Hazard Tree SafetyHazard Tree Safety

““Up The Ante”Up The Ante”and and

“An Interactive “An Interactive Study”Study”

Presented To:Presented To:

InternationalInternational Wildland Firefighter Wildland Firefighter

Safety SummitSafety SummitToronto, OntarioToronto, OntarioNovember 18, 2003November 18, 2003

Paul ChamberlinPaul ChamberlinInteragency Fire Operations SafetyInteragency Fire Operations Safety

Aerial Fire Depot Aerial Fire Depot

Missoula, MontanaMissoula, Montana

Recent EventsRecent Events Bitterroot National ForestBitterroot National Forest Kentucky, Plumas HotshotKentucky, Plumas Hotshot Missionary Ridge FireMissionary Ridge Fire Inyo National ForestInyo National Forest Helena Hot Shot- 30 Mile FireHelena Hot Shot- 30 Mile Fire 2001 Northern Rockies, 3 trees hit 4 2001 Northern Rockies, 3 trees hit 4

people in 6weekspeople in 6weeks 2003 Broken ankle, broken neck, and one 2003 Broken ankle, broken neck, and one

tree injured 3 peopletree injured 3 people Several other injuries and Several other injuries and manymany close calls close calls

nationwidenationwide

In the Northern Rockies, these In the Northern Rockies, these situations were well managedsituations were well managed

In the Northern Rockies, these In the Northern Rockies, these situations were well managedsituations were well managed

Experienced and dedicated Experienced and dedicated supervisorssupervisors

Crews well briefedCrews well briefed Were looking for snagsWere looking for snags The snags involved were just missed!The snags involved were just missed!

Even when properly Even when properly managed, we are still managed, we are still

having problemshaving problems

Even when properly Even when properly managed, we are still managed, we are still

having problemshaving problems-Forest health issues are -Forest health issues are

not soon going awaynot soon going away

-We have hundreds of -We have hundreds of thousandsthousands of acres of of acres of burned forestsburned forests

Even when properly Even when properly managed, we are still managed, we are still

having problemshaving problems-Therefore what we are -Therefore what we are doing is inadequatedoing is inadequate

-We must -We must ‘Up The Ante’‘Up The Ante’ for snag and hazard for snag and hazard tree safetytree safety

Guiding ThoughtsGuiding Thoughts

Driving along parked carsDriving along parked cars Drifting into the oncoming laneDrifting into the oncoming lane We recognize We recognize indicatorsindicators with with

ingrained knowledgeingrained knowledge We need a tool chest full of We need a tool chest full of

mitigationsmitigations

Guiding ThoughtsGuiding Thoughts

Query the WorkforceQuery the Workforce Consolidate Consolidate TheirTheir Ideas Ideas Get the Word OutGet the Word Out

“ “Up the Ante” a Up the Ante” a ProcessProcess

Each Unit to review existing rules and Each Unit to review existing rules and guidelines.guidelines.

Each individual ‘Gut Check’ Each individual ‘Gut Check’

Group ‘Brainstorm’ new ideasGroup ‘Brainstorm’ new ideas– E-mail findings to central addressE-mail findings to central address

At each unit, prepare a Tree Hazards At each unit, prepare a Tree Hazards briefing for incoming resources.briefing for incoming resources.

Getting There- a Getting There- a ProcessProcess

Line officers to demonstrate strong, Line officers to demonstrate strong, visible and active leadershipvisible and active leadership

Achieve employee focus and buy-inAchieve employee focus and buy-in 2 hour sessions on each unit2 hour sessions on each unit Product of each session gathered Product of each session gathered

centrallycentrally– Ideas and suggestions gleaned for Ideas and suggestions gleaned for

common threads and new ideascommon threads and new ideas

Program GoalsProgram Goals

All functionsAll functions– TrailsTrails– FireFire– TimberTimber– ResearchersResearchers– EngineersEngineers– ContractorsContractors– PublicPublic

Program GoalsProgram Goals

All functionsAll functions Raised Awareness, Mental Raised Awareness, Mental

Engagement, Ownership, Buy-in, Engagement, Ownership, Buy-in, Strong LeadershipStrong Leadership

Well known indicators of tree Well known indicators of tree structural defectsstructural defects

Effective mitigations throughoutEffective mitigations throughout Reinvigorate 1993 National Snag Reinvigorate 1993 National Snag

Hazard ReportHazard Report

Current StatusCurrent Status

NWCG FAST 2002 NWCG FAST 2002 National Emphasis National Emphasis TopicTopic

Northern Rockies OSHA MitigationNorthern Rockies OSHA Mitigation R-1 Safety and Health Leadership R-1 Safety and Health Leadership

Team annual emphasis topicTeam annual emphasis topic NRCG says goNRCG says go USFS National Fire Safety Council USFS National Fire Safety Council

support for all USFS fire folkssupport for all USFS fire folks

Success is achieved when:Success is achieved when:

Wise, concise, and achievable Wise, concise, and achievable concepts become part of the cultureconcepts become part of the culture

Success is achieved when:Success is achieved when:

Wise, concise, and achievable Wise, concise, and achievable concepts become part of the cultureconcepts become part of the culture

These concepts become regular These concepts become regular briefing elements and are found in briefing elements and are found in common language, in manuals and common language, in manuals and guidebooksguidebooks

Success is achieved when:Success is achieved when:

Wise, concise, and achievable Wise, concise, and achievable concepts become part of the cultureconcepts become part of the culture

These concepts become regular These concepts become regular briefing elements and are found in briefing elements and are found in common language, in manuals and common language, in manuals and guidebooksguidebooks

Conscious and deliberate procedures Conscious and deliberate procedures and behaviors end tragic hazard tree and behaviors end tragic hazard tree accidentsaccidents

Find “Up the Ante” Find “Up the Ante” and “Interactive Study”and “Interactive Study”

on the Internet on the Internet

www.fs.fed.us/r1/forest_range/www.fs.fed.us/r1/forest_range/hazard_trees/home.htmhazard_trees/home.htm

Find “Up the Ante” Find “Up the Ante” and “Interactive Study”and “Interactive Study”

on the Internet on the Internet

– ““Up the Ante” overview / instructionsUp the Ante” overview / instructions– Winter 2003 Progress ReportWinter 2003 Progress Report– ““Hazard Trees- An Interactive Study”Hazard Trees- An Interactive Study”– 1993 National Snag Hazard Report1993 National Snag Hazard Report– A Growing Library for Tree HazardsA Growing Library for Tree Hazards

““An Interactive Study”An Interactive Study”

Combines:Combines:+ Findings from “Up the Ante”+ Findings from “Up the Ante”+ Kim Johnson’s “Potential + Kim Johnson’s “Potential

Green Tree Hazards”Green Tree Hazards”+ Interdisciplinary Committee+ Interdisciplinary Committee

Hazard Tree AwarenessHazard Tree Awareness

An Interactive Study of An Interactive Study of

Hazard Tree IndicatorsHazard Tree Indicators

Hazard Tree AwarenessHazard Tree Awareness

Presented with a sincere Presented with a sincere concern for your safety,concern for your safety,

by by Northern Rockies Federal Land Northern Rockies Federal Land

Management Agencies.Management Agencies.

Interactive DiscussionInteractive Discussion

Throughout this program, Throughout this program, discuss each discuss each exampleexample as a risk to: as a risk to:

1.1. Someone walking or driving by.Someone walking or driving by.

2.2. A short term camp or work site.A short term camp or work site.

3.3. A permanent camp site, or facility.A permanent camp site, or facility.

Interactive DiscussionInteractive Discussion

Throughout this program, Throughout this program, discuss each discuss each exampleexample as a risk to: as a risk to:

1.1. Someone walking or driving by.Someone walking or driving by.

2.2. A short term camp or work site.A short term camp or work site.

3.3. A permanent camp site, or facility.A permanent camp site, or facility.

Where a significant risk exists:Where a significant risk exists:

1.1. Describe appropriate options. Describe appropriate options.

2.2. Describe events that will Describe events that will change the risk level.change the risk level.

Tree BasicsTree Basics Anything that causes stress on a tree will Anything that causes stress on a tree will

weaken it. weaken it.

Tree Stresses are Cumulative and Inter-Tree Stresses are Cumulative and Inter-related.related.

The structural integrity of a tree is affected The structural integrity of a tree is affected when these stresses result in damage and when these stresses result in damage and or decay.or decay.

Very elementary – the scientific names of Very elementary – the scientific names of insects and disease agents are not needed. insects and disease agents are not needed.

Objective:Objective: Looking for the Looking for the

IndicatorsIndicators Indicators of tree Indicators of tree structural issuesstructural issues

Changing conditions and Changing conditions and changing risk levels.changing risk levels.

Assessment tools to help Assessment tools to help ascertain risk. ascertain risk.

Objective:Objective: Looking for the IndicatorsLooking for the Indicators

in the in the CrownCrown, ,

on the on the BoleBole, ,

at the at the Roots and Tree Base, Roots and Tree Base,

andand Changing Conditions. Changing Conditions.

•Structural Characteristics observed in the Structural Characteristics observed in the Crown.Crown.Dead TopsDead TopsBroken TopsBroken TopsFire DamageFire DamageForksForksDefective and Hanging LimbsDefective and Hanging LimbsLeaning TreesLeaning Trees

Crown Indicators of Root DefectCrown Indicators of Root DefectLoss of needles / leaves, thinning crowns Loss of needles / leaves, thinning crowns DiscolorationDiscolorationstress cone / seed cropstress cone / seed crop

Root and Tree Base Indicators

Crown Indicators

•Observed at the base of the tree

–Basil Resin Flow

–Mushrooms

–Butt Rots

–Wind Throw

–Burned root

–Water

–Soil Erosion

–Fire Damage

–Compaction

–Sprung Roots

Changed Condition

Bole Indicators

•Indicators of Butt, Stem and Bole Defects:

–Decay

–Swelling

–Cracks and Splits

–Fire Scars

–Burned out bole

I

N

D

I

C

A

T

O

R

S

Crown IndicatorsCrown Indicators Structural Characteristics observed in the Structural Characteristics observed in the

Crown.Crown.– Dead TopsDead Tops– Broken TopsBroken Tops– Fire DamageFire Damage– ForksForks– Defective and Hanging LimbsDefective and Hanging Limbs– Leaning TreesLeaning Trees

Crown Indicators of Root DefectCrown Indicators of Root Defect– Loss of needles / leaves, thinning crowns Loss of needles / leaves, thinning crowns – DiscolorationDiscoloration– stress cone / seed cropstress cone / seed crop

Structural Characteristics - CrownStructural Characteristics - Crown

Dead Trees and Broken TopsDead Trees and Broken Tops

Structural Characteristics - CrownStructural Characteristics - Crown

ForksForks

Structural Characteristics - CrownStructural Characteristics - Crown

Fire Damage to Fire Damage to Crown of TreeCrown of Tree

Structural Characteristics - CrownStructural Characteristics - Crown

Witches Brooms Witches Brooms are an example of are an example of defective limbs. defective limbs.

Heavy snow, wind, Heavy snow, wind, or other or other conditions can conditions can cause these limbs cause these limbs to break and fallto break and fall

Structural Characteristics - CrownStructural Characteristics - Crown

Dead branchesDead branches

Structural Characteristics - CrownStructural Characteristics - Crown

Long standing leaning Long standing leaning trees have grown a trees have grown a vertical topvertical top

Developed re-enforced Developed re-enforced root systems to root systems to compensate compensate

Are less of a hazard Are less of a hazard than….than….

Structural Characteristics - CrownStructural Characteristics - Crown

……. recent leaning trees. recent leaning trees

Crown Indicators Crown Indicators of Root Defectof Root Defect

Loss of needles/leaves, thinning crowns, dieback Loss of needles/leaves, thinning crowns, dieback

Crown Indicators of Root DefectCrown Indicators of Root Defect

Stress coneStress cone

Bole IndicatorsBole Indicators

Indicators of Butt, Stem and Bole Indicators of Butt, Stem and Bole Defects:Defects:– DecayDecay– SwellingSwelling– Cracks and SplitsCracks and Splits– Fire ScarsFire Scars– Burned out boleBurned out bole

Indicators of Butt, Stem, Bole DefectsIndicators of Butt, Stem, Bole Defects

Decay - RotsDecay - Rots

Indicators of Butt, Stem, Bole DefectsIndicators of Butt, Stem, Bole Defects

Decay - ConksDecay - Conks

Indicators of Butt, Stem, Bole DefectsIndicators of Butt, Stem, Bole Defects

Bole swellingsBole swellings

Indicators of Butt, Stem, Bole DefectsIndicators of Butt, Stem, Bole Defects

Cracks and Splits - LightningCracks and Splits - Lightning

Indicators of Butt, Stem, Bole DefectsIndicators of Butt, Stem, Bole Defects

Cracks and Splits - WindshakeCracks and Splits - Windshake

Indicators of Butt, Stem, Bole DefectsIndicators of Butt, Stem, Bole Defects

Cracks and Splits – Frost CracksCracks and Splits – Frost Cracks

I ndicators of Butt, Stem, Bole Defects

Fire Scars

Indicators of Butt, Indicators of Butt, Stem, Bole DefectsStem, Bole Defects

Burned bole of Burned bole of tree, adjacent to tree, adjacent to roadroad

Root and Tree Base IndicatorsRoot and Tree Base Indicators

Observed at the base of the treeObserved at the base of the tree– Basil Resin FlowBasil Resin Flow– MushroomsMushrooms– Butt RotsButt Rots– Wind ThrowWind Throw– Fire DamageFire Damage– Burned rootBurned root– WaterWater– Soil ErosionSoil Erosion– CompactionCompaction– Sprung RootsSprung Roots

Indicators of Root DefectsIndicators of Root Defects

Basil Resin FlowBasil Resin Flow

Indicators of Root DefectsIndicators of Root Defects

MushroomsMushrooms

Indicators of Root DefectsIndicators of Root Defects

Butt RotsButt Rots

Indicators of Root DefectsIndicators of Root Defects

Wind-throwWind-throw

Indicators of Root DefectsIndicators of Root Defects

Fire DamageFire Damage

Indicators of Root DefectsIndicators of Root Defects

Burned RootBurned Root

Guy’s Summer Vacation 2003Guy’s Summer Vacation 2003I just got back from two vacations. I took a few pictures so I thought I just got back from two vacations. I took a few pictures so I thought

I would share them with everybody. I would share them with everybody. The last vacation was 2 weeks of elk hunting in Colorado with my The last vacation was 2 weeks of elk hunting in Colorado with my

bow. Hiking around at 11,500 feet was fun but exhausting. I bow. Hiking around at 11,500 feet was fun but exhausting. I survived and so did all the elk.survived and so did all the elk.

The first vacation was a little different. I took two weeks of annual leave to go to The first vacation was a little different. I took two weeks of annual leave to go to Montana with the Forest Service to be a Safety Officer. I was assigned to the Ball Fire Montana with the Forest Service to be a Safety Officer. I was assigned to the Ball Fire

near Glacier National Park. Everything was going fine until I heard the “Rocky Boy #20” near Glacier National Park. Everything was going fine until I heard the “Rocky Boy #20” crew boss call “Medical Emergency- Clear the Tac Channel !!” Being the S.O. assigned crew boss call “Medical Emergency- Clear the Tac Channel !!” Being the S.O. assigned

to that division, I hustled over to find:to that division, I hustled over to find:

I left the medical stuff to the EMT’s and began my investigation of the incident. I left the medical stuff to the EMT’s and began my investigation of the incident. It didn’t take long to find out that a tree had fallen on Carl. The Forest Service It didn’t take long to find out that a tree had fallen on Carl. The Forest Service

calls these trees “snags” and by western standards this was a small ”snag”.calls these trees “snags” and by western standards this was a small ”snag”.

It had burned through at the base and fallen without It had burned through at the base and fallen without

warning or noise.warning or noise.

Indicators of Root DefectsIndicators of Root Defects

Burned RootBurned Root

Carl the firefighter was hit on the back of the head and knocked down Carl the firefighter was hit on the back of the head and knocked down

into the ashes.into the ashes.

Note the round hole above his left ear where a limb stub Note the round hole above his left ear where a limb stub

entered.entered.

Carl was conscious but dazed. He was carried down the Carl was conscious but dazed. He was carried down the mountain on a stretcher and medivaced to a Kalispell, MT mountain on a stretcher and medivaced to a Kalispell, MT

hospital.hospital.

Carl was in good enough shape to be sent Carl was in good enough shape to be sent to his home hospital two days after the to his home hospital two days after the accident.accident.

What I learned on my summer vacation: What I learned on my summer vacation: Keep that plastic hat on your head, it Keep that plastic hat on your head, it could save your life too!!could save your life too!!

Thanks To:Thanks To:Guy SlaydenGuy SlaydenTallapoosa County ManagerTallapoosa County ManagerAlabama Forestry CommissionAlabama Forestry Commission

Indicators of Root DefectsIndicators of Root Defects

Water ErosionWater Erosion

Indicators of Root DefectsIndicators of Root Defects

Soil ErosionSoil Erosion

Indicators of Root DefectsIndicators of Root Defects

CompactionCompaction

Indicators of Root DefectsIndicators of Root Defects

Sprung RootsSprung Roots

Changed ConditionChanged Condition

ChangedChangedConditionCondition

Changed ConditionChanged Condition

Changed Condition Changed Condition

Changed Changed ConditionCondition

Changed Changed ConditionCondition

Changed Changed ConditionCondition

Change ConditionChange Condition

Root Rot PocketsRoot Rot Pockets

Change ConditionChange Condition Beetle Infestation Beetle Infestation

Changed ConditionChanged Condition

Beetle InfestationBeetle Infestation

Examples of beetle attacks on selected trees.

Beetles in and of themselves do not cause structural defects.

However, beetles do bring in decay fungi that over time may cause additional

defects in the tree.

.

Changed ConditionChanged Condition

LightningLightning

Change ConditionChange ConditionThunderstorms & WindThunderstorms & Wind

Change ConditionChange ConditionTornadosTornados

Changed conditionChanged condition Blow-downBlow-down

Changed conditionChanged condition Blow-downBlow-down

Changed ConditionChanged Condition Vegetation ManagementVegetation Management

Hindsight is 20/20.Hindsight is 20/20.This was an actual close call, no one was hurt.This was an actual close call, no one was hurt.

What were the indicators?What were the indicators?

When do you When do you think this tree think this tree

will fall? will fall?

Would you bet Would you bet your life on it?your life on it?

What does this scene indicate?What does this scene indicate?

What’s wrong with this picture?What’s wrong with this picture?

AssessmentAssessmentToolsTools

Recognize an indicator, Recognize an indicator, then as appropriate, then as appropriate, check it out further. check it out further.

Assessment Tools:Assessment Tools: Checking Further Checking Further

Objective: Participants will Objective: Participants will learn 5 basic assessment learn 5 basic assessment

tools to ascertain risk level.tools to ascertain risk level.

Evaluate External Factors

Thump

Dig at the Roots

Chip at the Bark

Bore

Assessment Tools:Assessment Tools: Checking FurtherChecking Further

All of these techniques require field practice and experience to become

proficient.

Assessment Tools:Assessment Tools:Evaluate External FactorsEvaluate External Factors

Lean

Wind

Widow Makers

Rot Pockets

Burnt or Damaged Soils and Roots

Eroded Soil

Soggy Soil

Adjacent Leaners

Assessment Tools:Assessment Tools: ThumpingThumping

Striking the bole with a solid object, usually the back of an axe, will produce a revealing tone.

Practice thumping trees and then fell or bore to confirm suspicion.

In time, and with good coaching, one will become quite proficient at predicting a tree bole’s condition.

Assessment Tools:Assessment Tools:Dig at the RootsDig at the Roots

Digging around the roots will reveal Digging around the roots will reveal important information. If the roots are important information. If the roots are really bad, you will know it. However, if really bad, you will know it. However, if you see good roots at the base of the tree you see good roots at the base of the tree this doesn’t tell you if there are bad this doesn’t tell you if there are bad roots…the bad roots may be further away roots…the bad roots may be further away from the tree or in the tap root. from the tree or in the tap root.

- Rotten- Rotten

- Green and Solid- Green and Solid

- Dead and Solid- Dead and Solid

- Burned Off or Damaged- Burned Off or Damaged

Assessment Tools:Assessment Tools:

Chip at the BarkChip at the Bark

When the roots prove to When the roots prove to be sound, and we remain be sound, and we remain curious about what afflicts curious about what afflicts this tree, chipping at the this tree, chipping at the bark with and axe or saw bark with and axe or saw

may reveal fungus or may reveal fungus or insect infestation. insect infestation.

Assessment Tools:Assessment Tools:BoreBore

Using the tip of a chainsaw, a drill, or an increment bore, burrow into the into the interior of the bole and assess the wood.

The nature of the chips, and the resistance to the cutting action will reveal the condition of interior wood.

SummarySummary Be AwareBe Aware

– Look Up, Look Down, Look All AroundLook Up, Look Down, Look All Around

Develop a curious mind and check things Develop a curious mind and check things out.out.

Seek out local and site specific Seek out local and site specific information. information.

Mitigate hazards Mitigate hazards – Avoid or EliminateAvoid or Eliminate– Do Not Walk Under the LeanDo Not Walk Under the Lean

Conclusion Conclusion What did you learn?What did you learn?

Indicators of tree Indicators of tree structural issuesstructural issues

Changing conditions and Changing conditions and changing risk levels.changing risk levels.

Assessment tools to help Assessment tools to help ascertain risk. ascertain risk.

AcknowledgementsAcknowledgements

Kim Johnson, USDA Forest Service, Bitterroot Kim Johnson, USDA Forest Service, Bitterroot National Forest, and Paul Chamberlin, USDI, Fish National Forest, and Paul Chamberlin, USDI, Fish and Wildlife Service, thank the following individuals and Wildlife Service, thank the following individuals for their slides and contributions:for their slides and contributions:– Marcus Jackson, USDA Forest Service, Region 1Marcus Jackson, USDA Forest Service, Region 1– Blakey Lockman, USDA Forest Service, Region 1Blakey Lockman, USDA Forest Service, Region 1– Ken Gibson, USDA Forest Service, Region 1Ken Gibson, USDA Forest Service, Region 1– RC Carroll, USDA Forest Service, Lolo National Forest RC Carroll, USDA Forest Service, Lolo National Forest – Todd Wilson, USDA Forest Service, Bitterroot National Todd Wilson, USDA Forest Service, Bitterroot National

ForestForest– Winston Rall, USDA Forest Service, Region 6Winston Rall, USDA Forest Service, Region 6– Charlie Miller, USDA Forest Service, Bitterroot National Charlie Miller, USDA Forest Service, Bitterroot National

ForestForest– Thomas Thompson, USDA Forest Service, Bitterroot Thomas Thompson, USDA Forest Service, Bitterroot

National ForestNational Forest– Keith Woods, USDA Forest Service, Aerial Fire DepotKeith Woods, USDA Forest Service, Aerial Fire Depot

AcknowledgementsAcknowledgements

The Following Publications were used as information and The Following Publications were used as information and photograph sources:photograph sources:

-Hagle, Tunnock, Gibson, and Gilligan, 1987, -Hagle, Tunnock, Gibson, and Gilligan, 1987, Field Field Guide to Disease and Insect Pests of Idaho and Guide to Disease and Insect Pests of Idaho and Montana, Montana, R1-89-54R1-89-54

--Harvey and Hessburg, 1992, Harvey and Hessburg, 1992, Long Range Planning for Long Range Planning for Developed Sites in the Pacific Northwest, Developed Sites in the Pacific Northwest, FPM-TP039-FPM-TP039-9292

-USDA, Forest Service, R6, -USDA, Forest Service, R6, Disease Management NotesDisease Management Notes

-USDA, Forest Service, R1, Montana Department of -USDA, Forest Service, R1, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, and Idaho Natural Resources and Conservation, and Idaho Department of Lands, Department of Lands, Forest Insect and Diseases Forest Insect and Diseases Identification and ManagementIdentification and Management

THANK YOUTHANK YOU

Comments? Comments?

Questions?Questions?

www.fs.fed.us/r1/www.fs.fed.us/r1/forest_range/hazard_trees/forest_range/hazard_trees/home.htmhome.htm