**INTERDEPARTMENTAL COMMITTEE FOR METEOROLOGICAL SERVICES AND SUPPORTING
RESEARCH (ICMSSR)**

**COMMITTEE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, OPERATIONS AND RESEARCH NEEDS
(CESORN)**

**[JOINT ACTION GROUP FOR THE NATIONAL WILDLAND FIRE WEATHER NEEDS
ASSESSMENT (JAG/NWFWNA)]{.underline}**

**Final Record of Actions**

Meeting 2007-03

May 4, 2007, Silver Spring, MD

**[MEMBERS PRESENT]{.underline}**

Mr. Eli Jacks, NOAA/NWS, Cochair

Dr. Allen Riebau, USDA/FS, Cochair

Lt Col David Andrus, OFCM, Executive Secretary

DOI/BLM: Mr. Paul Schlobohm, Fire Environment Working Team

Mr. Rick Ochoa

NOAA/NWS: Mr. Heath Hockenberry

**[GUEST ATTENDEES]{.underline}**

CA Dept of Forestry Mr. Wayne Mitchell

DOI/BLM: Ms. Robyn Heffernan, NIFC

> Mr. Rich McCrea, BIA, NIFC
>
> Mr. Herb Arnold, NIFC

NIST: Dr. William "Ruddy" Mell

Dr. Alex Maranghides

NOAA : Dr. Phillip Bothwell, SPC

Mr. Mark Ruminski, NESDIS

USDA/FS: Ms. Linnea Keating

OFCM: Mr. Ken Barnett

> Mr. Tony Ramirez, STC
>
> Dr. Robert Katt

Draft Issued: 8 May 2007

Final Issued: 23 May 2007

1.  Summary of active action items.

    a.  **Action Item 06-4.8** OFCM has requested that a Predictive
        Services expert brief the JAG on available fire weather products
        and services along with their awareness of product and service
        shortfalls and customer concerns. This is needed for the 7-8 Dec
        2006 JAG meeting. Lead agent is Rick Ochoa.

        i.  18 April 2007 Update. Robyn Heffernan provided preliminary
            results. The formal results are expected to be released by
            the end of May.

        ii. **Open**

2.  JAG approved draft record of actions from previous meeting.

3.  Lt Col Andrus reviewed needs assessment process.

    a.  Evaluations of earlier analysis efforts continue. The resultant
        analysis will likely identify:

        i.  Needs in each functional area

        ii. Cross-cutting issues with respect to the functional areas

        iii. Needs as being common throughout the community or unique to
             individual portions of the community

        iv. Common issues which cross-cut the community (examples are:
            Management, Coordination, Processes, Resources, Science,
            Technology, and Data)

        v.  Urgency of action for each need

        vi. Short-term or long-term nature of the solution for each need

    b.  The JAG is considering the following over-arching
        recommendations:

        i.  Agencies or existing interagency groups take actions on
            short-term needs that may immediately be addressed.

        ii. Agencies or existing interagency groups work together to
            assess current capabilities, any gaps in capability to meet
            the needs as presented in the assessment document, and agree
            upon program initiatives to fill the capability gaps. The
            product of this effort will be a detailed, rolling
            implementation plan with agreed-upon partner roles in
            meeting objectives.

4.  Lt Col Andrus reviewed the latest timeline.

    a.  Currently

        i.  JAG subgroup analysis work continues, 80% complete

        ii. OFCM analysis synthesis underway

            1.  Developing themes/needs document

            2.  Incorporating new analysis work as it is completed

    b.  4/30 -- Needs/issues to JAG for input regarding content

    c.  5/4 -- JAG meeting to solidify needs assessment

    d.  5/8 -- Brief Federal Coordinator on needs assessment

    e.  5/11 -- Develop white paper on needs assessment (Katt)

    f.  5/11 -- White paper to JAG for comment (5/16 suspense)

    g.  5/21 -- Brief JAG on final white paper

    h.  5/31 -- Brief ICMSSR on final white paper6/11 -- WGA briefing

    i.  Jun -- More detailed needs assessment completed

    j.  Jul/Aug -- Final report is developed

    k.  Sep -- Final report is published

5.  Lt Col Andrus reviewed the current version of the needs document and
    the needs matrix spreadsheet. Recommended changes were incorporated
    as part of the meeting. The JAG was supportive of all changes and
    the updated document was sent out to the JAG following the meeting.
    This needs information is not being included in this ROA because it
    is not releasable outside of the JAG at this time. Requests for this
    information outside of the JAG need to be directed to Lt Col Andrus.

6.  **The next JAG meeting is planned for 21 May 2007 to discuss major
    themes, gaps, and recommendations.**