**Table of Contents**

[50.2 - Objective 2](#objective)

[50.4 - Responsibility 2](#responsibility)

[50.41 - Assistant Director, Fire and Aviation Management Staff
2](#assistant-director-fire-and-aviation-management-staff)

[50.42 - Regional Aviation Officers 2](#regional-aviation-officers)

[50.43 - Site Manager/Site Security Officers
3](#site-managersite-security-officers)

[50.44 - Airspace Liaison \[Reserved\] 3](#airspace-liaison-reserved)

[50.5 - Definitions 3](#definitions)

[50.6 - References 4](#references)

[51 - PHYSICAL SECURITY 4](#physical-security)

[51.1 - Security Standards 5](#security-standards)

[51.2 - Risk Assessment 5](#risk-assessment)

[51.21 - Vulnerability Level 5](#vulnerability-level)

[51.22 - Probability of Threat 6](#probability-of-threat)

[51.23 - Severity of Event Consequences
8](#severity-of-event-consequences)

[51.24 - Risk Assessment Determination
10](#risk-assessment-determination)

[51.3 - Required Security Measures 11](#required-security-measures)

[52 - AGENCY SECURITY RESPONSE ACTIONS
11](#agency-security-response-actions)

[52.02 - Objective 11](#objective-1)

[52.03 - Policy 11](#policy)

[52.1 - Regional Homeland Security Advisory System Response Plan
11](#regional-homeland-security-advisory-system-response-plan)

[52.2 - Facility Homeland Security Advisory System Response Plan
12](#facility-homeland-security-advisory-system-response-plan)

[52.3 - Homeland Security Advisory System (HSAS) Response Plan
Requirements
12](#homeland-security-advisory-system-hsas-response-plan-requirements)

[52.31 - Low Condition (Green) 12](#low-condition-green)

[52.32 - Guarded Condition (Blue) 12](#guarded-condition-blue)

[52.33 - Elevated Condition (Yellow) 12](#elevated-condition-yellow)

[52.34 - High Condition (Orange) 12](#high-condition-orange)

[52.35 - Severe Condition (Red) 13](#severe-condition-red)

##   {#section .unnumbered}

## 50.2 - Objective

Provide an aviation security program, which includes:

1\. Aviation facilities and aircraft security standards.

2\. Aviation security adjustment plans that respond to changes in the
Homeland Security Advisory System (HSAS) threat levels.

3\. Quick response emergency procedures.

## 50.4 - Responsibility

### 50.41 - Assistant Director, Fire and Aviation Management Staff

The Assistant Director, Fire and Aviation Management Staff, has the
responsibility to:

1\. Establish aviation security policies and procedures for the Forest
Service.

2\. Ensure that timely information about aviation security is shared
with Forest Service personnel and aviation personnel as directed by the
USDA Homeland Security Staff, the Department of Homeland Security, and
the Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations Staff.

The Assistant Director of Fire and Aviation Management (Aviation) may
delegate some of these responsibilities.

### 50.42 - Regional Aviation Officers

The Regional Aviation Officers have the responsibility to:

1\. Ensure the implementation of all aviation security procedures in the
Region.

2\. Maintain a list of Forest Service Aviation Site Manager/Site
Security Officers and alternates for all Forest Service aviation
facilities.

3\. Serve as point of contact for Director of Fire and Aviation
Management, Washington Office, on all aviation security matters.

The Regional Aviation Officer may delegate some of these duties and
responsibilities.

### 50.43 - Site Manager/Site Security Officers

The Site Manager/Site Security Officers (SM/SSO) have the responsibility
to ensure the implementation of all the applicable aviation security
procedures and policies for their sites, either directly or by
delegating responsibility to an agency designee. The SM/SSO has the
responsibility to:

1\. Complete the risk assessment process for the facility.

2\. Oversee maintenance of physical and procedural security measures for
the aviation facility.

3\. Ensure development of Homeland Security Advisory System Response
Plans.

### 50.44 - Airspace Liaison \[Reserved\]

## 50.5 - Definitions

[Airspace Liaison]{.underline}. An official representing the Forest
Service to coordinate airspace issues as part of the Air Traffic
Services Cell, a contingency organization of the Federal Aviation
Administration and Department of Defense.

[Aviation Facility]{.underline}. A Forest Service operated site that
engages in aviation activities.

[Risk Assessment]{.underline}. Identification and evaluation of
vulnerability, threat, and assets.

[Security Standard I]{.underline}. Security measures for "standard
security" facilities.

[Security Standard II]{.underline}. Security Standard measures for
"heightened security" facilities.

[Security Standard III]{.underline}. Security measures for "maximum
security" facilities.

[Self Assessments]{.underline}. Security checklists contained in the
United States Department of Agriculture Integrated Physical Security
Standards and Procedures Handbook.

[Site Manager]{.underline}. The official responsible for managing and
supervising a facility.

[Site Security Officer]{.underline}. The official responsible for
ensuring security at a facility.

[Threat Levels]{.underline}. The five threat levels of the Homeland
Security Advisory System developed by the Department of Homeland
Security.

## 50.6 - References

[Security Standard Requirements Guide (2003)]{.underline}. This document
contains sensitive security information and is disseminated on a
need-to-know basis. This document is only available from Aviation
Management Staff, Washington Office.

[United States Department of Agriculture Integrated Physical Security
Standards and Procedures Handbook (2003)]{.underline}. This handbook is
available on the World Wide Web at:

[*http://fsweb.wo.fs.fed.us/eng/documents/phys_sec.pdf*](http://fsweb.wo.fs.fed.us/eng/documents/phys_sec.pdf)

(Further information on ordering and availability is at FSH 5709.16,
zero code, sec. 06.)

# 51 - PHYSICAL SECURITY

Every Forest Service aviation facility must perform the following:

1\. [Complete a risk assessment]{.underline}.

a\. Completion of a risk assessment determines which security standard
applies to a facility.

b\. The risk assessment process evaluates the vulnerability level of the
facility, the probability of threat occurrence, and the severity of
event consequences.

2\. [Determine a vulnerability level and probability of
threat]{.underline}.

3\. [Determine the severity of event consequences]{.underline}.

4\. [Identify the Security standard]{.underline}.

a\. Designate the facility as a:

\(1\) Security Standard I, standard security.

\(2\) Security Standard II, heightened security.

\(3\) Security Standard III, maximum security.

b\. Each of the three security standards establishes specific
requirements for a facility.

c\. The exact security measures and procedures used to meet the security
standard at each aviation facility may vary.

## 51.1 - Security Standards

Each aviation facility must meet one of three security standards which
determine the amount of physical security measures needed at the
facility. Completion of a risk assessment determines the security
standard for a facility. The physical security measures required for the
three security standards are in the Security Standard Requirements Guide
referenced in sec. 06 of this Handbook.

## 51.2 - Risk Assessment

The manager of each Forest Service aviation facility must complete a
yearly risk assessment to determine the security standard. The risk
assessment must include an analysis of:

1\. The vulnerability level of the facility,

2\. The probability of threat.

3\. The severity of event consequences.

After completion, the risk assessments, including the self-assessments
(see sec. 06 for a definition), must be submitted and reviewed by the
Fire and Aviation Management Staff, Washington Office, within two months
of receipt.

### 51.21 - Vulnerability Level

Each aviation facility must be evaluated for its vulnerability level,
based upon self-assessments, by the Forest Service Aviation Site
Manager/Site Security Officer.

1\. The Forest Service Aviation Site Manager/Site Security Officer shall
complete a Physical Security Self Assessment and Aviation Security
Self-Assessment, according to the requirements found in Chapter 6 - Self
Assessments of the USDA Integrated Physical Security and Procedures
Handbook.

2\. Based upon the completed self-assessment, the Forest Service
Aviation Site Manager/Site Security Officer shall categorize the
facility into one of the following:

a\. [High Vulnerability Level]{.underline}. No meaningful security
measures present.

b\. [Medium Vulnerability Level]{.underline}. Some security measures,
either physical or procedural, are present.

c\. [Low Vulnerability Level]{.underline}. Adequate security measures,
both physical and procedural, are present but could be improved.

### 51.22 - Probability of Threat

The Forest Service Aviation Site Manager/Site Security Officer shall
evaluate the probability of threat, based upon consultation with and
information from the Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations
Staff, the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of
Investigation, local law enforcement, and other sources.

1\. The evaluation of probability of threat should consider the
likelihood of an event at the aviation facility and at potential targets
within a 30-minute flight time of the facility.

2\. The probability of threat must be categorized as possible,
improbable, or remote.

3\. The probability of threat must be evaluated utilizing the
Probability of Threat Evaluation in exhibit 01.

**[51.22 - Exhibit 01]{.underline}**

**PROBABILITY OF THREAT EVALUATION**

+------------+---------------------+-----------------------------------+
| **P        | **Likelihood of an  | **Potential Targets Located       |
| robability | Event**             | Within a**                        |
| of         |                     |                                   |
| Threat**   |                     | **30-Minute Flight Time**         |
+------------+---------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Possible   | 36% or higher       | -   Major population centers      |
|            | chance an event     |                                   |
|            | will occur within   | -   Nuclear facilities            |
|            | calendar year       |                                   |
|            |                     | -   Important national symbols or |
|            |                     |     monuments (such as Mount      |
|            |                     |     Rushmore or the Statute of    |
|            |                     |     Liberty)                      |
|            |                     |                                   |
|            |                     | -   Prominent government          |
|            |                     |     buildings (such as the White  |
|            |                     |     House, Pentagon)              |
|            |                     |                                   |
|            |                     | -   Critical infrastructure (such |
|            |                     |     as San Francisco Bay Bridge,  |
|            |                     |     Lincoln Tunnel, major dams or |
|            |                     |     hazardous storage/treatment   |
|            |                     |     facilities)                   |
+------------+---------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Improbable | 6-35% chance an     | -   Large population centers      |
|            | event will occur    |                                   |
|            | within calendar     | -   Important government          |
|            | year                |     buildings: state capitals     |
|            |                     |                                   |
|            |                     | -   Important infrastructure      |
|            |                     |     (such as major electricity    |
|            |                     |     generation and switching      |
|            |                     |     stations or major water       |
|            |                     |     supplies)                     |
|            |                     |                                   |
|            |                     | -   Chemical facilities           |
|            |                     |                                   |
|            |                     | -   Large commercial buildings    |
|            |                     |     and arenas                    |
|            |                     |                                   |
|            |                     | -   Major tunnels and bridges     |
+------------+---------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Remote     | Up to 5% chance an  | -   Small population centers      |
|            | event will occur    |                                   |
|            | within calendar     | -   No significant infrastructure |
|            | year                |     facilities                    |
+------------+---------------------+-----------------------------------+

### 51.23 - Severity of Event Consequences

1\. Evaluate the severity of event consequences by examining the impact
that a breach of security could have on:

a\. The completion of the Forest Service mission.

b\. The potential loss of assets.

c\. The impact on Forest Service personnel and the public.

2\. Categorize the severity of event consequences as catastrophic,
critical, or marginal.

3\. Evaluate the severity of event consequences using the severity of
event consequences evaluation set out in exhibit 01.

**[51.23 - Exhibit 01]{.underline}**

**SEVERITY OF EVENT CONSEQUENCES EVALUATION**

+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| **Severity of  | **Event Consequence**                               |
| Event          |                                                     |
| Consequences** |                                                     |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| Catastrophic   | -   Death                                           |
|                |                                                     |
|                | -   Mission shutdown                                |
|                |                                                     |
|                | -   Severe environmental damage                     |
|                |                                                     |
|                | -   Extreme economic damage                         |
|                |                                                     |
|                | -   Severe potential impact to symbolic sites       |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| Critical       | -   Severe Injury                                   |
|                |                                                     |
|                | -   Partial mission shutdown                        |
|                |                                                     |
|                | -   Some damage to environment                      |
|                |                                                     |
|                | -   Large amount of economic damage                 |
|                |                                                     |
|                | -   High potential impact to symbolic sites         |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| Marginal       | -   Minor Injury                                    |
|                |                                                     |
|                | -   Mission minimally affected                      |
|                |                                                     |
|                | -   Facility slightly impacted                      |
|                |                                                     |
|                | -   Minimal economic damage                         |
|                |                                                     |
|                | -   Low potential impact to symbolic sites          |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+

### 51.24 - Risk Assessment Determination

Determine the security standard level for a facility by
cross-referencing the probability of threat (sec. 51.22) and severity of
event consequences (sec. 51.23) in the risk assessment matrix set out in
the following exhibit. The security standard may be increased to a
higher security standard than indicated in the risk assessment matrix if
the facility is rated as medium or high vulnerability (sec. 51.21).

**[51.24 - Exhibit 01]{.underline}**

**RISK ASSESSMENT MATRIX**

  --------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------
  **Probability   **Severity of                         
  of Threat**     Event                                 
                  Consequences**                        

                  Catastrophic       Critical           Marginal

  Possible        Security Standard  Security Standard  Security Standard
                  III                III                II

  Improbable      Security Standard  Security Standard  Security Standard
                  III                II                 I

  Remote          Security Standard  Security Standard  Security Standard
                  III                II                 I
  --------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------

## 51.3 - Required Security Measures

Security standards I, II, and III contain required security standards
that must be maintained at Forest Service aviation facilities.

1\. The types of security measures required are commensurate with the
level~~s~~ of protection needed for security standards I, II, and III.

2\. The security measures must be implemented on a priority basis as
funding allows.

3\. The required security measures address several categories of
protection.

4\. The physical and other security measures required for facility
access and protection, security plan, information protection and
temporary facilities and helibases are set out in the Security Standard
Requirements Guide referenced in sec. 06.

# 52 - AGENCY SECURITY RESPONSE ACTIONS

### 52.02 - Objective

1\. To ensure the Forest Service is prepared to increase security
standards at agency aviation facilities in response to increases in the
Homeland Security Advisory System (HSAS) threat levels.

2\. To develop and implement appropriate agency-specific protective
measures required by the Department of Homeland Security.

### 52.03 - Policy

1\. The Forest Service must design responses to threats based on the
agency-specific protective measures required by the Department of
Homeland Security.

2\. The Forest Service must immediately adjust the level of aviation
security any time an HSAS threat level changes.

## 52.1 - Regional Homeland Security Advisory System Response Plan

Each Region must develop a Homeland Security Advisory System (HSAS)
Response Plan that details the security actions that each Region will
implement, based upon the HSAS threat level. The Regional HSAS Response
Plan must be reviewed by the Fire and Aviation Management staff,
Washington Office.

## 52.2 - Facility Homeland Security Advisory System Response Plan

Each aviation facility must develop a Facility Homeland Security
Advisory System (HSAS) Response Plan that is specific to that aviation
facility and details the security actions the facility will take for
each HSAS threat level. The Facility HSAS Response Plan must be reviewed
by the Fire and Aviation Management staff, Washington Office.

## 52.3 - Homeland Security Advisory System (HSAS) Response Plan Requirements

Each aviation HSAS Response Plan must address all of the following for
each HSAS threat level.

### 52.31 - Low Condition (Green)

Continue to conduct physical security assessments of facilities and
ensure employees are following protocols in the regional and aviation
facility HSAS Response Plans.

### 52.32 - Guarded Condition (Blue)

1\. Ensure that assessed standards are in place and maintained.

2\. Forward information to personnel relative to the intelligence
received.

3\. Use emergency checks to ensure communications equipment is operable.

### 52.33 - Elevated Condition (Yellow)

1\. Assess additional security needs based on specific targets or
threats.

2\. Evaluate intelligence in conjunction with the FBI and other
information sources to assess effects on the agency.

3\. Disseminate intelligence and security information to
representatives.

4\. Maintain communications with local, state and Federal law
enforcement.

5\. Update security codes at facilities.

### 52.34 - High Condition (Orange)

1\. Provide additional training and readiness information to identified
target areas or affected individuals.

2\. Evaluate and confirm intelligence received in conjunction with the
FBI and other information sources to assess potential effects on agency.
Provide continuous dissemination of intelligence to appropriate
representatives and field units.

3\. Ensure that assessed standards in the regional and aviation facility
HSAS Response Plan are in place and maintained.

4\. Arrange for additional security measures, such as adding more
security personnel, based on identified targets or threats.

5\. Notify law enforcement and emergency personnel to be on standby.

6\. Evaluate abandoning bases that may be likely targets.

7\. Evaluate readying alternate bases in strategic locations.

8\. Evaluate agency aircraft status to determine availability of
aircraft and pilots and ensure pilot assignments are made for each
aircraft.

9\. Prepare to relocate aircraft to alternate locations in order to meet
current mission requirements and the high condition orange threat level.

10\. Evaluate circumstances and determine the need to contact homeland
security representatives and/or law enforcement and to evaluate
placement of additional equipment to meet mission requirements and the
high condition orange threat level.

11\. Update security codes at all facilities.

12\. Notify law enforcement, Geographic Area Coordination Centers, and
other appropriate personnel of the status and availability of aircraft.

13\. Lock down secondary access points to facilities in order to provide
a single entry-point.

14\. Establish an airspace liaison with the Air Traffic Services Cell at
the Air Traffic System Command Center (ATSCC) when Security Control of
Air Traffic and Navigation Aids (SCATANA), Emergency Security Control of
Air Traffic (ESCAT), or a similar emergency airspace control mechanism
is activated. This airspace liaison shall coordinate flight priorities
for firefighting emergency operations exempted under SCATANA/ESCAT.

### 52.35 - Severe Condition (Red)

1\. Close facilities or areas according to threat and ability to
maintain security.

2\. Redirect law enforcement and emergency response personnel as needed
to protect critical facilities and resources.

3\. Prepare to leave bases that could be targets or activate temporary
bases in strategic locations.

4\. Update security codes at all facilities.

5\. Notify law enforcement, Geographic Area Coordination Centers, and
other personnel of status and availability of aircraft.

6\. Restrict access to facilities to assigned personnel only.

7\. Establish an airspace liaison with the Air Traffic Services Cell at
the Air Traffic System Command Center (ATSCC) in the event that SCATANA
(Security Control of Air Traffic and Navigation Aids), ESCAT (Emergency
Security Control of Air Traffic) or a similar emergency airspace control
mechanism is activated. The airspace liaison shall coordinate flight
priorities for fire fighting emergency operations exempted under
SCATANA/ESCAT.