Regional Ecosystem Office

333 SW 1st
P.O. Box 3623
Portland, Oregon 97208-3623
Phone: (503) 326-6265 FAX: (503) 326-6282

              Memorandum

Date:     October 3, 1995

To:         Intergovernmental Advisory Committee Members (See distribution list)

From:     Donald R. Knowles, Executive Director

Subject:  September 1995 Intergovernmental Advisory Committee Meeting Notes

Enclosed are the notes from the September 1995 Intergovernmental Advisory Committee (IAC) meeting, including:

Our next IAC meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 2, in Portland, Oregon. Location information (close to the Portland airport) will be conveyed to you as soon as we have a signed contract. If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact Gary S. Sims (503-326-6274), Linda Kucera (503-326-6283), or your agency representative.

Enclosure

cc:
REO
OFED

504/lk


Date: October 3, 1995
Subject: September IAC Notes

Intergovernmental Advisory Committee Distribution List

California
Francie Sullivan, Shasta County Supervisor
Terry Gorton, Assistant Secretary, Forestry and Rural Economic Dev., California Resource Agency

Oregon
Rocky McVay, Curry County Commissioner
Paula Burgess, Assistant to the Governor for Natural Resources, Office of the Governor

Washington
Harvey Wolden, Skagit County Commissioner
Amy F. Bell, Deputy Supervisor for Community Relations, WA Dept. of Natural Resources
Bob Nichols, Senior Executive Policy Assistant, Governor's Office (Alternate)

Tribes
Greg Blomstrom, Planning Forester, CA Indian Forest & Fire Management Council
Mel Moon, Commissioner, NW Indian Fisheries Commission
Jim Anderson, Executive Director, NW Indian Fisheries Commission (Alternate)
Gary Morishima, Technical Advisor, Intertribal Timber Council
Guy McMinds, Executive Office Advisor, Quinault Indian Nation (Alternate)

Federal Agencies
Michael Collopy, Director, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, National Biological Service
Dennis Fenn, Western Regional Director, National Biological Service
Anita Frankel, Director, Forest and Salmon Group, Environmental Protection Agency
Eugene Andreuccetti, Regional Conservationist, Natural Resources Conservation Service
Bob Graham, State Conservationist, Natural Resources Conservation Service (Alternate)
John Lowe, Regional Forester, USDA Forest Service, R-6
G. Lynn Sprague, Regional Forester, USDA Forest Service, R-5 (Alternate)
Thomas Murphy, Director, Environmental Research Laboratory, Environmental Protection Agency
Thomas J. Mills, Station Director, Forest Service, PNW
Stan Speaks, Area Director, Portland Area Office, Bureau of Indian Affairs
Ron Eggers, Assistant Area Director, Portland Area Office, Bureau of Indian Affairs (Alternate)
Ron Jaeger, Area Director, Sacramento Area Office, Bureau of Indian Affairs
Michael Spear, Regional Director, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Curt Smitch, Assistant Regional Director, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
William Stelle, Jr., Regional Director, National Marine Fisheries Service
Hilda Diaz-Soltero, Southwest Regional Director, National Marine Fisheries Service (Alternate)
Jacqueline Wyland, Division Chief, Environ. & Tech. Services, National Marine Fisheries Service (Alternate)
Elizabeth Gaar, Senior Policy Coordinator, National Marine Fisheries Service (Alternate)
Tom Tuchmann, Director, Office of Forestry and Economic Development (Ex Officio)
William Walters, Deputy Field Director, National Park Service
Elaine Zielinski, State Director, Oregon/Washington, Bureau of Land Management
Ed Hastey, State Director, California, Bureau of Land Management (Alternate)
Dave Howell, District Manager, Bureau of Land Management, Ukiah, CA


Opening Comments by the Chair - Elaine Zielinski

Public Comment

Agenda Topics

Hot Topics

Columbia Basin Ecosystem Rider - Will Stelle

Salmon Conservation and NFP Implementation - Will Stelle

Implementation Monitoring - Dan McKenzie

Status Report/Watershed Boundaries - Gary Morishima

Change in EPA Representation


Issue Summary from the IAC Meeting
Meeting Date: September 28, 1995 REO Contact: Don Knowles
Topic: Field Trip Review: Identify any policy issue follow-up needed.
Objective: Discuss field trip issues.
Summary of Discussion/IAC Actions:
  • The importance of reviewing the Fountain Fire area is to emphasize and recognize the importance of fire in the California ecosystem.
  • The fire, which burned some 64,000 acres, was incredibly hot and fast. Thinned stands slowed and dropped the fire to the ground. Prior fire exclusion and harvest selection efforts influenced fire severity and pace.
  • The field trip was important to local field personnel because it was an opportunity to re-confirm that there is a lot of flexibility available in meeting NFP/ROD requirements.
  • It was emphasized by committee members that "local teams" should be able to address the situations as they exist and the forest needs as they are.
  • There is a need to educate the public to understand that the term "reserves" does not mean removed from management.
IAC Agreements:

The REO will, for the next IAC meeting, identify some proactive activities for the IAC to encourage the use of existing management flexibility to address the issue of fire in landscapes where fire is a key ecological function. Some potential activities could be developing an educational and communication effort for the public and other shareholders on fire, placing an enhanced priority on the development of Adaptive Management Area plans which accelerate the testing of different fire management strategies (e.g., fire), or looking for current gaps in agency guidance which limit the use of current flexibility.

RIEC Decisions: N/A
Follow-up Actions (who/what/when): REO will prepare a letter for R-5 Regional Forester, G. Lynn Sprague, thanking him for our field trip and indicating how the ROD provides needed flexibility for local managers to move forward in an interorganizational manner to address the unique ecosystem needs of California.

Issue Summary from the IAC Meeting
Meeting Date: September 28, 1995 REO Contact: Dan McKenzie
Topic: Effectiveness Monitoring Plan
Objective: Provide IAC guidance to the RMC/REO on policy issues concerning further development of the Effectiveness Monitoring (EM) Plan.
Summary of Discussion/IAC Actions:

The IAC presentation and discussions focused on the five policy issues identified in the ATO. In addition, the updated information and REO recommendation as presented in the 9/27/95 memo from Dan McKenzie was evaluated. A brief summary of review comments received on the 7/21/95 EM Plan draft was presented and discussed. The majority of review comments were complimentary and supportive, with numerous suggestions and recommendations for consideration during revision of the document.

IAC Agreements:

The next phase of monitoring planning should develop a plan that helps determine the degree the NFP goals and objectives are being achieved. The revised plan should address both habitat and populations to some degree, but not address all individual species of interest. There will need to be an identification of appropriate representative or indicator species. The plan should address the regional/provincial scale and recognize that some local groups may augment EM with local data. Although it would be useful, it is not essential to have the EM Plan completed for use in the FY 1996 field activities. The development of a sound plan is more important than having it done quickly.

The EM planning group should involve an "economic staffer" in revision so that economic outcomes and management issues can be included in the discussions. The revision should identify more than one option and include at least the following: 1) document the current monitoring efforts, and 2) develop a "minimal" plan that would provide statistically valid information for all five emphasis areas, at the regional/provincial scale. The different options should, to the extent possible, identify areas of legal vulnerability and provide cost estimates. The adequacy of ongoing and planned monitoring efforts in assessing the effects of NFP implementation on tribal trust resources, and other ROD-identified effectiveness monitoring requirements (see E6-E10), should be reviewed, documented, and the results transmitted to the IAC for its consideration. At the beginning of the final monitoring plan document, there should be one page that clearly identifies what benefits the public will receive from the plan. The plan should evaluate anticipated regulatory agency needs regarding future consultation requirements (e.g., consultation information needs) and consider incorporation, if appropriate, at the provincial and regional scale.

RIEC Decisions:

The agencies agreed to continue a dialogue to reach agreements on roles, responsibilities, and funding for EM. The agencies agreed to support continued development of the 7/21/95 draft EM Plan and to staff its continued development by providing a project leader and senior staff. In addition, the agencies agreed to staff (2-4 staff) and provide information to inventory current monitoring activities potentially relevant to the NFP.

Follow-up Actions (who/what/when):

REO Agency Reps will approach their respective agencies regarding identification of a project leader and "senior" team members. The project leader will present to the IAC any additional policy issues that arise during revision. A revised schedule and EM Plan will be provided to the agencies and IAC for their review.


Issue Summary from the IAC Meeting
Meeting Date: Sept. 28, 1995 REO Contact: Dave Powers
Topic: California Coast Province Advisory Committee (PAC)
Objective: Provide IAC with background on issues and status of PAC efforts.
Summary of Discussion/IAC Actions:

The PAC has met twice for 2-day meetings and has had one field trip. Key areas of PAC involvement include: completed and future restoration projects, Riparian Reserve widths, coordination with the State CERT, salvage issues, LSR related issues, and fishery related efforts. The PAC has been successful in reaching consensus and places an emphasis on educating committee members and other stakeholders. The California Coast Province consists of approximately 80% non-Federal lands in some watersheds, so much of the PAC focus has been on opportunities to integrate Federal and non-Federal land efforts. Sensitivity to private property rights and clear recognition that federal decisions based on PAC recommendations do not apply on non-Federal lands were stressed.

IAC Agreements:

IAC members reaffirmed the ability of PACs to pursue opportunities to integrate Federal and non-Federal land efforts. Recognition of the possible linkage between PAC efforts and salmon initiatives was specifically referenced.

RIEC Decisions: N/A
Follow-up Actions (who/what/when): N/A

Issue Summary from the IAC Meeting
Meeting Date: September 28, 1995 REO Contact: Curt Loop
Topic: Jobs-in-the-Woods/Restoration
Objective: Review and discuss future Jobs-in-the-Woods issues and the three-state "Partnership" proposal.
Summary of Discussion/IAC Actions:

A summary of the "Three-State Proposal" regarding the future development of economic initiatives related to the NFP was presented by Kevin Smith from the Oregon Economic Development Department. Following Kevin's presentation, he answered questions from the IAC members. Key questions pertained to the need to complete specific details of the proposal. Kevin's recommendation included organizing a task force composed from federal, state, tribal, and private entities from the three states to complete the desired organization and measured outcomes. Several IAC members requested additional information about the Economic Adjustment Initiative before recommending support for the proposal.

IAC Agreements:
  • The IAC's overall goal is to have better integration of economic and natural resource management issues.
RIEC Decisions: N/A
Follow-up Actions (who/what/when):
  • REO has agreed to call a meeting in October to further discuss the issues identified in the three-state proposal. All members of the IAC and RCERT will be invited.
  • The agenda for the October meeting will include:
    1. Identification of barriers to the completion of economic activities between the actions of the natural resource agencies and the attainment of the objectives of the economic agencies.
    2. Identification of opportunities for better coordination between implementing agencies in the region and with our policy leaders in Washington, D.C.
    3. Further clarification and discussion of the issues raised by the three-state proposal.
  • REO will work with RCERT and OFED to conduct the October meeting. The REO will then report the results of that meeting at the November IAC meeting.

Issue Summary from the IAC Meeting
Meeting Date: September 28, 1995 REO Contact: Mike Tehan, Ranotta McNair
Topic: Riparian Reserve Evaluation Methods for Section II of the Federal Guide for Watershed Analysis (Guide).
Objectives:

Agree that in order to proceed with development of Riparian Reserve analysis methods and techniques, the IAC watershed analysis policy group will need to meet early in October to establish direction and sideboards for the technical team lead by the Pacific Northwest Research Station (PNW). IAC members will need to dedicate technical staff for the months of October, November, and December to work with PNW to revise and complete the draft process document, based on direction from the IAC policy group.

Summary of Discussion/IAC Actions:

Among the substantive points raised during the discussion were the following:

  • The land management agencies have an urgent need for an accepted set of Riparian Reserve methods and techniques as part of Section II of the Guide for program/project planning by field units no later than January 1996.
  • Because of the critical role that Riparian Reserves serve for many species and functions in the Northwest Forest Plan, and because project development (roads, timber harvest, recreational development, etc.) may make boundary changes irreversible, the Riparian Reserve methods and techniques are of extreme importance to the resource agencies.
  • Notwithstanding agreements reached during the August IAC meeting regarding the review and approval process for Section II of the Guide, the tribes would like the opportunity to review the draft Riparian Reserve methods and techniques prior to completion and distribution to the field.
IAC Agreements:
  • The IAC watershed analysis policy group should meet early in October to identify and resolve policy issues relative to Riparian Reserve adjustments and to establish sideboards for the technical team lead by PNW.
  • The technical team, lead by PNW and including IAC technical representatives, will build on the PNW draft process based on the sideboards established by the policy group.
  • The schedule proposed by the REO for completion of the methods and techniques was amended to allow for IAC review and approval in December and January. A draft report will be provided to the IAC for review at the December IAC meeting. At the December meeting, the IAC will determine whether to seek final approval of the report via conference call on the second Thursday in January or to hold a special IAC meeting instead.
RIEC Decisions: N/A
Follow-up Actions (who/what/when):

1. REO will coordinate with IAC members to schedule a watershed analysis policy group meeting early in October.

2. IAC members will forward to the REO names of staff to participate on the technical team lead by PNW.

3. IAC watershed analysis policy group will meet in early October and establish policy sideboards and direction to the technical team for development of the Riparian Reserve methods and techniques.

4. REO will report progress at the November IAC meeting.

5. REO will distribute the draft report of the technical team at the December IAC meeting.

6. IAC will decide at the December meeting whether to pursue final approval for the report via conference call on the second Thursday in January (the 11th) or to convene a special meeting of the IAC instead.


Issue Summary from the IAC Meeting
Meeting Date: September 28, 1995 REO Contact: Gary Sims
Topic: Agency budget overview.
Objective: Make available the most recent agency budget projections.
Summary of Discussion/IAC Actions:

The IAC noted that the President's FY 97 budget request is under development. Agency proposals are under review by OMB. A number of plan implementation actions under discussion by the IAC involve funding (e.g., effectiveness monitoring plan). As the ISC is scheduled to meet October 11 in Washington, D.C., it was suggested that the meeting would be a good opportunity for agencies in the region to explain some of their FY 1997 funding needs to the ISC members.

IAC Agreements:

The REO will set up a meeting to bring together agency budget personnel to coordinate the development of a consolidated FY 1997 budget document for John Lowe and Tom Tuchmann to present to the ISC meeting on October 11. This may involve repackaging existing information.

RIEC Decisions: N/A
Follow-up Actions (who/what/when): N/A

Issue Summary from the IAC Meeting
Meeting Date: September 28, 1995 REO Contact: Curt Loop
Topic: Report Card on Northwest Forest Plan Implementation.
Objective: Highlight NFP implementation activities for FY 1995.
Summary of Discussion/IAC Actions:
  • REO is developing an end-of-year accomplishments report for FY 1995. Additionally, OFED is preparing its final report on NFP implementation. Many additional agencies are also developing a report on their accomplishments for FY 1995. It was suggested that an overall report card on NFP implementation be developed. Such a report will be tied into the OFED report.
  • It was suggested that the report card could focus on three "subjects"--the economic, forest management, and interagency agreement aspects of NFP implementation. The report card could also identify significant barriers to future implementation. There is a story the IAC members could present to congressional and regional audiences that would help develop support for such implementation efforts as timber sales, Jobs-in-the-Woods efforts, watershed analysis, and watershed restoration, etc.
IAC Agreements:
  • Curt Loop, COE, will continue to lead the effort in the REO to develop an accomplishments report.
  • Agency Reps will funnel agency accomplishments to Curt.
RIEC Decisions: N/A
Follow-up Actions (who/what/when): N/A

 

Potential Agenda Topics for the
November 2, 1995 IAC Meeting
Portland, Oregon
9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
TIME DURATION POTENTIAL AGENDA TOPICS PRESENTER
    Welcome, certify the September meeting notes, and review the November meeting objectives and agenda Elaine Zielinski & Linda Kucera
    Change of Chair from John Lowe to Elaine Zielinski --Opening remarks by Elaine Elaine Zielinski
    Sharing of Key Interests--Redistribute the list of interests captured during the March IAC meeting for a progress check and to assist us in setting FY 1996 goals Gary Sims
    ISC Meeting Feedback Tom Tuchmann & John Lowe
    Update on Riparian Reserves

(May be a Status Report)

Mike Tehan
    New Information Tony Sisto & Don Knowles
    Three State Proposal
  • Discussion based on the policy meeting held between the September and October IAC meeting
Curt Loop
    Watershed Boundary Delineations - Washington

(May be a Status Report)

Chris Hamilton
    Possible Agenda Items for the December Meeting Elaine Zielinski
    Hot Topics All
    Public Comment Linda Kucera
    Review Today's Meeting Agreements Don Knowles & Elaine Zielinski
    Closing Comments Elaine Zielinski
    Adjourn Elaine Zielinski

Potential Status Reports for November 2, 1995

Possible Agenda Items for the December 7 Meeting

September IAC Handouts:

Status Reports:
Watershed Boundaries
Budget Update - White House - Office of the Press Secretary (Dated 9/22/95)
Memo - Update Effectiveness Monitoring (9/27/95)
Litigation Summary (9/28/95)
Riparian Reserves (9/26/95)

Organizational Chart - NW Forest Plan
IAC Identification List
RIEC Identification List
REO Telephone Directory
Acronym List and Acronym Definition
August IAC Notes
September IAC Agenda & Prework
Record of Decision (ROD
)
Correspondence Log with Current Correspondence Sent - Available for requests
Effectiveness Monitoring Plan Report (7/21/95)
WA Guides - Section I
Cover letter for the WA Guide, Section I (8/28/95)
Natural Resource Partnership Proposal - Cost Effect. Result thru Pub/Priv Partnership - Draft
Table of existing analysis methods & techniques, WA Sect. II Models
Memo - Draft analysis methods & techniques for Riparian Reserves (9/15/95)
Memo - FY 1995-96 REO Budget Issues (9/6/95)
Memo - Fish/Hydro Strike Team, Proposal Inventory Standards and Stream ID Method (8/22/95)
RMC presentation - copy of overheads
Quality Jobs for Quality Ecosystem Outcome Workshop announcement
Natural Resource Partnership Proposal - Cost-Effect. Results thru Publ/Priv Partnership - Update


Intergovernmental Advisory Committee Meeting

September 28, 1995 Attendance List

Name Title Agency

IAC Members and Alternates
Anderson, Jim   NW Indian Fisheries Commission
Collopy, Mike Director, Coop. Research & Tech. National Biological Service
Eggers, Ron Assistant Area Director Bureau of Indian Affairs
Fenn, Dennis Western Region Director National Biological Service
Frankel, Anita Director, Forest and Salmon Group Environmental Protection Agency
Gorton, Terry Asst. Sec, Forest. & Rural Econ. Dev. Office of the Governor, State of California
Green, Peter Federal Policy Advisor Office of the Governor, State of Oregon
Knowles, Don (DFO) Executive Director Regional Ecosystem Office
McVay, Rocky County Commissioner Curry County, State of Oregon
Morishima, Gary Technical Advisor Intertribal Timber Council
Murphy, Tom Director, Envir. Research Lab Environmental Protection Agency
Romancier, Bob   Forest Service, PNW
Spear, Mike Regional Director U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Sprague, Lynn Regional Forester Forest Service, R-5
Stelle, William Jr. Regional Director National Marine Fisheries Service
Sullivan, Francie Shasta County Supervisor, District 3 Shasta County, State of California
Tuchmann, Tom Director Office of Economic & Forestry Development
Tugel, Arlene Assistant State Conservationist Natural Resources Conservation Service
Walters, Bill Deputy Regional Director National Park Service
Wolden, Harvey County Commissioner Skagit County, State of Washington
Zielinski, Elaine State Director Bureau of Land Management, OR/WA

Regional Ecosystem Office
Fritzler, Carol Lee Administrative Officer Forest Service
Kucera, Linda Facilitator U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Loop, Curt Representative U.S. Army of Corps of Engineers
McKenzie, Dan Research & Monitoring-Leader Environmental Protection Agency
McNair, Ranotta Representative Forest Service
Pietrzak, Debbie Representative Bureau of Land Management
Powers, Dave Representative Environmental Protection Agency
Sims, Gary Representative Bureau of Indian Affairs
Sisto, Tony Representative National Park Service
Springer, Christine Receptionist Forest Service
Tehan, Mike Representative National Marine Fisheries
Watson, Jay Representative U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Ystad, Laurie Secretary Forest Service
 
Intergovernmental Advisory Committee Meeting

September 28, 1995 Attendance List

Name Title Agency

Other Intergovernmental Agencies
Anderson, Jim Forest Planner Forest Service, R-5
Bradley, Bill Forestry Chief Bureau of Land Management, OR/WA
Chisholm, Dan Forest Supervisor Forest Service, Mendocino NF, R-5
Clauson, Steve R-5 Representative Forest Service, R-5
Davey, Bruce Policy Analyst NW Indian Fisheries Commission
Feigner, Ken Manager, EPA Forest/Salmon Mgmt. Environmental Protection Agency
Gertsch, Mike Biologist Forest Service, R-5
Hall, Jean Director, State & Private Forestry Forest Service, R-5
Halstead, Bruce Project CDR U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Hollowed, John Director, Habitat Services NW Indian Fisheries Commission
Howell, Dave District Manager Bureau of Land Management, CA
Hutchins, Nancy Biologist Forest Service, R-5
Johnson, Richard Deputy State Director Bureau of Land Management, CA
Ketelle, Martha Forest Supervisor Forest Service, Six Rivers NF, R-5
Lawrence, Jim Deputy Regional Forester Forest Service, R-5
Lewis, Steve Supervisor, Klamath Basin U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
McMinds, Guy Executive Office Advisor Quinault Indian Nation
Pugh, Dave Superintendent National Park Service
Rea, Maria Section Chief Environmental Protection Agency
Roush, Paul Wildlife Biologist Bureau of Land Management, CA
Rutten, Patrick   National Marine Fisheries Service
Sanchez, Ken Chief, Forest Ecosystems U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Smith, Kevin   OR Economic Dev. Dept.
Stanley, Mark   CA Resource Agency
Wheetley, Mark North Coast Project Manager CA State Coastal Conservanc

Public
Arguello, Jorge Reporter Mountain Echo
Cannan, John Jobs-in-the-Woods Coordinator Private Industry Council