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Wallowa-Whitman: First National Forest Accepted to EPA Performance Track Program

Release Date: 3/8/2005
Contact Information: Claudia Vaupel
[email protected]
(206) 553-7067

March 8, 2005SEATTLE, Wash. – February 21, 2005 – Wallowa-Whitman National Forest was named a member of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) National Environmental Performance Track program, making it the first National Forest accepted to the program. Launched in June 2000, Performance Track members are leading by example and taking extra steps to reduce and prevent pollution. The program recognizes top environmental performers and encourages both public and private organizations that voluntarily go beyond compliance with environmental regulations and publicly commit to specific environmental improvements over the next three years.

“Performance Track facilities represent a new generation of environmental leaders who have the vision to embrace the strategies that will protect the environment for generations to come,” said Dan Fiorino, director of EPA’s Performance Incentives Division. Wallowa-Whitman National Forest joins more than 300 U.S. facilities in their commitment to consistently exceed environmental requirements. Results show that participants have saved enough energy to power approximately 30,000 households for a year, reduced their use of hazardous materials by nearly 18,000 tons, and cut their solid waste by 176,000 tons.

EPA and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality reviewed the application for sustained compliance with environmental regulations. Wallowa-Whitman National Forest qualified for the program through its past achievements, continuous commitment to environmental compliance, and implementation of a strong Environmental Management System. Wallowa-Whitman National Forest has committed to four beyond compliance environmental improvements over the next three years, including the restoration of over 14,000 acres of watershed lands. As part of Performance Track, Wallowa-Whitman National Forest is eligible for numerous program benefits including EPA recognition, national and local networking opportunities, and regulatory and administrative incentives which cut paperwork, increase flexibility, and help facilities focus on environmental improvement.

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Related Links:

National Environmental Performance Track (epa.gov/performancetrack/)

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For more information about Performance Track, visit the above website or call 1-888-339-PTRK.

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