IX. Conduct and Ethics

The public expects every person and partner involved with government funds to be committed to high professional and ethical standards and accountable for their actions. Understanding and maintaining these standards, and complying with relevant legal authorities can play an important role in a partnership’s success.

While it is primarily the responsibility of Forest Service employees to be aware of and understand conduct and ethic guidelines, partners also need to gain an understanding of these important issues in order to ensure successful partnerships. The sidebar at the beginning of this chapter summarizes important points for partners to keep in mind. The remainder of the chapter is dedicated to what Forest Service employees need to know.

Conducts and ethics is a complex subject where one encounters a lot of “gray” area. If there are ever any doubts, agency ethics officers should always be consulted. This chapter covers general guidelines for maintaining ethical standards while working as partners with non-federal organizations. It strives to bring clarity to conduct and ethic issues in the following areas:

Remember, it is always important to consult with appropriate agency and Department personnel on a specific partnership undertaking. More formal information on authorities and regulations underlying conduct and ethics issues is provided in Appendix H – Additional Legal References for Conduct and Ethics – or may be obtained in consultation with the designated Agency Ethics Advisor in the Washington Office or the Primary Ethics Advisor in the Forest Service Region, Area, Forest or Station. The Office of General Counsel can also provide information and guidance. Non-Forest Service partners should discuss these issues with their Forest Service counterparts.

USDA Office of Ethics

This website provides easily accessible information on ethics.
(http://www.usda-ethics.net)
It includes:

  • Rules of the Road – A compendium of laws, regulations, and guidelines.
  • Interactive modules that include examples and scenarios.
  • Answers to frequently asked questions
  • Downloadable forms in a variety of matters and variety of formats
  • Links to USDA ethics advisors and other ethics websites.

 

Summary Points for Partners

  • The official responsibility of federal employees is to represent the government. They can only be involved in non-federal organizations in ways that do not compromise this responsibility. Conflicts of interest or perception of impropriety must be avoided.
  • A written partnership work agreement that clearly outlines mutual expectations and responsibilities of each partner can help clarify concerns regarding conduct and ethics.
  • Creating an official liaison position is an appropriate way to involve a Forest Service employee in a non-federal organization. Official involvement as a liaison requires prior approval of the line officer in conjunction with the appropriate agency ethics officer.
  • The Forest Service cannot endorse or sponsor commercial enterprises, products or services.
  • Forest Service employees working in an official capacity can participate in fundraising meetings or events under limited conditions to give an official speech dealing with Forest Service interests relevant to the event. They cannot endorse or promote fundraising campaigns.
  • Capital improvement campaigns require that federal agencies agree upon the improvements needed through a capital investment plan, completed environmental analysis, and decision document.
  • Forest Service employees can be involved in a personal capacity with non-federal organizations. However, they cannot serve because of their employee assignment or position with the Forest Service and there must be no other conflict or appearance problem. They must participate on their own personal time and at personal expense.

The Forest Service can accept gifts from individuals, organizations, foundations, corporations, associations, and other entities. (For more information, refer to the section on “Acceptance of Gifts” in this Chapter or to Appendix I – Highlights from the USDA Directive on Acceptance of Gifts).

  • Forest Service Employees can only solicit gifts under very limited conditions (see Appendix I – Highlights from the USDA Directive on Acceptance of Gifts).
  • The purpose of the National Forest Foundation includes encouraging, accepting, and administering private gifts of money and property, both real and personal, for the benefit of the activities and services of the Forest Service.