Retracement Surveys in Pacific Northwest Coast Range

Abstract

Search and perpetuation of U.S. Public Land Survey section corners makes contracting for section subdivision surveys less costly. The U.S. Forest Service needs to identify 1,500 miles of property boundary per year. The contract estimates and statement of work needed is more realistic when based on recovered original survey corners. Forest Service personnel rely on the original instructions issued the surveyor, the manual in effect at time of survey and the knowledge gained in previous search and retracements. Attention is given to the monuments, accessories to the monument and traits of individual surveyors. Emphasis is given to evaluation, perpetuation and recordation of evidence. Corner information is filed with the Forest Supervisor and is available to the public. The data provides the information for identifying the forest boundaries and determining the surveys needed for the Land Adjustment Program.