Going from Principles to On-the-Ground Projects
Each Forest Restoration Committee (FRC) goes from Principles to project selection in slightly different ways. However, there are certain components that the MFRC recommends that each FRC should utilize:
Early, enhanced engagement of diverse community interests in the selection, design and monitoring of restoration projects leads to broader public support for such efforts and more work getting accomplished on the ground.
Constructive engagement by the Forest Service with Restoration Committees, and support for concepts which underlie their formation, is essential to achieve the desired results.
Each FRC should assess its capacities, in terms of expertise, time commitment of members, etc., and determine the most appropriate scope of its involvement, as well as the areas of emphasis for that involvement.
Whenever possible, FRCs will be involved in project prioritization and planning before the Forest Service begins the NEPA process for specific projects. Recognizing that this will not always be feasible, the FRC will engage with the Forest Service before and during the development of proposed actions. Additionally, FRCs will also be involved at the program level, in helping to set the priorities and direction of restoration programs.
FRCs will be involved during the NEPA process through on-going consultation via a pre-established check-in process between the NEPA writer and the FRC and meetings with the Deciding Officer after public comment and before final decision.
When applicable, FRCs will work with the Forest Service to perform pre-project monitoring to establish baseline data, propose a desired monitoring plan and assess funding available and fundraising strategies/participation when needed.