USDA Forest Service

An employee newsletter since 1914

Index

Message from the Regional Forester

Focus on People

• Aspen Volunteer Honored with Chief's Award
• Employee Presented First EIP Award
• Enterprising Win!
• Fire Fighter Earns Top Honors at Fire School
• In Memoriam
• Interns Attend "Fed Night" at Pac Bell Park
• New Plumas Forest Supervisor
• Region 5 Employees Win Chief's and Secretary's Awards
• Volunteers Receive National Award

Region 5 Roundup

• Being Aware of Rabies
• Conflict Management Influencing Your Career
• Forest Service Job Codes Simplified
• "Girls Can" Program
• New Technology Protects Historic Sites During Fire
• Region 5 Class Action
• Region's Access Guide Goes National
• Sierra Nevada Review Team Visits Forests
• Sudden Oak Death Impacts Region 5 Forests
• USDA Official Supports California Consortium
• Video Additions
• Wildland Firefighter Jobs Available

Issues Update

History Corner

• A Bear of a Story
• A History of Forest Fires and Firefighting
• A "New Deal" in Ranger Stations
• Such is Fame

Message from the Regional Forester

At the latest count, more than 6,000,000 acres have burned in the west this year, about twice the yearly average. I'm proud of our firefighters for their professionalism, dedication to their work and compassion for those in the communities where the fires forced evacuations and burned homes. I think this message from a young child sums up how we feel. "Thank you for being brave and courageous. I like how you never give up. You are my heroes."

By now, you've probably all seen the memo from Chief Bosworth about this year's fire suppression costs, which have exceeded $1 billion. Nationally, our FY2002 available suppression funds of $321 million, have already been exhausted and the agency has no choice but to transfer funds from other accounts in order to continue our firefighting efforts. As the Chief indicated, protecting life and property from wildfire is our highest priority. As of August 27, suppression costs for this region came to $152,252,000 and they're increasing daily.

I've asked all unit leaders to take a good hard look at our expenditures, particularly training and travel costs, to see if they can be postponed or cancelled. The hope is that by implementing the Chief's guidance now, there will be adequate funding to meet fire suppression needs, and other essential program needs. I believe our employees understand how important this is and will be willing to make any necessary adjustments.

The good news is that on August 29, President Bush asked Congress to provide $825 million in emergency funds to pay for firefighting and emergency rehabilitiation activities. We'll be following legislative actions closely and will keep you informed of any developments.

During this fire season thousands of homes burned. With more and more people building their homes in wildland areas near national forests, the complexity of fire management changes dramatically. In my visits with our partners and members of the community throughout the Region, I'm hearing an overwhelming need to move forward with fuel reduction and thinning projects to protect communities and reduce the risk of even more catastrophic wildfires in the years to come. What I'm also hearing should come as no surprise, Forest Service people are doing a first-rate job. Keep up the good work!

Finally, and most importantly, I'd like to emphasize your safety and the safety of those around you, not only during fire season, but every day in every situation. You're a fine group of folks and I value your hard work and dedication.

R5 Employees Win National Awards "For more than half a century, USDA has honored the outstanding men and women who fill this department with energy, vitality and a commitment to serving the American people in the best way possible." ~ USDA Secretary Ann Veneman

Exceptional Effort California Interagency Incident Management Team 3 received both the Secretary's and the Chief's awards for assisting rescue workers with the search, rescue and recovery efforts at the Pentagon. Golden Smokey Award Anne Fege, Forest Supervisor of the Cleveland National Forest, received this award for sustained outstanding national service with significant program impact in wildland fire protection. Chief's Award for Excellence Bertha Gillam, Associate Regional Forester, received the award for her leadership in the implementation of the Region 5 Settlement Agreement.

Aspen Volunteer Honored with Chief's Award

Jennifer Ebert, Eldorado National Forest

David Burton was awarded the 2002 Chief's Volunteers Program National Award for his volunteer service to further aspen habitat management in the Sierra Nevada. The National Volunteer Award, the Forest Service's highest volunteer honor was presented to David by Bernie Weingardt, Deputy Regional Forester at the Regional Ecosystem Team meeting in May.

David began volunteering for the Pacific Ranger District on the Eldorado National Forest in 1999, spending his time in the field inventorying aspen stands. Since that time he has expanded his efforts across the Forest, as well as contributed many hours of service to other Forests in Region 5. Not much is known about aspen in the Sierra Nevada, but David has taken an interest in pursuing a collaborated effort between Forests, as well as other land management agencies. In 2001 alone, David contributed over 2800 hours of time to this effort.

David continues to volunteer for the Forest Service, coordinating efforts among Forests, as well as other land management agencies in California and Nevada. Thanks to David's efforts, we have gained a lot of knowledge about aspen habitat management. For more information about the Aspen Delineation Project, please contact David Burton at (916) 663-2574.

Employee Presented First EIP Award

Jeannie Stafford, Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

Anyone venturing into the Zephyr Cove Campground during the summer of 2001 would no doubt have met Gene Smith, Civil Engineering Tech, for the LTBMU. Gene was assigned as the Zephyr Cove Renovation Project's Contracting Officer Representative and was responsible for ensuring the contract was completed to the Forest Service standards.

Gene began his career by receiving a Degree in Forestry from New York State Ranger School in 1970 and immediately began working for the Olympic National Forest in Washington. In 1972, he took a position as Civil Engineering Survey Tech with the Sitgreave National Forest in Arizona. From there, Gene moved to the Kaibab National Forest, also in Arizona, as a Civil Engineering Survey and Design Tech. The LTBMU has been fortunate to have Gene as a member of the staff since 1999.

On December 13, 2001, Gene was presented with the LTBMU's first Environmental Improvement Program (EIP), Implementation Award. "The LTBMU is pleased to honor Gene for all of his dedication and hard work this past year implementing one of our most visible EIP projects," said Maribeth Gustafson, LTBMU Forest Supervisor.

Enterprising Win!

Jeni Bradley, Owner and CEO of Recreation Solutions Enterprise Unit, was honored as the Forest Service's 2002 recipient of the American Recreation Coalition's (ARC) Legends Award on June 12th in Washington, D.C. ARC's Legends Awards recognize outstanding federal employees for their efforts to enhance the nation's outdoor recreation opportunities and resources.

ARC president Derrick Crandall presented the award to Jeni at Great Outdoors Week. Also present at the ceremony was Tom Thompson, Deputy Chief of the National Forest System. "Jeni started Recreation Solutions to emphasize the need for partnerships and interagency cooperation, and is passionate about her work to bring seamless recreation opportunities to the American public," said Crandall. Describing her unusual organization, Crandall explained that Enterprise team members receive no direct funding from Congressional appropriations and are funded instead by revenue generated from customer agreements.

Recreation Solutions' success is evident, he observed, since Recreation Solutions currently employs 25 team members from both the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management and expects to more than double in size in two years.

This year's win for Jeni Bradley not only highlighted her hard work and dedication for Recreation Solutions but also illustrates the significant value that Enterprising represents within the agency.

For more information on Recreation Solutions, contact Jeni Bradley at jenibradley@fs.fed.us.

Fire Fighter Earns Top Honors at Fire School

Jack de Golia, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, R1

Noah Carlson, a fire fighter at the Wise River RD of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge NF, was tops in his class at the "Wildland Fire Fighter Apprenticeship Program," held at McClellan Air Force Base, near Sacramento, Calif.

Carlson's achievement earned him the John Kelso Award, an award named for one of the squad bosses on the Prineville Hotshots who died on Storm King Mountain in Colorado in 1994. The award is presented to the outstanding apprentice in each session of the program for leadership skills and academic achievement.

The program offers a two-year apprenticeship program that trains federal fire fighters. First or second year fire fighters enter the program and come out as "single-resource boss trainees."

During their two years in the program, apprentices attend two "academies" where they're taught various fire and leadership skills. Back at the home forest or office, trainees work a set of required hours in various fire fighting jobs having to do with engines, helicopter, line construction, and fuels projects.

Carlson is expected to complete this part of his training by the end of this year's fire season.

In Memoriam

Engine 11 crew members at the Stanza Fire in July 2002: Capt. Steve Oustad, Heather DePaolo, John Self, Ryan Smith and Alex Glover

Our hearts go out to the family, friends and co-workers of the three firefighters who died on their way from the Stanza Fire on the Klamath National Forest.

On July 28, the Lassen National Forest crew, assigned to Engine 11, was driving on a narrow road when their truck fell more than 1,000 feet down a ravine. Steve Oustad, 51, from Westwood; John Self, 19, also from Westwood; and Heather DePaolo, 29, from Redding were killed. Two of the crew members, Ryan Smith, 20, from Redding and Alexander Glover, 19, from Susanville were hospitalized.

Forest staff worked closely with each of the families to help plan memorial services and to meet their other needs during this difficult time.

Interns Attend "Fed Night" at Pac Bell Park

Sandra Stasenka, State & Private Forestry, RO

Summer intern students working for the Forest Service, Diana Contreras, Christopher Chappell and Christian Torres attended the Dodgers vs. Giants baseball game at Pacific Bell Park on Federal Night, Friday, July 26^th.

Diana Contreras is an Accounting major at the University of New Mexico, Las Cruces. She is working this summer in the Regional Office for the Planning and Budget Staff. Christopher Chappell is an Urban Forestry major at Southern University in Baton Rouge Louisiana. He is working this summer for the State & Private Forestry Staff at the Sacramento Tree Foundation. Christian Torres is a Horticulture major at the University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez, and has spent time working in several different areas this summer; State & Private Forestry, Oakland ReLeaf, Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Center for Urban Forest Research-Davis, and the Sacramento Tree Foundation.

Christopher and Christian also attended the California Department of Forestry, Urban Forestry Academy at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo while they were in California.

All three students made significant contributions during their stay and it provided an excellent opportunity for both the Budget Staff and State & Private Forestry staff to do some targeted outreach to potential future employees.

New Plumas Forest Supervisor

"Jim has demonstrated hard work, a sound resource ethic and an ability to get things done in his three years as deputy forest supervisor. I'm confident that he will do a great job on the Plumas," said Jack Blackwell, Pacific Southwest Regional Forester. "I look forward to working with him as he takes on this challenging new job."

Peña's Forest Service career began in 1978 as a forester trainee on the Rogue River NF in southern Oregon. While on the Rogue River NF he had assignments in timber, recreation, special uses, fire, planning, and contract administration. He then worked on the Mt Baker-Snoqualmie NF in Washington as a timber management assistant. He was district ranger on the Malheur NF in Oregon and on the Wenatchee NF in Washington. He has a degree in forest resource management from Humboldt State University in Arcata, Calif.

"I'm looking forward to working with the employees of the Plumas, as well as getting to know the local communities and the people who live there," said Peña. "I will do my very best for all of them in the management of these important national forest lands."

Peña will be moving to the area with his wife, Debbie, and young children, Anthony and Nicholas. Peña will report to his new job in Quincy on August 26.

Peña replaces Mark Madrid, who transferred to Payette NF in central Idaho as supervisor this past April. The Plumas NF covers almost 1.2 million acres.

R5 Employees Win Chief's and Secretary's Awards

July 8 marked a special day of recognizing the outstanding work of federal employees during the 56th Annual Secretary's Honor Awards. "For more than half a century, USDA has honored the outstanding men and women who fill this department with energy, vitality and a commitment to serving the American people in the best way possible," Secretary Veneman said.

A separate evening ceremony focused on recipients of the 2002 Forest Service Chief's Awards. Both events featured entertainment by the renowned Fiddlin' Foresters.

Exceptional Effort

For their response to the attack on the Pentagon, the California Interagency Incident Management Team led by Steve Gage, State of California, received both the Secretary's and the Chief's awards for exceptional effort and commitment in assisting thousands of rescue workers with the search, rescue and recovery efforts at the Pentagon Terrorist Attack Incident in Washington, DC. Group Members included:

Group members from other California Agencies:

The January 2002 issue of the NewsLog offers more in-depth articles on the awardees and their experiences at the Pentagon.

Heroism and Emergency Response

The Pinecrest Fish Celebration Event Organizers, received both the Secretary's and Chief's Honor Award for Heroism and Emergency Response for heroic actions in the rescue of two youth from the icy waters of Pinecrest Lake, Stanislaus National Forest on June 9, 2001. Those awarded were David W. Martin, Jr., Group Leader, Phyllis Ashmead, and Mark Davis from the Stanislaus NF, and Norm Winchester, Department of Interior.

Exceptional Dedication and Teamwork

Under the category "Maintaining and Enhancing the Nation's Natural Resources and Environment," the Plow Honor Award went to the 2002 Olympic Planning Team for exceptional dedication and teamwork in preparing for and hosting the 2002 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Region 5's Stephanie Gomes (Hutchens) along with other group members received the award. Stephanie is currently a Public Affairs Specialist in the Regional Office.

Outstanding National Service

Under the category, Major External Awards Sponsored by External Organizations, the Golden Smokey Award, sponsored by the National Association of State Foresters, the Advertising Council and the Forest Service went to Anne Fege, Forest Supervisor of the Cleveland National Forest, for sustained outstanding national service with significant program impact in wildland fire protection.

For Excellence

Bertha Gillam, Associate Regional Forester, received the Chief's Award for Excellence in support of her leadership in the implementation of the Region 5 Settlement Agreement.

Information Transfer

For Excellence in Technology Transfer - the Chief's award went to the Water/Road Interaction Training Team, San Dimas Technology and Development Center, for outstanding work transferring Water/Road Interaction information to field personnel.

Outstanding Leadership

New Century of Service - Honorable Mention was awarded to the Descanso Ranger District Border Team, Cleveland National Forest for their outstanding leadership in saving the lives of immigrants, reducing wildland fires , and protecting resources in the mountains and steep canyons north of the Mexican border.

Vision and Innovation

"Volunteer of the Year 2002 - Administration" was awarded for Human Resource programs on the San Bernardino National Forest for exemplary vision and innovation in pioneering new ways to channel the passion of an extensive volunteer force in the management and stewardship of public lands.

Congratulations to all recipients. This has been an exceptional year for our employees.

Volunteers Receive National Award

Leona Rodreick, Public Affairs, Lassen National Forest

Forest Supervisor Ed Cole has announced that Dick and Bobby Tatman of Janesville, California are the recipients of the Forest Service's highest volunteer honor, the 2002 National Volunteer Award. The Tatmans were selected for this award by the Chief of the Forest Service, Dale Bosworth. Dick Tatman is a retired Forest Engineer from the Lassen National Forest (1991).

Dick and Bobby Tatman were the driving forces behind the nomination and designation of the 187 mile Lassen Backcountry Discovery Trail on the Lassen National Forest. The Backcountry Discovery Trail system is a network of motorized off-highway vehicle (OHV) travelways in the State of California. The Backcountry Discovery Trail concept envisions a network of long-distanced, interconnected OHV "trails" from the Mexican border to Canada, a motorized version of the Pacific Crest Trail.

In 1999-2000, Dick and Bobby Tatman scouted the location of this "trail" on the Lassen National Forest and prepared the nomination report. They worked closely with staff from the California Department of Parks and Recreation OHV Division in Sacramento, the California Department of Fish and Game,Tehama Wildlife Area, and many OHV groups throughout the designation process. The Lassen Backcountry Discovery Trail was dedicated in September 2000 at the National Trails Symposium in Redding, CA.

Dick and Bobby volunteered almost 400 hours to complete all the fieldwork and to prepare the trail nomination report. They took over 70 photos to document the scenic, cultural, and natural features that visitors could expect to see along this 187 mile OHV trail. In addition, the Tatmans identified 31 discovery points along the trail to showcase the area's rich history and natural wonders.

There was also a degree of physical challenge in nominating the trail. The Tatmans field checked likely routes with their Jeep. Recommended segments offer a variety of driving experiences from easy to the most difficult. Many sections of the route are in remote locations and rugged terrain. This trail system will appeal to drivers of all abilities. "The Tatmans drove every one of these routes in rain, snow, sun, and hot or cold weather. They persevered around road obstacles - encroaching brush, rocks, fallen trees, you name it," stated Cole.

A key goal of the Backcountry Discovery Trail concept is the promotion of citizen stewardship and a better understanding of the Forest Service mission. To this end, Dick and Bobby Tatman wrote and illustrated a draft visitor guide for the Lassen Backcountry Discovery Trail to interpret the 31 "discovery" points. They volunteered over 100 hours to complete this project. Natural features, historic events, and the role of forest management will be interpreted such as the use of fuel treatments to reduce the risk of catastrophe wildfire.

In 2001, the Tatmans turned their attention south and prepared the nomination report to designate 142 miles of a Backcountry Discovery Trail with 30 discovery points on the Plumas National Forest. Upon designation of this segment, they will then volunteer their time to prepare the nomination report for the trail through the Tahoe National Forest (planned for 2002-2003). The Tatmans have already conducted preliminary reconnaissance for this route. "The Tatmans have been a critical force in designating the Backcountry Discovery Trail route through northeastern California to link with the Oregon Trail segments," stated Ed Cole, Lassen Forest Supervisor.

In addition, Dick Tatman prepared a draft Backcountry Discovery Trail Implementation Guide for use by all California national forests. This Guide outlines the nomination process to designate a backcountry discovery trail. For his efforts, Dick has been designated as a "Regional Backcountry Trail Advisor" by the Forest Services's regional OHV Program Manager in Vallejo.

The Tatmans' work recently encouraged the Recreation Outdoor Coalition (ROC) of Mineral, California to submit a multiple-use trail proposal to the Lassen National Forest for consideration in 2002-2003. A 120-mile loop addition to the Lassen Backcountry Discovery Trail is part of the proposal and is now being analyzed.

"The highest measure of a volunteer's success is whether their program or project can serve as a model to inspire others," said Cole. "The Tatmans have done this. They are truly deserving of the Chief's 2002 National Volunteer of the Year award."

Being Aware of Rabies

Gene Smalley, Safety Officer, Six Rivers National Forest

On August 4 at Blue Hole on the lower Salmon River, a youth was bitten by a bat that he was attempting to rescue from the river. The bat was swimming, and when placed on rocks by the shore, could not climb or fly, and flopped back into the river. During the rescue attempt, the youth was bitten on the finger, drawing a small amount of blood. Neither the youth, nor the group he was with were concerned or aware of the potential danger from rabies.

When I was told of this incident some time later that day, I suggested that if the bat was still around that it be carefully captured and checked for necropsy by the County Health Department. The still swimming bat was carefully enclosed in a canvas bag and taken in for analysis. It turned out to be rabid, and the youth is undergoing rabies vaccination treatments.

Some points to consider:

Do not approach any animal (including pets) that is displaying erratic or unusual behavior. A bat unable to climb or fly found during the day is unusual.

Bats don't have a higher incidence of rabies within their populations than other animals like skunks or foxes, but because they are relatively numerous and can be conspicuous during the day, encounters with rabid bats tend to occur more frequently than with other animals.

Treatment for rabies should be sought by anyone who has had a wound that breaks the skin from any animal that has not been vaccinated or cannot be tested negative for rabies. Go to an emergency room as our local clinics don't keep the vaccine.

Rabies vaccination has evolved from a painful series of shots to the abdomen, to a series of 9 shots given over a period of time. These shots aren't particularly painful, and should not deter someone from playing it safe. There is a window of about 72 hours after exposure in which to receive an effective treatment. The incubation time for rabies can be fairly long, but once you have it, it means a painful death.

Conflict Management Influencing Your Career

Maxie Hamilton, Early Intervention Program Coordinator, RO

In my articles and when I speak to employees' supervisors, I continually convey the attributes of conflict resolution and how important it can be to the workplace. I want to share with you a brief article titled "Effectiveness Study Conflict and your Career." The article discusses the correlation between a person having the ability to effectively deal with conflicts and the likelihood of receiving a promotion or being more competitive.

As a person moves up in an organization into more complex and challenging positions, one of the areas that makes it more challenging is not necessarily the work, but the interaction with other people. It can be co-workers, the general public, cooperators, peers from other agencies, etc.

Although this article focuses on individuals in middle management or higher being considered for promotions, conflict management skills are important for any person aspiring to be a Forest or Regional level specialist/program manager or just doing your everyday work. If you have any questions or would like to discuss this article, feel free to give me a call 707-562-8993.

Forest Service Job Codes Simplified

Michael Brionez, Program Planning & Budget, RO

Wait a minute. You mean we have to change our job codes again? Why?

The Forest Service is continuing to focus on improving financial and performance accountability. To reach this goal, we must take steps to reduce the number of transactions processed through the Financial Foundation Information System (FFIS).

Recognizing that these changes will impact employees in the use of job codes and project work planning, let's take a look at some of the reasons the Forest Service is planning to make these changes.

What are the goals?

To capitalize on FFIS strengths and capabilities and provide an agency-wide automated Project Work Planning tool.

What is changing?

Cost Orgs (previously titled "work activities") from FFIS will be eliminated, reducing the number of job codes and developing a standardized project work-planning tool.

Why?

• This new way of doing business will allow program managers to focus on accomplishments.
• Reduces the number of job codes used for expenditures.
• Decreasing the number of transactions in FFIS will reduce the excessive agency costs for processing.
• Using fewer job codes means fewer errors and fewer transactions, resulting in less cost.

Are there exceptions?

Yes. Legal and external requirements create exceptions. For example, Cost orgs will remain in place for Job Corps, Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) and Real Property job codes.

When does this take effect and how can I find out more?

• FY 2003: October 1, 2002 -- Changes in FFIS job codes;
• March 2003 -- New Project Work Planning System (PWPS) for 2004 work planning;
• For more information, contact your unit's Financial Officer.

"Girls Can" Program

Kathy Bacon, Public Affairs, Cleveland National Forest

Nancy Hoogerland and Anne Carey from the Descanso Ranger District participated in the annual "Girls Can" program for grade school girls in El Cajon, a San Diego suburb. This program, sponsored by the American Association of University Women, is designed to introduce girls from lower income and racially diverse backgrounds to different professional women with an emphasis in science and math.

The goal is to encourage these girls to select math and science courses when they enter middle school and high school, so they can be prepared for college, and recognize that 'girls can' follow numerous and varied career options. The Cleveland National Forest participated along with representatives from other science and health professions.

Nancy Hoogerland, Forestry Technician, enjoyed planting the seed in young minds about the possibility of working in natural resource management. According to Nancy, "Where else can you get paid for walking through the woods?"

New Technology Protects Historic Sites During Fire

Kathy Good, Public Affairs Officer, Los Padres National Forest

A unique tool designed to protect remote structures during wildfires had a successful field trial this summer during the Wolf Fire in the Los Padres National Forest. Developed at the San Dimas Technology and Development Center (SDTDC), the "Remote Activated Protection Pump System" (RAPPS) was tested at the historic Thorn Meadows Guard Station on the Mount Pinos Ranger District. The 1930's-vintage building was in the direct path of the fire, which had already burned nearly 20,000 acres and was expected to advance into Thorn Meadows.

According to SDTDC Fire Program Leader Ralph Taylor, who also serves as the Safety Officer for California Incident Management Team 4 (the team that managed the Wolf Fire), the RAPPS improves upon the standard sprinkler system available through the fire cache. A standard pump is modified so that it can be activated from a remote location, such as a helicopter hovering overhead, allowing safe start-up in advance of the fire. While the system can draw from lakes, ponds or creeks, the configuration used at dry Thorn Meadows consisted of two 1000-gallon folding tanks hooked in tandem and connected by one-inch diameter or slightly larger hoses to eight elevated sprinkler heads surrounding the building. The installation was completed by Joe Fleming, SDTDC Mechanical Engineer, and the Stanislaus NF engine strike team 4633C, under strike team leader Allen Johnson.

Firefighters monitored the advance of the fire from the air and were prepared when it reached a pre-determined spot, to trigger the RAPPS. The tanks held enough water to provide steady coverage for four to five hours, had it been needed.

Even though the Wolf Fire never did reach the Thorn Meadows Guard Station, the installation and testing of the system on a real incident provided useful information for Ralph Taylor and his team. For more information about the "Remote Activated Structure Protection Pump", contact Ralph at (909) 599-1267, ext. 234. For more information about the work of the San Dimas Technology and Development Center, visit www.fs.fed.us/eng/techdev/sdtdc.htm.

Postscript

The nearby Thorn Point Lookout complex also came through the Wolf Fire unscathed, thanks to nice work by firefighters and forest archeologists. Crews wrapped the old lookout and an adjacent "Aircraft Warning Service" building with fire shelters, stapling them in place against the strong winds that buffeted the ridge. The shelters, along with a well-placed fire retardant line did the trick. Los Padres Heritage Resources Coordinator, Joan Brandoff-Kerr says she's thankful for all of the effort put forth during the Wolf Fire to save these wonderful remnants of our past.

Historical facts

The Aircraft Warning Service (AWS) was a response to the threat of foreign attack during World War II. Strategic mountain peaks throughout California, and elsewhere in the nation, were staffed year-round by an assortment of forest guards and their family members, prospectors, retirees and others who scanned the skies for passing enemy airplanes. AWS observers lived and worked in simple rugged structures, connected to military centers by radio and primitive telephone systems. Due to its size and location near the coast, Los Padres National Forest had more AWS stations than any national forest in California---at least 36 stations, with more than 100 observers. (History of Los Padres National Forest, William S. Brown/USFS, 1945.)

Region 5 Class Action

Judith Rosenberg, Chair, Region 5 Monitoring Council

The Monitoring Council has continued its schedule of meetings with employees at Region 5 District and Forest employee meetings. They were able to meet with employees at all 18 forests between March and July, and appreciated the opportunity to see some of the most beautiful places in California as part of this work.

Lesa Donnelly, the Class Representative, resigned from the Council in June. The new class representative should be appointed before the end of the summer.

The Women's Issues Conference theme is "Building A Better Workplace for All." All employees, male and female, temporary, full-time and part-time are invited to apply. The conference will be held in Sacramento at the end of October and will include workshops on topics such as Career Planning in Times of Change, Networking for Professional Development, Hitting Your Head on the Glass Ceiling, Dynamics of Teams, Finding and Using A Mentor, and Dealing with Workplace Bullying.

Invitations to speak have been made to Secretary Ann Veneman, Senator Barbara Boxer, and Associate Chief Sally Collins. There will be great opportunities for socializing, networking and meeting with members of the Regional Forester's staff. All interested employees are invited to apply. Efforts will be made to ensure participation by employees from all grades, functional areas and forests.

The Regional Forester's Office notified all employees that the new Exit Interview process and the Advertisement of Details of 90 days or more would be implemented during July 2002. These programs will help the Region obtain more information about employee reasons for leaving their units and will help ensure that all employees have equal opportunities to apply for and be placed in detail assignments.

The Monitoring Council will be reviewing the Dispute Resolution processes available through Early Intervention Program (EIP), Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Misconduct Investigations in the coming months. They would like to hear from employees who have participated in these programs to learn more about how the programs are working and what improvements are needed so the programs are more effective in assisting with resolving employee disputes.

The Monitoring Council encourages employees to contact them with suggestions, concerns and comments on all of the proposed programs and initiatives. Members of the Monitoring Council can be reached at (707) 562-8798 (Judith Rosenberg, Chair) and (707) 562-9184 (Cathleen Thompson).

Region's Access Guide Goes National

Lynn Boone, Universal Access Coordinator, RO

Fire suppression has always been an important part of Forest Service Culture. In 1996 the Pacific Southwest Region began working with Fire Management Officers to address how to make Incident Base Camps more accessible for people with disabilities. The region developed an Incident Facilities Accessibility Checklist in 1998 and it was sent from the WO, along with a letter of support from the WO Director of Fire, to encourage all nine regions to use this tool when setting up an Incident Base.

In 2002, a team worked with San Dimas Equipment Development Center to produce a national publication titled "Access Guide for Incident Facilities" which includes the checklist and an Incident Facilities Accessibility Action Plan that can be used to help evaluate Incident Command Post (ICP) and incident base locations that are used repeatedly. This publication is an effort to move the Forest Service and partners into the new century by supporting the fire program needs, and to encourage all employees who are interested to be able to contribute their valuable skills in suppressing fire.

Sierra Nevada Review Team Visits Forests

The Sierra Nevada Forest Plan Review Team, chartered by the Regional Forester to review the Sierra Nevada Forest Plan Amendment (SNFPA), has conducted several field meetings throughout the last few months inviting representatives from a wide variety of interest groups to discuss how the SNFPA is being implemented on the ground. By hearing and understanding concerns of those immediately affected by the standards and guidelines, the Team is identifying issues that should be considered in developing possible improvements to the SNFPA.

On May 15, The Regional Forester and the Review Team met with ski area representatives and Tahoe employees at Alpine Meadows to understand ski area operations, clarify issues related to the SNFPA and to explore opportunities to resolve these issues.

The week of June 24, was a busy one for the Review Team and the Regional Forester. The Team hosted two field trips and a two-day meeting with owl scientists. The first meeting was held on the Eldorado National Forest and focused on fuels and wildfire management in the wildland-urban interface.

On June 26, the team met with interest groups and employees on the Sierra National Forest to discuss the standards and guidelines (S&Gs) related to protection of habitat for the willow flycatcher and Yosemite toad and how these S&Gs may affect grazing permit holders and outfitter/guide operations. Members of environmental groups, Congressional representatives and the media attended the trip.

On June 27 and 28, scientists from several universities, the Forest Service and Research Station, and the state of California met to discuss current owl science and concerns. The group examined areas where restrictions on fire and fuels treatments could be eased while continuing to protect and enhance spotted owl habitat.

On July 31, the team revisited the Eldorado National Forest to look at existing fire conditions and the fuel reduction strategy on the landscape scale. They identified three central elements of an effective strategy to protect wildlife habitats and treat fuels to reduce wildfire losses: strategically placed treatments, effective treatments, and cost efficient treatments. These elements were discussed at the fire and fuels site visit to assess examples of the SNFPA fuel strategy and the National Fire Plan.

The Review Team is considering additional site visits this summer in other portions of the Sierra Nevada and Modoc Plateau. For more information, visit the website at: www.r5.fs.fed.us/sncf/.

Sudden Oak Death Impacts Region 5 Forests

Susan J. Frankel, Plant Pathologist, RO

First reported in 1995 in Marin and Santa Cruz urban forests, Sudden Oak Death (SOD) is spreading and now impacts several California national forests. The disease was recently confirmed on the Los Padres NF, Monterey RD near Big Sur, but portions of the Six Rivers, Shasta-Trinity, Mendocino and Los Padres NFs are in the Sudden Oak Death quarantine area. New regulations restrict firewood permits and other activities where wood or plant parts of tanoak, California black oak and other hosts are harvested.

The Godzilla Fungus

The cause of Sudden Oak Death is a new species of Phytophthora, now named Phytophthora ramorum, an aggressive pathogen and close relative of the cause of Port-Orford-Cedar root disease. Nicknamed the "Godzilla Fungus", it was first discovered in 2000 by David Rizzo from UC-Davis and Matteo Garbelotto at UC-Berkeley. These microbes and their relatives reproduce in water and typically thrive in moist areas. The disease is named for a seemingly rapid color change it can cause, the entire tree crown turns from green to brown in weeks with the leaves left clinging to the branches. The pathogen on oaks and tanoaks kills the bark, with cankers often expanding until they girdle the tree and it dies. Reddish/black ooze often bleeds from the cankers. This process may take years but is usually not noticed until very late in the process.

Sudden Oak Death - a Killer in 12 Counties

Sudden Oak Death, killed tens of thousands of tanoak (Lithocarpus densiflorus), Coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia), and California black oak (Quercus kellogii) in Santa Cruz, Marin, and Monterey Counties and damage was particularly dramatic between 1998 - 2000. Significant mortality is still occurring in many coastal portions of California, particularly in the Big Sur area including the western edge of the Monterey Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest in the Ventana Wilderness and adjacent tanoak and Coast live oak forests. The disease is known to occur from Monterey County to Brookings, Oregon scattered along the coast. In California, 12 counties are infested: Humboldt, Mendocino, Sonoma, Napa, Marin, Solano, Contra Costa, Alameda, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz and Monterey. Reports in Sierra Nevada are still undergoing lab testing.

Pathogen Also Found on Other Species

Phytophthora ramorum has been proven to cause disease, though not usually fatal, on 10 other tree and shrub species in California and the host list is expected to grow as Rizzo and Garbelotto and their colleagues continue investigations. While it is not usually fatal, the pathogen causes leafspots and/or twig dieback on the leaves of: California bay laurel (Umbellularia californica), rhododendron, big leaf maple (Acer macrophyllum), madrone (Arbutus menzeisii), huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum), California buckeye (Aesculus californica), manzanita (Arctostaphylos manzanita) , toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia), California honeysuckle (Lonicera hispidula), and California coffeeberry (Rhamnus californica). In wet periods spores can build up on the leaves in enormous numbers and be carried in the wind to susceptible oaks in the vicinity. There also have been reports of the pathogen on redwood. This is still being investigated, but it is not considered a host at this time. Pictures of the disease on many hosts may be viewed at www.suddenoakdeath.org.

Quarantines Currently in Effect

Federal and State quarantines are in effect for Phytophthora ramorum. These quarantines are aimed at limiting movement of the pathogen by humans and restrict the movement of all known hosts. The quarantines extend to all lands in counties where the pathogen has been recovered so National Forest activities on lands in Monterey, Mendocino and Humboldt counties are included. More details on the quarantine are posted at www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/ispm/sod/. Forest Health Protection pathologists are working with the impacted forests to develop best management practices for sanitation, training employees in recognizing symptoms, monitoring spread, developing public education programs and cooperating with the California Oak Mortality Task Force (COMTF) to address the problem.

How You Can Protect National Forests from SOD

To help protect the National Forests there are several things you can do. First, stay informed, the COMTF has a monthly newsletter. You can sign up at http://nature.berkeley.edu/mailman/listinfo/comtf.

Learn to recognize the symptoms of Phytothphora ramorum and look for changes in the vegetation as you go about your forest. If you travel to an infested county from an uninfested area, clean your vehicle and tools prior to returning home. Sudden Oak Death Pest Alerts and other educational materials are available for distribution. For Sudden Oak Death handouts or more information contact Susan Frankel, in the Regional Office at sfrankel@fs.fed.us or Peter Angwin, in the Shasta-Trinity SO, at pangwin@fs.fed.us.

USDA Official Supports California Consortium

Sandra Stasenka, State & Private Forestry, RO

Lou Gallegos, Assistant Secretary for Administration, USDA, recently spent 2 days touring the Fresno area, visiting partners of the USDA Forest Service's Central California Consortium and Generation Green Program. He visited partners at Reedley High School, Reedley College, Fresno State, Stone Soup, and the Discovery Center. During his trip, Mr. Gallegos was honored with a Key to the City of Orange Cove by Mayor Victor Lopez.

The Central California Consortium is an environmental education program, sponsored by the Forest Service, to educate underserved communities about natural resources. Mr. Gallegos expressed his support for the Consortium, the successful Generation Green program, its Program Manager Jim Oftedal, and supported the program's expansion.

Video Additions

Cruise Design

26:46 min. 2001 Closed-Captioned
Subject: Natural Resources -- Timber

Cruise Design is both an art and a science. It can only be learned over time, through proper training and on-the-ground experience. Cruising is the first step in implementing the prescription on the ground and determines the quantity and quality of products to be removed. Intelligent, accurate, and cost-effective cruise design demands training, practice, some intuition, and experience. Continued training and certification is key to cruise quality control.

Dinosaur Bones: Worth Their Weight In Gold

22:26 min. 2001
Subject: Cultural Resources

In recent years, the fossil remains of these dinosaurs have sold for millions of dollars. In fact, sales of dinosaur fossils are so lucrative that a black market has arisen, and theft and vandalism is an on-going problem on Forest Service and BLM land. Now, with preventative measures and undercover investigations, these federal agencies are successfully discovering who these dinosaur thieves are and bringing them to justice.

Fate Of The Jewel

29:06 and 56:50 min. versions available. 2001
Subject: Recreation -- Places and Events

Whether it was about protection or exploitation, the various interests groups at Lake Tahoe have spent more than a century arguing. The conflicts have involved a lot of issues: gaming, forest practices, cattle grazing, development and property rights, environmental protection, recreation and a lot more. But now most of the arguing has stopped because stakeholders understand one issue is more important than all others: the jewel of the high Sierra must be saved.

Fire Wars

120 min. 2002 Closed-Captioned
Subject: Fire -- Fighting

Every year, thousands of men and women risk their lives battling wildfires. But we are not winning the fire wars. Find out why in a season of fire with the elite Arrowhead Hotshots as they try to stop wildfires before they become infernos. Fire Wars offers an up-close look at the war on fire -- a war so intense you can feel the heat. Narrated by Stacy Keach.

The Salmon Forest

45 min. 2001
Subject: Ecosystems -- Environmental Education

On Canada's Pacific coast is the world's largest tract of intact temperate rainforest, one of the most biologically diverse and lush places on earth. Here millions of spawning salmon support dense concentrations of forest life, and where grizzly bears, black bears, bald eagles, seals, otters, gulls, and countless invertebrates thrive. First Nations people have always thrived in this ecosystem. But much life here still remains secret and unknown. Biologist Tom Reimchen has uncovered one of those secrets: astounding evidence of the link between the salmon and the trees.

Water Wars in The Klamath Basin

22:26 min. 2001
Subject: Natural Resources -- Range and Watershed

In the Klamath Basin of Northern California and Southern Oregon, a war rages over a resource that at one time was abundant in supply . . . water. The Klamath Project, an irrigation system originally constructed to bring water and agriculture to the arid west is now a source of contention as farmers, Native Americans, commercial fishermen, and environmentalists fight for a share of what little water is left. How this water ultimately will be distributed is of great interest to conservationists who feel this war is only the beginning of a global increase in demand for a decreasing water supply. Narrated by John Larroquette.

Where Does My Garbage Go?

26 min. 2000 Closed-Captioned
Subject: Ecosystems -- Environmental Education

We all throw out an average of 6 pounds of garbage everyday. Where does it all go? The film takes us on two fascinating trips -- to the landfill with our regular garbage, and to the recycling plant with our newspapers, cans, glass, and plastic. Children lead the way and provide commentary, along with New Yorker cartoonist Ed Koren's "furry creature," who gives us the facts. Along he way, a plastic milk jug makes a mysterious tour which has a surprise end.

Whose Home on the Range?

55:18 min. 1999
Subject: Natural Resources -- Range and Watershed

Catron County, New Mexico -- the "toughest county in the West" -- has been at the center of a struggle between ranchers, loggers, environmentalists, and the USDA Forest Service over the management of federal land. The only physician in the county, concerned about the health of his community, began a process of dialogue among citizens. This is a story of how health was used as a catalyst to make peace.

Wildland Firefighter Jobs Available

Interested in a job that is exciting, challenging, and rewarding? Consider applying for one of some 300 apprentice wildland firefighter jobs now available through the Forest Service USDA and the National Park Service, DOI.

These jobs are permanent positions, with pay ranging from $8.67 to $10.89 per hour and include benefits. In addition, because firefighters can work extended hours when fighting wildfire, they may earn substantially more during fire season. Both full-time and part-time positions are available.

"Wildland firefighters are the mainstay of our defense against wildfire, they are the people who get the job done on the ground," said Jack Blackwell, Regional Forester for the Pacific Southwest Region of the Forest Service, "I'd like to extend a personal invitation for those interested to apply. It can be a great job."

Wildland firefighters can be members of wildland fire engine crews, Hotshot crews, smokejumper crews, helicopter-based hand crews, or regular hand crews. During fire season, these crews often travel throughout California and other regions of the country to help fight wildfires, and occasionally provide assistance to other countries.

Those hired will receive specialized wildland firefighting training through the Wildland Firefighting Apprenticeship program. This program includes classroom training at the apprenticeship academy in Sacramento, CA, and 4,000 hours of work experience at a variety of locations on National Forests or Parks.

Applications for these jobs can be requested in a variety of ways:

• Mail your name, address, and the Recruitment Bulletin or Vacancy Announcement Number to fsjobs@fs.fed.us. The vacancy announcement number is NIJAC-02-D006.
• Call the toll-free line at 1-877-813-3476. TTY/TDD number is 1-208-373-4265.
• Write your name, address, and the Recruitment Bulletin or Vacancy Announcement Number and mail it to:
  • Automated Staffing Application Program
    1249 S Vinnell Way
    Suite 108
    Boise, ID 83709
• Fax your name, address, and the Recruitment Bulletin or Vacancy Announcement Number to 1-208-373-4285.
• Visit your local National Forest Service or Park Service office.

Applications must be received by September 30, 2002. Applicants must be 18 or older and United States citizens. Applicants may also have to pass a physical fitness and drug test.

For more information, visit www.fs.fed.us/fsjobs/forestservice/openings or contact your local National Forest Service or Park Service office.

Issues Update

President Bush Asks Congress for Additional Funding to Fight Forest Fires

On August 29, President Bush asked Congress to provide $825 million in emergency funds to extinguish the fires that have devastated much of America. The President's request will pay for firefighting activities in 41 states and to replenish resources, such as forest land acquisition and Forest Legacy program funds that had been redirected to firefighting.

The 2002 fire season has quickly become one of the worst in recent history and may yet turn out to be the worst ever. The fires have taken the lives of 20 heroic firefighters and have damaged or destroyed more than 2,000 homes and other structures. In total, six million acres have already burned, more than twice the 10-year average.

This emergency funding is needed to cover the extraordinary damage caused by fires on federal public lands this year. Specifically, the supplemental request would provide the Forest Service with an additional $636 million and the Bureau of Land Management with an additional $189 million for wildland fire suppression and emergency rehabilitation activities.

The President has also made nearly $50 million in FEMA disaster assistance funds available in Colorado and Arizona in response to the devastating fires that occurred in these states earlier this summer.

The Administration also urges the Congress to support the President's FY 2003 request for fire suppression, which is almost $200 million above the FY 2002 base level.

Summit Scheduled

The Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California will be hosting a summit on September 26 and 27 for Forests and Tribes working with the Sierra Nevada Framework (SNF). This will be an opportunity to identify issues and engage in open dialog concerning the SNF, monitoring plans, consultation protocols, management techniques and the Sierra Nevada Review. The summit will be held in Minden, Nevada.

Forest Planning

The timeline for the release of the draft planning regulations has been revised. The new release date is September 30, 2002, followed by a 90 public comment period.

Employee Assistance Program Services

The attacks on our nation have changed our lives forever. The commemoration of September 11, 2002 may remind us of the shock, fear, sadness, anxiety and sense of helplessness we felt a year ago. The staff of the Federal Occupational Health (FOH) Employee Assistance Program (EAP) would like to remind you that they are available for help and support. There are a number of articles on the FOH Website (www.foh.dhhs.gov) that may be helpful in dealing with the feelings you may be experiencing. For more information, call the EAP office at: 1-800-222-0364.

Healthy Forest Initiative

On August 22, 2002, President Bush announced a new initiative to prevent damage caused by catastrophic wildland fires. Speaking to a crowd in Central Point, Oregon, President Bush urged Congress to pass legislation to expedite procedures for forest thinning and health projects. On August 22, 2002, President Bush announced a new initiative to prevent damage caused by catastrophic wildland fires. Speaking to a crowd in Central Point, Oregon, President Bush urged Congress to pass legislation to expedite procedures for forest thinning and health projects.

According to Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman, "The President's announcement is very timely in light of the fire season we are now experiencing. The solutions to protecting communities and forests are multi-faceted and will take time and extensive planning to implement."

For more information about the Healthy Forest Initiative visit the White House web site at www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/healthyforests/index.html. A USDA and USDI news release on Healthy Forests can be found at www.usda.gov/news/releases/2002/08/0352.htm.

State Offers Tips to Prevent Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome

The State Health Director advised Californians to follow simple precautions when entering cabins, trailers or other buildings where wild rodents are present to protect themselves from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a rare, but often fatal disease spread by rodents.

HPS is caused by a virus that individuals get through contact with the urine, droppings and saliva of wild mice, primarily deer mice.  Breathing small particles of mouse urine or droppings that have been stirred up into the air is the most common means of infection. The illness starts with fever, headache and muscle ache, and progresses rapidly to severe difficulty in breathing and, in some cases, death.

The chances of getting HPS are greatest while entering or cleaning enclosed spaces where wild rodents have been present.  The chances of getting HPS while participating in outdoor activities, such as hiking, are very low.

Since HPS was first identified in 1993, there have been 35 cases in California and 322 cases nationally.  About 40 percent of HPS cases are fatal.

To prevent HPS, public health officials recommend the following:

• Avoid areas, especially indoors, where wild rodents are likely to have been present.
• Wear plastic gloves and spray areas contaminated with rodent droppings and urine with diluted bleach.  Place the waste in double plastic bags, each tightly sealed, and discard in the trash.  Wash hands thoroughly afterward.
• Do not touch or handle live rodents and wear gloves when handling dead rodents.  Spray dead rodents with diluted bleach and dispose of in the same way as droppings.  Wash hands thoroughly after handling dead rodents.
• Keep rodents out of buildings by removing stacked wood, rubbish piles and discarded junk from around homes and sealing any holes where rodents could enter. Keep food in tightly sealed containers and store away from rodents.
• If there are large numbers of rodents in a home or other building, contact a pest control service to remove them.

For additional information on preventing HPS, please view the information on the Web site at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hanta/hantvrus.htm.

Science Symposium

On October 7-10, The Sierra Nevada Science Symposium will be held in Minden Nevada. The Symposium, sponsored by several California and Nevada agencies and universities, will help disseminate scientific evidence to inform policy decisions. More information is available at danr.ucop.edu/wrc/snssweb/snss.html.

A History of Forest Fires and Firefighting Control of forest fires has long been considered as one of the most important aspects of forestry. Very large-scale forest fires are primarily a North American phenomena, although many other countries face serious forest and brush fire conditions. Early European-trained foresters, under whose tutorage Pinchot and others learned the basics of forestry, had not dealt with large fires potentially covering hundreds of thousands of acres in one fire. As a result, forest fires in the United States were much more serious than those they had ever encountered.

A Bear of a Story

From the July 14, 1933 issue of the California Ranger

Ranger Berriman may tell about pacing bears in automobiles but Visibility Mappers can go him one better. J. C. H. Robertson, mapping on the Lassen, started to cross Mill Creek during high water. While resting, dripping wet, on a rock in mid-stream, a brown bear swam up to the rock and crawled up on it with him. Both Robertson and the bear were too tired to resent each other's presence, and sat there about six feet apart, eyeing each other. Finally the bear recovered his breath first, stood up and stretched, and then slid off into the water and continued swimming across the stream.

M.S. Hamilton, Lassen National Forest

A History of Forest Fires and Firefighting

From The USDA Forest Service -- The First Century

Control of forest fires has long been considered as one of the most important aspects of forestry. Very large-scale forest fires are primarily a North American phenomena, although many other countries face serious forest and brush fire conditions. Early European-trained foresters, under whose tutorage Pinchot and others learned the basics of forestry, had not dealt with large fires potentially covering hundreds of thousands of acres in one fire. As a result, forest fires in the United States were much more serious than those they had ever encountered.

Fire has long been used to clear land, change plant and tree species, sterilize land, maintain certain types of habitat, and many other reasons. Native Americans are known to have used fire as a technique to maintain certain pieces of land or to improve habitats. Although early settlers often used fire in the same way as the Native American, major fires on public domain land were largely ignored and were often viewed as an opportunity to open forest land for grazing. If fires were fought at all, they were fought with shovels, brooms, rakes, firelines and backfires. When near farms, plows could be used to make fire lines in crops.

Especially large fires raged in North America during the 1800's and early 1900's. The public was becoming slowly aware of fire's potential for life-threatening danger. The first very large fires were the Miramichi and Piscataquis fires of 1825 that burned around 3 million acres in Maine and New Brunswick. Other large and deadly fires were in the Lake States, including the Peshtigo fire of 1871 that covered more than 1 million acres and took over 1,400 lives in Wisconsin. At the same time, fires were burning in Michigan, cindering about 2.5 million acres. Ten years later, these devastating Michigan fires were followed with another 1 million acres going up in smoke. In 1894, a large fire around Hinckley, Michigan, took the lives of 418 people. In 1903 and 1908, huge fires burned across parts of Maine to Upstate New York. In response, the first State fire organization in the East was established in Maine.

Federal involvement in trying to control forest fires began in the late 1890's with the hiring of General Land Office rangers during the fire season. Largely ineffectual, the rangers were at least aware of many remote fires and could notify towns and settlers if a fire was heading their way. When the management of the forest reserves (now called national forests) were transferred to the new Forest Service in 1905, the agency took on the responsibility of creating professional standards for firefighting, including having more rangers and hiring local people to help put out fires.

Of great importance to this cause were the devastating fires in the West. The first one was the 1902 Yacolt fire in southwestern Washington, which burned more than a million acres in Washington and Oregon and cost the lives of 38 people. A result of the fire was the formation of the Western Forestry and Conservation Association in 1909, led by Edward t. allen. The previous year Allen had been appointed as the first Forest Service Regional Forester in the Pacific Northwest Region. One year later, in the northern Rockies, some 3 million acres were burned in the "Big Blowup of 1910," and another 2 million acres in other ares. Within a year, Congress passed the Weeks Act of 1911 which, in part, allowed the Forest Service to cooperate with the various States in fire protection and firefighting. The Forest Service also abegan a program of fire research, which continues to this day.

Lookout houses (many starting just as platforms atop trees) were used to locate fires from mountain tops during the fire season. The houses varied from low ground houses to very tall towers, sometimes more than 100 feet tall. Just after World War I, the Forest Service contracted with the Army Air Service (Corps) to provide airplanes and pilots to spot fires from the air. This program worked successfully for more than 10 years until a comprehensive network of lookout houses and telephone systems were in place. Today, a computer network tracks every lightning strike and aerial patrols monitor for active fire sites after lightning storms. The few remaining lookouts still operating are valuable for locating human-caused fires. The Clarke-McNary Act of 1924 allowed the Forest Service to administer grants-in-aid to equal the amounts contributed to firefighting by the States and to set standards for firefighting and equipment.

During the 1930's, the civilian conservation Corps (CCC) program offered a change from just having Forest Service employees or hired people to fight fires. CCC enrollees were sent by the thousands to help fight fires throughout the West. The CCC's successfully tested and then used a 40-man (there were no women firefighters at this time) fire suppression crew. The CCC program also built and staffed thousands of lookout houses and towers across the country.

Near the end of the 1930's, another new tactic was employed -- having firefighters jump from airplanes to remote locations to put out fires before they became too large to fight. In 11939, smokejumping was attested on the Okanogan National Forest in Washington. The first smokejumping on a forest fire took place July 12, 1940, on the Martin Creek fire on the Nez Perce National Forest in Idaho. The two smokejumpers were Rufus Robinson and Earl Cooley.

In 1935, the Forest Service developed the "10 a.m." policy which stipulated that a fire was to be contained and controlled by 10 a.m. following the report of a fire, or, failing that goal, control by 10 a.m. the next day and so on. Faced with the necessity of controlling a fire overnight, the Forest Service was compelled to call out massive numbers of firefighters to try and control these blazes in the initial attack. A new division of forest fire research began operations in 1948, with three laboratories opening soon thereafter. On August 5, 1949, 13 smokejumpers lost their lives when a fire in Mann Gulch on Montana's Helena National Forest suddenly flared in high winds, leapt out of control, and enveloped the firefighters. This tragic event prompted the Forest Service to establish centers in Montana and California that were dedicated to developing and testing new firefighting equipment.

By the mid-1950's, the Forest Service gradually assumed the primary responsibility for coordinating wildland and rural protection in the United States. During this time period, more than $200 million worth of World War II surplus equipment was passed to State and local cooperators. By 1956, air tankers, often military surplus B-17's filled with borate mixture and helicopters for transport were in use.

In 1971, the Forest Service modified the 10 a.m. policy to handle fires in wildernesses by using a 10-acre policy as a guide for planning. Thus, some fires were allowed to increase in size to 10 acres only if they did not destroy or threaten to destroy private property or if they endangered life or property adjacent to the wilderness. Another so-called "let burn" policy came into being in the 1980's, which essentially allowed some fire, as in wilderness, to burn on the national forests depending on conditions.

A "New Deal" in Ranger Stations

From the July 14, 1933 issue of the California Ranger

The California Region has thrown all the old Forest Service ranger stations and other building plans into the discard and is starting out to give the boys in the field a place to live and work in that they are not ashamed of. This time, instead of listening to how some "hairy-chested" forester thinks a home and office should be built, we have gone out and secured architectural help worthy of the name, and expert advice on color schemes, etc.

In keeping with this "new deal", plans and specifications were sent out on July 10 to some dozen or more prospective bidders asking quotations on 321 ready-cut ranger stations, administrative offices, garages, etc., to be delivered to sixty different shipping points in R-5.

The preparation of the plans and specifications for nine different types of building has required the entire time of two architects and several members of the RO for the past 60 days. It is believed that this is the largest undertaking of its kind ever attempted in the Forest Service. A complete set of plans and specifications will soon be mailed to each Forest.

Such is Fame

From the April 21, 1933 issue of the California Ranger

Tall, courtly Gifford Pinchot is serving his second term as Governor of Pennsylvania. He has been a national political figure since the days of Theodore Roosevelt. However, notwithstanding these facts, he had to do a great deal of explaining and self-identification the other day in order to get in to the Secretary of Agriculture Henry Wallace. Being in Washington, Pinchot decided to call on Wallace, whom he haas known for many years, but had not seen since his elevation to the Roosevelt Cabinet. He taxied to the Department of Agriculture and sought out Wallce's office. There he was referred to Wallace's secretary, Paul H. Appleby, a pleasant, small-town Virginia editor.

"I'd like a few moments with Mr. Wallace," the Pennsylvania governor explained.

"You have an appointment?" demanded Appleby.

"No, I haven't. My name is Gifford Pinchot. I know the Secretary, and I'd like to see him briefly."

"Sorry, but Mr. Wallace is terribly busy. If you want a job in the conservation campfield, Mr. Pinchot, I'd suggest you see the Labor Department. We are not handling that," advised Appleby.

"I'm not looking for a job in a conservation camp, or anywhere else," patiently explained Pinchot. "I'm Gifford Pinchot, Governor of Pennsylvania."

"Oh, oh. Just a moment, Governor. My error."

A few moments later Pinchot was hastily ushered into Secretary Wallace's office.

"Washington Merry-Go-Round"

www.r5.fs.fed.us/newslog

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