considered to reduce the
impacts of landing construction:
(a) When needed and agreed upon, change yarding and/or loading specifications by
contract modification or special C provision under substitute measures.
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(b) Swing logs from under the yarder with some type of tractor and deck along the
road by written agreement or contract modification.
(c) Incorporate landings into specified road design and utilize or end haul excess
material by written agreement or contract modification.
(d) Recognize that most machinery cannot operate on landings which slope more
than 6 percent.
Some newer timber sale contracts require the incorporation of some or all of the
landings on a sale into the specified road design. This is normally done on steep
terrain or unstable soils to control landing size, prevent excessive sidecast and ensure
adequate clearing prior to construction. Purchaser credit for this type of landing
construction is allocated in the same manner as specified roads.
e. Decking, Storing and Loading Operations. Landings should have adequate room
to store and deck logs on or adjacent to landings to permit the efficient loading of log
trucks. Normally, do not permit loading areas that accommodate more than one
truck. In cases where the Sale Administrator discovers a resource problem, a swing
operation may be necessary. The maximum grade for trucks during loading is
approximately 12 percent.
3. Landings for Helicopter Yarding. In helicopter timber sales, the Forest Service
usually designates the landings during the preparation phase.
a. Location. In addition to the precautions recommended under landings for ground
skidding equipment to prevent resource damage, consider the following for helicopter
landings:
(1) Locate landing to provide approaches which take advantage of prevailing winds.
Provide at least two directions for approach.
(2) The location of truck roads must accommodate safe helicopter flight patterns to
and from landings. Truck road locations should meet criteria in temporary roads and
transportation facilities.
b. Size. A safe landing is a prime consideration. For a safe landing operation, a
minimum area 200 feet in diameter, clear of all loose materials and objects which
could be hazardous if displaced by rotor downwash, is needed just for the yarding
helicopter alone. Helicopter landings can be up to 1 to 1 1/2 acres in size when they
are also used for loading trucks and fueling and servicing helicopters.
To keep up with the demands of a large helicopter, it may be necessary to provide
enough room to store 150 to 200 MBF of logs.
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c. Construction. Construct landings that are in compliance with the California State
Logging and Sawmill Safety Orders and:
(1) Designate all unsafe trees such as large trees in flight path, snags and so on prior
to felling them.
(2) Provide adequate areas for slash disposal by specified methods. Construct
disposal areas adjacent to the landing if needed.
(d) Landing Slash. Ensure that the Purchaser disposes of landing slash as yarding
progresses. Select adequate disposal areas near the landing to accommodate the
extroardinary amount of slash peculiar to a helicopter landing operation.
e. Fuel and Service Area. Fuel and service areas are as critical as landings. In many
instances, the landing is also used for fuel storage. Locate fuel areas away from live
streams, draws and areas of slash concentrations. For safety, locate fuel and service
areas apart from the yarding landing if possible. Proper clearance is necessary for fire
protection. A fire that develops near a fuel storage area could cause serious problems.
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61.42d - Skid Trails and Fire Lines (B/BT6.64)
Normally, erosion control on skid trails and fire lines involves constructing cross ditches and
water spreading ditches (hereafter referred to as water bars) where designated on the ground by
the Sale Officer. Other methods such as backblading may be agreed to in lieu of crossdrains.
61.42d - Exhibit 01--Table 1
Exhibit 01 gives the recommended spacing for water bars 1/
on temporary roads, tractor roads, skid trails and fire lines.
(Use these spacing guidelines for permanent roads when there is a need
for drainage facilities for permanent roads)
Road, Skid Trail or
Erosion Hazard Rating for Area 2/
Fire Line Gradient
4-5
6-8
9-10
11-13
(Low)
(Medium)
(High)
(Very High)
%
(Feet)
(Feet)
(Feet)
(Feet)
1 - 6
400
350
300
250
7 - 9
300
250
200
150
10 - 14
200
175
150
125
15 - 20
150
120
90
60
21 - 40
90
70
50
30
41 - 60 3/
50
40
25
15
1/ Measure spacing’s on the slope.
2/ EHR's are based on general area around road or trail and not on the bare
area of the road or trail.
3/ May require hand work instead of dozer.
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Use the information in Exhibit 01 only as a guide. Local conditions may warrant alterations.
Use judgment in locating crossdrains. In addition to proper spacing, water bars should discharge
into undisturbed areas and preferably rocky ground or filter areas well protected with slash and
vegetative cover
The timber sale contract requires the Forest Service to mark the location of all needed water bars
on the ground unless otherwise agreed. In addition to spacing guidelines in Exhibit 01, correlate
water bar locations with soil conditions. Minimize impact by draining water bars into slash,
rocky areas, dense or low vegetation and so on, shorten up spacing where needed to take
advantage of natural features to aid dispersion of water. When skid trails may drain onto a lower
road, there may be a need to shorten water bar spacing.
a. Angle. Determine the average gradient in percent slope of the roads being water
barred. Add 5 to the average gradient. This approximates the angle in degrees for the
water bar. Do not install water bars at an angle steeper than 45 degrees as this will
increase water velocity rather than slow it down.
Square water bars are not acceptable. They fill with sediment in the first winter or
two. Thereafter, water flows over the top and increases erosion.
b. Height. Height of water bar embankment should be equivalent to a compacted
height of eighteen inches above the bottom of ditch.
c. Depth. Construct water bars so that the bottom of the ditch is in solid soil. Do not
accept water bars constructed out of dust accumulation. Normally, construct the
bottom of the water bar to a depth of about six inches into solid soil.
d. Pitch. Use the following guidelines to determine pitch which is the elevational
difference between the highside of the water bar and the outlet:
(1) Low erosion hazard rating. Use a pitch equal to the gradient of the road plus one
to two percent. For example, a water bar with a gradient of 10% should have a pitch
of about 11 or 12 percent.
(2) Medium erosion hazard rating. Use a pitch equal to the road gradient plus 3
percent.
(3) High erosion hazard. Use a pitch equal to the road gradient plus 5 percent.
e. Width of Channel. Width of water bar channels should be enough to handle
expected water flows and to avoid plugging when a normal amount of sloughing
occurs.
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EFFECTIVE DATE: 8/2/2012
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61.42d - Exhibit 02
Exhibit 02 is an example of determining water bar angles. Average road gradient between water
bars is 20 percent. Therefore, 20 + 5 = 25 degree angles of water bar.
1. Special Treatment Methods. Use special treatment methods such as backblading,
grass-seeding or spreading of slash or wood chips when required by the timber sale
contract. Special treatment methods should also be considered in areas where it is not
possible to construct conventional water bars to standards due to topography, terrain or
other obstructions. Include special treatment measures in layout agreements. Use these
special treatment measures, either in combination or in conjunction with standard
treatment measures in order to protect the soil recource. Heavily disturbed areas, areas
with high erosion hazard ratings (EHR's), and areas where it is difficult to divert runoff
onto undisturbed areas should have special treatment in addition to, not in lieu of,
required practices.
These special treatment methods may also be used as a remedy to breach on disturbed
areas. This remedy is in addition to specific timber sale contract provisions and acreages
shown on the sale area map.
a. The timber sale contract provides that backblading can be performed by
agreement. Backblading can also be required in recreational development sites or
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public-use areas if provision C/CT6.64 - Backblading has been included in the timber
sale contract. In these cases, use backblading to remove evidence of skid trails.
Backblading on decomposed granite soils may not be acceptable in many cases, as
water may still flow through the disturbed area.
Do not recommend backblading on high EHR areas or on slopes over 15 percent.
Sale Officers, when considering areas defined under special provisions C/CT6.602 Special Erosion Prevention Measures or C/CT6.601 - Vegetative Soil Stabilization,
may wish to consider spreading slash or grass seeding in conjunction with
backblading.
b. Grass seeding is another method of erosion prevention and control. Such
stabilization measures are often required on sale areas. The maximum number of
acres for treatment is shown on the sale area map and must be designated on the
ground. The timber sale contract must contain special provision C/CT6.601 Vegetative Soil Stabilization if grass seeding is to be required. Discuss grass seeding
requirements with the Purchaser during preoperations meetings. The best time to
spread grass seed is in the fall immediately before expected precipitation. Do not
apply seed when it may germinate and then be subject to an extended dry period.
Preoperation discussions should also include the seed mixture to use, the application
rate that will be necessary for full coverage and the location of the areas that will be
seeded. Sale Administrators should consult with needed specialists on the desired
timing, application rates, and seed mixtures for the sale area.
Grass seeding is often used on skid trails, landings, temporary roads, fill slopes,
stream crossings, streamside areas and other denuded high erosion areas. Sale
Officers should note these critical areas during harvesting operations in order that the
grass seeding can be done when operations are complete for the area.
c. Other special methods of erosion control, such as spreading slash or wood chips,
may be required in addition to other erosion control measures on areas with special
soil stabilization problems. The sale area map shows the maximum number of
treatable acres and designates the specific areas to be treated on the ground. The
timber sale contract must also contain special provision C/CT6.602 - Special Erosion
Prevention Measures.
Spreading slash or wood chips is a more direct and immediately effective erosion
control measure than grass seeding. Use it primarily to control sheet erosion. It is
also somewhat effective in controlling gullying. Smaller slash (approximately 1/4" 2" in diameter) is the most effective. Place slash in as full contact with the soil as
possible and on the contour of the slope. The more small branches, twigs, leaves and
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needles left connected to the slash, the more effective the slash is in breaking up the
force of rain droplets on the exposed soil. Sale Officers should ensure coverage of a
sufficient area of the surface of the exposed soil in areas being treated based on the
EHR of the soil. Use Exhibit 03 as a general guide. Sale Officers should use their
own judgement based on knowledge of local conditions when using this guide.
61.42d - Exhibit 03
Table 1
EHR
Very High (11-13)
High (9-10)
Medium (6-8)
Low (4-5)
% Exposed Soil Covered by Slash
85
70
50
30
Walking the slash in with a tractor will further improve controls against gullying. Sale Officers
should also consider whether the area treated by the spreading of slash is going to be broadcast
burned or planted. If such is the case, this will limit the benefits of spreading slash.
Spread slash after removal of all material from the area and after completion of erosion control
measures.
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2. Skid Trails and Fire Lines - Cable Areas. Hand placed cross drains may be necessary on
cable operations where a cableway has become gouged out forming a path for concentrating
runoff. The need for hand placed crossdrains will vary with slope, width and depth of
disturbances, distance from the landing and erodability of the soil. Exhibit 04 Tables 1 and 2 is a
guide to spacing of hand placed cross drains.
61.42d - Exhibit 04
First 1/3 of cableway from landing
Recommended Spacing (ft.) of Hand Placed 1/
Cross Drains on Logging System Cableways
Slope of Cableway
(%)
41-60
61-80
greater than 80
*Cableway depth/width factor
Factor
Factor
1-29
30-59
Spacing (ft.)
100
70
40
Factor
60-89
90
60
30
Factor
90-120
80
50
20
70
40
10
*Cableway depth/width factor equals W x D, where W = width
in feet and D = depth in inches
Remaining 2/3 of cableway from landing
Recommended Spacing (ft.) of Hand Placed 1/
Cross Drains on Logging System cableways
Slope of Cableway
(%)
*Cableway depth/width factor______________
Factor
1-29
Factor
30-59
Factor
60-89
Spacing (ft.)
41-60
200
190
61-80
170
160
greater than 80
140
130
*Cableway width/depth factor equals W x D, where W = width
in feet and D = depth in inches
Factor
90-120
180
150
120
170
140
110
1/ Measure spacings on the slope.
Example: Cableway 2' wide by 6" deep = 2x6 = factor of 12. The definition of cableway width is the distance
across the portion of cableway where there is no litter or vegetation (bare ground) In this example a factor of 12
falls within the 1-29 range, or a spacing of 100' on 41-60% slopes in the first 1/3.
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Increase spacing 25 percent on areas where the EHR is low, and decrease spacing 25 percent on
area where the EHR is high.
Use similar criteria for the construction of hand placed water bars as for those water bars
constructed with equipment. The compacted height of the water bar
should be 6 to 12 inches rather than the 18 inches for water bars constructed with equipment.
Use judgment when considering the number and location of water bars particularly in the lower
portion of cableway near natural drainages. The objective of the water bar is to breakup
concentrations of water. If a concentration of water will occur in the lower portion similar to that
which occurs near the landing due to slope configuration, decrease spacing to that required for
that portion nearest the landing.
3. Erosion Control Structure Maintenance. Measure the effectiveness of soil erosion
prevention and control treatments by the results found after one or more years exposure
of sale areas to the elements. This applies equally to postsale treatment work such as site
preparation and planting. Ascertain effectiveness by systematic checking. After one or
more winters, Sale Officers shall review the results of erosion prevention efforts for
effectiveness and to ensure that results meet Regional standards.
Treated areas should show strong evidence of stabilizing in two to three years following
logging and postsale treatment. There should not be any gullying or extensive rilling.
Sheet erosion should average less than one-tenth inch, and rills, if present, should not
exceed 10 per acre or 50 feet in length.
Some soil disturbance and minor soil movement is unavoidable on any timber sale area.
However, if proper prevention and control measures are in place, the result should be
rapid healing of the area with no aggravated continuing movement of soils.
Knowledge gained from this type of evaluation on completed sale areas should result in
improved erosion practices on future sales.
The Purchaser shall provide for maintenance of erosion control structures for up to one
year from date of work and prior to contract expiration (B/BT6.66)
4. Exhibit 05 is a document from the Shasta-Trinity National Forests which provides
some excellent illustrations of erosion prevention and control measures.
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CHAPTER 60 - OPERATIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS
61.42d - Exhibit 05
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61.42d - Exhibit 05--Continued
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61.42d - Exhibit 05--Continued
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61.42d - Exhibit 05--Continued
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61.42d - Exhibit 05--Continued
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61.42d - Exhibit 05--Continued
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61.42d - Exhibit 05--Continued
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61.42d - Exhibit 05--Continued
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61.42d - Exhibit 05--Continued
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61.42d - Exhibit 05--Continued
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61.42d - Exhibit 05--Continued
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61.42d - Exhibit 05--Continued
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61.42d - Exhibit 05--Continued
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61.42d - Exhibit 05--Continued
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61.42d - Exhibit 05--Continued
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61.42d - Exhibit 05--Continued
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61.42d - Exhibit 05--Continued
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61.42d - Exhibit 05--Continued
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61.42d - Exhibit 05--Continued
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61.42d - Exhibit 05--Continued
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61.5 - Slash Disposal (B/BT6.7)
Base slash treatment requirements on a slash treatment or hazard reduction plan developed
during sale preparation and EA objectives.
The timber sale contract defines slash as "...Vegetative debris larger than 1-inch in diameter and
3-feet long resulting from Purchaser's operations, other than construction slash, is logging slash".
Sale Administrators must be thoroughly familiar with the specific definitions and requirements
of slash treatment in each timber sale contract they administer.
1. Slash Disposal Time Schedules. Provision C/CT6.7 calls for the Forest Service and
the Purchaser to jointly develop a schedule for the completion of slash treatments. Agree
to a schedule that satisfies resource needs, the timber sale contract's intent and the
Purchaser's business management demands.
Do not dictate slash schedules to Purchasers. Generally, do not agree to schedules that
allow work to lay over a winter. Treat slash in the same season it is created, for several
reasons:
a. To delay the work for a season or more very likely will cause unnecessary delays
in Forest Service followup work such as slash burning or other disposal, reforestation
and thinning or other timber stand improvement work.
b. After significant weathering of the slash, it is difficult to differentiate between
slash created by the operator and that which existed prior to operations in the area.
c. Undue delays can promote a poor working relationship with the Purchaser.
d. Delay extends higher fire risk factors.
e. Unnecessary presence of slash adds to the visual impact and can result in a
negative public reaction, especially in an area with recreational values.
Many logging contractors employ separate slash crews or contract this work out
rather than rely on their woods crews to do the work. Sale Administrators should
realize that it is not practical for operators to increase or decrease the size of the slash
treatment crew as the amount of slash varies. Therefore, flexibility in the slash
schedule is needed to allow for this variation.
2. Slash Disposal Methods. Provision C/CT6.7 specifies slash treatment methods. Slash
treatment is either shown on the sale area map or listed in the tables in C/CT6.7. This
provision also defines slash treatment methods such as scattering,
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a. Scattering. Scattering involves lopping slash to within a specified distance from
the ground and scattering the slash to eliminate concentrations. Scattering is not an
accepted method of slash treatment in areas requiring complete slash disposal.
b. Removing. Accomplish removal by skidding or loading and hauling material to a
site shown on the sale area map and designated on the ground. Use removal in lieu of
a specified slash disposal method only after the disposal site is agreed to in writing
c. Burying. Do not approve burial locations where significant damage to resources
will result. Bury in locations where soil is deep enough to establish desired
vegetation on top of the burial site. Require a minimum of two feet of well
compacted soil on top of compacted slash. Crown these fills, smooth on the contour
and install needed ditches to prevent erosion. Do not accept work having limbs or
slash sticking out of the fill.
d. Chipping. Use chipping to obtain a prompt and complete job of slash cleanup to
meet strict aesthetic requirements. Chip logging slash up to 4 inches in diameter.
Scatter larger material out of view, remove to disposal sites or by agreement leave in
place for fuel wood.
e. Piling and Decking. Pile slash by hand or machine. Either the Forest Service or
the Purchaser may be responsible for slash piling. Check the timber sale contract for
piling methods and responsibility requirements. Also check cooperative agreements
between the Forest Service and Purchaser.
(1) Hand Piling. Normally, require hand piling along system roads, recreation
development sites and in other sensitive areas. Stack hand piled slash as high as
practical and in compact piles for efficient burning. Do not accept loosely piled slash
that cannot satisfactorily burn. Do not accept poorly located piles which, when
burned, will damage residual trees.
Satisfactory hand piles can easily burn under most weather conditions. The timber
sale contract requires a 3-foot wide fire line around piles. Locate piles a minimum of
about 15 feet from crop trees. To prevent scorching, locate larger piles about 25 to 30
feet from crop trees or twice the diameter of the pile, whichever is greater.
(2) Machine Piling. Normally, use machine piling on landings and within clearcut
units and other areas where unacceptable damage to aesthestics, soil and water will
not occur. It is good practice to position dry material (snags) on the bottom of piles.
Encourage the operator to include enough fine fuels with logs to provide suitable
ignition points. Major considerations for satisfactory machine piling are:
(a) Pile logs with loaders when possible, due to the fact that higher piles burn better.
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(b) Use brush rakes unless other equipment can meet needed end results. Keep in
mind that the desired result is clean, dirt-free piles.
(c) Tractor piles should be at least 25 feet from the residual stand to prevent damage
from burning piles.
(d) Parallel deck logs for better burning.
f. Burning. Review the timber sale contract to determine who is responsible for
burning slash. When requiring the Purchaser to burn, the Sale Administrator must
work closely with the District Fire Management Officer and ensure that only qualified
people complete the work. When in doubt about the conduct of operations, the Sale
Administrator must take prompt action to avoid an immediate threat to the National
Forest.
3. Specified Fuel Reduction Measures.
a. Damaged Small Trees (C/CT6.791) Cutting damaged, small trees (gill pokes) is
an effective slash treatment method. This is normally done in conjunction with other
slash treatment requirements such as lop and scatter, chipping, burying and piling for
burning.
Recognize that timber sale contracts differ in the definition of damaged, small trees.
b. Yarding Unutilized Material (YUM) (C/CT6.793) YUM yarding includes
skidding cull logs to landings for decking, within 100 feet of landings and scattering,
removing to disposal sites or to other agreed upon areas. YUM requirements include
portions of unutilized snags as well as unutilized portions of hardwoods and
merchantable trees. Consider hardwoods as included in YUM requirements. Make
an appraisal allowance if anticipating much YUM of hardwoods.
4. Treatment in Specific Areas.
a. Specified Roads. Dispose of all logging slash within 50 feet slope distance of the
roadbed edge for all system roads listed in the timber sale contract and shown on the
sale area map. Some roads may require additional disposal. Refer to specific timber
sale contract specifications. Complete disposal of logging slash along system roads
creates a fire break to assist in the control of fires and to prevent the start of fires
along roads. Treat logging slash within the disposal strip of roadbed edges of system
roads located adjacent to regeneration or clearcut units with other logging slash
within these units. Accomplish slash treatment in the disposal strip without affecting
water drainage in the area. Where possible, coordinate treatment of logging and road
construction slash to share available burning sites and available equipment.
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b. Temporary Roads. Apply slash disposal requirements on sale areas outside of
special slash disposal zones for temporary roads. Do not permit accumulations of
slash from temporary road construction to be left in a manner not permitted for other
slash in the general zone. Treat limbs, tops and construction slash in a manner which
will prevent unnecessary damage to the residual stand. Discuss potential slash
problems such as right of way clearing with the Purchaser Representative before
agreeing to temporary road locations. Newer timber sale contracts require bucking,
limbing and scattering of all trees felled, pushed over or damaged beyond recovery by
temporary road construction. Do not allow burning slash on the right of way during
construction.
c. Landings. Landing slash is created when constructing the landing site and when
slash is brought in with skidded logs. To satisfactorily complete landings slash
disposal requirements consider that:
(1) Proper landing locations minimize slash disposal problems and resource damage.
(2) Scattering slash away from landings is not acceptable as a method of disposal in
most cases. The timber sale contract requires the disposal of slash within the landing
unless otherwise agreed in writing.
(3) Piling of heavy pieces for later use or disposal is an acceptable method. To
facilitate burning, cut off protruding portions in the pile and place the cut off pieces in
the pile.
d. Disposal Sites. Use disposal sites to pile cull logs, stumps and other slash as
agreed to by the Forest Service. Locate disposal sites in less conspicuous and less
productive areas where burning can be done satisfactorily. To facilitate burning, pile
stumps which are especially difficult to burn on dry material. Where there is no
choice, it is permissible to allow the operator to clear small areas to provide enough
space for piling.
e. Fuelbreaks (C/CT6.73). Normally, treat logging slash within fuelbreaks
designated on the sale area map in the same manner as logging slash along system
roads. Fuelbreak width, disposal areas and methods of disposal are shown on the sale
area map and designated on the ground.
f. Recreation Development Sites (C/CT6.76). Treat all logging slash within
designated recreational development sites. This includes conifers, hardwood, and
sub-merchantable size material. Specific slash disposal methods for small material
may be specified, or removal to disposal sites for Forest Service burning may be
needed. Slash disposal locations are shown on the sale area map and staked on the
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ground in advance of advertising. The timber sale contract requires precise
boundaries of such areas.
g. Scenic Roads, Scenic Areas and View Areas (C/CT6.77 and C/CT6.78). The sale
area map shows the requirements and distance that specific treatments or
combinations of treatments will be applied along scenic roads, scenic areas and view
areas. Actual disposal applies only to visible slash within the distance specified on
the sale area map. The Purchaser shall dispose of slash by removing, burying,
chipping, piling, machine piling or a combination of these means unless the sale area
map specifies or prohibits a method. Remove larger material, such as cull logs to
designated areas or treat as agreed to under the timber sale contract.
h. Bucking Large Logging Slash (C/CT6.792). Use C/CT6.792 when treatment is
needed to improve fire control and slash for fuelwood is in demand by the public. In
some cases where planned logging is in or near recreation development sites, it is
desirable to allow the Purchaser to buck material over four inches diameter inside
bark (d.i.b.) into lengths not exceeding six feet for future utilization by the public for
fuelwood. Take care to ensure that other coordinating guidelines are met that are
related to fuels management and aesthetics.
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62 - FIRE PRECAUTION, FIRE CONTROL AND OTHER CONDITIONS CONTRACT
PROVISIONS (FORM FS-2400-6 AND FS-2400-6T, 1970 AND 1973 EDITIONS)
62.11 - Plans (B/BT7.1)
The plan should also include frequency of weather observations (C/CT7.22) if the Purchaser
elects to install a fire weather station.
62.12a - Inspection Standards
Document each complete fire inspection on form R5-2400-198, Logging Operation Fire
Prevention Inspection Check List. Notify the Purchaser Representative and Field Representative
in advance of each planned fire inspection so they have the opportunity to accompany and assist
during the inspection.
Make spot check inspections of fire equipment during normal sale administration activities.
These spot checks ensure that the Purchaser, through the fire patrolperson and/or field
supervisor, is fulfilling their obligation to maintain fire tools and equipment in a serviceable and
available condition.
62.12b - Serviceability Standards
When a landing chainsaw is used to meet timber sale contract requirements, it shall be at least 31/2 horsepower in size. If the inspector cannot determine the horsepower rating of the saw, a
rough approximation can be made by converting the cubic inch displacement to horsepower on a
direct equivalent ratio. Require the proper spark arrestor for chainsaws. Include tools necessary
for felling timber in the fire tool box. As a minimum require:
1. Combination tool or wrench and screwdriver to change the spark plug and adjust the
cutting bar.
2. One chainsaw file for sharpening cutting chain.
3. Felling axe or hammer.
4. Enough fuel and bar oil for at least two operating hours. This may be present on the
landing in lieu of in the fire tool box.
5. Two felling wedges.
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62.12b - Exhibit 01
Shovel Requirements. Bevel each edge of the shovel from the point to approximately 1-1/2
inches from the top of the blade with the bevel on the inner face of the blade.
Recommendation: Protect tool heads from rust by using paint or oil.
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62.12b - Exhibit 02
Cutting Tools.
Double Bit Axe Requirements. Sharpen both bits on taper extending 2-1/2 inches back from
cutting edge with no nicks or irregularities on the cutting edge.
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62.12b - Exhibit 03
Single Bit Axe Requirements. Sharpen on taper 1-1/2 inches back from cutting edge with no
nicks or irregularities on the cutting edge.
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62.12b - Exhibit 04
Pulaski Requirements. Sharpen axe bit on taper back 2-1/2 inches from the cutting edge with no
nicks or irregularities on the cutting edge. Sharpen hoe side to a good cutting edge, the bevel to
be approximately 3/8-inch deep on the inside of the blade (on the side facing the handle)
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62.12c - Cable Logging System Requirements
Provision C/CT7.202 requires the Purchaser to furnish a tank or tank trailer unit for each active
landing which can be lifted and transported by the skyline carriage. The same tank unit will
meet the requirements of C/CT7.201 - Tank Truck, on any one landing. The Sale Administrators
shall ensure that the tank is properly equipped for attachment to the skyline.
Give special attention to tail holds and corner blocks on cable yarding units. Binoculars can be a
handy tool to check clearing of fuels from around remote tailblocks.
Some forests permit the use of suitable extinguishers in place of backpack water pumps at corner
block locations. Provision B/BT7.21 - Substitute Precautions requires prior aggreement by the
Contracting Officer before such substitutions can be made. Agreement shall be documented in
writing.
62.12e - Helicopter Logging System Requirements
The timber sale contract requires that the Purchaser provide a 500 gallon helitank full of water on
the active landing. Operators often meet this requirement by providing a helibucket. When
buckets cannot be stored full of water, locate a dip source (natural or manufactured) in close
proximity to the active operations. Inspect the helibucket during the monthly fire inspection.
Again, include a demonstrated hookup and test as part of a preoperations check.
Only Contracting Officers can authorize the approval of substitute precautions under B/BT7.21.
62.12f - Spark Arresters
The arrester must be tightly secured to the exhaust stack with no leakage around the base.
62.12g - Tank Trucks and Trailers
Compression wedge couplings on the hose are acceptable.
Keep in mind the requirement of a shut-off nozzle with a combination of 3/16-inch straight
stream orifice and fog spray rated at 6 to 20 gallons per minute. Currently, the Forest FogStream (Twin Tip) is the only nozzle tested and approved for use on a Regionwide basis. Do not
accept nozzles or any other fire equipment as substitutes until the Purchaser and Contracting
Officer agree in writing in accordance with B/BT7.21 - Substitute Precautions and the nozzle has
been tested on the ground and meets the standards of provision C/CT7.201.
The following accessories are recommended to ensure serviceability during periods of operating
the pumper:
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a. Spare spark plugs, one for 4-cycle engines and two for 2-cycle engines which are
recommended by pump manufacturers. They must be of the correct size and properly
gapped for the pump engine.
b. Two hour supply of fuel which shall be mixed for 2-cycle and straight for 4-cyle
engines. Normally, the factory equipped tanker will have a fuel tank adequate to hold
a two hour supply of fuel.
c. One quart crankcase oil for 4-cycle engines.
d. One 8-inch crescent wrench.
e. An assortment of hose gaskets to fit all couplings on the pumper.
f. One spark plug wrench to fit that particular engine.
g. Two spanner wrenches of sufficient size to fit the hose supplied.
h. Grease gun and grease for those pumpers requiring lubing. This is generally not
needed on centrifugal pumps.
i. Screwdrivers of the size and type necessary to service the particular unit.
j. One slip joint pair of pliers.
k. One extra starter rope on units with an open type starting pulley or with an internal
starting unit which can be overridden.
Store accessories in a tool box immediately available to the tanker unit. If the fire
tool box is attached to the pumper and is to be used for pumper accessories storage,
provide a secure, separate compartment within the box that will protect the
accessories from damage by the fire tools.
If the fire tool box is mounted to the tanker unit, keep the tanker as immediately
adjacent to the landing as possible.
Define an active/operating landing referred to in Section C/CT7.2 - Specified Fire
precautions and C/CT7.201 - Tank Truck as any landing where active skidding or
yarding operations are occurring. At these landings, ensure compliance with the fire
tool box and fire tanker requirements. Where only loading from cold decks or
landing cleanup is in progress, do not require the fire tool box or the fire tanker if
there are enough tools on the loading equipment and trucks to equip all of the
personnel involved in the operation with tools.
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e. In order to estimate the capacity or volume of fuel tanks, fire tankers or fuel
storage dikes, use the following formulas:
(1) For a cylindrical shaped tank, use:
V = (3.14 r2) X (L) X (7.5 gallons per cu. ft.)
R = radius in feet
L = length of tank in feet
V = volume in gallons
(2) For a rectangular or square shaped tank or dike, use:
V = (L) X (W) X (H) X (7.5 gallons per cu. ft.)
L = length of tank or dike in feet
W = width of tank or dike in feet
H = height of tank or dike in feet
V = volume in gallons
62.12h - Fire Foreperson and Fire Patrolperson
Have the Purchaser furnish a Fire Patrolperson when the Sale Activity level reaches levels
stipulated in the timber sale contract. Make contact with this individual to determine that duties
are understood. The sole responsibility of the patrolperson is to patrol the operation for
prevention, detection, and suppression of fires. Suppression includes having serviceable
communications and knowing whom to notify. The individual must be physically capable of
performing these duties.
Sale Officers should be aware that the timber sale contract specifies when the Fire Patrolperson
shall begin work, depending on the daily production rate. Work could close down in the middle
of the morning or afternoon for one reason or another. Regardless of the timing of work closure,
the timber sale contract specifies when Fire Patrolperson's duties begin.
Ensure the Fire Patrolperson's vehicle comes equipped with a shovel, axe and a telephone or
radio. A headlamp and a portable water pump are also desirable.
Require the fire patrolperson to have serviceable communications. Ensure that the
communication system is operable during the fire precautionary period and when fire
patrolperson services are required. If the Contracting Officer and the Purchaser agree in writing,
document alternative communication locations in the Fire Plan.
Sale Administrators should inspect for the promptness and reliability of an approved
communications system and the Purchaser's Fire Plan. It is necessary that the Purchaser
demonstrate the communications system at various locations
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throughout the Sale Area to identify dead spots. In some areas there will be locations where
communications with the base station are not possible. Identify these areas before a fire
emergency arises.
62.12i - Seasonal Permits
Welding and blasting require special considerations. Ensure conduct of this activity is in
accordance with the timber sale contract and that the Purchaser secures any special required
welding or blasting permits.
Monitor operator's camps to ensure fire safety.
Lunch and warming fires require seasonal campfire permits.
62.12m - Smoking
Permit smoking only when the individual is sitting in a cleared area at least three feet in
diameter.
62.14 - Fire Control (B/BT7.3)
The personnel and equipment to be made available includes that of all contractors,
subcontractors or agents as described in provision B/BT7.6. Do not consider the mill crew as an
important factor for initial suppression.
Under this section, a Purchaser's initial action and payrolling of employees will continue until the
Forest Service has available overhead and facilities for hiring and timekeeping. The District
Ranger should make every possible effort to make Forest Service facilities and overhead
available by the end of the first working shift on the fire.
62.15 - Fire Suppression Costs(B/BT7.4)
Notify Purchasers as soon as practicable of any fire investigations. Conclude investigations as
soon as practicable so that any applicable contractual action such as billings or refund payments
can be made in a timely manner.
Whenever any fire occurs on or near a sale area, immediately dispatch a fire investigator and
Sale Officer. Their responsibilities include:
1. Fire Investigator. Determine probable cause, prepare a carefully documented record
of evidence and witnesses, keep the Incident Commander or Fire Management Officer
and Sale Officer current on the status of the investigation and conclude the investigation
as soon as practical.
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EFFECTIVE DATE: 8/2/2012
DURATION: This supplement expires 5 years from the effective date unless superseded or removed earlier.
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2. Sale Officers. Notify and keep the Purchaser informed from initial attack through
payment or billings, facilitate compliance with the timber sale contract, assist in
assessment of damages where appropriate, review cost estimates to ensure indirect
suppression costs are not included and aggressively seek satisfactory conclusion of the
incident as provided by the timber sale contract.
62.16 - State Law (B/BT7.5)
The State laws that apply to the timber sale contract are included in the Health and Safety
Code and in the Public Resource Code of Volume 1 of the California Forest and Fire
Laws of California. Applicable sections include:
1. Health and Safety Code.
a. Explosives - Section 12000
b. Fires - Section 13000
2. California Public Resources Codes.
a. 4331 - Smoking or Building a Fire upon National Forest land. Written Permit
Required.
b. 4423 - Burning Permits, Zones, Times.
c. 4427 - Use of Machinery in Area where Burning Permit Required, Required
Clearing and Fire Tools.
d. 4428 - Specific Fire Fighting Tools Required on Industrial Operations; Exceptions.
Regional interpretation of the term serviceable chainsaw as used in this regulation is
to ensure serviceability of the chainsaw, include at least two wedges and a felling ax
(or similar tool)
e. 4429 - Fire Fighting Tools Required at Employee Camps.
f. 4430 - Using Steam Engine. During Dry Season; Water Pump Required.
g. 4431 - Gasoline Powered Saws; Firefighting Equipment. Directs the Director of
Forestry to specify the type and size of the fire extinguishers to be used with
chainsaws. The fire extinguisher to be carried with chainsaws must be at least 14
ounces and UL tested with multiple ratings.
h. 4435 - Origin of Fire; Negligence; Misdemeanor.
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EFFECTIVE DATE: 8/2/2012
DURATION: This supplement expires 5 years from the effective date unless superseded or removed earlier.
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i. 4442 - Spark arrestors or fire prevention measures; requirement; exemptions.
j. 44443 - Portable Power Saws, Regulations for Use.
Generally, fire management personnel maintain an up-to-date copy of these
regulations. Sale Administrators should review these laws and regulations to develop
fire plan requirements and ensure that adequate fire suppression capabilities are
available on the sale area.
2. Predicted Activity Level. The emergency fire prediction schedule established in
C/CT7.22 provides five activity levels. Activity levels are based on a National Fire
Danger Rating System which uses worst conditions on a rating area.
Local fire weather readings are taken each day around 1:00 p.m. and used to predict the
activity level for the next day. Give these predictions to the Purchaser each day as close
to 4:00 p.m. as feasible.
It is frequently helpful to maintain a list which documents when phone notification or
appropriate recorded message changes were made. When using recorded message
systems, the Sale Officer should call the recording frequently enough to ensure that
recordings are current.
62.17 - Performance by Contractor (B/BT7.6)
1. Representative Fire Weather. The Purchaser may install a fire weather station that is
representative of the sale or sales in that area.
The location and equipment for a station must meet specifications and standards
enumerated in the National Fire Danger Rating System User's Guide (NWCG #430-3)
Fire personnel can be helpful in developing the guidelines to incorporate into the Fire
Plan required by B/BT7.1.
Frequency of weather observations is generally based on predicted activity level. An
example is when the predicted Activity Level is 4, make observations at 10:00 a.m.,
12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. When the predicted Activity Level is 5, make observations at
8:00 a.m. and every two hours until 2:00 p.m.
Note that only wind speed and fuel moisture readings are required to calculate activity
level. Do not require the other standard equipment and measurements used in Forest
Service fire weather stations. Maintenance of equipment and collection of weather data
is the responsibility of the Purchaser. Sale Administrators shall make routine fire
inspections to ensure that all standards are met.
R5 SUPPLEMENT 2409.15_2012-01
EFFECTIVE DATE: 8/2/2012
DURATION: This supplement expires 5 years from the effective date unless superseded or removed earlier.
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Use predicted Activity Level when representative fire weather measurements are not
taken. In all cases, measured or actual weather elements shall govern over the predicted.
Appropriate limitations apply to the sale immediately after being read when using
representative fire weather.