Key Initiatives

Initiatives were crafted to answer the question: what changes need to be made so that the NCFS can more effectively accomplish our mission? Initiatives are intended to introduce new processes or make significant organizational changes that will improve performance and enhance our ability to meet our 2016 performance targets and better achieve our mission. They are inspired by a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) of internal and external forces impacting our ability to accomplish our mission. This analysis was conducted by the NCFS statewide strategic planning committee. Initiatives were then developed and prioritized by the NCFS Management Team into a manageable number.

The nine NCFS strategic initiatives are featured in the NC Forest Service functional area of the NCDA&CS strategic plan. One NCFS initiative "Maintain and Restore Forests in Decline" was selected to be featured among eight other departmental initiatives which highlight key citizen-focused initiatives within the Department. Nine of these key initiatives, described below have been incorporated into the NCFS Strategic Plan as action items under the goal and objective where they most logically fit. Within the plan these initiatives are designated with the words "Key Initiative".

Name	Description and intended impact	Responsibility	Begin	Complete
Develop Geospatial Reporting Tools	Develop a geospatially referenced, internet-based reporting system, with appropriate metrics, for all program accomplishments. This system will help monitor success in effecting positive and beneficial forest management practices in areas with the greatest need.	Safety, Planning & Analysis Manager: Craig Clarke 919-857-4820	10/01/2011	01/01/2016
Develop Prescribed Fire Tools	Develop an internet-based Prescribed Fire Plan generator and a Smoke Management database. These tools will allow for more opportunities to utilize prescribed fire on forested acres in North Carolina.	Safety, Planning & Analysis Manager: Tim Howell 828-665-8688	10/01/2010	10/01/2016
Finalize Burning Permit Legislation	Finalize and work toward adoption of burning permit legislation to address changes in North Carolina's population and impacts from smoke and fire. These changes will assist NCFS in wildfire prevention.	Forest Protection Manager: Greg Hicks 919-857-4838	07/01/2012	07/01/2014
Maintain and Restore Forests in Decline	Continue with the longleaf pine initiative and develop and implement a plan to address sustainability of other tree species, forest types, and forest ecosystems in decline-, targeting Atlantic white cedar, shortleaf pine, baldcypress, and bottomland hardwoods. It is vital that we pass on to future generations the ecological, economic and social values these forests provide.	Forest Management / Forest Development Manager: Barry New 919-857-4843	07/01/2012	07/01/2014
Reduce Workplace Injuries	Reduce three of the most prevalent types of workplace injuries by 15% by 2016. This emphasis will reduce worker injuries, lost work days, and worker compensation costs.	Safety, Planning & Analysis Manager: Tania Brown 919-857-4845	07/01/2012	06/30/2016
Complete Strategic Planning	Complete the NCDA&CS and NCFS Strategic Plans. Link these with the NC Forest Action Plan and integrate into NCFS programs and services. Implement the Goals, Actions and Initiatives through expectations in each employee's work plan. These plans will better focus activities to meet the NCDA&CS and NCFS mission.	State Forester's Office Manager: David Lane 919-857-4854	11/17/2010	04/01/2014
Streamline Administration of External Sources of Funding	Develop a system and actions to allow for more efficient and effective administration and management of externally funded grants and awards. This will position the NCFS to remain competitive in securing external funding and to use these resources wisely.	Administration Manager: David Lane 919-857-4854	01/01/2012	06/30/2013
Complete NCFS Salary Equity Study	Complete a comprehensive equity study of all NCFS positions to identify pay inequities and develop a plan to address them. This will allow the NCFS to get in line with other NCDA&CS divisions in following NC OSP Compensation guidelines.	Administration Manager: Joe Gilroy 919-857-4853	07/01/2012	06/30/2013
Increase Acres Treated with Prescribed Fire	Work with the NC Prescribed Fire Council to develop and implement strategies and actions to increase the annual non-industrial private forest landowner acreage treated with prescribed fire by 25% over a 4 year period. This effort will reduce wildfire threat, improve wildlife habitat, and increase many other benefits realized from the use of prescribed fire.	State Forester's Office Manager: David Lane 919-857-4854	07/01/2012	06/30/2016