The Region 3 NEPA Training Model

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Region 3 NEPA Expertise Questionnaire3

NEPA Expertise Poll4

Training Program6

Course Information and Sources7

1900-1 Forest Plan Implementation7

1900-1 special requests8

Introduction to NEPA8

1900-3 Social Impact Assessment8

Streamline courses8

Eastern/Southern Regions University8

Shipley courses8

Other Training Information9

Regional 3 NEPA website9

National Training Website9

NEPA Introduction9

Cumulative Effects9

Communications/Meetings Facilitation9

Team training9

Collaboration/Public involvement skills9

1900-1 cadre9

Resource details10

Section 106 overview10

NEPA contracting10

215 Appeals regulations10

Appeals and Litigation detail10

Alternative Dispute Resolution11

Environmental Justice Workshop11

Environmental Law12

Appendices13

1 – Meeting Advantages13

2 – Eastern/Southern Universities example15

3 – Shipley course listing16

REGION 3 NEPA EXPERTISE QUESTIONNAIRE

[“copy and paste” parts 1-2 into a Word document; fill out; mail]

Region 3 is undergoing an effort to improve NEPA efficiency. Leadership recognizes that NEPA skills need improvement in the Region so that we can more effectively utilize our people, money and time. This questionnaire is designed to find out who has skill in the region, what that skill level is, and what trainings or opportunities we need to provide to upgrade the skill level. Please feel free to add any written comments you may have concerning your NEPA skills and needs. Our goal is to have a NEPA expert on each Forest (GS12) who has the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage the NEPA process, advise forest teams on the intricacies of NEPA, and advise management on needs and problems they perceive. Also, everyone connected with NEPA should have skills commensurate with the level and type of work they perform, or the level and type of position to which they aspire.

Any organizational level, i.e., district, forest, or region, may use this questionnaire. It will in no way be used for any personnel actions or evaluation purposes. It is completely voluntary and will be kept confidential if desired. It will only be used to help determine what skills and trainings are needed in the region and to develop a training calendar/plan in response to those needs. Individuals may use it to develop their own training plan with their supervisor.

Pt. 1

NAME
UNIT
CURRENT JOB TITLE
NEPA EXPERIENCE
(e.g., ID teams, specialist duties, writer, public involvement, meeting facilitation, document review, appeals, etc.

Pt. 2

NEPA EXPERTISE POLL
[Skill may have been obtained from ways other than a training course,
e.g., experience, degree in area, etc.; if so check “taken.”]
TRAINING OR EXPERIENCE
[core courses in bold; levels are suggested only; there is no order in which to take courses]
[See pt. 3 for information on courses.] / TAKEN / DESIRED / YEAR
LEVEL 1
Introduction/Overview to NEPA (2-day)
215 Appeals Regulations (1-day internal)
BLM’s NEPA Screening Process (on-line)
LEVEL 2
1900-1 Forest Plan Implementation (5-day FS)
1900-3 Social Impact Analysis (2-day FS)
Clear Writing for NEPA Specialists (3-day Shipley)
Writing for Technical Specialists (3-day Shipley)
Project Initiation (1-day advanced Streamline)
Issues and Alternatives (1-day advanced Streamline)
Scoping (1-day advanced Streamline)
Environmental Effects course (1-2-day FS or Shipley)
FACA/FOIA/Litigation Training (1-day internal)
LEVEL 3
Reviewing NEPA Documents (3-day Shipley)
Facilitation and Meetings Management (3-5 days)
Communications Skills course
Appeals and Litigation Detail (in RO)
NEPA contracting
Building High Performing Teams or other team training
Collaboration/public involvement skills (3-5 days)
Overview of the Endangered Species Act
Section 106 Consultation Process
Environmental Justice Workshop (internal)
Become 1900-1 cadre member and teach
Resource details/shadowing/attendance at FS resource workshops (ROS, SMS, VQO, GIS, ESA, Lands/ Minerals, Watershed, etc.)
BEYOND NEPA
Alternative Dispute Resolution course
Environmental Law course (American Bar Association)
Records Management/Project Management
Internet/Web Skills
NEPA EXPERTISE POLL
[Skill may have been obtained from ways other than a training course,
e.g., experience, degree in area, etc.; if so check “taken.”]
OTHERS YOU MAY HAVE TAKEN
OR KNOW ABOUT / TAKEN / DESIRED / YEAR

REGION 3 TRAINING PROGRAM

FOR ENHANCING NEPA SKILLS[1]

Pt. 3

SKILL/KNOWLEDGE
OR ABILITY LEVEL / TRAINING OR OPPORTUNITY
[core courses in bold]
Level 1: Basic NEPA knowledge
The student has never been involved with NEPA, or has very limited experience, but has been assigned to an ID Team or wants to know what NEPA is in general. / --Intro to NEPA (1-2-day FS or Shipley course)
--215 Appeals regulations (1/2-day in-house training)
--BLM’s NEPA Screening Process (on-line)
Level 2: Intermediate NEPA knowledge
The student has taken the Introductory courses, has been involved in some NEPA ID Team activity, and is performing NEPA as a regular part of his/her job. The student desires more in-depth knowledge of the NEPA process. This student may also want to pursue NEPA/planning as a career goal. / --1900-1 NEPA/NFMA (5-day FS course)
--1900-3 Social Impact Analysis (2-day FS course)
--Clear Writing for NEPA Specialists (3-day Shipley)
--Writing for Technical Specialists (3-day Shipley)
--Project Initiation (1-day advanced Streamline course)
--Issues and Alternatives (1-day Streamline course)
--Scoping (1-day Streamline course)
--Effects Analysis (FS or external)
--FACA and FOIA (1/2-day FS training)
Level 3: Advanced NEPA knowledge
The student has taken the intermediate courses, is a regular ID Team member/leader or has been assigned NEPA coordinator-type duties, or aspires to be a NEPA coordinator. This student may have public involvement duties or other public contacts as regular part of duties that require good communication skills. This student needs to be aware of the various requirements for resources in a typical NEPA document,, but not be the expert, e.g., aware of ESA requirements, but not be a wildlife biologist. / --Reviewing NEPA Documents (3-day Shipley)
--Facilitation and Meetings Management
--Communications Skills course
--Appeals and Litigation (RO detail
--NEPA contracting (external or internal)
--Building High Performing Teams or other team training
--Collaboration/public involvement
--Environmental Justice Workshop
--Overview of the ESA (1-day Shipley)
--Section 106 Consultation Process (1-day Shipley)
--Become 1900-1 cadre member and teach
--Resource details/shadowing; attendance at FS resource workshops (ROS, SMS, VQO, GIS, ESA, Lands/Minerals, Watershed, etc.)
Beyond NEPA
The student has taken the advanced courses, is in a NEPA coordinator position with duties in appeals/litigation, or aspires to this level of involvement. This student will have a broad range of duties and expectations in his/her job. / --Alternative Dispute Resolution course
--Environmental Law
--Records Management
--Internet/Web skills

COURSE INFORMATION AND SOURCES

[courses with an * have been reviewed and are recommended by Region 3;

other courses may be excellent but have not been reviewed]

1900-1 FOREST PLAN IMPLEMENTATION (NEPA)*

This 5-day course is taught by regional NEPA experts. Each year courses are held according to interest and demand. See the Region 3 NEPA website for latest schedule (this is 2003).

1900-1 SCHEDULE FY 2003

LOCATION / DATES / SPONSOR / COURSE
CONTACT

Kanab, UT

Shiloh Inn / Oct. 28-Nov.1
(NKRD only) / North Kaibab
RD
(25 students) / Jon Beck
(928) 643-7395

Tucson

Doubletree

/ Dec. 9-13 / Coronado
(30 students) Full / Jim McDonald
(520) 670-4848

Prescott

/ Jan. 27-31 / Prescott, Kaibab, Coconino
(35 students) Full / Joy Kimmel
(928) 443-8222

Almagordo

/ Feb. 24-28 / Lincoln
(35 students)

Open to Region

/ George Wilson
(505) 434-7212

Albuquerque

/ March 10-14 /

Carson/Santa Fe/Cibola

(35 students)

Open to Region

/ Audrey Kuykendall
(505) 758-6212

Albuquerque

/ April 8-9
8:00-5:00 /

This is 2-day course for the FUTA fire training, but is open to Region.

/ Emily Irwin
(595) 842-3455

Silver City

/ April 28-May 2 /

Gila NF only.

(25 students) / Debby Hyde-Sato
(595) 388-8483

For general questions about the course or schedules, contact Geneen Granger () or 928-606-6176.

1900-01 FOREST PLAN IMPLEMENTATION - special requests

Individual sections of the course, such as Purpose & Need, Proposed Action, Alternatives, etc., may be taught upon request on any unit by Region 3 instructors. If a unit has special needs regarding any aspect of the NEPA process, instructors can come to the unit and work with staff. Contact or or your forest environmental coordinator for information.

INTRODUCTION TO NEPA- 2-DAYS*

A 2-day version of the 1900-1 course may be presented at any site as an introduction to NEPA or as a "refresher" for those who have already attended the course. Those who have taken the course have reported that taking it more than once, or having a refresher, is very helpful. Contact or for information.

1900-3 SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT*

This 2-day course is designed for FS employees who may not have formal social science training, but do share IDT responsibilities for social impact analysis. While some background in the social sciences is helpful it is not required as the basics can be learned. Completion of the 1900-1 Forest Plan Implementation course is required because this course builds upon that course and does not explain basic NEPA procedures. It is currently being revised by a national team and should be ready for FY2004. Please contact David Seesholtz () for information.

STREAMLINE*

Streamline is a Forest Service enterprise company run by Kelly Fike. The post-1900-1 courses concentrate on specific areas of NEPA analysis, e.g., Scoping, Issues, etc. Generally, 1900-1 is a pre-requisite for the courses. Courses include Project Initiation, Public Scoping, Issues, and Alternatives. Contact Kelly for information. ()

EASTERN/SOUTHERN REGIONS UNIVERSITY*

This 2-week training university has many of the courses we recommend and is open to other regions. Check out their website before investigating non-Forest Service trainings. It usually occurs in the winter and includes courses such as 1900-1, Appeals/Litigation, Writing, etc. All Regions are welcome to attend. See Appendix 2 for 2003 schedule for an idea, or check their website at .

SHIPLEY*

For Shipley course description and schedules, please see their websites below. These courses can be expensive, but are indispensable for those wanting to become NEPA experts quickly. We recommend Forest Service courses (e.g., 1900-1 and Streamline) before Shipley, however we recognize that FS courses may not be available when needed. See their website at and Appendix 3 for a listing of their current courses. For their certificate program see their website below.

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA Certificate) Program: Program Description (See )

OTHER TRAINING INFORMATION

There are different ways to get the training needed in the program. Some skills are acquired through “doing” such as being on teams, or detailing to areas where the skill is needed, e.g., appeals in the RO. Attending resource-specific workshops can also be a learning experience, e.g., a regional Watershed workshop. Many companies offer trainings around the country, as do other Regions. For instance, Regions 1 and 9 have a “university” each year where many training are offered at once (see above). Regions 6 and 10 have a “communications” university. These are economical ways to get training. We will attempt to find out about these trainings and post on this site as they become available.

Region 3 NEPA website.

Check this website for NEPA information and training announcements. It has links to all the basic NEPA sites you’ll need.

National Training Website

Check this web site out for other training opportunities. There isn’t much there yet.

NEPA Introduction

Since NEPA is for all federal agencies, other agencies have some basic introductory courses that can be taken. For instance, BLM has an on-line course:

BLM’s NEPA Screening Process

Consulting firms also offer introductory courses, such as

Mastering NEPA: A 2-Day Workshop on the Secrets of the National Environmental Policy Act

The basics of the law do not change from agency to agency, however how we apply it can be different (i.e., FSH 1909.15), so one would need to be aware of that during the course.

Cumulative Effects

Cumulative effects analysis is covered in the 1900-1 course, however some may find that an in-depth course on effects analysis, including cumulative effects, may be helpful. EPA and various consulting firms offer such courses. The Forest Service does not have a national course, however Regions 1 and 6 have excellent courses we can offer upon request. Shipley also has a course. Contact for information.

Communication/Meetings Facilitation

As a NEPA expert, one will be called upon to lead meetings or workshops, host open houses, make presentations to forest/regional management teams, serve as team leader, etc., in many situations. It is important to have good oral communication and facilitation skills. There are many companies who offer courses throughout the country; we will attempt to find the best and put on the site. The need for excellent written communication skills (including desk-top publishing) is a given, and anyone who is interested in becoming a NEPA expert who needs improvement in this area should seek out local courses (such as at a junior college, Career Track, etc.) Region 6 and 10 a offer Communication Universities (contact for information.

Nancy Moore-Hope* offers a week-long beginning/advanced Facilitation/Meetings Management course. Contact for information. Quest, an enterprise team in R5 also teaches a Facilitation course.

Meeting Advantages:Improve Decision Making and Problem Solving Through Effective Meeting Management

See Appendix 1 for full description of this course.

Building High Performing Teams* or other team training

This is a 5-day course taught by FS personnel. It has not been offered in the past few years, but is available if the need arises. It’s a great course that teaches team dynamics, and actually how to be on a “high performing” team, not just a team. It emphasizes the different needs of teams throughout their existence. Contact for information.

Shipley also offers a team course (see website above).

Collaboration/Public involvement skills

There are courses available from outside sources. Steve Daniels* is a university professor who specializes in collaborative learning and can be contracted for specialized trainings or workshops. Region 1 has a public involvement course* but it hasn’t been offered in a while. Contact for information

Citizen Participation has been offered for many years and can be scheduled upon request. Institute for Participatory Management and Planning (IPMP), PO Box 1937, Monterey, CA 93942-1937; phone 831 373-4292; FAX 831 373-0760; e-mail

Become 1900-1 cadre member and teach*

Each Region has a cadre of instructors for the 1900-1 course. It is an excellent way to learn more about NEPA and hone your public presentation skills. Contact for information.

Resource details or shadowing (ROS, SMS, VQO, GIS, ESA, etc.)

NEPA experts need to know a little about a lot. One way to learn about a resource or area other than your own expertise is to work in that area for a while. Talk to your supervisor about opportunities such as preparing a BE/BA, doing field work outside your area of expertise, attending resource workshops, etc.

Section 106
Watch for local Section 106 workshops, or check the Shipley web site above.
NEPA Contracting

Knowledge of NEPA contracting is helpful to a NEPA expert. There are no courses specific to NEPA contracting, however, however there are several general contracting courses offered. Check out the Region 1 Contracting page for answers to many questions:

Contact your forest NEPA coordinator or for information regarding course needs.

215 Appeals Regulations/FOIA /FACA*

The 215 appeals regulations are an integral part of the NEPA process. The RO (or forest NEPA coordinator) can provide a ½-day training on the appeal regulations. This can be combined with a ½ day on FOIA and FACA which are often inter-related. Contact or for information.

Appeals and Litigation Detail in RO*

The RO can provide a training on appeals and litigation to any unit as above. Once the student knows the basics of appeal and litigation rules and regulations, it’s time to come to the RO and actually work on an appeal or litigation report. Contact for information on details.

Alternative Dispute Resolution

Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is a technique whereby disputes are solved by means other than litigation. The skills involved can also be used to resolve disputes before our appeal process, or during the negotiation period. Anyone who may be involved in this level of the NEPA process will benefit by ADR training. The Forest Service does not have its own course, but many consulting firms do, such as the Udall Center:

Basic Mediation Skills

Environmental Justice Workshop

The executive order on environmental justice must be considered in every NEPA project. Understanding its background and goal will help the NEPA expert in doing an EJ analysis and making the appropriate finding. Some Regions have EJ workshops which will be listed here as they occur. Contact for information.

The WO Ecosystem Management staff will be putting some EJ information on the intranet soon; here is the training part.

Training

Awareness Training Video: “Environmental Justice” and “Participants’ Workbook” and “Fairness Matters Reference Book” ©Environmental Innovations, 947 South Williams Street, Denver, CO 80209 (303) 777-2028

Contact: Joe Carbone, Washington Office Ecosystem Management Coordination Staff (202) 205-0884

Social Impact Analysis Training (Course 1900-3) is being updated to include a training module on assessing the potential environmental justice impacts of Forest Service activities. Contact for information.

Discussion Forum: Eco-Watch Dialogues – Environmental Justice Electronic Forum

Moderated by: Joe Carbone, Washington Office Ecosystem Management Coordination Staff (202) 205-0884

Environmental Law – annual 3-day course by American Bar Association*

This opportunity is for those at the advanced level who are now or are close to being a forest NEPA expert or Regional NEPA expert. Attended by attorneys for the most part, it is an excellent way to learn about “hot” case law and NEPA issues. None are schedule for 2003, however check their website for other courses and future dates.

Appendix 1

Meeting Advantages

Improve Decision Making and Problem Solving Through Effective Meeting Management