National Tribal Conference Call on National Planning Rule call Next Week!!

REMINDER!!! The National Tribal Conference Call is scheduled for Next Thursday (Aug. 5, 2010)!!!

The 4^th National Round Table will occur in Washington D.C. on July 29-30, 2010. As of July 23, 2010 no Tribal leaders are scheduled to attend the 4^th National Round Table.  There are a number of wilderness, recreation, and environmental groups represented at the in person participation.  Likewise, there will be significant participation online form similar groups.

IDRS, Inc. will be sending Stephanie Lucero to participate in the Round Table. If you would like any written comments delivered to the Rule writing team, please email those comments to Stephanie/at/idrsinc.org no later than Tomorrow (Wednesday, July 28, 2010).  Written comments can also be made on the Forest Service Planning Blog.

The Forest Service’s DRAFT CONCEPTS were released for the National Round Table and are available online (Click Here) to review. These concepts do not clearly identify how tribal trust rights will be acknowledged and respected in the final Planning Rule.  It is vital that Tribal Leaders participate in the National Tribal Conference Call to remind the Forest Planning Rule Committee of the need to acknowledge, respect and prioritize Tribal rights and interests in the Planning Rule.

For More Information go to: www.idrsinc.org/forestplanningportal, or Contact Stephanie Lucero directly.

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FS releases Description of All Lands and Collaboration Approach for National Planning Rule Revision.

All Draft Concepts on the Planning Rule will be posted at www.idrsinc.org website as available.

Draft Framework: Released July 9, 2010

All Lands Approach: Released July 16, 2010

Collaboration: Released July 16, 2010

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Fourth National Forum Scheduled.

The 4th National Round Table on the National Planning Rule Revision is scheduled for July 29-30, 2010.

• There will be an  in-person meeting in Washington, DC. at the Renaissance Dupont Hotel. DRAFT AGENDA

Travel Assistance is available from National Forest Foundation (application deadline is July 7, 2010)

Forest Service will be going over what they are proposing for the new rule based on the April through May 2010 Public Forums and identify gaps in their approach based on comments received.

• CLICK HERE: Register now to attend the meeting in person.

ONLINE participation will be coordinated.  Details will be posted as they become available.

FOR CURRENT UP TO DATE NOTICES ON PLANNING RULE GO TO OUR OUR NEW SITE!! WWW.IDRSINC.ORG/FORESTPLANNINGPORTAL

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4/22 Action Alert from California Indian Environmental Alliance

CIEA Needs Your Help: Public Hearing for the Delta Methylmercury TMDL this Thursday 4/22!

Do you, your family members, or your community members eat fish? Do you want to support those who do? The proposed plan to clean mercury from the Delta will only allow you to eat one meal per week of large fish! This will not protect cultural and subsistence use for you, your family, or future generations.  Join CIEA and our partners this Thursday at the public hearing for the Sacramento River / San Joaquin River Delta Methylmercury TMDL and control program.

Hearing Information:
Date: April 22, 2010
Time: 8:30 a.m.
Place: Central Valley Water Board, 11020 Sun Center Dr., Suite 200, Rancho Cordova, CA

The Water Board needs to see your faces and hear your stories.   One meal of fish per week is unacceptable and threatens the continuation of California Native peoples!  We need your help to send the message that environmental and public health interests must come before the financial interests of dischargers!

To speak at the hearing contact Patrick Morris at: pmorris@waterboards.ca.gov ASAP! 

If you can’t attend, CIEA can make sure your voice is heard!

CIEA reserved time to speak and can read statements from tribal allies during our time.  If you are unable to attend but would like your brief comments read, please send them to CIEA’s Executive Director Sherri Norris at sherri@cieaweb.org or call us at 510-848-2043.

Click here for the hearing agenda and to read the proposed plan for the Delta TMDL and stakeholders comments:

http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/centralvalley/board_decisions/tentative_orders/1004/index.shtml

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National Tribal Conference Call on Planning Rule Revision set for May 3, 2010

In addition to the Two remaining National Roundtables that have been scheduled for participation by the general public, Forest Service has scheduled a National Tribal Conference Call for May 3, 2010 from 1:00 pm — 4:00 pm EDT

The call in number is 888-603-9640.  Passcode is “Tribal”.

Due to the limited number of phone lines and the invitation going to all the tribes across the nation, phone line priority will be given to federally recognized tribes/leaders.

In addition to this National Tribal Conference call,  Region 3 and Region 5 are holding separate tribal forums.

The tribal conference call format was used by other federal agencies in the development of consultation policies, with what was determined as great success. The basis for utilizing a conference call model was to ensure equal access at efficient cost.  Tribes are still urged to attend National Round tables if they are financial able or willing to apply for available travel funds.

All comments received at the Tribal conference call, the regional and national forums shall be forwarded to the Planning Rule drafting committee. Please note that Forest Service has informed IDRS, Inc. that it is making every effort to identify tribal comments at public forums and ensure that all tribal comments (whenever possible) are recorded verbatim (exactly as related to facilitators) so that those comments can be delivered to the drafting committee. However, given the way that many of the forums are being structures as public discussions with general ideas taken down, they may not always succeed in this effort.

Please note that all posts to http://blogs.usda.gov/usdablogs/planningrule/ are going to be given the rule drafting committee without synthesis, summary or alteration.  For those that missed their opportunity to provide written comments to the December 17, 2009 NOI, this is an excellent alternative.

IDRS, Inc. is a non-profit Indian governed organization. We believe that it is vital that  both tribal governments and tribal people are informed about this national planning rule revision and are given the opportunity to address their concerns.

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Alert Reminder — National Planning Rule Region 5 Round Table April 6, 2010

Here is another reminder that the National Planning Rule Region 5 Round Table will be tomorrow  April 6, 2010.  For the Agenda Go here.

Remember that this Round Table, while important for ensuring tribal comments in the drafting of the Draft Planning Rule does not qualify as consultation.  This is the first of multiple opportunities to contribute comments and insight into the development of the Rule. Likewise, Tribes still have an opportunity to officially consult on a government to government basis with the Forest Service.

The National Planning Rule sets out what priorities and issues are to be addressed in Forest Management Plans as well as some procedural aspects for how those are accomplished.  Specifically the Rule identifies the minimum items that must be included in a Forest Management Plan, it spells out when and how plans are revised or amended, who makes decisions regarding Plans, how the public is involved, what types of analysis, assessments and evaluations will need to be made for plan decisions, how appeals can be used to address objections to the plans, and how plans affect projects.[1]

The following bold statements are the priorities and issues that are being discussed as the minimum priorities for Forest management plans.  Below are topics of discussion based on conversations we have had with Tribal elders, leaders, members and Governments. These are not recommendations or all inclusive statements but merely suggestions on some types of discussions that may fall under the specified topics.

1. Land management plans could address the need for restoration and conservation to enhance the resilience of ecosystems to a variety of threats.
Discussion Topics:

• Need for coordination and consultation with Tribal governments and acknowledge Traditional tribal practices (gathering, land management/stewardship, etc.)
• Holistic approach to ecosystems protection (plant, water, species).
• Look to traditional methods of restoration and conservation (prescribed burns) to improve ecosystem resilience.
• Improve and  increase native plant populations.

2. Plans could proactively address climate change through monitoring, mitigation and adaptation, and could allow flexibility to adapt to changing conditions and incorporate new information.

Discussion Topics:

• Need for coordination with Tribal governments and acknowledge Traditional tribal practices (gathering, land management/stewardship, etc.)
• Coordinate with Tribes and tribal organizations willing to share tribal knowledge regarding plant growth, and animal activity to gauge change in seasons.
• Coordinate plant management with traditional tribal practices to accommodate changes in traditional gathering times and locations based changes in growing cycles.

3. Land management plans could emphasize maintenance and restoration of watershed health, and could protect and enhance America’s water resources.
Discussion Topics:

• Need for coordination with Tribal governments and acknowledge Traditional tribal practices (gathering, land management/stewardship, etc.)
• Coordination of efforts across jurisdictions to comply with water and other environmental regulations.
• Holistic approach to ecosystem care (lands, watersheds, waters, etc.)
• Look to traditional methods of restoration and conservation (prescribed burns) to improve ecosystem and watershed resilience.
• Coordinate with Tribes to improve native plant populations for watershed management.
• Plans should include in their scope of minimum issues, increased efforts to consult with Tribes regarding culturally important areas and resources including meadows.  (Could include the reduction or revocation of access for OHV use in important meadow areas, improve native plant populations in meadows, allow for removal of invasive species like large diameter pine or other trees in meadows, greater opportunities for prescribed burning in meadow areas to restore health and improve resiliency.)

4. Plans could provide for the diversity of species and wildlife habitat.

Discussion Topics:

• Need for coordination with Tribal governments and acknowledge Traditional tribal practices (gathering, land management/stewardship, etc.)
• Holistic approach to ecosystem care (lands, watersheds, waters, etc.).  Look to traditional methods of restoration and conservation (prescribed burns) to improve ecosystem and watershed resilience. For example prescribed burns improve the health of trees used by certain species for nests.  Meadow restoration improves water quality downstream for fish and amphibian species which provide food to larger species it also an important component to various ecosystems. (these examples would be more applicable in Project based discussions, but demonstrate the importance of prioritizing tribal collaboration at the planning level.

5. Plans could foster sustainable national forest lands and their contribution to vibrant rural economies.

Discussion Topics:

• Plans could prioritize opportunities for local/rural businesses contracting on forest restoration work.
• Greater coordination with Tribes regarding crew training and hiring.
• Plans would include coordination of efforts to develop sustainable wood processing businesses: For example wood chip production, or biomass facilities.
• Prioritizing the development by all forests of forest restoration contracting that is not primarily dependent on the value of large diameter wood removed from the forest.

6. Land management planning could involve effective and pro-active collaboration with the public.

Discussion Topics:

• Public collaboration should occur after Tribal notice and opportunity to consult, coordinate and collaborate.
• Early tribal coordination permits assessing potentially important cultural sites, assessing tribal interests, and tribal practices that are beneficial to project and plan development.
• Need for coordination with Traditional tribal practices (gathering, land management/stewardship, etc.)
• Planning Rule should acknowledge and defer to regional planning rules and priorities. For Example the Sierra Nevada Framework

7. Plans could incorporate an ‘all-hands’ approach by considering the relationship between national forest lands and neighboring lands.

Discussion Topics:

• Public collaboration should occur after Tribal notice and opportunity to consult, coordinate and collaborate.  Tribes should also be consulted, coordinated, and collaborated with as early as possible preferably before local and state governments.
• Coordination of efforts across jurisdictions to comply with water and other environmental regulations.
• Planning Rule should acknowledge and defer to regional planning rules and priorities. For Example the Sierra Nevada Framework

8. Plans could be based on the latest planning science and principles to achieve the best decisions possible.

Discussion Topics:

• Latest Planning science and principles should acknowledge the value and relevance of traditional Tribal knowledge and practices.
• Planning Rule should acknowledge and defer to regional planning rules and priorities. For Example the Sierra Nevada Framework –Native American Relations.

[1] In contrast Land Management Plans discuss multiple goals and objectives, they assess what standards and guidelines will apply with the management plan area, they designate management areas (i.e. zoning for different types of management methods), timber designation, wilderness designations,  and what types of monitoring and evaluations are required to review the success of the plans.

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Region 5 Round Table Agenda.

Below is the Region 5 Round Table Agenda.

Please note that Round Table is intended to be the first collaborative session regarding the National Planning Rule and it is certainly not meant to replace Tribal Consultation.  That said it will be a good opportunity to get tribal interests out on the table and at the fore-front of discussions.   The substantive topics being addressed in this round table were identified in the December 17, 2009 Notice of Intent.

AGENDA | April 6, 2010

USFS Region 5 Roundtable on National Planning Rule

Afternoon Session

1:00-5:00

Meeting Goals

• Share Perspectives on What the New Planning Rule Should Include
• Discuss Key Issues related to Proposed Planning Principles

Time	Agenda Item	Method
1:00	Welcome Regional Forester Randy Moore
1:10	Meeting Overview Center for Collaborative Policy Facilitator	Brief Presentation from Sacramento
1:15	Planning Rule Definition and Collaborative Process Overview Ron Pugh, Region 5 Deputy Director of Planning	Presentation Question & Answer
1:40	National Roundtable & Science Panel Synthesis and Overview Richard Cook, Deputy Director for Ecosystem Management Coordination, Washington D.C. Martha Twarkins, National Team Lead for Collaboration on the Planning Rule, Washington D.C. Office	Brief Presentation Question & Answer
2:00	Discussion on Proposed Principles for New Planning Rule What issues and concerns should the rule writing team consider as it explores these principles? Method: Participants to choose 2 themes to discuss for 30 minutes. Time permitting, we will consider a third principle.  Each table will discuss only one principle per round of conversation. Participants to change principle for each round. If you don’t want to discuss a principle, you can form a separate table discussion topic.	Small Group Discussions with Facilitator
3:45	Insights and Observations on Planning Principles What issues and concerns should the rule writing team consider as it explores these principles?	Large Group Discussion
4:20	What Other Issues or Challenges Should the Rule Writing Team Consider?	Large Group Discussion
4:50	Meeting Feedback and Wrap-up	Please Complete Meeting Evaluation Form

AGENDA | April 6, 2010

USFS Region 5 Roundtable on National Planning Rule

Evening Session

6:30-8:00

Meeting Goals

• Explore the difference between the Planning Rule and a Forest Plan
• Share Perspectives on What the New Planning Rule Should Include
• Discuss Key Issues related to Notice of Intent Proposed Principles

Time	Agenda Item
6:30	Welcome Angela Coleman, Deputy Regional Forester
6:35	Meeting Overview CCP Facilitator
6:40	Presentation Planning Rule Definition and Collaborative Process Overview Ron Pugh, Region 5 Deputy Director of Planning National Roundtable & Science Panel Synthesis and Overview Richard Cook, Deputy Director for Ecosystem Management Coordination, Washington D.C. Martha Twarkins, National Team Lead for Collaboration on the Planning Rule, Washington D.C. Office
7:10	Review Insights Gained from Afternoon Session CCP Facilitator
7:20	What Other Issues or Challenges Should the Rule Writing Team Consider? CCP Facilitator
7:50	Wrap-up, Individual Questions with Staff and Meeting Evaluation

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Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit Call For comments to develop Draft Environmental Impact Statement

The Forest Service announced a call for comments on the need to review the management plan for the Lake Tahoe Basin management Unit (“LTBMU”).  The Federal Registry Notice is available here (2010-6030).  The LTBMU is in the final steps of collaboration before drafting a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (“DEIS”) and Draft Rule.  April 30, 2010 is the deadline to submit comments that will be utilized in crafting that Draft Rule and DEIS, which is expected Fall 2010.  Once that DEIS completed, there will be additional opportunities to comment and consult on the draft rule before the final rule is developed and expected to be published in Spring 2011.

Tribal Consultation Opportunities:

The Forest Service announcement stresses the desire to consult with Indian Tribes.  There may still opportunity for Tribes who have not already done so, to consult on the drafting of the EIS prior to its publication.  Additionally Tribes will have an opportunity to consult after the Draft rule is published in Fall 2010.

The LTBMU was in the midst of its revision process when the June 30, 2009 decision invalidated the then current 2008 National Planning Rule.   Given the level of work already completed, the LTBMU was one of the management areas/forests within the Sierra Nevada that decided to proceed with its revision in spite of the Forest Service’s call for a new national planning Rule.   Though the planning process was initiated under the 2008 Planning Rule, the LTBMU will still utilize that information to develop a management plan pursuant to the 1982 Planning Rule.  The LTBMU may also look at the guiding substantive principles that have been outlined in the National Planning Rule discussions.

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National Science Forums and Roundtables on National Planning rule

The California Regional Forum on the National Planning Rule is scheduled for April 6, 2010.  However, you can also attend the National Science Forums and Roundtables (See Schedule).  Limited Travel Funding is available (see below)

A link to register to the national meetings is available at http://fsnationalmeetings.eventbrite.com/

Travel Funds

There are limited travel funds available for attending these national meetings (which will be conducted in Washington DC). For travel fund information and application information go to: http://www.nationalforests.org/conserve/learning/planning-rule-travel-assistance

Science Forum

The Science Forums is scheduled for March 29 and 30, 2010.  The Science Forums are going to consist of panels of scientific experts who will present on the latest science relevant to the development of the Planning Rule.  The themes of this forum will shape and frame the Regional and National Roundtable discussions.  DEADLINE FOR TRAVEL FUNDING APPLICATION IS 3/17/2010

National Roundtables

The April 1 and April 20, 2010 National Roundtables will, like the regional forums, be open discussions on Forest Service’s  Substantive Topics.  The Regional Roundtables are combining all of the Forest Service priorities into one discussion.  However, unlike the regional forums these National Roundtables will split the substantive topics between the two meeting dates. (see below for details).

The third scheduled National Roundtable will be looking at the results from the Science Forums, National Roundtables and Regional Forums.  This third forum will likely be much more focused on synthesizing a draft rule and less on assessing interests and priorities of the public.

First National Roundtable – April 1, 9am-5pm, and April 2, 9am-4:30pm, 2010 in Washington DC (see location at right).  This meeting will engage attendees in dialogue with the Forest Service about the planning rule and will solicit focused input on how the planning rule should address restoration, climate change, watershed health and biodiversity. (DEADLINE FOR TRAVEL FUNDING APPLICATION IS 3/19/2010.)

Second National Roundtable – April 20, 9am-5pm, and April 21,9am-4:30pm, 2010 in Washington DC.  This meeting will engage attendees in dialogue with the Forest Service about the planning rule and to solicit focused input on how the planning rule should address the social, economic and cultural contribution of NFS lands to surrounding communities; provide for effective collaboration; consider the relationship between national forests and surrounding lands; and use the latest in planning science. (DEADLINE FOR TRAVEL FUNDING APPLICATION IS 3/26/2010.)

Third National Roundtable – May 11, 9am-5pm, and May 12, 9am-4:30pm, 2010 in Washington DC (exact location to be determined–check back at this website).  This meeting will allow stakeholders to discuss and build upon the synthesized results from the Science Forum, the preceding National Roundtables, and Regional Roundtables. (DEADLINE FOR TRAVEL FUNDING APPLICATION 4/19/2010.)

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Forest Service Announces Dates and Locations for National and Regional forums

Please find below the list of National forum dates and regional forums for public collaboration on New Planning Rule.

Release No. 1003

Contact:

Press Office (202) 205-1134

USDA FOREST SERVICE WILL HOST PUBLIC EVENTS ON DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW PLANNING RULE

WASHINGTON, Feb.24, 2010–USDA Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell today announced a series of events to provide opportunities for public discussion on the development of a new Forest Service Land and Resource Management Planning Rule (planning rule). The Forest Service will host a national science forum, three national roundtables and nine regional roundtables.

Providing multiple opportunities for public participation ties directly to President Obama’s call for open government that is transparent, participatory and collaborative, and illustrates Forest Service commitment to  engage the public in the development of a new planning rule.

“We encourage broad participation in the creation of our new planning rule,” said  Tidwell. “Through collaboration we will be able to better address the current and future needs of the National Forest System such as restoration, protecting watersheds, addressing climate change, sustaining local economies, improving collaboration, and working across landscapes.”

Following the meetings, notes will be posted on the planning rule Web site, http://www.fs.usda.gov/planningrule, to allow for further feedback. Summaries of the presentations and discussions in the science forum and roundtables, along with the individual comments received during the 60-day formal comment period on the Notice of Intent, will be used to develop the proposed rule and a draft environmental impact statement.

The meetings announced today include:

National Science Forum March 29 and 30, 2010, in Washington, DC.

National roundtables April 1 and 2, April 20 and 21, and May 11 and 12, 2010, in Washington, DC.

Nine regional roundtables in the following locations: (for updated schedule as of 4.9.2010)

• Pacific Northwest Region (Region 6), Portland, OR on April 6, 2010;
• Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5),Sacramento, CA on April 6, 2010;
• Intermountain Region (Region 4), Salt Lake City, UT on April 8, 2010;
• Rocky Mountain Region, (Region 2), Lakewood, CO on April 12, 2010;
• Northern Region (Region 1), Missoula, MT on April 13, 2010;
• Alaska Region (Region 10), Juneau, AK on April 13, 2010;
• Southern Region (Region 8), Atlanta, GA during the week of April 12, 2010 (exact date to be determined);
• Eastern Region (Region 9), Chicago, IL during the week of April 28 (exact date to be determined); and
• Southwestern Region (Region 3), Albuquerque, NM on April 28, 2010.
• Region 2 will host additional meetings on April 14 in Cheyenne, WY and on April 21 meeting in Rapid City, SD.

Webcasting may also be available for selected meetings; please check the planning rule website, at http://www.fs.usda.gov/planningrule, for the most up-to-date information.

To encourage widespread participation the Forest Service is using new media tools in conjunction with the public meetings. Please visit http://blogs.usda.gov/usdablogs/planningrule to participate in the Forest Service web-based planning rule blog.

The mission of the USDA Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The agency manages the 193 million acres of National Forest System land, provides stewardship assistance to non-federal forest landowners, and maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).

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