BY DANI BULL

S-E Staff Reporter

   Colville National Forest, along with the Shasta-Trinity National Forest in Northern California and the Allegheny Forest in Northwestern Pennsylvania, are participating in a new “Proof of Concept” business model for 2008  that will continue for the next 10 years.

   The trial was scheduled to begin Oct. 1.  The trial is based on a business model embracing collaboration with the public and a five-year “predictable budget.” The objective for the forest agencies is to increase productivity while decreasing overall costs.

   “Proof of Concept is the actual trial period used to ascertain if the program will be feasible or not,” Don Gonzalez, Ecosystem Planning and Monitoring staff member with the Colville National Forest explained.  

   “The objectives of the Proof of Concept model allows for greater public involvement,” added Gonzalez. “Long-term collaboration versus current one-year contract limits, due to yearly budget fluctuations, will create a more flexible and economically viable forest department budget.”

Stable five-year budget benefits the program

   There are multiple benefits expected from the new business model.

   “The stable five-year budget should, in theory, increase stewardship contracts and partnerships along with predictable work opportunities for community members and contractors,”  Gonzalez explained. “The changes should promote better collaboration while increasing program efficiency and decreasing overall costs.”

   The new business model was formed because the Forest Service has been experiencing increasing program requirements that continue to exceed budget allocations and workforce capacities.

   The business model that was designed is expected to accomplish forest projects and required objectives with improved efficiency. Increasing management flexibility with longer-term goals is more likely obtainable with five-year fixed budget parameters, Gonzales said.

   “Public input, including past partnerships and previous collaboration efforts and workshops, will be used in the setting of program goals by management,”  Gonzales explained.  “Local interest will enhance the decisions and improve outcomes.  The outline will highlight five-year goals with yearly flexibility for adapting those goals and continuing in an ongoing five-year goal outline.”

Long-term accomplishments

   “The National Strategic Plan, the Forest Plan and the law are parameters the plan must follow as well.  Including the public in the evaluations and yearly reviews with public meetings will assist managers in monitoring the plan,” said Gonzalez.

   The model will be monitored and evaluated by the Regional Forester and the Washington office.  Progress toward long-term goals will be reviewed with the mission of the Forest Service of “caring for the land and serving the people,” according to Gonzalez.

   The proof of concept process began for the Colville National Forest with CNF representatives meeting county commissioners from Stevens, Ferry and Pend Oreille Counties. 

   The categories discussed included noxious weed reduction and control, grazing management, wild land urban interface fuels reductions, commercial forest products management, wildfire prevention and control, timber stand improvements, wildlife and fisheries habitat improvements, recreation services and heritage management and lands, minerals and infrastructure management.

   Outlines of what each category consisted of were given to participants with CNF levels currently budgeted to that particular category.

   “Colville Forest Supervisor, Rick Brazell, analyzed the input from the public meetings, commissioners, tribal representatives and made recommendations for the budget based on that input,” said Gonzalez.