POSTING NOTICE. SUPPLEMENTS to this HANDBOOK are numbered consecutively by handbook and calendar year. Post by document name at the end of each chapter. Remove existing blue pages and replace with this supplement. Retain this transmittal as the first page of this document. This is the first supplement to this handbook.

Document Name Superseded New

(Number of Pages)

2409.12,70 0 4

DIGEST:

72.1 - Updates requirements for use of tracer paint for all commercial timber sale activities.

72.11 - Provides instructions on marking and designating timber for cutting.

72.6 - Updates instructions regarding the use and storage of tree marking paint.

JOHN E. ALCOCK

Regional Forester

72.1 - Marking Timber in Advance of Sale. Use Tracer Paint for designation of timber, both cut trees or leave trees, timber sale boundaries, unit boundaries, reserve trees, additional timber, and all other designations of timber for commercial timber sale purposes. Use only paint containing an approved tracer element registered for exclusive use of the Department of Agriculture.

Use Tracer Paint for designating timber after sale award when additional timber is marked.

Exceptions to Use of Tracer Paint . If non-tracer tree marking paint, or paint not on the GSA QPL is needed for timber purposes, use of this non-tracer paint must be approved by the Regional Forester.

Requests for approval must include certification that non-tracer paint or paint not on the GSA QPL are cost effective, will not compromise security, and that the paint meets health and safety standards established for GSA QPL paint.

72.11 - Methods . Mark or designate timber for cutting in accordance with timber sale contract requirements.

For other than designated clearcutting units, the standard method of marking requires a paint mark at or above eye level and another below stump height.

Designate unit boundaries of clearcutting units. Boundary trees require paint marks at or above eye level and another below stump height. Do not designate individual trees for cutting when within clearcutting units.

72.6 - Trespass Prevention . Timber sale administrators should make frequent tracer paint checks on sales, no less than once annually per active payment unit. More frequent checks should be made on sales or operators with which there have been previous problems, and around Clearcutting Unit boundaries and areas with very high-value trees designated. Checks should be documented in the timber sale files.

Because of the volume and value of timber offered for sale from National Forests, and because of the concern of OIG, GAO, and the Forest Service over fraud, waste, abuse, and theft, it is imperative that a high degree of security for timber designations and paint accountability be maintained.

The use of tree marking paint containing a unique tracer registered only to the USDA is required for designating all trees, or areas of trees, for commercial sale, and for designation of trees not to be cut within commercial sales. Source of tracer paint is the annual paint contract currently administered by GSA. All units must obtain their supplies, including field tracer test kits, through this contract.

The fact that some paint manufacturers mark their cans as "Tracer" does not verify that this is an approved unique tracer available only to the Forest Service. Use GSA's Qualified Product's List (QPL) to determine if this is an approved tracer/tracer paint.

When field tests are inconclusive, or a more thorough analysis is desired, contact the Regional Office for directions regarding laboratory testing.

All tracer paint must be stored in a locked facility with accountability procedures for each container. Forest Supervisors shall establish procedures for ordering, storage, use, handling of empty containers, accountability (including reconciliation) and disposal.

Each employee using tracer paint should be trained in accountability procedures before using tracer paint. Forest Supervisors shall develop and maintain a tracer paint management and accountability policy for their units. As a minimum, this policy shall include:

1. Tracer Paint Procurement . Forest Supervisors shall ensure that tracer paint is procured through approved GSA supply schedules. Procure appropriate field tracer paint test kits for each paint manufacturer under the annual GSA contract. Upon receipt, check all paint orders for presence of tracer element prior to issuance of paint for field use. Do not procure, store or use boundary marking paint of any color for timber marking activities.

2. Tracer Paint Storage .

a. Store all tracer paint in locked areas, separate from other paints, and not secured solely with a Forest Service lock. Limit access to designated individuals.

b. Develop security measures for paint while in transit and during field use.

c. Keep all empty containers in a secure area until final disposal.

d. Observe all safety precautions for the storage of paint.

3. Tracer Paint Accountability . Treat tree marking paint with a USDA registered tracer element as accountable property.

Forest Supervisors shall develop procedures for notifying Timber Sale Officers and Forest Special Agents if unauthorized use of tracer paint or of detection of non-tracer paint on a timber sale area.

a. Organize paint in the storage area by Batch #, Brand, Color, and Container size for easy counting and accountability.

b. Document tracer paint usage in the timber sale folder. As a minimum, record the brand, color and batch number of the paint used on each payment unit. Keep this information on paper tally sheets or on portable data recorders.

c. Develop a tracer paint inventory control register for inventory maintenance. This should include a physical inventory by personnel without regular access to the paint storage facility.

This control register shall contain a check-in/check-out system that identifies:

(1) Date and quantity paint received. Identification of paint by color, brand name, batch number, and container size.

(2) Individual and date the individual removed or returned tracer paint containers to or from the storage facility.

(3) Current inventory balance.

(4) Record of disposal of empty cans.

(5) Name of individuals responsible for the accountability and physical inventory of paint.

d. Report shortages to an accountable property officer who will document the shortages and reasons in the timber sale files.

e. Each Forest Supervisor shall establish procedures for disposal of empty containers, following established accountability, safety and environmental direction.

f. Forest Supervisors should audit each District once per year.