Archive
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Document Name: App B: Text of Cus. Svc. Stnds: Natural Resource Mgmt. (18 of23)
Date: 09/01/94
Owner: National Performance Review
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Title: App B: Text of Cus. Svc. Stnds: Natural Resource Mgmt. (18 of23)
Author: Vice President Al Gore's National Performance Review
Date: September, 1994
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Natural Resource Management
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Department of Agriculture
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Forest Service
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Manages 191 million acres of forest and rangeland and regulates use.
--- Our offices, work sites, and visitor centers will be open at
times convenient to our customers.
--- Knowledgeable employees will be available at times convenient to
our customers.
--- Our facilities will be safe, clean, attractive, and informative.
--- Our facilities will be accessible to persons of all ages and
abilities.
--- Visitors will always be welcomed with prompt, courteous service.
--- Customers will be asked regularly to help us improve our services
and business practices.
--- Customers will promptly receive the service and information they
request, or we will explain we cannot meet the request.
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Department of Defense
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U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Environmental Management
Incorporates ecosystem management considerations in all aspects of
its water resource projects, including those for navigation, flood
control, storm damage reduction, hydroelectric, and recreation.
--- We will work hand-in-hand with states, cities, and municipalities
to fund, plan, and implement needed water and environmental projects
that meet federal criteria.
--- When recommending projects, we will carefully weigh costs and
benefits to the environment with economic costs nd benefits,
reconciling society's demands with the vital need to sustain the our
natural environment.
--- When requested by EPA or other federal agency, we will quickly
apply our know-how in environmental engineering and management to
investigate hazardous and toxic waste on defense sites, and clean
them promptly and thoroughly as funding allows.
--- We will continue to work with the public and industry through our
four research laboratories to develop new technological solutions to
environmental concerns and to make them available quickly.
Regulatory Program
Regulates the development/use of any work or structure in or
affecting a navigable waterway of the United States and the discharge
of dredged or fill material in all waters of the United States;
authorizes 90,000 activities annually.
--- We will complete action on 70 percent of all applications in less
than 120 days.
Water Resources Operation and Maintenance
Operates 234 locks, dredges over 900 harbors, operates and maintains
383 major lakes and reservoirs for flood control, maintains 2,500
recreation sites, and provides hydropower at 75 sites.
--- We will publish all scheduled lock outages and maintain
procedures for notification of unscheduled outages.
--- We will coordinate and share information with federal, state, and
local officials of potential flood conditions.
--- We will maintain the harbors and rivers of America's waterways so
that they are open to traffic.
--- We will maintain all recreation facilities in a clean and safe
condition, and we will treat all of our visitors courteously.
Water Resources Planning, Engineering, and Construction
Provides developmental capabilities for water resources projects
affecting the United States, in partnership with state and local
communities.
--- We will work closely with other federal government, state, and
local officials to complete a definition of the problem with a goal
of completing this activity for large projects within two years.
These studies will be federally funded.
--- We will work to develop a feasibility report of potential
solution(s) for large projects within four years, for referral for
action to Congress. These studies will be cost-shared.
--- For those projects authorized, we will complete preconstruction
engineering and design within two years. The design is federally
funded up-front. The local sponsor will be asked to share design and
construction costs when the project is under construction.
--- We will provide the sponsor with an estimate of the construction
costs and schedule prior to construction, and we will meet regularly
with the sponsor to manage risks.
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Department of Energy
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Energy Resources
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
The number one goal of the Department's Energy Resources Business
Line in fiscal year 1995 will be to advance the nation's capability
to deliver clean, efficient, reliable, equitable, and cost-effective
energy services to the American people. With this goal in mind, we
will:
--- Expand the Clean Cities Program to 25 cities by December 1994.
--- Add 12,250 alternative fuel vehicles to the federal fleet and
promote the opening of over 60 private sector refueling stations for
these vehicles by October 1995.
--- Establish 12 new Cooperative Research and Development Agreements
with the automotive industry to develop cleaner cars, with the goal
of increasing transportation energy efficiency, lowering air
pollution levels, and reducing the nation's dependence on imported
oil, by October 1995.
--- Implement climate change programs to reduce domestic greenhouse
gases by 4 percent by the year 2000.
--- Provide funds for weatherizing 126,000 homes, and upgrading 1,350
schools and hospitals by October 1995.
--- By the year 2000, increase the use of clean domestic natural gas
to an estimated 22 trillion cubic feet, an increase of approximately
18 percent.
--- Create 20,000 new jobs through the implementation of energy
efficiency programs that promote private sector investment by October
1995.
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Department of the Interior
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Bureau of Indian Affairs
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Serves as the steward for Indian and Alaska Native lands and monies
held in trust by the United States.
By the end of fiscal year 1995:
--- We will provide you with up-to-date information about the status
of your claim, application, case or inquiry on the day of your visit
to our office.
--- We will answer your telephone call in a pleasant, courteous
manner and be responsive to your questions. We will return your phone
call by close of business the next work day. If we are not able to
assist you, we will direct you to the necessary office that will help
you.
--- We will response to your written inquiries within five days of
receipt of your letter and we will seek resolution of your problems
within 30 days.
--- We will consult with and provide feedback to you regarding
education issues under consideration through regularly held regional
education consultation meetings.
--- We will develop all new rules and regulations in partnership with
tribes.
--- We will establish a formal consultation process through which
comments and concerns by tribal governments will be sought.
--- We will deliver portable classrooms within one year of funding.
Bureau of Land Management
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Manages all aspects of 270 million acres of federal land and 570
million acres of federal mineral resources.
We will always:
--- Treat you in a courteous, efficient, and professional manner
every time you contact us.
--- Work with you to meet your needs while complying with laws and
regulations.
--- Advise you if your request cannot be filled in your initial
contact with us, and tell you who will respond to your request and
when you can expect that response.
Casual Uses of Lands, Facilities, and Developed Sites
Use of campgrounds, visitor centers, developed trails, and other
facilities.
--- You will be provided with well-designed and maintained
facilities.
--- You will receive complete and up-to-date information on the
requested site.
--- If you need an authorization to use lands, facilities, or sites,
we will complete action on your in-person request within 30 minutes.
We will respond to telephone or written requests within five business
days
Compliance and Enforcement
Enforcement of requirements, regulations, and laws governing leases,
permits, grants, and other uses of lands and resources.
--- You will be advised of the requirements for the proper use of
public lands and resources.
--- You will be given the information you need regarding the
applicable BLM compliance and enforcement process, expected time
frames, and reporting requirements and responsibilities.
--- You will be treated fairly under laws and regulations.
Information Access Centers
Provide information and products at central locations.
--- You will be greeted and your request will be acknowledged within
five minutes of your arrival.
--- You will receive the most current and accurate information about
the public land that we have available to the public.
--- You will receive available information within 30 minutes of your
in-person request. We will respond to your telephone or written
inquiries within five business days.
Public Policy Involvement Opportunities
Opportunities for you to be involved in our planning process and our
management of resources.
--- You will be provided with the opportunity to tell us how you
think publicly owned resources should be managed.
--- As we develop plans, rules, and regulations for use of public
resources, you will be asked for your ideas.
--- You will be afforded adequate time to make your comments and
suggestions.
Uses Requiring Authorization
Grazing permits, mineral leases, and rights of way that require prior
written approval.
--- You will receive a response to your phone messages and letters,
usually within five business days.
--- You will be informed of what the transaction is, how your request
will be handled, who will respond to your request, and the date by
which we expect to address your request.
Bureau of Reclamation
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Hydropower and Water Deliveries
--- We will always treat our customers with courtesy and respect.
--- We will promptly answer our customers' questions with accurate,
objective information.
--- We will resolve our customers' needs through single-point contact
whenever possible -- our customers will not receive the "runaround."
--- We will provide educational information to our customers about
the resources we manage, their use, and the laws and regulations
governing their use.
--- We will use language that our customers can easily understand.
--- We will ask for and consider our customers' ideas about agency
plans, programs, and services.
--- We will promptly respond to our customers' suggestions, concerns,
and complaints.
Minerals Management Service
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Offshore Minerals Management
Alaska Regional Public Information Office -- Pilot Project:
--- The buck stops here when it comes to assisting people lost and
wandering in the bureaucratic maze of government.
--- Walk-in customers have priority and will be promptly acknowledged
and assisted as soon as possible.
--- All information will be current and correct. Staff will find the
answer or find a more knowledgeable person to assist. We will never
guess.
--- Not all questions have answers. If the answer can't be found,
that fact will be reported to the customer.
--- Customers are never sent to another office or agency cold. Staff
will check to ensure the office is the correct one and also that the
contact person is available.
--- Before leaving, all customers will be asked, "Does this
completely answer your question?"
The Gulf of Mexico Public Information Office -- Pilot Project:
--- When you enter our office you will be promptly acknowledged.
--- We will be sensitive to your information needs.
--- You can expect to be treated with courtesy at all times.
--- We will make a sincere effort to provide you with information in
a timely manner.
--- We will strive to accurately respond to your request.
Pacific Regional Public Information Office -- Pilot Project:
--- First class is our game and you will be treated the same.
Customers visiting the Pacific Region are our number one priority.
--- We will greet you with a smile and give you prompt assistance.
Your needs are important to us.
--- We are as time-conscious as you are. We will try to get you what
you need as quickly as possible.
Royalty Management Program
Farmington, New Mexico -- Pilot Project:
Our aim is to continually improve service to you. If you would like
to make a comment or complaint, please feel free to use the comment
card available from any of our employees.
--- Prompt, personal attention (an interpreter will be provided if
necessary). You will be treated with courtesy and respect.
--- Accurate information. Your questions will be answered before you
leave, or you will receive periodic status reports until the issues
are resolved.
--- You will not be sent to another office unless absolutely
necessary.
--- Easy access to us. You can come to our office; you can call our
free telephone number (1-800-238-2839); or we will meet with you at a
more convenient location at your request.
Oklahoma City -- Pilot Project:
--- Assist our customers with the same high standards we expect as
customers.
--- Listen to your royalty issues and assume responsibility for
coordinating the resolution of your concerns.
--- Meet you elsewhere to help you understand the royalty process as
it affects you if you cannot come to our office.
--- Seek your ideas to help us improve our services by routinely
requesting your input on our performance and professionalism.
National Park Service
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Promotes and regulates the use of national parks, monuments, and
reservations.
We pledge to:
--- Protect your right to experience superlative wilderness and
scenic grandeur.
--- Communicate an understanding of the people, places, and events
that shaped these United States.
--- Provide opportunities for quality outdoor recreation while
conserving exceptional natural, cultural, and historical resources.
--- Make the beauty and history of our nation's parklands a more
meaningful part of the life of all Americans.
--- Manage the National Park System so that everyone, now and in the
future, may be assured the right of enjoying the parks.
--- Seek out and protect the finest of what remains unprotected of
the nation's natural, cultural, historical, and recreational
resources.
--- Join in partnerships throughout this and other nations in
conserving and maintaining a quality world environment.
Visitor Centers
--- We will keep the center open during peak hours and seasons and
provide alternative sources of information when the center is closed.
--- We will maintain the facility in a clean, safe condition.
--- We will answer your questions or refer you to additional sources
of assistance.
--- We will make special efforts to inform you of hazards and
situations that may adversely affect your visit.
--- We will provide and maintain exhibits and audio-visual programs
that impart understanding and stimulate appreciation of the park and
its significant natural, historical, cultural, and recreational
values.
--- We will display schedules of programs and activities available
throughout the park.
--- We will offer a wide range of quality, park-related educational
items at fair market value sold in well-maintained outlets.