AGENCY AND STAKEHOLDER CHARTER LAKE TAHOE · PDF fileAgency and Stakeholder Charter Lake Tahoe West Restoration Partnership 2 shore within 10 years. Resilience refers to managing the

AGENCYANDSTAKEHOLDERCHARTERLAKETAHOEWESTRESTORATIONPARTNERSHIP

AdoptedonApril4,2017Contents1. PurposeofthisAgencyandStakeholderCharter...................................................................12. GoalsandPhasesoftheLakeTahoeWestRestorationPartnership......................................13. Representation.......................................................................................................................24. GovernanceStructure.............................................................................................................35. RolesandResponsibilities.......................................................................................................46. Authority,Decision-Making,andCollaboration......................................................................87. StakeholderGroupMembershipandResponsibilities.........................................................128. PublicParticipationinStakeholderGroupMeetings............................................................139. InformationSources.............................................................................................................1310. ScientificDisputeResolutionandJointFact-Finding............................................................1411. Monitoring,PerformanceMeasurement,andImprovement...............................................1412. CoordinationwithRelatedInitiatives...................................................................................1513. Funding.................................................................................................................................1514. NEPA,CEQA,TRPA,andAdditionalDocumentationandPermitting....................................1615. TribalConsultation................................................................................................................1716. MeetingDocumentation.......................................................................................................1717. MeetingGroundRules..........................................................................................................1718. MeetingFrequency...............................................................................................................1819. PressandMediaProtocol.....................................................................................................1820. CommunicationandEducation.............................................................................................1921. DataSharing,Management,andIntegration.......................................................................2022. ReviewandAmendment......................................................................................................2023. Signatories............................................................................................................................20

1. PurposeofthisAgencyandStakeholderCharter ThisAgencyandStakeholderCharterexplainshowtheparticipantsoftheLakeTahoeWestRestorationPartnership(LakeTahoeWest)willworktogether,includingrepresentation,rolesandresponsibilities,decision-making,andoperationalprotocols.

2. GoalsandPhasesoftheLakeTahoeWestRestorationPartnershipLakeTahoeWestisaninteragency,multi-jurisdictionalinitiativethatincludesstakeholderparticipationandascienceteam.Itsprimarygoalistorestoreandmaintaintheresilienceoftheforests,watersheds,recreationalopportunities,andcommunitiesonLakeTahoe’swestern

AgencyandStakeholderCharter LakeTahoeWestRestorationPartnership

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shorewithin10years.Resiliencereferstomanagingthelandscapeinwaysthatenhanceitscapacitytowithstanddrought,climatechange,wildfire,increasedvisitoruse,barkbeetles,andotherstressors,withoutthelossofitsecologicalprocessesanditscultural,recreational,andeconomicvalues.TheroleofscienceinLakeTahoeWestistoprovideobjective,impartialinformationthatinformsdecision-making.Theinitiative’ssecondarygoalistodevelopanapproachtolandscaperestorationthatcanbereplicatedinandcustomizedtothenorth,east,andsouthshoresoftheLakeTahoeBasin,andtheSierraNevadagenerally.PhasesofLakeTahoeWestinclude(1)assessingthelandscapeandidentifyingthehighestpriorityareasforrestoration;(2)developingamulti-jurisdictionallandscaperestorationstrategy,basedonscientificmodelinganddeliberationofseveralpotentialmanagementapproaches;(3)planningacorrespondingrestorationprojectorseriesofprojects;(4)permittingtheproject(s);and(5)implementing,monitoring,andimprovingtheproject(s)overtime.Phases1-3willtaketwotothreeyears,andPhases4-5willtakearoundsevenyearstocomplete.Thelargestamountofstakeholderworkwilloccurduringthefirstthreeyears.

3. Representation

A.OrganizingAgencies Fourpublicagenciesandtwoorganizationsshareresponsibilityfororganizing,staffing,funding,andoverseeingtheLakeTahoeWestinitiative.Collectivelythesecomprisethe“organizingagencies,”andinclude:

1. CaliforniaTahoeConservancy(Conservancy)2. U.S.D.A.ForestService’sLakeTahoeBasinManagementUnit(LTBMU)3. TahoeRegionalPlanningAgency(TRPA)4. CaliforniaDepartmentofParksandRecreation(StateParks)5. TahoeFireandFuelsTeam(TFFT)6. NationalForestFoundation(NFF)

B.ParticipatingAgenciesTheLahontanRegionalWaterQualityControlBoard(RWQCB-Lahontan),andtheU.S.D.A.ForestService’sPacificSouthwestResearchStation(PSW),TahoeNationalForest(TNF),andEldoradoNationalForest(ENF)are“participatingagencies.”


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C.StakeholdersThestakeholdersincludeorganizations,businesses,publicagencies,andtribalgovernmentswhorepresentarangeofinterestsregardingforestandwatershedmanagement.Thebroadareasofinterestincludebutarenotlimitedto:

• Airqualityandsmoke• Biomass• Business,tourismandresorts• Conservation• Culturalresources• Fireprotection• Forestproductsandcontracting

• Homeownersandprivatelandowners

• Landmanagement• Publicutilities• Recreation• Regulation• Transportationandaccess• Waterresources

4. GovernanceStructure ThegovernancestructureforLakeTahoeWestconsistsoftenelements,innoparticularorder:

1. Interagency“CoreTeam”2. ProcessCommittee3. StakeholderScienceCommittee4. StakeholderCommunityCommittee5. ScienceTeam6. InteragencyDesignTeam

7. Documentation&PermittingCoordinationTeam

8. ExecutiveTeam9. TechnicalNetwork10. IndependentTechnicalPanel

Thediagramonthenextpageillustratesthepredominantinteractionsbetweenthefirsteightgovernanceelements,whicharestandingelements,asindicatedbythearrowsandtheirrelativethickness;theremayalsobeadditionalinteractionsbetweenelementsasneeded.


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5. RolesandResponsibilitiesOrganizingagencies:Theseagenciesshareresponsibilityfororganizing,staffing,funding,andoverseeingtheLakeTahoeWestinitiative.TheorganizingagencieshaveadditionalresponsibilitiesthataredetailedbelowundertheInteragencyDesignTeam,DocumentationandPermittingCoordinationTeam,CoreTeam,andExecutiveTeam.NationalForestFoundation:NFFisanorganizingagencywithadditionalresponsibilities.PertheawardofaProposition1planninggrant(AgreementNumberCTA15018L)bytheCaliforniaTahoeConservancytoestablishLakeTahoeWest,theNationalForestFoundation(NFF)providesprogrammanagementandneutralfacilitationservices.

• Withregardtoprogrammanagement,theNFFProgramManager-Facilitatorhasresponsibilityfordevelopingaworkplanandensuringthattheinitiativeadherestothisascloselyaspossible.Responsibilityalsoinvolvescoordinatingtheworkofthemanagersandstaff,particularlytrackingactionitemsandensuringthetimely


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preparation,revision,andcompletionofworkproducts.Italsoincludesmaintainingthelistofmembersandparticipantsinthevariousgovernanceelements,managingthestakeholdergroups,andmanagingcommunications.

• Withregardtofacilitation,theNFFProgramManager-Facilitatorremainsneutralwithregardtothesubstanceoflandscaperestoration,andinsteadhasresponsibilityfordesigningandmanaginganinclusive,fair,transparent,rigorous,andeffectiveinteragencyandstakeholderprocess.Thisincludeshelpingtoformulatemeetinggoalsandagendas,developingfacilitationstrategiestoaccomplishspecifictasks,anddesigningfacilitation-relatedmaterials;electronicallydistributingmaterialssufficientlyfarinadvancetoallowmemberstoreviewmaterialsbeforethemeeting;managingmeetingsanddialogue,includingbalancingparticipationandenforcinggroundrules;andoverseeingthepreparationofmeetingsummariesthatdocumentmajorpointsofdiscussion,recommendations,andactionitems.Italsoinvolvesservingasaconfidantformemberswhowishtoexpressconcernsprivately,whetheraboutthesubstanceofdiscussionsortheprocess.Overall,itincludesbuildingthecapacityofallparticipantstousecollaborativestrategiestoimproveplanningandmanagementoutcomes.

Participatingagencies:Eachparticipatingagencyhasaspecificroleandresponsibilities.

• LahontanRegionalWaterQualityControlBoardprovidesinformationonitsregulations,andparticipatesinagencydeliberationsasrequested,forthepurposeofclarifyingregulatoryprocedures,requirements,andconsiderations.TheBoardalsoissuespermits,andhelpstocoordinatepermitsrequiredbytheStateWaterResourcesControlBoard.

• PacificSouthwestResearchStationleadsthescientificmodelingthatwillinformthelandscaperestorationstrategyandtherestorationproject(s).PSWalsoprovidesadviceonadditionalscientifictasksandworkproducts,suchasthelandscapeassessment,asrequestedandasfeasible.

• GiventhesharedboundaryaroundtheLowerTruckeeRiver,theLakeTahoeWestRestorationPartnership(LTW)hasaspecialrelationshipwiththeTahoeNationalForest(TNF).Toensuretheconsistencyandcompatibilityofanalysesandplanninginthisboundaryarea,LTWwillshareinformationandcoordinateregularlywithTNFtoobtaininputandfeedbackontopicsofmutualconcern.WhilefutureLTWprojectplanningwillmostlikelyoccuronlywithintheLakeTahoeBasin,LTWwillutilizealargeranalysisareawhendevelopingitslandscapeassessmentandlandscaperestorationstrategy.

• GiventhesharedboundaryalongthewesternboundaryoftheLakeTahoeBasin,includingDesolationWilderness,theLakeTahoeWestRestorationPartnership(LTW)hasaspecialrelationshipwiththeEldoradoNationalForest(ENF).Toensuretheconsistencyandcompatibilityofanalysesandplanninginthisboundaryarea,LTWwillshareinformationandcoordinateregularlywithENFtoobtaininputandfeedbackontopicsofmutualconcern.WhilefutureLTWprojectplanningwillmostlikelyoccuronlywithintheLakeTahoeBasin,LTWwillutilizealargeranalysisareawhendevelopingitslandscapeassessmentandlandscaperestorationstrategy.


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Iftheydesiretoplayaformativeroleintheplanning,funding,andimplementationofLakeTahoeWest,newparticipatingagenciesmayjointheinitiativewiththeconsensusoftheorganizingagencies,includingthedesignationofaspecificroleandresponsibilities.Interagency“CoreTeam”:Consistsofexecutives,managersandsubjectmatterexpertsfromtheorganizingagencies,andtheparticipatingagenciesasrequested,aswellastheNFFProgramManagerandFacilitator.TheCoreTeamhasresponsibilityforworkingcloselywiththeNFFProgramManagerandFacilitatortoplan,seekinputon,coordinate,andmanageallpartsofLakeTahoeWest,includingeachofthegovernanceelements.StakeholderGroups:IncludesboththeStakeholderScienceCommitteeandtheStakeholderCommunityCommittee.Consistsofdesignatedrepresentativesoforganizations,businesses,publicagencies,andtribalgovernments,whorepresentarangeofinterestsregardingforestandwatershedmanagement.Detailedrolesandresponsibilitiesforeachofthesecommitteesfollowbelow.ProcessCommittee:ConsistsofasmallnumberofmembersfromthetwoStakeholderGroupsandfromtheCoreTeam.TheProcessCommitteehasresponsibilityforplanningtheStakeholderScienceCommitteeandtheStakeholderCommunityCommitteemeetingagendas,andprovidingfeedbackandguidanceontheirwork.Participationwillbevoluntary,bebroadlyrepresentativeoftheinterestsinvolvedinLakeTahoeWest,andmayrotateovertime.StakeholderScienceCommittee(SSC):TheSSCisoneofthetwoStakeholderGroups,andhasresponsibilityforworkingcollaborativelywiththeInteragencyDesignTeam,andothergovernanceelementsasneeded,toprovidereview,critique,andguidanceregardingthescientificconcepts,information,andanalysesthatconstitutethelandscapeassessment,landscaperestorationstrategy,projectplanning,permitting,andmonitoring/performancemeasurementandimprovement.Thisincludesbutisnotlimitedtotheinterestsassociatedwithairqualityandsmoke;biomass;conservation;culturalresources;landmanagement;andwaterresources.TheSSCrecommendsfinalIADTworkproductstotheExecutiveTeamforapproval.TheSSCpresentsinformationtotheStakeholderCommunityCommitteetoexplainthescientificbasisofitsrecommendations,anddiscussesassociatedquestionsandconsiderations.ItsharesresponsibilitywiththeStakeholderCommunityCommitteeforreviewingandprovidinginputonorganizingagencybudgetingforLakeTahoeWestprojectimplementation(includingplannedexpendituresforstaff,equipment,contracts,andmonitoring),andcorrespondingreporting(includingactualexpendituresandaccomplishments).Finally,itsharesresponsibilitywiththeStakeholderCommunityCommitteeforannuallyreviewingandprovidinginputonthecalendarofactivities(i.e.,workplan).TheSSCandStakeholderCommunityCommitteehaveregularjoint-meetingstoshareinformationanddiscusstopicsofmutualconcern. StakeholderCommunityCommittee(SCC):TheSCCisoneofthetwoStakeholderGroups,andhasresponsibilityforengagingwiththeInteragencyDesignTeam,andothergovernanceelementsasneeded,toprovidereview,feedback,andinputregardingthenon-scientific


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concepts,information,andanalysesthatconstitutethelandscapeassessment,landscaperestorationstrategy,projectplanning,permitting,andmonitoring/performancemeasurementandimprovement.Thisincludesbutisnotlimitedtotheinterestsassociatedwithbusiness,tourismandresorts;fireprotectionandpublicsafety;homeownerandprivatelandowners;publicutilities;recreation;andtransportationandaccess.TheSCCsharesresponsibilitywiththeStakeholderScienceCommitteeforreviewingandprovidinginputonorganizingagencybudgetingforLakeTahoeWestprojectimplementation(includingplannedexpendituresforstaff,equipment,contracts,andmonitoring),andcorrespondingreporting(includingactualexpendituresandaccomplishments).Finally,itsharesresponsibilitywiththeStakeholderScienceCommitteeforannuallyreviewingandprovidinginputonthecalendarofactivities(i.e.,workplan).TheSCCandStakeholderScienceCommitteehaveregularjoint-meetingstoshareinformationanddiscusstopicsofmutualconcern.ScienceTeam:ConsistsofscientistsfromtheU.S.D.A.ForestServicePacificSouthwestResearchStation,UniversityofCaliforniaatDavis,UniversityofNevadaatReno,DesertResearchInstitute,andPortlandStateUniversity.LedbytwoScienceCoordinators,theScienceTeamhasresponsibilityforconductingthemodelingthatwillinformthelandscaperestorationstrategyandtherestorationproject(s).PSWalsoprovidesadviceonadditionalscientifictasksandworkproducts,suchasthelandscapeassessment,asrequestedandasfeasible.ThetwoScienceCoordinatorsalsoparticipate,asfeasible,inthemeetingsoftheInteragencyCoreTeam,InteragencyDesignTeam,andStakeholderScienceCommittee.InteragencyDesignTeam(IADT):Consistsofmanagersandsubjectmatterexpertsfromtheorganizingagencies,andtheparticipatingagenciesasrequested.TheIADThasresponsibilityfordevelopingtheconcepts,information,andanalysesthatconstitutethelandscapeassessment,landscaperestorationstrategy,correspondingprojectplanningandpermitting,andperformancemeasurement/monitoringandimprovement.TheIADTworkscollaborativelywiththeStakeholderScienceCommittee,meaningthatitmakesthebestpossibleefforttoincorporatetheirinterests,concepts,andsuggestionsinworkproducts.TheIADTalsoinvolvestheStakeholderCommunityCommittee,meaningthatitconsiderscarefullytheircomments,feedback,andinputwhendevelopingworkproducts.TheIADThasresponsibilityforproducingnecessaryenvironmentaldecisiondocumentationandcompletingnecessarypermittingandreviews,andwillworkcloselywiththeDocumentationandPermittingCoordinationTeamforthispurpose.DocumentationandPermittingCoordinationTeam(D&PCT):Consistsofmanagersandsubjectmatterexpertsfromtheorganizingagencies,andtheparticipatingagenciesasrequested.TheD&PCThasresponsibilityforworkingwiththeIADTtoidentifyinformationalandanalyticalneedsfortheenvironmentaldecisiondocuments,regulatorypermits,andregulatoryreviewsassociatedwithprojectplanning,implementation,andmonitoring.ItalsohasresponsibilityforworkingwiththeIADTtocoordinateeffortstomeettheseinformationalandanalyticalneeds,tocoordinatetheproductionofnecessarydocumentationacrossagencies,andtocoordinatethecompletionofnecessarypermittingandreviewsacrossagencies.


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ExecutiveTeam:Consistsofexecutivesfromtheorganizingagencies,aswellasRWQCB-Lahontan.TheExecutiveTeam,asappropriate,hasresponsibilityforprovidingpolicyguidanceasneeded,reviewingandapprovingfinalworkproductsrecommendedbytheStakeholderScienceCommittee,andoverseeingtheprocessasawhole.TechnicalNetwork:ConsistsofadditionalsubjectmatterexpertswhoarenotpartoftheScienceTeam,InteragencyDesignTeam,StakeholderScienceCommittee,orStakeholderCommunityCommittee.Onanas-requestedbasis,theTechnicalNetworkhasresponsibilityforprovidingfeedback,information,andsuggestionsregardingspecificscientific,economic,planning,orothertechnicalissues.Technicalnetworkeventsaremostlikelytotaketheformofworkshopsthatalsoincludemembersoftheothergovernanceelements.IndependentTechnicalPanel:Consistsofasmallnumberofindependentsubjectmatterexperts.Onanas-requestedbasis,thePanelhasresponsibilityforworkingtogethertoprovideindependenttechnicalreviewofworkproducts,andcorrespondingrecommendations.WorkGroups:ConsistsofasmallnumberofmembersfromtheStakeholderGroupsand/ordesignatedsubjectmatterexpertsfromtheirorganization,business,agency,ortribalgovernment,and/orindividualsfromtheInteragencyDesignTeam.Createdonanas-neededbasis,eachworkgroupwillhaveaspecificcharge.Participationwillbevoluntary.Tokeepgroupsizesmallandthusallowforexpeditiouswork,thefacilitatormayaskinterest-basedcaucusestoidentifyasinglememberforagivengroup.Thegroupmayconsultexternalexpertsasneeded.AnymaterialsdevelopedbycommitteesorworkgroupswillbebroughtbacktotherespectiveStakeholderGroup(s)fordiscussion,revisionasneededand,ifapplicable,recommendation.

6. Authority,Decision-Making,andCollaborationThisCharterdoesnotgrantoneagencyanyauthorityoveranother.Thisincludesoverprojectplanninganddesign,environmentaldecisionsdocuments,regulatorypermits,regulatoryreviews,orprojectimplementation.

A.TheExecutiveTeamTheExecutiveTeamwillseekconsensus(unanimousagreement)onprimarydecisions(specifiedbelow).Note,however,thatalthoughNFFandRWQCB-Lahontanwillbewelcometoprovidesuggestions,comments,andfeedbackonanyandalltopicsduringExecutiveTeamdeliberations,theywillnotbeaskedtomakedecisions.

• Consensusmeansthatapartywillnotblockthedecision.Consensusmayincludethepartysupportingadecision,neutrality,orabstainingfromadecision;incommonparlance,theparty“canlivewith”thedecision.


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WithregardtorecommendationsfromtheStakeholderScienceCommittee(SSC):If,aftergoodfaith,interest-basednegotiation(definedinthenextbullet),theExecutiveTeamcannotreachconsensusonarecommendation,theywillprovidetheSSCandInteragencyDesignTeamwithanexplanationoftheissueswheredisagreementremains.TheExecutiveTeammaythenasktheSSCandInteragencyDesignTeamtoworkfurthertoresolvedisagreement,andtoreturnwitharevisedproposal.OrtheExecutiveTeammaydecidethatitwishestoproceedwithoutconsensus,documentitsexplanationofwheredisagreementremains,andmoveforwardbasedonthepreferreddecisionofthesupermajority(4of5agencies,fromamongtheConservancy,LTBMU,TRPA,StateParks,andTFFT).

• Goodfaith,interest-basednegotiationconsistsof:sharinginformation,notpersonalizingdisagreement,workingtounderstandeachother’sconcernsandinterests,identifyingobjectivecriteriatouseindecision-making,andworkingtodevelopinclusivesolutionsthatmeetone’sowninterestswhilesimultaneouslymeetingthoseoftheotherparties.

• Goodfaith,interest-basednegotiationisacrucialprerequisitefortheExecutiveTeamtoconcludeitcannotreachconsensus.Goodfaithnegotiationdifferentiatesaconsensus-seekingdecisionrulefromanend-runtoamajorityorsupermajorityvote.

PrimarydecisionsoftheorganizingagenciesoftheExecutiveTeaminclude:

1. AgencyandStakeholderCharter2. Communicationmaterials3. TheLakeTahoeWestboundary4. Essentialmanagementquestions5. Afinancestrategy6. Priorityareasforlandscaperestoration7. Landscaperestorationgoals8. Rankingofmanagementapproaches/strategies9. Monitoringplanandperformancemeasures10. JointNEPA-CEQAScopingNotice(s)&ProposedAction(s)

TheseareincludedintheLakeTahoeWestcalendarofactivities(i.e.,workplan).TheorganizingagenciesoftheExecutiveTeamwillalsoseekconsensusonsecondarydecisions.If,aftergoodfaith,interest-basednegotiation,theExecutiveTeamcannotreachconsensus,theycanmakesecondarydecisionsbasedonthepreferreddecisionofthemajority(3of5agencies,fromamongtheConservancy,LTBMU,TRPA,StateParks,andTFFT).

• Secondarydecisionsoftheorganizingagenciesmayinclude,butarenotlimitedto,topicssuchaslogisticsandotherworkproductsnotlistedasprimarydecisions,andoperationaldecisionsneededtoadvancetheworkofthegroup.


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B.StakeholderScienceCommitteeTheStakeholderScienceCommitteewillseekconsensusontheprimaryrecommendationsitmakestotheExecutiveTeam.Totheextentitcannotreachconsensus–again,aftergoodfaithnegotiation–itmayprovidetheExecutiveTeamwithmorethanonerecommendation.Inthiscase,itwillexplaintheissueswheredisagreementremains,andrequesttheExecutiveTeamtoprovideguidanceormakeadecisiontomovetheprojectforward.PrimaryrecommendationsoftheStakeholderScienceCommitteeinclude:

1. TheLakeTahoeWestboundary2. Essentialmanagementquestions3. Landscaperesilienceframework4. Priorityareasforlandscaperestoration5. Landscaperestorationgoals6. Managementapproaches/strategies7. Rankingofmanagementapproaches/strategies8. OutlineofProposedActionelements9. Objectivesforlandscape-scaleproject(s)10. Monitoringplanandperformancemeasures11. RecommendedProposedAction(s)12. Annualmonitoringandperformancemeasurementreports

TheseareincludedintheLakeTahoeWestcalendarofactivities(i.e.,workplan).TheStakeholderScienceCommitteewillalsoseekconsensusonsecondaryrecommendations.If,aftergoodfaith,interest-basednegotiation,itcannotreachconsensus,itcanmakesecondaryrecommendationsbasedonthepreferredrecommendationofa75%supermajorityofmemberspresent.

• SecondaryrecommendationsoftheStakeholderScienceCommitteemayinclude,butarenotlimitedto,topicssuchascommunicationmaterials,logistics,participationinexternaleventsandgroups,thehiringofconsultants,otherworkproductsnotlistedasprimaryrecommendations,andday-to-daydecisionsneededtoadvancetheworkofthegroup.

C.StakeholderCommunityCommitteeTheStakeholderCommunityCommitteewillseekconsensusonthereview,feedback,andinputitprovidestotheInteragencyDesignTeam.Whilehelpful,however,reachingconsensusisnotrequiredfortheStakeholderCommunityCommitteetofulfillitsduties;meetingsummarieswilldocumenttheissues,commonground,aswellasareasofdisagreementthattheInteragencyDesignTeamneedstoconsider.TheStakeholderCommunityCommitteewillprovidereview,feedback,andinputonthefollowingtopics:


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1. TheLakeTahoeWestboundary2. Essentialmanagementquestions3. Landscaperesilienceframework4. Priorityareasforlandscaperestoration5. Landscaperestorationgoals6. Managementapproaches/strategies7. Rankingofmanagementapproaches/strategies8. OutlineofProposedActionelements9. Objectivesforlandscape-scaleproject(s)10. Monitoringplanandperformancemeasures11. RecommendedProposedAction(s)12. Annualmonitoringandperformancemeasurementreports

TheseareincludedintheLakeTahoeWestcalendarofactivities(i.e.,workplan).TheStakeholderCommunityCommitteewillalsoseekconsensusonsecondarytopics.Again,however,reachingconsensusisnotrequiredfortheStakeholderCommunityCommitteetofulfillitsduties.

• Secondarytopicsmayinclude,butarenotlimitedto,communicationmaterials,logistics,participationinexternaleventsandgroups,thehiringofconsultants,otherworkproductsnotlistedintheprecedingtopics,andday-to-daydecisionsneededtoadvancetheworkofthegroup.

D.InteragencyDesignTeamTheInteragencyDesignTeamwillseekconsensusontheworkproductsthatitpreparesfortheStakeholderScienceCommitteeandStakeholderCommunityCommittee.Totheextentitcannotreachconsensus–again,aftergoodfaithnegotiation–itmayprovidetherespectivecommittee(s)withmorethanoneversionofagivenworkproduct.

E.CollaborationbetweenStakeholderScienceCommitteeandInteragencyDesignTeamTheStakeholderScienceCommitteeandInteragencyDesignTeamwillworkcollaboratively,bothwithintheirgroupsandintheinteractionsbetweenthetwo.

• Thismeansnotonlysharinginformationandreceivingfeedback,butworkingtoensurethattheinterestsofallpartiesaresincerelyaddressedandclearlyreflectedintheworkproducts.Thisislikelytoincludejointlydevelopingscientificanalysisframeworks(includingbutnotlimitedtomodeling);reviewingdata,results,andinterpretations;andnegotiatingassociatedscientificrecommendations.


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• Thisinvolvesaniterativeprocessofexpanding,narrowing,andrefiningtherangeofideasconsidered.Itrequiresbuildingtrust,developingtheabilitytoworkthroughconflict,makingcommitments,beingaccountable,attentiontodetail,andpatience.

• Thegoalistodevelopsolutionsthatallpartiescansupportand,ideally,advocateforwellintotheforeseeablefuture.

7. StakeholderGroupMembershipandResponsibilitiesMembershipineitherStakeholderGroup–theStakeholderScienceCommitteeortheStakeholderCommunityCommittee–requiresanorganization,business,agency,ortribalgovernmenttocommittoadheretoandupholdthischarter,asindicatedbythesignatureoftheirprimaryrepresentativeorotherauthorizedpersonattheendofthisdocument.Insomecircumstances,thiscommitmentmaybemadeverballyorviaelectroniccommunication.ParticipationinLakeTahoeWestisvoluntary.Eachorganization,business,agency,ortribalgovernmentdesignatesaprimaryandalternaterepresentative.Newmemberswillhavethesamerequirementandthesameresponsibilitiesasexistingmembers.Responsibilities:InadditiontothecollectiveresponsibilitiesdescribedinRolesandResponsibilitiesabove,membersalsohavethefollowingindividualresponsibilities:

1. Attendandprepareforeachmeeting.Thisincludesreviewingmaterialsinadvance,andreviewingthesummaryofthepreviousmeetingiftheymissedit.Membersmustattendatleasthalfoftheannualmeetingstoretaintheirmembership.

2. Iftheprimaryrepresentativecannotattend,theymaysendtheiralternate.Inthiscase,theprimaryrepresentativeisrequiredtoensurecontinuitybybriefingthealternateonrecentdiscussions,includingtheconcernsandintereststhattheprimaryrepresentativeexpressedpreviously,aswellasrecentdecisionsabouthowtoproceed.

3. Serveastheliaisonfortheirrespectiveorganization,business,agency,ortribalgovernment(andmembershiporconstituency,asapplicable),includingsharingnewsaboutLakeTahoeWestwiththeircolleagues,andbringingtheircolleagues’questions,concerns,andideasintotheLakeTahoeWestconversation.ThisliaisingiscriticalforaStakeholderScienceCommitteemembertomakearecommendation,andforaStakeholderCommunityCommitteemembertoprovideaccuratefeedbackandinput.Ifapplicable,eachmemberisexpectedtoadheretotheirorganization,business,agency,ortribalgovernment’sinternaldecision-makingprocedure.

4. Providerequestedinformationthatisdirectlyrelevanttothediscussions,orexplainwhytheycannotprovidethatinformation.Conversely,ifmemberschoosetoprovide


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preliminary,proprietary,orconfidentialinformation,treatitaccordingtotheprovider’sstipulations.

5. Onlymakecommitmentsthatoneintendstokeep,andhavethetimeandresourcestodoso.Generally,actinamannerthatenhancestrustamongallparticipants.

6. Asdescribedinsection6onAuthority,Decision-Making,andCollaboration,negotiateingoodfaithandbasedoninterests,whichinpracticemeanssharinginformation,notpersonalizingdisagreement,workingtounderstandeachother’sconcernsandinterests,identifyingobjectivecriteriatouseindecision-making,andworkingtodevelopinclusivesolutionsthatmeetone’sowninterestswhilesimultaneouslymeetingthoseoftheotherparties.

8. PublicParticipationinStakeholderGroupMeetingsStakeholderScienceCommitteeandStakeholderCommunityCommitteemeetingsareopentothepublic.Interestedpartiesarewelcometoattendandobserve.Interestedpartiesmayaskquestionsandmakecommentsduringtimesdenotedonmeetingagendas,andattheendofagendaitems,timepermitting.TheintentofthisprovisionistoensurethatmembersoftheStakeholderGroupsandagencyrepresentativesatthesemeetingscancompletetheirworkanddiscussionsinatimelyfashion.Interestedpartiesdonotparticipateindecision-making.

9. InformationSourcesTheLakeTahoeWestinitiativeusesthebestavailablescience.Thisensuresthescientificintegrityofdiscussionsandanalysesbytransparentlyreferencingsourcesreliedupon;identifyingmethodsused;disclosingincompleteorunavailableinformation,limitations,risks,anduncertainties;anddiscussingalternativeinterpretationsandapproaches.Inadditiontopeer-reviewed,publishedscientificliterature,theinitiativealsoconsidersthefollowingsourcesofinformationrelevant:

1. Traditionalecologicalknowledge2. Fieldexperienceandobservations3. Technicalreferenceorguidancedocuments4. Internalagencyreviews(e.g.,ForestServicescienceconsistencyreviews)5. Professionalandagencyreports6. Subjectmatterexpertcomments


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10. ScientificDisputeResolutionandJointFact-FindingJointfact-findingisstructuredmethodofinquirythatcanbeusedtoresolvescientificdisputes.WhileStakeholderScienceCommitteememberswillstillneedtoconsiderotherinformationandtheirownvalueswhenmakingrecommendations,jointfact-findingprovidesavaluablemethodforagrouptoestablishhowitwillusethescientificinformationavailabletomoveforward.TheStakeholderScienceCommitteecaninitiatejointfact-findingwhenasupermajorityofmemberspresent,ortheNFFfacilitator,determinesthatthegroupisatascientificimpasse.TheprocessinvolvesformingasmallworkgroupofStakeholderScienceCommitteemembers,agencyexperts,and(ifdesired)outsideexpertstoworkthroughthefollowingsteps:

1. Poseasspecificallyaspossiblethequestion(s)thatunderliethedispute;2. Gatherthemostrelevantpeer-reviewedpublishedliterature;3. Individuallyreadandthencollectivelyreviewtheliterature,notingasfindingstheareas

ofconvergenceanddivergence,gaps,anduncertainties;4. PrepareasummaryoffindingsfortheremainingmembersoftheStakeholderScience

CommitteeaswellastheStakeholderCommunityCommittee,includingaconsensusrecommendationforhowtoproceed;and

5. PresentthesummarytotheremainingmembersoftheStakeholderScienceCommitteeaswellastheStakeholderCommunityCommittee,andanswerquestionsaboutitsrecommendation.

Iftheworkgroupcannotreachconsensusonarecommendation,itmayprovidetworecommendationstotheStakeholderScienceCommitteeandStakeholderCommunityCommittee.TheStakeholderScienceCommitteewillthendeterminehowtoproceed.Thismayinvolveaskingtheworkgrouptoconductadditionalfact-finding,orusingitsdecision-makingprocedureforsecondaryrecommendations.

11. Monitoring,PerformanceMeasurement,andImprovementMonitoring,conductedduringPhase5,providesthefoundationfordeterminingwhetherLakeTahoeWestrestorationprojectsdevelopedandpermittedduringPhases3and4areproperlyimplemented(implementationmonitoring);achievingdesiredoutcomes,includingpositiveornegativeecological,social,andeconomiceffects(effectivenessmonitoring);andcomplyingwithregulatorystandards(compliancemonitoring).Multi-partymonitoringinvolvestheparticipationofmultipleagencies,organizations,businesses,and/ortribalgovernmentsinthecollectionandanalysisofdata.


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PerformancemeasurementprovidesthefoundationforassessinghowLakeTahoeWestisutilizingitsagencyresources,includingstaff,equipment,contracts,andfunding,toreachtargetedresults.PerformancemeasurementwillberequiredduringPhases1through4,andwillbeparticularlyimportantduringPhase5.LakeTahoeWestwillconductmonitoringandmeasureperformancetoimproveitsimplementationofprojects,consistentwithenvironmentalcompliancedocumentationandpermits;itsplanningoffuturerestorationprojects;anditsdeploymentofagencyresources.Monitoringandperformancemeasureswillbespecifiedinadvanceofimplementation,andconformwithprofessionaldesignstandards.DevelopingthisinformationwillrequirefurtherdiscussionandworkbytheIADT,StakeholderGroups,andothergovernanceelements.Multi-partyMonitoringandVolunteerEfforts:Membersareinvitedtoparticipateinmulti-partymonitoring,andtovolunteerinimplementingrestorationprojects.

12. CoordinationwithRelatedInitiativesTheCoreTeamwillcoordinatetheLakeTahoeWestworkwiththerelatedprojects,programs,andplanningthatotherorganizations,businesses,agencies,andtribalgovernmentsareundertakingonthewestshore,andelsewhereintheLakeTahoeBasin.IdentifyingthebestapproachtocoordinatingwiththeseinitiativeswillrequirefurtherdiscussionandworkbytheIADT,StakeholderGroups,andothergovernanceelements.

13. FundingThisMOUdoesnotguaranteeorobligatefundingonbehalfofanyagency.Eachorganizingandparticipatingagencyagreestoworktothebestofitsabilitytoobtainanddedicateadequatefundingforitsstafftoparticipate,andagreestocoordinateoneffortstoobtainexternalfunding.Eachorganizingagencyagreestoworktothebestofitsabilitytoobtainandcontributetothefundingofexternalsupportthatallorganizingagenciesagreeisnecessary.DevelopingandimplementingafundingstrategywillrequirefurtherdiscussionandworkbytheIADT,StakeholderGroups,andothergovernanceelements.


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14. NEPA,CEQA,TRPA,andAdditionalDocumentationandPermittingTheDocumentationandPermittingCoordinationTeamwillworkcloselywiththeInteragencyDesignTeamtocoordinatethepreparationofenvironmentaldocumentationneededtofulfilltheNationalEnvironmentalPolicyAct(NEPA),CaliforniaEnvironmentalQualityAct(CEQA),requirementsofTRPA,andrequirementsofotherregulatoryagenciessuchasRWQCB-Lahontan.Theprecisearrangementforhowtheagencieswillworktogether,includingthepotentialpreparationofjointNEPA-CEQA-TRPAdocumentation,willbedeterminedatthestartoftheplanningphase,orearlierifpossible.StakeholderengagementthroughtheStakeholderCommunityCommitteeandStakeholderScienceCommitteeoccursontheleft-handsideoftheNationalEnvironmentalPolicyAct(NEPA)triangle(denoted“PlantoProject”,seebelow),duringphases1,2,andpartof3ofLTW.Duringphase3,oncetheStakeholderScienceCommitteemakesitsrecommendationofaProposedAction,theU.S.ForestServicewillbegintheprocessofdocumentingitsenvironmentaldecision(denoted“NEPAProject”ontheright-handsidethetriangle).TheStakeholderCommunityCommitteeandStakeholderScienceCommitteemaywishtoparticipateinthepublicNEPAenvironmentalreviewprocessconsistentwiththerulesandproceduresforthatprocess.ParticipationinLakeTahoeWestdoesnotinanywayabrogatetherightofindividualagenciesorparticipantstoengageintheNEPA,CEQA,orregulatoryreviewprocesses.Thoughnotyetspecified,thereislikelytobesomemechanismforcontinuedstakeholderengagementafterNEPAiscomplete,particularlyduringphase5(Implementation,MonitoringandPerformanceMeasurement,andImprovement),whichcorrespondswiththebottomsideofthetriangledenoted“Feedback.”


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15. TribalConsultationParticipationinLakeTahoeWestmeetingsdoesnotinanywayabrogaterightstoorrequirementsforfederal,state,orlocalgovernmentconsultationwithNativeAmericantribalgovernments.

16. MeetingDocumentation

A.ExecutiveTeamMeetingsTheNFFfacilitatorwillreviewallactionitems,decisions,andapprovedworkproductsbeforeclosingameeting,andrequestmemberstonoteifanythingwasforgotten,orneedsfurtherclarificationorspecification.Thefacilitatorwillthendistributeelectronicallyanytrackedchangesdocuments,andalistofactionitems,decisions,andapprovedworkproducts,within24hoursaftermeetingadjournment.Withintwoweeksofameeting,thefacilitatorwillpostarecordofdecisionsandapprovedworkproductstotheprojectwebsite,http://www.nationalforests.org/laketahoewest.

B.StakeholderGroupMeetingsTheNFFFacilitatorwilloverseethepreparationofStakeholderScienceCommitteeandStakeholderCommunityCommitteemeetingsummariesthatdocumentmajorpointsofdiscussion,recommendations,andactionitems.Thesummarieswillattributestatementsmadebypresentersnamedontheagenda,andwillidentifyparticipantsresponsibleforspecificactionitems.Asidefromthesecases,thesummarieswillnotattributestatementstoindividualparticipants,exceptinrareinstanceswhereattributionisessentialtoadvancinganegotiatedagreement.Thefacilitatorwillcirculateadraftsummarywithintwoweeksofameeting,askmemberstoapprovethesummaryattheirnextmeeting,andpostthefinalsummarytotheprojectwebsite,http://www.nationalforests.org/laketahoewest.

17. MeetingGroundRulesTheNFFFacilitatorwillusethefollowinggroundrulesinallmeetings.

1. Electronicscourtesy–pleaseturnalldevicestosilentoroff2. Becomfortable–takepersonalbreaksifneeded,restroomsandrefreshmentsprovided3. Honortime–weneedtospendsometimewitheachtopicontheagenda,please

adheretotheguidanceprovided4. Humoriswelcome–itjustshouldnotbeatsomeoneelse’sexpense


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5. Commonconversationalcourtesy–donotinterruptothers,useprofanity,ormakeithardtohearbyhavingthird-partyconversationsatthetable

6. Allideasandpointsofviewhavevalue–youdonothavetoagreewithyourneighbor;ifyoudonotagreewithsomething,proposeanalternativethatcouldmeeteveryone’sinterests

7. Treateachotherwithrespect–everyonecaresaboutthework,andbringsuniquebackgrounds,expertise,andinsighttotheconversation

8. Avoideditorials–avoidjudgingotherpeople’smotivesorthevalueoftheiractions;insteadexplainwhatyouneedforyourintereststobemetandourworktobeasuccess

Caucusing:Anymembermaycaucuswithothermemberswhosharesimilarinterests.Caucusingallowsmemberstoexploretopicsofmutualconcernandadvanceagreement.Uponrequest,theNFFfacilitatorwillparticipateinacaucusmeeting.

18. MeetingFrequencyThegovernanceelementswillmeetwiththefollowingapproximatefrequencies,withmeetingdurationvaryingbasedonneed:

1. Interagency“CoreTeam”:everyotherweek2. ProcessCommittee:monthly3. StakeholderScienceCommittee:monthlytoeveryothermonth(inperson,byphone)4. StakeholderCommunityCommittee:quarterly5. ScienceTeam:everyothermonth,withgreaterfrequencyduringmodeling6. InteragencyDesignTeam:everyotherweektomonthly7. DocumentationandPermittingCoordinationTeam:everyothermonthtoquarterly8. TechnicalNetwork:asneeded9. IndependentTechnicalPanel:asneeded10. ExecutiveTeam:everyothermonth

19. PressandMediaProtocolThepurposeofthisprotocolistoensurethatparticipantsdonotusethepressormediaasavehiclefornegotiation,andtoavoiddisruptionstotheprocess.Incommunicationwiththepressand/ormedia,participantsinLakeTahoeWestwill:

1. Clarifythattheyarespeakingandexpressingopinionsasindividualparticipants,notonbehalfofLakeTahoeWest.

2. EnsurethatstatementsofsupportandconcernthattheyexpresstothepressormediaareconsistentwiththosethattheyexpressedinLakeTahoeWestmeetings.


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3. Representtopicsofdiscussions,issues,andconcernsasgeneralgroupcomments.Notattributestatementsto,norcharacterizetheviewsofotherparticipants.Ifaskedtodoso,refertheinquirerdirectlytothatparticipant(s).

4. Asacourtesy,notifytheNFFfacilitatoriftheyarecontacted.IfaparticipantseesapressormediastatementbyanotherLakeTahoeWestparticipantthattheyfeelisinaccurateorinappropriate,theywillnotifytheNFFfacilitatorandcalltheotherparticipanttoascertainwhetherthestatementwastakenoutofcontext,beforeresponding.Tokeepthepublic,press,andmediainformedofitswork,agreements,andprogress,theStakeholderGroupsandCoreTeamwillworkwiththeNFFFacilitatortoperiodicallydevelopandapprovejointstatements(andpossiblyothermaterials),forwhichExecutiveTeampressofficerswillprovidefinalreviewandclearance.TheNFFFacilitatorwillalsoprepareaparagraph-longmeetingsynopsisforeachStakeholderGroupmeeting,whichwillincludetopicscoveredand(ifapplicable)anyrecommendations.ParticipantscancirculateandspeakfreelyaboutthesejointstatementsandStakeholderGroupmeetingsynopses.

20. CommunicationandEducationIncollaborationwiththeStakeholderGroups,theCoreTeamwilldevelopandimplementacommunicationandeducationplan.Theplan’spurposeistokeepwestshorecommunities,andotherinterestedpartiesinthebasinandbeyond,informedaboutLakeTahoeWestwork,agreements,andprogress.Itwillalsoaimtoeducatethemaboutfoundational,confusing,orcontentioustopics(e.g.,smoke).Theplanwillincludethedevelopmentofabrochure,frequentlyaskedquestions,slideshowwithpresentationnotes,andwebsiteorfiletransfersitethatincludesallmeetingmaterialsforthetwoStakeholderGroups,http://www.nationalforests.org/laketahoewest.Theplanwillrequeststakeholders,organizingagencies,andparticipatingagenciestousetheirexistingcommunicationsystemstosharenewsandinformation,giventheirhighquality,trustedreputation,largenetworks,anddemonstratedeffectiveness.TheNFFProgramManagerwillalsomaintainandshareasnecessaryalistofinterestedpartieswhomakeadirectrequesttoreceiveperiodicupdatesonmilestonesandpublicmeetingsbyemail.Theplanwillmakeuseofbriefings,whichprovideacommunicationmechanismthatallowsforoutreachaswellasface-to-facediscussionofquestions,interests,feedback,andconcerns.Stakeholdersmayrequestbriefingsfortheirstaff,boards,councils,and/ormembership.Non-participatingorganizations,businesses,agencies,ortribalgovernmentsthathaveaninterestinLakeTahoeWestmayalsorequestsuchbriefings.Theplanwillalsoincludecommunitymeetings,likelyonceortwiceayear,thatallowpeopletolearnmoreabouttheinitiative,andmeettheagenciesandstakeholdersinvolved.


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21. DataSharing,Management,andIntegrationLakeTahoeWestrequiresorganizingandparticipatingagenciestosharerelevantdata.Stakeholdersmayalsochoosetosharerelevantdata.Theconveningagencieswilldesignateoneormoretechnicalstafftoserveasdatamanager(s)fortheinitiative.Thedatamanager(s)willhaveresponsibilityforreceiving,storing,andprovidingshareddataasneeded.Thedatamanager(s)willalsointegratedataasneeded(forexample,GeographicInformationSystemvegetationdatalayersfromdifferentagencies).Lastly,withregardtospatially-explicitdatathatoneorbothoftheStakeholderGroupsarereviewing,thedatamanager(s)willmakethisavailablethroughanonlinemappingplatform.

22. ReviewandAmendmentTheNFFFacilitatorwillreviewthelistofchartersignatorieseachyeartoensureitremainscurrent.WithwrittennoticetotheNFFProgramManager,anyagency,organization,business,ortribalgovernmentmayenditsmembershipinLakeTahoeWest.TheLakeTahoeWestExecutiveTeammayamendthischarterifitdeterminesbyconsensusthatacriticalneedexists.Anamendedversionwillrequirenewcommitmentstothecharterbytheorganizingagencies,participatingagencies,andstakeholders.

23. SignatoriesWe,theundersignedorganizingagencies,participatingagencies,andstakeholders,affirmourcommitmenttoadheretoandupholdtheLakeTahoeWestRestorationPartnership’sAgencyandStakeholderCharter.

A.OrganizingAgenciesPatrickWright,ExecutiveDirector JeffMarsolais,ForestSupervisorCaliforniaTahoeConservancy LakeTahoeBasinManagementUnit

U.S.D.A.ForestService


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MarilynLinkem,SierraDistrictSuperintendent JoanneS.Marchetta,ExecutiveDirectorCaliforniaStateParks TahoeRegionalPlanningAgencyTimAlameda,Chair WilliamJ.Possiel,PresidentMulti-AgencyCoordinatingGroup NationalForestFoundationTahoeFireandFuelsTeam

B.ParticipatingAgenciesPattyKouyoumdjian,ExecutiveOfficer AlexFriend,DirectorLahontanRegionalWaterQualityControlBoard PacificSouthwestResearchStation

U.S.D.A.ForestServiceEliIlano,ForestSupervisor LaurenceCrabtree,ForestSupervisorTahoeNationalForest EldoradoNationalForestU.S.D.A.ForestService U.S.D.A.ForestService


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C.StakeholdersChrisAnthony,DivisionChief AmyBerry,ChiefExecutiveOfficerAmador-ElDoradoUnit TahoeFundCaliforniaDept.ofForestryandFireProtection CaseyBlann,VicePresident KimBoyd,DistrictManagerOperationsandRisk TahoeResourceConservationDistrictSquawValley|AlpineMeadows SusanBritting,ExecutiveDirector JeffBrown,DirectorSierraForestLegacy CentralSierraFieldResearchStations UniversityofCalifornia,BerkeleyJohnR.Falk,LegislativeAdvocate BenFish,PresidentTahoeSierraBoardofRealtors TahoeAreaMountainBikingAssociation SusanR.Gearhart,President DarcieGoodman-Collins,ExecutiveDirectorFriendsoftheWestShore LeaguetoSaveLakeTahoe


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AmyGranat,ManagingDirector CindyGustafson,GeneralManagerCaliforniaOff-RoadVehicleAssociation TahoeCityPublicUtilityDistrict

CarlHasty,DistrictManager HeidiHillDrum,ChiefExecutiveOfficer TahoeTransportationDistrict TahoeProsperityCenter RichardKearney,Coordinator PeterKraatz,DeputyDirectorGreatBasinLandscapeConservationCooperative DepartmentofPublicWorks CountyofPlacer DonLambrecht,BoardPresident JacquesLandy,CoordinatorTahoeCedarsPropertyOwnersAssociation LakeTahoeBasin U.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgencyPatriciaMaloney,AssociateDirector MaureenMcCarthy,BoardMemberTahoeEnvironmentalResearchCenter NevadaTahoeConservationDistrictUniversityofCalifornia,Davis


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EdwardMiller,President KevinMitchell,GeneralManagerMeeksBayFireProtectionDistrict HomewoodMountainResort HomewoodHigh&DryMarina

DavidReichel,Co-Founder MichaelS.Schwartz,FireChiefTahoeBackcountryAlliance NorthTahoeFireProtectionDistrict RolandShaw,ForesterIII BrettStorey,PrincipalManagementAnalystNevadaDivisionofForestry EnvironmentalUtilities CountyofPlacerSteveTeshara,GovernmentAffairsLiaisonand LisaWallace,ExecutiveDirectorChiefExecutiveOfficer TruckeeRiverWatershedCouncilLakeTahoeSouthShoreChamberofCommerceErikC.White,AirPollutionControlOfficer LollyKupec,PrincipalPlacerCountyAirPollutionControlDistrict WildWestCommunications

Documents

AGENCY AND STAKEHOLDER CHARTER LAKE TAHOE · PDF fileAgency and Stakeholder Charter Lake Tahoe West Restoration Partnership 2 shore within 10 years. Resilience refers to managing the