Tongass NF EMS Basic Training

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Tongass NF EMS Basic Training

• August 29, 2005

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EMS and ISO 14001

• International Standards Organization
• Efforts to standardize for centuries
• Environmental Management Systems
• Systematic approach to address environmental
  complexity
• Embraces Adaptive Management concepts

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ISO 14001

• 17 Sections in Basic Outline
• 4.1 General Requirements
• 4.2 Environmental Policy
• 4.3 Planning
• 4.4 Implementation and Operations
• 4.5 Checking
• 4.6 Acting

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ISO 14001 (continued)

• Address all environmental impacts
• Significant Environmental Aspects
• Objectives and Targets
• Adaptive Management

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Adaptive Management

• PLAN
• DO
• CHECK
• ACT

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2005 Planning Regulations

• Each NF must have EMS in 3 years
• Meet our legal requirements
• Obligation to the public for participation
• Minimize duplication of processes

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Approach for Tongass NF EMS

• Tongass will have one EMS
• Consists of two parts
• 1) Facilities
• Preliminary Planning
• 2) Forest Planning
• Under Development

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Premise for Tongass NF and Forest Plan

• Tongass Forest Plan guides all natural resource
  management
• We have environmental systems in place

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Forest Planning Programs

• 4 Major Programs or Systems in Place
• Project Planning Program
• Project Implementation Program
• Forest Plan Monitoring Program
• Forest Plan Maintenance Program

(PLAN) (DO) (CHECK) (ACT)
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Forest Planning EMS
Key Forest Planning Processes
EMSSignificant Aspects Objectives
Project Planning Program (PLAN)
Project Implementation Program (DO)
Forest Plan Monitoring Program (CHECK)
Forest Plan Maintenance Program (ACT)
Identify Potential Concerns (PLAN)
Develop Monitoring Strategy (PLAN)
Complete Design Plan (PLAN)
Identify Proposed Action (PLAN)
Evaluate Prioritize Concerns (DO)
Monitor (DO)
Create Contract (DO)
Complete NEPA Analysis (DO)
Address Selected Concerns (CHECK)
Evaluate Monitoring Results (CHECK)
Monitor Inspection Process (CHECK)
Appeals Litigation (CHECK)
Response to Appeals Litigation (ACT)
Implement Selected Actions (ACT)
Make Adjustments If Needed (ACT)
Make Adjustments If Needed (ACT)
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Significant Aspects and Objectives

• BECAUSE
• We have the 4 main Programs in place
• The 4 Programs provide for adaptive management
• Each Program provides for adaptive management
• Our significant aspects and objectives will focus
  at the Forest Plan level

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Significant Aspects and Objectives

• Combine significant aspects and objectives
• Focus on aspects and objectives most related to
  
• integrity or credibility of the Forest Plan
• Can focus on the Forest Plan level because 4
• Programs are taking care of routine
  business
• and to minimize duplication of processes

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Significant Aspects and Objectives

• Significant aspects and objectives for the
  planning portion of the EMS are those projects,
  programs, or processes that are significant in
  relation to the overall integrity or credibility
  of the Forest Plan.

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Common Sources of Significant Aspects and
Objectives

• Processes used to establish the Plan
• Programs included in Plan deemed a foundation
  piece for design of Plan
• Project or program not in conformance to desired
  standards of Plan
• New or emerging information relative to the
  overall adequacy of Plan
• Appeals, litigation and legislation
• Annual and 5 Year Evaluations of Plan
• Forest Supervisor and Staff

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Potential Significant Aspects and Objectives

• Fish Passage for pre-1997 culverts
• Forest Plan conservation strategy
• Interagency review of strategy
• Forest planning public participation
• Calculation of demand for timber
• Karst and cave SGs
• Growth in recreation tourism
• Young growth SGs
• Deer habitat management

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Planning Portion EMS Timelines

• Concept/approach approved
• 17 section first drafted 6/1
• Review draft with web links 7/27
• Internal training and audit 8/29
• Independent audit Sept/Oct 2005
• Transition to 2005 Planning Regs
  
  
• completed Fall 2005

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QUESTIONS

• ?????