Informed Facilitation
"Informed Facilitation" requires the facilitator to be knowledgeable about the planning process, the legal requirements, and the issues. Planning, therefore, is more efficient and does not need to be repeated, less time is wasted, and the team can focus on the analysis. Doing what they do best.
Judith Lee has an extensive background and experience in natural resources management and projects, military actions and programs, transportation projects, and other resources and sectors, as well as experience with almost every Federal agency.
She is also experienced with compliance with many laws and Executive Orders, such as the National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, Magnusen-Stevens Act, National Historic Preservation Act, Environmental Justice E.O., and the Coral Reef E.O. She is sensitive to and encourages "inherently governmental responsibilities", and is familiar with NEPA court precedent, both generally for NEPA and pertinent to your agency. Prior to beginning the "Facilitated Planning Approach" using "Informed Facilitation", Ms Lee becomes familiar with all existing related documentation, pertinent court cases, and associated laws, so she is informed on all facets of the problem to be addressed. She may also prepare a baseline summary document, compiling all related information from all documents and other information into one document for reference by herself and the team during the planning process and incorporation into the NEPA document. Then, based on her experience, knowledge, and expertise, she effectively facilitates your team through a systematic and interdisciplinary planning process, adapted to your environmental planning and decisionmaking needs. She knows what is needed from your interdisciplinary team members, when to involve management for administrative and policy decisions, and how to create a team atmosphere for best working together.
The environmental planning process and compliance with NEPA should be comfortable and enjoyably challenging, and Ms. Lee partners with you and your team to ensure that atmosphere exists throughout the process.
I partnered with the NEPA Coordinator (EPF) for designing, initiating, coordinating, facilitating, and implementing all NEPA planning efforts at Ellsworth AFB. I successfully facilitated cross-functional planning teams and wrote the documents concurrently with the planning effort, using Ellsworth AFB action proponents and subject matter experts, for programmatic EAs for management of deer-aircraft hazards in the flightline, and management of the base programs for demolition, excessing, and surplus of military structures, equipment, and land. Both programmatic EAs provide the basis for site-specific and long-term management of projects and the programs. The programmatic EA for deer-aircraft hazard management was formally recognized by the Base Commander for excellence and team work. I also facilitated EAs and DOPAAs for Air Base Ground Defense Training, long-term soils management, construction and operation of an air-mix propane plant, construction of a new fire department facility, and temporary use of the base for commercial flights by the Rapid City Airport Authority. Concurrently, I facilitated and wrote the baseline information for the base Integrated Natural Resource Management Plan (INRMP), using the systematic cross-functional approach, developed a practical worksheet to assist action proponents in the application of categorical exclusions, and supported administrative briefings and documents for the NEPA program.
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Holloman AFB develops long range Ground Based Training Programmatic EA and Management Plan, concurrent with the baseline and analysis for the Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan, using “in-house” expertise in less than one year.
I facilitated over 50 Holloman AFB action proponents and subject matter experts through the site-specific analysis of 17 existing and proposed ground-based training areas for nearly 30 different training activities. The Programmatic EA addresses each training activity in detail, identifies its requirements, identifies areas on which training should not be conducted, describes specific mitigation measures for conducting specific training on specific training areas, and evaluates the cumulative environmental effects of conducting specific training activities on specific training areas. Writing the Programmatic EA concurrently with the progress of the analysis, with concurrent reviews conducted by the action proponents and subject matter experts, the document was formatted so that Chapter 2 of the Programmatic EA can be removed in its entirety and used by all training functions on base as the management plan for all ground-based training.
Concurrently, I facilitated over 38 Holloman AFB action proponents and subject matter experts through developing the baseline for the base Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP) and conducting the analysis of the issues and developing prioritized mitigating and program actions as the basis for the plan. The electronic version of my resultant document, prepared and reviewed by the participants concurrently with the analysis, is being incorporated directly into the electronic plan being developed by the New Mexico Natural Heritage Program for distribution on the internet.
« Back To List
US Navy implements dynamic NEPA/EO 12114 processes using the Facilitated NEPA Approach for major weapons system acquisition program.
I partner with the Environmental Coordinator and Test and Evaluation Manager to develop and implement an effective NEPA/EO 12114 program for the Virginia (SSN 774) Class of new attack submarines and the entire submarine acquisition program. This involves compliance with DoDI 5000.2-R and Navy-specific NEPA and acquisition guidance. My approach to the NEPA program emphasizes using Navy and contractor staff to collaboratively develop the NEPA strategy and prepare NEPA documents, which contributes substantially to remaining within budget. Outside expertise is sought only to supplement expertise unavailable within the program and Navy commands. I provide expert guidance and advice on implementation of NEPA and EO 12114, review and comment on draft Navy policy documents, prepare the NEPA section of the Programmatic Environmental, Safety, and Health Evaluation (PESHE), manage the program NEPA Focus Group, and facilitate the preparation and review of all NEPA/EO 12114 documents. I developed and regularly update a "one stop" reference document for all DoD and Navy instructions and guidance for incorporation of environmental, safety, and health issues and planning into Navy major weapons systems acquisition programs for use by program personnel and managers.
« Back To List
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) effectively integrates complex NEPA analyses and Endangered Species requirements in EIS for controversial prairie dog and livestock management programs on two Lakota Sioux reservations in South Dakota.
I facilitated and managed Bureau and Tribal representatives and interdisciplinary technical experts through complicated and detailed biodiversity and cumulative impact analyses that included the Biological Assessment (Endangered Species Act) for the endangered black-footed ferret. I developed and implemented efficient and effective public involvement strategies, including public hearings and meetings that resulted in detailed and quality comments. In addition to providing high-quality analyses for informed decision making, the EIS further defines trust responsibilities regarding Tribal goals, and relationships with Tribal governments and the US Fish and Wildlife Service under the Endangered Species Act. The Biological Assessment is incorporated into a more analytic, readable, and effective EIS format. Despite controversy, this EIS received no litigation.
« Back To List
US Forest Service realizes significant savings and quality planning by defining the NEPA proposal clearly and developing effective planning strategies consistent with the National Forest Management Act.
I facilitated interdisciplinary teams and line officers on the Payette, Six Rivers, Gila, Sierra, and Willamette National Forests in complex and controversial timber sale EAs. Using a simple, repeatable systematic interdisciplinary process, I coached the team in clearly defining the purpose and need, scope, issues and alternatives, evaluating consistency with Land and Resource Management Plan, and analyzing environmental consequences. Concurrent with the analyses, I drafted the documents for team review, correction, and expansion, using a highly readable logical format, and incorporated requirements of other laws, such as the Endangered Species Act, directly into the documents. These efforts built long-term cooperative interdisciplinary team relationships based on communication with trust and respect, and resulted in agency decisions supported by both agency specialists and outside interests.
« Back To List
US Forest Service and 14 Arizona and New Mexico counties involved in the “Wise Use” movement develop cooperative working relationships and intergovernmental planning processes after years of contention.
I developed and provided highly consultative training for representatives of 14 counties and six National Forests to create a common understanding of the compliance requirements and planning processes of NEPA, the National Forest Management Act, Federal Advisory Committee Act, Federal Land Policy and Management Act, and Endangered Species Act. I then facilitated a negotiated memorandum of understanding between the Gila National Forest and Catron County, New Mexico representatives that provided cooperative goals and planning processes for incorporating county concerns into Federal decision making. Despite posturing for the media, the cooperative relationships developed during this process are still in place and operating. I reinforced and strengthened relationships with further joint Forest Service-County consultative facilitated training in December 1995, and with facilitated conflict-resolution NEPA-related discussions for the Catron County Citizens Group, which includes citizens and representatives from federal and county governments, in November 1996.
« Back To List
USDA APHIS Wildlife Services successfully leads first regional interagency NEPA planning process and develops strong cooperative relationships.
I facilitated representatives from APHIS Animal Damage Control, US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Oregon Depts. of Agriculture and Fish and Wildlife through the NEPA interdisciplinary process, and helped prepare and write the Environmental Assessment. For the first time, all agencies analyzed and defined realistic needs for regional wildlife damage management activities on Federal, state, and private lands, and developed measurable objectives for the program. The interagency interdisciplinary team, using my collaborative problem-solving processes, conducted cumulative effects analyses that indicated that the regional ADC program did not adversely affect predator populations and actually contributed positively to the regional economy. The process resulted in supportive and long-term interagency relationships, and has created a national example for current and future USDA APHIS ADC regional and project-level planning efforts. Despite opposition to the national and regional ADC wildlife damage management program from various animal rights organizations, neither this EA nor other EAs patterned on this one prepared directly by the agency received litigation due to the quality of the analysis and document.
« Back To List
US Army, White Sands Missile Range, the largest Army test and training installation in the US, effectively conducts programmatic planning for its Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP) and associated Environmental Assessment, integrating environmental protection with its military mission.
Partnering with the Base NEPA Coordinator and the New Mexico Natural Heritage Program, I facilitated the planning processes and NEPA compliance for the INRMP. I began the "Informed Facilitation" approach by compiling all pertinent information from various studies, plans and NEPA documents into a baseline document for reference by myself and the team, then listed environmental problems that had been identified or inferred in these documents, including additional questions that needed to be answered. Using this document, I facilitated the Installation's team of natural resource managers through a systematic interdisciplinary process of focusing on the actual conflicts and resource management needs on this complex and diverse base. Since this was the first attempt by the Base to systematically identify conflicts and resource management needs, much baseline information was missing. Therefore, we used the approach of setting a framework of Management Goals and Management Standards within which resources would be managed, consistent with military mission, as the decisions became ripe for decisionmaking in the future. Since the plan was developed using the systematic interdisciplinary approach required by NEPA, the associated EA identified the studies and other actions that could be categorically excluded under AR 200-2 and focused the environmental impact analyses on the remaining projects, efficiently evaluating the potential for significant impacts in comparison to the existing management on the base (no action alternative). The resulting impact analysis supported a FONSI.
« Back To List
Judith Lee has an extensive background and experience in natural resources management and projects, military actions and programs, transportation projects, and other resources and sectors, as well as experience with almost every Federal agency.
She is also experienced with compliance with many laws and Executive Orders, such as the National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, Magnusen-Stevens Act, National Historic Preservation Act, Environmental Justice E.O., and the Coral Reef E.O. She is sensitive to and encourages "inherently governmental responsibilities", and is familiar with NEPA court precedent, both generally for NEPA and pertinent to your agency. Prior to beginning the "Facilitated Planning Approach" using "Informed Facilitation", Ms Lee becomes familiar with all existing related documentation, pertinent court cases, and associated laws, so she is informed on all facets of the problem to be addressed. She may also prepare a baseline summary document, compiling all related information from all documents and other information into one document for reference by herself and the team during the planning process and incorporation into the NEPA document. Then, based on her experience, knowledge, and expertise, she effectively facilitates your team through a systematic and interdisciplinary planning process, adapted to your environmental planning and decisionmaking needs. She knows what is needed from your interdisciplinary team members, when to involve management for administrative and policy decisions, and how to create a team atmosphere for best working together.
The environmental planning process and compliance with NEPA should be comfortable and enjoyably challenging, and Ms. Lee partners with you and your team to ensure that atmosphere exists throughout the process.
The results of "Informed Facilitation" are:
- Quality planning, done right the first time
- Team and agency "buy-in" to the solutions and selected alternative
- Improved internal communication and relationships
- Quality analytic documentation in the form of a concise and complete "decision package"
- A focused and analytic planning process emphasizing only what is needed for informed decisionmaking
- All environmental requirements of pertinent laws and E.O.s are integrated efficiently into the environmental planning and decisionmaking process
- Your team is trained in applying the "Facilitated Planning Approach" and developing quality documentation, and can continue the good work
- Your team's time and expertise are used in the most efficient manner possible, allowing them to "focus on what they do best"
Detailed Description of Key Successes
- Facilitated Planning Approach for Air Force Installation NEPA Program
- Partnering with US Navy NEPA Coordinator for Implementing All Aspects of NEPA/EO 12114 Program for Major Weapons Acquisition Program for Team Submarine Since 1997
- Facilitated Planning Approach for Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan and Programmatic/Site Specific EA for the Air Force
- Integration of Two Projects and Endangered Species Act for Controversial EIS for Bureau of Indian Affairs
- Informed Facilitation and Facilitated Planning Approach for Multiple Complex Timber Sales for USDA Forest Service
- Informed Facilitation to Resolve Highly Controversial Conflict between the USDA Forest Service and New Mexico Counties
- Facilitated Planning Approach for Three Federal-State Interagency Programs in Programmatic EA, USDA APHIS Wildlife Services
- Facilitated Planning Approach for Integrated Natural Resources Planning Program and Programmatic EA for Largest US Army Installation
I partnered with the NEPA Coordinator (EPF) for designing, initiating, coordinating, facilitating, and implementing all NEPA planning efforts at Ellsworth AFB. I successfully facilitated cross-functional planning teams and wrote the documents concurrently with the planning effort, using Ellsworth AFB action proponents and subject matter experts, for programmatic EAs for management of deer-aircraft hazards in the flightline, and management of the base programs for demolition, excessing, and surplus of military structures, equipment, and land. Both programmatic EAs provide the basis for site-specific and long-term management of projects and the programs. The programmatic EA for deer-aircraft hazard management was formally recognized by the Base Commander for excellence and team work. I also facilitated EAs and DOPAAs for Air Base Ground Defense Training, long-term soils management, construction and operation of an air-mix propane plant, construction of a new fire department facility, and temporary use of the base for commercial flights by the Rapid City Airport Authority. Concurrently, I facilitated and wrote the baseline information for the base Integrated Natural Resource Management Plan (INRMP), using the systematic cross-functional approach, developed a practical worksheet to assist action proponents in the application of categorical exclusions, and supported administrative briefings and documents for the NEPA program.
« Back To List
Holloman AFB develops long range Ground Based Training Programmatic EA and Management Plan, concurrent with the baseline and analysis for the Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan, using “in-house” expertise in less than one year.
I facilitated over 50 Holloman AFB action proponents and subject matter experts through the site-specific analysis of 17 existing and proposed ground-based training areas for nearly 30 different training activities. The Programmatic EA addresses each training activity in detail, identifies its requirements, identifies areas on which training should not be conducted, describes specific mitigation measures for conducting specific training on specific training areas, and evaluates the cumulative environmental effects of conducting specific training activities on specific training areas. Writing the Programmatic EA concurrently with the progress of the analysis, with concurrent reviews conducted by the action proponents and subject matter experts, the document was formatted so that Chapter 2 of the Programmatic EA can be removed in its entirety and used by all training functions on base as the management plan for all ground-based training.
Concurrently, I facilitated over 38 Holloman AFB action proponents and subject matter experts through developing the baseline for the base Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP) and conducting the analysis of the issues and developing prioritized mitigating and program actions as the basis for the plan. The electronic version of my resultant document, prepared and reviewed by the participants concurrently with the analysis, is being incorporated directly into the electronic plan being developed by the New Mexico Natural Heritage Program for distribution on the internet.
« Back To List
US Navy implements dynamic NEPA/EO 12114 processes using the Facilitated NEPA Approach for major weapons system acquisition program.
I partner with the Environmental Coordinator and Test and Evaluation Manager to develop and implement an effective NEPA/EO 12114 program for the Virginia (SSN 774) Class of new attack submarines and the entire submarine acquisition program. This involves compliance with DoDI 5000.2-R and Navy-specific NEPA and acquisition guidance. My approach to the NEPA program emphasizes using Navy and contractor staff to collaboratively develop the NEPA strategy and prepare NEPA documents, which contributes substantially to remaining within budget. Outside expertise is sought only to supplement expertise unavailable within the program and Navy commands. I provide expert guidance and advice on implementation of NEPA and EO 12114, review and comment on draft Navy policy documents, prepare the NEPA section of the Programmatic Environmental, Safety, and Health Evaluation (PESHE), manage the program NEPA Focus Group, and facilitate the preparation and review of all NEPA/EO 12114 documents. I developed and regularly update a "one stop" reference document for all DoD and Navy instructions and guidance for incorporation of environmental, safety, and health issues and planning into Navy major weapons systems acquisition programs for use by program personnel and managers.
« Back To List
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) effectively integrates complex NEPA analyses and Endangered Species requirements in EIS for controversial prairie dog and livestock management programs on two Lakota Sioux reservations in South Dakota.
I facilitated and managed Bureau and Tribal representatives and interdisciplinary technical experts through complicated and detailed biodiversity and cumulative impact analyses that included the Biological Assessment (Endangered Species Act) for the endangered black-footed ferret. I developed and implemented efficient and effective public involvement strategies, including public hearings and meetings that resulted in detailed and quality comments. In addition to providing high-quality analyses for informed decision making, the EIS further defines trust responsibilities regarding Tribal goals, and relationships with Tribal governments and the US Fish and Wildlife Service under the Endangered Species Act. The Biological Assessment is incorporated into a more analytic, readable, and effective EIS format. Despite controversy, this EIS received no litigation.
« Back To List
US Forest Service realizes significant savings and quality planning by defining the NEPA proposal clearly and developing effective planning strategies consistent with the National Forest Management Act.
I facilitated interdisciplinary teams and line officers on the Payette, Six Rivers, Gila, Sierra, and Willamette National Forests in complex and controversial timber sale EAs. Using a simple, repeatable systematic interdisciplinary process, I coached the team in clearly defining the purpose and need, scope, issues and alternatives, evaluating consistency with Land and Resource Management Plan, and analyzing environmental consequences. Concurrent with the analyses, I drafted the documents for team review, correction, and expansion, using a highly readable logical format, and incorporated requirements of other laws, such as the Endangered Species Act, directly into the documents. These efforts built long-term cooperative interdisciplinary team relationships based on communication with trust and respect, and resulted in agency decisions supported by both agency specialists and outside interests.
« Back To List
US Forest Service and 14 Arizona and New Mexico counties involved in the “Wise Use” movement develop cooperative working relationships and intergovernmental planning processes after years of contention.
I developed and provided highly consultative training for representatives of 14 counties and six National Forests to create a common understanding of the compliance requirements and planning processes of NEPA, the National Forest Management Act, Federal Advisory Committee Act, Federal Land Policy and Management Act, and Endangered Species Act. I then facilitated a negotiated memorandum of understanding between the Gila National Forest and Catron County, New Mexico representatives that provided cooperative goals and planning processes for incorporating county concerns into Federal decision making. Despite posturing for the media, the cooperative relationships developed during this process are still in place and operating. I reinforced and strengthened relationships with further joint Forest Service-County consultative facilitated training in December 1995, and with facilitated conflict-resolution NEPA-related discussions for the Catron County Citizens Group, which includes citizens and representatives from federal and county governments, in November 1996.
« Back To List
USDA APHIS Wildlife Services successfully leads first regional interagency NEPA planning process and develops strong cooperative relationships.
I facilitated representatives from APHIS Animal Damage Control, US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Oregon Depts. of Agriculture and Fish and Wildlife through the NEPA interdisciplinary process, and helped prepare and write the Environmental Assessment. For the first time, all agencies analyzed and defined realistic needs for regional wildlife damage management activities on Federal, state, and private lands, and developed measurable objectives for the program. The interagency interdisciplinary team, using my collaborative problem-solving processes, conducted cumulative effects analyses that indicated that the regional ADC program did not adversely affect predator populations and actually contributed positively to the regional economy. The process resulted in supportive and long-term interagency relationships, and has created a national example for current and future USDA APHIS ADC regional and project-level planning efforts. Despite opposition to the national and regional ADC wildlife damage management program from various animal rights organizations, neither this EA nor other EAs patterned on this one prepared directly by the agency received litigation due to the quality of the analysis and document.
« Back To List
US Army, White Sands Missile Range, the largest Army test and training installation in the US, effectively conducts programmatic planning for its Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP) and associated Environmental Assessment, integrating environmental protection with its military mission.
Partnering with the Base NEPA Coordinator and the New Mexico Natural Heritage Program, I facilitated the planning processes and NEPA compliance for the INRMP. I began the "Informed Facilitation" approach by compiling all pertinent information from various studies, plans and NEPA documents into a baseline document for reference by myself and the team, then listed environmental problems that had been identified or inferred in these documents, including additional questions that needed to be answered. Using this document, I facilitated the Installation's team of natural resource managers through a systematic interdisciplinary process of focusing on the actual conflicts and resource management needs on this complex and diverse base. Since this was the first attempt by the Base to systematically identify conflicts and resource management needs, much baseline information was missing. Therefore, we used the approach of setting a framework of Management Goals and Management Standards within which resources would be managed, consistent with military mission, as the decisions became ripe for decisionmaking in the future. Since the plan was developed using the systematic interdisciplinary approach required by NEPA, the associated EA identified the studies and other actions that could be categorically excluded under AR 200-2 and focused the environmental impact analyses on the remaining projects, efficiently evaluating the potential for significant impacts in comparison to the existing management on the base (no action alternative). The resulting impact analysis supported a FONSI.
« Back To List