Proceedings

MID-ATLANTIC FEDERAL PARTNERS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

Baltimore, Maryland

January 25, 2001

Welcome. This 7^th meeting of the Mid-Atlantic Federal Partners for the Environment (MAFPE) was opened by Sam Tosi, Chief Planning and Policy, North Atlantic Division of the Corps of Engineers.  Following welcoming comments, individual attendees, a list is attached, were asked to introduce themselves. A total of 42 individuals from 14 agencies attended the event.

Summary of Action Items Resulting from the January 25, 2001 Meeting. Cheryl Amrani, FWS. Cheryl summarized the action items agreed to by the attendees. They are listed as follows:

1. POCs will review and update mail lists of executives to Barbara Taylor, USGS, bataylor@usgs.gov by Feb 7, 2001.

2. By 2-29-01, email comments on the draft Communication and Outreach Plan, draft charter for the Communication and Outreach Committee, and home page to GS-W-NR_mafpecom

(a new email list-serve established for the Communication and Outreach Committee).

3. In accordance with the new business procedures, MAFPE Principals are to identify agency Points of Contact and email the contact information to bataylor@usgs.gov by 2-29-01 so that the information can be posted on the MAFPE home page. Also, please submit any agencies or organizations that you think should be included in the MAFPE outreach efforts by 2-29-01.

4. Baltimore City MOA Comments to John Wolflin by 7 February 2001.

5. Sprawlers will discuss conformity among the various MOAs at their February 8, 2001 meeting.

6. Science Committee Memo to Sprawl Committee discussing needed support and funds for workshop will be discussed at the February 8, 2001 meeting.

7. Agencies should review policy guidance to the Sprawlers Committee to streamline discussions at the February 8, 2001 meeting.

Meeting details.  Cheryl Amrani (FWS), Glenn Page (NAB).  A brief discussion of administration details, meeting logistics and final acceptance  of the agenda. The agenda items constitute subject headings for the presentation of these minutes. Presenters names follow the headings or are included in the text.

Business Procedures for MAFPE. Adolph Everett ( EPA) presented a report of business practices recommendations prepared by the  ad- hoc committee established at the September 19, 2000 meeting which consisted of Mamie Parker, Terri White, John Hnedak, Adolph Everett, Dave Russ, Geoff Walsh and John Wright.  At the conclusion of the discussion the executives  approved the Business Procedures Plan.  The plan will be placed will be placed on the MAFPE Web Page, once final reviews by the committee are complete. See attachment for review.

Communication and Outreach Committee Report. Mike Yurewicz (USGS) presented the committee report. Mike presented (1) a draft Communication and Outreach Plan, (2) what has been developed to date for the MAFPE home page, and (3) a draft charter for the Committee. He requested feedback by 29 February 2001. The thrust of the presentation was the development of the MAFPE web site. The USGS’s Barbara Taylor is the current WEB MASTER. She can be reached at bataylor@usgs.gov or 703-648-5851. Mike encouraged agencies to begin to submit material to bataylor@usgs.gov for the “What’s New” part of the home page. The final plan will be presented at the April/May meeting for approval. The plan with the meeting’s revisions will be placed on the MAFPE Web Page. The current URL for the home page is http://water.usgs.gov/mafpe/. One of the first orders of business will be the simplification of the websites’ URL.

American Forest Presentation.  Deborah Gangloff, Executive Director, American Forests, gave a very stimulating presentation of analyses they have prepared to illustrate the effects of sprawl and other activities on the urban forests in this country.  Augmented by satellite images her analysis traced canopy declines of 30% in American cities since the 1970’s and described the efforts of her organization to stem the tide.  Organized in 1875, by citizens concerned about waste and abuse of the nation's forests, American Forests through private contributions leverages local investment with federal dollars to support such programs as the  program, by which they have planted more than 15 million trees in 500+ forest ecosystem restoration projects and urban and community forest projects and have a goal of planting 20 million trees for the new millennium. Their analytical technology uses Land sat images to measure tree losses in urban areas and includes assessments of the economic consequences. One estimate of costs to contain increased storm water flows ranges up to 2.4 billion dollars in the Puget Sound region of Washington State. She went on to describe a continuing refinement of satellite technology that allows the identification of single trees.

American Forests is located in Washington DC and has their own web site http://www.americanforests.org. They support a number of scientific and technical personnel and are very interested in working with communities to export the technology they have developed.  Through their fund raising they have the capability to provide matching funds for federal initiatives to restore forest ecosystems and are interested in a partnering role with MAFPE in support of the pilot programs for sprawl. Two handouts presented; “A pixel worth 1,000 words” in U.S. News & World Report, July 19, 1999, and  “Cities’ trees choking, smothered by sprawl” USA Today, December 6, 1999-21A were illustrative of the technology’s capabilities and the degree to which the urban forest has declined.

Hudson/Raritan Estuary Restoration Activity. Pete Blum of the New York District Corps of Engineers presented an overview of the Army Corps of Engineers’ ecosystem restoration activities in the Hudson/Raritan Estuary. He provided a summary of the two authorization processes, Congressional Investigations (GI) or Continuing Authorities Program (CAP), that the Corps must use to initiate a study/project and briefly sketched the differences in the two approaches; ie, 1) the GI requires direct congressional authorization for implementation while the CAP can be implemented under existing Corps’ authority and 2) the CAP only deals with projects with federal costs of less than $5 million. He then proceeded to describe six major system wide GI studies in the Harbor: Jamaica Bay, Flushing Bay, Bronx River, Sawmill River, South River, Hudson River, and the Hudson-Raritan Estuary Study with brief description of outputs expected, costs, participating partners, and current stage in the planning process. The Hudson - Raritan Estuary study includes a long-term ecosystem management plan called the Comprehensive Restoration Improvement Plan (CRIP) as well as near-term restoration at specified sites.  The study will be comprehensive in the problems and opportunities to be studied as well as the outreach of experts and stakeholders who will participate.  There is an upcoming meeting with Federal agencies on February 12, 2001 at New York District.  The attendance list of the MAFPE meeting has been checked and all agencies have been invited and encouraged to participate.  Based on consensus of the participants, the Hudson-Raritan Estuary study will be included as a regular agenda item at future MAFPE meetings.  Pete’s presentation also included six CAP projects.  These projects address the range of habitats present in the estuary and the species that may be linked to those sites.  The breadth of these projects and the GI projects supports a leadership role for the Corps in the restoration efforts in the estuary.

NY/NJ Harbor Activities.  Jamaica Bay Boat Removal. John Hnedak, NPS, presented a brief summary of the abandoned boat removal program in the Bay.  Nine city and state agencies plus non-governmental organizations have joined together to remove abandoned boats from the bay as a tool to reduce mosquito breeding habitats and as a marsh restoration action.  Sixty-five boats have been removed to date. He further suggested the program would be an ideal activity for the use of military assets under the Innovative Readiness Training Program-a Coastal America Program presented to the MAFPE Habitat Group by Col. Schlossnagle, Military Liaison to Coastal America, on 24 July 2000.  John also touched on the State of New York Department of Environmental Conservation’s GIS study of wetland loss in the Gateway National Recreational Area, which indicated significant losses in some areas.

Administration Transition Discussion.  Dave Russ, USGS, led a discussion of status of agency commitments to MAFPE under the Bush Administration.  Each agency avowed their continued commitment to the MAFPE concept. A summary by agency follows:

USGS:  Strong continued interest. Current director to be retained. Biologists who were transferred from Biological Services will remain with USGS.

NRCS:  Will continue to support CEWAP Roundtable.  No controversy with new secretary.  Will continue MAFPE.

USEPA Region 2&3:  The Acting Regional Administrators support sprawl efforts and are dedicated to MAFPE.

USFWS:  Dr. Parker will be the new NE Regional Director. The Service will get a new national director.  Dr. Parker sees value in continued participation in MAFPE.  She considers it to be an effective means to get things done.

USCOE:  The new Chief of Engineers, General Flowers, supports forums such as MAFPE. The Corps will renew the Environmental Advisory Board at the national level.

NMFS:  Will continue to support MAFPE.

BLM:  Does not foresee any problem with support to MAFPE.  Partnerships are important.  Emphasis will be on oil and gas.

NPS:  Director to be replaced at national level.  Marie Rust will remain regional head.  Strong interest in partnerships.

USFS Eastern Region.  Committed to continue support.

HUD:  New secretary has been confirmed.  Expected to support sprawl efforts.

NSF:  Strong support for MAFPE concept although not a member of MAFPE.

Host Agency Designation and date for next Meeting. Ms. Ethel Locks of HUD volunteered to host the next meeting. Date is tentatively set for 26 April or May 10, 2001. Final decision will be made through the agency POCs.

Proposed Agenda for the April 26/May 10, 2001 Meeting.

1. Dave Russ, USGS: Delaware Basin Collaboration Effort.

2. Mike Nedd, DOI/BLM: Fire Suppression and Management.

3. Jerry Barkdoll, FHA: Highways Participating Sprawl.

4. Mike Yurewicz, USGS: Communication and Outreach Plan Approval.

5. Adolph Everett, EPA. Sprawl Status Reports.

6. All, New Directions of the Bush Administration.

7. COE, Status Update of the Hudson-Raritan Estuary Study

Trends and Solutions to Sprawl in the Mid-Atlantic Region.  Theresa Martella and Kyle Zieba, EPA presented a very sobering discussion of the trends of sprawl in the Mid-Atlantic Region. They presented a number of parameters related to sprawl that have marked the continuing spread of urban/suburban centers in the South East.  Sprawl is an inefficient use of land.  It increases energy use, pollution and infrastructure costs, erodes the municipal tax base, isolates inner cities; is difficult to service, requires extensive use of automobiles and consumes large areas of land.  EPA Region 3 has 4 of the top 20 areas threatened from sprawl.  As a result, some of the more significant parameters presented were: (1) 10-15% increase in impervious surfaces and a co commitment increase in aquatic impairments, (2) storm water, sedimentation and channelization, (3) declines in air quality linked to vehicle miles traveled, (4) the relationship between road construction and sprawl, (5) 50% loss of wetlands as well as other natural habitats including farmlands, and most interesting, (6) the emerging phenomena of “starter castles” with larger homes build for smaller families.  Although serious impacts have and continue to occur, Theresa also presented a list of potential solutions, which include: (1) Brownfield Revitalization, (2) transit oriented development in lieu of highway orientation, (3) higher density cluster development as opposed to conventional development-a site in Bucks County, PA out sold other sites as a result of the built in open space, and (4) the purchase of development rights. Her report will be placed on the MAFPE Web Page.

Urban Sprawl Committee Report. Stan Laskowski, Rich Kampf, Adolph Everett, Cindy Beltz, EPA and John Wolflin, FWS. Stan, with support from the team, presented and over view of the status of MAFPE efforts on the sprawl pilots.  He noted the next meeting of the Sprawlers is scheduled for February 8, 2001.

Stan Laskowski:  The Baltimore City MOA is undergoing review for signature.  Sixteen agencies have signed.  Waiting for DOT and FHA.  Action focus is on air and water, program issues in with emphasis on two target areas the city wants to make progress on.

Rich Kampf gave a brief overview of the efforts in 6 counties in Region 3.  Of these, Chester Co. is making the best progress and moving well, Philadelphia has a full time IPA for blight, New Castle Co. has a long way to go, and Bucks Co, Pa is demonstrating slow action.

Adolph Everett: West Chester, Co. has embraced a need for open space and is working on three proposals, which they will submit for EPA/MAFPE agencies support in next couple of weeks.  Next steps would be the crafting of a MOU.

Barnegat Bay, NJ. The Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan has been finalized and will soon be available. It will include a recommendation for federal cooperation in the management of federal lands in the Bay. Adolph noted they need a DOD contact for federal lands in the bay and EPA is following up.

Cyndy Belz, EPA, noted that the National Watershed Forum is being planned for Crystal City, VA on June 27-July 1, 2001. The MAFPE Regional Watershed Roundtable held their first meeting in the Catskills on October 25-27, 2000 and are planning a second meeting in April. This meeting will be hosted by the Virginia Department of Recreation, the Frost Valley YMCA (host of the initial meeting) and the Rockbridge Area Conservation Council. Funding options are being explored to support this effort. NRCS is providing $5,000 supportive funding.

Science Committee. Pat Bradley, EPA, presented the results of the Harper’s Ferry Workshop.   The goal of the workshop was to bring together agency’s science efforts to leverage resources for sprawl solutions.  Ten agencies attended the Harper Ferry workshop.  A follow on workshop commitment is needed for 2001.  The big issue is the need for funds.  It was agreed the committee would develop a memo defining that need to be presented at the February 8, 2001 Sprawl Committee Workshop. The science committee will use e-mail to expedite concurrence.

Tool Box of Incentives. John Wolflin, FWS, noted the “tool box” is complete and can be placed on the web site. It consists of contributions from FWS, USGS, EPA, HUD, NPS and USDA/NRCS.

Sustainability: One Agencies Efforts.  Mark Koenings, NPS, presented the results of the U.S. Global Change Research Program on global warming. The report, Climate Change Impacts on the United States, was called for by a 1990 law and was written by the National Assessment Synthesis Team (NAST), a committee of experts drawn from governments, universities, industry, and non-governmental organizations. He noted the report’s conclusion that significant changes in climate are expected in the 21^st century and that these changes should be factored into decision making at the national level-he also noted anyone considering to relocate as part of retirement planning may want to get a copy.  The report predicts change in a number of parameters. For example, it predicts rather severe temperature increases especially in the South East. Mark noted that the northern movement of flora is presently occurring.  Other changes such as loss of coral reef populations due to temperature increases is also occurring. Regarding the Florida Everglades Restoration Project, we may wind up with a desert instead of a “river of grass” and such potential for change should be considered in funding decisions.  He also noted that Vice-President Chaney now understands we have a problem in the U.S. with climate change. What can we do? Mark went on to describe conservation measures that agencies can implement in the management of their resources both in energy conservation and recycling of resources.  Dave Reynolds, NPS, questioned how we can get this information to others. You’ll be happy to note that information regarding acquiring the report as well as electronic versions are available on their web page http://usgcrp.gov. It’s an excellent report and well worth reading.

National Aquarium in Baltimore: A Tour and Presentation of a Functioning Coastal Leaning Center.  Glenn Page, NAB.  Glenn’s presentation discussed the role of the aquarium as a source for public information. Using phrases describing the aquarium as a gateway to a higher level of awareness for action to solve societal problems, he described the role of a modern aquarium to both educate the public and to provide hands on training in conservation techniques.  The Aquarium has created a pool of trained public volunteers for monitoring and restoration activities from restoration and monitoring activities at Fort McHenry in partnership with the NPS.  He made the case for the Aquarium to participate as a partner in restoration actions in the Baltimore Harbor area. The aquarium’s website, http://www.aqua.org/, describes the facility’s activities in more detail

ATTACHMENT.

DRAFT BUSINESS PROCEDURES FOR MAFPE QUARTERLY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Process Issues

1.   Points of Contact: Agency Principals will identify agency Points of Contact (POC) and place their names on the MAFPE WebSite: wwwrvares.er.usgs.gov/orh/nrwww/mafpe/. POC's will serve as their agency’s day-to-day contact point and (1) will handle meeting preparation for their principal, (2) gather the necessary materials available in advance of the upcoming meeting, (3) provide those materials to their agency principal, and (4) maintain familiarity with the activities of the other MAFPE subgroups.

2.  Chairing Agency: The host agency Principal will chair the meeting. The Principal’s POC will be responsible for organizing the meeting and reporting out afterwards.

3.  Meeting Operational Needs: All meetings will be facilitated. The Chairing Agency will provide a recorder to capture meeting content. The facilitator can be supplied by the Chairing Agency or come from another MAPFE member agency. Following the meeting, the facilitator will work with the recorder to prepare a typed record of the meeting minutes for posting on the MAFPE website within 30days. The need for a travel budget for the facilitator will be evaluated on an as need basis.

4.  Decision Making: MAFPE principals only will vote on decision items.  The list of agency principals will also be maintained on the MAFPE webpage. The group will strive to make decisions by consensus (i.e., I can live with it). If consensus cannot be reached, an alternative solution will be arrived at.  As a last resort, a majority vote will prevail. A running list of voting members will be maintained on the MAFPE web page.

5.  Hosting Meetings: MAFPE will develop and recommend a rotational roster for Agency meeting hosts.  Meeting locations should be readily accessible.  Those agencies that have not hosted will be put on a list for hosting the next meetings.  Once an order has been established, the original order will be followed to eliminate duplication.

6.  Establishing Meeting Dates: The next meeting date or a list of selected alternatives will be established during the meeting, preferably prior to the end of the day (e.g., as the first order of business after lunch).

7.  Invitations to Non-principals: Non-principal invitations for the following meeting will be addressed during the current meeting.

Agenda Issues

1.   Agenda Items: Meetings will generally designate agenda items for decision points, information presentations and updates, and information sharing.  A desired outcome statement will follow each agenda item on the agenda.  Items with decision points will be so annotated on the agenda by an asterisk.

2.  Agenda Development: Agenda items for the next meeting will be solicited at each quarterly meeting.   Agenda item discussion for next meeting will be briefly initiated during ongoing meeting and finalized by Host agency for the next meeting using input from Agency POC's.  Agencies are expected to provide topics, issues and items for the development of a meaningful agenda. A brief summary of the previous meeting will be included in the agenda.

3.  Availability of Agenda and Meeting Materials: Thirty days prior to the next quarterly MAFPE meeting, the meeting draft meeting agenda and all written materials related to the agenda must be made available to agency POC's.

4.  Inter-action with Coastal America: Coastal America (MARIT) information exchange sessions for Principals will be included as agenda items twice a year (every other meeting).  During at least one quarterly meeting per year, MAFPE/Coastal America staff will meet separately for a half day at the same location.