August 6 , 2013, Good Neighbor Environmental Board (GNEB) Meeting Summary 1



### Good Neighbor Environmental Board (GNEB)

**Meeting August 6**  **, 2013 12:00** 

**– 4:00 p.m.**  **EPA East Building 1201 Constitution Ave**  **nue , NW**  **Washington, D.C. Call** **- In:**  **( 866**  **) 299**  **- 3199**  **; Conference Code: 2022330068#**  **Adobe Connect: https://epa.connectsolutions.com/gnebmeetingroom/** 

**F INAL**  

### M **EETING** 

### S **UMMARY** 

### Welcome and Introductions Diane Austin, Chair, GNEB; Mark Joyce, U.S. Envi ronmental Protection Agency (EPA), GNEB Designated Federal Officer (DFO); Cynthia Jones

- Jackson, Office of Diversity, Advisory Committee Management and Outreach (OD ACMO) ; Ann

-Marie Gantner, O D ACMO Dr. Diane Austin thanked the GNEB members for their efforts and fo r participating in the meeting. Mr. Mark Joyce also expressed his gratitude to the Board members for their service

. He reminded them that significant work remains to be done to complete the advice letter by the end of the calendar ye ar. Ms. Cy nthia Jones

- Jackson welcomed the GNEB members as well. She expressed EPA’s appreciation for their efforts and recognized that the Board is eager to complete the advice letter in a timely manner . Ms. Jones

- Jackson informed the Board members of recent organization al changes affecting the office formerl y named OFACMO. She is assisting in briefing the new management of the office, which now is titled the Office of Diversity, Advisory Committee Management and Outreach (ODACMO), about GNEB’s role and activities

. Ms. Jo nes - Jackson assured the GNEB members that the activities of the Board will continue to be highly valued b y EPA under the new organizational plan. Ms. Jones

- Jackson took the opportunity to recognize the efforts of Ms. Ann

- Marie Gantner, who directs the logistical arrangements for the GNEB meetings. Ms. Gantner then conducted the roll call.2 August 6 , 2013, Good Neighbor Environmental Board (GNEB) Meeting Summary Dr. Austin asked Ms. Jones

- Jackson for more details about the new organizational structure. Ms. Jones

- Jackson responded that OFACMO merged with another EPA office on July 28, 2013 , to form ODACMO . There will be two arms of the new office : one will be charged with encouraging EPA staff across the Agency to engage in activities that promote diversity and inclusion, and the other will be responsible for the activities that previously were under the jurisdiction of OFACMO , for which Ms. Jones

- Jackson served as Acting Director . Denise Benjamin

- Sirmons, formerly Director for Diversity , Advisory Committee Management, and Outreach in the Office of Administration and Resources M anagement (OARM), is now the Director of ODACMO. Ms. Jones

- Jackson noted that ODACMO will have a larger staff , but it is unclear, however, what effect the reorganization will have on the resources that will be available to support face

- to
- face meetings for the GNEB. 

### Overview of **the Agenda**  Diane Austin, Chair, GNEB Dr. Austin thanked EPA for supporting the GNEB and providing minutes for the Board meetings, as well as the contractor, The Scientific Consulting Group, Inc. (SCG) , for their assistance with the minutes. She reviewed the “notes” and “chat” features of Adobe ® Connect, reminding participants to raise their virtual hands for recognition by the Chair. She stated that during the meeting discussion, Ms. Allie Wechsler , a University of Arizona staff member, will be ty ping in notes during the meeting and that these will be available to the GNEB members, along with the minutes prepared b y SCG and the chat transcript. Dr. Austin reviewed the agenda for the meeting. She then asked the Workgroup chair s to present a 10

- to 15

- minute summary of their Workgroup’s progress. Dr. Austin indicated that following the se presentations, participants would have the opportunity to ask questions of the chairs. 

### Overview of Workgroup Progress **Workgroup #1 :**  **Define Ecologica** **l Restoration and Why It**  **I s Important**  Greg Eckert, Workgroup Chair Dr. Austin introduced Dr. Greg Eckert, leader of the Workgroup charged with developing a definition for ecological restoration

. Dr. Eckert reported that the Workgroup members had met several times via teleconference. The group based its discussion s o n the definition of ecological restoration that is used by the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) : “the process of assisting the recovery of an ecos ys tem that has been degraded, damag ed, or destro yed.” The Workgroup’s goal was to develop a definition that would be inclusive, recognizing that there are multiple criteria and standards for ecological restoration. Dr. Eckert observed that the SER definition emphasizes active management and focuses on natural resources that have been damaged or destroyed

. By using the broad term “ecos ys tem,” it includes non

- wilderness areas such as agricultural lands and the urban environment.August 6 , 2013, Good Neighbor Environmental Board (GNEB) Meeting Summary 3 The Workgroup explored how the nature of an ecological restorati on effort is shaped by values that are personal

—and therefore subjective

—and collective, including valuation of ecological services and cultural traditions. The range of values wa s depicted by the Workgroup in a diagram

. Dr. Eckert explained that there is a continuum of practice for ecological restoration that arises from the continuum of values. He suggested that the Board discuss crafting a definition that addresses this continuum of values. The Workgroup tabulated potential reason s for conducting an eco logical restoration , as well as associated restoration activities to address these initiating factors. Examples of reasons for ecological restoration projects include legacy land use s that damaged natural resources, channelized waterways and established invasive species . Sample responses are removing the source of toxic chemical inputs (i.e., stopping the “stabbing”) , restoring sinuousity , removing exotic species, reducing nutrient levels, road removal, removal of livestock and/or excess native herbivore s, and thinning forests in which fire exclusion has been practiced. Dr. Eckert noted that monetary resources for ecological restoration are finite, however, necessitating an approach that sets an ecos ys tem on a trajectory for recovery

rather than restoring every species. He provided th e example of changing a site’s soil or geomorphology to attract beneficial species. Dr. Eckert stated that the SER emphasizes that ecological restoration efforts should be self

sustaining. Because of global climate change, it would not be appropriate to focus on restoring climate change

- vulnerable species. Flood and fire regimes also likely will evolve due to climate change. The Workgroup is endeavoring to characterize the reasons that ecological restoration is particularl y rel evant to the Border region. The Border region includes extensive protected areas that provide ecological services and have high levels of ecological integrity. There also are areas managed for ecological services such as forestry

. In addition, growing urban areas, which rel y on ecological services, are included in the Border region. Dr. Keith Pezzoli (not in attendance) emphasized that the ongoing economic recovery and population growth on the Mexican side of the Border increasingl y will depend on ecological services such as water. To characterize the relevanc e of ecological restoration to the Border region, Dr. Eckert suggest ed as a discussion point that e cological restoration is important to the Border area because the integrity of natural resources

—and therefore repair of damage d resources

— supports the dominant values and activities of the Border zone . **Workgroup #2 :**  **Review of Border -**  **Specific Programs and Where Ecological Restoration Resonates, Is**  **Incorporated , Etc.**  Cyrus Reed, Workgroup Chair Dr. Austin introduced Dr. Cy rus Reed, leader of the Workgroup charged with reviewing the ways in which ecological restoration resonates with and is incorporated in Border

- specific programs. Dr. Reed reported that the Workgroup members had met onl y once , and a s a result, the group’s work is not finished. For example, the Workgroup plans to review EPA’s Border 2020 program in greater depth. Dr. Reed indicated that the Workgroup had reviewed Border

- specific efforts by EPA and other federal agencies, as well as larger fed eral landscape efforts, to determine whether they addressed4 August 6 , 2013, Good Neighbor Environmental Board (GNEB) Meeting Summary ecological restoration issues. The Workgroup members concluded that although many programs included ecological restoration, it generall y i s not a primary focus of these efforts . In addition, state , local and federal agency cooperative efforts usually do not extend beyond the U.S.

- Mexico Border. Dr. Reed suggested that GNEB inv estigate strategies to engage Mexico. Dr. Reed noted that among federal agencies, the Department of the Interior (DOI) is a leading agency in ecological restoration. The DOI ’s efforts focus on large landscape restoration projects such as the America’s Great Outdoors (AGO) Initiative and the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Rapid Ecological Assessments. The BLM’s ecological as sessments include three areas within the Border region: the Sonoran Desert, Madrean Archipelago and Chihuahuan Desert. Dr. Reed observed that there is overlap between the programs that Workgroup #2 identified and the projects highlighted by Workgroup #3 , indicating that there are opportunities for collaboration between the two Workgroups

. Because the missions of the federal agencies that undertake ecological restoration projects are highly variable , Dr. Reed also suggested the need for his Workgroup to conf er with Workgroup #1. For example, ecological restoration might be part of a State Department program that is focused on security. **Workgroup #3 :**  **Review of Ecological Restoration Efforts With**  **Federal Involvement** Ste ph en Niemeyer, Workgroup Chair Dr. Austin introduced Mr. Stephen Niemeyer, leader of the Workgroup reviewing ecological restoration efforts with federal involvement

. Mr. Niemeyer stated that his Workgroup had compiled an extensive list of ecological restoration projects in the Border region , expanding the scope of the compilation beyond those that had federal involvement. He indicated that the rationale behind the expanded scope was that most ecological restoration efforts are so large that they require collaboration among multiple entities. Mr. Niemeyer observ ed that there is a wide range of projects in the Workgroup’s compilation , which makes it difficult to summarize the results. The projects’ geographic locations span the entire Border region, extending from the Pacific Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico. Although the list already is extensive, Mr. Niemeyer asked the Board members to review it for omitted projects that should be included. In particular, Dr. Eckert had pointed out that it would be valuable to consider Brownfields restorations. **Workgroup #4 :**  **Review of Data/Tools/Performance Indicators/Models** Dave Anderson, Workgroup Chair Dr. Austin introduced Mr. Dave Anderson, leader of the Workgroup that is charged with researching data, tools, performance indicators and models for ecological restoration

. Mr. Anderson reported that the Workgroup had met twice via teleconference and thanked the members of the Workgroup for their participation. Mr. Anderson noted that the Workgroup’s charge covers a broad range of topics. The Workgroup decided to focus its efforts by listing types of data, tools, performance indicators and models used for ecological restoration; providing examples of the models or tools; and presenting examples of their use b y nongovernmental organizations (NGO s), federal agencies and otherAugust 6 , 2013, Good Neighbor Environmental Board (GNEB) Meeting Summary 5 entities. By

compiling and organizing this list, the Workgroup had sought to determine trends that would suggest policy recommendations that the GNEB might offer. The Workgroup determine d that the data collected to support ecological restoration w ere highl y variable, including data that differ geographicall y and temporall y, as well as by habitat (e.g., terrestrial, aquatic) , collection purpose, scale and quality

. The Workgroup identified repositories for data collected in Texas, but needs to expand its analysis to include other states in the Border region. In regard to data, Mr. Anderson described potential advice letter recommendations for allocating resources, developing shared data clearinghouses, performing data gap anal ys e s, reviewing data qu ality , and ensuring a bi

- national approach to developing and sharing data. Mr. Anderson described the table of tools and models used in ecological restoration that was assembled b y Workgroup member Dr. Ivonne Santiago

. Dr. Santiago identified tools and models that are diverse in methodology and purpose. Mr. Anderson mentioned potential advice letter recommendations pertaining to tools and models: conducting long

- term studies to better understand the enduring trends that are important to ecological restoration; incorporating the human element; and closing the gap between theory and application, for example, addressing conceptual academic models for which no correlated tools exist. Performance metrics can be used to define ecological baseline conditio ns, determine efficacy of and anal yz e trends in ecological restoration programs, evaluate ambient conditions, and measure interaction between ecological and human s ys tems. Mr. Anderson stated that the Workgroup had developed a list of metrics but would like more examples from other GNEB members

. The Workgroup drafted some potential advice letter recommendations: leverage the EPA Border 2020 program’s framework to develop performance indicators for ecological restoration; develop performance metrics that app ly for a broad range of purposes; and ensure that performance metrics are compatible with available tools and models. Mr. Anderson welcomed input from the GNEB members about additional data inventories, tools, performance metrics and models that should be included in the draft advice letter. **General Question and Answer Session About Workgroup Progress**  Dr. Austin, W

orkgroup Chairs, GNEB M embers Dr. Austin thanked the members of the Workgroups for their contributions, appreciating the variety of sources that they consulted and issues that they raised. She opened the floor for questions and comments related to the progress of the Workgroups

. Workgroup #1 The Board members discussed changes to the definition of ecological restoration. Mr. Kevin Bixby suggested adding the loss of a species to the definition. H e agreed with the concept of natural forces being allowed to complete the restoration of ecos ys tems but was concerned that this might lead to inaction. The Board members agreed that the goals of an ecological restoration should not be defined b y historical conditions.6 August 6 , 2013, Good Neighbor Environmental Board (GNEB) Meeting Summary The GNEB members debated the regulatory framework that supports ecological restoration as it applies to the definition. It was pointed out that ecological restoration lacks a specific legal mandate. The Endangered Species Act 1 often is used as the legal basis for ecological restoration projects, and as a result, these projects are designed to protect the welfare of particular at

- risk species. Unfortunatel y , the species

-by

- species approach that this methodology engenders can limit restoration efforts. A landscape approach such as that taken in DOI ’s recent efforts , as well as projects sponsored b y NGOs such as The Nature Conservanc y, represent s an alternative. Dr. Teresa R. Pohlman sugge s t ed that establishing a regulatory framework for ecological restoration be included as one of GNEB’s recommendation

. Workgroup #2 The lack of focus on ecological restoration in programs sponsored b y federal agencies was discussed. Mr. Bixby

suggested possible reasons for the dearth of federal programs that focus on ecological restoration: lack of authority, lack of awareness and ecological restoration not falling under the purview of the agency ’s mis sion. Mr. Niemeyer stated that the decision to exclude DOI from participation in Border 2020 was made at the federal level ; some of DOI’s current pro gram s , however, are related to the mission of Border 2020 . He suggested that the Board could recommend that DOIbecome involved in Border 2020

. Mr. Jock Whittlesey commented that the legal basis for Border 2012 (the predecessor to Border 2020), which was the 1983 Agreement on Cooperation for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in the Border Area (the La Paz Agreement), focused on remediation ; therefore, Border 2012 (and the successor Border 2020) probabl y was not considered relevant to DOI’s mission. Related to EPA’s future role in ecological restoration, Mr. Whittlesey proposed that the GNEB sugge st that ecological restoration be added to the goals in EPA’s mission statement. He argued that this change would not impose an additional financial burden on the Agency but only would alter the way in which existing activities were categorized. The GNEB m embers discussed the scope of the Workgroup’s compilation of border

- specific programs . In regard to specific projects to add, Dr. Austin reported that Dr. Pezzoli had asked the Workgroup to include the U.S.

- Mexico Border Environmental Health Initiative (BE HI) in its compilation. Mr. Bixby

asked about the relevanc e of nonfederal efforts such as the Sky I sland Alliance. Dr. Reed responded that the funding sources of projects often were difficult to determine , but in general, ecological restoration projects re quire the engagement of a range of stakeholders , including a federal component. He added that even in cases in which there is no direct federal involvement, programs initiated by NGOs might serve as models for federal efforts. Mr. Joyce recognized that noteworthy state , local and private efforts exist ; because of the GNEB’s charter , however, a necessary criterion for inclusion of examples should be the existence of a federal connection. Dr. Austin reminded the Workgroups that the examples selected should support the arguments that will be presented in the advice letter.

1 Endangered Species Act of 1973, 16 U.S.C. §1531.August 6 , 2013, Good Neighbor Environmental Board (GNEB) Meeting Summary 7 Workgroup #3 The GNEB members discussed the Workgroup’s list of ecological restoration projects. Dr. Eckert indicated that two examples of ecological restoration that might be added are the Coronado National Forest restoration and the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s financial assistance program to plant native species and remove invasive plants on private lands. Dr. Reed proposed adding the ecological restoration efforts on the Upper Rio Grande. Commissioner Edward Drusina lauded the Workgroup for successful ly capturing projects that have had a significant impact. He suggested, however, that it would be beneficial to provide a more complete picture of restoration efforts in the Border region b y including more small projects that have adopted innovative approaches

. Dr. Austin suggested the need for more projects describing the restoration of agricultural areas. Workgroup #4 The Board members discussed the inclusion of metrics in ecological restoration projects. Several participants suggested that the GNEB recommend that Border 2020 and the U.S.

- México Border Health Commission (BHC) consider the use of ecological restoration metrics as a criterion in future requests for proposals (RF Ps). There was concern among some of the Board members , however, about the impacts of requiring the use of metrics in small

- scale ecological restoration projects. Ms. Edna Mendoza noted that in Border 2020 , many of the key partners are state and local go vernments that might not have the resources to perform the necessary measurements
. Dr. Austin added that in general, Border 2020 funds small

- scale projects with a maximum budget of $100,000. Ms. Alhelí Baños

- Keener clarified that although Border 2020 proje cts receiv e some funding from EPA, they

primarily are state
- and local

- run projects that originate from input by local communities and governments. The Board recognized that the use of ecological restoration metrics might appl y best to large

- scale, broad p rojects. In regard to gaps in the information that the Workgroup collected, Dr. Santiago noted that many tools are not linked to models, and the geographic scope of many tools and models does not span the Border. Mr. Anderson asked for assistance from the GNEB members in identifying examples of projects in which tools, models or metrics have been used. 

### Discussion of Advice Letter Priorities and Workgroup Reorganization **Advice Letter Priorities** Dr. Austin identified five general issues for the GNEB members to consider in drafting the advice letter: (1) describing the legal framework for ecological restoration; (2) deciding on the level of information to provide and other issues related to lists and tables; (3) determining criteria for case selection; (4) identifying which information to include in the advice letter versus the 16th Report; and (5) developing recommendations for the advice letter. The legal framework for ecological restoration was the first topic of discussion. Mr. Niemeyer stressed the importance of issues raised by the Border Fence. He stated that the Border Fence made it more difficult for ecological restoration projects to address transboundary problems such8 August 6 , 2013, Good Neighbor Environmental Board (GNEB) Meeting Summary as ocelot habitat protection and allocation of water rights. Dr. Pohlman resp onded that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had invested significantl y in projects to restore habitats in the Border region . Although exempt from the requirement , DHS performs assessments similar to those mandated under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). 2 She agreed that there have been missteps in the past, but stated that DHS ha s become proactive about environmental issues. For example, the Department provides Border Patrol Officers with extensive training on interacting with indigenou s populations and wildlife and educat es them about the Endangered Species Act. DHS also installed panels in the Border Fence to allow passage for ocelots. Commissioner Drusina expressed appreciation for the efforts made by DHS to communicate about and address the problems that were created initially by DHS activities in the Border region. He recommended including an account of these initial difficulties and corrective measures in the GNEB’s advice letter , as well as a description of the ecological restorati on projects that have been conducted by DHS. Dr. Austin proposed including in the GNEB’s advice letter a discussion of the legal framework that prompts ecological restoration projects, gaps in the legal framework, legal issues that are specific to ecologic al restoration in the Border region (e.g., waivers of NEPA assessment requirements) and the approaches taken b y federal agencies that are specific to Border region ecological restoration activities (e.g., conducting assessments similar to those required by NEPA). The GNEB members will need to decide whether to add the legal anal ys is to the charge of an existing Workgroup or create a new group to address it. Dr. Austin also asked the GNEB members to consider the effective presentation and level of detail for the case studies and examples that will be included in the advice letter. The review of project and program descriptions by the Board members, who collectivel y have broad expertise, will help ensure that descriptions are precise and accurate. Mr. Whittlesey favored limiting the number of examples that are included in the main body of the advice letter and including additional examples in appendices as necessary

. Dr. Eckert and Dr. Austin proposed subdividing listed examples by

category (e.g., ecological restoration projects located in federally protected areas vs. those on privately owned lands, coarse

- vs. fine

- scale metrics; restoration of “natural” areas/a gricultural lands/urban areas). Dr. Santiago noted that she categorized the models and tools in the compilation that she developed for Workgroup #4. The Board members discussed the selection criteria for the case studies and examples in the advice letter

. Dr. Austin suggested that examples included in the lists be policy

- specific. In addition, she noted that the Workgroups have compiled case studies of successful ecological restoration programs and projects. She suggested that it would be instructive to include examples in which ecological restoration effo rts went awry
. U.S.

- Mexico collaborations might be another category
. Dr. Jose Francisco Zamora

- Arro yo cited Minute 319 , 3 which establishes cooperative measures to address flow in the Colorado River Basin , as an example of collaboration to include in the letter

. Dr. Austin urged the Board to present a balanced and nuanced discussion of controversial topics such as the Border Fence and transboundary allocation of water rights.

2 National Environmental Policy Act , 42 U.S.C. § 4321 et seq. 3 Minute 319 of the Treaty on Utilization of Waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande , Feb. 3, 1944.August 6 , 2013, Good Neighbor Environmental Board (GNEB) Meeting Summary 9 Dr. Austin charged the GNEB members with considering the content of the advice letter versus that of the report. The Board needs to determine which topics are pressing and should be discussed in the letter and which issues require more investigation by the Board before it is prepared to offer its recommendations. Mr. Whittlesey suggested that in revising the draft advice letter, the Board should focus on refining its recommendations rather than gathering more data. Dr. Santiago agreed that the Board has gathered sufficient data to substantiate the recommendations that it will of fer in the final advice letter. Dr. Austin advocated supporting each recommendation in the advice letter with only one or two examples. Dr. Austin reminded the GNEB members that its recommendations need to be actionable ; the Board needs to decide the level of detail to include in the recommendations. Those of Workgroup #4 are the most specific. Mr. Niemeyer stated that Workgroup #3 also developed specific recommendations that were not in the draft advice letter but were outlined in the Workgroup’s meeting n otes. Dr. Austin suggested that the advice letter include the recommendations developed by Workgroup #4, as well as recommendations on best practices and legal gaps. The definition of ecological restoration for inclusion in the advice letter was discussed

. Dr. Eckert proposed expanding it so that it applies more explicitly to the needs and ecological restoration activities of the Border region. **Workgroup Reorganization** The GNEB members discussed merging Workgroup s #2 and #3. Dr. Austin proposed that the members of the two Workgroups decide among themselves how to delegate upcoming activities and leadership responsibilities

. 

### Discussion of **the GNEB Advice Letter and Report**  **Timeline** The GNEB members discussed the review of the draft advice letter prior to the September meeting. Several Board members stressed that sufficient time is needed for review at the management level and by legal counsel prior to the September meeting

. The GNEB members and EPA staff members discussed a timeline that would allow sufficient time for review and enable the Board to complete the advice letter by the end of calendar ye ar 2013

. Mr. Joyce proposed rescheduling the next meeting of the Board, which currently is slated for October 1, to the week of September 23 . October 1 coincides with the first day of the federal government’s fiscal year , and there is the possibility of a government shutdown. He asked Ms. Gantner to poll the GNEB members about their availability to attend a 4

- hour Board meeting during the week of September 23. Dr. Austin expressed concern that no tribal representatives had attended this meeting and asked for assistance in ensuring that this is not the case for upcoming meetings. Dr. Austin agreed to10 August 6 , 2013, Good Neighbor Environmental Board (GNEB) Meeting Summary summarize the proposed revised timeline for the advice letter and distribute it via email to the GNEB members. **Next S**  **teps** Mr. Joyce emphasized the need for the Board to prepare a working draft of the advice letter in time for discussion at its next meeting

. At th at meeting, the Board would either approve the draft pending editorial corrections or identify any significant issues that need to be addressed. If the draft is not ready for approval at the September meeting, there will be time to schedule a meeting in November for the Board to approve a revised draft. The Board members agreed to this approach for revising the advice letter. Dr. Austin asked the Workgroup chairs about the written material that they anticipate providing for the advice letter. Mr. Anderson stated that Workgroup #4 ’s proposed recommendations for the advice letter are not likely to change from those in the draft letter

. Mr. Joyce asked the GNEB members whether they prefer to continue using the Workgroup format or want to form a writing team to draft the advice letter. Mr. Niemeyer suggested that it would be most efficient for a small group to draft the letter. Ms. Sally Spener nominated Mr. Niemeyer and Dr. Reed to draft a letter for review by the Workgroup members. Mr. Anderson offered his assistance. Dr. Pohlman volunteered to write the section relate d to DHS Border region activities. Ms. Mendoza stressed the importance of including example s from geographic areas spanning the Border region. Dr. Austin proposed that the advice letter be short and not include an appendix of examples. Mr. Joyce stated that there is precedence for including a reference list a s an appendix to the advice letter. Mr. Niemeyer proposed a process for drafting the advice letter. The writing team will meet to develop an outline that will serve as a framework. On August 19, the team will circulate the framework to the GNEB members for comment. Ms. Spener suggested scheduling a teleconference for those GNEB members who are likely to have substantive feedback on the framework. All GNEB members would be welcome to attend. The feedback meeting will be scheduled b y Ms. Gantner via a Doodle poll for the week of August 19. The GNEB members should provide comments to the writing team b y August 30. Based on the comments and the feedback session, the writing team will prepare a draft advice letter that will be distributed to the GNEB members for review on September 10. 

### Other Issues **Spanish Translation of the 15th Report**  Dr. Austin informed the GNEB members that the first draft of the Spanish translation of the 15th Report of the G

NEB to the President and Congress of the United States has been complete d . The transl ation currently is undergoing review. Once the review is completed and the Spanish version is finalized, it will be made available online. Dr. Austin indicated that she wi ll notify the Board members when the Spanish report is finalized.August 6 , 2013, Good Neighbor Environmental Board (GNEB) Meeting Summary 11 

### Public Comments There were no oral public comments provided at this meeting, and there were no written public comments received b y the DFO prior to this meeting. 

### Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 3:2 8 p.m. The meeting teleconference line remained open until 4:00 p.m. , however, to offer members of the public the opportunity to provide comments.12 August 6 , 2013, Good Neighbor Environmental Board (GNEB) Meeting Summary 

### Action Items  Board members should review the list of ecological restoration projects in the draft advice letter for omitted projects that should be included, particularly the following: Brownfields restorations , small

- scale projects , projects located on land formerly used for agriculture , and ecological restoration efforts on the Upper Rio Grande

.  Board members should review the list s of data inventories , tools, performance metrics and models in the draft advice letter for additional entries that should be included, particularl y data from states other than Texas.  Mr. Anderson and members of Workgroup #4 will consult with the GNEB members to identify projects that might serve as case studies for the development of data inventories, as well as the use of tools, performance metrics and models

.  Dr. Austin will summarize the proposed revised timeline for the advice letter and distribute it via email to the GNEB members

.  Ms. Gantner will poll the GNEB members about their availability to attend a meeting to provide feedback on the advice letter framework during the week of August 19.  Ms. Gantner will poll the GNEB members about their availability to attend a Board meeting during the week of September 23.  All of the GNEB members , including tribal representatives, should endeavor to attend the upcoming Board meetings.August 6 , 2013, Good Neighbor Environmental Board (GNEB) Meeting Summary 13



### Good Neighbor Environmental Board (GNEB **)**

**Meeting Participants Nonfederal State, Local and Tribal**  **Members Diane Austin, Ph.D. (Chair)**  Associate Research Anthropologist Bureau of Applied Research in Anthropology University

of Arizona Tucson, AZ **Dave Anderson , P.E., D.WRE, CFM,**  **CPESC** Client Service Manager CDM Smith, Inc. Austin, TX **Jose Angel** Assistant Executive Officer Colorado River Basin Region California Regional Water Quality Control Board Palm Desert, CA **Kevin Bixby**  Executive Director Southwest Environmental Center Las Cruces , NM **Edna A. Mendoza**  Director Office of Border Environmental Protection Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Phoeniz , AZ **Jamie Michael**  Department Manager Health and Human Services Dona Ana County Las Cruces , NM **Jack Monger**  Executive Director Industrial Environmental Association San Diego , CA **Luis E. Ramírez , MSFS**  President Ramirez Advisors Inter
-National, LLC Phoenix, AZ **Cyrus B.H. Reed, Ph.D.**  Conservation Director Sierra Club , Lo ne Star Chapter Austin , TX **Ivonne Santiago, Ph.D.** Lecturer Department of Civil Engineering The University of Texas at El Paso El Paso, TX **Timothy Treviño** Senior Director of Strategic Planning & Agency Communications Alamo Area Council of Governments San Antonio, TX **Erin Ward**  Director U.S.

- Mexico Border Projects New Mexico Water Resources Research Institute Las Cruces , NM **Jose Francisco Zamora -** **Arroyo, Ph.D.** Director Colorado River Delta Program Sonoran Institute Tucson, AZ14 August 6 , 2013, Good Neighbor Environmental Board (GNEB) Meeting Summary **Federal Members Department of Health and Human Services**  **Jose Luis Velasco** Executive Director U.S. Section U.S.

- México Border Health Commission Office of Global Affairs Department of Health and Human Services El Paso, TX **Department of Homeland Security Teresa R. Pohlman, Ph.D.**  **, LEED, AP** Director Sustainability

and Environmental Programs Chief Readiness Support Officer Department of Homeland Security Washington, D.C. **Department of the Interior Greg Eckert, Ph.D.**  Restoration Ecologist National Park Service Department of Interior Fort Collins, CO **International Boundary and Water Commission**  **Edward Drusina** Commissioner U.S. Section International Boundary

and Water Commission El Paso, TX **Designated Federal Officer Mark Joyce**  Acting Designated Federal Officer Good Neighbor Environmental Board U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Washington, D.C. **Nonfederal State, Local and Tribal Alternate**  **Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Stephen M. Niemeyer, P.E.**  Border Affairs Manager and Colonias Coordinator Intergovernmental Relations Division Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Austin, TX
**Federal Alternates Department of Commerce** **- NOAA**  **Alison Krepp** NOAA Estuarine Reserves Division National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Department of Commerce Silver Spring, MD **Department of Health and Human Services Lorraine Navarrete**  Binational Operations Coordinator U.S. Section U.S.

- México Border Health Commission Office of Global Affairs Department of Health and Human Services El Paso, TX **Department of State Jock Whittlesey**  International Relations Officer U.S.

- Mexico Border Affairs Department of State Washington, D.C. **Department of Transportation Camille Mittelholtz**  Acting Director Office of Safety, Energy

and Environment Department of Transportation Washington, D.C.August 6 , 2013, Good Neighbor Environmental Board (GNEB) Meeting Summary 15 **International Boundary and Water Commission**  **Sally Spener** Foreign Affairs Officer U.S. Section International Boundary

and Water Commission El Paso, TX **EPA Regional Office Contacts Region 6**  **Gina Weber** U.S

- Mexico Border Program U.S. EPA, Region 6 Dallas, TX **Region 9 Alhelí Baños**  **- Keener**  U.S.

- Mexico Border Specialist U.S. EPA, Region 9 San Diego, CA **EPA Participants Ann**  **- Marie Gantner**  Office of Diversity, Advisory Committee Management and Outreach U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Washington, D.C. **Cynthia Jones -** **Jackson** Office of Diversity, Advisory Committee Management and Outreach U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Washington, D.C. **Stephanie McCoy** Office of Diversity, Advisory Committee Management and Outreach U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Washington, D.C. **Steven J. Weber** Office of Inspector General U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Washington, D.C. **Other Participants Casey Dietrich**  CQ Transcriptions Washington, D.C. **Hector Dominguez** In formation Technology Specialist U.S. Section U.S.

- México Border Health Commission Office of Global Affairs Department of Health and Human Services El Paso, TX **Allie Wechsler** University

of Arizona Tucson, AZ **Contractor Support Jennifer G. Lee, Ph.D.**  Science Writer/Editor The Scientific Consulting Group, Inc. Gaithersburg, MD16 August 6 , 2013, Good Neighbor Environmental Board (GNEB) Meeting Summary **Good Neighbor Environmental Board**

**Agenda Tuesday, August 6, 2013**  **12 :00**  **p.m. –**  **4 :00**  **p.m. (EDT) Call**  **- In**  **: 866 -**  **299 -**  **3188, Conference Code**  **: 2022330068** 12:00 p.m. **Welcome and Introductions**

 Mark Joyce **,** Associate Director GNEB Acting Designated Federal Officer  Cynthia Jones

- Jackson U.S. EPA Office of Diversity Advisory Committee Management and Outreach  Diane Austin, Chair Good Neighbor Environmental Board  Board Members 12:10

– 12:20 **Overview of Agenda**

 Diane Austin, Chair Good Neighbor Environmental Board 12:20

– 1:00 **Overview of Workgroup Progress**

 Workgroup #1

– Define Ecological Restoration and Why It I s Important Greg Eckert, Workgroup Chair

 Workgroup #2

– Review of Border

- Specific Programs and Where Ecological Restoration Resonates, Is Incorporated, Etc. Cyrus Reed, Workgroup Chair

 Workgroup #3

– Review of Ecological Restoration Efforts With Federal Involvement Steve Niemeyer, Workgroup Chair

 Workgroup #4

– Review of Data/Tools/Performance Indicators/Models Dave Anderson, Workgroup Chair 1:00

– 3:00 **Discussion of Advice Letter Priorities and Workgroup Reorganization** 3:00

– 3:40 **Discussion of**  **GNEB Advice Letter and Report**  Timeline  Next steps 3:40

– 3:50 **Other issues**

 Spanish Translation of 15th Report 3:50

– 4:00 **Public Comments** 4:00 **Adjournment**