To ensure the safety of USFS tree climbers and the integrity of existing climbing activities.

Safety Program Documents ‣Health and Safety Code Handbook –FSH Section Tree Climbing ‣Tree Climbing Program (Policy) –FSH (currently being revised) ‣National Tree Climbing Field Guide – MTDC

Training All FS employees engaged in any climbing activities must be properly trained and certified.

Training ‣Verbal or Written Test –Safety requirements –Hazards of climbing –Hazard tree assessment –Function, use, and maintenance of equipment

Training ‣Performance Requirements –Successfully tie all task specific knots –Proficiency using 3-point method

Training –Perform aerial rescue using rappel system –Exercise reasonable and prudent judgment in all situations

Training ‣Optional Training and Certification –Sectional ladders –Spurs –4” tie-in system –Body thrust –Footlock –Friction knot systems

Training –Ascenders –Other miscellaneous technologies –Chainsaw use in trees 4 separate endorsements for eligible and qualified individuals

Certification ‣Valid 3 years (unless revoked earlier) –Training does not guarantee certification ‣Certification Classes –Tree Climbing Trainee –Tree Climber –Tree Climbing Instructor

Objective Accomplish climbing tasks to help meet the needs in multiple program areas and agency mandates.

Objective ‣Reforestation and Restoration –Cone Surveys and Collection –Tree Pruning and Maintenance ‣Genetics –Tree breeding and Controlled Pollination –Pollen and Scion Collection –Cone Caging

Objective ‣TE & S –Red Tree Vole Surveys –Marbled Murrelet Surveys –Spotted Owl Survey and Manage –Red Cockaded Woodpecker Artificial Nest Installation

Objective ‣Insects and Disease –Specimen collection –Asian Longhorned Beetle Survey –Trapping –Mistletoe “broom” removal

Objective ‣Research –Bald Eagle and Other Raptors –Puerto Rico Parrot –Monitoring Equipment Installation

Objective –Foliar Sampling –Neotropical bird nest surveys –DNA Sampling

Objective ‣Wildlife –Fungal inoculum installation and tree topping –Osprey nest platform construction –Preparation of bear-proof food supports

Objective ‣Other –Phone line maintenance –Solar panel and antenna installation –Hazard limb and tree removal

Objective –Remote runway tree pruning –Abandoned equipment removal (from “tree sitters”)

Program Management ‣Program & Deputy Program Managers, Region, Station & Area Coordinators ‣TAG: Technical Advisory Group –Reviews and recommends changes to program to provide safest work practices

Program Management ‣Technical Advisors –Manage operations –Ensure operational effectiveness –Operational/technical advice to climbers

–Recommend changes to policy and/or technical guidelines Field Guide –Approve equipment, techniques, practices Program Management

‣Program Outreach –Setting example for other agencies and groups –Many agencies rely on FS expertise for training, advice, and assistance –Foster change in industry standards Oregon OSHA adopted FS standards