Memorandum of Understanding
Between
Pacific Northwest Wildfire Coordinating Group
And
U.S. Department of Commerce, National Weather Service, Western Region
For
FIRE WEATHER SERVICES IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST
This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is entered into by the Pacific Northwest Wildfire Coordinating Group, hereinafter known as PNWCG, which consists of:
State of Oregon, Department of Forestry;
State of Washington, Department of Natural Resources;
USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Region;
USDI, National Park Service, Pacific West Region;
USDI, Fish and Wildlife Service, Pacific Region;
USDI, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Portland Area Office;
USDI, Bureau of Land Management, Oregon and Washington
and the
U.S. Department of Commerce, National Weather Service, hereinafter known as the NWS, which is authorized to enter into this agreement pursuant to 15 USC 313.
Hereinafter, PNWCG and the NWS will be known as Parties to this Agreement.
1
I. PURPOSE
The purpose of this MOU is to implement the findings and recommendations of the Modernization and Transition Committee (MTC), dated September 29, 1999 and December 8, 1999. The findings and recommendations are shown in Exhibit A and provide the foundation upon which this agreement is based.
The September 29 consultation outlines the type of fire weather support that should be provided, i.e., additional forecaster positions beyond end state staffing levels for fire weather support and advocating permanent and dedicated fire weather forecasters. The December 8 MTC consultation provides recommendations regarding the qualifications of forecasters and describes the circumstances in which they are expected to provide fire weather services while staffing fire weather shifts, (recommends fire weather as the primary shift responsibility and that the shifts be staffed by fire weather qualified forecasters, although forecasters may perform other duties as long as such duties do not compromise fire weather responsibilities).
This MOU provides a framework for cooperation and commitment by the PNWCG and the NWS to improve fire weather services and to document standards for forecasts and services.
II. MUTUAL INTERESTS AND BENEFITS
Federal agencies and the NWS have entered into a national Interagency Agreement for Fire Weather to cooperate in systems of fire weather and fire behavior predictive services essential to the success of fire management actions.
The NWS has staffing available at its Weather Forecast Offices to provide fire weather services per the MTC certification documents shown in Exhibit A. PNWCG maintains fire management organizations in need of fire weather services.
Fire weather services are a critical building block to fire management agencies in decision-making because human lives and valuable natural resources are at risk. It is the mission of the NWS to provide fire weather services and products to fire managers. It is the mission of the fire management agencies to analyze and interpret fire weather forecasts into fire behavior predictions when making decisions essential to the success of fire management actions.
It is to the mutual advantage of PNWCG and NWS and in the public interest and for firefighter safety to coordinate efforts for weather services for fire management activities in the Pacific Northwest to minimize duplication of efforts and improve efficiency and effectiveness.
Words and phrases used herein may have different meanings for different readers. To establish a common understanding, words and phrases as used in this document are defined in the Glossary of Terms, Exhibit B.
III. THE NWS SHALL:
Make best efforts to meet the PNWCG required Forecast and Service Standards as shown in Exhibit C recognizing the data sets from which the standards were established and the goal to continually improve forecasts. The season review described in Section V of this agreement will be used to evaluate progress towards meeting these PNWCG standards and any NWS program improvements that are needed to enable the NWS to achieve these standards will be implemented prior to the following fire season.
Provide PNWCG with fire weather services by forecasters who meet the Fire Weather Forecaster Proficiency and Currency Standards, cooperatively developed by PNWCG and NWS, listed in Exhibit D.
Provide a qualified fire weather forecaster at the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center for 40 hours per week during fire season (approximately March 1 through October 31) in accordance with applicable legal and administrative requirements. Specific dates and the names of forecasters who are assigned to the NWCC for that purpose will be provided by the Portland NWS WFO MIC after consultation with the NWCC annually by February 1. The application of Proficiency and Currency Standards listed in Exhibit D shall apply.
Maintain staffing and services for the fire weather program, pursuant to the MTC findings and recommendations in Exhibit A, until the NWS has the advanced operational technology in place and demonstrates its ability to provide fire weather services equal to those prior to the implementation of Modernization and Restructuring (MAR). Emergencies which may take priority over some or all of the fire forecaster’s fire weather related duties thereby requiring the immediate assistance of the fire weather forecaster, are described as "Category One Priority" products in the NWS Western Region ROML "Prioritizing Products and Associated Activities for Western Region WFOs," as shown in Exhibit E. Non-emergency, non-fire weather related duties described as "Category Two Priority” and “Category Three Priority” products in the NWS Western Region ROML "Prioritizing Products and Associated Activities for Western Region WFOs," may be performed by forecasters on a dedicated fire shift only if such duties do not compromise their fire weather responsibilities. Any changes to this ROML that affect fire weather services shall not be made without consultation of the PNWCG.
Seek the advice and counsel of the fire agencies prior to developing proposed alterations in the fire weather program and services provided in Oregon and Washington. NWS-developed proposals shall be provided to PNWCG for review, assessment, and comment prior to adoption and implementation. NWS shall consider any concerns expressed by PNWCG, especially as related to performance integrity, in its assessment of change proposals in the fire weather program and other services provided.
IV. PNWCG SHALL:
Provide coordination and recommendations for interagency fire weather activities in Oregon and Washington through the PNWCG Weather Working Team. By authority of the PNWCG, the Weather Working Team is assigned the responsibility to administer and implement the provisions of this agreement.
Review the baseline and standards shown in Exhibit C for applicability after the first year of this agreement and as needed thereafter.
Provide weather observations seven days a week during fire season and coordinate and cooperate with the NWS in fire weather forecasting. The agencies will seek the advice and counsel of the NWS regarding observational issues (e.g. moving remote automatic weather stations).
Provide work space and office equipment to the dedicated NWS fire weather forecaster stationed at the Northwest Coordination Center. In addition, in accordance with applicable legal and administrative requirements, PNWCG may provide other opportunities to NWS employees for assignments to the Northwest Coordination Center or state offices during the fire season to the extent desired by the NWS. These opportunities will be coordinated between the NWS offices and the receiving office.
Recognize that other severe weather emergencies may require the services of the fire weather forecaster to assist in WFO operations.
V. BOTH PARTIES SHALL:
Work cooperatively as equal partners in the development, application and implementation of fire weather services to assure full compliance with mutually established performance, reliability, priority, and time standards.
Recognize that lands for which the States are responsible for wildland fire protection in Oregon and Washington, and the lands for which the respective Federal Agencies are responsible, are intermingled or adjacent in some areas, and wildland fires on these intermingled or adjacent lands may present a threat to the lands of the other.
Prepare an Annual Operating Plan (AOP) that includes each WFO with fire weather areas of responsibility in Oregon and Washington as required in the National Fire Weather Agreement. Development and maintenance of the AOP is a shared responsibility between the local land management program managers and the MIC of the servicing WFOs. At a minimum, the AOP will include the items listed in Appendix I of the National Agreement which is shown in Exhibit F. Additional requirements noted in this agreement or resulting from annual reviews will apply to all WFOs that serve Washington and Oregon. The AOP provides the outline and details of fire weather products and services for local areas. As such, the annual operating plan can amplify but will not fundamentally modify the basic responsibilities of this agreement. The AOP will be developed annually no later than March 1. The AOP shall include a signatory page on which a representative from PNWCG and the NWS will sign.
Map and describe NWS fire weather forecast zones and boundaries by March 1, 2002 that will be assigned to WFOs. Zones may be periodically reviewed in the future. The zones will be included in the AOP.
Review the progress of the NWS in meeting baseline standards and progress towards meeting the NWS Director's visions and goals statement that projects a 30% or greater increase in accuracy by 2005. Each WFO's program will be evaluated on a seasonal basis using the parameters described in Exhibits C and D. The parties will evaluate and compare individual fire season statistics to PNWCG requirements and end-of-season customer evaluations to determine what program adjustments are needed and appropriate.
Conduct the review stated above and evaluate fire weather services for Oregon and Washington and recommend improvements. The PNWCG Weather Working Team and the NWS MICs from Boise, Medford, Pendleton, Portland, Seattle and Spokane shall conduct the review. The PNWCG and the NWS shall meet bi-annually in February and November. The February meeting will decide on changes in fire weather services for the upcoming fire weather season, which will be reflected in AOP. The November meeting will evaluate the past season fire weather services from WFOs and recommend changes for the next fire season. The evaluation and recommendations shall be contained in a written report to the PNWCG Chairperson and Western Region Regional Director and be delivered no later than December 15.
Respond to the other party's proposals within thirty (30) days, or advise the other party when the proposal will be addressed if the NWS or the Weather Working Team are unable to meet or discuss the proposal within their respective groups in that time frame. Except when necessary to meet emergency needs, significant proposals are expected to be discussed at the biannual meetings
Recognize the primary role of the States in administering smoke management plans in their respective states.
Allow, as permitted by law, one another the use of communications systems such as radio frequencies, computer system access, data transmission lines, and communication sites when there is a mutual benefit to both Parties.
Cooperate and coordinate plans for the weather-related training of fire personnel and fire weather forecasters to ensure that training needs are met.
VI. GENERAL PROVISIONS
PRINCIPAL CONTACTS. The NWS contact for agreement administration issues will be Meteorological Service Division Chief. The PNWCG Weather Working Team chairman will be the contact for the fire agencies. The names, addresses and phone numbers of the respective individuals will be provided to the partner entity by February 1 of each year. In relation to the NWS position serving at the NWCC, the contacts will be the NWCC Fire Weather Program Manager and the MIC at NWS Portland.
BI-ANNUAL REVIEWS. The parties will meet in February and November each year to review matters of mutual concern and review the AOP described in Section V, above.
MODIFICATION. This agreement is a consolidated document applicable to all WFOs that provide service to PNWCG. NWS regional or WFO proposed amendments to this document will be submitted to the PNWCG through Western Region Headquarters for review and approval by PNWCG. PNWCG proposed amendments to this document will be submitted to the NWS Western Region for review and approval prior to effect or implementation. No amendments will be implemented or effective until approved and signed by (1) the Director, NWS Western Region and (2) the Chairman, PNWCG Steering Committee.
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA). Any information furnished under this instrument is subject to the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552).
TERMINATION. Either Party, in writing, may terminate this instrument in whole, or in part, before the date of expiration, by providing sixty (60) days advance written notice. Neither Party may terminate this Agreement between March 1 and November 1 of any year.
PARTICIPATION IN SIMILAR ACTIVITIES. This instrument in no way restricts the PNWCG or the NWS from participating in similar activities with other public or private agencies, organizations, and individuals.
COMPLETION DATE. This instrument is executed as of the date of last signature and, unless sooner terminated, is effective for five years after the date of the last signature, at which time it will expire unless renewed.
NON-FUND OBLIGATING DOCUMENT. This instrument is neither a fiscal nor a funds obligation document. Any endeavor or transfer of anything of value involving reimbursement or contribution of funds between the parties to this instrument will be handled in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and procedures including those for Government procurement and printing. Such endeavors will be outlined in separate agreements that shall be made in writing by representatives of the parties and shall be independently authorized by appropriate statutory authority. This instrument does not provide such authority. Specifically, this instrument does not establish authority for noncompetitive award to the cooperator of any contract or other agreement. Any contract or agreement for training or other services must fully comply with all applicable requirements for competition. In addition, all parties' participation in this MOU is subject to the availability of appropriated funds.
RESOLUTION OF DISAGREEMENTS. Both parties will work together to resolve problems in “near-real time.” Concerns from either party will be brought to the attention of the appropriate management level as soon as possible for resolution. Problems will be brought forward in a timely manner. Should disagreement arise on the interpretation of the provisions of this agreement, or amendments and/or revisions thereto, that cannot be resolved at a particular working level, the area(s) of disagreement shall be stated in writing by each party and presented to the other party for consideration. If agreement on interpretation is not reached, the parties shall forward the written presentation of the disagreement to respective higher officials for appropriate resolution.
FIRE WEATHER SERVICES IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Signature Page
_/s/Mark Forbes______/s/Vickie L. Nadolski_
Chairman, PNWCGDirector, National Weather Service, Western Region
_3/28/01______3/20/01 ______
DateDate
FIRE WEATHER SERVICES IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST
EXHIBIT A
Modernization and Transition Committee Findings
MODERNIZATION TRANSITION COMMITTEE
Completion of Final Consultation of Certifications
for:
WSO Olympia (FW), WAClosure
WSO Wenatchee (FW), WAClosure
The Modernization Transition Committee (MTC) has reviewed the certifications listed above. One public comment, relating to both offices was received during the 60-day public comment period in response to the notice published in the Federal Register. The concerns expressed by the Pacific Northwest Wildfire Coordination Group (composed of local/state/federal agencies) have been addressed by the National Weather Service (NWS).
The MTC recommends these certifications be approved with the following understanding. The MTC endorsement to close these weather offices does not relieve the NWS of their responsibility to retain transitional staffing for the Fire Weather program. As outlined in the "Report of the Fire Weather Team," June 11, 1998, the transitional staffing must be retained until NWS has the advanced operational technology in place and demonstrates its support to the satisfaction of the fire weather customers.
[s] Peter R. Leavitt 9/29/99
Peter R. Leavitt Date
Chair, Modernization
Transition Committee
FIRE WEATHER SERVICES IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST
EXHIBIT A (continued)
Modernization and Transition Committee Findings
MODERNIZATION TRANSITION COMMITTEE
Consultation of Certifications
for:
WSO Redding, CAConsolidation/Automation/Closure
WSO Riverside (FW), CAClosure
WSO Salem (FW), ORClosure
The Modernization Transition Committee (MTC) has reviewed issues associated with closing offices having fire weather forecasting responsibilities. We consider fire weather forecasting a unique responsibility because lives are placed at risk. Many long-term concerns about fire weather forecasting remain and cannot be resolved in time to allow the MTC to act on some of the closings. During the review, we learned that 37 additional interim FTEs have been authorized to support the fire weather forecasting mission nationwide during the transition. The MTC does not believe the use of core forecasters will provide adequate support for the fire weather mission. The MTC advocates permanent and dedicated fire weather forecasters to ensure adequate support for fire weather activities. These dedicated forecasters would be in addition to the end state staffing level.