File Code:	1330	Date:	October 16, 2007	
Route To:	 	
		
Subject:	Environmental Management System Representatives    	
		
To:	Regional Foresters, Station Directors, Area Director, IITF Director and Deputy Chiefs    	
		
REPLY DUE NOVEMBER 19, 2007
	
Please select individuals to serve as region, station, and area (R/S/A) Environmental Management System (EMS) representatives.  The responsibilities may be placed with one person or may be shared between two people that coordinate closely.  We continue to work toward limiting the impact of EMS implementation on the regions, stations and forests. 
The Ecosystem Management Coordination (EMC) and Engineering staffs led a series of teams developing a national EMS framework.  The framework is designed to improve our environmental performance and to meet the requirements of Executive Order 13423.  Following the ISO 14001 international standard for EMS, the teams drafted an EMS guide to be used as a standard approach across the Agency for meeting the ISO requirements.  
Tabletop exercises are scheduled this fall to test the new framework and EMS implementation is expected to start in January 2008.  In preparation for implementation, every R/S/A will need a designated contact.  The person you designate should be able to focus on carrying out required implementation activities, such as coordinating management reviews, maintaining records, and reporting accomplishments.  A list of the preliminary responsibilities is enclosed.  
Testing and development of the National EMS framework is continuing.  It is difficult to predict how much of the contact’s time will be needed.  Because EMS is new, a greater workload can be expected at the start, but the workload should lessen as experience is gained.  However, EMS implementation is an ongoing process that will continue indefinitely.
Please submit the name of your contact to Dave Dillard, EMC Director, by November 19, 2007.

	

/s/ Abigail R. Kimbell	
ABIGAIL R. KIMBELL	
Chief	

Enclosure

cc:  Dave Dillard
Lou Leibbrand
Melissa Blackwell
John Roland
Kurt Gernerd