File Code:	5100	Date:	June 23, 2008	
Route To:	 	
		
Subject:	Sustainable Operations in Fire and Aviation Operations	
		
To:	Forest and Grasslands Supervisors	

With the change in climate, the direct relationship between healthy forests and our faucets, our heating systems, our clean air, our modes of transportation, and many other goods and services has never been more apparent. 

Without a doubt, the 2008 fire season will have its challenges.  Within those challenges, opportunities also exist.  Our fire operations are one area where we have tremendous potential to reduce our environmental footprint. As such, I am requesting you consider including the following five items in your fire operations for any incidents that occur on your unit this summer. These concepts are also applicable to smaller (type 3, 4, 5) incidents. 

Item #1 Suppression Response
Identify objectives, and then implement the suppression response so decisions are commensurate with the risk to firefighters and the public, resources at risk, and probability of success.  .

Quite possibly the best opportunity to reduce our environmental footprint is to simply identify appropriate suppression objectives, and select effective management responses.  We need to use resource advisors, especially when working near watersheds.  Utilizing air operations, only when they prove effective, can save tremendous amounts of fuel.  Selecting natural fuel breaks for control lines, rather than establishing them with heavy equipment, can eliminate not only the initial effort, but obviate the need for subsequent line rehabilitation, while better maintaining the productivity of the site.  Ordering the minimum resources needed to meet your objectives will save incalculable amounts of fuel over the way we have conducted business in the past.  Line officers and fire managers are strongly encouraged to make use of opportunities to educate themselves on the spectrum of responses that can be used.  Information concerning appropriate management response is available at the Wildfire Lessons Learned Website http://www.wilfirelessons.net .  

Item #2 – Recycling at Fire Camps 
Actively implement and pursue recycling activities at fire camp and other operational sites. 

Last year we received letters from both the public and fire personnel related to lack of recycling at fire camps.  Fire camps use a tremendous amount of resources, and often the waste from an incident has a significant impact on the local community.  Now is the time to identify recycling opportunities that exist in your communities, and enlist their help with providing recycling services if/when an incident occurs.  The Montana and Idaho DEQ websites:  http://www.deq.state.mt.us/recycle/index.asp and http://www.deq.idaho.gov/waste/recycling/recycle_home.cfm have many recycling resources.  The North Dakota Solid Waste and Recycling Association website:    http://www.ndswra.org/ has similar resources.  Recycling does not have to be limited to the local community; battery recycling postage paid buckets are available on GSA Advantage at https://www.gsaadvantage.gov .

Item #3 – Fleet and Transportation Management 
Vigorously manage efficient transportation activities for all aspects of an incident, and utilize alternative fuels where available.  

Make conscious choices regarding travel.  Instigate a carpooling system for deliveries to and from fire camp.  Use appropriate vehicles for the job at hand i.e., don’t use a poor mpg vehicle when a sedan will work.  Can a conference call be held in lieu of a face-to-face meeting?  Can we accomplish other tasks in conjunction with a meeting, and avoid another trip to the same destination for a different purpose?  If travel is necessary, can we carpool?  Can we share vehicles?  Be very mindful in our use of air travel. 

Use alternative fuels, particularly bio-diesel, where it is available.  The difference in greenhouse emissions between a gallon of bio-diesel and a gallon of regular gasoline or diesel is significant.  An alternative fuel locator can be found at http://afdcmap2.nrel.gov/locator/ 

Item #4 – Water 
Pursue water quality and conservation activities and provide appropriate potable water options to limit the use of bottled water.

Water is one of our most precious resources, and was the reason many of the National Forests were established in the first place.  Water conservation activities should be implemented in all fire camps.  Bio-based, non-toxic soaps and other substances used in camps should become the norm, so that we do not further contaminate our water sources.  The Fire and Aviation Management Technology and Development program is working on a project focused on the current canteen provided through GSA, in order to identify a viable alternative for use in the field, which would assist in reducing the dependency upon bottled water at incident base camps.

Item #5 Green Purchasing 
Incorporate sustainable acquisition criteria into all purchases.  

As an agency, we spent over $1.15 billion in FY07 buying items from toilet paper to buildings.  Choices we make related to the environmental aspects of products such as recycled content, bio-based materials, non-toxic ingredients, packaging and manufacturer take-back programs, significantly impact our environmental footprint.  During fire incidents, we often have to make product choices based on what is available in the location community.  I ask you to begin seeking out green products, and working with vendors in your local community now. 

GSA offers a variety of environmental products and services to its federal customers to assist them in their efforts to buy “green”, and comply with federal environmental laws and regulations.  An Environmental Specialty Category has been added to the GSAAdvantage! (www.gsaadvantage.gov) and the GSA Global Supply (www.gsaglobalsupply.gsa.gov) online systems to enhance the shopping experience.  The Environmental Specialty Category allows federal buyers with direct access to a variety of product offerings that contain environmental attributes.  These products have, but are not limited to, the following attributes that are less detrimental to the environment: bio-based content, recycled content, energy efficient, water efficient, less toxic, reduced air pollutants, and non-ozone depleting.  For more information on GSA’s Green efforts, go to www.gsa.gov/green.

The changing climate of today's world requires that we strategically integrate our traditional land stewardship work with practices that reduce our consumption and overall use of resources on this planet. I understand that implementing these five items will not necessarily be easy.  Therefore, it is critical that you spend some time with your staff now talking about these expectations and how best to meet them if/when an incident takes place.  

I take my leadership role in creating a consumption ethic seriously.  It is my expectation this letter will help you also begin to recognize, articulate and encourage actions to create a consumption ethic on your unit, in particular related to fire operations. 

If you have questions please contact George Weldon or Cathy Scofield.

		
/s/ Thomas L. Tidwell	 	
THOMAS L. TIDWELL	 	
Regional Forester	 	

cc:  Anna J Jones Crabtree