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National Fire Plan Success Story

16 Springs Stewardship Contract
Lincoln National Forest, New Mexico
2008

Introduction

The 16 Springs Stewardship Contract was entered into under the authority of the Tribal Forest Protection Act (TFPA) (P.L. 108-278). The Lincoln National Forest (LNF) and the Mescalero Apache Tribe (MAT) have successfully used this large scale contract under the TFPA and making the project a success during seriously declining timber markets. The efforts to address issues and find solutions, demonstrates the true spirit of stewardship. This partnership will serve as a role model for other tribes and federal partners as they enter into similar relationships.

Communication and Collaboration

Both sides demonstrated flexibility to work though and negotiate contract issues. NEPA issues restricting crew access to units were negotiated and resolved. Communication continues to improve as participants become familiar with each other, resulting in a strong partnership with trust and respect. Open discussions have resulted in the Tribe and Forest Service making a concerted effort to align innovative, motivated employees in appropriate roles. Sharing of data has led to improved decision-making. Sharing of tribal data helped to develop plans along ownership boundaries.

Project Planning

The first large stewardship contract under the TFPA resulted in:

  • Improved planning, coordination, and implementation of timber harvest and hazardous fuels reduction treatments to lessen the threat of wildfire to surrounding communities and multiple land ownerships (federal, tribal and private);
  • Improved forest and ecosystem health in the Sacramento Mountains;
  • Augmented the supply of timber to Mescalero Forest Products (MFP); and,
  • Provided much needed employment for the local economy.

The project will contribute to the Southwestern Region Central Priority of restoration of fire-adapted ecosystems by reducing intensities of wildfires, especially in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) as identified under the Otero County Community Wildfire Protection Plan, sanctioned by the Otero County Working Group, New Mexico. The experience gained from this contract has encouraged more upfront participation by the MAT in planning future LNF projects. The MAT realized their expertise in the Sacramento Mountain ecosystem is both valuable and helpful is assisting the LNF project
planning.

Implementation

Both sides identified the need for flexibility to make adjustments in order to make this contract work. The first year (2007) of the contract resulted in the harvest of approximately 4 million board feet of timber. Hazard fuels treatments included 500 initial acres and a subsequent 700 acres that became available with year-end monies. There are another 650 acres of hazard fuel treatments available this year. Both sides capitalized on lessons learned and are applying them to upcoming new projects. The Tribe realized the importance of early participation in the plan development process to incorporate implementation strategies in original plans as a means to avoid later conflicts.

The Forest Service was able to accommodate separate tracking of accounts for the Mescalero Forest Products (MFP) and the tribes Natural Resource Department (NRD). Since the MAT operates as a separate enterprise MFP from the NRD, it was desirable to have the Lincoln National Forest collect timber stumpage from MFP and make separate payments to NRD for service work. This was accomplished early on by the LNF.

Marketing

Initially, this contract enhanced marketing of forest products by combining timber harvest and service work under one contract. This allowed the purchaser to investigate new markets for forest products and evaluate harvest efficiencies for small diameter logs and biomass. In the second year of the contract, the LNF recognized that timber markets were in a historic downturn and deferred the timber harvest until markets improve. This deferral allowed the contractor to research market opportunities to improve product revenue. The advantage to the LNF is the long-term viability of a wood product industry and service provider and the potential for reduced future implementation costs.

Challenges

The MAT and LNF recognize that success will depend on how they and their partners adapt to extremely volatile market conditions and demanding social/ political issues. Some of the more important challenges that confront them are:

  • Forest product markets are at an all time low, restricting harvest, and utilization.
  • There needs to be a process to evaluate collectively opportunities.
  • Determine "Best Value", as it relates to implementation costs and performance incentives.
  • Expansion of this partnership to include ownership by the broader local community and development of an efficient monitoring plan to determine how well management objectives are being met.

Commendation

The LNF and MAT partnership sets the bar for stewardship collaboration and success. The professionalism and attitude of both parties is critical for achievement under TFPA and the Stewardship contracting authority.

Contacts

  • Jacqueline Buchanan, Acting Forest Supervisor, (575) 434-7200
  • William "Bill" Avey, Acting Deputy Forest Supervisor, (575) 434-7200
  • Chad Stewart, Fire Management/Timber Staff Officer, (575) 434-7200
  • Joseph Garcia, Public Affairs Officer, (575) 434-7200, e-mail: jagarcia@fs.fed.us