Great Plains Region Land Resources Training

Hosted by the Oklahoma-Texas Area Office April 19 – 21, 2016

Written by: Kim Parish, OTAO

Staff and managers representing all six area offices, Denver policy, and the regional office, participated in the training.

The Oklahoma-Texas Area Office had the pleasure of hosting the 2016 Great Plains Land Resources Training in Norman, Oklahoma, April 19 – 21, 2016.

Staff and managers representing all six area offices, Denver policy, and the regional office, participated in the training.

Training focused on a number of recent policy changes, emerging trends and current challenges, as well as more practical 'how-to' sessions on conducting program reviews and implementing consistent program directives.

The training also provided a forum for specialists to collab­orate and share best practices and approaches to day-to-day concerns.

The group had excellent insights and the open dialogue generated a great deal of energy and new ideas to approach similar challenges.

The first day of training included a session led by Denver Policy Staff (Ryan Alcorn and Jerome Jackson), focusing on new and emerging issues, minor revisions to directives and standards, and funding opportunities through the Federal Lands Transportation Program (FLTP).

In addition, the day included training sessions on Accessibility and Civil Rights complaint process, Youth Conservation Corps Work and Funding Programs, authorized and unauthorized uses, recreation/concession inspections, and GSA Targeted Asset Reviews.

While addressing all of these topics, participants had the opportunity to express their ideas, concerns and similar issues they may be experiencing or have experienced. This exchange allowed for feedback from other offices and how they have resolved similar issues.

The second day of training, participants took a field trip to OTAO's Norman Project at Thunderbird State Park.

The field day included five site visits, each site designed to address a variety of land management issues, ranging in complexity and scope of program issues. Site One focused on the new Hog Creek Day Use Area and Little River Marina.

Presentations were provided by OTAO to the participants addressing Accessibility, Concession Reviews/Inspections, and Managing Partner Agreements.

The group had the opportunity to walk around the area and ask questions regarding the site planning, coordination with the partners, etc.

Site Two involved a visit to the Plains Pipeline relocation site (right-of-way) where OTAO described the process in working with the project proponent in an effort to minimize disturbance impacts to the project and habitat.

This area is also utilized as one of several designated access points and parking areas for hunting, a program sponsored through the state and supported through collaborative efforts.

The group then traveled to Site Three (Turkey Pass and Calypso Cove) and Site Four (South Dam Day Use Area) to learn about cost-sharing opportunities and Title 28, and the importance of coordinated recreation planning and engineering design to accommodate the diversity of visitor experiences/opportunities.

The group heard from OTAO staff on how working with local partners is integral to ensuring a safe and inviting recreational area allowing a high-quality recreation experience.

The team discussed how planning, coordination and commu­nication, and site inspections are key factors to determining successful outcomes to our recreation areas and partner management. The last site visit of the day was Little Axe Day Use and Campground.

Fire Management Plans, site design, and issue exchange were all discussed.

The end of the day concluded with a time for participants to ask any questions they had from any earlier discussions, explore details about project management and implementation, and follow-up on the great ideas learned throughout the days' site visits.

Training topics on the last day included Resource Management Planning, Managing Partner coordination, and private exclusive use.

The training provided valuable insight to participants, encouraging networking and allowed for opportunity to share the challenges the area offices and regional office experience and explore the tools and path forward to provide the optimal experience on Reclamation lands.

Reclamation serves a very diverse group of people looking to use the same resources in very different ways. Coordination and collaboration is key to the success of our agency and our ability to meet the needs of the public.

Participants in Great Plains Land Resources Training gathered in Norman, Oklahoma to share skills and training.

Published on May 19, 2016