Forest Service, US Department of Agriculture WATERSHED - FISH - WILDLIFE - AIR - RARE PLANTS ::: WFW MONTHLY WFW STAFF NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2008 `N3 CONTENTS News Coming Events Technical Information & Publications Training & Tools Sharing Success Vacancies/ Employment Opportunities General/Cross Area * * * Air Resource Appeals & Litigation Aquatic/Fish * * * Continuing Education/WFW * NatureWatch Planning Soil * TES * Watershed Weather Wildlife * Other Staffs or Partners Regions 5, 6, 8, and 9 * * Click on the header to take you to this section of the newsletter. Federal job announcements can be found at: http://jobsearch.usajobs.opm.gov/agency_search.asp Submit your information Disclaimer & Non-Discrimination Statement News: GENERAL/CROSS AREA Kids in the Woods Core Team recognized at the 2008 USDA Secretary's Honor Awards Members of the Kids in the Woods Inter-Deputy Team were recognized at the 2008, 61st Annual USDA Secretary's Honor Award Ceremony on October 22, 2008. USDA Secretary Ed Schafer and Under-Secretary Mark Rey were on hand to congratulate the Team for outstanding teamwork and exceptional commitment to facilitating learning and organized activities that expose thousands of children to healthy, outdoor, active, lifestyle choices while reconnecting them with American's natural heritage. Group Leader is NFS Deputy Director, Gloria Manning, Members include Drew Burnett, Sandra Frost, Jacqueline Emanuel, Ellita Harrington, Richard Henderson, Anne Hoover, Patricia Jackman, Susan Mochenhaupt, Kristen Nelson, Danielle Price, Rhonda Stewart, and Craig Willis. Both Rhonda Stewart and Rick Henderson were core members of the team, representing the Watershed-Fish-Wildlife-Air-Rare Plants Staff in the Washington Office. Parents, educators, physicians are increasingly concerned with the growing disconnect between children and nature. The United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, is determined to play a visible, consistent and vigorous role to address this issue. At the forefront of this effort for the agency is the Kids in the Woods Inter-Deputy Team, who are being nominated for the Secretary's Honor Award recognizing their effort to Improving the Nation's Nutrition and Health. For the first century of the Forest Service's history, American children grew up with an understanding of the value of forests and nature. Children gained this knowledge in their daily lives, often part of their play outdoors. They saw the connection of natural resources to their homes and communities. They learned that forests provide clean air and water, habitat for wildlife, hunting, fishing, and recreation opportunities, building materials, and even jobs. As the American population has shifted from rural settings to metropolitan areas the more than 80 percent of the 300 million Americans living in metropolitan and suburban areas have fewer connections to rural or natural areas. Many children live in cities and don't have easy access to parks and natural areas. This growing disconnect with nature, coupled with a sedentary lifestyle has serious implications for the long-term health and well-being of our Nation's children. On average, American children aged 8-18 spend almost 6-1/2 hours per day with electronic media (Roberts and others 2005); and 30 minutes per week on unstructured outdoor activities (Doherty 2004). Obesity rates that have tripled since the 1970s due to "inactive lifestyles" (Office of the Surgeon General 2007). Studies indicate that children deprived of the spiritual, emotional, and psychological benefits of exposure to nature (Faber Taylor and Kuo 2006; Louv 2005) are more prone to depression and attention disorders and miss out on improved cognitive development, creativity, and cooperative play. The Forest Service has a number of ongoing activities across functional areas to help connect children with nature. For over 100 years, agency personnel have provided interpretive services, wildlife/fisheries/botanical environmental education, ranger talks, and summer outdoor work opportunities. The Kids in the Woods effort grew out of a challenge - and a commitment - made by former Chief Dale Bosworth in 2006 to find a way to make the Forest Service the leading Federal agency reconnecting American youth to the outdoors and to make it happen in an effort that integrated the four deputy areas in the agency: National Forest System, State & Private Forestry, Research & Development, and Business Operations. The current Chief, Abigail Kimbell, has identified reconnecting youth with nature one of the agency's emphasis areas. The Kids in the Woods Inter-Deputy Team (KIW-Team) members have labored to increase opportunities and enhance existing programs to establish and renew children's affinity with nature. Team members represent all deputy areas with a personal belief in shared responsibility and passion that transcends agency functional areas. The KIW-Team builds upon the Forest Service's long tradition of working with children and has coalesced with the broad national movement aimed at connecting children with the great outdoors through a variety of activities, including hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, recreation and outdoor education. Submitted By: Rhonda Stewart, USFS/R8 AQUATIC/FISH Rise to the Future Awards Recognize Outstanding Accomplishments On October 22, FS fisheries biologists, hydrologists and soil scientists gathered in Washington DC to honor exemplary dedication to the fisheries and aquatic resources of the Forest Service. The annual Rise To The Future awards recognize a wide breadth of accomplishments, ranging from public outreach, to collaborative aquatic stewardship, to partnership contributions, and to mentoring FS employees. Fisheries management has been part of the National Forest program since its beginnings. The Forest Service focuses on managing fish habitats and angling opportunities in cooperation with State agencies who regulate and manage fish populations. Since 1987, the Forest Service has re-emphasized this program through Rise to the Future, which outlines an action plan to enhance fishery resources and improve fishing. Rise to the Future is founded on the knowledge and cooperation of government agencies, private industry, researchers, and the angling public. These partnerships guarantee the enjoyment of healthy resources for generations to come. At this year's RTTF ceremony in Washington DC, Chief Gail Kimbell, Associate Chief Sally Collins, Deputy Associate Chief Joel Holtrup, Deputy Chief for Research Ann Bartuska, Alaska Regional Forester Denny Bschor, and Director of Watershed, Fisheries, Wildlife, Air and Rare Plants Anne Zimmermann, were on hand to congratulate FS employees from across the agency. As each employee received their award, their accomplishments were shared with the gathering, and they had the opportunity to briefly talk about their work. "Each year, the RTTF awards recognize the very best work in fisheries and aquatic resources in the Forest Service. It is inspiring to hear about this great work, and to hear the passion and commitment in each award recipient's voice," said WFWARP Director Zimmermann. For the first time, recipients of the "Wagon Wheel Gap" Hydrology award and the National Field Soil Scientist award were also recognized at the RTTF ceremony. Submitted By: Dave Schmid, USFS/WO/WFW 2008 Rise to the Future & National Watershed Award Recipients Public Awareness Wildlife Forever - Eastern Region (R9) & Beyond! (http://www.wildlifeforever.org) Through a partnership with Region 9, Wildlife Forever launched the "Threat Campaign"-effectively spreading the anti-invasive species message to recreational users. Using a comprehensive mix of media, conservation education programs and publication development, Wildlife Forever has generated more than 136 million impressions-reaching 1,010 people with every $1 invested. During its existence, Wildlife Forever has contributed $26 million to fish and wildlife conservation projects and has been a valued partner with Forest Service programs in Region 9, and across the agency. Aquatic Recreational Accomplishment David C. Byrd - Fisheries Biologist Kisatchie NF - Southern Region (R8) (http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/kisatchie/ ) As the first full-time fisheries biologist on the Kisatchee NF, David has built a successful and diverse Recreational Fisheries Program that both ensures healthy and productive waters, and effectively engages the public. David's accomplishments include managing 32 lakes and wildlife ponds, leading volunteers in habitat restoration work, championing annual fishing derbies, and conducting conservation education courses. Collaborative Aquatic Stewardship The Resurrection of Resurrection Creek Chugach NF, Seward RD, Enterprise Teams, & Tongass National Forest Alaska Region (R10) (http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/chugach/) This extensive, collaborative aquatic stewardship project restored a degraded Alaskan stream to health. Working with community partners, State and Federal agencies, the team reconstructed the main channel, developed floodplains, and created miles of new side channel and acres of side channel pools. These successes were recognized by the Alaska State Legislature, and it was recognized as a five star restoration site by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, National Association of Counties, Wildlife Habitat Council, and the US Environmental Protection Agency. Resurrection Creek is now a model for river restoration for the country. Research Achievement Douglas P. Peterson - US Fish and Wildlife Service Bruce E. Rieman, Jason B. Dunham, & Michael K. Young - Rocky Mountain Research Station (http://www.fs.fed.us/rmrs/ ) Kurt D. Fausch - Department of Fishery - Colorado State University This team of researchers advanced our understanding of salmonid isolation issues and developed tools to help guide management actions and prioritize projects. They analyzed the existing information and developed a framework to consider tradeoffs in the installation or removal of fish barriers. They crafted guidelines for making individual decisions and for prioritizing projects, and developed a tool to evaluate issues and model effects. Mentor Arnie (Skip) Rosquist -Hydrologist & Watershed Program Manager Lolo NF - Northern Region (R1) (http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/lolo) Skip was nominated by the Lolo NF and the Northern Regional Office. He has served as the Forest Hydrologist and Watershed Program Manager on the Lolo NF since 1977. Throughout his career, Skip has made extraordinary efforts to mentor and guide many young professionals. His foresight, gentle guidance, and consistent support and commitment to employee success has led to outstanding, high-quality work - not only for himself, but also for the cadre of aquatic professionals that have been fortunate to benefit from his mentorship. Professional Excellence - Fish Management James Capurso - Forest Fisheries Biologist Caribou-Targhee NF - Intermountain Region (R4) (http://www.fs.fed.us/r4/caribou-targhee/ ) James' passion for aquatic resources is clearly reflected in the strong, balanced, dynamic fisheries program he has developed on the Caribou-Targhee NF. His leadership has resulted in a diverse program that includes native fish reintroduction projects, physical habitat restoration projects, aquatic organism passage surveys and restoration projects, dam removals, beaver reintroductions, and irrigation diversion screen and bypass projects. James is always willing to assist Regional and National Offices when needed, and he recently served as the acting National Fish Program Leader. Director's Award Scott Peets - Fisheries Biologist Liaison with the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watershed Recovery Siuslaw NF - Pacific Northwest Region (R6) (http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/siuslaw/ ) Scott's exceptional leadership has made a real difference for Threatened and Endangered fish resources in the Pacific Northwest. During a complex and tension-filled period of multiple listings and litigation, he has been instrumental in developing streamlined consultation and facilitating more effective interagency coordination. Scott was also instrumental in developing programmatic consultation covering fish passage projects in both Oregon and Washington. Most recently, he has expanded the program to address other fish habitat restoration activities. Submitted By: Dave Schmid, USFS/WO/WFW SOIL Pacific Southwest Region Issues Safety Alert on NOA - serpentine kills! The Pacific Southwest Regional Office has issued an alert on Naturally Occurring Asbestos (NOA), one of several types of dust which may be harmful to your health. Others include silica, heavy metals, arsenic, and in portions of Southern California, the spores of the Valley Fever fungus. If you are indoors, hantavirus can also be spread by inhaling dust where infected rodent feces or urine are present. The Region has a working group looking at what we know about the areas where NOA may be found on R5 forest lands. Rocks which may be sources of NOA are found in 44 of 58 California counties. A JHA to address "Minimizing Exposures to Potentially Harmful Dust" (including NOA) is currently under review by the regional group. This will be sent out when completed. But for now, please read the Safety Alert for tips on reducing health risk under dusty conditions. NOA - R5 Safety Alert - 9-2008 Submitted By: Randy L. Davis, USFS/WO/WFW TES 30-Day Pre-decisional Review and Opportunity To Object; Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands Land Management Plan First LMP "nearly completed" under the 2008 NFMA Planning Rule. http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-24262.pdf "The Forest Supervisor for the Pike and San Isabel National Forests and the Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands (PSICC) has made available the Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands Land Management Plan (Grasslands Plan) for a 30 day predecisional review and objection period. The 30-day pre-decisional review and objection period commences the day following the publication of the legal notice in the Pueblo Chieftain, Pueblo, Colorado." Cimarron/Comanche NG Land Management Plan Development and Revision Submitted By: Marc Bosch, USFS/ WO/WFW Coming Events - Conferences & Meetings: Managing Climate Change Risk in Forests Date: November 12, 2008, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM Location: Portland, Oregon Contact: Michele at 888-722-9416 or 503-226-4562 or richard@westernforestry.org Cost: $165 before November 4; $195 after November 4 Notes: http://www.westernforestry.org National Association for Interpretation National Workshop Date: November 11-15 (Tue-Sat), 2008 Location: Portland, Oregon 15th Annual The Wildlife Society Conference Date: November 8 - 12, 2008 Location: Miami, Florida Facility: Hyatt Regency Miami - 400 SE 2nd Avenue Technical Information & Publications: AQUATIC/FISH R1/R4/R6 RMRS Fisheries & Aquatic Sciences Shared Technology Transfer Program gets a Web Transformation The R1/R4/R6 RMRS Fisheries & Aquatic Sciences Shared Technology Transfer Program based at the RMRS Boise Aquatic Sciences Lab has undergone a great deal of webpage remodeling over the past month as part of an effort to meet their program goals. Their ambition is to create a highly comprehensible site that will provide timely awareness and delivery of relevant knowledge, technical tools, and procedures to assist land managers and practitioners in addressing current and emerging fisheries and aquatic issues as well as to educate anyone who may take interest. The new webpage debuts their latest hierarchically hyperlinked organization chart. This chart utilizes a visual learning process that seamlessly links users to science information and products. Research products are also delivered through the use of schematic diagrams, briefing papers, publications, models, downloadable products and much more. Visit the new site at: http://www.fs.fed.us/rm/boise/research/techtrans/index.shtml Submitted By: Angelica M. Vicente, USFS/ RMRS/ Boise Aquatic Sciences Lab National Forest Service Library Can Help You * Want the NFSL to subscribe to your favorite journal? Send them an email (FSLibrary@fs.fed.us) with the journal name and if you think the journal is widely read by fellow FS colleagues (high or low demand). * Web of Science is available through the NFSL internal website (a.k.a. Intranet/FSWeb). It is a great resource for finding articles. It is NOT available through DigiTop or through Google. We currently have the 'Science' section. Will soon have access to the 'Social Science' section. * While on your USDA computer you can search DigiTop through Google. Submitted By: Julie Blankenburg, USFS/NFSL Training - Tools: TRAINING - Check out AgLearn on the Forest Service system Self Register in AgLearn for any WFW Continuing Education workshop! Need help with AgLearn? Contact Shelly Witt - switt01@fs.fed.us Might we suggest one of the following fine training options... * Endangered Species Act for Line Officers o May 4-7 in San Diego California * Policy and Legal Aspects of Endangered Species Management o March 2-5 in Portland Oregon * Leadership and Communications o February 24 - March 5 in Kissimmee Florida; o March 26-April 3 in Missoula Montana * Wildlife Conservation & Management o blended online (start in January up to April) and o onsite (April 13-17) in Flagstaff Arizona * Planning for Environmentally-Sensitive Highway Projects o April 5-9 in Bend Oregon * Innovative Approaches to Wildlife and Highway Interactions o March 3-5 in Ocala Florida; o July 20-24 in Truckee California Sharing Success: AQUATIC/FISH Come to Lunch at the Lake Vermillion Sites By Yvonne Schmidt, LaCroix Ranger District. With its rocky shoreline and hundreds of islands, Lake Vermilion stretches 35 miles between Cook and Tower, Minnesota, within the Superior National Forest. There are resorts, homes, and cabins around the lake, with lots of small bays and large, open expanses of water for visitors to boat and fish, spend a day or stay a week. As the numbers of resort guests and property owners using the lake have increased, so too has the demand for day use facilities with safe dockage for large watercraft. The public campsites on the lake do not have docks and are not intended for day use. Over the past fifteen years, The Sportsmen's Club of Lake Vermilion, Inc., has worked in partnership with the LaCroix Ranger District to install boat docks and picnic facilities at six scenic locations on national forest system land adjacent to the Lake. There are two sites on the east end of the lake, two centrally located, and two on the west end. The sites are for day use only, not for camping or houseboat mooring. Volunteers from the Sportsmen's Club maintain the sites during the boating season and repair or replace docks as needed. Ray Harris, a charter member of the club, said "It's been a real good partnership. The sites are well-distributed around the lake, and they get a lot of use by residents and resort guests for picnic lunches." Each shore lunch site has a dock, picnic table, steel firegrate, and wilderness-style latrine. The public can safely dock their boats to enjoy a picnic, fish, swim and relax without occupying a campsite. The dock for the newest shore lunch site was funded through the generosity of a family in memory of a man who loved the lake and had a summer home there. They want others to be able to enjoy the beauty of Lake Vermilion for many years to come. Two other day use sites are also memorials. For more information about the Lake Vermilion Shore Lunch Sites including GPS coordinates, go to the following websites: Superior National Forest at www.fs.fed.us/r9/superior (look under "Recreational Opportunities") or The Sportsmen's Club of Lake Vermilion at www.sportsmensclublakevermilion.org. This Success Story Online Chippewa NF Hosts North American Fisherman Show North American Fishing Show films on the Chippewa during our centennial year. By: Melissa Rickers (R09_Chippewa) Lights, Camera, Action ... Those were words heard on the Chippewa National Forest in August when the Fox Sports television show "North American Fisherman" came to film on the Chippewa National Forest during our centennial year. While working with the Urban Connections program at the MN State Fish Art Day, Todd Tisler, Chippewa Fish and Wildlife Program Manager, met Steve Pennaz host of the North American Fishing Show. Todd casually invited him to film on the Chippewa and when a cancellation occurred, the crew packed up and headed north! At an undisclosed "area lake" on the Chippewa National Forest, several scenes were filmed for a program to be aired around April 2009. It's not about advertising a lake, the producers said, Its about encouraging the outdoor experience. The catch of the day was largemouth bass, along with a few northern pike and some panfish. Filming the fishing, said wildlife biologist Todd Tisler, was a lot more work than you'd think. Scenes needed several angles, underwater shots, background information, and of course, everyone showing their sponsor or Forest logo at the right time. The show's host, Steve Pennaz thought it was enjoyable and productive to film at a national forest. Reflecting on the experience, he noted that if all trips went as well as this one he would have the best job on the planet. Todd did a great job on camera, especially when it came to talking about the National Forest and its many facilities/features. The show features a favorite species each week with nationally-known experts Steve Pennaz, Karen Savik, Buzz Ramsey and George Liddle. It also focuses on how to and where to fish, but likes to emphasize story-telling about an area so the show appeals to a wider audience. The film crew also gathered information on Chippewa National Forest facts and during filming discussed the Chippewa's extensive water resources, concern for invasive species, and abundant recreation opportunities. There were plenty of out-takes that have made for great story telling around the office and everyone is anxious to see the final product. The North American Fishing Show is picked up by several networks (Versus, Fox Sports, Lonestar Cable and Comcast) and airs nationally. They will also use information from the show in the North American Fisherman magazine which is distributed to 450,000 people. The Chippewa National Forest episode should be shown around April 2009 and you should, as they say in the fishing world, be sure to Catch It! This Success Story Submitted By: Nick Schmal, USFS/R9/WFW Read more success stories at our USFS Success Story Reporting System. * Archaeology Field School a Success * Mussel Power! * American Ginseng Flourishing in Wayne National Forest * Interpretive Program Goes To The Bats Have a USFS Success? Share it through the USFS Success Story Reporting System. http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/ssrs/index.php - NOW ON WWW! Subscribe to the Success Story Reporting System Vacancies/Employment Opportunities: REGION 5 Northwest Forest Plan Detailers Needed The 4 Northern Forests in R5 have a need for detailers to achieve their FY '09 objectives. The specifics, as well as the contact information, are included In the table below. The receiving forests will pay all costs. If you can help please give the identified folks a call. NWFP Detailer Needs Skill Needed Grade Location Time Frame Contact 2 Layout Foresters 9 or 11 Mendocino/Willows Oct - Dec Nancy Mulligan Marking Crew Various Mendocino/Willows May - July Nancy Mulligan 2 Wildlife Biologists 9 or 11 Shasta-Trinity/Weaverville Oct-- Nov Bob Ramirez Fisheries Biologist 9 or 11 Shasta-Trinity/Weaverville Oct-- Nov Bob Ramirez Sale Prep Crew Various Shasta-Trinity Oct-- Dec Phil Eisenhauer Sale Prep Forester 9 or 11 6 Rivers/Mad River Oct-- Nov Roy Bergstrom Sale Prep Forester 9 or 11 6 Rivers/Lower Trinity Oct-- Nov Roy Bergstrom Stand Exam Crew Various 6 Rivers/Mad River/Lower Trinity Nov+ Roy Bergstrom Silviculturist 9 or 11 Klamath/Yreka Oct-- Nov Dan Blessing Silviculturist 9 or 11 Klamath/McDoel April-Sept Dan Blessing Wildlife Biologist 9 or 11 Klamath/McDoel April-Sept Dan Blessing Contact Information Nancy Mulligan MNF - SO 530-934-1149 Bob Ramirez SHF- SO 530-226-2434 Phil Eisenhauer SHF- SO 530-226-2304 Roy Bergstrom SRF - SO 707-441-3553 Dan Blessing KNF - SO 530-841-4521 REGION 6 Vacancy Outreach: Supervisor Wildlife Biologist GS-0486-11 Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, Gold Beach Ranger District - Gold Beach, Oregon This position is responsible for the District's wildlife, invasive species and botany programs. The tour of duty is permanent full time. No government housing is available. The 30-day announcement is anticipated in December of 2008. The vacancy announcement for this position will be posted on the U.S. Government official website for employment opportunities at http://www.usajobs.opm.gov. If you are interested in this position, please complete the following information and send to Alan Vandiver (avandiver"at"fs.fed.us) by November 28, 2008. Name: Current Agency or Forest: Email Address: Current Job Title, Series and Grade: Mailing Address: Type of Appointment: Phone: If you are not a status (career or career conditional) permanent employee, please check the following special authorities that you are eligible for: Reinstatement Eligible _____ Person with Disability _____ Veterans Readjustment _____ Disabled Veteran with 30% Compensable Disability ____ Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 ____ Former Peace Corps Volunteer ____ Student Career Experience Program ____ Other _____________ REGION 8 Vacancy Outreach: The USDA Forest Service-Savannah River The USDA Forest Service - Savannah River (USFS-SR) will soon be advertising a GS-0404-8/9, Biological Technician (Wildlife). The selected employee has primary responsibility to assist with organizing, coordinating, monitoring, and implementing various wildlife programs. This includes threatened and endangered species management, contracts and contract administration, nuisance animal control, population monitoring, and wildlife habitat manipulation. The position also serves as a member on the Interdisciplinary Team for watershed management. The majority of the work will be related to management of the federally endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. For additional information about the position, please contact Scott Ray, Supervisory Wildlife Biologist, (803)-725-8718. USFS-SR is an administrative unit of the Southern Region working under an Interagency Agreement with the US Department of Energy, and is responsible for managing the natural resources of the Savannah River Site; a Department of Energy Complex consisting of a 198,000-acre National Environmental Research Park near Aiken, South Carolina. USDA Forest Service, Savannah River employees have the unique opportunity to work for an organization that combines ecosystem-based, natural resource management and engineering with a commitment to cutting-edge, nationally significant research and education programs. Although USFS-SR staff areas are in some ways similar to other Forest Service units, opportunities and challenges far exceed those available on a typical national forest. Employees working in the Research, Timber, Fire, Wildlife & Botany, Engineering, Soil Water & Air, Planning, and Administration departments gain experience equal to their counterparts on a national forest. In addition, they face the challenges of working closely with colleagues from other agencies, universities, corporations and other organizations. These opportunities provide not only for an interesting and stimulating work environment, but also add complexity to each job, helping to make the employee more competitive for future promotions and career advancement. Support for training, equipment, and operational activities at USFS-SR have traditionally been exceptional and unsurpassed agency-wide. USFS-SR employees use the most modern personal computers, GIS, GPS, and laser equipment available on the market. Firefighters have access to a full-time helicopter for the entire burning season (20,000 acres burned/year; most by aerial ignition), and are currently field-testing new equipment, including hand-held GPS units and new fire resistant clothing. Wildlife scientists have developed new strategies and techniques to increase endangered species populations regionwide. USFS-SR-sponsored education programs reach over 15,000 students per year and cover a 12-county area in South Carolina and Georgia. Timber personnel sell 65,000-75,000 CCF of timber per year, while simultaneously meeting their main goal of ecosystem restoration and enhancing wildlife habitat. Engineers use dual frequency, survey-grade GPS equipment for road and boundary management. Local Area Information: USFS-SR is located in the Central Savannah River Area, which includes the cities of Augusta, Georgia (30 miles from USFS-SR), and Aiken, South Carolina (15 miles from USFS-SR). Because the mission of the Savannah River Site is international in scope, the local communities include people from all races and cultures. The average temperature is 65 degrees and average annual rainfall is 47.5 inches. Houses in the area rent for $200/month-$1,000/month and sell for $50,000-$500,000 and are available in both urban and rural settings. Recreational opportunities abound in the area and include fishing, hunting, hiking, swimming, and biking. Atlanta, the Appalachian Mountains, and the Atlantic Ocean all offer excellent recreational opportunities, and are only 2 1/2 hours away by car. The area is rich with Revolutionary War and Civil War historic sites throughout the region. Augusta, the second largest city in Georgia (pop. 196,000), is a full-service community with five major hospitals, three universities, an orchestra, and a minor league baseball team. It is also host to the Masters Golf Tournament, high-speed power boat races and a major rodeo each year. Aiken (pop. 25,000), a recent winner of the nationwide, All American City competition, is also a full-service community with one hospital, one university, and a 2,000-acre public woodland in the city center. Several major horse competitions are held each year in the city. For more information about the USDA Forest Service - Savannah River, please call (803) 725-0246. For information about Aiken and or Augusta, please call the Chamber of Commerce or visit the websites listed below: Aiken Chamber of Commerce (803) 641-1111 Web site: www.chamber.aiken.net Augusta Chamber of Commerce (706) 821-1300 Web site: www.metroaugusta.com For information and an application for federal employment, call our main office at (803) 725-2441 or visit the Federal Government official web site for jobs and employment. http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/ An application can be downloaded from this site at: http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/bla.htm - OF612 REGION 9 Draft Outreach Notice for Regional Planner/Monitoring Coordinator Attention: Current and former leaders and members of Forest, zone, regional or national planning teams! Region 9 will soon be advertising a GS-13 Regional Planner/Monitoring Coordinator position in our Milwaukee, WI Regional Office. The job: * Provide NFMA coordination and oversight for 15 Forests and a Tallgrass Prairie. All Forests have recently revised plans under the 1982 planning rule and are keeping them up to date through monitoring and evaluation, administrative corrections, and amendments. * Provide leadership for Forest Plan monitoring, and for transition to the 2008 planning rule. * Serve in a key interdisciplinary team leadership role working with resource specialists on Plan implementation and monitoring. * Be a champion for collaborative public processes and assist Region 9 units with their collaborative efforts. * Be a part of a transformed team of national and regional planners working on national policy issues and direction. * Be a part of a small regional office staff with unparalleled teamwork and camaraderie. The location: Milwaukee is a great place to live and work! The office is located downtown just two blocks from Lake Michigan, with reliable subsidized bus transportation from all parts of the city and suburbs. The Regional Planner's cubicle has the best view on the 7th floor of the lakefront scene pictured at the top! See attachment for more about Milwaukee. Let us hear from you: We plan to advertise this position in the 401 series, but will consider concurrent advertisements in other series depending on the responses we get. Please contact Jo Reyer (414) 297-1905 (jreyer@fs.fed.us) or Rick Hokans (414) 297-3607 (rhokans@fs.fed.us). Outreach Notice: USDA Forest Service, Eastern Region Tribal Relations Specialist GS 301-13 This position serves as the policy advisor to the Forest Service Regional Forester and Forest Supervisors in the Eastern Region, regarding Federal agency relations with American Indian Tribal Governments. The position is located in the Regional Office in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This position will be advertised government-wide. We are looking for an individual who will provide regional leadership in tribal relations as well as a broad perspective in resource management and work well in a team setting. Duties of this Position: The position is responsible for initiating communications, coordinating diverse staff area efforts and providing advice and counsel to the Regional Forester for key tribal relations concerns and issues. * Coordinates multi-program actions by working with Regional staff directors to identify common goals and interests regarding tribal government relations. Provides advice on a wide range of issues and plans. Coordinates responses and advice with affected program areas to maintain continuity with tribal relations and consistent approaches to emerging issues and concerns. * Provides technical assistance on American Indian rights and interests to Forest Service staff and field units. Monitors program approaches for consistency and continuity with regional policies and procedures. * Contributes to National efforts for action plans, direction, guidance, and proposed policy. Leads efforts to develop and coordinate Regional action plans and recommend needed changes to foster strong Forest Service tribal government relations or partnerships. Provides coordination, review and comment and follow-through for legislative proposals involving relations with American Indian Tribal Governments and their elected officials. * Consults with management to prepare detailed plans, goals, objectives, requirements, and criteria for complex or high-value management processes and systems. * Develops training programs and learning opportunities on a full range of federal and tribal relationships. Training sessions incorporate recent legislative and policy changes. Duty Station: Milwaukee, Wisconsin; R9 Regional Office The Eastern Region: The Eastern Region comprises the most geographically, ecologically, and socially diverse area in the country. Regional boundaries contain 20 states with over 43 percent of the U.S. population. The Eastern Region includes 14 National Forests and one Tallgrass Prairie and works with 65 federally recognized tribes. The Forest Service's restoration of Eastern national forests is one of the most dramatic success stories of resource conservation in the country. Nearly 80 million people visit the Eastern Region each year. Once called the "lands nobody wanted," they are becoming the lands everyone wants. They are in demand for a full spectrum of uses in the most heavily populated quadrant in the country. Community Information: "Milwaukee is a great place on a great lake!" Metro Milwaukee, Wisconsin's largest population center is located on Lake Michigan's western shore, 90 miles north of Chicago. Metro Milwaukee encompasses four counties and has a combined population of more than 1.4 million people. It ranks as the nation's 36th largest metropolitan area. The city of Milwaukee ranks as the nation's 17th largest city with a population of 620,609. Economic Data from the Metro Milwaukee Association of Commerce: Metropolitan Milwaukee's cost of living ranks below other major metropolitan areas. The area offers a wide array of homes in a variety of price ranges. The Milwaukee area offers a high quality of life, and there are many reasons. It's big enough to offer urban amenities, yet it also offers a small-town feeling in many well-established and proud neighborhoods. It is home to a diverse community of people, and a great place to raise a family. Milwaukee is serviced by a community-based public school system, numerous hospitals and health care facilities and churches. The city has natural beauty with a 14,759 acre county park system, and a setting on the shore of Lake Michigan. You're never too far from the countryside here. Milwaukee is on the doorstep of many Wisconsin inland lakes, streams, farms, and forests where skiing, hiking, swimming, hunting, and fishing can keep you active year-round. Sailing, charter boating, biking, indoor and outdoor ice skating, and golfing are among the many other recreation opportunities available. You may find useful information about the city and of Milwaukee and Metropolitan Area at: http://www.choosemilwaukee.com/statistics_demographics.aspx, www.mmac.org, www.ci.mil.wi.us, or www.jsonline.com. For more information about Wisconsin contact: www.state.wi.us Outreach Interest Form and Application Process: Access to the actual pre-announcement can be found at the following Lotus Notes link: http://wodata01/fsfiles/unit/wo/hrm/outreach.nsfI If you are interested in this position and have questions, please contact Donna Hepp at dhepp@fs.fed.us OR FAX (414) 944-3966, or Phone: 414-297-3538 Outreach - Wildlife Biologist GS-486-11 Wildlife Biologist, Hoosier NF on Tell City, IN Vacancy announcement ADS08-FSJOBS-(wldbio)-0040G Apply by November 30, 2008 Contact: Gary Dinkel - 812-547-9237 gdinkel"at"fs.fed.us Federal job announcements can be found at: http://jobsearch.usajobs.opm.gov/agency_search.asp WFW Newsletter Contact Information: Disclaimer - Non Discrimination Statement WFW Newsletter is a monthly newsletter without a clever name and is provided by the National Forest System Watershed-Fish-Wildlife-Air-Rare Plants staff (including Soils and Meteorology) of the USDA Forest Service. Contributions are welcome and should be submitted to Netta Grant at agrant@fs.fed.us or your favorite Program Leader no later than the 20th of each month. We reserve the right to edit contributions for clarity and brevity. Emphasis is on brevity. Links to detailed URLs or documents are great - include them in your information contribution. If photos are included in your submission, please provide alternative text with each photo. Alternative text should not repeat captions but describe the scene shown in the photo. If brevity and clarity are a struggle for you, we recommend the "Plain & Simple! Document Writing" workshop instructed by Dr. Jud Monroe. Vacancy Positions listed are for outreach purposes only and are not full announcements. Interested individuals should contact the units referenced or consult the USAJOBS website. "The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer."