Live Fuel Moisture Sampling Procedures

1. Collect three samples at each site.

• Sagebrush - FOLIAGE ONLY (Hand strip foliage from stems).
• Fill container at least three-quarters full
• Do not compact material
• Remove flowers, insects, stems dead woody material
• Collect between 1100 and 1500 hours
• Do not collect when the foliage is wet; wait 24 hours and collect. Notify the Nevada State Office of any long delays at 775-861-6514 or 6574.

2. Collection procedures:

    Collect from random shrubs on the site, sampling the upper crown, as follows:

• Northside, eastside, westside, and southside.
• Repeat this procedure until the can is approximately three quarters full.
• When the container is three-quarters full, brush material off the lip ensuring a good seal. DO NOT BLOW INTO THE CONTAINER, as blowing will add moisture to the sample.
• Hold the lid over the container mouth while collecting to prevent moisture loss.
• Tighten lid in place.
• Keep containers as cool as possible - avoid leaving them in direct sunlight.

3. Complete all items on sampling form.

• Observer's name
• Sampling date
• Time sample was taken
• On site observations. THIS SECTION IS VERY IMPORTANT.
• Observer the live to dead ratio and flowering stage as close as possible. Weather information should be taken with a belt weather kit.
• Remarks. Any unusual observations dealing with the site, plants Weather, surrounding area, etc. If known record the date and amount of precipitation as has fallen on the site.

4. Place the filled containers in the plastic mailing tube, along with the completed sample form. Attach the mailing label, tightening the cap on the tube with a screwdriver and mail right away.