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PMS 437

Mapping: GPS Use for GIS Application

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Set up before going to the field

  • Make sure fresh batteries are loaded and extra sets available.
  • Transfer background maps for the area using MapSource (if available).
  • Turn unit on to initialize and acquire satellites ahead of time if you are in a new area or haven’t used the unit in at least a week. This may take as long as 20 minutes in the open, away from buildings, canopy, and obstructions.
  • Download and clear old waypoints and tracks from memory.
  • Turn off Active Track log. Set it to the preferred Collection method (Time is best) and an appropriate logging rate for the data collection. Five seconds works for most walking collection. Keep in mind the total storage of the GPS.
  • Ensure Simulator Mode is not ON when collecting data.
  • Set unit time zone and date (Ensure Daylight Savings Time if needed).
  • Check Interface Protocol is set properly.
  • Set the Coordinate System (UTM or LAT/LONG) & Datum to ensure compatibility with written coordinates you may need to navigate to or Map.
  • Set Heading to magnetic or true. If true, ensure same declination is used.

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Field – GPS Data Collection

  • Hold GPS antenna away from body with antenna up. Better yet, hold at, or above the head. Purchase an external antenna to free hands if needed or for better reception in vehicles.
  • Mark the waypoints for point locations at beginning and ending of track log collections. Writing down a position is just backup.
  • Most GPS units will collect data no matter what the GPS quality is. It’s up to you to monitor the GPS Satellite Page for anomalies and accuracy.
  • Collect when 3D GPS is shown. Do not collect data in 2D unless necessary.

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Waypoints

  • Collect all waypoints in Averaged Position mode if you are standing still, when possible, and if your receiver has that capability. Minimum of 10 positions, maximum of 20 minutes. Somewhere in between is enough to generate a quality position in most cases.
  • Collect an instantaneous waypoint only when moving or in a hurry, or if using the eTrex line.
  • Edit default waypoint numbers to letters or words that are more descriptive, or make good field notes to ensure you remember what features are represented by which numbers.

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Track logs

  • Use Stop when Full or Fill Record Mode rather than wrap to prevent overwriting track log points when Active Track log becomes full.
  • Turn on Active Track log at start location and immediately begin moving.
  • Stop Active Track log when movement is stopped or mission is finished.
  • Always Stop Active Track just shy of starting point when collecting an area (polygon). Overlapping makes conversion to GIS more challenging.
  • Use caution when saving an Active Track log. Garmin will generalize active track to save space, thereby degrading data.

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NWCG Latest Announcements

NWCG Committees Observe Suicide Prevention Awareness Week: September 7-13, 2026

Date:  September 8, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Health and Wellness Subcommittee

The NWCG Health and Wellness Subcommittee (HWSC) and Safety/Risk Management Committee (SRC) recognize the unique challenges and demands faced by the wildland fire community. The HWSC and SRC know that we are all stronger together and believe in fostering a culture of support, understanding, and resilience.

Suicide Prevention Awareness encourages us to actively connect with and support each other. For more information that could make a difference for yourself or someone else please review the materials and resources provided for the 2026 Suicide Prevention Awareness Week.

References:

2026 Letter from Leadership

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Health and Wellness Subcommittee

Safety and Risk Management Committee

2025 Paul Gleason Award Winners Announced

Date:  August 13, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Development Subcommittee

The NWCG Qualifications Management Committee (QMC) and Leadership Development Subcommittee (LDSC) are proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Paul Gleason "Lead By Example" awards. Award categories include Initiative and Innovation, Mentoring and Teamwork, and Motivation and Vision.

Congratulations to the awardees:

  • Hunter Bell, U.S. Forest Service — Initiative and Innovation
  • Shannon Deane, U.S. Wildland Fire Service— Initiative and Innovation
  • Chris Delaney, U.S. Wildland Fire Service — Motivation and Vision
  • Sean Peterson, U.S. Forest Service — Mentoring and Teamwork

References:

Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program (WFLDP)

Leadership Development Subcommittee

LMC Equipment Bulletin 26-001: Aquatic Invasive Species – Seasonal Reminder for Mussels

Date:  July 30, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Equipment and Technology Subcommittee

The Logistics and Equipment Management Committee (LMC) issued Equipment Bulletin 26-001: Aquatic Invasive Species - Seasonal Reminder for Mussels, reminding the wildland fire community that aquatic mussels continue to be a problem. Mussels rapidly colonize hard and soft surfaces, including aquatic plants and fire equipment, clogging pipes, fouling motors, disrupting water systems, and impacting native species.

To help prevent their spread, fire personnel must follow the decontamination procedures outlined in the NWCG Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operations, PMS 444. Additionally, report any sightings immediately to your Lead Resource Advisor and include clear, close-up photos (with a pen or your hand for size reference) and location details.”

Read the complete LMC Equipment Bulletin 26-001, to learn more. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

LMC Equipment Bulletin 26-001: Aquatic Invasive Species - Seasonal Reminder for Mussels

NWCG Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operations, PMS 444

Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Task Book Update

Date:  July 24, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Tree Felling Subcommittee

NWCG Operations Management Committee (OMC) has issued an update to the NWCG Position Task Book for Intermediate Faller (FAL2), PMS 311-91. To ensure clarity for both trainees and evaluators, the updated FAL2 Position Task Book (PTB) explicitly states who is authorized to sign off on your tasks:

“Evaluators must be qualified as a FAL2, or an Advanced Faller (FAL1).”

If you are currently working out of a previously published version of the FAL2 PTB, you do not need to restart. However, OMC highly encourages you to take the following step to prevent any confusion in the field:

  • Print and replace the updated evaluator information page (page 2) in your current physical PTB.

References:

Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Page

RMC Memo 26-01: Transition Plan for Implementing Updates to Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Qualifications

NWCG Position Task Book for Intermediate Faller (FAL2), PMS 311-91