UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOREST SERVICE WIL DERNESS RANGER FIELD GUIDE REGION FOREST DISTRICT August 1993 Arthur Carhart National Training Center 20325 Remount Rd. Huson, MT 59846 Recyclable paper ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Contributors Many individuals across a broad spectrum of backgrounds and regions have contributed their ideas and current and books to produce this publication. Particular appreciation goes to the people who pro- duced the 1990 electronic Data General version; a large portion of this publication remains unchanged and is included. They are Anne Fege, R5; Michael Olwyler, R5; David Cole, Rl; and David Michael. R3. Deserving special thanks are Rich and Susan Brame from the National Outdoor Leadership School for permission to reprint, "Leave No Trace Outdoor Skills and Ethics". Francis Mohr, R5 provided the "Light Hand Tactic" supplement included in the vinal pocket. Linda Merigliano, R2 provided examples of field forms being used in the Bridger Teton. Ralph Swain, R2 provided handouts, graphics and ongoing support and enthusiasm. Rick Smith, R6 and Jim Claar, Rl, were also important contributors. Marsha Kearney, R2 provided ongoing inspiration and support. Melissa Gray from the Wilderness Medicine Institute pro- vided assistance with first aid topics. Compilers Converting the text and graphics for this publication to a consistent format was an involved and laborious process. For scanning and formatting, Jeanne Daly and Jenny Daniel displayed considerable patience, persistence and enthusiasm. Deb Kanter, R2 and Marga Lincoln were proficient in editing and rewriting portions of the text. Gerry Shimada, RI was instrumental in computer assistance and Bill Antonich, RI respond ed quickly and pleasantly to contract requests. Bob Zingimark' s creativity is displayed in the cover and spine of the notebook. Connie Myers' dedication, support, enthusiasm, and guid- ance have been never ending and forever appreciated. Special thanks are extended to Connie for her help and hard work on this project. Supporters In addition to daily district duties, Ninemile Ranger District employees strongly supported this and other national wilderness projects. Their willingness to lend a hand when needed was invaluable. I Special thanks are extended to Lynne Sholty and Holly Blay lock for responding quickly, efficiently, and creatively to purchasing and contracting requests. Pat Whitlatch was instrumental in computer assistance. For their vision of excellence in wilderness management and their genuine support of this project, special thanks are extended to John Twiss and Jerry Stokes,National Wilderness Group Leaders; Regional Wilderness Specialists: Liz Close, Steve Morton, Lee Carr, Ron Bradsby, Ruth Monahan, Jim Shiro, Margaret Petersen, Larry Phillips, Gaylord Yost, and Am Albrecht; Field Advisory Council members: Bob Oset, Lee Carr, Sue Kozacek, Tom Streft, Garry Oye, Mike Rowan, Emmanuel Hudson, Barbara Soderberg, Don Stewart; and, countless dedicated field-going wilderness personnel. DIANE TALIAFERRO Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center August 1993 II PUBLICAT ION ORGANIZATION Background In late 1989, the Chief of the Forest Service chartered the National Wilderness Filed Advisory Group to provide recommendations on maintaining quality wilderness field programs. n late 1991, the National Gro up Leader for Wilderness Management, John Twiss, and the Wilderness Field Advisory Group met and identified several objectives for achieving excellence in wilderness field management. Regional Wilderness Specialists and Field Wilderness Excellence Team members reviewed and validated these specific objectives. Responsibility for completing this and other national wilderness object iv es in 1992 was given to the Nation al Wildlands Training Center at Ninemile. One of five key areas identified as a priority was to prov1 e Wilderness Rangers with the knowledge, skills and abilities to do a quality job of field management. his field guide supplements the Wilderness Ranger Training Module and is intended for field use. In 1990, Anne Fege, then National Leader for Wilderness Management, in the Washington office, produced a Wilderness Ranger' handbook to provide guidance, direction and technical information. Several Forests md Regions modified the original handbook to fit their specific need. This Wilderness Ranger Field Guide resulted from the original handbook and other regional versions. Updated the information, reformatted the content, added graphics and an appendix of data and monitoring forms. The field guide is generic for use by all Wilderness Rangers throughout the Forest Service and can be easily modified to meet specific needs. Purpose This Wilderness Ranger Field Guide is designed as a supplement to be used at trainings, and to be taken to the field. It is intended to be usedduringpatrols, work assignments,educational programs and other activities relating to wilderness management. It provides quick and easy reference information needed for day-to-day activities and an organized notebook for document in g and recording information. It is III not intended to be a comprehensive resource for Wilderness direction. More detailed information can be gained through training, additional reading and communication with your supervisor. This field guide is physically designed so that you may easily insert additional material or remove obsolete or inappropriate text to meet your level of expertise and specific needs. The appendix has a number of different forms for documentation and gathering information during your field work. They include recreation and other resource information pertinent to wilderness management and rese arch. The overall goa ls of this field guide are to: 1) Provide a useful reference for use in the field. 2) Promote accountability and safety for Wilderness Rangers. 3) Provide examples for collecting information needed for mana- gement decision and problems encountered. 4) Improve veteran rangers’ performances and provide baseline data for new rangers 5) Provide an easy format for adding or deleting in formation. 6) Enhance wilderness opportunities for the public. 7) Improve the quality of the wilderness, both socially and biologically. Organization This field guide is organized into chapters, then further subdivided by headings and subheadings. It is recommended that you tab these chapters for easy access. Feel free to take out a chapter or insert other material to meet your specific needs. This field guide is an attempt to be somewhat generic in spectrum, but it cannot and does not provide all the specific information needed by each unique wilderness area. We have also tried to keep the size and weight to a minimum for backcountry use. It is your responsibility totailor the field guide to suit your specific needs. The appendix has a wide assortment of monito ring, data gathering forms, trip reports, inspection forms, first aid and other observations. His important that you talk to your supervisor, and local experts about management policy, concerns and priorities. Some of these forms are IV appropriate for some areas and are currently being used. Other forms may not be applicable. Your supervisor may already have a specific form or format they like better. Decide what works best for the wilderness you work in. The binder is waterproof, and the text has been printed on "Rite in the Rain" paper for use in wet and humid weather. The vinal envelope in front of the field guide is for pencils, pens, and CFR's, warning notices, tickets, and carbon paper. You can tape another pocket to the binder or insert another vinal envelope if needed. After each tour of duty in the field take out the forms and tickets you need to turn in. Make sure you replace the forms you have used. A recommendation is to photocopy the originals and keep them available for copies in the future. Use the copies in the field. You also might want to carry more than just one form. For example, you might want five campsite inventory forms or three outfitter inspection forms on the tour of duty. Obviously, you will want to keep your notebook as lightweight and uncluttered as possible. Make sure you turn in this information you have compiled to your supervisor at the end of the hitch. Some of these forms may need to go to a local expert. Follow up on any changes that may occur due to your observations. Keep your supervisors informed. Your knowledge of conditions occurring in your wilderness is vital to planning and management decisions. It is important that you capture appropriate information accurately and completely. Improvements As with many efforts, there is undoubtedly room for improvement. We would like to incorporate your suggestions regarding content corrections, format, and additional information. Please use the en- closed comment form at the back of this publication to forward your suggestions. V INTRODUCTION As a Wilderness Ranger you have a unique opportunity to help preserve our planetary environment and maintain healthy wilderness ecosystems. You will influence people to further this preservation effort by fulfilling management policies. You are essential. You are the most important person in carrying out the mandate of Congress written in the Wilderness Act of 1964 stating that wilderness"... shall be administered for the use and enjoyment of the American people in such manner as will leave them unimpaired for future use and enjoyment as wilderness and so as to provide for the protection of those areas, the preservation of their