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Regional Ecosystem Office 333 SW 1st 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 |
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Memorandum |
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Date: |
February 8, 2005 |
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To: |
Regional Interagency Executive Committee (see attached distribution list) |
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From: |
/s/Anne Badgley, Executive Director |
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Subject: |
REGIONAL INTERAGENCY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING NOTES FOR JANUARY 25, 2005 |
Enclosed please find meeting notes from the January 25, 2005 Regional Interagency Executive Committee (RIEC) meeting held in Portland, Oregon. Primary topics discussed at this meeting included: " Forest Service Planning Rule " Critical Habitat " Willamette Restoration Strategy " Monitoring Program " And several other updates and status reports.
Detailed information about these activities, and future meeting dates have been summarized in the attached document.
If you have any questions regarding this material, please contact your REO Representative, Kath Collier (503-808-2179), or me (503-808-2165). I look forward to seeing you at the next meeting.
Enclosures:
1 – January 25, 2005 Meeting Notes (6pp)
cc: Presenters, REO Staff, & PAC DFOs
2024/kc
Distribution List for RIEC
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Dave Allen , US Fish & Wildlife ServiceTerry Rabot, US Fish & Wildlife Service (Alt) Elaine M. Brong, Bureau of Land Management Mike Mottice, Bureau of Land Management (Alt) Jon Jarvis, National Park Service Rory Westberg, National Park Service (Alt) Linda Goodman, Forest Service Jim Golden, Forest Service (Alt) Bob Graham, Natural Resources Conservation Service Dianne Guidry, Natural Resources Conservation Service (Alt) Col. Richard W. Hobernicht, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Curt Loop, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Alt) Anne Kinsinger, USGS Western Region Carol Schuler, USGS/REO (Alt) Robert Lohn, NOAA Fisheries Mike Crouse, NOAA Fisheries (Alt) Tom Fontaine, Western Ecology Division, EPA Jennifer Orme-Zavaleta, Western Ecology Division, EPA (Alt) Dave Powers, Environmental Protection Agency Socorro Rodriguez, Environmental Protection Agency (Alt) |
Stan M. Speaks , Bureau of Indian AffairsAlex 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 |
ISSUE SUMMARY
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Topic: FOCUS ON CRITICAL HABITAT (FWS) |
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REO Contact: Kristi Young (FWS Rep) and Steve Morris (NOAA-Fisheries Rep) |
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Issue Statement: Update on efforts by FWS and NOAA-Fisheries to designate or re-designate critical habitat for the Northern spotted owl, salmon, and steelhead. |
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Summary of Discussion: Barry Mulder provided a brief history of the Fish and Wildlife Service’s efforts to designate critical habitat for the Northern spotted owl (NSO), starting with the initial designation in 1992 prior to the creation of the Northwest Forest Plan. In 2002, to settle a lawsuit by the American Forest Resources Council, the FWS agreed to revise critical habitat for the NSO by December, 2005. The FWS is currently exploring options for revising the designation, including how to incorporate new information from both the SEI report and also the 10-year monitoring results that will be presented in the upcoming April conference, Science and Northwest Forest Plan. Mike Crouse briefly discussed NOAA Fisheries’ critical habitat designation history, including the original designations for 19 listed salmon species, completed in February, 2000, and the proposed rules to re-designate critical habitat (published December 10 and 14, 2004). Mike also discussed the litigation that resulted in withdrawal of the designations, as well as the settlement agreement that established the deadline for re-designation (final designations due in June 2005). In addition, Mike provided information on NOAA Fisheries’ recovery planning efforts and the updating of the status reviews for listed salmon and steelhead |
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Next Steps (who/what/when): The FWS will publish a proposed rule in the Federal Register on revisions to critical habitat for the NSO by December 15, 2005. NOAA Fisheries held public hearings in January 2005 held in various locations in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and California to receive comments and feedback on the proposal. Comments on the proposal must be received by NOAA Fisheries no later than 5 p.m. Pacific Standard Time on February 14, 2005. |
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Topic: UPDATE ON WILLAMETTE PIEC PROGRESS: WILLAMETTE RESTORATION STRATEGY |
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REO Contact: Debbie Pietrzak (BLM Rep) |
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Issue Statement: The Willamette Provincial Interagency Executive Committee (PIEC) reported progress and challenges implementing the invasive species portion of the Willamette Restoration Strategy. |
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Summary of Discussion: In 2001, the RIEC identified the Willamette PIEC as the appropriate federal entity for participation in implementation of the Willamette Restoration Strategy (WRS). At that time, the regional executives set context for PIEC participation, agreed on focus areas, and agreed that further communication between the PIEC and RIEC should occur at appropriate intervals. Consistent with these agreements, Rick Hayes delivered an update from the Willamette PIEC, focusing on invasive weed management. RIEC members expressed appreciation for the PIEC’s progress and reviewed challenges facing the PIEC. The concept of "telling the story" was discussed, including the importance of describing the consequences of delayed weed management, and the need to show how weed management contributes to the success of other efforts such as salmon recovery. RIEC members also encouraged the PIEC to continue exploring opportunities for funding efficiencies, multi-agency funding, and partnerships. |
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Topic: NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LAND MANAGEMENT PLANNING |
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REO Contact: Shawne Mohoric (FS Rep) |
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Issue Statement: The National Forest System has published a final planning rule that provides a management planning framework for revising and amending National Forest land and Resource Management Plans. |
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Summary of Discussion: A final rule was published in the Federal Register January 5, 2005 describing the National Forest System land management planning framework for individual forest management plans governing the 155 national forests and 20 grasslands. The rule establishes requirements for sustainability of social, economic, and ecological systems and for developing, amending, revising and monitoring land management plans. The intended effects of the final rule are to:
The National Forest Management Act of 1976 requires the Forest Service to develop, periodically revise and amend all forest and grassland plans. The first generation of forest plans was developed under a regulation adopted in 1982. There are currently 49 revisions underway using the 22-year-old regulation. Those forests and grasslands may now choose to change to the new rule or wait to use the new rule for their next revision or amendment. An additional 42 are awaiting revision and must use the new rule. Key Points from 2004 Rule: · Plans will be more strategic in nature and can be more readily amended and revised with new information, science and changing conditions. Plans will not be considered "final agency actions" and will not require an Environmental Impact Statement or an Environmental Analysis to be prepared. Plans can be adopted through the use of Categorical Exclusions. Final decisions will be made at the project level.· An Environmental Management System (EMS) will be used during the planning process to improve performance and accountability. An EMS is a management tool used widely by the public and private sector both nationally and internationally that includes internationally-accepted standards. An EMS will be adopted for each forest and grassland and will incorporate adaptive management into the planning.· Collaboration is emphasized in the new rule. Options for management will be considered with public participation at all stages of planning. An objection process, emphasizing early resolution of issues, will replace the appeal process.· The new rule will make forest planning more timely and cost effective. Currently, the forest planning process generally takes 5-7 years to revise a 15-year management plan. Under the new rule, forest plan revisions will take approximately 2-3 years, with a comprehensive evaluation of the plan to be completed every five years to ensure it is meeting goals and objectives.· The new rule directs forest managers to take into account the best available science to protect air, water, wildlife, and other important natural resources at a landscape-level.· Sustainability for plants and animals will be provided first by conserving ecosystem diversity. More targeted conservation measures will be evaluated and utilized as needed for listed species and other species of concern.· The final rule moves many detailed procedural requirements to the Forest Service’s directive system. For example, broad species sustainability goals remain in the new rule, but the analytical procedures on how to achieve those goals will be spelled out in the directive system.The new rule and the proposal identifying how plan development, amendment and revision will comply with NEPA are in the Federal Register. Both documents are available at www.fs.fed.us/emc/nfma. |
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Topic: 10-YEAR MONITORING REPORT UPDATE |
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REO Contact: Becky Gravenmier, PNW |
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Issue Statement: The 10-year monitoring report on the effectiveness of the NWFP is the first comprehensive analysis of monitoring data and research results since 1994. This periodic evaluation was recommended in the monitoring strategy and design. RIEC receives periodic updates on the progress of the Status & Trend reports and Synthesis report progress. Objectives for the presentation: Provide updates on 10-year reports, progress on management implications, and conference; discuss key topics/findings in synthesis report, and provide a progress report. |
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Background: The NWFP 1994 Record of Decision required a monitoring plan but did not describe how to monitor. Implementation monitoring began under a draft monitoring plan in 1996. In 1999, with the help of many experts, a strategy and design for the overall effectiveness monitoring program was published (GTR-437, 1999). At about the same time, Northern Spotted Owl (NSO), Marbled Murrelets, and Late-Successional Old-Growth monitoring plans were approved by the RIEC. In 2001 the RIEC approved the Watershed module (Aquatic Riparian Effectiveness Monitoring Program or AREMP) and approved the Tribal module in 2002. The Socio-economic module is being tested, and the Biodiversity monitoring plan has not been developed. The goal of the monitoring program is to evaluate the success of the NWFP in achieving the objectives on Federal lands of conserving late-successional habitat and related species, improving watershed condition, and providing resource production and assistance to rural economies and communities. |
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Summary of Discussion: Jon Martin, Interagency Monitoring Program, provided a brief outline of the session and set the context for the following presentations. Lisa Freedman provided an overview of the meetings and tasks necessary to get ready for the April 19-20th conference regarding new science and monitoring results after a decade of implementing the NWFP. Tom Quigley provided an update on the April conference that is to be held in Portland, April 19th and 20th. A steering committee is working on the agenda, logistics and inviting speakers for the workshop. A draft working agenda is available. Information concerning conference registration ($150 fee) and poster abstract submissions are posted on the web (http://outreach.cof.orst.edu/nwforestplan/index.php). The steering committee has developed an outreach plan for the conference to reach minority students. PNW is requesting that each agency provide $10,000 sponsorship for the conference to cover registration fees for speakers, reduce costs for students and provide stipends for minority participation. A letter is forthcoming that will formally request sponsorship from the agencies. Tom provided an overview on the status of the peer reviews for the Status & Trend reports and noted that he wanted the RIEC to engage and discuss the content of the synthesis report. Richard Haynes, lead technical editor of the 10-year synthesis report, provided an overview of the status of the synthesis report and the peer review process. He discussed key components of the synthesis report including the types of new science that have been developed for aquatic and riparian systems over the last 10 years. He provided an example of the type of information that would be provided on reserve strategies in the report. He reported general observations and findings in from the report and shared the list of management questions that the team was trying to ensure were covered in the report. He provided an overview of the integration topics and the summary questions the science team was trying to address. This led to some good discussion with the RIEC. Discussion included the following topics: new legislation and administrative rulings (HFRA, National fire plan), need for partnerships, inclusion of unintended consequences, and data. Nancy Molina, BLM, reviewed the proposed process for developing management implications from the status and trend and synthesis report findings. She provided an update on progress and noted the key dates for interaction of her team with the Senior Managers Group. |
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Decisions: Future RIEC meetings will provide updates for the executives regarding the status and trend reports and the synthesis document. The IAC have been invited to attend the NWFP April conference to hear the science findings. They are invited to attend a meeting the following day (April 21) with the RIEC to solicit their feedback and input. |
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Action Required: Provide updates on the synthesis report and the development of management implications at future RIEC meetings. |
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10-year Monitoring Report Publications and Authors: PNW Publications
BLM-FS Publications:
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Topic: RECHARTERING OF THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (IAC) |
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REO Contact: Teresa Kubo (EPA Rep) |
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Issue Statement: The current charter for the IAC will expire on March 28, 2005. |
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Summary of Discussion: As a committee sanctioned by the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the Intergovernmental Advisory Committee must be rechartered every two years. The current charter expires on March 28, 2005. RIEC concurrence was be sought with respect to the decision to recharter the IAC for 2005-2007. |
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RIEC Decisions: Unanimous approval to recharter. |
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Next Steps (who/what/when): The REO will prepare the required documentation for this process and shepherd it through the renewal process. |
HOUSEKEEPING
Status Reports: No questions regarding status reports were received.
Follow-up Tasks: The REO will get the new RIEC meeting dates on the executive calendars.
Potential Future Topics:
Status announcements from NOAA
Recovery Planning opportunities
Overview of Willamette Restoration Initiative
Planning Rule Update
Partnerships – models that work
Rechartering the IAC; roles and long-term implications and strategies for the IAC, PIECs, PACs, and REO
Meeting Evaluation: Each meeting is evaluated using a standard scale of 1 to 5 (where 5 is high). Nine rating questionnaire’s were received from nearly 36 participants. Based on their input, this meeting averaged a 4.13. Average ratings for effectiveness was 4.2; for efficiency – 3.7; for focus 4.3; and rated in general logistics a 4.32. Several complementary written notes regarding the topics and allowing time for questions and answers were also received. Other comments regarding specific presentations and scope were also received and are being addressed by the REO staff.
Meeting Roster:
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Badgley, Anne (REO) |
Guidry, Dianne (NRCS) |
Rabot, Terry (FWS) |
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Crouse, Mike (NOAA Fisheries) |
Loop, Curt (Army COE) |
Roush, Paul (BLM, CA) |
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Detrich, Phil (FWS, CA) |
Molina, Nancy (BLM) |
Schuler, Carol (USGS) |
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Fontaine, Tom (EPA) |
Pool, Mike (BLM) |
Sedell, Jim (PSW) |
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Gibbons, Dave (FS, R5) |
Powers, Dave (EPA) |
Westberg, Rory (NPS) |
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Goodman, Linda (FS, R6) |
Quigley, Tom (PNW) |
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PRESENTERS & GUESTS |
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Freedman, Lisa (FS, R6) |
Hibler, Claire (BLM, Salem) |
Mulder, Barry (FWS) |
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Hayes, Rick (Army COE) |
Holm, Vern (NOIWMP, Salem) |
Progulske, Bob (FWS) |
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Haynes, Richard (PNW) |
Martin, Jon (FS, R6) |
Silverman, K. J. (FS, Mt. Hood) |
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STAFF |
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Busch, Dave (USGS, REO) |
Kubo, Teresa (EPA, REO) |
Morris, Steve (NOAA-Fisheries, REO) |
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Collier, Kath (REO) |
Loomis, Becky (REO) |
Pietrzak, Debbie (BLM, REO) |
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Gravenmier, Becky (PNW, REO) |
Mohoric, Shawne (FS, R6) |
Young, Kristi (FWS, REO) |
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Jenkins, Laurie Lee (NPS, REO) |