What is EMS?
An environmental management system (EMS) is a systematic approach
to improving environmental performance. The EMS is based on the
plan-do-check-act cycle to establish goals, implement
plans to meet the goals, determine progress, and make environmental
improvements.
An environmental policy is a starting point and the foundation
of the EMS. The EMS will account for environmental performance
through monitoring, required audits and management reviews. Management
will take corrective and preventive actions to address the findings
and suggested improvements.
The Forest Service, like many other federal agencies, is establishing
environmental management systems in accordance with the Executive
Order 13423 - strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy, and
Transportation management. In addition, the Forest Service is
requiring through the 2008 Planning Rule that each National Forest
and Grasslands establish an EMS.
The Forest Service uses the ISO 14001 international standards
as guidance for establishing, implementing and maintaining an
EMS.
For more information about EMS, consult the National
Forest Service website.
The Northern Region and EMS
The Northern Region is following a national approach to establishing
EMS on each National Forest and Grassland and the Regional Office.
EMS is not a short term project that will be completed on a specific
date. It is an ongoing process that formalizes the Forest Service’s
commitment to adaptive management and continual improvement of
the environment.
The following is a schedule for establishing EMS. Five Forests
established EMS as part of a pilot effort in 2006. They continue
to implement this common EMS and include elements of the National
EMS. Seven Forests, one Grassland, and the Regional Office are
implementing the National EMS in 2008. See the EMS
Briefing Paper for more information.
Year |
National Forest/Grassland |
2006 |
Bitterroot National Forest
Flathead National Forest
Idaho Panhandle National Forest
Kootenai National Forest
Lolo National Forest |
2008 |
Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
Clearwater National Forest
Custer National Forest
Dakota Prairie Grassland
Gallatin National Forest
Helena National Forest
Lewis & Clark National Forest
Nez Perce National Forest
Regional Office
|