**CHARTER**

**Hazard Tree and Tree Felling Task Group**

I.  **[BACKGROUND]{.underline}**

> Hazard trees, along with entrapment, motor vehicles, aviation, and
> heart attacks are the primary life threatening components of wildland
> firefighting. Historically, hazard tree accidents account for a high
> number of serious and disabling injuries to firefighters.
>
> In the spring of 1993 the NWCG Safety and Health Working Team (SHWT)
> formed a special, ten-person, ad hoc task group to review and analyze
> snag accidents and fatalities and make recommendations. The task
> group's final report contained a number of proposals and actions to
> reverse the trend experienced with snag and hazard tree accidents.
> However, a sustained effort to feature this crucial firefighter safety
> issue in a prominent national spotlight is absent. There is a
> convincing need to charter a hazard tree and tree felling task group
> sponsored by the SHWT to concentrate on this persistent threat to
> firefighter safety.
>
> **II.         [NAME]{.underline}**
>
> The name of group is the Hazard Tree and Tree Felling Task Group,
> hereafter referred to as the Task Group.
>
> **III.         [MISSION]{.underline}**
>
> Provide oversight for the interagency wildland fire community
> concerning strategic analysis and direction of various hazard tree and
> tree felling program subjects in order to meet the needs of the
> agencies and firefighters. The Task Group will produce a comprehensive
> interagency training and reference material package. Upon completion
> of this mission the Task Group will sunset beginning one year after
> the first meeting. If required, additional time to complete the stated
> projects may be negotiated with the SHWT.
>
> **IV. [OBJECTIVES]{.underline}**

-   Provide recommendations on what additional actions, if any, need to
    be taken to implement the 1993 National Snag Hazard Report.

-   Provide a recommendation on the NPS proposal to add a 19th watch out
    situation addressing hazard trees.

-   Develop a comprehensive interagency training and reference training
    package based on an evaluation of existing hazard tree and tree
    felling training, reference materials, policies and guidance.

-   Provide status reports, as requested, so that the SHWT can keep the
    NWCG apprised.

> **V. [MEMBERSHIP]{.underline}**
>
> The number of members of this Task Group shall not exceed seven (7)
> including the Chair. Members will be skilled and knowledgeable in fire
> management and suppression operations, tree felling or tree pathology
> such that they have a full understanding of the various hazard tree
> and tree felling safety subjects. Membership will also provide for
> interagency input and participation. A SHWT Liaison will be provided
> to the Task Group. Replacement members will be selected by the Chair
> through discussions and coordination with the SHWT Liaison.
>
> **VI.        [AUTHORITY]{.underline}**
>
> This Task Group is established pursuant to the authority granted to
> the National Wildfire Coordinating Group Safety and Health Working
> Team.
>
> **VII.        [CHAIR AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITIES]{.underline}**
>
> The Task Group Chair will have the following authority and
> responsibilities:

-   The Chair will be selected by a consensus vote from the SHWT.

-   The Chair is authorized to convene meetings and schedule agenda
    items.

-   The Chair will serve for one year.

-   The Chair has the specific responsibilities:

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-   May make specific work assignments to task group members and/or
    appoint subgroups from outside task group membership to work on
    specific projects.

-   Will distribute copies of the task group minutes within 30 days
    after a meeting to members, SHWT Liaison, the SHWT website, and to
    other interested or affected parties.

-   Represents the Task Group in presenting recommendations to the SHWT,
    other interested or affected groups, and as appropriate, in contacts
    with outside individuals or groups.

-   May recommend to the SHWT Liaison the need for further resources and
    authorities, as they become evident.

-   Keeps the SHWT Liaison advised annually as to planned meeting dates
    and locations.

-   The Chair may represent or delegate a task group member to
    accomplish presentation requests or other duties.

**VIII.        [MEETINGS AND REPORTS]{.underline}**

A.  **Meetings:**

> The Task Group will have at a minimum one annual meeting. The Task
> Group may have conference calls or additional meetings to identify
> significant issues, develop action plans and implement actions as
> required.
>
> Additional meetings will be scheduled at the request of SHWT, or as
> determined by the Chair.  Subgroups within or outside Task Group
> membership on task assignments may meet at the direction of the
> Chair.  Individuals from outside the Task Group membership, having
> necessary expertise, may be asked to participate when appropriate.
>
> Travel costs of the meetings will normally be borne by the agencies
> that sponsor Task Group membership. Meeting facility costs will be the
> responsibility of the SHWT.
>
> Five (5) Task Group members will normally constitute a quorum, but the
> Task Group may meet with fewer members at the discretion of the SHWT
> Liaison and in concurrence with the SHWT Chair.

B.  **Reports:**

> A representative of the Task Group will provide status reports as
> required or requested by the SHWT. Individuals from outside the Task
> Group with required subject matter expertise may be asked to
> participate when appropriate.
>
> Special findings and reports will be appropriately published after
> being approved by the Task Group and SHWT.
>
> **IX**.**       [APPROVAL]{.underline}**

This Charter is effective as of the date of approval of SHWT.  The
Charter may be revised upon recommendations of a majority of the Task
Group members and with the concurrence of the SHWT.

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SHWT Chair Date