IAC Meeting Notes - December 2002

Regional Ecosystem Office 333 S.W. First Avenue P.O. Box 3623 Portland, Oregon 97208-3623 Website: www.reo.gov E-Mail: REOmail@or.blm.gov Phone: 503-808-2165 FAX: 503-808-2163
	Memorandum
Date:	March 31, 2003
To:	Intergovernmental Advisory Committee (see distribution list below)
From:	David E. Busch, Acting Executive Director
Subject:	December 2002 Intergovernmental Advisory Committee Meeting Notes

Enclosed please find notes briefly summarizing the discussion and agreements from the meeting of the Intergovernmental Advisory Committee (IAC) on December 4, 2002. Several in attendance noted that we had very good turn-out and great participation in both the informal pre-brief and the business meeting.

The IAC Meeting notes attached include brief summaries for discussions regarding the public comments received, IAC communications and operational reforms, update on the future direction of the Northwest Forest Plan, and future potential topics and issues for the IAC to address.

Our next meeting will be held on April 1, 2003. Please note that, as requested, we have scheduled conference calls to gather your input and/or share information on the following topics: Survey and Manage Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement, Aquatic Conservation Strategy clarification, and REO organizational structure.

If you have questions or concerns about the enclosed notes, please do not hesitate to contact me or REO Management Analyst Kath Collier (503-808-2179).

Enclosures:

• December 2002 IAC Meeting Notes

1784/kc

Intergovernmental Advisory Committee Distribution List

California
• Mary Nichols, California Resource Agency, State Representative
Jen Carville, California Resource Agency, State Representative (Alt)
• Francie Sullivan, Representative of California Counties
John Woolley, Humbolt County, CA Counties

Oregon
• Peter Green, Forest Policy Advisor, Office of the Governor
Lance Clark, Resource Analyst, Office of the Governor
• Rocky McVay, Representative of Oregon Counties

Washington
• Robert Nichols, Senior Executive Policy Assistant, Office of the Governor
Karin Berkholtz, State Representative
• Albert McKee, Representative of Washington Counties

Tribes
• Merv George, Jr., Executive Director, CA Indian Forest & Fire Management Council
• David Herrera, Fisheries Manager, NW Indian Fisheries Commission
        Bruce Davies, Policy Analyst, NW Indian Fisheries Commission
        Jim Anderson, Executive Director, NW Indian Fisheries Commission
        Katie Krueger, Environmental Policy Analyst, Quileute Tribe
• George Smith, Intertribal Timber Council
        Don Motanic, Intertribal Timber Council
        Theodora Strong, Yakama Indian Nation
        Gary Morishima, Intertribal Timber Council

    Federal Agencies
• Anne Badgley, Regional Director, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
        Steve Thompson, California/Nevada Operations Office Manager, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
        John Engbring, California/Nevada U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
        Phil Detrich, Project Leader, Yreka FWO, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
• Elaine M. Brong, State Director, Oregon/Washington, Bureau of Land Management
        Judy Nelson, Chief, Branch of Biological Sciences, OR/WA, Bureau of Land Management
        Michael Pool, State Director, California, Bureau of Land Management
        Paul Roush, Wildlife Biologist, Bureau of Land Management, Arcata, CA
• Jon Jarvis, Regional Director, National Park Service
        Art Eck, Deputy Regional Director, National Park Service
        Jim Shevock, Associate Regional Director, National Park Service
• Linda Goodman, Deputy Regional Forester, Forest Service, R-6
        Kent Connaughton, Deputy Regional Forester, Forest Service, R-5
        Lisa Freedman, Director, Strategic Planning, Forest Service, R-6
• Bob Graham, State Conservationist, Natural Resources Conservation Service
• Col. Richard W. Hobernicht, District Engineer, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
        Curt Loop, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
• Anne Kinsinger, Regional Biologist, USGS Western Region
        Ron Kirby, Director, USGS Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
• Robert Lohn, Regional Administrator, National Marine Fisheries Service
        Mike Crouse, Assistant Regional Administrator, National Marine Fisheries Service
• Jennifer Orme-Zavaleta, Western Ecology Division, Environmental Protection Agency
        Dan McKenzie, Western Ecology Division, Environmental Protection Agency
• Dave Powers, Environmental Protection Agency
• Stan Speaks, Area Director, Portland Area Office, Bureau of Indian Affairs
        Alex Whistler, Wildlife Biologist, Portland Area Office, Bureau of Indian Affairs
        Ron Jaeger, Area Director, Sacramento Area Office, Bureau of Indian Affairs
• Bob Szaro, Acting Station Director, Forest Service, PNW
        Cindy West, Deputy Station Director, Forest Service, PNW

ISSUE SUMMARY

Topic: Notes from the Public Comment presentation by Doug Heiken, ONRC

Summary of Discussion: Doug provided the IAC with comments regarding the various activities that he feels are taking away from protections or reducing the level of protection of old growth forests. He cited the 1994 Record of Decision (ROD) as the "high water" mark with subsequent degradation over time.
He encouraged IAC members to take a look at the "Common Sense" initiative, as it would make the Northwest Forest Plan stronger and better. He indicated that this initiative would shift activities towards restoration, thinning, and reduce the burden of survey and manage. He emphasized the role of the plantations and the need to restore them to support the socio-economic side of the plan. He also supported variable density thinning on reserves and matrix lands particularly focusing on 40-year-old stands. He urged that now is the time for action to maximize the return (i.e., the development of old growth characteristics) before the stands are overcome by less desirable environmental factors. He indicated that he felt that the Northern spotted owl was currently not being protected under the Northwest Forest Plan.

Doug was asked if he feels that other environmental groups also support this type of action and he indicated "yes" and mentioned that there were some concerns, but the strategy should reduce the amount of litigation based on the new science findings. He clarified his definition of "old growth" (e.g., he indicated 80 years and greater), and indicated that riparian reserves should also be thinned to make more coarse woody debris available in the streams. He was also asked how the stands might be categorized after thinning and when they got to be over 80 years old. He indicated that they would be protected/managed (matrix).

Note: The Committee Members' Round Robin discussion was deleted from the agenda during the meeting.

ISSUE SUMMARY

Presenter/REO Contact: Teresa Kubo 503-808-2171

Topic: IAC Enhanced Communications and Operational Reforms

Issue Statement: This segment of the meeting was devoted to reporting on recent REO efforts to more effectively provide information to the IAC, and to receive feedback from committee members on the efficacy of these efforts and how they might be improved.

Summary of Discussions: Teresa Kubo highlighted several efforts that have been undertaken by the REO to reestablish and strengthen information sharing with IAC members. Each of these is highlighted below, followed by a summary of IAC input.

1) Keep IAC members current on NWFP-related news and developments through regular e-mail messages

Feedback: IAC members found value in this service. These emails will continue to be sent out on a regular basis as information pertinent to the NWFP becomes available.

2) Provide non-Federal IAC members with access to subscription news sources used by the Regional Ecosystem Office.

Feedback: A question was raised over the availability of this service to alternate IAC members. Unfortunately, due to the nature of REO's agreement with the publisher, it is not possible to further extend membership at this time. However, Teresa Kubo encouraged information sharing among IAC members and offered to highlight key points and issues in the regularly distributed IAC emails.

3) Periodic circulation of IAC Opportunities letter.

Feedback: IAC members also found value in this service. A question was raised about timing and the frequency of distribution. Teresa Kubo responded by saying that the intent is to distribute the letter on a bi-monthly basis. The next letter should be distributed by December 13, 2002. With respect to content, it was suggested that IAC members contact Teresa with specific ideas or topics that they would like to see covered. It was also suggested that committee members play a role in shaping the content of the Opportunities Letter by contributing information (announcements, websites, articles, reports, etcetera) that they would like to see shared with the other IAC members. Suggestions or information for the Letter should be forwarded to Teresa Kubo at tkubo@or.blm.gov.

4) Solicit input from IAC members on a list of topics that they would like to address.

Feedback: This exercise was undertaken later in the meeting. Please see notes related to "Identifying Topics and Issues Appropriate for Future IAC Advice and Input."

5) Have non-Federal IAC member take the lead in synthesizing and presenting the principal themes and points arising from non-Federal members' aggregate input.

Feedback: IAC members saw the value in ensuring that non-Federal input is accurately captured and understood, but did not want to run the risk of emphasizing highlighting differences. It was suggested that in the future the group might be better served by adopting the practice of having an all-IAC review and approval of meeting minutes.

6) When appropriate, offer pre-brief to non-Federal IAC members prior to IAC meetings.

Feedback: Non-Federal IAC members appreciated the pre-brief, but cautioned that pre-briefs should not displace time that could be spent as a whole committee. Non-Federal IAC members would attend future pre-briefs if the opportunity and need arose and it did not infringe upon potential all-IAC meeting time.

Further Discussion of Operations:

--IAC members reiterated their need to receive more timely and inclusive prework. It was requested that prework packages include contact information for all members, and that they arrive at least two weeks in advance. Likewise, members expressed a need for more timely travel information. It was requested that this be circulated concurrent with the Federal Register notice (at least 3 weeks prior to the meeting). Finally, committee members requested that notes be distributed 7-10 days after the meeting.

--Non-Federal members expressed a desire to see the committee take advantage of the unique structure of the IAC (Fed/Non-Fed composition) when drafting and distributing recommendations. Federal members expressed willingness to look for opportunities where Federal and Non-Federal members could work together as partners, though noted that there may also be times when Non-Federal IAC members are looked to specifically as an advisory body.

--Non-Federal IAC members expressed concern over the fact that they had not been able to view a set of recommendations about NWFP changes to which they had contributed. The primary concern expressed was that they were unable to know how their input was characterized in the final draft. Federal members of the IAC reiterated that the document in question had not been shared because it was subject to sensitive, high discussions. Federal members agreed that there should be a higher level of accountability to the non-Federal members with respect to future recommendations where non-Federal input is involved.

Next Steps (who/what/when):

-- The IAC Liaison will continue to distribute informational emails on a regular basis.
-- The IAC Liaison will further oversee the bi-monthly distribution of the IAC Opportunities Letter.
-- IAC committee members will forward information to the REO for inclusion in the IAC Opportunities Letter when appropriate by contacting Teresa Kubo at tkubo@or.blm.gov.
-- REO staff will work to provide more timely pre-work, travel information and meeting notes.
-- Federal and Non-Federal members of the IAC will work to identify issues on which to collaborate and provide joint guidance.

ISSUE SUMMARY

REO Contact/Phone: Steve Odell

Topic: Update on Future Direction of the Northwest Forest Plan

Issue Statement: Three topics were addressed: Survey and Manage Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS), Aquatic Conservation Strategy Clarification (SEIS), and RIEC Trends and Structure Changes.

Summary of Discussion:
Dick Prather, head of the S&M species SEIS team, gave a brief presentation on the history of S&M and the need for a new SEIS. Pursuant to the settlement agreement signed between the U.S. Government and the Douglas Timber Operators, Dick outlined an aggressive timeline to have a final SEIS completed by July 28, 2003. The draft SEIS will be completed and distributed on January 31, 2003. Dick noted all IAC members will be sent a review copy by Federal Express, as soon as possible on or after January 31. Dick mentioned that they have received nearly 500 comments during the scoping period. Dick was asked about current the status of current S&M management recommendations (MRs). Many of the MRs have been completed. However, there are still a number of them that are currently in draft form and in various stages of review.

Non-federal IAC members expressed appreciation for the opportunity to be briefed on the ACS-SEIS development at the morning session. IAC representatives were also pleased to have additional input opportunities during the SEIS development process identified.

RIEC Trends/Structure Changes: Executives explored the various decisions and options regarding what the potential future staffing and support options for the various regional interagency executive entities might look like. Addressing the economic issues in the plan was identified last year as one of the top three concerns the RIEC had. Economic issues include finding the most efficient and effective ways to provide support to the various NWFP entities.

Next Steps (who/what/when): The IAC will be informed about the development of a new NWFP Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will be needed to replace the current MOU, and will be afforded the opportunity to provide advice relative to the major concepts which might be changed in a new MOU.

ISSUE SUMMARY

REO Contact/Phone: Kath Collier, 503-808-2179

Topic: Identifying Future Topics and Issues

Issue Statement: This segment provided a quick look back at the topics that the IAC has covered and develop a new prioritized list of potential topics that may be candidates for future meetings.

Summary of Discussion: We spent a few minutes reviewing the previous topic list created in February 2001 and noted that we had included discussions on almost all of the topics. Events, such as the "Innovations in Species Conservation" symposium that is scheduled for April 30, 2003, should be of interest to IAC members. Some potential topics have become outdated as agencies were directed through court action to prepare supplemental environmental impact statements (Survey and Manage, and Aquatic Conservation Strategy clarification). Several of the previously identified topics were carried forward as potential future topic. These topics would be addressed in the context of how they might link, impact or improve implementation of the Northwest Forest Plan (NWFP).

Two topics received an overwhelming majority of the votes:
-- "Forest Health Initiative" which also included how the National Fire Plan and other resource issues link with the NWFP and with issues such as: impacts of invasive species after fire, adaptive management, and related economic and environmental opportunities.
-- Developments in Salmon Recovery Planning, Aquatic and Riparian Effectiveness Monitoring Plan (AREMP), and related aquatic system management strategies.

A second group of topics in the voting included:
-- Economic issues (e.g., the cost of doing business/return on investment, local economies, economic models, etc.)
-- Opportunities to comment on potential organizational changes within the Regional Ecosystem Office (REO) and the types of interaction with the IAC members.
-- Aquatic Strategy, Survey and Manage, and NFMA Planning Rule changes

Topics suggested that received a few votes included:
-- Interaction between States and Federal participants; potential conflicts.
-- NWFP amendments to overcome implementation obstacles and better meet NFP objectives
-- AMA broader application - amendments
-- Coordination of NWFP with salmon issues and initiatives
-- NWFP adaptive management guidelines and process for considering new information
-- Analysis of recent science findings (e.g., thinning operations in dense young stands)

Topics suggested that did not receive any votes included:
-- Potential Drought
-- The new NWFP MOU

Next Steps (who/what/when): The level of interest was evenly distributed among the various Federal and non-Federal representatives with respect to the importance of various topics. Some potential topics, such as the Development of Salmon Recovery Planning, showed a slight preference from Federal members, and Economic issues showed a slight preference from non-Federal members.

Topics of interest will continue to be proposed for upcoming IAC agendas. A social/economic theme has been proposed for the April, 2003 IAC meeting.

Housekeeping

Meeting Evaluation: The group did a quick review of the meeting and provided comments and suggestions. Things to change included modifying the prebrief session and maximizing the amount of time the IAC can meet, getting the prework and travel information out to the members earlier, and providing a paper copy of the membership roster. Things that participants really liked included: the lunch opportunity to visit on an individual basis, the room location and logistics, focusing on the key agenda items, having a flexible agenda and the ability to provide feedback on it, the relaxed and close atmosphere, not feeling rushed, and leaving early!

Meeting Roster

IAC Meeting Roster, December 4

Anderson, Kathy         Forest Service, Region 5
Busch, Dave                  REO/ U.S. Geological Survey
Connaughton, Kent                 Forest Service, Region 5
Gerlitz, Wendy                  National Park Service
Guenther, Dale                  REO/Forest Service
Heiken, Doug                  Oregon Natural Resources Council (ONRC)
Loomis, Becky                  REO
Mabery, Ken                  REO/National Park Service
Mohoric, Shawne                  REO/Forest Service
Montanic, Don                  Intertribal Timber Council
Morris, Steve                   REO/National Marine Fisheries Service
Phifer, Paul                  REO/ U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Prather, Dick                  Bureau of Land Management
Badgley, Anne                  U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Benson, Gary                  REO/ Pacific Northwest Research Station
Berkholtz, Karin                  State of Washington
Brong, Elaine                  Bureau of Land Management
Carville, Jennifer                  State of California
Crouse, Mike                  Natural Marine Fisheries Commission
Davies, Bruce                  Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission
Detrich, Phil                  U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
George, Merv Jr.                  California Indian Forest Management
Goodman, Linda                  Forest Service
Green, Peter                  State of Oregon
Jarvis, Jon                  National Park Service
Lance, Clark                  State of Oregon
Loop, Curt                  Corps of Engineers
McKee, Al                  Washington Counties
Odell, Steve                  REO Executive Director
Pietrzak, Debbie                  REO / Bureau of Land Management
Powers, Dave                  Environmental Protection Agency
Riddell, Gil                  Oregon Counties
Roush, Paul                  Bureau of Land Management
Smith, George                  Intertribal Timber Council
Sullivan, Francie                  California Counties
West, Cindi                  Pacific Northwest Research Station
Whistler, Alex                  Bureau of Indian Affairs
Collier, Kath                  REO