hazard tree safety “up the ante” and “an interactive study”
TRANSCRIPT
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