Maryland’s Emergency Response Plan for Invasive Forest Pests

Revised May 2005

Welcome letter (pdf, 171K)
Introduction
I. Scope and Purpose
II. Authorization
III. Agency Roles and Responsibilities
IV. Members of the Forest and Tree Invasive Species Incident Command System:
  1. Incident Command Group
  2. Planning and Finance Team
  3. Operations Team
  4. Communications Team
V. Notification and Mobilization
VI. Direction and Control
Glossary

IV. MEMBERS OF THE FOREST AND TREE INVASIVE SPECIES INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM

B. Planning and Finance Team

  1. Purpose: The Planning and Finance Team shall provide effective planning, obtain appropriate resources, and conduct proper administrative management of the legal, fiscal and technical aspects of the Incident Response. Once informed of an incident, the Planning and Finance Team will consult with the Incident Commander and the Operations Team and others to evaluate and assess the scope of the event and together develop the Incident Action Plan. As planning and finance activities occur, the Team will provide information to the IC, Operations Team and Communications Team. Members of the Team will receive direction from the IC and work closely with the other teams.

  2. Members:
    1. Chief, Plant Protection and Weed Management
    2. Chief, Forest Pest Management
    3. Director of Maryland Forest Service
    4. Representative of the Operations Team
    5. Representative of the Communications Team
    6. Adjunct Members will include representatives of:
      • MD DNR Wildlife and Heritage
      • MD Dept. of the Environment
      • MD DHMH
      • MDA Pesticide Regulation
      • Local jurisdiction Park & Planning
    7. Municipal government or Community organization
    8. Others the Team Leader feels are needed, potentially including but not limited to, individuals from the represented organizations who have needed expertise/capability in:
      Grant writing;
      Procurement;
      Writing commodity or service contract specifications;
      NEPA and other environmental regulations, and other legal issues; and
      Geographic Information Systems.

  3. Tasks: Once informed of an incident, the Planning and Finance Team will consult with the Incident Commander and the Operations Team and others to evaluate and assess the scope of the event and together develop the Incident Action Plan. Within the Incident Action Plan there will be the following tasks and responsibilities for the Planning and Finance Team. Each of these responsibilities is carried out in consultation with and in coordination with the Operations Team and others within the structure of the Incident Command Group.

    • Assessment and monitoring:
      • Continually monitor and be aware of scope and severity of the situation.
      • review monitoring data and monitoring effort needed.
    • Determine the amount and type of response effort needed including:
      • Type and amount of material, equipment and services that may be needed
      • Personnel resources needed, including capabilities/expertise and amount of workers or person hours needed.
      • Interface needed with landowners, other agencies and general public as necessary.
      • Permits and environmental requirements
    • Determine funding sources (federal, state, local):
      • Make contacts – reference grant/funding availability and requirements
      • Write grants
      • Satisfy NEPA requirements and deadlines
      • Determine need of, and coordinate to obtain, environmental permits
      • Satisfy grant reporting requirements
    • Budget and financial management:
      • Closely monitor and manage expenditures and available resources.
      • Anticipate future resource needs.
      • Keep the Incident Commander apprised of current financial and resource status.