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

Date:	March 27, 2003
To:	Regional Interagency Executive Committee Members (see Distribution List)
From:	Dave Busch, Acting Executive Director /s/Dave Busch
Subject:	Agenda and Pre-work Materials for April 1, 2003 RIEC Meeting

Enclosed please find a proposed agenda and pre-work materials for the meeting of the Regional Interagency Executive Committee (RIEC) scheduled for April 1, 2003, from 8:00 - 9:45 a.m. at the Portland Lloyd Center-Double Tree Hotel in the Washington/Idaho Room. Please note that an Intergovernmental Advisory Committee (IAC) meeting is scheduled in the same room. There is a 15 minute break between the two meetings; the IAC meeting is scheduled from 10:00 a.m.- 4:45 p.m.

Even though this is a fairly short meeting, there are several key discussions scheduled. The first major topic on the agenda is a continuation of discussions regarding the new Northwest Forest Plan (NWFP) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This will include a review of RIEC operating principles, discussion of a preliminary draft MOU, and updates on related topics. Next will be a round of hot topics including NWFP-related litigation, pending issues related to Tribal Monitoring, and a progress report on the Northwest Natural Resources Forum. There will be a brief segment in preparation for the IAC meeting, including an update on the IAC charter and an overview of processes and desired outcomes for the day. The RIEC meeting will wrap up with a brief discussion of potential agenda items for the July 2003 RIEC meeting. Status reports regarding ongoing projects are also included in this pre-work package.

If you have any questions about the above-referenced meetings or enclosed materials, please contact me, your agency's REO representative, or REO Management Analyst Kath Collier (503-808-2179). I look forward to seeing you at one or more of the meetings next week.

cc: REO, DFOs, & Presenters

Enclosure: Proposed Agenda and Prework materials for April 1, 2003 RIEC meeting

1799/kc

Distribution List for RIEC

Dave Allen, US Fish & Wildlife Service
Dave Wesley, US Fish & Wildlife Service (Alt)
Elaine M. Brong, Bureau of Land Management
Judy Nelson, Bureau of Land Management (Alt)
Jon Jarvis, National Park Service
Jim Shevock, National Park Service (Alt)
Linda Goodman, Forest Service
Lisa Freedman, Forest Service (Alt)
Bob Graham, Natural Resources Conservation Service
Col. Richard W. Hobernicht, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Curt Loop, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Alt)
Anne Kinsinger, USGS Western Region
Dave Busch, USGS/REO (Alt)
Robert Lohn, National Marine Fisheries Service
Mike Crouse, National Marine Fisheries Service (Alt)
Jennifer Orme-Zavaleta, Western Ecology Division, EPA
Dan McKenzie, Western Ecology Division, EPA (Alt)
Dave Powers, Environmental Protection Agency
Dan Opalski, Environmental Protection Agency (Alt)
Stan M. Speaks, Bureau of Indian Affairs
Alex Whistler, Bureau of Indian Affairs (Alt)
Tom Quigley, Pacific Northwest Station, Forest Service
Cindi West, Pacific Northwest Station, Forest Service (Alt)

California Federal Executives

Kent Connaughton, Forest Service
Kathy Anderson, Forest Service (Alt)
Steve Thompson, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
John Engbring, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Alt)
Phil Detrich, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Alt)
Michael Pool, Bureau of Land Management
Paul Roush, Bureau of Land Management (Alt)

Regional Interagency Executive Committee (RIEC) Meeting
April 1, 2003 - 8:00 - 9:45 a.m.
Portland Lloyd Center Double Tree Hotel
Washington/Idaho Room
PROPOSED AGENDA

Time	Topics	Purpose	Presenter
8:00	Preliminary Matters - Welcome & Introductions - Agenda Preview	Preliminaries	Elaine Brong Kath Collier
8:05	RIEC Operating Principles and new NWFP MOU - Draft revised RIEC operating principles - Overview of preliminary draft NWFP MOU- Update status of: ISC Meeting Transition issues REO GIS staffing & data management options - Next Steps	Discussion Information sharing	Dave Busch Ken Mabery Debbie Pietrzak Dale Guenther All
9:55	Hot Topics - NWFP-related Litigation (including PCFFA settlement negotiations) - Pending Issues re: Tribal Monitoring -- Northwest Natural Resources Forum	Information	Roger Nesbit Jon Martin Dave Busch
9:15	Preview & Final Preparations for April 1, 2003 IAC Meeting - Progress report on renewal of IAC FACA charter - Overview of social-economic panel process - Overview of MOU discussion topic	Information Stage-setting	Dave Busch " Shawne Mohoric
9:35	Wrap-up of Full RIEC Meeting - Meeting Feedback - Review of Agreements & Assignments - Preview of potential topics for July 2003 RIEC meeting	Housekeeping	All Kath Collier Dave Busch
9:45	Closing Comments & Adjournment		Elaine Brong

Status Reports:
- FY03 Agency MOU Regarding Funding Surcharges

An asterisk denotes an item related to an Urgent (**) or High-Priority (*) task in the FY2002 REO/RMG WorkPlan.

AGENDA TOPIC OVERVIEW

Presenter/Sponsor: Dave Busch, Acting REO Executive Director

REO Contact/Phone: Dave Busch (503-808-2192) and Kath Collier (503-808-2179)

Topic: RIEC Operating Principles and new NWFP MOU

Issue Statement: This segment provides an opportunity for the RIEC to review a summary list of RIEC operating principles which have been discussed over the last year, and to renew their commitment to these principles. This segment will also feature a review of key sections of the preliminary draft NWFP Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Background: RIEC Operating Principles - Over the last two years, the RIEC has agreed upon a number of principles that shape expectations and affect how the RIEC operates. These principles were designed to streamline meetings and serve as clear guidelines regarding attendance, voting, scheduling, quorums, etc. As we continue our transition between Executive Directors, and as the RIEC moves toward agreement on a new NWFP MOU, it behooves us to take a look at these principles and processes to ensure that we all share a consistent vision for the future.

The REO reviewed notes from both regular and executive sessions, and compiled a list of RIEC operating principles (which follows this Agenda Topic Overview). While some of the principles seem obvious, others may require further discussion. The goal of this agenda topic is to review these operating principles, discuss any that lack clarity or warrant revisiting, and confirm RIEC commitment to a set of operating principles to be used as we move forward under a new MOU.

Overview of preliminary draft NWFP MOU - A preliminary draft MOU (included in this pre-work package) will be presented. This is an opportunity for RIEC members to refine their vision of what the new MOU will look like. The presentation will highlight areas where RIEC input is needed by REO in order to further develop provisions in the MOU. Executives will be asked whether they would prefer that REO work with a RIEC subcommittee when fine-tuning specific MOU language.

Updates - Updates will be provided on the following topics related to development of a new MOU:

ISC Meeting - An ISC meeting may be scheduled as early as April. Regardless of timing, the RIEC will likely be asked to provide briefing materials and a draft MOU. This is an opportunity to share any information received about an upcoming ISC meeting, and to review schedules and preparations in light of that meeting.
Transition issues - Anne Badgley, incoming REO Executive Director, has asked the REO staff to begin setting up appointments with RIEC members after her arrival on April 7, 2003 for the purpose of discussing expectations, potential improvements in how we do business, and our vision for the future.
Some changes in REO organizational structure are already occurring (in advance of a new MOU). A short update on these changes will be presented. This is an opportunity for the executives to share expectations regarding how and when changes will be implemented in the short term.
Status of REO GIS staffing & data management options - The RIEC approved a separate process and schedule for addressing options relative to potential changes in the REO GIS structure and functions. Dale Guenther will provide an update on the status of the workgroup's efforts, and the schedule for providing recommendations to the RIEC on this topic.

Next Steps - Executives will have an opportunity to share suggested next steps for development of the new MOU, preparations for the ISC meeting, transitions, and related topics.

Organizational/Funding Implications: Some of the operating principles and organizational choices may have an impact on broader discussions and funding.

REO Staff Proposal: Additional follow-up on some MOU-related topics will be needed. The REO proposes that the RIEC agree to utilize conference calls or have REO work with a RIEC subcommittee in order to further develop language for a new MOU.

Action Required: x Information RIEC Decision Other:

Regional Interagency Executive Committee
Operating Principles

NOTE: The following have been gleaned from documents going back to December 2002. They should be examined for completeness and relevance in light of recent discussions.

General

The Regional Interagency Executive Committee (RIEC) aims to conduct its business in a highly substantive executive-level forum in support of the goals and objectives of the Northwest Forest Plan.

Core Group and Quorum

All RIEC members may attend all meetings based on interest or desire; all meeting prework/notes will be made available to all RIEC members
RIEC members or their officially designated alternates are the only appropriate participants at RIEC meetings (other individuals may attend, but not participate in decision making)
Alternates are delegated the authority to make decisions
In RIEC meetings a quorum exists when the core group of Forest Service, BLM, FWS, & NMFS are present. This core group has authority to take action as necessary related to implementation issues

Alternates

Alternates must be committed to confidentiality of the group
Alternates are not REO employees

Meetings

Every effort should be made to ensure that Executives/Alternates come to meetings informed in order to avoid inefficiencies arising from need to bring late-comers up-to-speed
Capture agreements at the end of each meeting.
Decision-making: e.g. by consensus ???
Agendas for future meetings are developed by the RIEC at the previous meetings

Executive Sessions

Executive Session meetings shall be attended by the Executive or Alternate only

Calendar

RIEC should continue to meet (frequency ?) a schedule to be determined annually.
Efforts will be taken to streamline scheduling by all means, including piggy-backing multiple meetings where appropriate
Avoid adding meeting dates unless absolutely necessary
RIEC meetings will normally be approximately one-half day.
Efforts will be made to assign/match issues to appropriate meeting types (e.g. RIEC, IAC, Subcommittees)

REO Support

Sub-committee Chairs will arrange their own support services (not a responsibility of REO).

Connection to IAC

IAC Liaison is the point-of-contact for information requests, comments, and concerns.

AGENDA TOPIC OVERVIEW

Presenter/Sponsor: Dave Busch (503-808-2192) and Shawne Mohoric

REO Contact/Phone: Teresa Kubo (503-808-2171)

Topic: Preview and Final Preparations for April 1, 2003 IAC Meeting

Issue Statement: To facilitate RIEC members' preparation for the Intergovernmental Advisory Committee (IAC) meeting scheduled for 10:00 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Background: This segment will include the latest update on the IAC FACA charter, including any implications related to the IAC meeting which follows. We will also review how the panel and discussion processes will be conducted, and there will be an opportunity to review the objectives and desired outcomes for the IAC meeting. Executives will be encouraged to consider how feedback and recommendations from the day's meeting might be incorporated into ongoing processes or products currently under development.

The IAC meeting includes a panel of speakers discussing socio-economic issues, followed by an update on NWFP issues and projects. The afternoon will include an opportunity for public comment and a discussion regarding the new Northwest Forest Plan Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The latter topic will include an update by Elaine Brong regarding recent conversations among RIEC members and with the Washington Office. Shawne Mohoric will review IAC input on related topics, and indicate how that input was utilized in developing the conceptual framework for the MOU.

Action Required: X Information RIEC Decision Other:

STATUS REPORT

REO Contact/Phone: Kath Collier (503-808-2179)

Topic: FY03 Agency MOU Regarding Funding Surcharges

Issue Statement: Several agencies provided approval for the MOU, and we began working on Interagency Agreements. While this process is a bit cumbersome, our experience will be of value as we address surcharges and exemptions for other interagency projects.

Overview: We will have an up-to-date listing of which agencies have provided approval for signature of the MOU at this meeting.