| 1. |
Welcome, Introductions, and
Meeting Packet Review (Kirk Rowdabaugh and Lisa Street)
Discussion: Kirk Rowdabaugh welcomed everyone to
the meeting. Each attendee introduced themselves.
|
| 2. |
Agenda: Review and Finalize (Kirk
Rowdabaugh)
Distributed and reviewed:
Handout No. 2: 97th NWCG Meeting Agenda
Discussion: Minor edits were made. Working Team
Liaison Review was deferred to Thursday after strategic planning session.
OFCM (Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorology) User Needs
agenda item (Schlobohm) was added to agenda after FENWT Operating
Principles. NWFEA Update will be presented by Mike Wallace.
|
| 3. |
96th NWCG Meeting Minutes and
Strategy Meeting Minutes: Review and Approval (Kirk Rowdabaugh)
Distributed and reviewed:
Handout No. 3: NWCG 96th Meeting Minutes, May 9-11, 2006
Discussion: Minutes were mailed out to all members
on July 6, 2006 by the Executive Secretary (Bradshaw).
A motion was moved by Carlile to approve the 96th Meeting
Minutes, seconded by Erickson. NWCG 96th Meeting Minutes were approved
unanimously.
DECISION: On NWCG 96th Meeting Minutes, minutes were approved
by unanimous decision.
|
| 4. |
Action Item List:
Review (Lisa Street)
Distributed and reviewed:
Handout No. 4: NWCG Action Item, Decisions, and Meeting Tracking Table
Discussion: Action Item List was mailed out to all
members on July 6, 2006 by the Executive Secretary (Bradshaw). Executive
Secretary will continue with current minute documentation format and
action item tracking table will be updated as necessary.
The NWCG Member Handbook was discussed. This was an action item for
the Executive Secretary (Bradshaw) to complete, providing all NWCG
members with a new handbook (per 93rd Meeting - May of 2005). The
handbook will contain the NWCG Charter; Charter Protocol; MOU; Strategic
Plan; WT/AG Charters; Lists of NWCG Members; WT Chairs; GACG Chairs;
Host List; Featured WT List; and Meeting Minutes. Bonnie was working
on this before her departure. Lisa will discuss the order and items
with Kirk and follow up on the status of this project with Judy Crosby.
ACTION No. 96-01: On NWCG Member Handbook,
discuss contents and order with Kirk Rowdabaugh.
Lead: Bonnie Bradshaw (delegated to Lisa Street)
Due Date: June 30, 2006 (amended to March 16, 2007)
| AGENDA ITEM FOR NEXT MEETING: NWCG
Member Handbook - Review New Handbook, Executive Secretary –
May 2007 - 15 minutes. |
|
| 5. |
NWCG 2007 WT/AG Budget
Requests: Review of Subcommittee Recommendations (Lyle Carlile)
Distributed and reviewed:
Handout No. 5: NWCG FY2007-2009 Budget Requests
Discussion: Carlile recognized Henderson and Wallace
for their hard work on the budget. The intent was to keep the FY07
budget in line with FY06 level. Yellow column on spreadsheet shows
target. FENWT and TWT did see cuts in their respective budgets. Rather
than an across-the-board percentage cut, each line item was considered.
Each budget submitted by the Working Teams – after asking them
to prioritize their own budgets - was reviewed. The final proposed
budget is a little over FY06 level. State travel was cut across each
WT by an appropriate amount. After the strategic planning meeting,
some adjustments may have to be made as the Strategic Plan will have
an impact on the budget. It was noted that the cost of travel continues
to rise and this was noted as a consideration. The NWCG parent group
needs to set an example in keeping costs down to set an example for
cost containment to WTs. The WT Chairs need to be held accountable
to their travel budgets. As a reminder, NWCG covers costs for two
State representatives for WT meetings, State Foresters need to pay
for any state traveler over the two person limit. NASF Fire Committee
has agreed to fund any travel above the two State representative limits.
NASF agreed that SHWT, IOSWT, and TWT maintain the third State representative;
other WTs will stay at two State representatives.
Long and Rowdabaugh will look at distance learning budget during
the January 2007 meeting, since that particular program took a large
cut, and then discuss with NASF. May consider meeting at agency office
meeting rooms rather than hotel meeting rooms. May also look into
teleconferencing to reduce costs, NIFC will have updated technology
within the next two weeks. This can also be identified in the strategic
plan.
A motion was moved by Long to approve the FY07 budget,
seconded by Erickson. FY07 Budget was approved unanimously.
Strategic planning will provide information to WTs to develop their
5-year action plans. This will be discussed at January 2007 meeting
with WT Chairs. Plans will include a list of priorities with accomplishments.
DECISION: On FY07 NWCG WT/AG Budget, budget was approved.
DECISION: On PMO Budget, budget will be moved out of NWCG
to NFAEB starting FY08.
| AGENDA ITEM FOR NEXT MEETING:
For NWCG Budgets - ½ day; and Strategic Plan Action Review
with WTs Chairs - January 2007 - ½ day. |
|
| 6. |
NWCG Working Team Liaisons:
Review and Decision on New Liaisons to Replace Retired NWCG Members (Kirk
Rowdabaugh)
New Handout No. 6: NWCG Working Teams – Liaisons spreadsheet
Deferred Topic – Will be discussed
after strategic planning session.
Discussion: NWCG WT Liaison spreadsheet was updated
to indicate not only who the liaison is, but which WTs need to submit
budgets and those that do not.
A motion was moved by Carlile to sunset the Social Sciences
Task Group, seconded by Erickson. Social Sciences Task Group sunset
was approved unanimously.
DECISION: For Social Sciences Task Group, SSTG will be sunsetted.
|
| 7. |
Lessons Learned Center
(Paula Nasiatka)
PowerPoint Presentation: Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center
(LLC) Update
Distributed and reviewed:
Handout No. 7: Lessons Learned Center Road Map – Updated April
27, 2006
Handout No. 7a: Organization of LLC Activities
New Handout No. 7b: LLC Supporting the Entire Interagency Wildland
Fire Community Now with Three Unique Websites
New Handout No. 7c: LLC Bookmark
Discussion: Paula provided a background briefing
and update on LLC via a PowerPoint presentation. LLC’s main
goal has not changed over the last 3 years: improve safe work performance
through organizational learning. Last page of the Organization of
LLC Activities shows project selection criteria of LLC. They are currently
looking to NWCG for input on strengths, weaknesses, opportunities
and challenges of the LLC for their 5 year strategic planning process.
They have nine members on their strategic planning committee, a well
rounded membership of federal and state agencies. LLC has three main
websites that facilitate knowledge transfer. Team Center is their
newest website and is in beta testing at this point. Two biggest documents
of interest on the websites: 1. Near Miss Peer Reviews (new process
FS is adopting) and, 2. Firing boss ignition techniques lessons learned.
Have seen significant increase in website use and downloads from last
year. International phone calls have increased substantially; Google
search shows LLC as #3 out of 58 million matches in a search for "Lessons
Learned."
It was noted that a future role of LLC would be to analyze all recommendations
for reviews and investigations from the past 15-20 years and to look
for unintended consequences. There may be fundamental actions that
we may need to pay attention to. LLC is working with SHWT to continue
building the database of historical and recent reviews and investigations.
Currently working on collecting near misses, escaped prescribed fires,
and serious accident investigations for this searchable database.
Staffing and budget of LLC – currently FS and NPS are providing
positions and support funding (travel, supplies and materials) for
them. All project funding comes from WASO FS, NIFCG, and NPS.
Challenges:
- Missing a long-range budget that has been approved and funded;
causes an inability to plan. FY07 special project funding from FS
seems to be missing this year; there are questions as to why this
was cut. Henderson will look into this.
- Bottleneck at the analysis section due to limited number of employees
at LLC and the limitations of having consultants do analysis since
SME is needed.
“Where to Next” – slide shows major points of
presentation. There has been tremendous support from the fire community;
this shows a definite need for LLC. Paula urged all members to take
the strategic planning on-line survey that provides feedback to the
LLC. The on-line community center provides a valuable resource for
different fire groups to gather and share information through “neighborhoods”
(discussion groups). This neighborhood is along the line of Yahoo
Groups, where discussions take place virtually and are on-going, saving
the need for lengthy conference calls with potential schedule conflicts.
LLC has a Go To Meeting license that may be of use to NWCG, a very
handy tool. FENWT is looking at using this in place of one meeting
(currently have 3/year) to save costs.
LLC is chartered with NWCG on a liaison-type setup, it may need
to be chartered under NFAEB to ease funding appropriations and ensure
a programmatic plan. Either way, LLC needs to be part of an organized
group and budget process. When LLC submits their 5-year plan, a determination
can be made regarding support from all the agencies. After the strategic
planning discussions a more informed determination can be made.
It was agreed to defer further discussions as
to LLC Charter until that point.
DECISION: For Lessons Learned Center, LLC will be chartered
under NFAEB.
|
| 8. |
Fire Investigation
Working Team (Hugh Wood)
Discussion: Currently looking at course development
and team membership, WFIWT will meet in January and will ask Chair
to come in May 2007 for presentation. Pilot will be out at the end
of this month. Qualification and certification is undetermined at
this point.
| AGENDA ITEM FOR NEXT MEETING:
For Fire Investigation Working Team Update - January
2007 meeting - 10 minutes. |
|
| 9. |
FENWT Operating Principles
(Paul Schlobohm)
PowerPoint presentation: FENWT Operating Principles Presentation
to NWCG – October 17, 2006
Distributed and reviewed:
Handout No. 9: Fire Environment Working Team Operating Principles
- October 2006
Discussion: Schlobohm reviewed the FENWT Operating
Principles document via a PowerPoint presentation. He noted that during
the course of developing the operating principles, there were areas
that related to NWCG as well as NFAEB. FENWT is currently working
on an updated strategic plan. The Operating Principles document was
determined to not need NWCG approval. Only charter and budget are
approved by NWCG. NWCG format for charters is done, format for budget
in process, but format for operating principles has not been set in
stone. Other NWCG WTs may consider using this format as a guideline.
The format issue will be discussed further in the strategic planning
session. Too much structure may limit the WTs operating arena, may
only need to provide general direction and baseline requirements.
FENWT Charter needs to be formally approved.
DECISION: On FENWT Charter, charter was reviewed and remanded
back to WT for revisions.
ACTION No. 97-01B: On FENWT Charter,
identified edits will be made and charter will be resubmitted to Executive
Secretary for NWCG approval.
Lead: Paul Schlobohm
Due Date: 11/30/06
ACTION No. 97-02: On WT Operating Principles
template, PMO will develop.
Lead: Judy Crosby
Due Date: 11/30/06
|
| New Agenda Item – |
| 10. |
OFCM User Needs Assessment
(Paul Schlobohm)
New Handout 10a: FENWT Status of OFCM User Needs Assessment Briefing
Paper
Discussion: NWCG asked FENWT to address questions
about RAWS network and fate of ROMAN. Schlobohm provided an update
as outlined in the briefing paper. The OFCM JAG has decided not to
do a long-survey. The shortened survey will not provide FENWT with
the information it needs to address its task from NWCG. FENWT is preparing
to make up the difference. ROMAN funding decisions have been deferred
upon receipt of the info requested. NWCG was assured that enough information
will be forthcoming to allow these decisions to be made. FENWT will
meet at the end of this month and follow up on these issues with the
JAG. The short survey will be distributed for three weeks in November
via the Ecology Conference in San Diego, California, and through an
email contact list.
There were discussions if the NWCG Chair should bring the issue forward
to WGA; Long is on the WGA Forest Health Committee so there is a mechanism
to bring this to the WGA attention. Due to the short timeframe for
survey release, it was decided that a letter to WGA may be less than
productive at this point. Based on the survey release date, it was
agreed to look at survey results and then approach WGA about additional
information. NASF Fire Committee will have survey information in time
for their January 2007 meeting. Long will take this before NASF Fire
Committee to consider some type of direction being provided to WGA.
Schlobohm will send survey results to both NASF Fire Committee and
NWCG.
Hilbruner offered that research should be involved in that they should
know the shortened survey will limit information. Hilbruner suggested
that he could contact the JAG co-chairs to express NWCG perspective
at this time.
ACTION No. 97-03: On OFCM User Needs
Assessment, draft letter to Co-chair outlining how the survey will
not provided needed information.
Lead: Paul Schlobohm and Mike Hilbruner
Due Date: 10/27/06
ACTION No. 97-03B: On OFCM User Needs
Assessment, survey results will be sent to NWCG.
Lead: Paul Schlobohm
Due Date: ASAP once survey results are released
ACTION No. 97-04: On OFCM User Needs
Assessment, issue will be brought before NASF Fire Committee.
Lead: Mike Long
Due Date: Once survey results have been released.
|
| 11. |
Signatory Authority
for WFSA (Lyle Carlile)
Discussion: The issue came forward recently from
Idaho and Alaska. It mostly seems to be an issue in Alaska where protection
is provided by an agency other than the land management agency. NFAEB
discussed this and decided that the land management agency should
be included in these agreements. This issue is presented to NWCG as
a red book/blue book issue; and if they agree that both agencies should
be involved in the WSFA.
It was agreed that the land management agency should sign. While
this does not happen a lot, when it does, it causes confusion and
concern. Legally, line officers cannot turn this decision over to
anyone else. ICT provides a service; the suppression agency has the
expertise, as opposed to the line officers, in filling out the WFSA.
Discussions centered on each agency’s line officer duties. A
clear standard needs to be developed that states who will sign the
WFSA when the suppression agency is not the land management agency.
NWCG determined that wording may need to be included in NWCG curriculum.
This is more than a policy statement.
DECISION: On Signatory Authority for WFSA, NWCG concurs with
the issue and will send back to NFAEB for inclusion in red book/blue
book. At that point, each agency will need to determine how this is
reflected within each of their agency protocols. A new blurb in WFSA
needs to be included.
NWCG will send this back to NFAEB (informally).
|
| 12. |
NWFEA Update (Mike
Wallace and Judy Crosby)
New Handout 12: NWFEA Governance Chart
Discussion: A proposal from NFAEB recommends the
PMO be rechartered from NWCG to NFAEB. In the new NWFEA Governance
Structure chart, PMO will be executively administered by NFAEB. Priority
is to focus on key issues, and deliverables (main issue is blue print
= business activities and system applications); analyze were gaps
and overlaps are. PMO is more encompassing than NWCG alone. NFAEB
has agreed to provide oversight and dedicate the necessary time to
meet the deliverables on time. This is in line with the new governance
proposal from WFLC down to NMAC including NWCG and NFAEB. There was
a consensus that the States would not have an issue with rechartering
PMO. This should help completion of the blueprint by spring 2007.
A motion was moved by Wallace to accept the NWFEA recharter proposal,
McManus seconded. NWFEA recharter was approved unanimously.
DECISION: On NWFEA recharter, it was agreed to recharter
the NWFEA Project from NWCG to NFAEB.
|
| 13. |
TWT: Conversion to
a Competency Based System (Logan Lee)
Distributed and reviewed:
Handout No. 13: Conversion of the NWCG Curriculum to a Competency-Based
System, dated July 2006
Discussion: Background: TWT has been drawn into
the All Hazard environment, which has led them into changing their
curriculum. Performance based task books cannot be translated into
a competency based system. At the May 2006 meeting, rationale was
presented on conversion to a competency based system. Task books have
been translated into core competencies. Assessment was made as to
who is affected by revising the curriculum schedule. TWT is moving
down the path to integrate competencies into task books; and are moving
ahead progressively to have 2007 fire season task books converted.
Need NWCG support in aligning NIMO priorities to facilitate this rapid
change. This conversion process will be discussed next week at the
joint TWT/IOS/NIMO meeting. TWT will work across functional levels
to develop strategic plan. Core competencies will not change. With
the conversion, TWT will be able to focus training more effectively.
NWCG priorities need to be forwarded on to NMAC for conveyance to
NIMO. NMAC will meet with NIMO next month to set priorities; the FS
Risk Management liaison (once on board) will be able to facilitate
this process in conjunction with NMAC.
What’s needed – an issue paper stating why we should
prioritize this now, and what will be lost if it’s not done
by NIMO. Protocol issue – how TWT forwards on. Also need to
coordinate with NFPA 1051 Committee.
Logan and the TWT were recognized for their dedication and hard work
in regards to this issue.
DECISION: On TWT Conversion to a Competency Based System,
Murphy will present this to NMAC at their meeting in November.
ACTION No. 97-05B: On TWT Conversion
to a Competency Based System, need draft paper outlining issue and
actions needed, including training grandfather clause statement, sent
to TWT Liaison Tim Murphy for inclusion at the next NMAC meeting on
November 27, 2006.
Lead: Logan Lee
Due Date: 11/01/06
|
| 14. |
NWCG Instructor Qualifications
(Logan Lee)
PowerPoint Presentation: Instructor Qualification Options –
October 17, 2006
Distributed and reviewed:
Handout 14: Agenda Request Form
Handout 14a: NWCG Instructor Qualifications Draft Report
Discussion: Issue outlined in PowerPoint presentation,
agenda request form, and draft report. There was a sense that this
issue is largely for 300 level courses and below. There must be a
way to keep current without having instructors go out on an assignment
every three-four years. Some of the best instructors are lost due
to time out issues (i.e., retired federal/state personnel).
Possible solution for 300+ courses, instructors have to keep qualifications
current, for all those below, there should be exceptions - especially
for those courses without safety and/or technology components. 130
and 190 will be looked at now; all others will be evaluated once the
conversion to a competency based system is completed.
The whole concept of NWCG training is to develop concepts and for
others to interpret them appropriately.
DECISION: On NWCG Instructor Qualifications, NWCG tasks the
TWT with developing standards for retaining lead instructor qualifications
for 100 and 200 level courses (including single resource boss) with
consideration of courses with safety/technology components for presentation
at January 2007 meeting. Will defer 300+ level courses to a later
date and take a more holistic approach to these.
As Outlined on Chart Notes:
Lead Instructor –
What are the requirements?
- Level of experience?
- Currency?
- Alternative?
Unit Instructor –
What are the requirements?
- Level of experience?
- Currency?
- Alternative?
Different for courses with safety/technology component.
DECISION: On NWCG Instructor Qualifications, NWCG will establish
an interim policy to change the existing instructor currency standard
from 5 to 7 years for only crew boss, engine boss, FF1 (squad boss),
and FF2 courses. This interim policy expires in 2 years. This issue
will be discussed in depth at the May 2007 meeting.
A motion was moved by Murphy to establish an interim policy for
instructor currency standard, seconded by Erickson. Instructor currency
standard interim policy was unanimously approved.
| AGENDA ITEM FOR NEXT MEETING:
For NWCG Instructor Qualifications - May 2007 meeting - 1 hour.
Discussion will include course revision and instructor qualification. |
ACTION No. 97-06: On NWCG Instructor
Qualifications, draft NWCG memo to field regarding crew boss –
FF2 instructor currency standard, including detailed wording from
TWT Chair Logan Lee.
Lead: Tim Murphy
Due Date: 11/1/06
|
| 15. |
Expansion of the Firefighter Resource
(Logan Lee)
Handout 14: Agenda Request Form
Discussion: Briefing outlined in the agenda request
form for this subject. Most issues surrounding this item will be addressed
in the strategic planning session tomorrow. 100-300 courses are interchangeable.
Is it possible for both NWCG and DHS logos to be placed on the training
documents? Need to run this by PMS, their charter may need to be changed
to allow dual logos on NWCG publications. Need a business practice
set up for this or it may cause problems. Dual logos will only be
used for interchangeable training.
DECISION: On Expansion of the Firefighter Resource, interim
solution will be to add language on the cover page indicating DHS
approval without using their logo on NWCG publications.
ACTION No. 97-07A: On Expansion of
the Firefighter Resource, NWCG will direct PMS Chair to modify PMS
Operating Principles and Guidelines to allow dual NWCG and DHS logos
on training coursework and supporting documents.
Lead: Brian McManus
Due Date: 11/1/06
ACTION No. 97-07B: On Expansion of
the Firefighter Resource, PMS Chair will modify PMS Operating Principles
and Guidelines to allow dual NWCG and DHS logos on training coursework
and supporting documents.
Lead: Allen Deitz
Due Date: 11/14/06
|
| 16. |
Proposal to Share
Data Between IQCS and CHS (Shari Shetler)
Handout 16: Interagency Medical Standards Program Comprehensive
Health System (CHS) and Incident Qualifications and Certification
System (IQCS) Interconnection Investment Proposal Submission Date
07/24/2006
Discussion: Are there potential thresholds that
will allow this to be approved via email? Document is just an explanation
of what they want to do. This is strictly IQCS. Looking for NWCG approval
on actions outlined on the table on page 4. Only data pertaining to
the items listed on page 2 and 3 (4 items) are involved.
A motion was moved by Carlile to approve the proposal to share
data between IQCS and CHS, seconded by McManus. The proposal to share
data between IQCS and CHS was unanimously approved.
DECISION: On Proposal to Share Data Between IQCS and CHS,
Cost Schedule and Funding Needed to Develop a Business Case and Interconnection
Plan timeline table (as shown in Section 4.0 of proposal) was approved.
|
| 17. |
Interagency Working
Teams/Groups – Standards Development vs. Operations/Implementation
(Judy Crosby and Shari Shetler)
Handout 17: Agenda Request Form
Handout 17a: Wildland Fire Interagency Working Teams, Task Groups,
and Other Groups – Standards Development vs. Operations/Implementation
Matrix
Discussion: As follow-up to NWCG Action No. 96-09A
from May 2006 meeting. Briefing summarized in agenda request form.
This will be discussed at the strategic planning session on Wednesday.
Need to add NFAEB Fire Shelter Task Group to matrix. Members will
provide any additional edits to Judy Crosby. She will send to Executive
Secretary before NFAEB meeting on 11/7/06.
It was agreed to defer validation decision
until after strategic planning session.
|
| Meeting adjourned at 4:45
p.m. |
| Wednesday, October 18, 2006 |
| 18. |
Restructuring NWCG/NFAEB
(Tim Murphy)
PowerPoint Presentation: Wildland Fire Governance – October
2006
Distributed and reviewed:
New Handout No. 18: Wildland Fire Governance – October 2006
(PowerPoint presentation)
Discussion: Conceptual framework on fire governance
across agencies, precise adjustments, and options included in briefing.
Chart outlines matrix management for current wildland fire governance
structure. Two questions come to NFAEB often. Objectives – determine
what should or can be done. In proposed wildland fire governance structure
chart, NFAEB is renamed to Wildland Fire Governing Board. No positions
are added, chart is based on existing positions. Proposed charter
from agency heads to Fire Executive Council, plus charter from Fire
Executive Council to Wildland Fire Governing Board. The concept of
Shared/Joint Staffs box including NWCG Working Teams and current NFAEB
Advisory Groups was not well received by the parent group. Other aviation
box includes those not included as a part of NIAC. Hope to achieve
an improved perception of accountability as well as real line accountability.
What needs to be done list provides conceptual ideas. Conceptual
framework has been presented to DOI agency leaders and has been received
well. There is very little impact on NWCG at this point. This provides
a good start to streamline programs and functions. Current NWCG membership
would not change. Not much of a change operationally, but conceptually
this provides clarification. Problems were identified in the notion
that NFAEB be merged with NWCG. Concerns were also identified regarding
NWCG WTs possibly having to report to more than one parent group.
The majority of topics that come before NFAEB involve federal agencies
only. The chart serves to show leadership how NFAEB and NWCG are strongly
connected, but memberships are not exactly identical.
Timing for rechartering NFAEB is opportune given the fact that WFLC
is going through a rechartering process, and NASF Fire Committee has
almost an entire new membership who may be more receptive to the change.
A business plan will need to be developed, especially to show the
budget flow. Concerns addressed that NWCG will be moved down below
Wildland Fire Governing Board. A more articulate definition would
be helpful. A lengthy discussion centered on the scenario of operating
with NWCG as a standards group. Discussions ended up with the proposal
to merge NFAEB with NWCG into one parent group under the title of
NWCG.
DECISION: On Restructuring NWCG/NFAEB, members deferred any
decision. A joint session to discuss this topic will be included on
the next NFAEB meeting agenda for 11/7/06.
|
| 19. |
Strategic Planning
Session (Shari Shetler)
Distributed and reviewed:
New Handout No. 19: NWCG Strategic Plan Documentation Notebook –
October 18-19, 2006
Discussion: Shetler covered the proposed agenda
as outlined, it was agreed that #7 – Develop direction for WTs
and other groups would be priority for completion. Based on the previous
restructure discussions, the mission may need to be amended.
Priorities:
- Bring discipline to the budgeting process
- Identify WT requests
- Allocate scarce resources
Define structure underneath NWCG parent group to focus and prioritize.
Philosophy on how business is approached, rather than relying on expert
suggestions. Identify an overreaching goal to drive actions of WTs.
Recognize that NWCG parent group can’t do everything, so priority
setting is critical. Bring clarity and focus. Improve lines of communication
to field and non-NWCG groups. WTs are looking for parent group to
provide direction.
Vision, Mission, Goals, and Guiding Principles were reviewed. There
was feedback from WTs that cost containment was not addressed, however
it was agreed that this was covered within cost effectiveness. Is
there a business practice goal the parent group would have to ensure
accountability or should this be included in charter? This is included
in strategy and action plan. It was recognized that previous discussions
included All Hazard issue, and it was decided that NWCG would focus
on wildland fire issues. All Hazard has been identified in SWOT as
well as WT action plans, and parent group would revisit this issue
at some point in the future. All comments from the WTs from the May
2006 meeting were included in the strategic plan diagram (Index Tab
#2).
Goal 1 – Standards and Guidelines
No comments received indicating missing objectives. Equipment and
supplies need to be identified in strategies. Edit #3 to add 3a -
Review and evaluate equipment and supplies as necessary and revise
accordingly (Shetler and Henderson will wordsmith and add to document).
No other changes to Goal 1 were noted.
Goal 2 – Qualifications and Certification
Edit Strategy #9 to include present strategies 2, 3, 4, & 7 listed
as bullets under #9; these will also be included as an explanation
in the document so these are not lost.
Goal 3 – Communications
Strategy 8 “to be posted on the web” wording will be
deleted. Strategy #9 will be included as an action for Strategy #1
and listed accordingly in the report.
NWCG Strategic Plan –
All agreed to the report format.
Assignments -
- Fill in blanks for entire strategic plan, including Executive
Summary (Shetler and McManus by 11/15/06)
4-Page Briefing Paper for NWCG Strategic Plan (Index Tab
#4) –
Include changes in wording based on reorganization/recharter discussion
from the morning session. The two products will be provided to the
communications team for completion. Shetler will provide communications
team an example of NWCG membership to use in publications/documents.
NWCG Action Plan Development Assignments (Index Tab #5) –
Goal 1, AP 2 – Kirk Rowdabaugh
Goal 1, AP 7 – Tim Murphy
Goal 1, AP 8 – Tim Murphy
Goal 1, AP 9 – Tim Murphy
Goal 2, AP 1 – Tim Murphy
Goal 2, AP 4 – No action / repeat of G1, AP 7
Goal 3, AP 3 – Kirk Rowdabaugh
Goal 3, AP 4 – Kirk Rowdabaugh
Goal 3, AP 6 – Will be incorporated into Communications Plan
(Goal 3, AP 8)
Goal 3, AP 7 – Will be incorporated into Communications Plan
(Goal 3, AP 8)
Goal 3, AP 8 – Wildland Fire Education WT (WFEWT) is working
on the action plan to build the Communications Plan (no additional
budget funding needed). Wallace will follow up on this.
Goal 3, AP 9 – Tim Murphy
Teams were formed to complete Goal and Action Plan items listed above.
NWCG Action Plan -
ACTION No. 97-08: On NWCG Action Plan
for Goal 1 (Index Tab 6, page 3), review and revise as necessary.
Lead: Judy Crosby and Mike Wallace
Due Date: 11/15/06
Edits were made to the parent document during discussions and are
not included in these minutes.
| AGENDA ITEM FOR NEXT MEETING: Strategic Plan:
Review Action Plans with WT Chairs - NWCG Members – January
2007 - 1/2 day |
|
| Meeting adjourned at 5:15 p.m. |
| Thursday, October 19, 2006 |
| 19. |
Strategic Planning Session Continued
(Shari Shetler)
Discussion: Strategic Planning Session continued.
At January meetings, when WTs submit their budgets, need to also include
a session for the NWCG survey and identify any issues. It was agreed
that it is premature at this point to sunset any Working Teams.
Direction:
- Re-task TWT to modify the training strategy action plan and submit
by November 15, 2006.
- Complete action plans submitted with the missing information
by November 15, 2006.
- Develop budget package referring to Strategic Plan for January
2007 meeting by December 1, 2006.
- WTs review, update, or create strategic plans based on NWCG Strategic
Plan and submit to NWCS by October 1, 2007.
(ON HOLD PENDING OUTCOME OF BOX CLARIFICATION, ETC.)
- General memo including status, etc. to WTs (Henderson & Shetler)
- WT Liaisons communicate with WT Chairs deferring decision of
elimination/creating WTs --- potential of “LG Group”
ACTION No. 97-09A: On NWCG WT Budgets,
WT Chairs will be directed to show how their budgets are tied into
the NWCG Strategic Plan when they submit their budgets to the Executive
Secretary by December 1st of each year (as required). WT Chairs will
present their budgets to NWCG at each January meeting.
Lead: Each WT Liaison
Due Date: 11/15/06
ACTION No. 97-09B: On NWCG WT Budgets,
WT Chairs will document how their budgets are tied into the NWCG Strategic
Plan. WT budget submissions to the Executive Secretary are due no
later than December 1st of each year. WT Chairs will present their
budgets to NWCG at each January meeting.
Lead: Each WT Chair
Due Date: 12/1/06
|
| 20. |
NIMO Introductions and Briefing
(Marc Rounsaville)
Distributed and reviewed:
New Handout No. 20: NIMO Membership
Discussion: Due to the fact that the NIMO briefing
paper was not received in time for the meeting and conference call
technology was unavailable, this issue was deferred to the January
2007 meeting.
|
| 21. |
Revised NWCG MOU (Tory
Henderson)
Distributed and reviewed:
New Handout No. 21: Final Draft Revised NWCG MOU – October 2006
Discussion: Edits made:
- Section II. Purpose - “Operations” wording will be
replaced by “standards, guidelines, certification, and training”
wording.
- Section IX. General Provisions (part b.) language was necessitated
by lawsuit against NASF.
- Section IV. Membership – “active interest”
will be deleted; “national and international responsibility”
will be added.
- Approval signature blocks were updated.
Henderson will finalize all edits to MOU and send out to members
for review. Please have comments back to her ASAP. Henderson will
send to Rowdabaugh and Artley for NASF review before it is forwarded
on to Agriculture and Interior Departments.
ACTION No. 97-10: On Revised NWCG MOU,
edits will be finalized and sent out to members for review.
Lead: Tory Henderson
Due Date: 12/1/06
|
| 22. |
Bin Items
Discussion: Members reviewed agenda items that had
been deferred until after the strategic plan session, documentation
is included within those respective agenda item minutes.
|
| 23. |
Meeting Review: Review Decisions,
Action Items, and Next Meeting Agenda Items
Discussion: These topics will be added to the January
2007 agenda:
- SHWT Host WT Briefing – 1 hour on the last day
- Level of Care – 1 hour (Decision)
- FEWT Proposed Potable Water Specifications – 15 minutes
(Decision)
- Governance Structure – 30 minutes right after introductions
on first day (Decision)
- WT Restructure – 1 hour before WT day starts (Decision)
|
| 24. |
Meeting Schedule |
| |
Meeting / Dates |
Host Agency |
Location |
Featured WT |
| Winter – January 23-25, 2007 |
Western States Kirk Rowdabaugh |
Boise, Idaho |
SHWT |
| Spring - May 8 -10, 2007 |
NPS
Mike Wallace
|
Teton Village, Wyoming |
WFEWT |
| Fall – October 10-11, 2007 |
F&WS
Brian McManus
|
NCTC Shepherdstown, West Virginia |
IRMWT |
| Winter – January 2008 |
TBD |
Boise, Idaho |
TBD |
| |
The winter meeting will be held at the Chaparral Suites in Scottsdale,
Arizona. A Super Shuttle will be available ($20/ each way) so no rental
cars will be needed. More information will be sent out in November.
DECISION: On NWCG Meetings Format, members agreed to permanently
change the location for the January meeting to Boise, Idaho and make
this a standing meeting with NWCG Working Team Chairs.
|
| 25. |
Round Robin (NWCG Members)
Kirk: NASF recruitment (vice Artley) ongoing, they
hope to have replacement in place before the end of this year and
transition by early 2007.
Lyle Carlile: Comments received on the All Hazard
meeting – were very complimentary. The meeting was timely and
helpful to attendees. Thanks to ITC for all the treats and hosting
this meeting. Heads up – there have been questions about R&R
policy on 14-day assignments not applying to contractors and kitchens/caterers.
IBPWT is looking into this. Technically, they may be covered under
current regulations, contracts should incorporate this issue.
Jim Erickson: Will be working with WUIWT Chair regarding
possible sunset once NFAEB has made a decision at 11/7/06 meeting.
Tory Henderson: FS doctrine entered into contract
for publications (FS manuals, Fireline handbook) to look at language
changes required by doctrine. National ground/air position goes to
personnel process next week, may be discussed at NFAEB November meeting.
This will provide two ADs for the Forest Service.
Hugh Wood: Last week they broadcast the Crosswalk
Program, thanks to all participants. VHS tapes and DVDs are available.
U.S. Fire Administration and Forest Service signed MOU for International
Coordination Center and ESF4 structural coordinator to assist in the
development of a national program. FEMA Emergency Management Institute
has new director. Major restructuring under FEMA may include USFA.
Brian McManus: Thanks for helping him at his first
NWCG meeting; he is looking forward to working with everyone.
Judy Crosby: Heads up - Allen Deitz is the wildland
fire representative to the eGov Disaster Management Standards Working
Group. This is a government-wide data standards group, currently working
on ICS forms and SIT report messaging standards. This is part of an
EGov initiative, fire needs to be involved in the development of those
standards. Deitz has contacted Leaverton to get a fire representative
on this group. Need to elevate this since this group will begin work
in the near future. Business SME is desperately needed for this –
possibly Dan Irvin who already develops these reporting systems.
Action #97-11: On the eGov Disaster
Management Standards Working Group, an ICS/Sit Report SME will be
designated to work with Deitz and the standards working group.
Lead: Karyn Wood and Judy Crosby
Due Date: 12/1/2006
NWCG coffee cups (24) are in NIFC Forest Service space, remember
we have these and can use as a small award. Shari Shetler will surely
be awarded one of these cups for all of her hard work on the strategic
plan.
Long, Wallace: Nothing to note.
Hilbruner, Murphy, and Smalley: Not present.
Street: Working to have draft meeting minutes out
by early next week. Will continue working within the system to gain
access to NWCG electronic files at PMO; may need assistance from Crosby
on this.
NWCG members are invited to participate in NFAEB 11/7/06 governance
structure discussions, and will be included in agenda distribution.
|
Meeting adjourned at 1:05 p.m. |
