The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is an important regulation that gives the public a voice in federal government decision-making and ensures those decision- makers assess the effects of major proposed actions on the human and natural environment.
The NEPA process can feel complicated and lengthy, creating challenges for both land managers and trail partners. We investigated these challenges by gathering current perspectives on the NEPA process from land managers and trail partners across Oregon using surveys and interviews.
This talk presents what we learned from them about these challenges and opportunities for improvement. We focus on actionable steps both land managers and partner organizations can take to better support each other and foster a smooth process. Attendees will find this session most helpful if they already have some familiarity with NEPA.
Learning Outcomes:
1. Develop a deeper understanding of and appreciation for the challenges land managers and trail partners face in navigating the NEPA process.
2. Learn about opportunities for improvement in navigating the NEPA process.
3. Be presented with actionable steps both land managers and partner organizations can take to better support each other and promote a smooth process.
Presenter:
Emmy Andrews, PMP, MSEM, is the Executive Director of the Central Oregon Trail Alliance (COTA). Emmy joined COTA's Board of Directors in 2016 and became the organization's Executive Director and first ever employee in 2021. Prior to that, she spent 15 years as a project manager for a worldwide environmental and engineering consulting firm. Her environmental projects focused on National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance and management of natural and cultural resources.
Helpful Links:
Presentation Slides: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1lgP-aBJo9W6bQ7L7qD34IIQdy5XmLxof/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=114497392788293253784&rtpof=true&sd=true
A Citizen’s Guide to NEPA and many other NEPA resources: https://ceq.doe.gov/get-involved/citizens_guide_to_nepa.html
Ready, Set, Plan!? An Introductory Guide to Trail Planning and Development by Oregon Trails Coalition: https://www.oregontrailscoalition.org/trail-planning
U.S. Forest Service NEPA Training: https://www.fs.usda.gov/emc/nepa/fs_nepa_concepts/index.html
Know NEPA: Important Points for Public Participation (Two Part Series) https://extension.unr.edu/publication.aspx?PubID=3113
Trail Development Triumphs & Pitfalls, Gabriel Amadeus Tiller, Limberlost: https://www.oregontrailscoalition.org/trail-planning
This training was developed and offerend with support from Travel Oregon and the Oregon Trails Fund.
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