MEETING OF THE BUREAU OF ALTERNATES
NORTH AMERICAN FOREST COMMISSION
Baltimore, Maryland
April 3-5, 2002
PARTICIPANTS
Canada
Gordon Miller—Director General, Science Branch, Canadian Forest Service
United States
Val Mezainis—Director, International Programs, USDA Forest Service
Jan Engert—Latin American Programs Coordinator, USDA Forest Service
Catherine Karr—Latin American Specialist, USDA Forest Service
Liza Paqueo—Outreach and Partnerships Specialist, USDA Forest Service
Donna Janisch—International Specialist, USDA Forest Service
Andrew Gillespie—Forest Inventory National Program Leader, USDA Forest Service
Denny Truesdale—Assistant to Deputy Chief, State & Private Forestry, USDA Forest Service
Jim Sedell—Inter-Deputy Water Coordinator, USDA Forest Service
FAO
Doug Kneeland—Programme Coordinator, Forestry Department
SUMMARY OF ACTION ITEMS AND DECISIONS
A. General
 D. Kneeland (FAO) will send information on mechanisms for individuals interested
in detailing with FAO on a temporary basis.
 D. Kneeland (FAO) will send two FAO focal points to attend their respective
Working Group meetings this year.
 BOA will develop an ongoing calendar of Working Group meetings, so that alternates
can plan ahead and try to attend these meetings.
B. XXI Session of the NAFC
 D. Kneeland (FAO) will fax an example of a timetable, chairman’s notes and a
meeting agenda to US.
 C. Karr (USA) will contact technical paper presenters to inform them that they will
have 30 minutes for their presentation followed by a 30-minute Question & Answer
Session.
 Canada will talk about the World Forestry Congress—as a separate agenda item—and
mention the International Criteria and Indicators work in Guatemala.
 BOA will encourage presenters to use PowerPoint presentations.
 Canada will contact US to let us know how many of the Working Group chairs can
attend the meeting.
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 Canada and Mexico need to identify leads and participants for technical papers. C.
Karr (USA) will follow up.
 D. Kneeland (USA) will facilitate contact between technical paper authors and
appropriate FAO focal points.
 BOA has set up deadlines for presentations and papers:
o Working Group packages (reports, presentations and summaries) must be
submitted to C. Karr (USA) by October 1.
o Technical Papers must be submitted to D. Kneeland or Becky Ortiz (FAO) by
July 1.
o Technical Paper presentations must be submitted to C. Karr (USA) by October
1.
o BOA Report and Agenda must be submitted by July 1; the PowerPoint
presentation must be submitted by October 1.
o State of Forestry reports must be submitted by October 1 to D. Kneeland and
Becky Ortiz (FAO).
 Participants of the XXI Session of the NAFC are responsible for making their own
travel and hotel arrangements. They must also register for the meeting by July 15,
2002.
C. Working Groups
 G. Miller (Canada) will give feedback to the Atmospherics Change and Forests
Working Group about their membership list.
 BOA will review US members of the Atmospheric Change and Forests Working
Group and consider Rick Birdsey or Herman Gucinski as candidates.
 The US will contact Susan Le Van (chair of the Forest Products Working Group) to
determine the status of the group and collaborate with Canada in search of options for
the future.
 G. Miller (Canada) will find a new chair for the Silviculture Working Group, while
the US will contact US participants to see if any are willing to take on a leadership
role for the group.
 The chair and members of the Fire Management Working Group have agreed to
update and send all information pertaining to its activities and membership to L.
Paqueo (USA). The chair of the Working Group will be responsible for maintaining
and forwarding the reports of the meeting to the BOA liaison.
 The chair of the Fire Management Working Group will discuss the International
Wildland Fire Conference at the Hawaii Commission Meeting.
 G. Miller (Canada) will approach the chair of the Fire Management Working Group
to ensure good representation from the group at the Commission Meeting.
 D. Kneeland (FAO) will approach Peter Holgren (FAO) to prepare a draft for review
of the FAO initiative and include input from the Inventory and Monitoring Working.
 C. Karr (USA) is responsible for identifying new Chairpersons for the Forest
Products and Silviculture Working Groups.
D. Scoping Groups
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 G. Miller (Canada) will provide names of Canadian representatives who will
participate in the preparation of reports on “scoping” meetings for proposed new
working groups on invasive species and watersheds.
E. Funding
 BOA will request formal funding proposal from the Silviculture Working Group.
 C. Karr (USA) will contact the Atmospheric Change and Forests Working Group to
discuss BOA decision on funding proposal.
F. Working Group Information Dissemination—Website and Mailing List
 L. Paqueo (USA) will place hyperlink on NAFC website to the World Forestry
Congress and International Wildland Fire Conference.
 L. Paqueo (USA) and team will finish creating a database and website for the
Commission meeting by June 1.
 L. Paqueo (USA) will work with C. Karr (USA) and chairs of Working Groups to
update information on website as well as membership lists.
G. Upcoming Events and Meetings
a. XXI Session of NAFC—October 22-26, 2002
b. Bureau of Alternates—October 21, 2002
c. Atmospherics Change and Forests—September 23, 2002
d. Forest Products—TBD
e. Forest Genetics—October 2002
f. Silviculture—October 2002
g. Fire Management—September 2002
h. Insects and Diseases—September 23, 2002
i. Inventory and Monitoring—May 2002
PREVIOUS MEETING
The previous meeting of the BOA was held October 2-5, 2001 in Banff, Alberta in Canada.
WEDNESDAY—APRIL 3, 2002
A. OPENING SESSION
V. Mezainis (USA) chaired the meeting of the BOA. He opened with introductions. Jim
Sedell (USA) joined the meeting as chair of the group responsible for presenting a technical
paper on watersheds. In addition, Andrew Gillespie and Denny Truesdale represented
Inventory and Monitoring, and Fire Management Working Groups, respectively.
The chair also informed the BOA that Mexico was unable to send a representative(s) to the
meeting. Both FAO and the NAFC have expressed concern about Mexico’s recent lack of
involvement in the NAFC.
B. ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGES
a. FAO
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There have been a few personnel changes in FAO. Michael Martin is now head of
the Forestry Information and Liaison Unit, which is responsible for the FAO Forestry
website, publications and meetings, including the regional commissions. He will also
be the new Secretary of FAO’s Committee on Forestry (COFO). Rosalie McConnell
is tasked with coordinating FAO’s State of the World’s Forests (SOFO). Rosalie
McConnell’s tour with FAO falls under the partnership between FAO and Natural
Resources Canada (NRCAN).
Action Item: D. Kneeland (FAO) will send information on mechanisms for
individuals interested in detailing with FAO on a temporary basis.
FAO is trying to launch the National Forest Programme Facility (NFPF)—a
partnership between FAO and bilateral donor agencies. This is a new attempt to
provide assistance to selected countries, which are trying to reorganize their forest
policies in accordance with the IFF/IPF Proposals for Action. FAO will decentralize
the NFPF to the regional FAO offices. The manager of NFPF is currently head of the
French Forest Inventory Programme.
There is currently a Fire Management position that is vacant. Historically, there have
been a lot of field projects involving fire. Recently, some Mediterranean countries
have come to FAO needing assistance in fighting fire (France, Greece, etc). In
response, FAO has set up a full time fire coordinator position under Forest Resources
Division and should be filled within the next couple of months.
FAO has requested the BOA to help draft an official letter, signed by Hosny ElLakany, to request more participation from Mexico. The letter is addressed to
Secretary Victor Lichtinger. Ideally, CONAFOR and SEMARNAT would both
participate in the NAFC.
b. CANADA
Canada has made a commitment to double its investment in science and technology.
The Government has released an innovation strategy piece meant to stimulate
discussion (available on Industry Canada website at http://www.ic.gc.ca). The intent
is to have a national summit in the fall on innovation. Overall, Canada’s approach is
designed to stimulate university-industry collaboration on research. The government
is also looking at science and tech deliverable models.
A knowledge management group was created within the Canadian Forest Service.
CFS directors envision that the Group will serve as information brokers. There are
currently two surveys that are being completed on what information management will
look like in the future. Since there is expected to be a 40% staff turnover in the
science program over the next five years, it is imperative to capture and store the
information for future references.
Canada is still intent on signing the Kyoto Protocol.
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Softwood lumber trade with the US is the main topic-du-jour. Canada is looking to
use some of the border tax for research on this topic.
British Columbia’s government has changed. Premier Campbell is downsizing
provincial research by 40% and the Canadian Forest Service provincial office by
35%. The downsizing will take place over a period of over two years. In addition the
Tree Improvement Program is being cut completely.
Personnel changes: Ivy Chan is now the Director of Policy. Garrett van Raalte,
Director General of the CFS Atlantic Forestry Centre, will retire. Geoff Munro is
Director General of CFS in Ontario. There is a lot of activity in looking at the future
of forests with implications on function and structure of CFS. Canada is trying to
broaden participation in the Working Groups.
World Forestry Congress—September 21-28, 2003, Quebec City.
Action Item: L. Paqueo (USA) will place hyperlink on NAFC website to the World
Forestry Congress.
c. MEXICO
The Mexican Forest Administration (SEMARNAT) is in the process or
reorganization. Cuauhtemoc Gonzalez Pacheco has left his position as General
Director and will be reassigned to PROFEPA, the regulatory division of
SEMARNAT. Rosario Casco Montoya has replaced him in the General Direction of
Federalization and Decentralisation of Forest and Soil Services.
The forestry sector in Mexico is located across three institutions: SEMARNAT,
CONAFOR, and INIFAP.
Some procedures and programs have been reviewed, including harvesting, technical
assistance, forest health, and forest national information systems. The strongest
program is the Fire Protection Program.
In 2002, the occurrence of fire has decreased and was lower than the national average
in 2001. However, one of the most dangerous fire events happened at the end of
March—possibly due to El Niño.
This year, CONAFOR received 1,500 million pesos ($150 million USD). Most of
these resources will be used as incentives for production and commercial plantation
programs (PRODEFOR and PRODEPLAN). CONAFOR has an important program
to acquire private investments in the sector.
To help reduce or prevent illegal logging, SEMARNAT-DGFDSFS has established
the Mexican Official Norm, which would certify the legal origin of forest products.
This Norm includes the use of security paper and control of these documents.
PROFEPA will help ensure successful application of this tool.
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In Fall 2001, the Chief of the USDA Forest Service and delegation met with Mexican
counterparts under SEMARNAT and CONAFOR.
d. UNITED STATES
The USDA Forest Service has experience personnel changes during the first full year
of the new administration. These changes include:
- Sally Collins: Associate Chief.
- Tommy Thompson: Deputy Chief of National Forest System
- Elizabeth Estill: Deputy Chief of Programs and Legislation
- Joel Holtrop: Deputy Chief of State and Private Forestry
- Robert Lewis: Deputy Chief of Research and Development (no change)
- Clyde Thompson, Deputy Chief of Business Operations, has left his
position, which is now vacant.
In the first year, there was less turnover than in the field. The National Team is
almost intact.
Chief Bosworth plans to place more emphasis on the field. The Washington Office
(WO) will act as a service center to help the field, and more resources will go to
support activities in the field. This means reducing the size of the regional and
Washington offices. There will also be shared responsibility for successes and failure
among the deputy areas, promoting more integration across divisions. By reducing
the amount of money in Washington, some programs may be eliminated. In addition,
Bosworth would like to reduce “analysis by paralysis,” which prevents field programs
from getting implemented. He would also like to sort out conflicting laws and
regulations, under which the Forest Service operates.
Chief Bosworth is focusing on the following priority areas: water, recreation, roadless
regulation (still under review by Bush administration), and forest planning regulations
(under review).
This past year, the Forest Service has faced several controversies, including the
salvage logging of the Bitterroot Forest in Montana; four fire deaths that occurred
during the 2001 fire season, and investigation into tampering with scientific evidence
in a lynx habitat study in the western US.
The Agency is preparing for a serious fire season. Issues concerning roadless areas
will once again be examined. With respect to international activities, President Bush
announced that foreign aid would double.
C. REPORT OF THE WORKING GROUP
a. Overall Coordination
The BOA has noted that some of the working groups are not meeting expectations
with respect to activities, information dissemination and participation. BOA needs to
more actively manage the working groups. One of the main problems is the turnover
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in membership and lack of participation. The BOA needs to encourage Working
Groups to hold their annual meetings, even though attendance by all three countries
may not be possible.
Action Items:
- BOA will develop an ongoing calendar of Working Group Meetings, so that
alternates can plan ahead and try to attend these meetings.
- D. Kneeland (FAO) will send two FAO focal points to attend their respective
Working Group meetings this year.
b. Atmospheric Change and Forests (G.Miller—Canada)
The Atmospheric Change and Forests Working Group would like to coordinate joint
meetings with the Insects and Diseases and Fire Management Working Groups,
respectively. The group is looking at the impact of insects and diseases on forest
health, due to ozone effects. Harry Hirvonen (chair) is currently absent, due to
medical reasons. There is no interim chair.
For funding requests by the Working Group, see page 20.
New FAO Focal Point for Forestry and Climate Change: Dieter Schoene
Action Items:
- G. Miller (Canada) will give feedback to the Working Group about their
membership list.
- Review US members and consider Rick Birdsey or Herman Gucinsky as
candidates. Elvia Niebla, who has not been active with group for some time, will be
removed.
Next Meeting: September 23, 2002—joint meeting with Forest Insects and
Diseases Working Group.
c. Forest Products (G. Miller—Canada)
Canada reported the Working Group has not been active for some time. There may
be some confusion on leadership.
Action Item: The US will contact Susan Le Van (current chair) to determine the
status of the group and collaborate with Canada in search of options for the future.
d. Forest Genetic Resources (C. Karr—United States)
The US is coordinating with Tom Ledig in the transfer of funds to Ledig.
(No new report available)
e. Silviculture (C. Karr—United States)
There is a joint meeting with the Forest Genetic Resources Working Group, planned
for October 2002. The Silviculture Working Group has been working on the Second
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International Forum on Forest Production and Its Relation to the Environment. They
have a draft of the proceedings, which is currently under revision and which will be
posted on the website. They are planning another joint meeting in October with
Forest Genetics Working Group.
The Tropical Tree Seed Manual (TSSM) will be published shortly. The Working
Group has obtained assistance for financing and recommends that the manual be
translated into Spanish.
Jacques Trencia is resigning as chair for this Working Group.
Action Items:
- Canada will look for a new chair for this Working Group.
- US will contact US participants to see if any are willing to take on a leadership
role for the Working Group.
Next Meeting: October 2002.
f. Fire Management (D. Truesdale—United States)
The Fire Management Working Group meeting was held in Cancun. Quintana Roo,
Mexico from February 11-14, 2002. Originally, the meeting was scheduled for
October 2001, but was postponed due to September 11. This was the 35th meeting of
the working group.
Originally, $50K was allocated for the development of a working group web page.
However, the Working Group agreed to use the existing site
(www.fs.fed.us/global/nafc) instead. The funds were reprogrammed for risk index
mapping in Mexico.
There was a presentation on the 3rd International Wildland Fire Conference by
representatives of the International Liaison Committee. The Conference, which may
draw 750-1000 participants representing 57 different countries, will take place in
October 2003. The Conference is an opportunity for policy makers, industry, etc to
exchange information and will hopefully result in proposals and actions for a global
organizational structure or network to better address forest fires.
The Working Group unanimously agreed to support the Conference through staff
support and attendance at the Conference as well as to ask for additional support from
the rest of the NAFC. There is a strong need to coordinate with the World Forestry
Congress, September 2003. The Canadian delegation agreed to request formal results
from the World Forestry Congress, particularly with respect to forest fires, so that
these results can serve as strategic directives for the International Wildland Fire
Conference.
The USDA Forest Service is sponsoring two people to attend the fire conference.
The main concern has been the cost to travel to Australia. The other main concern is
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the perceived potential conflict with the World Forestry Congress, but the Working
Group will use the audience at the Congress to pique interest in fire. They are hoping
for a live broadcast at the fire conference.
Chairmanship of the Working Group has passed to Kelvin Hirsch from Canada.
Research has not really been active in the group. The focus of the activities has been
management. The Fire Management Working Group uses the bureaucratic process to
implement bilateral and trilateral programs. The Working Group meets to support
these programs.
Action Items:
- Chair and members agreed to update and send all information to L.Paqueo
(USA).
- The chair will be responsible for maintaining reports of the working group
meetings and for forwarding that information to the BOA liaison.
- Discuss International Wildland Conference at the Hawaii Commission meeting.
It is important for the commissioners to realize the importance of the global
network.
- Canada will approach the chair to ensure good representation from the group
at the Commission meeting.
- Remove José Cruz from the membership on the website.
Next meeting: September 2002 in Canada
g. Forest Insects and Diseases (V. Mezainis—United States)
The 35th Annual Meeting of the Forest Insects and Diseases Working Group was held
in Carmel, California on September 11-13, 2001. The meeting was partly a joint
meeting with the Western International Forest Disease Work Conference and
included a joint field trip to examine management of pathogens on state and private
lands, featuring Pitch Canker, Western Gall Rust, Coastal Dwarf Mistletoe and
Sudden Oak Death.
Each country presented country reports on pest conditions, pesticides use in forestry,
research on forest pests and quarantine updates.
At the meeting, the Working Group discussed the risks associated with wood packing
materials, Pest Risk Assessments (PRA’s), Mexican program of gypsy moth trapping
and monitoring; Sudden Oak Death, and standards for imported firewood.
EXOTIC FOREST PEST INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR NORTH AMERICA—
Mary Ellen Dix, the new project leader—proposed to publish 110 pest records online
by the end of 2001 and 50 records annually, thereafter. The Working Group will send
teams to visit foreign countries in order to add to the System. In Spring 2002, a fiveperson pilot team will visit Korea and Japan. If the trip is successful, then 2-5 more
teams will head to different parts of the world to focus on different zones. $50K will
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be devoted for the pilot team, while another $40K for additional identification is
suggested.
DWARF MISTLETOE OF CONIFERS OF NORTH AMERICA BOOK—Major
revisions on chapters, such as surveys and monitoring, silviculture and biological
controls, etc, have been completed. The draft book is now available on the Internet
and requires a user name and password to access. A copy of the draft was sent to the
other two technical editors, JoséCibrian Tovar and Ben Moody, since the book targets
land managers. The goal for the Working Group is to hire an editor and obtain
USD$80-100K for publishing. Rob Mangold will draft a letter, requesting edits, to
the USFS Rocky Mountain Station Director.
FOREST DISEASES OF MEXICO BOOK—The book is proceeding and has
received favorable comments. Most chapters have been completed, and the final
version will be completed by July 2002. The funding is to be divided among four
partners, three of whom are contributing USD$40K, while Chapingo, the fourth
partner, will contribute USD$45K. The US has already contributed $10K to pay for
scientific illustrators. The total cost for the publication amounts to USD$280K for
3,000 copies.
FOREST INSECTS OF MEXICO BOOK—This book is in its second printing (3,000
copies) and has been paid for by the University of Chapingo. The book has been
distributed throughout Mexico and Central America, and is sold at the University of
Chapingo for USD$60. NAFC members can obtain copies of the book for free by
contacting David Cibrian Tovar (dcibrian@taurus1.chapingo.mx).
HEAT TREATMENT—A summary of the heat treatment methods by NAPPO
Forestry Panel was provided to NAPPO and NAFC. Recently, Dave Dwindell
reported that 56‫ڤ‬C/30 minutes will not kill mesophyllic fungi but 61‫ڤ‬C/60 minutes
will. It was suggested that IPPC should include in the standard a mechanism to
revisit recommendations based on new material. The Working Group resolved that
members will write to individual country quarantine organizations to include in
comments to IPPC that IPPC should insert some “flexible review process” in the
Standard to allow for new research, e.g. on heat treatment.
PEST RISK ASSESSMENT (PRA) OF SUDDEN OAK DEATH—As requested by
the NAFC, the USDA Forest Service completed the PRA on Sudden Oak Death and
provided copies to APHIS and the State of California. Rob Mangold will write a
letter to USDA-APHIS, stating that the risk is unacceptable and encouraging APHIS
to take regulatory action.
CONE AND SEED INSECTS—Jean Turgeon et al proposed to write a revision of
the 1987 Book on Cone and Seed Insects. Because the Working Group is also
currently occupied with two other major publications, this proposal was tabled until
next year.
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QUARANTINE PEST RESEARCH SUBCOMMITTEE—The committee met in
Mexico in September 2000, and a Summary of the Research Testing Document was
completed and introduced to confirm the NAPPO Standard. Mexico would like to
send staff to participate in Canadian (Vancouver and Montreal) port inspections.
PROPOSED NEW NAFC WORKING GROUP ON INVASIVE SPECIES—There
was a suggestion that NAFC wants to form a new NAFC Working Group on invasive
species with subgroups of plants and animals. This issue was raised at the October
2000 Meeting of the NAFC Bureau of Alternates. No information was available to
the Group. Tom Hofacker will gather and provide information to the Working
Group.
BIOSYSTEMATICS SUBCOMMITTEE—This subcommittee needs to carry out a
Problem Analysis and develop a Directory of Taxonomists for forest pests for the
three countries. This list can also serve as a gap analysis. The gap analysis requires a
network of people and a process for sending specimens and proposal for supporting a
network that moves us forward. It would involve regulators and researchers.
Additionally this needs a proposal and support for specific groups of insect and
disease species and a sorting system.
José Cibrian Tovar, Mexico, will chair the Working Group over the next two years.
The next meeting will take place in Mexico and will be held in conjunction with the
Atmospheric Change and Forestry Working Group. This joint meeting will take
place on September 23, 2002. The possible theme for the meeting will be “The
Effects of Global Change on Forest Pests” or “Effects of Air Pollution on Forest
Pests.”
Next meeting: September 23, 2002 with the Atmospheric Change and Forests
Working Group.
h. Forest Inventory, Monitoring and Assessment (A. Gillespie—United States)
The second meeting of the Working Group was held in Victoria in January 2001. The
meeting’s agenda included an update on country activities, a theme session on large
scale remote sensing of land cover, and a business meeting during which the annual
business plan was prepared. The Working Group would like to host a third meeting
in 2002, but there has been little involvement by Mexico, which is scheduled to host
the meeting.
All three countries are currently revising their approaches to national scale forest
inventory.
WEB SITE—The contents of the development Intranet site for the Working Group
were transferred to the NAFC page hosted by the USDA Forest Service.
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UPDATE OF WORKING GROUP CHARTER—The updated charter and reports on
national forest inventories are appended to the annual meeting minutes, which are on
the NAFC Working Group website.
TECHNICAL EXCHANGE AND COLLABORATIVE WORK—The three countries
will be asked to present their land cover classification and land use classification
systems at the next meeting. Initial meetings were held to discuss design concepts for
a North America State of the Forests report. National level players from the three
countries are involved in the development of an inventory and monitoring system for
the Mexican States of Jalisco and Colima. This initiative should provide guidance for
the development of a National Inventory Program for Mexico.
INCORPORATION OF REMOTE SENSING INTO OPERATIONAL FOREST
INVENTORIES—Countries reported on progress in this area.
Mark Gillis is currently the chair. The membership list is out of date.
Next Steps: work with Insects and Disease as well as Fire Management Working
Group.
Membership with Mexico: Hugo Ramirez (INIFAP) is a potential participant from
Mexico, and he will be invited as a technical expert to attend the next meeting.
Forest Service and others have looked at Mexico’s capacity to do inventory and
monitoring. USAID sees this as an opportunity to create a national program for
inventory.
FAO has a new initiative with funding from Sweden to try to help specific developing
countries do a more organized forest inventory study. A coordination meeting will be
held in Finland, in July.
Action Items:
- D. Kneeland (FAO) will approach Peter Holgren to prepare a draft for review
of the FAO initiative and include input from the Working Group.
- C. Karr (USA) will hand report of Working Group to L. Paqueo (USA), who
will post it on the website and update the membership list. Participants list may
not have Mexico participants.
Next possible meeting: May 2002 in Oaxaca
D. UPDATE ON SCOPING GROUPS
a. Watersheds (J. Sedell—United States)
The National Forests in the West provide high quality water for both rural and urban
users. Forest Management has a lot of impact on water quality and quantity. Good
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forest management is the solution to pollution, but people link forestry with
agriculture and some of agriculture’s negative effects (sedimentation, fertilizer).
The Forest Service currently has several community-based watershed restoration
partnerships. Each of these projects has business plans. Water supply and sanitation
are the major themes of the water summit in Bonn. At the UNFF, many countries and
organizations highlighted the need to work in partnership on water issues.
J. Sedell is scheduling a meeting in early June to discuss watershed collaboration and
draft a technical paper for the Commission meeting in October. There is not yet
official confirmation of participation from Mexico. Members may include an NGO
representative and someone from the National Water Commission. Cesar Toledo will
be able to participate in the group, and Mexico will identify another person.
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Potential Canadian participation: Rob Steedman, Celina Campbell
USA: Jim Sedell, Karen Bennett
Mexico: unconfirmed
The outcome of the June meeting will be a paper framework (6-8) pages with
recommendations to the Commission on how to address watershed issues. The group
will identify 2-4 relevant subject areas. Tage Michaelson (FAO) is in charge of
watershed issues and may be interested in attending the June meeting.
b. Invasive Plants (V. Mezainis/C.Karr—United States)
Invasive plant species are a critical economic and environmental problem, altering
basic ecological properties and nutrient availability in ecosystems. While the
problem is global in nature, the individual impacts on forests and associated resources
are largely unknown.
Invasive plants species are characterized by their aggressiveness and their capacity to
colonize new areas and rapidly develop undesirable population levels. This is due to
specific traits (high seed viability, rapid reproduction, even under adverse conditions;
efficient dispersion mechanisms; few strict environmental requirements for
germination, etc.) that render them less susceptible to natural controls and
competition.
It is estimated that invasive plants in the US: a) cost more than $137 billion in
damage each year; b) exacerbate the threatened status of more than 60% of species
already considered at risk; c) affect more than 100 million acres, and d) propagate at a
rate of 3 million acres per year.
There was meeting held with Mexican and US representatives in Cuernavaca,
Morelos, Mexico on March 20-22, 2002. Julie Denslow (USDA Forest Service,
International Institute of Tropical Forestry) represented the United States. Canada
could not send an appropriate representative. FAO did not attend. They were able to
agree on economic and ecological cost of invasive plants.
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There is a lack of information on invasive plants in Hawaii and the continental US,
with an even more serious dearth of knowledge on invasive plant problems in forests
in Mexico. Only a small number of invasive species and their associated risks have
been adequately identified. The problem is internationally recognized, under the
Convention on Biological Diversity and the International Convention on
Phytosanitary Protection. While the problem has been identified, there is not enough
information to assess the potential and magnitude of risks, whether in the short,
medium or long term. As a result, a more complete diagnosis of the problem is
necessary to determine the extent of the problem, the associated risks and impacts,
and how the issues should be addressed (bilaterally, regionally, etc.)
The Scoping Group recommends that an ad-hoc group be created within the Forest
Insects and Diseases Working Group. This ad-hoc group would prepare national and
regional assessments of the problem. In addition, the Scoping Group encourages
Canada’s participation in the ad-hoc group.
The BOA notes that Forest Insects and Diseases Working Group does not want to
create an ad-hoc group. BOA recommends, then, that the ad-hoc group be formed on
invasive plants and work independently of the Working Group.
Action Item:
- G. Miller (Canada) will provide names of Canadian representatives who will
participate in the preparation of reports on “scoping” meetings for proposed
new working groups on invasive species and watersheds.
E. OTHER WORKING GROUP BUSINESS
a. Working Group Awards (J. Engert—United States)
At the BOA meeting, awards for Yves Dubé, Victor Sosa, Basilio Bermejo and Les
Whitmore were presented. D. Kneeland (FAO) will deliver the award to Dubé, while
the other awards will be distributed through appropriate channels in the US and
Mexico. BOA will think about any other nominations for longevity and superior
service.
b. Establishing a Protected Areas Scoping Group (C.Karr—United States)
Mexico wanted to look at this from a continental perspective. BOA recommends
putting this on the back burner.
THURSDAY—APRIL 4, 2002
A. XXI Session of NAFC – October 22-26, 2005
a. PARTICIPATION—FAO and the BOA are concerned about the possibility that
Mexico will not attend the Commission Meeting in October—especially since
Mexico will assume chairmanship of the Commission for the next two years. FAO
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reminds the BOA that it is often common for countries not to send a delegation to
regional meetings. The regional meetings, nevertheless, continue as planned.
Therefore, the NAFC meeting in October will still take place.
b. PRELIMINARY MEETING DETAILS—The meeting will take place at the
Keahou Hotel in Kona, located on the Southwest region of the Big Island. The
Meeting will officially begin on Tuesday, October 22, 2002. Monday, October 21,
will be a travel day. There will be a field trip on Friday, and the closing session will
take place on Saturday.
Since there will be an Iron Man Competition on the Big Island, it will be difficult to
make reservations in advance of October 21st. If, however, participants would like to
stay later than the conclusion of the meeting, they may still receive the conference
rates for up to 6 days after.
In order to coordinate the logistics of the meetings, J. Engert, C. Karr and D. Janisch
(USA) traveled to Kona, Hawaii in early March. The trio made necessary conference
room, accommodations and field trip arrangements. All the logistic and agenda
details will appear on a special section of the website designed for attendees. BOA
will send out this URL along with the invitation to the meeting.
c. PRELIMINARY AGENDA—A preliminary agenda was reviewed. D. Kneeland
(FAO) recommended that Working Group report presentations should last no longer
than one hour. He also recommended scheduling one technical paper per day in order
to end early on Thursday, so there is time available for the drafting committee.
Action Items:
- D. Kneeland (FAO) will fax an example of a timetable, chairman’s notes and a
meeting agenda to J. Engert and C. Karr (USA).
- C. Karr (USA) will contact technical paper presenters to inform them that they
will have 30 minutes for their presentation followed by a 30 minute Question
and Answer Session.
- Canada will talk about the World Forestry Congress—as a separate agenda
item—and mention the International Criteria & Indicators work in Guatemala.
- BOA will encourage presenters to use Power Point Presentations.
- El-Lakany will give opening remarks/welcoming comments.
- J. Engert and C. Karr (USA) will develop internal detailed agenda/chairman’s
notes for Dale Bosworth, the USDA Forest Service Chief.
- G. Miller (Canada) will contact US to let us know how many of the Working
Group Chairs can attend the Hawaii Meeting.
- Before the Hawaii Meeting, C. Karr (USA) will identify new Chairpersons for
the Forest Products and Silviculture Working Groups.
- BOA will remind the presenters and Chairs of the guidelines mentioned below.
d. TECHNICAL PAPERS—
i. Criteria and Indicators—
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1. Canada (lead)—To be determined
2. Mexico—To be determined
3. USA—Pam Wright
ii. Plantation Forestry—
1. Canada—Patrick Nantell
2. Mexico (lead)—To be determined
3. USA—John Stanturff
iii. Watershed—
1. Canada—Rob Steedman, Celina Campbell
2. Mexico—Cesar Toledo
3. USA(lead)—Jim Sedell, Karen Bennett
Action Items:
- Canada and Mexico need to identify leads and participants for technical papers.
C. Karr (USA) will follow up.
- D. Kneeland (FAO) will facilitate contact between technical paper authors and
appropriate FAO focal points:
o Watershed: Tage Michaelsen
o Plantation Forestry: Jim Carle
o Criteria and Indicators: Christel Palmberg
e. TIMELINE FOR OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS: The following is a list of
guidelines for all presentations and reports. BOA recommends that all presenters
follow these guidelines and deliver high quality presentations.
i. Working Group Packages (reports, presentations and summaries)—
Guidelines
a. Deadline—All Working Group Chairs/Presenters must
submit their packages by October 1, 2001.
b. October 21, 2002—In addition to the October 1st deadline,
all Working Group Chairs/Presenters should bring the
above-mentioned materials (latest version) to the meeting
and are responsible for making the necessary copies for the
attendees.
c. The reports will be no longer than three pages.
d. Presenters will develop a 30-minute PowerPoint
presentation (in their original language).
e. Presenters will write a one-paragraph summary (in their
original language) as part of the draft input for the session
report.
f. The outline of the reports should include:
i. Membership
ii. Recent outputs and activities over the last two years
iii. Planned activities for the next two years
iv. Issues/recommendations to the Commission
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g. Presentation can be submitted in one of two ways:
i. Mail a CD by a courier service (i.e. FedEx, DHL,
etc)—not through the US Postal Service—to:
Attn: Catherine Karr
USDA Forest Service International Programs
1099 14th Street, NW
Suite 5500W
Washington DC, 20005-3402
ii. E-mail the presentation to ckarr@fs.fed.us
ii. Technical Papers
1. Guidelines for Technical Papers
a. Deadline—All technical papers must be submitted by
July 1, 2001.
b. Technical papers should be organized in the following
manner:
i. Introduction
ii. Issues associated with the topic of the paper
iii. The role of the topic (may include specific aspects
of forest and natural resource management,
environmental health, ecosystems, etc.
iv. Constraints
v. New opportunities and global linkages
vi. Conclusion
vii. Acknowledgements
viii. References
ix. Annexes/Case studies
c. Papers should be no more than 3000 words. Authors are
more likely to receive the full attention of commissioners
when the technical papers are concise and brief. We do
recommend brevity and do not recommend submitting
additional documentation, such as annexes and case
studies.
d. The technical paper may be submitted in English, Spanish
or French. The paper will be reviewed, edited and
circulated by FAO in its original language.
e. A separate abstract of approximately 500-750 words must
be submitted. The abstracts may be submitted in English,
Spanish or French and will be translated, edited and
circulated in the three languages.
f. Papers should be submitted electronically, in Word for
Windows format, to douglas.kneeland@fao.org and to
becky.ortiz@fao.org.
g. The BOA strongly recommends a PowerPoint presentation,
which should last no longer than 30 minutes, at the
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Commission meeting. Deadline: Please submit
presentations to C.Karr (see page 17 for details) by
October 1, 2002.
iii. BOA Report and Agenda Guidelines
a. Deadline—BOA will submit its report to the
Commission and the Meeting Agenda by July 1, 2002.
b. BOA will give a 30 minute PowerPoint Presentation at the
meeting and will submit this by October 1, 2002.
iv. State of Forestry Reports
a. Deadline—State of Forestry Reports must be submitted
by July 1, 2002.
b. Reports must be no longer than 5 pages.
c. Presenters are encouraged to do a 30-minute PowerPoint
presentation.
d. Papers should be submitted electronically, in Word for
Windows format, to douglas.kneeland@fao.org and to
becky.ortiz@fao.org.
B. Other Activities of Interest
International Model Forest Network: There has been interest from Japan and other potential
donors. There is going to be an expansion of that Network to Central and South America.
The Network has been renewed for another two years. CIDA has been the primary funder.
C. Website Update
It has been difficult to update the website and membership list of the Working Groups. BOA
moved that the country chair directly manage all Working Groups for duration of
chairmanship. During the next two years, FAO plans to communicate more with Working
Group chairs. FAO will provide Secretariat services to the BOA. L. Paqueo (USA) will
continue to provide website and database support and move with the Secretariat.
FAO has agreed to allow L. Paqueo (USA) to develop a website specifically designed for the
Commission meeting in Hawaii. This website will provide information on the Commission
meeting—hotel information, meeting details, travel information—and meeting registration
for the participants. FAO will send invitations, which will include the URL of the website, to
the meeting participants.
Participants are encouraged to register online for the meeting by July 15, 2002.
NOTE: This is not a registration for hotel or travel. Participants must make their own
hotel and travel arrangements as early as possible (preferably by July 15, 2002).
Action Items:
- L. Paqueo (USA) and team will finish the database and the Commission website
by June 1, 2002.
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L. Paqueo (USA) will place International Wildland Fire Conference
announcement on the USDA Forest Service International Programs website,
under the What’s New section.
L. Paqueo (USA) will work with C. Karr and chairs of Working Groups to
update information on website as well as membership lists.
D. Funding Requests
a. Atmospheric Change and Forests—Al Riebau presented a proposal for a
comprehensive study for the three countries to look at the ozone effects—technique:
passive sampling. Funding request: $2 million over 3 years. The BOA would like to
know if the Working Group has explored existing data/reports from the three
countries and recommends that the Working Group present the proposal to NSF and
CEC.
Action Item: C. Karr (USA) will contact the Atmospheric Change and Forests
Working Group to discuss BOA decision on funding proposal.
b. Funding for Silviculture—
Tropical Tree Seed Manual—this publication has a long history with the NAFC. The
Working Group has expressed interest in funding to finish this publication but no
formal request was made. It was unclear how much funding would be needed and
how it would be allocated.
Action Item: BOA will request formal funding proposal from both Working
Groups.
E. Next BOA meeting: October 21, 2002 in Kona, Hawaii. The BOA will meet in
advance of the Commission meeting. There are ten rooms reserved for the BOA.
FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2002
Field trip to Long-Term Ecological Research watershed and stream management project in
Baltimore and environs.
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