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| >     | > 6700                |          | >  | February 17, 2005   |
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| > Sub | > Intermountain Chain |          |    |                     |
| ject: | > Saw and Cross Cut   |          |    |                     |
|       | > Certification       |          |    |                     |
|       | > Program             |          |    |                     |
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**RF# 2005-20**

Effective July 12, 2004, FSM 6700 Interim Directive No. 6700-2004-1, and
FSH Supplement No. 6709.11-2004-1 (enclosed), established the current
policy on crosscut and chainsaw program management for the Intermountain
Region. The primary objective of this important policy is safety.
Effective program management and consistent, standardized crosscut and
chain saw certification and training across the region are key to
meeting this objective. For many locations, conformity with critical
elements of this policy is in place or well underway.

To continue our progress toward full region wide implementation, I have
appointed Robert Barrett, Cedar City Interagency Hotshots Crew
Superintendent, as the Regional Chain Saw Program Manager. As specified
in the referenced enclosed directives, we request that you formally
appoint a Chain Saw Program Manager for your unit.

Please submit the name of your appointee, via e-mail, to Robert Barrett
at <rbarrett@fs.fed.us> by March 8, 2005.

Enclosed is a list of the employees who currently are recognized as
Chain Saw Program Managers on each Forest. Please review and concur with
the identified employee on the list, or appoint an alternative Chain Saw
Program Manager, if necessary. The roles and responsibilities of Forest
Chain Saw Program Managers, Forest Supervisors, and others are outlined
in detail in the enclosed manual and handbook supplemental directives.

An Intermountain Forest Chain Saw Program Manager meeting has been
scheduled for March 15-16 in Boise, Idaho. The objective of the meeting
is to provide detailed program information, tools, and guidance to help
Chain Saw Program Managers establish or maintain an effective Forest
chain saw training and certification program.

As for the crosscut saw element of this program, many of the directives
for organization, training, and certification are the same as the chain
saw program. However, due to complexities, scope, and specialized
application of crosscut saws, a separate Regional Office directive
implementation letter will be forthcoming.

It is estimated that up to 1,000 employees are annually approved to
operate crosscut and chain saws in Region 4. Your continued commitment
to the success of this prominent safety program will help ensure all
these employees stay highly skilled and trained to safely perform the
serious and demanding task of operating crosscut and chain saws.

If you have questions, please contact George Solverson, Regional Safety
Manager Representative for the Chain Saw/Crosscut Program at
208-373-4137, or Robert Barrett at 435-865-4631.

  ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
                                      

  /s/ Joseph W. Kennedy (for)         

  JACK G. TROYER                      

  Regional Forester                   

                                      

  Enclosures                          

                                      

                                      
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