Federal Agencies Work Group Meeting Minutes, November 6, 2003

LAKE CHAMPLAIN BASIN PROGRAM
FEDERAL AGENCIES WORK GROUP

NOVEMBER 6, 2003, MEETING SUMMARY

LOCATION:
Natural Resources Conservation Service, 356 Mountain View Drive, Colchester, Vermont

ATTENDEES :

Dave Tilton, Chair, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Brian Mrazik, Vice-Chair, U.S. Geological Survey, Water Resources Division (by phone)
Bill Howland, Lake Champlain Basin Program
Pauline Pare, U.S. Department of Agriculture
Jason Shea, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Theresa Faber, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (by phone)
Robert Paquin, Office of Senator Patrick Leahy
Thomas Berry, Office of Senator James Jeffords

SUMMARY:

The Work Group identified three major functions, all of which would support meetings and deliberations of the Lake Champlain Steering Committee:

1. Produce an annual fact sheet on Federal activities that contribute to accomplishing each Goal listed in Opportunities for Action .

2. Provide regular, brief updates to the Steering Committee on recent, significant, Federally-supported events.

3. Provide informative, entertaining presentations on a featured Federal agency at Steering Committee meetings.

Annual Fact Sheet on Federal Activities

The Annual Fact Sheet on Federal Activities is intended to provide a short description by each agency of their work and any clear discrete funding allocations that contribute to accomplishing each Goal listed in Opportunities for Action . The group discussed distinguishing between actions taken to directly support attainment of the goals in Opportunities for Action , and other actions that only indirectly support the goals. Some such distinction is necessary to clarify the significance of Federal actions and enhance the appeal of the document. Because extremely important Federal work (e.g., research) doesn't always directly implement management goals, the “direct” vs. “indirect” distinction was ruled out. Instead, the document will identify “key Federal actions,” and “other actions.” The Work Group also agreed that EPA's overarching support of the Basin Program would be included in the document under it's own heading, rather than as an action that is repeated under each Goal.

Bill Howland indicated that Lake Champlain Basin Program staff will assist with graphic design assistance, after the Work Group completes it's write-up and provides appropriate photographs, etc. Several new actions were identified for the Fact Sheet, including CDC support for algae monitoring, USFWS boating incentives grants, DOD Legacy Program, U.S. Coast Guard light houses, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grants, and support for the ECHO/Leahy Center. Dave Tilton agreed to follow up on the new items.

The Work Group considered whether the Fact Sheet should attempt to document economic benefits of Federal Actions or focus on efforts underway to address the economics of Opportunities for Action . In light of Opportunities for Action's goal: “Promote healthy and diverse economic activity and sustainable development principles within the Lake Champlain Basin while improving water quality and conserving natural and cultural heritage resources on which the regional economy is based,” the group agreed that a general summary about the economic value of Federal actions would be most appropriate. Dave Tilton volunteered to draft a paragraph for review in the next draft Fact Sheet.

All agency text is to be provided by November 20th . Dave will return a collated, reformatted document to the Work Group by November 27th . Participants are also asked to provide photographs or other illustrations to go along with their “Key Federal Actions”as soon as possible.

Showcase Presentations

Last September, Work Group agreed it would be useful to provide presentations at Lake Champlain Steering Committee meetings, usually at lunchtime or in the evening. The presentations would usually feature a specific Federal agency. However, all agreed that it would be appropriate for the first presentation to serve as a “roll-out” for the Fact Sheet. Using the “Key Federal Actions,” photographs, illustrations, and existing Powerpoint slides, Dave Tilton will compile a presentation for the Steering Committee's 2-day meeting on January 20 - 21.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, February 3rd , 2004,1:00pm.

Respectfully submitted,

David A. Tilton, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Chairman