1. 1 Developing Accountability in a Large Decentralized Agency U.S. Forest Service Raymond S. Thompson rsthompson@fs.fed.us

2. 2 This Presentation –Background and Scope –Approach –Status

3. 3 Background and Scope Established in 1905 Mission: Sustain the health, diversity and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations Manage the National Forests and Grasslands Largest Forestry Research Organization in the World – providing scientific and technical knowledge to protect and sustain natural resources Extensive State and Private Forestry Organization – supporting States, Local Governments and Private Land Owners in the management, protection and development of forest land International Programs – Support for protection and management of the world’s forest Resources

4. 4 Background and Scope Manage 155 National Forests, and 20 National Grasslands 193 million acres (equivalent to the size of Texas) Approximately 30,000 employees Over 41 thousand Buildings and Structures Over 374 thousand miles of roads Over 12 thousand bridge structures Over 17 thousand recreation sites Over 143 thousand miles of system trails Over 17 thousand motor vehicles

5. 5 Background and Scope National Forests or National Grasslands in 44 States, as well as Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands Managed lands comprise 8.5% of the total land area in the United States

6. 6 Background and Scope The Forest Service is a large decentralized organization

7. 7 Approach Environmental Accountability Leadership Communication EMS Metrics Development Agency Grass Roots Efforts

8. 8 Approach and Status Leadership Establish and manage the overall environmental approach Establish environmental policy and direction Produce a companion document to the agency Strategic Plan Establish a Climate Council Produce a Strategic Framework Document Establish 7 Strategic Implementation Teams Sustainable Operations Education Alliances Monitoring Mitigation Science and Management Integration Adaptation Priorities Provide budget to support the overall effort Establish environmental emphasis in executive, managerial and supervisor performance plans Establish a national awards and recognition plan

9. 9 Approach and Status Communication Establish a Sustainable Operations website Establish a Communication Plan for Climate Change Begin a monthly open mike discussion forum Create a monthly newsletter Provide various webinars Promote Environmental Learning Support partners in GREEN education Grow GREEN leaders for tomorrow Support the experience of the great outdoors

10. 10 Approach and Status EMS Establish a stepped approach Focus first on training, and on the area of Fuel Conservation Focus next on areas of Water and Energy Follow with green purchasing, electronics stewardship, Solid Waste Diversion and Recycling, Sustainable Design and High Performance Buildings, Hazardous Materials, Electronic Stewardship Enhance accountability through Continual Improvement, Audits, and Management reviews Working to reduce environmental impacts to the land Adjustments to Forest Plans

11. 11 Approach and Status Metrics Development Establish appropriate metrics to manage toward goals Establish metrics that minimize burden and cost Set initial metrics using existing data Use an automated Performance Accountability System, with drill down capabilities Use an internally focused team to focus on development of more long term metrics

12. 12 Approach and Status Agency Grass Roots Efforts Annually conduct a Sustainable Operations Summit using VTC Establish local Green Teams Micro grants Revenue generating recycling programs Local awards Carpooling Local water conservation Energy savings efforts As well as others…. Individual champions at local levels

13. 13 Summary Environmental Accountability Leadership Communication EMS Metrics Development Agency Grass Roots Efforts The challenges are great, considering the scope of the agency The Forest Service is coordinating a multi-directional approach From 2007-2008 progress has been achieved in reduced energy use and fuel consumption The agency is proud of its progress to date, and expects continued forward movement toward full environmental accountability “This is about doing the things we have always done, but approaching those things differently”

14. 14 Questions Contact information: Raymond S. Thompson rsthompson@fs.fed.us