Washington Office 14th & Independence SW P.O. Box 96090 Washington, DC 20090-6090 File Code: 3000 Date: March 30, 1998

Subject: Forest Service Action Strategy for State and Private Forestry Services To: Regional Foresters, Station Directors, Area Director, IITF Director, and WO Staff

Late last year, I asked the State and Private Forestry (S&PF) Deputy Area leadership and staff to update action strategies for the delivery of S&PF program services and to propose priority issues that needed to be addressed for the nation's forests. Last week, I received the results of my request--the "Forest Service Action Strategy for State and Private Forestry: Connecting Forestry and People." I am enclosing the "action strategy" for your information and guidance. The "action strategy" draws from a number of sources including the President's Clean Water Initiative, as well, as the findings and recommendations of the November 1997 National Research Council Report, "Forested Landscapes in Perspective: Prospects for Sustainable Management of American's Nonfederal Forests." This study was commissioned by the Forest Service to assess the status of the nation's non-Federal forests and the role of the Federal Government in contributing to sustainable management on non-Federal lands. The "action strategy" incorporates comments from the public and employees interested in S&PF program services as well as the thoughts and ideas contributed by a broad spectrum of consultations with professionals across the natural resources community. Although the "action strategy" addresses 13 major issues on which the Agency needs to focus to better deliver S&PF services, five top priority issues are highlighted, including-- Sustainable Natural Resources and Communities Watershed Issues and Conditions Urban Forest Resources Forest Information for Landowners and Managers Tribal Government Relations Because of the cross-cutting nature of these issues for the Forest Service and the implications of mixed ownership in program services delivery, I support the recommendation for the creation of a Board of Deputy Chiefs led by Deputy Chief for S&PF to coordinate policy development and program activities in relation to these five issues. I believe this level of collaboration is critical if we are to be successful in our efforts to address these complex issues comprehensively. I support this positive approach to meeting the challenges that currently face us. The "action strategy" contributes to and builds on the Forest Service Natural Resource Agenda. It provides a new level of clarity about issues discussed in our current national strategic plan. The "action strategy" is guidance designed to incorporate change as new learning and new opportunities are presented--and to engage in that process together. Finally, I see this as a beginning of a journey to find ways to work better and smarter in relation to the programs, services, and goods that are of importance to the American people. /s/ Mike Dombeck MIKE DOMBECK Chief

Forest Service Action Strategy for State & Private Forestry - Summary
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Modified 5/28/98