1996 Letter from Mike Dombeck and Jack Ward Thomas on
Accelerating Cooperative Riparian Restoration and Management
| U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management Washington, D.C. 20240 |
U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Washington, D.C. 20090 |
| MIKE DOMBECK Acting Director Bureau of Land Management |
JACK WARD THOMAS Chief Forest Service |
| Date - March 20, 1996
To: State Directors and Regional Foresters The following approach to riparian management provides an opportunity to show that we can work together across agency and administrative boundaries to accomplish our common goal of providing for healthy, productive lands and public benefits. We recognize, and want to emphasize, the importance of riparian health to the well-being of the communities dependent an the land for multiple benefits. In July 1995, we asked for a proposal to accelerate the restoration and improved management of riparian areas in the Western United States. The proposal focused on lands managed by the USDI Bureau of Land Management and USDA Forest Service. That proposal was sent to us on September 25, 1995. On November 8, 1995, at a briefing of the Forest Service national Leadership Team, we formally -announced the two agencies would move aggressively to refine and implement a cooperative Management strategy. This national riparian management effort includes the formation of a core team to act as a catalyst, focusing resources on providing training and technology transfer, consulting and advisory services. and program review. Other individuals will assist part-time with consultation and training. Another important element of the approach is the establishment of a network of riparian program coordinators throughout each agency. The approach will build on the success of existing programs and efforts, providing additional opportunity to work together more effectively. This undertaking is important to us. It represents an opportunity to work together on one of the most significant resources charged to our care, and to involve communities connected by the "riparian zone." The USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service will be a principal partner as we begin to implement riparian restoration on a watershed scale in cooperation with all landowners. It is time to "fix the creeks!" Over the next few weeks, we will be asking State Directors, Regional Foresters, Washington Office Staffs, and others to help us develop an implementation plan. This will include (detail an items such as budgeting, personnel actions, reporting, and Accountability. We will work collaboratively to implement this program. This approach requires the integration of ecological, economic. social factors, and participation of affected interests. These are the elements proven effective in successful demonstration areas throughout the West.
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