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

3. Safety Program Documents ‣Health and Safety Code Handbook –FSH 6709.11 Section 22.49 Tree Climbing ‣Tree Climbing Program (Policy) –FSH 6709.12-2001-2 (currently being revised) ‣National Tree Climbing Field Guide –0167-2802-MTDC

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

20. 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

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

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

23. ‣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

24. http://www.fs.fed.us/treeclimbing/