WATERSHED, SOIL, AND AIR PROJECT PROPOSAL USDA Forest Service, Technology & Development Program 09-18
Project Name or Title:	Training Program for National BMP Monitoring Program
Submitted by (your name):	Sherry Hazelhurst and Michael Furniss
Unit name and address:	WO/PSW & PNW, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20250
Telephone:	202-205-1093; 707-825-2925
IBM or Internet Address:	shazelhurst@fs.fed.us; mfurniss@fs.fed.us
Date:	March 26, 2008
OVERALL OBJECTIVES/PROBLEM STATEMENT (Describe the problem, how the work is currently being done, and why improvement is needed.)
A Best Management Practices (BMP) program is being developed by a team of specialists from forests, ROs, and WO. It includes two components: (1) a set of Forest Service (FS) BMPs, and (2) a monitoring program to document the implementation and effectiveness of the BMPs. A team is currently working to develop/refine sampling protocols and associated reporting forms for each set of BMPs. There are 10 sets which include the major categories of FS management activities, e.g. forest harvest and regeneration; grazing; fire; recreation; roads and trails; facilities; etc. The BMP monitoring program is being tested as it is developed and is planned to be implemented FS-wide in 2010. Software for an associated field data recorder system for the monitoring forms is a project currently in development by SDTDC. Data collected will be stored in a corporate data system. Technology training and transfer will be an essential element of this program in order to successfully implement the protocols nationally over a sustained period of time. Michael Furniss is the training development leader with extensive experience in creating multi-media platforms for tool and technology transfer; as well as extensive experience working for and with SDT&DC. A primary concern with developing a successful training program is creating effective curricula and media formats to convey complex information to both novice and experienced field practitioners with various natural resource management backgrounds. Michael, Sherry, and the BMP core team believe that there would be great advantage to adding SDTDC’s expertise in training program development to the team. We expect that a local T&D Project Lead would be assigned and participate, providing project management, quality control and budget accountability.
PROPOSED TECHNOLOGY & DEVELOPMENT WORK (Describe your concept of the end product, i.e., a new equipment design, a video production, a guide, etc.)
Specialists from the Technology & Development Center are envisioned to participate as team members with the FS National BMP Core Team,. End products would include 1) A comprehensive set of curricula, training manuals, and other media for each of the 10 BMP monitoring modules (both train-the-trainer and student; for in-person and electronic venues); 2) An interactive internet and CD/DVD-based training application for each of the BMP modules (introduction and refresher segments possible; multi-media formats); 3) A testing program or practicum to evaluate student understanding; and 4) participation as trainers for at least first round of training.
POTENTIAL BENEFITS (Describe how this project will improve safety, reduce cost, save time, increase efficiency, provide improved resource management, or increase customer satisfaction.) The development of a National BMP Monitoring Training package will benefit the agency by: - Implementing a key component of the Watershed PART commitment with OMB toward improving accountability in the Agency’s Watershed Improvement Program. - Creating a high-quality, consistent curriculum to educate a variety of FS users in correctly applying a new protocol. - Implement a cost-efficient suite of nationally-consistent monitoring techniques that are applicable to the full range of US Forest Service activities. Preclude the all-too-frequent waste of funds and effort of field units using monitoring techniques that are expensive and do not produce useful results that can drive adaptive management. - Improving data quality by establishing standard practices for assessment and evaluation. - Integrating directly as a component of the Agency’s required EMS system by providing training on use of standard data, forms, and documentation for each module. - Increasing efficacy and reduce training costs by making training available via both in-person and electronic formats. - Facilitate quality assurance in data collection across all FS field units.