1. GOOD NEIGHBOR AGREEMENTS (AUTHORITY) MARCH 31, 2016

2. What is Good Neighbor? In a nutshell: Partnerships between the Forest Service and states to accomplish authorized restoration services across land jurisdictions.

3. SIGNIFICANCE: Ability to work across jurisdictional boundaries and treat the landscape in a mixed ownership setting. Fosters a collaborative approach to address land management challenges. Ability to leverage state resources to increase capacity to accomplish work on National Forest System lands. Opportunity to strengthen the Federal/State partnership. NO MATCH REQUIRED

4. CONGRESSIONAL AUTHORITIES Two Good Neighbor Authorities: - 2014 Farm Bill: Provides the Forest Service with specific limitations. - 2014 Appropriations Act: Renews and expands the expired Colorado Good Neighbor Authority to all states with National Forest land through FY18.

5. SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT AUTHORITIES FARM BILL NO Match is required State APPROPRIATIONS BILL (ROADS) NO Match is required State

6. FARM BILL Permanent Authority Available nationwide and Puerto Rico Entered into with any State Agency Allowable activities: include forest, rangeland and watershed restoration services EXCLUDES: Work on permanent roads, parking areas, public buildings or works; and areas where vegetation removal is prohibited and work in wilderness areas, and wilderness study areas. Adjacency not required

7. APPROPRIATIONS BILL (ROADS) Expires September 30, 2018 Available to all states with NFS lands Entered into with State Foresters ONLY Allowable activities: include watershed restoration and protection services; also public works which include reconstruction or restoration of paved or permanent roads and parking areas; alteration, repair or replacement of public works and when similar and complementary services are performed by the State on adjacent State or private lands.

8. FARM BILL PERMITTED ACTIVITIES Activities to treat insect and disease infected trees; Activities to reduce hazardous fuels; and Any other activities to restore or improve forest rangeland, and watershed health, including fish and wildlife habitat. Temporary roads are permitted when necessary to complete restoration or improvement work.

9. FARM BILL PERMITTED ACTIVITIES EXAMPLES INCLUDE: Fish and wildlife habitat Temporary roads Road decommissioning Fire Prevention Fuels management activities Insect and disease control Project planning; including environmental analysis Emergency watershed stabilization work Tree planting and seeding Erosion control Reclamation of abandoned mines Land restoration (abandoned facilities dams and permit sites) Water testing and protection And any other activities to restore and improve forest, rangeland watershed health

10. Appropriations Authority PERMITTED ACTIVITIES Use for the maintenance, repair, and reconstruction of paved or permanent roads, or parking areas and other authorized activities Similar and complementary watershed and protection services are being performed by the State Forestry Agency on adjacent State or private lands. NOT ALLOWED: Construction of new roads for inclusion in the Forest Road System Timber removal

11. COLLABORATION is KEY! Identify areas of mutual interest State has resources State has interest State has special abilities Collaboratively review existing and planned NEPA to select potential restoration work No road construction/reconstruction (Farm Bill Authority) Avoid complicated prescriptions Collaboration and frequent communication between agencies is a “must” from the development phase through the life of the agreement. Both parties are committed and have a clear understanding of roles and responsibilities.

12. TAKE HOME Good Neighbor is a tool to strengthen partnerships and accelerate restoration across boundaries; Collaboration between agencies at all phases of Good Neighbor process is a “must” to ensure successful outcomes

13. QUESTIONS?