Attachment 1 FreWin_Timber_Product_Accountability_Action_Plan_04112022_Draft.pdf

Workflow of Timber Contract Documents

Prior to timber contract advertisement, the forest will continue to use the process where the District conducts a specialists review prior to sending for SO review. The Resource Specialist (RS) creates the official contract folder and electronic back-up of all documents in Box-Pinyon in advance of advertisement. The Pre-Sale Forester is responsible for inserting pre-sale documents into Box and sending the signed gate forms to the

Contracting Officer (CO) and Resource Specialist (RS).

Required Pre-Sale Contract Documents for Internal Filing

• Gate 4 is locked* and gates 1-4 Certifications - Project Plan Review is signed by the District Ranger & Pre-Sale Forester and Project Plan Approved is signed by the Forest Supervisor. *Prior to Locking Gate 4 Owl Remarks need to be entered on all contracts, even if there are no owls. n/a needs to be entered in all fields and saved.

• The BD Plan is to be signed by the AFMO Fuels, Fire Management Officer and District Ranger.

• If applicable, the Salvage Sale Fund Plan (SSF) Plan is Recommended by the Contracting Officer and Approved by the District Ranger.

• If applicable, the KV Plan is Recommended by the District Ranger and Approved by the Forest Supervisor.

• 2400-17 Appraisal Summary - TEA

• Cruise Report and Certification is signed by the District Ranger.

*It is a requirement that TIM Gate 4 is locked by the pre-sale forester prior to advertisement.

Required Bid Documents for Advertisement on Public Website

• a). Advertisement, b) Prospectus, c) Bidder Letter with digital signature, d) Solicitation / Bid Form, e) Contract Area Map(s),

• f) Contract Parts A-B-C, g) Road Maintenance Specifications & T-Spec Definitions, h) Road Package (If applicable), and i) Traffic Control Plan. These specific contract parts are to be combined into one document.

• j) Log Stock Table (Timber Sales & IRTC’s) & k) Technical Proposal Template (IRTC Specific in word format).

BARRY IMLER

Forest Supervisor

Approved By:

Contract Award

• Gate 5 Certifications – The Timber Sale Bid Opening is Reviewed and signed by the Resource Specialist. The Timber Sale Bid Opening is Approved and signed by the Contracting Officer.

• The Report of Timber Sale – 2400-17 document is signed by the Resource Specialist (RS) who performs the award in the TIM Program. The RS ensures that Volume and Total Bid Value match the Volume in the TEA and 2400-17 from the Appraisal.

• The awarded volume will show on the PTSAR Report for the forest target.

• The Chiloquin Office Resource Assistant (RA), the Lakeview RA, and individual Sale Administrator (SA), construct, maintain and keep up to date, their own copy of the awarded contract.

• The Official SO Contact Record is secured in the Lakeview Interagency Office (LIO).

• All Original Documents including 131 Inspection Reports generated during the life of the contract are to be kept in the LIO Official Contract Record and backed up in Box- Pinyon.

Documentation of active sale operations for Timber Sales and Integrated Resource

Timber Contracts (IRTC) will be completed on Timber Sale Inspection Report, Form R6-

FS-2400-131. This form is used by the Harvest Inspector (HI), Sale Administrator (SA), Forest Service Representative (FSR), Engineering Representative (ER) and Engineering

Contract Inspector (CI). The Contract Daily Diary Form FS-6300-21 will be used for documentation when working on a Integrated Resource Service Contract (IRSC) under a

Procurement Contracting Officer.

Bid Openings and Bid Monitoring

Prior to bid openings, the CO and Sale Officer review the procedures for Receiving, Opening, Reviewing and Posting bids found in FSH 2409.18 Chapter 60 – Bid Opening – Gate 5. The CO is present at all bid openings to monitor bid procedures and watch for non-competitive bidding or collusive behavior. The CO submits and annual bid-monitoring report to the regional office

November at the beginning of the new fiscal year. This report highlights any findings and the average Bid Ratio for the prior fiscal year.

Accountability within the Timber Program – Timber Sales, Integrated Resource

Timber Contracts (IRTC), Integrated Resource Service Contracts (IRSC) and

Supplemental Projects Agreements (SPA).

Audits:

The Forest Service Representative and Timber Management Assistant will schedule and conduct at least one- formal timber sale preparation field review every two years for each zone and participate in informal reviews as needed. The Forest Service Representative, Timber Management Assistant and Pre-Sale Forester will review sale preparation work on the ground to ensure that product accountability measures being achieved. All reviews will be documented and submitted to the appropriate line Officer and Contracting

Officer. Formal reviews will occur at least once every two years for each Zone.

A Forest Audit Team, comprised of a Law Enforcement Officer (LEO), Timber Resource

Specialist and the Forest Service Representative, will conduct a Forest Product and Log

Accountability Audit on all zones. There shall be a minimum of one audit per zone every two years with appropriate follow-up on of any corrective action. The zone audit reports will be submitted to line for review and corrective action.

District Rangers ensure that training occurs, and TIM Roles are kept current for district personnel who have the authority to sell special forest products permits. These steps will ensure that product accountability requirements are being met.

It is the goal of the Fremont-Winema is to have at least one Certified Advanced Cruiser per zone. The Forest Measurement Specialist and the Advanced Cruiser shall help certify and maintain all production cruisers at the qualified level. If no FMS exists, a contingency plan is described in the tables found below.

Although timber sales and stewardship contracts less than $5,000 in stumpage value are not required to have a formal cruise plan, cruisers still must have written guidelines on how the cruise is to be conducted.

Measurements - Check Cruising plan for FY22 Field Season

Measurements - Check Cruising plan for FY23 Field Season and Beyond

Boundary Designation:

The following requirements are minimum standards for designating Timber Sale Boundaries and

Individual Trees for all Zones on the Fremont-Winema National Forest. There are three ways to designate a boundary. It is important that each is understood and used correctly to maximize efficiency and product accountability.

1) Geo-Fence (virtual boundaries)

2) Discernable Boundaries

3) Tagged and Painted Boundaries

1) Geo-Fence Boundaries

Instructions per WO-240013-C2.30#: For use in all 2400-13 contracts where Geo-Fence boundary designation is used. Regional Forester approval is required. Timber CO contacts regional office for concurrence. Geo-Fence boundary designation methods should be described in the Integrated Resource Timber Contract Prospectus, general section include a list of Cutting Units with Geo-Fence boundaries, and boundary location hardware and software requirements. 1/ List cutting unit number(s). 2/ Include the paint color (for example orange, pink or white). 3/ List the designation method as Marked, Discernable or Geo-Fence. 4/ For Marked designation method describe how the boundary trees are marked above and below stump height. For Discernable designation method list the discernable feature(s). For Geo-Fence designation method list as “See description below”.

5/ List the electronic file name of the digital vector file or shapefile to be provided to the Contractor. 6/ Modified date shown in the file properties for the digital vector file or shapefile shown in 5/. 7/ Allowable distance cutting may occur up to and past Forest Service determined boundary location. Distance listed is the allowable GPS accuracy error. Allowable distances should take into account value of resources at risk, impacts of treatments that may occur outside planned boundaries, impacts of treatments not occurring up to planned boundaries, social/economic factors and level of risk the responsible official is willing to take.

Generally, the fill in tolerance should not exceed 30 feet or be less than 15 Feet. Enter whole numbers only. GPS accuracy errors by receiver type as established by Missoula Technology & Development Center. 8/ List open, light-medium or heavy-closed for manufacturer and receiver type used as shown at https://www.fs.fed.us/database/gps/mtdcrept/accuracy/index.htm

9/ List tested accuracy in feet for canopy type shown in meters at https://www.fs.fed.us/database/gps/mtdcrept/accuracy/index.htm

Geo-Fence attributes on the Fremont-Winema include:

• Allowable Contract Tolerance = 40 Feet

• Tested Accuracy in Light-Medium Canopy = 20 Feet

Example from the Edge DxP IRTC Stewardship Contract:

https://www.fs.fed.us/database/gps/mtdcrept/accuracy/index.htm https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fs.fed.us%2Fdatabase%2Fgps%2Fmtdcrept%2Faccuracy%2Findex.htm&data=02%7C01%7C%7Ccf0b9b21043c4022ce4708d724ecffd8%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C0%7C0%7C637018472635013741&sdata=VWOngrJ5zbOSClcCb87%2FJ4NYj2M0m5jNJ0VZbRYbCpw%3D&reserved=0

2) Discernable Boundaries

When posting unit boundaries along roads and or designated openings, boundaries that are discernable may be left unmarked if natural or constructed features are conspicuous enough that they can be identified from the Sale Area Map alone. Also the use of those features would not cause mistakes to be made when harvest occurs. This is found in - FSH 2409.12

R6 Supplement No.: 2409.12-2012-1, Timber Cruising Handbook, section 71.22 Marking

Boundaries. Clearly post well established corner trees and one tree in from the corner along the road if it is to be used as a Discernable Boundary.

Pre-sale personnel must identify and document this in the sale preparation folder and clearly describe this method in the Timber Sale Report, Contract and Map. When utilizing roads, subdivision boundaries shall be only located on the subdivision side of the road. A description of specific boundary locations must be documented in the cruise plan and must be capable of duplication.

3) Tagged and Painted Boundaries

Preliminary Flagging for Reconnaissance and Layout:

Flagging is only considered a preliminary guide in the establishment of the unit boundary.

Flagging takes place prior to tagging and painting where hard-painted boundaries are required. Flagging does not establish the official boundary but may be tied to any stationary object to establish a preliminary guide. Best results are obtained by tying ribbons to green tree branches or green tree boles as opposed to dead trees. Strive for flagging to be at eye level from the forest floor and visible from any point along the preliminary boundary.

Subdivision corners will be designated with three strips of flagging tied around the tree or hanging from tree branches (See Exhibit 02). A corner should be designated when a boundary changes direction more than 45 degrees (major turn). Use two strips of flagging on turns not associated with major turns (subdivision corner).

Blue flagging will be used for designating unit boundaries (See Exhibit 01) unless yellow is approved by the District Ranger and Contracting Officer.

Trees posted with boundary tags and paint will contain:

• One diagonal paint slash near DBH facing into unit and at least two stump marks.

• Two vertical paint marks approximately two feet in length and two inches wide on the sides of the tree in-line with the direction of the boundary. If paint is applied to the tag, wipe the paint off the tag to make it readable.

• Two stump marks applied in the same manner as the individual tree marking. Do not mark rocks (See Exhibits 02 and 03).

• Boundary tags shall be placed on live trees or non-movable objects in line with the flagging at approximately DBH or higher from the forested floor for visibility and face into the unit. Do not place boundary tags on trees or objects that will be hazardous to sale operations or able to be moved.

• All boundary tags shall have the complete sale name and unit number written on them.

Do not abbreviate the sale name. Use a permanent marking pen that will not fade over a period of time.

• Boundary tags should have enough staples to hold them securely in place using a minimum of six staples per tag.

• Boundary tags should be placed so that they are inter-visible and without question be able to determine if a tree is in or out of the official boundary.

• The official boundary is a straight line between tags.

• Cut stumps located outside that straight line is considered the cutting of undesignated timber.

• Corner boundary trees will be designated with a boundary tag placed facing into the unit with the boundary at approximately eye level from the forest floor.

• When not in use, tags are to be kept in a secure location.

When harvest subdivisions from different contract areas share a common boundary, use both sets of tags and paint on the opposite side of the same tree, where possible. The alternate flagging color (yellow) will be used for the adjacent contract area.

When changing unit boundaries, completely remove all tags and flagging from the contract area and black out the evidence of the previous boundary. Do not place new boundary tags over old- boundary tags. Document any changes to the boundary in the sale preparation folder. Do not re-use any used boundary tags or make corrections on tags. File and store original cruising documents, boundary survey notes, records, and calculations in a safe secure location for future reference.

Modified Logging Areas

The method of ground delineation for Modified Logging Areas with different harvest methods will be included in the Sale Preparation folder, identified on the Contract Area

Map and described in the Special Provisions of the contract.

Individual Tree Designation

All designation of trees will be completed with Forest Service approved tracer paint when designating by marking. Trees shall be marked so that paint on designated trees will be at approximate DBH and can be visible from any side of the tree. Exception to this would be areas identified in a NEPA document that has addressed a specific visual concern. In these situations, sale preparation markers will implement individual tree marking to meet NEPA objectives and to meet Region 6 Individual Tree Marking standards (Exhibit 04).

Two stump marks are required with at least one being on the downhill side of the tree. One stump mark is to be a vertical stripe in a sufficient amount to extend from the duff layer or ground to just above contract minimum stump height. The second stump mark shall be a reasonable spot of paint at the forest floor. Stump mark paint shall be applied into the bark furrows and crevices, on scars, and be on opposing sides when possible (Exhibit 04). Use

Forest Service approved tracer paint color scheme for timber sales, FSH-2409-12, 71.21.

The Contracting Officer shall approve any deviations from these standards.

Designation by Description (DxD)

Designation by Description (DxD) is a method used to designate leave or take trees without painting individual trees. The description must include specific information that allows the designation of each tree to be replicated by all parties before and after cutting.

Designation by Prescription (DxP)

Designation by Prescription (DxP) is a method where the Forest Service designates the desired basil area and other criteria such as description of end results, retention of specific trees, species preference, health, vigor and upper and lower end diameters. The contractor chooses the trees to cut and leave based on the factors described in the DxP. The forest almost exclusively utilizes the Designation by

Prescription (DxP) provisions as a tool for designating cut and leave trees. Weight scaling in Tons is a requirement when DxP is included in a timber contract. The TIM generated C2.355# DESIGNATION

BY PRESCRIPTION (05/2015) provision is used as a template. Additional prescription information is added, including the Van Pelt Guide for mature ponderosa pine trees greater than 150 years.

Within the Technical Proposal for IRTC Contracts, the forest inserts language into the End-

Results section requesting that purchasers specifically address how DxP will be implemented.

A table containing the Fremont-Winema inspection method is inserted into the

C6.36# Acceptance of Work Provision seen below.

The following National tree marking paint colors will be used in timber sales and stewardship contracts and agreements:

Work Item Primary Color Secondary Color Tertiary Color

Cut Trees Blue Yellow Green (for trees added during administration)

Leave and Boundary Trees

Orange

Pink

White

Cancel Prior Work

Black None None

Property Lines Red (non-tracer) None None

Red survey paint will not be covered by boundary marking paint or tags.

Contract Administration

Training must provide training annually and continue to emphasize the need to: (a) recognize cutting of undesignated trees and other theft or fraud indicators; and (b) understand the proper follow-up and resolution when indicators are identified; and (c) provide timely notification and coordination with LEI. Training will be coordinated with Law Enforcement. The required training will be incorporated into Sale Administration meetings. Law Enforcement will participate and present training on theft indicators and share the latest information available on methods utilized in timber theft. Former training is held for sale administration team members bi-annually at the sale administration workshop. All Fremont-Winema sale administration team members are expected to attend this bi-annual training.

All timber to be included for roads, landings, temporary roads, skid trails shall be designated by the Forest Service prior to cutting. It is recognized there may be rare situations where the Purchaser or Contractor takes it upon themselves to cut an undesignated tree to mitigate an unavoidable and immediate threat to human life. In these cases, the FSH 2409.15 Chapter 20 procedures for reporting and investigating the cutting of undesignated timber will be followed. Trees necessary to be cut for the continuation of operations must be designated by the Forest Service prior to being cut.

Load Accountability

The Contracting Officer shall ensure that proper requirements and agreements are in place per FSH 2409.15 Chapter 20 before allowing haul to begin when measurement of products by scaling, weighing or counting is required. Prior to the beginning of haul, Form R6-FS-2400-29 (S-29) and R6-FS-2400-21 will be submitted to the Forest

Measurement Specialist for review and concurrence and then sent to the appropriate log scaling bureau. A copy shall be placed in the Contract folder.

Hauling of products will not commence until TPSO has completed the process.

Person(s) designated on the Yard Scale Location Agreement shall inspect scale sites on a random basis for compliance with the yard scaling agreement. All inspections and findings shall be documented, and appropriate actions taken.

Although typically removed in separate entries, Increased sale administration load and accountability checks are needed when there is both sawtimber and non-saw Product Removal Permits on the same contract. Non-sawtimber sold as Timber Subject to Agreement (TSA) is typically cut at the same time under stewardship project work but is left in the landings or on trails to dry and then is removed in chip form usually a year or more out.

Monitoring and Surveillance

Presence of administration personnel on the sale area should include weekends and other unscheduled and irregular work hours. The direct supervisors of sale administration personnel should authorize the use of a maxi-flex work schedule with varied work hours to accomplish sale administration and product accountability work. This typically include weekends, holidays or off hour visits.

Conduct unannounced checks of loaded log trucks for compliance with the contract requirements for painting, branding, and the proper use of load receipts. At least 2 percent of the loads hauled during any operating season from each sale shall be checked and documented to ensure that the loads are in compliance with accountability requirements. The results of the load checks and any follow-up or contract administration action shall be documented per policy.

Conduct utilization inspections in a timely manner. Early inspections should be done to prevent or quickly correct improper practices as well as a second inspection after yarding has been completed to verify utilization requirements per product specifications (see FSH 2409.11 and 11a, Chapter 40). When checking for proper utilization a 3-inch cookie left in the woods from the butt log, is not considered excessive and is acceptable. Anything larger would be considered excessive.

When additional marked trees are added to tree measurement sales, the ability to track each tree back to the individual unit is required. A reference to location of these additional trees within the unit is to be documented on the FS-R6-2400-131. Form FS- 2400-66 is required for added and deleted volume.

Boundaries

Administration personnel will monitor individual tree and harvest unit boundary designation prior to, during, and after harvest activity. Changes to boundaries or designation, including R/W clearings will be documented and properly designated on the ground. Black tracer paint is to be used to cancel prior tree marking and should obliterate prior marking so there is no question as to the intended designation.

All monitoring shall be documented (normally on FS-R6-2400-131). The Sale Administrator will monitor cutting units per GEO-Fence procedures to verify that no additional timber has been removed within or outside the cutting unit boundaries.

Harvest on Lands Adjacent to National Forest System Lands

District Rangers shall ensure property lines adjacent to private lands where private logging activities have occurred are monitored to search for potential theft from National Forest lands. Upon discovery of unauthorized removal of timber from National Forest lands, Law Enforcement and the line officer will be notified immediately. The discovery will be kept confidential

Coordination with Law Enforcement

CO’s, COR’s, FSR’s and SA’s will actively involve law enforcement personnel in sale administration activities, including involvement in pre-work meetings and theft vulnerability assessments. In addition to these prevention activities, the following is a partial list of the types of unauthorized damage, cutting, or removal of timber or other situations that require timely consultation between contract administration including stewardship and law enforcement personnel (See FSH 2409.15, 13.42b and c).

• Timber cut through mistake.

• Undesignated timber unnecessarily damaged.

• Load tickets showing signs of re-use, such as extra staple holes or tears.

• Unauthorized branding hammer on sale area.

• Purchaser possessing same color paint as FS Marking.

• Fresh paint on annual foliage, boles of tree or ground

• Trees marked inconsistent with prescription.

• Boundaries located inconsistent with NEPA direction.

• Trucks off authorized haul routes.

• Significant irregularities in log load identification

• A weight Scale load with an unusually light weight.

• Undesignated timber negligently or willfully cut.

• Unauthorized alterations in timber sale or unit boundaries.

• Contractor’s use of paint on the sale area without the written permission of the Forest Service representative.

• Additional trees marked or designated for cutting by unauthorized individuals, including

"unauthorized" Forest Service personnel.

The contract administrator and/or harvest inspector must document the occurrence of each instance of any of the above situations found on a sale area. A copy of the sale inspection must be sent to the appropriate law enforcement personnel and the FSR/COR within 2 days of discovery. However, if the cutting or damage to undesignated timber was willful or negligent, the contract administrator must notify law enforcement immediately.

If the contract administrator believes the cutting or damage to undesignated timber was willful or negligent, contract remedies, including notifying the purchaser or contractor, or suspending harvest operations, must NOT be implemented prior to consulting with law enforcement personnel.

References to law enforcement presence or involvement shall not be documented on a sale inspection report if law enforcement makes that request for a specific timber sale.

During a timber theft investigation, the Forest will assist law enforcement by providing a certified advanced cruiser or certified scaler to determine the volume and value of timber removed and/or damaged. The certified advanced cruiser or scaler shall coordinate this task with law enforcement in a timely manner and prepare a report for possible future legal proceedings. The FSR and Law

Enforcement should be notified prior to writing a TSIR to document this, to allow an investigation if warranted .

Scaling and Product Accountability

The Contracting Officer shall fully implement and actively administer the Regional Same-Day Scale

Policy on all scaled sales per FSH 2409.15 Chapter 61.64. The Alternate Scale Site Request and

Agreement is used by purchaser/contractor to request alternate scaling location(s) and/or weigh facility location(s) and used by USFS to approve those locations. Approve only those locations that have a current Scale Location Agreement, Truck Scale Location Agreement or Weighing Services

Agreement with the weigh facility when not covered by a Scale Location Agreement. Site specific operational procedures and USFS controls for accountability shall be documented in the Alternate

Scale Agreement if not covered in the Scale Location, Truck Scale Location or Weighing Services

Agreements (FSH 2409.15, 61.64; B6.811, G.8.1.1). The CO, COR, FSR, SA and RS will analyze scale data for abnormalities and differences in volume/weight by species or sale characteristics.

Scaled sales shall be monitored daily through the Scaling Bureau’s report 1. As tickets are received, scale audits are completed.

Sale administrators and or FSR’s will review TSA’s monthly for assigned sales and verify that all information is correct. On 100% Weight sales, Forests must use pounds per cubic foot weight ratios per FSH 2409.12, 82, or R6 Supplement No.: 2409.12-2016-1. Weight ratios developed by Forest may be used when validated and documented by Timber Program Manager or Forest Check Cruiser.

Scale Audit Procedures

The RA’s perform a 1st audit of the scale tickets:

(a) checking times between punched tickets and weight receipts, (b) checking tickets and weight receipts against daily scale reports from bureau. (c) keep a running daily total of the weight to date and the loads to date to assist in calculating projections and volume removed. (d) Check – Marks should be applied to the report for tracking audit.

(b) On the Bottom of each Sale Report #1 Cert show calculations of:

(c) How many “Loads” to date.

(d) How many “pounds” to date.

(e) How many “Tons” to date; “running daily totals”.

(f) Report any Issues or voided tickets and corrections.

(g) Note of any holes not punched or other discrepancies on the permit; alert RS, FSR, CO and SA’s of discrepancies.

(h) Use check marks confirming permits that have been returned and that the weights recorded on the

(i) Report 1 Daily “Certification Report” matches the weight slips and Product Removal Permit (PRP)

Tickets. The Resource Assistant is also required to check against the weight receipt, product removal permit and daily certs (Report 1) to confirm the weights associated with the permit number match the Bureau’s daily and month-end reports. They are required to notify all parties of any discrepancies or missing tickets immediately and note on Scale Audits.

On the 7th of the following month, all tickets go to the RS for a 2nd audit by ensuring that all of the empties that match the inventory sheets. In the event of missing or unaccounted for tickets, the RA informs the SA, RS, FSR and other RA (as back-up cc) by email of the finding (by the 7th prior to 2nd audit closing). Control Logs and Inventory of books shall always be available to RS and CO for review and for accountability.

Stewardship Projects

It is handbook direction that completed stewardship work is checked for compliance with contract specifications, when it has been completed and a request from the purchaser or representative has been recieved. The results of this inspection will be documented on a 2400-131 Timber Sale Inspection report and accepted when in compliance with specifications checked by the Sale Administrator and

Forest Service Representative (FSR) within 5 days excluding weekends and holidays per BT6.36.

When projects or part of projects have been completed / accepted, the following must occur:

• The SA documents the Recommendation of Acceptance of Stewardship Projects and includes the following: Project Number, Subdivision Number and the total Number of Acres which are completed and accepted.

• The FSR confirms acceptance with spot checks of the recommended subdivisions.

• The FSR signs the 131 for acceptance of the project or partial project subdivisions.

• The RS updates the acres on PRSC for the specific ‘accepted’ complete project or partial project subdivisions.

• The RS updates the remarks on the PRSC to describe the update for non-monetary credit.

• The CO reviews and initials the 131 – source document and signs the updated PRSC.

• The CO alerts the RS that the PRSC is signed and to proceed with entry into the FPFS database.

The Progress Report for Stewardship Credits (PRSC) is updated monthly, even if there is no accepted work or credits earned for the month. if there is no activity of credits earned for the month, a “No

Activity” remark is still required within the “remarks” section.

Updating remarks monthly ensure that the documentation of stewardship project work and acceptance of this work is being kept up to date for accurate accounts.

Appendix A

Approved R-6 Boundary Tags

The Forest Service in R-6 has three different boundary tags approved for use for the sole purpose of establishing harvest area boundaries. The tags are applicable to both timber sales and stewardship contracts. Older versions of boundary tags have been discontinued and will not be ordered again by R-

6. However, forests may continue using older tags to use up inventories.

Samples of the three approved boundary tags are shown below. All boundary tags are made of Tyveck tear resistant and waterproof paper with water resistant ink. Each tag is a different color and has a different purpose. When ordering the blue tag below refer to the R6 FS-2400-23 form. When completing the blue tag, the timber sale or stewardship name will be entered on the line in the middle of the tag, followed by “TS” for a timber sale, or “IRC” for an Integrated Resource Contract (stewardship contract). The unit number will also be entered in the space provided. Tags below are dark blue Tyveck (tear resistant) paper, black lettering, 7” x 4”. This tag can be used for both ITM and LTM units. In a sale with both marking types, use the boundary cutting tag on one marking type, and the general purpose tag on the other.

BOUNDARY

CUTTING UNIT

FORM R6 2400-23 (7/2007)

Unit No. _________ This sign faces into the unit.

GPO 0000-000

TS IRC

(circle one)

The orange tag below is R6-FS-2400-24 for and used as a general purpose tag. A descriptor of the treatment will be entered between the USFS shields, sale or contract name, and unit number. The area between the USFS shields is for the layout person to enter the description of the treatment, i.e., D x D, D x P, Leave trees marked, etc. The tag would be orange Tyveck (tear resistant) paper, black lettering, 7” x 4”.

See the following Sample in the use of the general purpose tag:

FORM R6 2400-24 (7/2007)

Unit No. _________ This sign faces into the unit.

GPO 0000-000

TS IRC

(circle one)

RIPARIAN BUFFER -

NO CUTTING AREA

FORM R6 2400-24 (7/2007)

Unit No. ____6_____ This sign faces into the unit.

GPO 0000-000

_______MEADOW CREEK____ TS IRC

(circle one)

The red tag below is the Special Treatment Area tag R6-FS-2400-25 form which R6 made after multiple forests requested another tag for use in the interior of cutting units. The purpose of this tag is to identify Special Treatment Area(s) (STA) within a unit that has a different treatment than the rest of the unit, or additional instructions or restrictions for a specific area. An example of a Special Treatment Area would an equipment exclusion zone inside a riparian area or archaeological site that is to be treated. The RED tag is not for excluding no-treatment areas inside a cutting unit. The RED tag is not be used in place of the blue or orange boundary tags.

Requirements in the use of the tag;

• Trees posted with tags are designated as leave trees. The tags are to be inter-visible and spaced so it is possible to see the location and track of the boundary in either direction when standing anywhere along the boundary.

• Includes application of tracer paint as required in Pacific Northwest Region Timber Product Accountability Action Plan.

• The tag is to face into the cutting unit with the Special Treatment Area BEHIND the sign.

Use map symbol “SPTA” in the Legend and on the Sale Area or Contract Area Map to identify Special Treatment Area(s), along with the number of applicable Special Provision(s). In addition, the following statement is to be included in the Notes on the map…“The <equipment exclusion zone> inside <Unit 15> is posted with RED tags identifying the area as a Special Treatment Area. Refer to provision(s) <CT6.42# and CT6.315#> for more information.” Repeat as needed to identify all types of Special Treatment Areas included in the contract. The “< >” represents fill-ins to be completed that describes the Special Treatment Area. The statement(s) will also go into the General section of the prospectus for a Timber Sale or Integrated Resource Timber Contract, and Appendix B of an Integrated Resource Service Contract.

See the following sample tag.

The tag would be red Tyveck (tear resistant) paper, 7” x 4”, with black lettering, and waterproof ink.

FORM R6 2400-25 (02/2012)

Unit No. ____________

_____________________________ TS IRC

(circle one)

Special Treatment Area

Behind This Sign (refer to Sale Area or Contract Area Map)

Forms no longer available:

FORM Date GPO # Title Tag Color

R6 24-1 11/75 699-725 DIRECTIONAL FELLING AREA Light Blue R6 24-1 11/75 1988-691-749 DIRECTIONAL FELLING AREA Light Blue R6 24-1 11/75 1992-693-063 DIRECTIONAL FELLING AREA Dark Blue R6 24-2 2/72 1993-791-678 RESERVE TREE – DO NOT CUT White R6 24-2 10/98 2001 691-044 RESERVE TREE – DO NOT CUT White R6 24-3 7/72 1993 791-675 BOUNDARY – SALE AREA Orange R6 24-4 10/98 1998 693-577 BOUNDARY – SUBDIVISION Dark Blue R6 24-5 7/72 2005-790-672 BOUNDARY – CUTTING UNIT Dark Blue R6 24-6 10/74 1997 591-215 BOUNDARY – LEAVE TREES MARKED Red R6 24-9 10/98 2006 578-231 BOUNDARY – PARTIAL CUT Light Blue

41 – Exhibit 01

Flagging Ribbon Colors

Activity Color

Timber Sale Boundaries Blue or Yellow

Subdivision Boundaries for Timber Sales Blue or Yellow

Cutting BDY Blue or Yellow

Exclusion (No Cut) Areas Blue or Yellow

Check Cruise White

Cruise Trees/Plots Pink Glo

For Other Activities, See Ribbon Color Designation by Department Policy, Dated 01/2016

Product Removal Permits – February 2016 Timber Sales and Stewardship Contracts and Agreements

Footnotes 1/and 5/ regarding Load Count sales have been removed.

2/ When species or products have different contract rates they must be sorted and reported separately to assure proper payment. Reference R6-FS-2400-29 Scaler Information Form instructions for assigning sample groups by species or products. Nonsaw or Grn Bio CV products will use pink or salmon color tickets. Salmon equals pink.

3/ Trailer configurations such as flat bed or I-beam trailers can carry 1 or more loads on the same trailer depending on the number of bunks it has. Use 1 ticket for each bunked load.

4/ Truck configurations other than conventional trucks should be scaled at 1:1 frequency unless an adequate volume is available for sampling within the sample group.

6/ When 2 pink or salmon color tickets are used on mule train loads of Grn Bio Cv loads include the following statement on R6-FS-2400-29 form in block (12) Remarks: “When

2 pink tickets are used on mule train loads of Grn Bio Cv products, record the lowest number of the 2 tickets as the source load number which the recorded weights will be assigned to. The second ticket number will be entered as the seller load number. Both load receipts will be attached to the scale ticket and weight certificate and returned to the Forest Service daily.” Reference R6-FS-2400-29 Scaler Information Form instructions for assigning sample groups by species or products.

Offer Method Contract Rate Product Removal Permit

Color by Product Truck Configuration

Conventional, Self-loaders, Trailer w/1 load bunked

Truck Configuration Mule Trains, Truck & Pup, Trailer w/2 loads bunked 3/

Truck Configuration Chip Vans – Trailer, Truck & Trailer

TMS

Wgt Average or Separate Rate by Species/Product

Blue - Sawlog & Grn Bio Cv products.

Mixed products per load ok. Use 1 ticket. Use 1 ticket - trailer w/2 loads bunked.

Use 2 tickets - mule trains & truck & pup 1 ticket – trailer only.

2 tickets – truck & trailer.

100% Scale Weighted Average Yellow - Saw & Nonsaw products.

Mixed products per load ok. Use 1 ticket. Use 2 tickets. N/A

100% Scale

Separate Rate by Species/Product

Yellow - Saw & Nonsaw products.

Mixed products per load ok. Use 1 ticket. Use 2 tickets. N/A

Sample Scale Weighted Average Yellow - Saw & Nonsaw products.

Mixed products per load ok. Use 1 ticket. Use 2 tickets. N/A

Sample Scale

Separate Rate by Species/Product 2/

Yellow - Sawlog loads.

Pink – Nonsawlog loads.

1 product per load.

Use 1 ticket; yellow or pink.

Same product on truck & trailer.

Use 2 yellow tickets on Sawlog loads.

Use 2 pink tickets on Nonsawlog loads. 4/ N/A

100% Weight Weighted Average Yellow - Sawlog & Grn Bio Cv products.

Mixed products per load ok. Use 1 ticket. Use Green A/B tickets.

1 pink ticket – trailer only.

2 pink tickets on truck & trailer.

100% Weight

Separate Rate by Product 2/

Yellow - Sawlog loads.

Pink - Grn Bio Cv loads.

1 product per load.

Use 1 ticket; yellow or pink.

Same product on truck & trailer.

Use Green A/B tickets on Sawlog loads.

Use 2 pink tickets on Grn Bio Cv loads. 6/

N/A

PACIFIC NORTHWEST REGION

PRODUCT ACCOUNTABILITY ACTION PLAN

JULY 2020

The Pacific Northwest Region Product Accountability Action Plan focuses on the detection of theft and reducing the vulnerability and potential for product losses. The harvest and removal of all forest products including sawtimber, Green Biomass Convertible, chips, boughs, etc., must be done in compliance with National, Regional, and Forest Handbook direction and product accountability requirements. This plan supersedes the

2017 Regional Product Accountability Action Plan.

Forest Service policies and procedures included in FSM 2400 and associated handbooks for preparing and administrating contracts and permits are intended to minimize the chances of trespass or theft and maximize the probability of early detection and successful prosecution if trespass or theft does occur. Forest Service

Manuals (FSM) and Forest Service Handbooks (FSH) take precedence over this plan as they are amended and updated. References are included to not repeat direction already provided (FSH 2409.12b-2012-1).

I. OBJECTIVE

A. Promote and develop employee skills, perceptions, attitudes and behavior that will enhance and maintain a high level of forest product accountability.

B. Develop and use processes and procedures that are practical and implementable to increase our ability to identify and detect product loss or theft. Develop and use processes and procedures that will ensure the product removal matches the land and resource management plan objectives (NEPA).

C. Continue coordination with Law Enforcement and Investigations (LEI), Office of General Counsel, and

Department of Justice so legal action may be aggressively pursued when theft or fraud occurs.

D. Develop a monitoring and feedback process that validates this plan is being implemented and corrective action is taken when plan requirements are not met. Regional and Forest Accountability audits will serve that purpose.

II. ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

A. Accountability Audits

1. The Washington Office (WO), Regional Forester (RF) and Forest Supervisor (FS) will use accountability audits as a tool to monitor the implementation of both Regional and Forest accountability action plans (FSH 2409.15, 28).

2. Regional Audit Team will include, at a minimum, representatives from contract administration, sale preparation, measurements, engineering, LEI, and timber sale accounting. Team members may each cover more than one focus area.

3. Forest Supervisors must ensure one audit is conducted every 2 years on each Ranger District (RD).

Regional audits will count as a Forest audit. Additional audits should be conducted if major deficiencies are found or if unusual problems are encountered. Include timber theft prevention controls in timber sale preparation and administration activity reviews (FSM 1410). A Forest having zoned functional organizational units can meet Forest audit requirements on a zone basis.

4. The Forest audit team must consist of at least three members with the team leader being a member of the Forest Supervisor’s staff. The other team members should represent the same disciplines as those used for the Regional audit team.

B. Functional Assistance

1. Functional assistance reviews are requested by Forests and focus on specific project(s) the unit needs assistance with. Functional assistance is typically a shorter trip with team members determined based on the request and need.

C. Forest Product Accountability Action Plans

1. Forest Product Accountability Action Plans do not need to repeat the standards or direction included in the Regional Plan. Plans cannot change Regional or National direction or policies.

2. Forest plans should address how Regional and National direction or policies will be met, and should specifically address:

a. Specific tree designation and unit boundary standards such as corners and paint-only.

b. Annual workshops or training for product accountability including sale preparation, sale administration, and LEI coordination.

c. Implementation process for taking corrective action identified in Regional or Forest

Accountability Audits.

III. PROGRAM EMPHASIS AND DIRECTION

Forest Supervisors, District Rangers (DR) and Acquisition and Timber Contracting Officers must clearly demonstrate emphasis and support of product accountability through quality sale preparation and administration.

Forest Supervisors and DRs must plan and organize to accomplish the accountability needs with the changes in workforce. This includes improved sale design and preparation as well as providing an adequate staffing of Contracting Officers (CO), Forest Service Representatives (FSR), Sale Administrators (SA), Forest Products Resource Specialists (FPRS), Harvest Inspectors (HI), Engineering Representatives (ER), and Construction Inspectors (CI) on active sales.

The Region and Forests will utilize accountability audits to monitor Forest Product Accountability Action

Plans. The Region will follow-up with Forests, as appropriate, to ensure that corrective actions are taken on the recommendations made in the Regional Audits.

A. Sale Preparation

1. Forests will conduct field reviews and inspection of prepared sales and include project planners, sale layout staff, and sale administration to monitor compliance with direction and standards pertaining to accountability.

2. Forests and Districts must recognize and address the increased accountability issues when various sale designs are implemented, i.e., designation by prescription, designation by description, special management areas, uneven age silvicultural prescriptions, ecosystem management sales, stewardship contracts, etc.

3. Ensure all sales and contracts, including biomass and Low Value Material (LVM), are cruised by certified cruisers (FSM 2442). This includes contract cruisers, off-forest or out of region Forest

Service cruisers, and Enterprise Team members. Forests will meet Washington Office traverse and cruise standards to ensure accurate volume estimates (FSH 2409.12).

4. File and store original cruising documents, boundary survey notes, records, and calculations in a safe secure location should the need arise to re-establish how volumes were determined and the location of units on the original sale. These records are to be stored for a minimum of 30 years after contract closure (FSH 6209.11).

5. All trees marked are to be consistent with Forest Service standards (FSH 2409.12, Chapter 70 and

R6 Supplement FSH 2409.12-2012-1).

6. Follow all storage and accountability requirements for tracer paint in the National Tree Marking

Job Hazard Analysis, filed at the USDA Forest Service National Technology and Development

Center web site under the tree marking paint section.

B. Sale Administration

1. Sale and disposal authorities and administration of contract authorities must be granted per FSM

2404, 2450, and 2452; FSH 2409.15; and FSH 2409.19, Chapter 60.

2. The number of active contracts per SA will vary by complexity, the rate of logging, acres covered, and what is needed to provide the necessary accountability and resource protection (FSH 2409.15, 13.21).

3. Increased sale administration accountability checks are needed when scaled and tree measurement sales are located and operating in the same general geographic area.

4. The Region will use the timber sale administration certification to enhance and maintain consistency and quality of sale administration in the Region.

5. The Region will review and revise contract provisions as needed to incorporate current direction and strengthen product accountability.

6. Inspections of sale areas will be made to monitor quality of contract administration and to identify and take corrective action on deficiencies. Inspections should focus on the specifics for the sale inspected and product accountability and will not always cover all items on the standard inspection form (FSH 2409.15, 13.4).

7. The CO, FSR, SA, and HI will ensure that timber added or deleted to a contract will be done in compliance with contract provisions, properly designated on the ground, and properly accounted and paid for.

8. Forest Supervisors must provide training annually and continue to emphasize the need to:

a) Recognize cutting of undesignated trees and other theft or fraud indicators.

b) Understand the proper follow-up and resolution when indicators are identified.

c) Provide timely notification and coordination with LEI.

IV. PRODUCT ACCOUNTABILITY AND MEASUREMENTS

A. FS, DR, and CO must assure that all trees and other forest products that are sold or otherwise disposed of by permit, timber sale, stewardship or procurement contracts have been measured, valued, paid and accounted for per Forest Service standards.

B. FS and CO shall fully implement and actively administer the Same Day Scale Policy on all scaled sales unless secure locations are preapproved for holdover loads (R6 Supplement FSH 2409.15-2008-3).

C. All sales shall be sold as Tree Measurement Sales (TMS), unless the sale meets one of the exemption criteria. Thinning sales, salvage sales where mortality is not able to be predicted to TMS standards, and sales with more than 50% of the volume being Low Value Material (LVM), may be sold as scaled sales. Contracts using Designation by Prescription (DxP) must be sold as scaled.

D. All sales sold as TMS and Weight shall be cruised in cubic feet (CF) and sold with a unit of measure of one hundred cubic feet (CCF) or tons (TON). When Rollout and Sample scale methods are utilized, they shall be cruised in board feet (BF) and sold with a unit of measure of one thousand board feet

(MBF) using the Scribner short log 20-foot maximum rule. See current Sale Method Criteria List for further direction.

E. On 100% Weight sales, Forests must use pounds per cubic foot weight ratios (FSH 2409.12, 82 and R6

Supplement 2409.12-2016-1) and have Ton as the unit of measure in the contract, with a CCF/Ton weight ratio listed in Special Provision C8.3# Option 1. Weight ratios developed by the Forest may be used when validated and documented by Forest Measurement Specialist (FMS) or Forest Check

Cruiser (FCC) and approved by the Regional Measurement Specialist (RMS).

F. The Alternate Scale Site Request and Agreement is used by Purchaser/Contractor to request alternate scaling location(s) and/or weigh facility location(s) and used by USFS to approve those locations.

Approve only those locations that have a current Scale Location Agreement, Truck Scale Location

Agreement or Weighing Services Agreement with the weigh facility when not covered by a Scale

Location Agreement. Site specific operational procedures and USFS controls for accountability shall be documented in the Alternate Scale Agreement if not covered in the Scale Location, Truck Scale

Location or Weighing Services Agreements (R6 Supplement FSH 2409.15-2008-3).

G. The CO, FSR, SA, or FPRS will analyze scale data for abnormalities and/or differences in volume/weight by species or sale characteristics.

H. All log haul shall have appropriate product removal permits for the sale offer method, contract rate, included products, and method of conveyance. Reference the Product Removal Permit Chart for

Timber Sales and Stewardship Contracts and Agreements located in the Sale Method Criteria List.

V. DIRECTION FOR BOUNDARY AND TREE DESIGNATION

A. Boundaries

1. Boundary designation methods include tags and paint, paint only, or virtual which includes a discernable or Geo-fence for a real-world geographic area (FSH 2409.12).

2. Follow National tracer…