Forest Service project planning to implementation

In recent years, the scope of collaborative groups working on Forest Service projects has begun to widen beyond the planning of management actions. As more and more collaboratively planned projects move into implementation, collaboratives and other external partners are increasingly exploring what it looks like to engage in this phase of the agency’s work. To more effectively do so, a number of collaboratives have voiced a desire to better understand how the Forest Service moves forward with a project after a NEPA decision is finalized. In response to the need for more information on this realm of forest management -- and how it relates to project planning, RVCC developed the following guidebook that charts the course of a Forest Service project, from planning through implementation.

Use of good neighbor authority across the west

Since Good Neighbor Authority was permanently authorized in 2014, its use has increased across the West. This report provides an overview of the authority and its legislative history, followed by a review of the current scope and status of GNA use on Forest Service-managed lands in 12 Western states. It notes both region-wide trends as well as important differences between forests and states, along with relevant implications of both. Topics covered in the report include commercial and non-commercial activities accomplished through the authority, management and use of GNA timber sale revenues, and state contributions to Good Neighbor projects.

Shared Stewardship Agreements Crosswalk

An Eleven-state summary highlighting current shared stewardship agreements across Western states.

This summary is a simplification of key elements of agreements between Western states and the Forest Service. It is not intended to be comprehensive. Produced December 2021.

All-Lands Checklist: Principles and considerations for more meaningful and effective cross-boundary projects

This checklist presents considerations and best practices for carrying out all-lands projects that leverage partners’ diverse skills and capacities to accomplish more than the sum of their parts. Developed from interviews with practitioners and reviews of case studies and academic literature, the checklist is intended as a set of possible ingredients rather than a defined recipe for this type of multi-partner work. Some items may come before others or be more applicable than others depending on the project. Our hope is that this list can help guide all-lands projects that are high quality, inclusive, and strategic. Produced in partnership with Ecosystem Workforce Program, OSU, and UO. Produced April 2021.

From Ideas to Action: A Guide to Funding and Authorities for Collaborative Restoration

Working across public and private boundaries is essential for addressing the ecological and economic challenges we face in the rural West. This new guidebook is intended to help community based organizations, collaborative groups, agency staff and others improve their understanding and use of existing tools that can facilitate all lands stewardship. It summarizes key NRCS and Forest Service programs (as well as their deadlines and requirements), offers tips and tricks for success, provides Ask an Expert sections, and more. Produced March 2020.

Understanding Good Neighbor Authority: Case Studies from Across the West

Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) is intended to expand federal capacity to implement and plan forest, range land, and watershed restoration projects by facilitating partnerships with state agencies. As part of RVCC’s investment in accelerating learning and innovation across rural communities and landscapes, we reviewed the current policy and guidance on GNA, summarized how the authority works, and highlighted early efforts in six Western states. The report also discusses some of the common challenges and enabling conditions for these early efforts, as well as potential implications of the growing use of the authority. Beyond providing a baseline of information about GNA, we hope this report serves as a starting point to providing future RVCC policy recommendations. Produced September 2018.