US Forest Service Partnerships National Fish Habitat Partnership Workshop National Harbor, Maryland November 2, 2014

Importance of FS lands to the nations water supply FS manages largest single source of water within the US – 20% Water from NF lands serve 66 million people in 33 states Portland, Denver, LA, Atlanta receive significant portion of water from FS lands Value of water flowing from FS lands estimated at $7.2 billion

Importance of FS lands to fish 220,000 miles of fishable streams Habitat for 62% of ESA-listed fish and 79% of ESA-listed freshwater mussels and clams 36 million people visit national forests and grasslands annually to fish, hunt, and/or view wildlife. Fishing, hunting & wildlife watching contributed $7.7 Billion to U.S. communities, supported 150,000 jobs Fishing contributed $2.2 Billion, supported 57,700 jobs All Forest Products, by comparison, contributed $2.7 Billion, supported 42,000 jobs

National Partnership Office Develops capacity for the agency by leveraging national level partners Cultivates new partnerships Manages critical relationships Develops resources for the field Contributes to youth and veteran programs.

Importance of Partnerships FS has established a Public-Private Partnership (P3) Strategy. The P3 Strategy identified a suite of national-scale public-private partnerships that have become the agency’s high-performance partnerships (HPPs). Half of these HPPs relate directly to water. Coca Cola has been one of the most successful HPP’s. Made successful through the engagement of other organizations including NFF, NFWF, and local governments and nonprofits.

Coca Cola – Forest Service Partnership Coke approached USDA and FS about partnership opportunities in Dec First replenishment projects began in MOU signed Sept. 13, So far 9 projects have been completed or underway on 7 National Forests across the US. NFF has been a key partner.

Osborne Creek Bridge Project Before After

Osborne Creek Results Opened up 8 miles of stream Steelhead able to migrate upstream to spawn Early evidence suggests increase in diversity of macroinvertebrates This spring, bridge will be completed on Brayton Creek that will open up 17 miles of stream and 62 acres of lake

Value of Corporate Partnerships Helps meet organizational goals. Contributes to image enhancement. Each organization advocates for the other. Wide exposure. Organizational branding.

Thoughts on Public Private Partnerships Need to understand organizational goals of a potential partner. Mutual interests are essential. Takes time to cultivate relationship. For the FS, it has been essential to have NFF and other nonprofits involved. Varying degrees of understanding of restoration. Project development can be slow. Private partners have to be patient in working with feds.

Thanks!