Chugach_Bear_and_Firearm_Policy_Attachment1.pdf

Attachment 1

Bear/Aggressive Animal

Firearms Safety And

Training Policy

Table of Contents

Bear & Aggressive Animal Awareness and Firearms Safety Training Policy

1. PURPOSE

2. SCOPE

3. POLICY

4. AUTHORITY

5. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

6. DEFINITIONS

7. REQUIREMENTS

Appendix A Bear and Aggressive Animal Awareness Qualification Standards

Appendix B Firearms Safety Training and Range Qualification

Course Standards ..........................................Error! Bookmark not defined.

Appendix C Bear Awareness Instructor Course

Appendix D Firearms Safety and Range Qualifications Instructor

Course

Appendix E Bear Interaction Report and Form Instructions

Appendix F Bear Incident Report

Appendix G Request to Use Personal Firearm Use Release

Appendix H Non-lethal Safety Course Standards

Appendix I Training Plan for New Shooters

Appendix J Firearm Cleaning and Maintenance

Appendix K Authorized Less-lethal Deterrents

Bear & Aggressive Animal Firearms Safety and Training Policy

1. PURPOSE: Ensure that field personnel working in bear habitat are properly trained and equipped to deal with bear and aggressive animal encounters.

2. SCOPE: This policy applies to all USFS personnel working in bear habitat for official purposes, within the Chugach National Forest. When performing Law

Enforcement duties as a certified Forest Protection Officer (FPO), FPO’s shall adhere to

National and Region 10 Law Enforcement policy found in FSM 5304.6-5304.7 that detail the authorities, responsibilities and limited duties of an FPO. FSM 5304.6-5304.7 will be the overriding policy for any matter where the two conflict. Other Federal and State jurisdictional codes, laws, and regulations may preclude non-law enforcement employees from possessing or using firearms within their jurisdiction. These laws shall be followed by Forest Service employees and nothing within this policy provides an affirmative defense against charges or violations resulting from infractions.

3. POLICY: This policy provides requirements for Bear and Aggressive Animal

Awareness, and Firearms Safety Training and Firearms Certification for field personnel working in bear habitat within the Chugach National Forest. The goals of this policy are:

A. Employees avoid or reduce negative human-bear interaction through awareness of bear behavior.

B. Employees avoid or reduce aggressive animal interactions through awareness of aggressive animal behavior.

C. Employees know when and how to use non-lethal deterrents and firearms to protect self and other employees from bears or other aggressive animals.

4. AUTHORITY:

A. Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) 1970 - Public Law 91-596, Section

19 - Federal Agency Safety and Health Program.

B. Executive Order 12196, Occupational Safety and Health Programs for Federal

Employees.

C. 29 Code of Federal Regulations 1960 - Basic Program Elements for Federal

Employees, Occupational Safety and Health Program.

D. 6700 Forest Service Manual - Safety and Health Program.

E. 6709.11 Forest Service Handbook – Health and Safety Code.

F. R10 Supplement 6709.11-2010-1.

5. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

A. Forest Supervisor, Pacific Northwest (PNW) Lab Coordinator, State and Private

Forestry (SPF) Assistant Director– ensure policy development and approve this policy.

B. Forest Safety Officer - primarily responsible for the administration of this Policy.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

I. Ensuring Instructors are complying with the provisions of this Policy;

II. Participating on the Bear Safety Committee and coordinating in the development and implementation of this policy, training standards and instructor training courses;

III. Collecting and presenting Bear Incident Reports to the committee and

Forest leadership on an annual basis (Reports due by December 31 of each reporting year) to evaluate the Policy and develop corrective suggestions;

IV. Assisting Project Leaders with their training responsibilities for managing student enrollment, scheduling classrooms and range facilities, and providing instructional materials;

V. Providing a means for information and material sharing between all instructors;

VI. Maintaining a roster of current certified bear and firearm instructors and firearm Armorer.

C. District Rangers/Project Managers - primarily responsible for the implementation of this Policy. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

I. District Rangers/Project Managers must authorize (In writing) employees to carry a Forest Service firearm.

II. Planning for funding requirements to certify an adequate number of instructors;

III. Coordination with the Forest Safety Officer;

IV. Determining where “Bear habitat” is, as defined in this Policy, where his/her staff must carry firearms. Once the initial assessment is completed, the bear /firearms risk assessment shall be reviewed and approved on an annual basis.

V. Ensuring adequate teaching aids, ammunition and firearms are available to conduct specified training;

VI. Ensuring specified firearms, ammunition, non-lethal deterrents, less-lethal deterrents and other required materials are available to field personnel;

VII. Ensuring staff compliance with administrative and personnel requirements of the Policy to include reporting of all negative bear interactions as defined in this Policy.

VIII. Authorizing employees (in writing) who are firearms instructors for the district.

IX. Authorizing employees (in writing) to carry firearms as part of their duties for the USFS. District Rangers/Project Managers shall consider;

employee’s background check, drug test and successful completion of firearm training and range qualifications.

X. Create an Individual Developmental Plan (IDP) for new employees who were not authorized to carry the firearm because they did not meet the qualification standard. These employees’ position description (PD) requires carrying firearms. Nevertheless, because the employee did not meet the qualification standard, they will require additional training. The

IDP should describe what actions the forest will take in developing new employees who may require additional training. The IDP will also describe what responsibilities and actions the employees will need to accomplish to meet firearm training qualifications and competency.

D. District Collateral Duty Safety Officers/Project Leaders - responsible for ensuring District, PNW and SPF personnel fully comply with all provisions of this policy. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, ensuring:

I. Annual inspection of Service-owned firearms by a qualified commercial gunsmith certified to inspect and perform maintenance and/or repairs on the specific make and model of the firearm;

II. Test firing of firearms after the gunsmith inspection, maintenance and/or repair;

III. Instructors and facilities are available to meet training needs of their staff;

IV. Ensuring staff who work in bear habitat are trained and certified according to this Policy, and maintaining a roster of staff’s training;

V. Ensuring all personnel, carrying or having access to Service firearms are legally permitted to do so;

VI. Where possible, provide field crews the opportunity to practice safe handling and operation of firearms in the field during approved work periods and pre-determined locations.

E. Certified Firearms user – responsible for:

I. Annually, successfully completing the Bear and Aggressive Animal

Awareness (Four hour session for new employees, two hour refresher for employees who have had the four hour initial class), and Firearms Safety

Trainings and Firearms Certification;

II. Safely using a firearm to defend themselves and other personnel within the work party from bear or aggressive animal attack;

III. Familiarizing everyone in the work party with their firearm for safety and use in emergency situations;

IV. Understand environmental factors of work sites to determine the ratio of armed to unarmed personnel;

V. Maintain proficiency through regular firearms handling, range practice, dry firing, and unloading techniques;

VI. Checking out firearm and ammunition according to local unit policy.

VII. Clean firearm prior to daily storing.

F. Personnel who are not certified Firearms Users – must be accompanied by a certified firearms user in bear habitat consistent with the Forest Bear Firearm Risk

Assessment.

G. Bear Awareness and Firearms Safety Committee and Regional Safety Office

- responsible for the development and periodic review of this Policy.

Responsibilities include:

I. Coordinate the development of instructor training courses in Bear

Awareness, non-lethal and less-lethal deterrents, Firearms Safety, and

Range Safety Officers; and

II. Discuss Bear Interaction Reports to develop corrective suggestions.

H. Certified Instructor – responsible for teaching one or all of the following in accordance with training standards: Bear and Aggressive Animal Awareness;

Non-lethal deterrents; Less-lethal deterrents; and Firearms Safety and Range certification, and responsible for:

I. Compiling a list of those successfully passing or certified to use firearm or other deterrent;

II. Sending list to student’s safety officer or project leader;

III. Maintaining instructor status appropriate to the courses they instruct;

IV. Maintaining certification as a range safety officer if teaching Firearms

Safety and/or less-lethal deterrents on a shooting range.

V. Providing their certification and/or instructor status records to the Forest

Safety Officer

VI. Providing evaluation forms to each student and providing copies to the

Forest Safety Officer.

VII. Certified Instructors shall receive re-certification each three years. In addition, they must a instruct a firearms class each year.

6. DEFINITIONS:

Aggressive Animal. An animal having lost their natural fear of humans that displays behavior that causes any person to have reasonable fear of immediate serious physical injury. This may include moose and wolverines.

Armorer. Employee trained and certified to inspect, repair, assemble, and test firearms to ensure proper working order.

Bear Attack. Intentional contact by a bear resulting in human injury or death.

Bear Avoidance. Actions taken by an individual or party to minimize the likelihood of encountering a bear. Includes using noise makers and maintaining proper camp and food storage procedures to avoid attracting bears.

Bear Defense. Action taken after a bear is encountered to prevent, or stop an attack or approach by a curious, defensive, or predatory bear. Includes using non-lethal deterrents, less-lethal deterrents, holding one’s ground if charged, taking a defensive body position, fighting back or shooting a bear.

Bear Habitat. Areas where there is a substantial chance of a bear encounter on the Chugach National Forest determined by the District Ranger for National

Forest (CHAPTER 50 EMPLOYEE SAFETY, SECURITY, AND HEALTH

Supplement No: R-10 6709.11-2010-10)

Bear Awareness Instructor. Qualified and trained personnel who instruct others on bear biology, ecology, and behavior; how to reduce the chance for and respond to bear interactions; use of non-lethal and less-lethal deterrents; camp design and maintenance; and defense of life or property laws.

http://fsweb.chugach.r10.fs.fed.us/program/safety/docs/R10-6709-11-50-supp-2010-1.pdf http://fsweb.chugach.r10.fs.fed.us/program/safety/docs/R10-6709-11-50-supp-2010-1.pdf http://fsweb.chugach.r10.fs.fed.us/program/safety/docs/R10-6709-11-50-supp-2010-1.pdf

Certified Firearm User. Personnel who have annually successfully completed the Bear and aggressive Animal Awareness Course, and Firearm Safety certification and are authorized (in writing) by a line officer.

Defense of Life or Property (DLP). The killing of a bear or other aggressive animal, to prevent the loss of human life or destruction of property essential to sustain human life. The Forest Service applies a more restrictive Property requirement than Alaska Statute 5AAC 92.410.

Field Personnel. All Forest Service employees, Youth Conservation Corps, interns, volunteers, and any others who perform official duties under the direction of, or under formal agreement with, the CNF, PNW, or SPF, that are working outside of an office or visitor center.

Field Ready Condition. The condition and configuration of a firearm when it is being carried in bear habitat and is ready to be rapidly deployed.

Firearm. A rifle or shotgun, that meets minimum standards as a bear defense firearm as outlined in Section 7.D of this Policy.

Firearms Instructor. Personnel qualified and trained to instruct or train others on Part 2 of Appendix D and on safe use and care of firearms, according to standards established and approved by the organizations or agencies identified in

Appendix E.

Human-Bear Interaction. When a person and bear are mutually aware of each other.

Law Enforcement. For the purpose of this Policy “Law Enforcement” would mean: Anyone authorized to conduct law enforcement activities such as a Forest

Protection Officer (FPO) or Law Enforcement Officer (LEO), and has been trained to issue violation notices, incident reports, and written warnings as well as have the training and authorization to check peoples identification cards and or other forms of identification.

Less-lethal Deterrent. Firearm-activated devices designed to frighten or drive off bears with a small chance of lethal results. Examples are: cracker shells, banger shells, rubber bullets, and bean bags.

Non-lethal Deterrent. Devices designed to frighten or drive off bears with no chance of lethal results. Examples are: noise makers and Environmental

Protection Agency (EPA) approved bear pepper sprays.

Negative Human-Bear/Aggressive Animal Interaction. When a human-bear/aggressive animal interaction results in bear being killed in defense of life or property, injury or death of a person or bear, use of non-lethal or less-lethal deterrents, personnel taking evasive actions, damage to camp or equipment by bears.

Personal Firearm. Firearm owned by an employee that meets requirements defined by this policy.

Project Leader. Employee responsible for a group of subordinates, aka employees.

Project Manager. PNW/SPF equivalent to CNF District Ranger.

Property. For this policy, property is defined as items imminently necessary in self defense or for survival of the owner. Property is defined in Alaska Statute

5AAC 92.410 Taking Game in Defense of Life or Property as:

A dwelling, permanent or temporary;

An aircraft, boat, automobile, or other conveyance (Form of transportation);

A domesticated animal;

Property vital to survival (only provision approved by this policy)

Range Safety Officer. Personnel qualified and trained to oversee and conduct live-fire shooting activities and assist with the instruction on the safe use and care of firearms, according to standards established and approved by the organizations or agencies identified in Appendix D.

South Central Safety Council (SCSC). The SCSC is a USFS safety council located in Anchorage Alaska. The SCSC is represented by the following USFS entities; the Chugach National Forest (the SO and three districts), NFFE Local

251, the Pacific Northwest Lab (PNW), and State and Private Forestry (SPF)

(Anchorage and Fairbanks).

Visitor. For purposes of this policy, a person who visits a CNF, PNW, or SPF project and is not involved in conducting project duties.

7. REQUIREMENTS:

A. Staff Working in Bear Habitat

I. Attend annual Bear and Aggressive Animal Behavior Awareness training.

II. Ensure at least one member of field party carries a firearm and is certified as a Firearm User. For personnel within a field party who are not carrying a firearm it is highly recommended (Best Safety Practice) they carry readily available non-lethal deterrent (Bear spray), and be trained in its use.

III. Ensure field party size is a minimum of two, unless approved by appropriate line officer in a JHA.

IV. Ensure party has at least one communication device capable of maintaining contact with Forest Dispatch.

V. Use electric fence to protect camps and equipment stored at remote sites.

VI. Use bear resistant containers for food and trash storage

B. Visitors to sites within Bear Habitat

I. Will be provided a briefing about use of firearms and other deterrents to avoid negative human-Bear/aggressive animals interactions

II. Will always be accompanied by a certified Firearm user

III. Will not be issued pepper spray or authorized to use a USFS weapon

(unless the visitor received the appropriate training).

C. Use of Firearms

I. Employees must adhere to all local, State and Federal laws regarding the possession, transportation, and use of firearms and ammunition.

II. Only field personnel who have successfully completed the Bear and

Aggressive Animal Awareness and Firearms Safety training and are currently range qualified will be authorized to carry firearms. Law enforcement officers are authorized to carry a firearm for protection from bears or aggressive animals.

III. Field personnel will take all practical measures to avoid negative human-bear or aggressive animal interactions. Firearm ammunition will be used to stop bear/aggressive animal attacks only when non-lethal or less-lethal techniques are unsuccessful or impractical. Human safety will always be the foremost consideration.

IV. The use of a firearm as a lethal deterrent against bear/aggressive animals is authorized only when:

a. Employees are directly threatened and it is believed that injury or death may result, or

b. Property imminently necessary in self-defense or for survival of the owner is endangered.

V. When used as a lethal deterrent, the firearm is to be fired with the intent to kill the bear/aggressive animal. Shooting will continue until the bear/aggressive animal is dead.

VI. Employees will carry firearms in a manner consistent with policy requirements, the manner trained during course of instruction and the condition of carry as published by policy.

a. Field ready condition for pump action shotguns: Bolt/Slide forward with the hammer down on an EMPTY chamber, magazine fully loaded with slug rounds and the safety in the on position.

b. Field ready condition for rifles: Action closed on an EMPTY chamber, magazine fully loaded with lethal rounds, and the safety in the on position.

VII. Crew/project leaders will discuss with the field party the condition of carry of the firearms for all typical field situations that will be encountered prior to entering the field. All field personnel must know and adhere to standard operating procedures and policy for that specific work site.

Failure to do this can limit the ability to defend the work site against a bear interaction or could lead to a firearm accident/unintentional discharge.

D. Authorized Firearms and Ammunition

I. Rifles purchased by the Forest Service or carried for defense from bears must meet the following specifications:

a. 30/06 caliber minimum

b. Repeat action (bolt, lever or pump-type repeating actions). Law enforcement issued firearms meeting caliber requirements for bear defense may be used by law enforcement officers.

c. Attached sling

d. Barrel length 18-24 inches

e. Open or peep sight (no scopes)

II. Rifle ammunition specifications:

a. Commercial factory

b. Bullet weight 200 grains minimum

c. Bullet designed for use on dangerous game

d. Minimum of 2800 foot-pounds muzzle energy

III. Shotguns purchased by the Forest Service or carried for defense from bears must meet the following specifications:

a. Twelve-gauge

b. Magazine plug removed

c. Pump action

d. Attached sling

e. Barrel length 18-22 inches

f. Ghost Ring sights or rifle sights

IV. Shotguns purchased by the Forest Service or carried for defense from bears/aggressive animals, recommended specifications:

a. Remington 870 marine magnums

b. 3 inch magnum receivers for all new purchases

c. Two shot magazine extension

V. Shotgun ammunition required specifications:

a. Commercial factory

b. Twelve-gauge rifled slugs

c. Minimum slug weight of 1 ounce (438 grains)

VI. Shotgun ammunition recommended specifications:

a. Slugs designed for dangerous game

b. Three inch magnum shells for use in shotguns with three inch chambers

c. Slug weight of 1 3/8 ounce (600 grains)

VII. A firearm issued to an employee shall fit the employee properly to permit the safe and proficient use of the firearm under field conditions.

VIII. Personal Firearm – Forest Supervisor, Pacific Northwest (PNW) Lab

Coordinator , State and Private Forestry (SPF) Assistant Director may authorize use of a personally-owned firearm by an employee if:

a. The firearm complies with the approved specifications for a bear defense firearm;

b. The firearm is in good working order, as determined annually by a qualified commercial gunsmith. This certification will be paid for by the firearms owner and the owner must provide a certification letter that the firearm meets all manufacturers’ armoring recommendations to their supervisor and the firearms instructor at the time of qualification;

c. The owner-employee range qualifies using the firearm;

d. The employee must furnish ammunition for their personal weapon.

e. Appendix G has been completed and signed by appropriate Line

Officer(s) prior to firearms safety training and range qualification.

A copy must be given to the firearms instructor at the time of range qualification.

IX. Firearm Cleaning

a. Field Personnel that check out a firearm are responsible for cleaning and maintenance in the field, and cleaning prior to returning it to storage, as described in Appendix J.

b. Field Crew Leaders are to ensure that adequate cleaning and storage materials are available in the field.

c. Project Leaders will ensure adequate cleaning and storage materials are available at the field station.

X. Firearm Inspection:

a. Project Leaders will ensure firearms are in good working order prior to issuance.

b. All firearms shall be inspected by a qualified commercial gunsmith or qualified USFS Armorer, on an annual basis.

c. All firearms shall be “test fired” on at least an annual basis prior to their use in the field.

XI. Repair of Firearms:

a. Firearms users will red-tag, remove from service, and notify the project leader or immediate supervisor of the mechanical malfunction or defect that may pose a safety hazard or hinder the firearm’s proper functioning.

b. Project leaders will make arrangements to send the firearm to a qualified commercial gunsmith or qualified USFS Armorer, for repair and will ensure it is in proper working order before returning to service.

E. Storage of Firearms and Ammunition

I. Each unit shall develop policy and plans to address the following;

II. Long term storage shall be in a locked safe, vault, or other approved secure storage.

III. Firearms and ammunition shall not be kept in the same storage container.

IV. Access to stored firearms and ammunition shall be at the discretion of the

Project Leader, but should be limited to authorized personnel.

V. Official check-out and check-in procedures will be established by the

District Rangers/Project Managers to ensure appropriate property management of firearms.

VI. Short term storage will secure ammunition separate from firearm.

VII. Ammunition shall be separated from materials classified by the U.S.

Department of Transportation as flammable liquids, flammable solids, and oxidizing materials by a distance of 15 feet (4.6 meters) or by a fire partition having a fire resistance rating of at least one hour (NFPA 495, Explosive Materials Code).

F. Transportation of Firearms and Ammunition

I. When traveling commercially,

a. firearms must be transported in a locked, hard-sided container;

b. firearms must be declared to the airline at the ticket counter;

c. firearms may be placed in checked luggage;

d. ammunition must be placed in checked baggage in its original box, or in a container made for the storage of ammunition.

II. Travelers are required to review the current firearm and ammunition transportation rules.

G. Authorized Less-lethal Deterrents: Less lethal deterrents shall only be incorporated for use with the explicit written permission of the District Ranger.

The District Ranger shall develop a written nuisance bear management plan as necessary for nuisance bears. District Rangers shall utilize available resources

(Law Enforcement Officers, Forest Biologist, Forest Safety Officer and Alaska

Department of Fish and Wildlife) to determine the best approach in dealing with nuisance bears. Please see appendix K for authorized deterrents.

H. Transportation and Storage of Less-Lethal Deterrents I. Secure storage of less-lethal deterrents in relatively small quantities should be dry and away from the following:

a. Smoking

b. Matches

c. Open flames

d. Spark-producing devices

II. Pyrotechnics are not allowed on commercial airplanes, in checked or carry-on luggage.

I. Authorized Non-Lethal Deterrents:

I. Bear pepper spray and noise makers (such as air horns) are authorized non-lethal deterrents.

II. Bear pepper spray is the recommended deterrent for personnel not carrying a firearm.

a. If bear pepper spray will be the sole non-lethal deterrent being carried by an individual, a two can minimum is required. One must be carried with the person while working in bear habitat, and one can be left in proper storage at camp.

b. Personnel will not be issued bear pepper spray until they have been trained in accordance with Appendix H of this Policy.

III. Non-lethal deterrents must be carried in a readily accessible location for immediate use.

a. Bear pepper spray will be carried with the safety clip in place;

b. Bear pepper spray will be carried in a readily accessible holster.

IV. Bear pepper spray will meet the following specifications:

a. Manufactured for use on bears;

b. Carries an EPA registration number and is listed by the EPA as a registered bear deterrent;

c. Minimum net weight of 7.9 ounces;

d. Minimum spray distance of 25 feet;

e. Minimum continuous spray duration of 5 seconds.

J. Transportation and Storage of Non-Lethal Deterrents

I. Bear pepper spray will be stored in a dry and secure area, where an accidental discharge would not cause incapacitation to humans.

II. Bear pepper spray MUST NOT be transported in checked luggage on commercial airlines.

III. Bear pepper spray must be transported outside the crew cabin or inside a container designed to prevent the aerosol from accidentally discharging into the crew area in vehicles, on boats, on the Alaska Railroad, and on all chartered or Forest Service aircraft.

IV. Before transporting bear pepper spray, the pilot, driver, conductor or boat captain shall be informed of the chemical’s presence. and all control measures shall be implemented prior to travel (U.S. Department of Interior

Handbook, “Interagency Aviation Transport of Hazardous Materials,”

Chapter 10)

K. Administration

I. If a position requires a person to work in bear habitat and carry a firearm for bear defense, these requirements will be clearly indicated in Job

Vacancy Announcements, as appropriate for the position.

L. Reporting Human-Bear/aggressive animal Interactions and Defense of Life or

Property Shootings

I. Field Personnel must complete the “Bear Interaction Report Form”, (Appendix F) for each human-bear interaction (see Definitions) and submit it to the Forest Safety Officer.

II. Field Personnel who kill a bear during official duty in Defense of Life or

Property (DLP) will notify their supervisor and the Alaska Department of

Fish and Game (ADF&G) as soon as practical.

a. Within 15 days of the kill, the person who killed the bear will submit a written report of the circumstances to his/her supervisor, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and the Forest Safety

Officer.

b. State laws, including those regarding salvage and disposition of hides, claws and skulls, must be followed.

c. Personnel may not treat a DLP kill during duty as a sport harvest even if they possess a valid hunting license and the take occurs during an open season.

M. Bear/aggressive animal-caused human injury or death

I. Crew Leader and/or Project Leader will secure the area by:

a. Determining the bear/aggressive animal is no longer a threat, or any other bears/aggressive animals are in the area (such as sow or cub).

b. Making sure firearms are pointed in a safe direction and re-configured in a field ready condition, after neutralizing the threat of a bear/aggressive animal, but before proceeding with other actions.

c. Checking and treating people for injuries and or safety/wellness.

II. Crew Leader and/or Project Leader will report the interaction to their supervisor upon securing the area;

III. Crew Leader and/or Project Leader will consult with the District and/or

Forest Safety Officer(s) regarding the formation of a forensic investigative team to collect and assess forensic evidence;

IV. Crew Leader and/or Project Leader will contact Fish and Wildlife

Protection and/or ADF&G for appropriate follow-up actions that facilitate public safety and ensure that forensic evidence is preserved.

8. TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION STANDARDS

A. Personnel designated as firearms carriers, working in Bear Habitat:

I. Complete annual Bear and Aggressive Animal Awareness training and testing prior to conducting any field work (Appendix A).

II. Complete annual classroom portion of Firearms Safety (Appendix B).

III. Annually successfully complete the range qualification (Appendix B) with a firearm of the same make and model to be carried in the field by his/her crew.

IV. District Rangers/Project Managers must authorize (In writing) employees to carry a Forest Service firearm.

B. Select personnel working in Bear Habitat:

I. Complete annual classroom portion of Non lethal Deterrents Safety

Course (Appendix H) prior to conducting any field work in bear habitat.

II. Successfully complete the range qualification portion of the Non lethal

Deterrents Safety course (Appendix H) on an annual basis prior to conducting field work in bear habitat.

C. Instructors

I. Have the discretion as to whether students should be certified. Instructors will provide feedback to line District Rangers/Program Managers for students who did not meet qualification standards.

II. Ensure results of all training records are submitted to the District

Collateral Duty Safety Officer/Project leaders.

III. Original training records, including rosters, and examination results will be maintained by the local unit on site, and the CNF Safety Officer for three years after the training certification expires.

IV. Successfully completes the Bear and Aggressive Animal Awareness

Instructor Course. (Appendix C)

V. Successfully completes Firearms Safety and Range Qualification

Instructor Course. (Appendix D)

Appendix A: Bear and Aggressive Animal Awareness Qualification Standards

1. Course Description – The Bear and Aggressive Animal Awareness Course is designed for personnel whose jobs require them to work in bear habitat. It emphasizes the learning of bear and aggressive animal behaviors and non-lethal avoidance techniques through classroom instruction, situation discussions and demonstrations.

2. Course Objectives – The Bear and Aggressive Animal Awareness objectives are to:

A. Provide personnel with specific skills and knowledge needed to safely conduct field operations in bear habitat;

B. Instruct personnel, through classroom lectures, video tapes and other training aids, in the minimum subject areas outlined in Section 4 below; and

C. Require personnel to pass a written Bear and Aggressive Animal Awareness examination with a score of at least 80 percent.

3. Course Length – The Bear and Aggressive Animal Awareness Course will be a minimum of 4 hours.

4. Minimum Subject Areas – The following subject areas will be taught:

A. Bear/Aggressive Animal and Firearms Safety and Training Policy

B. Safety Awareness in Bear Country PowerPoint

C. Bear Biology/Distribution

D. Bear and Aggressive Animal Behavior

E. Bear and Aggressive Animal Avoidance and Situational Awareness

F. Interactions with bears and aggressive animals

G. Legal Mandates and Defense of Life or Property (DLP) procedures

H. Camp Designs, protection and Maintenance

5. Field personnel will complete bear and aggressive animal awareness training annually.

Appendix B: Firearms Safety Training and Range

Qualification Course Standards

Course Description - Firearms Safety Course (including Range Qualification) is designed for field personnel whose jobs require them to carry a firearm for bear deterrence and protection. It stresses the learning of safe handling and familiarization of firearms, firearms cleaning and maintenance, and shooting skills. Instruction of this course must be through instructor (s) with current

Firearm Instructor Qualifications (Appendix D).

Part 1. Firearms Safety (Classroom)

1. Objectives – The objective of the classroom portion of the Firearms Safety Course is to:

I. Provide personnel with specific knowledge that can be achieved in the classroom relevant to bear defense. The goal is to teach students to safely handle firearms and provide the basis to learn how to effectively use a firearm for defense from bears.

II. Teach personnel, through classroom lectures, video tapes, and hands-on demonstration of gun handling skills.

III. Require personnel to pass a written Firearm Safety examination with a score of at least 80 percent.

2. Course Length – The classroom portion will be a minimum of 4 hours.

3. Minimum Subject Areas – The following subject areas will be taught:

I. Region 10 Bear Policy Relevant to Firearms

II. Firearms Safety Rules

III. Firearms Handling IV. Firearm Anatomy V. Bear Defense Firearms VI. Field Ready Conditions/Methods of Carry

VII. Ammunition VIII. Transportation of Firearms IX. Cleaning, Maintenance and Storage

X. Bear Anatomy and Shooting

XI. Legal Aspects of Defense of Life or Property (DLP)

XII. Range Procedures

Part 2. Range Qualification

1. Objectives – The objective of the Range Qualification portion of the Firearm Safety

Course is to:

I. Practice and test firearms handling and shooting skills relevant to bear defense.

II. Test ability to handle firearms, ability to rapid fire, ability to reload, ability to remove unused ammunition, and marksmanship.

2. Course of Fire – The following activities will be included in the Range Qualification:

I. Dry fire practice.

II. Live Fire practice.

III. Qual if ica t ions .

Qualification

Live Fire with field going ammo

Limit 3 attempts

Passing grade is 70% (7 out of 10 shots in vital zone)

Condition Yardage # of Rounds Time

Slung 15 3 14 sec.

Slung 10 2 12 sec.

High Ready 10 2 8 sec.

Low Ready 5 3 7 sec.

Part 3. Less-lethal Deterrents

1. Objectives - The objective of the less-lethal deterrents safety course is to practice and test handling and deployment skills relevant to bear hazing with less-lethal deterrents for remote camps.

2. Less-lethal Deterrents Course of Fire

a. Practice Less-lethal/lethal backup drills with dry fire

b. Live fire at 25,40 and 75 yards

c. Live fire less-lethal/lethal backup with charging bear

3. Only the following less-lethal deterrents are authorized:

a. 12 gauge deployed cracker shells

b. 12 gauge deployed rubber bullets c . 12 gauge deployed bea n ba gs

4. Firearms being used only for less-lethal deterrents will be clearly marked with an orange stock and fore-end assembly.

Appendix C: Bear Awareness Instructor Course

1. Course Description - The Bear Awareness Instructor Certification Course is designed to give instructors a broader knowledge of bear biology, behavior, situational awareness, avoidance strategies, and encounter response. The course will provide instructors with teaching materials and sources for materials not provided. The training will by example teach how to present bear safety material effectively.

2. Course Objectives - The Bear Awareness Instructor Course objectives are to:

A. Provide instructors with materials necessary for teaching Bear Awareness effectively.

B. Provide examples of teaching styles for Bear Awareness.

C. Answer questions about policy and bear awareness strategies and help new instructors organize a Bear Awareness Class.

3. Course Length - No minimum course length is required.

4. Minimum Subject Areas - The Bear Awareness Instructor’s Course shall have the same minimum subject areas as the Bear Awareness Course.

5. Other Standards - To remain current, Bear Awareness Instructors will participate in at least one class over any 2-year period to maintain proficiency. Should an instructor fail to meet this criterion, the instructor must teach a Bear Awareness Class with a certified instructor who is currently certified to regain teaching certification.

Appendix D: Firearms Safety and Range Qualifications Instructor Course

1. Course Description - Firearms Safety and Range Qualification Instructor Course will prepare Firearms Instructors to teach Firearm Safety classes to employees who carry a firearm for defense against bears and perform Range Safety Officer duties. Range

Qualification Instructors can conduct or assist during the range qualification portion of the initial Firearms Safety Course. Range Qualification Instructors can also certify employees for their annual re-qualification. Typically, the course is conducted by an instructor that is qualified to certify instructors for one of the approved programs.

Experienced Service Firearms Instructors will be on hand to focus on special needs of training employees in safe handling of firearms for defense against bears.

2. The following programs have been approved to certify Firearms Instructors and Range

Qualification Instructors by the Bear and Firearms Safety Committee:

A. Federal Law Enforcement Training Center Firearms Instructor Training

B. National Rifle Association Instructor Training

C. Military Firearms Instructor Training

D. Gunsite Institute Instructor Training

E. Police Instructor Training

F. Other Training, as approved in advance by the Regional Safety Officer

3. Course Length - As required by the organizations certifying Firearms Instructors.

4. Minimum Subject Areas - As required by the above agencies certifying Firearms

Instructors.

5. Other Standards - Instructors must participate in a teaching capacity in at least one class a year, to maintain proficiency. Should an instructor fail to meet this criterion, the instructor must teach a Firearms Safety Class with a certified instructor who is currently certified to regain teaching certification.

Appendix E: Bear Interaction Report and Form Instructions

The goal of the form is to learn from field experiences how to work safely in bear habitat which results in fewer harmful incidents between bears and humans in Alaska.

The data will be analyzed to determine if actions taken were successful or if other courses of action could have resulted in avoidance or deterrence of the bear. Be truthful and as specific as possible.

Instructions - Please complete one form for each incident. Forward to the District bear safety instructor upon completion.

Name, District, Incident Date, Incident Time, Specific Location of Incident, Number of

People Present – self-explanatory.

Species – check the appropriate block.

Sex and Age Class Involved – male, female, adult, sub-adult, sow with offspring; be as specific as you can.

Human Injury - yes or no; if yes describe in comments

Bear Status – uninjured, injured or killed, describe in comments

Known Problem Animal – yes or no; if yes, in the factors contributing to incident, briefly describe the history of the animal and why it was considered a problem animal, including factors such as human conditioning, food conditioning, etc.

Property Damage – yes or no; describe if yes, being as specific as possible. If a bear/aggressive animal was injured or killed, include the type of firearms used, ammunition used, number of shots fired, and location of hits.

Deterrent Used – yes or no Type – of deterrents, if used. Check all that apply.

Effect of Deterrent(s) – If used, include such information as distance to the bear from the person using the deterrent(s), attitude of exploding deterrent(s) (in air, on ground, between bear and shooter, etc.), and specific reaction of the bear(s) to each deterrent as it/they were used.

Factors Contributing to Incident – this would include such things as: odors from cooking; presence of human created attractants; presence of natural forage items (e.g., spawning salmon, berry patches, carrion); poor visibility due to vegetation and topography; ambient noise that concealed your activities or the approach of the bear;

location of camp; and time of year

General Comments – this would include such things as: habitat(s) involved; activity of the people involved just prior to the incident (e.g., camp chores, floating 10m wide river, hiking, banding ducks); weather conditions (as it relates to visibility); description of the encounter (e.g., surprise, curiosity/attraction, predatory, carcass defense, person(s) precipitated charge [by using aggressive deterrents], person(s) invading personal space

[such as approaching while doing capture work or photography]); actions taken to prevent encounter (e.g., electric fence around camp, attempting to make noise to alert bear to presence); actions taken during encounter and the reaction of the bear to those actions; and DLP report made. Also include comments on precautions or lessons learned from this encounter.

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Appendix F: Bear Incident Report Name: District: Incident

Date

Incident Time:

Specific Location of Incident: Number of Persons Present:

Species:

Brown Black Unknown

Age and Sex Class Involved:

Male Female Unknown

Adult Sub-adult Sow with offspring

Unknown

Human Injury – Yes No Bear – Uninjured Injured

Killed

Known Problem Animal –

Yes No Unknown

Property Damage – Yes No

Deterrent(s) Used – Yes

No

Type: Bear Spray

Cracker Shell

Bean Bags

Rubber Bullets

Other(Explain in

Comments)

Effect of Deterrent(s):

No Effect Bear left area but returned

Bear left Other (Explain in Comments

Factors Contributing to Incident:

General Comments:

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Appendix G: Request to Use Personal Firearm Use Release

Instructions: Complete one release per request to use a personal firearm in lieu of a

Government issued firearm. This release will be used for only ONE personal firearm.

The Supervisor and employee are responsible for ensuring the personal firearm meets all requirements under the Policy and all other applicable City, State, and Federal

Laws.

Forward a copy of the release to the Forest Supervisor.

I, [ ], hereby acknowledge that I have requested and been given permission to use my personal firearm in lieu of a

Government issued firearm while on official business. I, for myself, my heirs, administrators, executors, and assignees, hereby covenant and agree that I will not seek reimbursement or compensation from the USDA Forest Service, or from any part of the United States Government, under the Military Personnel and Civilian

Employees Claims Act of 1964, 31 U.S.C. Sec. 3721, or any other authority, for any damage to or loss of my personal firearm while utilizing it in the course and conduct of my official duties as an employee of the U.S. Forest Service.

Description of personal firearm (to include serial number):

Reason for use of personal firearm:

Employee Signature: Date:

Employee Title:

Supervisor Signature: Date:

Supervisor Title:

Forest Supervisor Signature: Date:

(or, PNW Lab Coordinator or SPF Assistant Director, as appropriate)

Employee Duty Station and Address:

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Appendix H: Non-lethal Safety Course Standards

Course Description – the Non-lethal Deterrents Safety Course is designed for personnel who work in areas where firearms are not required or chose to carry it in addition to a firearm. It stresses learning when to use the non-lethal deterrent as well as the proper and safe handling and familiarization of these deterrents. This course should be taught by Pepper-Spray trained instructor and include both classroom and range instruction.

Classroom

Objectives - The objective of the classroom portion of the Non-lethal Deterrents Safety Course is to:

I. Provide personnel with specific knowledge that can be achieved in the classroom relevant to bear defense with non-lethal deterrents. The goal is to teach students when and how to use these deterrents and particular safety concerns.

II. Teach personnel, through classroom lectures, and video tapes.

Course Length - Classroom portion will be a minimum of 30 minutes.

Minimum Subject Areas - The following subject areas will be taught:

I. Bear Spray PowerPoint II. Transportation requirements III. Safety concerns for bear pepper spray and effects on humans

IV. Cleaning, maintenance and storage

Range Instruction

Objectives - The objectives of the Hands-on Familiarization portion of the Nonlethal

Deterrents Safety Course is to practice and test handling and deployment skills relevant to bear behavioral conditioning.

Course Length – Range portion will be a minimum of 30 minutes

Minimum Subject Areas

I. To Arm and Apply

a. Wind

b. Safety

c. Aim

d. Spray

e. Evaluate

II. When to Arm

III. To Disarm

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Appendix I: Training Plan for New Shooters Training Plan for New Shooters (Employees who have NOT qualified with a firearm in the past)

Day 1

Firearm safety (classroom) - 4 Hours

Firearms Safety and Handling

Firearm Anatomy and Operation

Bullets and Shotshells

Field Carry, Basic Stance

Marksmanship and Shooting Fundamentals

Animal Anatomy and When to shoot?

Legal Aspects of DLP

Transport, Cleaning and Maintenance

Elements of Proper Stance (Demonstration and Blue Gun)

Shoulder Pocket

Gun Mount o Butt of gun in pocket o Cheek on stock o Looking down barrel and not over the top o Sight picture, front site focus

Stance o Fighting stance o Almost square to target o Feet shoulder width apart o Knees slightly flexed, upper body leaning forward o Elbows are down at approx. 45 degree angle

Carry Positions and Proper Dismount (Demonstration and Blue Gun)

American o Mount and Dismount o Positives: Easy dismount with muzzle up carry o Negatives: Longer barrels can snag in dense trees and tendency to slip backwards covering people behind carrier

European o Mount and Dismount o Positives: Easy dismount with good muzzle control o Negatives: Longer barrels can snag in dense trees

Ready Positions

Page | 26 o High Ready o Low Ready o Both ready positions allow for a quick reaction to a charge, mainly used when in limited visibility or when evidence of recent bear activity is encountered o Negatives-Not a long term carry

*Practice proper stance, mounts, dismounts, and ready positions with Blue Gun

(Emphasize Muzzle Control)*

Cleaning and Maintenance (Work Center) - 2 hours

Lead remediation

Protect work surfaces from oil

Use products made for gun cleaning o Bore Solvent, Gun Oil, and Rust Preventative o Correct size bore brushes, cotton rags o Don’t Use WD-40 or other non gun oils

Demonstrate proper break down

What, where , and how to clean

Reassemble and final oil

Storage and Long Term Storage

Repairs – What we can fix and what goes to a gunsmith

Red Flagging a problem gun and notifying Supervisor

Ammo (Cleaning, Storage and Organizing)

Taping the end of the barrel

Day 2

Range Work – 8 Hours

Range Safety

Loading, Unloading and Operating Action (Dry Fire with dummy ammo)

Loading - Demonstrate “Field Ready Condition”

Unloading (Without putting a round in the Chamber)

Operating the slide action

Mounting, site picture, front site focus

Dry Fire and Follow Thru

Depress, Evaluate, and Tactical Reload

Repeat until students can do without thinking

Page | 27

Dry Fire Practice (Dummy Ammo) *Work on being smooth: smooth is fast*

Exercise 1 o Load to “Field Ready” o Sling of choice o Dry Fire @10 yards

Exercise 2 o Sling of choice

Condition Yardage # of Rounds

Slung 15 3

Slung 10 2

High Ready 10 2

Low Ready 5 3

*Practice each exercise multiple times until student is comfortable*

Live Fire Exercise (Low recoil or bird shot) o Sling of choice o Fire @10 yards

Exercise 2 o Sling of choice

Condition Yardage # of Rounds

Slung 15 3

Slung 10 2

High Ready 10 2

Low Ready 5 3

*Practice each exercise multiple times until student is comfortable*

For Exercise 3 and 4 the group will be split into 2 groups with one instructor per group and simultaneously complete both exercises and then switch.

Exercise 3 o Tactical Reloading o Malfunctions

Page | 28 o Timed Shooting

Exercise 4 -Brush Run (Dummy Ammo or Dry Fire) o Working in Pairs o Overcome obstacles o Field transport

Qualification

Live Fire with field going ammo

Limit 3 attempts

Passing grade is 70% (7 out of 10 shots in vital zone)

Condition Yardage # of Rounds Time

Slung 15 3 14 sec.

Slung 10 2 12 sec.

High Ready 10 2 8 sec.

Low Ready 5 3 7 sec.

Optional Training (4 hours) o Working in 2+ group o Positioning Crew o Using non-lethal and less lethal with firearm backup

Exercise 2 Charging Bear (Optional at Range) o Live Fire o Field Ready condition o Shoot from Slung position o Shoot from High or Low ready

Page | 29

Appendix J: Firearm Cleaning and Maintenance

Equipment Needed

Quick Cleaning- if firearm has not been shot and only light use

1. Check firearm to verify it is unloaded (look, feel, look)

2. Use a rag to wipe down exterior and apply a light coat of oil

3. Place in gun safe

Full Cleaning- firearm has been shot or heavily used (rain and dirt)

1. Prepare Your Work Space

a. Lay down cardboard or newspaper to protect work surfaces

b. Put on PPE (gloves and safety glasses)

2. Check firearm to verify it is unloaded (look, feel, look)

3. Disassemble firearm

a. Remove electric tape from end of barrel

b. Clean bolt, action, trigger assembly

c. Use brush to remove debris

d. Use rags to clear moisture and apply oil

4. Clean bore (skip to step 5 if firearm was not discharged)

a. Apply bore solvent using rod and patch (let soak)

b. Run bore brush through the bore

c. Run dry patch through bore (repeat till patch comes out clean)

d. Heavily soiled bore may require repeating a-c or stronger solvent

Additional Items

• Punch (for pins)

• Old Tooth Brush

• Cleaning Rags

• Nitrile Gloves and Safety Glasses

Basic cleaning kit

• Bore Solvent

• Gun Oil

• Rod with Attachments

• Patches

Page | 30

5. Reassemble

a. Clean outer surfaces and use gun oil to protect surfaces

b. Function Test (work action and dry fire in safe direction)

c. Place in Gun Safe (do not store inside gun case)

Repairs

1. All firearm repair goes to a Certified Gunsmith (Slings can be repaired by employee)

2. Red flag a problem gun and notifying Supervisor

3. Document repairs and…