Minutes from SW Idaho Resource Advisory Committee Meeting

Minutes from SW Idaho Resource Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes from SW Idaho Resource Advisory Committee Meeting

September 26, 2002 Cascade, Idaho

In attendance:

SW Idaho RAC Members/Replacements: Phil Davis (RAC Chairperson), Dale Hanson, Randy Harrison, Darel Harris, Lois Van Hoover, Bob Coats, Tom Glass, Barry Ross, Ed Mansfield, John Gebhards, David Whaley, John McCarthy, Sandra Mitchell, Gale Hogan.

Designated Federal Officer: Randy Swick

Others: Marcia Woslager (Recorder), Andy Brunelle (Forest Service), Dave Rittenhouse (Boise National Forest Supervisor), Pat Barclay (Idaho Council on Industry and Environment), Nate Helm (Office of Senator Larry Craig), Bill Brown (Adams County Commissioner), Russ Manwaring (West Central Highlands RC&D)

Boise National Forest District Rangers: Ronn Julian (Cascade), John Erickson (Emmett), Ray Ecklund (Acting � Idaho City), Jane Beaulieu (Acting � Mt. Home), Walt Rogers (Lowman)

Payette National Forest District Rangers: John Baglien (Weiser), Kimberly Brandel (New Meadows), Pete Grinde (Acting � McCall)

Chair Phil Davis called the meeting to order at 10:40 A.M. Chair Davis welcomed everyone present. DFO Swick indicated the following RAC members would be unable to attend: Scott Kump was recovering from knee surgery; Bob Baker had a family medical emergency; and John Hiler had a conflict with his business needs.

Chair Davis asked if there were any corrections to the minutes for the August 21, 2002 RAC meeting. No corrections were noted.

A motion to approve the minutes as written from the August 21, 2002 meeting was made by Darel Harris and seconded by Sandra Mitchell. Motion carried unanimously.

Chair Davis asked Andy Brunelle for clarification on procedures for selecting new replacements for the RAC (i.e., vice Darel Harris). Andy explained direction from Washington to maintain diversity of RAC based on legislative intent. Since Darel replaced Mark Mahon, representing the public at large, the new replacement could come from any background. Dale Hanson, Boise County Commissioner, had been recommended to the Secretary of Agriculture as the new replacement for sub-group C.

Chair Davis raised concern with the absenteeism of RAC member John Hiler and his lack of participation at the RAC meetings. DFO Randy Swick indicated he had talked to John as directed by the RAC at the August meeting. John indicated his business responsibilities keep him from attending the meetings, but he was not inclined to resign. He stated that he wanted to talk to the Elmore County Commissioners, since they had recommended him for the RAC. DFO Swick advised him of the provision in the RAC Charter regarding meeting participation, and suggested John discuss the situation with RAC Chair Phil Davis.

Chair Davis asked if a replacement from another sub-group than John�s could replace him on the RAC. DFO Swick stated that the Secretary of Agriculture appointed the replacements and they are designated by sub-group. They were selected to maintain the diversity of the RAC as Andy had shared. Darel Harris shared that he thought it was essential that members attend the meetings so a quorum would be present for every meeting. Dave Whaley said John had only attended two meetings and he should be replaced.

A motion to recommend to the Secretary of Agriculture that John Hiler be removed from the SW Idaho RAC based on his lack of participation in two or more consecutive meetings was made by Darel Harris and seconded by Sandra Mitchell. Motion carried unanimously.

Andy Brunelle said he would draft a memo to the Secretary incorporating the recommendation from the motion, and in accord with provisions in the State of Idaho RAC Charter regarding meeting participation.

John Hiler represented historical interests on sub-group B. DFO Swick will contact John Cramer who is the designated replacement for sub-group B, and determine his willingness to serve.

DFO Swick announced that reimbursement to RAC members for mileage expenses incurred for the last meeting would be deferred until the next meeting. The Forest Service fiscal year ends September 30, and in order to properly close out its accounting records, must defer such expenditures to the new fiscal year. As such, there was no per diem expense report to approve for this meeting.

DFO Swick also stated that SW Idaho RAC Operating Guideline #8. had been updated to reflect changes approved at the August 21 RAC meeting.

DFO Swick gave a Project Log Update. There were no changes except for the addition of one new project proposal: Project #02035 - East Fork Ditch Company Fish Screen and Passage.

Chair Phil Davis invited Russ Manwaring from the West Central Highlands RC&D to present his project proposal for a Form Part 1 review.

Project Log #: 02035

Project Name: East Fork Ditch Company Fish Screen and Passage

Project Sponsor: Manwaring, West Central Highlands RC&D Council, Inc.

Discussion: Project sponsor Russ Manwaring was present and provided an overview of the proposed project. Russ explained that the fish screen was necessary to protect and eliminate fish loss, including bull trout, a threatened and endangered species. The screen would prevent fish from getting into the irrigation system and help them migrate upstream, facilitating species recovery. Russ said the irrigation system serves fifty-four water users. The point of diversion is on National Forest (Council RD). The Bureau of Reclamation designed the project, and numerous other partners are involved. He was asking the RAC to provide $16,305.00. The project would be implemented in 2003.

Darel Harris asked if the actual cost is less than projected, would the RAC get a pro-rated share of the savings back. He also wanted to know if it was premature to be hearing the proposal since it is scheduled for 2003. DFO Swick suggested that it was all right to hear proposals for 2003, as the new FY starts October 1, and any projects approved henceforth would not likely be implemented till next spring. Further discussion ensued as to how well the fish screen will work. It was suggested that the validation of this concept should come from one of the fish agencies.

Evaluation Relative to Criteria:

Matching

Funds

Multiple Benefits

Affordable

Completed in

One Year or

Annual Increments

Long-term Benefits

Finite Project

Yes

RAC Decision: A motion to advance project from Form Part 1 to Form Part 2 was made by Dave Whaley and seconded by Bob Coats. Motion passed unanimously. Sponsor should complete Form Part 2, and provide the following additional information as requested by the RAC:

Affirm date Idaho Department of Fish and Game will make decision on their grant funding, and the amount.

Validation from a fish and game agency that the concept will work as designed.

A letter from the Adams County Commissioners supporting the project proposal.

Darel Harris requested that RAC members receive project proposals prior to the meeting to facilitate their review and questions during the meeting. DFO Swick indicated he would do so electronically and time permitting.

Andy Brunelle addressed the RAC and gave Title II funding projections for the upcoming fiscal year. He said the SW Idaho RAC received about $960,000 in 2002 and that would increase to just over one million for 2003. This will be adjusted for inflation (one half the inflation rate) as provided for in the legislation. Andy said that the inflation rate is so low that it will not show much of an increase this next year.

Andy indicated that most contributing counties maintained or increased their distribution to Title II, including Washington County, which nearly doubled its Title II distribution. Only Elmore County reduced its Title II distribution. Bill Brown made special note of Washington Counties contribution, indicating it reflected their strong support for rural Idaho.

Andy proceeded to explain some Washington level concerns with the commitment of RAC�s nationwide to implement the Merchantable Material Pilot Program provision in the legislation, and said that 25% of the projects under Title II must be implemented in the pilot program according to law.

Lunch - A working lunch was provided. A CD slide show was shown on the theory of how forests historically evolved through time and how this evolution provided for healthy forests that were at less risk from wildfire. Dr. Tom Bonnicksen, Texas A&M University, made the CD.

Boise National Forest Supervisor Dave Rittenhouse addressed the RAC on the President�s Healthy Forest Initiative. He said the Boise and Payette National Forests are doing what they can to restore the forest to a more natural historical look. Stewardship programs have been implemented, including thinning the forests to reduce wildfire risk, and not just cutting board feet in a random manner. Everything ecologically feasible is being tried to restore the health of the forest. Dave also indicated his pending retirement, and that Suzanne Rainville, the Deputy Forest Supervisor would assume the Acting Forest Supervisor role.

Nate Helm from Senator Craig�s Office gave an update on pending legislation.

DFO Swick distributed a packet of information about the RAC to each District Ranger or their Acting. Chair Davis welcomed the rangers and asked what they would like to see the RAC do for them. He read the RAC mission statement and said the RAC is concerned with what goes on, on both public and private lands. He said the RAC had approved a lot of road projects this past year since 50% of the monies were to go to roads and watershed issues. A discussion between the RAC and rangers ensued.

Gale Hogan stated that healthy forests and healthy communities equal healthy schools. Darel Harris encouraged the rangers to come forth with projects they felt would be good for maintaining the health of the forest and the public. The rangers asked if projects could be submitted at any time. Chair Davis said yes, but there would be a cut off date for large projects. They also wanted to know if money could be used to fund planning and implementation. Chair Davis responded that it could be used for both.

John McCarthy highlighted project types favored by the RAC based on the August RAC meeting. He said he would also like to see wildlife improvement projects, and projects which challenge current thinking (i.e., demonstration projects, collaborative efforts, etc.). Lois Van Hoover emphasized the need to use local contractors and labor so communities would benefit from the RAC money. She also reiterated the need for the rangers to work with county commissioners and get their support for project submissions.

Barry Ross explained that he did not want the Forrest Service to use the RAC money as a supplement to their own budgets, but to develop cooperative partnerships. Ronn Julian stated the difficulty of proposing projects when the budget isn�t final. So tendency is to stay to historic program and funding. John Baglien concurred and indicated he can only implement projects with completed NEPA and funding. He did not perceive this to be augmentation. Dave Rittenhouse asked if some of the projects that were deferred by the Forest Service due to fire suppression borrowing, could have been completed with RAC funds and then the RAC funds reimbursed out of the subsequent fiscal year�s appropriation. No one was able to provide an answer.

Dave Whaley felt the RAC preferred funding implementation not planning. He would prefer more fuels reduction projects. Chair Davis indicated the RAC can use funds for planning, and that might be appropriate if it would accelerate implementation of a fuels reduction project. Kimberly Brandel mentioned the difficulty of funding NEPA for small sales and other projects which create local jobs. Lois Van Hoover raised concern with funding NEPA that may get appealed or litigated and become a lost investment. Tom Glass mentioned concern with funding NEPA and setting an expectation the RAC would fund implementation as well.

Gale Hogan sees opportunity for Forest Service to collaborate and gain support from others for matching funds. Barry Ross would support getting Congress to fund Forest Service for its mission, and would like RAC funds to support extra-ordinary. "You make the cake, and we�ll make the icing." Chair Phil Davis suggested that the RAC might consider funding alternatives that are more acceptable but not affordable; alternatives that meet multiple objectives.

Sandra Mitchell felt RAC funds could be used to address increasing recreation demands, including ATV use, trail improvements, snowmobile parking area at Idaho City, etc. Tom Glass suggested developing more dispersed recreation sites as part of other project proposals (fuels projects, etc.).

John Gebhards discussed opportunities to protect usual and accustomed Native American uses and sites.

Nate Helm suggested developing a catalog of projects so RAC can choose those of greatest benefit.

Jane Beaulieu indicated difficulties getting all partners to the table to develop a project. But the will try again to organize a youth crew for community fuels reduction work.

Chair Phil Davis recommended Rangers work with county commissioners on project development, and suggested a future RAC forum with Rangers and commissioners both in attendance. Dave Whaley thought a quarterly meeting would be beneficial. Darel Harris suggested taking before and after pictures of each project so everyone could see how the RAC money is being spent.

Discussion ensued as to when the next RAC meeting should take place. DFO Randy Swick said it would be impossible to have the October meeting on the third Wednesday, as there was not sufficient lead-time for publishing the notice in the Federal Register.

A motion to skip the October RAC meeting, and resume in November was made by Randy Harrison and seconded by Dave Whaley. Motion was carried unanimously.

The next RAC meetings will be November 20, 2002 and December 18, 2002. They will begin at 10:30 a.m. and be held in Boise at a site to be determined.

Suggestions for future lunch speakers were offered, and included: Penny Morgan- fire ecologist from the University of Idaho, Jay O�Laughlin from the University of Idaho, Russ Manwaring from the West Central Highlands RC&D, and Stuart Davis from the Association of Highway Districts.

DFO Randy Swick asked instructed those desiring reimbursement for travel costs to submit the appropriate paperwork before leaving.

The meeting was adjourned at 4:00 p.m.

Review of Decisions reached at this meeting:

Approved minutes for the August 21 meeting.
Recommended John Hiler be removed from RAC due to lack of participation at two or more consecutive meetings.
A recommendation to move Project #02035 forward for a Form Part 2 review.
Skip the October RAC meeting and resume with the November RAC meeting.