Enclosure 3A - Project Summary Form
NATIONAL FIRE PLAN COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE AND WILDLAND URBAN INTERFACE PROJECTS
Application for Wildland Urban Interface Fuels / Education and
Prevention / Community Planning for Fire Protection Projects
Applicant
Applicant/Organization:
Washington State Department of Natural Resources – Resource Protection Division
Phone:
FAX:
Email:
mark.gray@wadnr.gov
Address (Street or P. O. Box, City, State, Zip):
Project Coordinator
Project Coordinator (Name and Title):
James Brog, Fire Fuels Reduction Specialist
Organization/Jurisdiction:
Washington State Department of Natural Resources, South Puget Sound Region
Phone:
Email: james.brog@wadnr.gov
FAX:
360-825-1631
Charles.frame@wadnr.gov
360-825-1672
Project Information
Project Title:
Phase I - South Puget Sound Wildland Interface Education and Fuels Reduction
Proposed Project Start Date:
Proposed Project End Date:
Late fall 2004
December 2005
Federal Funding Request:
Total Project Funding:
$245,000
$385,000
Yes. This program is designed in two phases.
This is the first phase and is priority; however, the second phase (separate grant) is equally important to
complete all aspects of this plan over a 2 ½ year period.
Are you submitting multiple projects? If so, please explain and prioritize:
Brief Project Description:
A definite need to develop a local coordinating group whose goal is to create a comprehensive plan for
community awareness, public education and fire fuels reduction exists in the South Puget Sound Region of
the Washington Department of Natural Resources. Decades of dry thick underbrush, light flashy fuels,
housing encroachment into the wildland/urban interface, lack of education and defensible space preparedness,
and years of drought conditions have prepared this area for disaster. Discussions with local fire districts,
watershed districts, private and public foresters and insurance companies have proven there is a lack of
awareness for the potential of a devastating and catastrophic wildland fire. Watersheds that supply Seattle,
Tacoma and other areas of vital water supplies are in extreme danger of human caused fires. Federal lands
adjoining our project area include Mount Rainier National Park, Mt. Baker–Snoqualmie National Forest and
the Gifford-Pinchot National Forest. Our goal is to create intergovernmental coordination to reach our
objective of reducing the loss of homes to wildfire, preserve our valuable natural resource areas and reduce
the number of fires caused by human complacency and carelessness. As you will read in this proposal, many
state, federal and local agencies will come together as a local coordinating group to achieve these objectives.
Project Location (latitude/longitude if applicable):
County:
East King and Pierce Counties
King and Pierce
Congressional District:
Eighth (8)
Project Type: Check appropriate project type. More than one type may be checked. If only Box (4) is checked, use Enclosure 4.
(1)
(2)
Wildland Urban Interface Fuels Project
Wildland Urban Interface Education and Prevention Project
(3)
(4)
Community Planning for Fire Protection Project
Fuels Utilization and Marketing Project
If the applicant is an unincorporated area, define the geographic area being represented:
Enclosure 3B (Page 1 of 3) - Project Narrative Description
Applications for funding must include a narrative response that describes the proposal. Please do not submit responses longer than one page,
single space, 12-pitch font.
Describe project including, but not limited to:
 project location
Address these
 project implementation
items as
 anticipated outcomes
applicable:
 measures and reporting
 interagency partners





project relationship to community or natural landscape fire plans
project time frames and income
specify types of activities and equipment used
amount or extent of actions (acres, number of homes, etc)
environmental, cultural and historical resource requirements
The Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has been a leader in public education,
wildland fire prevention, community planning and education, and assisting communities in creating
defensible space. Our strongest emphasis has been on the east side of the Cascade Mountain range, which
divides the two distinct climates within our state. The hot, dry and windy climate east of the mountains has
attributed to some of the most devastating fires in our State’s history. These dry winds travel in a westerly
direction and find avenues through the passes and valleys, sweeping down the west slopes, leaving many
areas with fire fuel conditions that are an extreme hazard. There is a misconception of the population west of
the Cascade Mountains that fire danger is minimal or non-existent.
The west slopes of the Cascades are not immune to devastating wildfires, one of which was in January 1995.
The Massey-Gate fire erupted and consumed more than 500 acres during record low temperatures and dry
east winds. Many homes were threatened as well as the historic town of Cumberland. Had this fire occurred
in August, when the weather is hotter and the winds more severe, the outcome could have been tragically
different. Other fires have occurred within the Cedar River and Tacoma watershed (Green River), which
supplies water to Seattle, Tacoma and many other communities around Puget Sound. Additionally, decades of
thick underbrush, light fuels, encroachment of homes into the Wildland/Urban Interface, and drought
conditions in the past few years has dramatically increased the need to implement a coordinated education
plan with local public agencies.
This program will focus on communities west of the Cascade Mountain Range, many of which have been
identified in the Federal Register/Vol.66, No. 160, as being in severe danger to fire threat. These communities
include; Ashford, Elbe, Carbonado, Wilkeson, Enumclaw, Cumberland, Palmer, Selleck, Ravensdale,
Kerriston, Hobart, North Bend and Snoqualmie Pass. All areas are within the South Puget Sound Region of
DNR, from Ashford in the south, near the entrance to Mount Rainier National Park, and north through North
Bend, which encompasses the I-90 corridor, a major transportation link connecting both sides of our State.
DNR will coordinate with local fire districts, municipalities, air pollution control, watershed districts,
homeowners associations, and USFS, FWS and tribal agencies. Our initial objective is to develop a
comprehensive plan with the fire districts to identify the highest hazard areas in each jurisdiction, the number
of homes threatened, the population affected, and the resources that would be available for suppression. The
second is to create a greater community and public awareness program and develop measurable objectives,
and to work closely with the watershed districts, USFS, and FWS to identify environmental concerns, hazards
and firefighting strategies. All of the rivers and streams in our area are home to many different species of fish
and salmon. What impact wildfire and runoff into these rivers may have to these fish populations is also of
concern.
Community workshops and direct mailing of fire safety literature including: Living with Fire, Creating
Defensible Space, Hazard Risk Assessment, Home Protection Guide will be utilized. A strong media presence
involving television, radio and newsprint will solicit greater involvement and awareness of the fire risk.
FireWise workshops will be presented in cooperation with the local fire departments. This will enhance the
relationship of the public and the fire department and provide a sense of ownership to the program. The
majority of the local fire departments already have public education specialists who can provide training and
education to the homeowners as well as facilities in which to hold these meetings. Upon completion of
workshops, media exposure, and information distribution, onsite property assessments will be made available
to homeowners. Training local fire crews to conduct these assessments further enhances their relationship
with the public and educates structural firefighters in identifying the hazards associated with Wildland/Urban
Interface firefighting. DNR will coordinate this training and additional wildland training through the county
Fire Training Officers Association and other agencies as appropriate.
Response:
Enclosure 3B (Page 2 of 3) - Project Evaluation Criteria
Applications for funding must include narrative responses that address the following four criteria. Within each criterion, subcriteria are listed in descending order of importance. Limit your responses to the areas provided.
1. Reducing Fire Risk. (40 points))
A. Describe how the proposal promotes reduction of risk in high hazard areas or communities, or natural landscapes.
B. Describe how the proposed project benefits resources on federal land or adjacent non-federal land, or how it protects the safety
of communities.
C. To what extent does the project implement or create a cooperative (1) fuels treatment plan or (2) community fire strategy
(include evidence of the plan if it already exists)?
D. Explain to what extent the affected community or proponent has been involved or plans to involve the affected community in a
qualified fuels education program (e.g., FIREWISE).
E. Explain how the proposal (1) leads to, enhances or restores a local fire-adapted ecosystem, and/or (2) mitigates or leads to the
mitigation of hazardous fuel conditions.
F. How will the proposed treatments or programs be maintained in future years?
Our proposal is designed to extensively incorporate the “FireWise” concept and training program.
Through proper training to homeowners, landscape architects, landscape maintenance companies, tree
maintenance companies and home and building developers, we can anticipate a significant reduction in the
fire hazard to at risk communities. Community involvement and participation for removing hazardous fire
fuels in proximity to housing developments and within the defensible space of each home will reduce the risk
of loss to wildfire. Educating homeowners on methods of disposal, i.e. chipping vegetation or transport to
landfill, will reduce residential outdoor burning and air pollution in the Puget Sound area.
The west slope of the Cascade Mountains holds several large watershed projects. By working to reduce
human caused fires in the foothills, we can not only protect the communities within, but also protect a natural
resource area that is vital to Puget Sound residents. Also, the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest,
Gifford-Pinchot National Forest and Mount Rainier National Park are adjacent to these hazard communities.
Through the education and risk assessment process we will impress upon the homeowners the importance of
maintaining their properties and self-evaluating their fire risk level annually.
Response:
2. Increasing local capacity. (30 points)
A. How would the proposal improve or lead to the improvement of the local economy in terms of jobs and sustainable economic
activity? How many jobs are expected to be created or retained and for how long (please distinguish between essentially yearround and seasonal jobs)? How will this proposal link to other projects (or proposed projects) to create year-round jobs?
B. To what extent will this project be offered to serve as a model for other communities or natural landscapes?
C. Will biomass or forest fuels be utilized; if so, in what manner and how much?
As homeowners become aware of the hazards surrounding their properties they will seek avenues
for the reduction of the fire fuels within their defensible space and within their communities. An additional
portion of our proposal is to solicit local arborists, tree service companies, private foresters, and landscape
contractors to participate in the “FireWise” workshops. Educating contractors to perform work as defined
through our workshops and providing certification for these contractors will enhance their business
opportunities. This will be an ongoing public education process and fuel reduction work should continue
indefinitely. Tree removal contractors will be hired through DNR to perform fire fuels reduction in
communities to serve as models to others.
Identifying a particular at-risk community or homeowners association and soliciting high participation to
develop a “model” for others will be a primary objective. By utilizing visual accomplishments and advertising
through the news media, we can reach a significant number of homeowners within our area.
Developing alternative uses for the biomass generated by the removal and reduction of fire fuels is another
objective. Reducing the amount of debris disposed of in landfills and developing sources such as compost
manufacturers, commercial nurseries, farms, horse pastures and arenas that can utilize these materials are
desirable.
Response:
Enclosure 3B (Page 3 of 3) - Project Evaluation Criteria
3. Increasing interagency and intergovernmental coordination. (15 Points)
A. Describe how this project implements a local intergovernmental strategy or plan, or creates such a plan. Describe the plan if it
already exists.
B. Explain the level of cooperation, coordination or strategic planning through a “Local Coordination Group” for wildland fire
activities, or among federal, state, tribal, local government and community organizations. List the cooperators (a detailed list
of cooperators will be required for projects that are funded).
Response:
Through creation of the local coordinating group of municipalities, county fire marshals, county public
works, county executive offices, state legislators, watershed districts, local tribal agencies, fire districts, air
pollution control agencies, United States Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, private insurance companies
and DNR, we will begin development of a unified plan to create public awareness and eliminate the
complacency that currently exists regarding the potential for a significant wildland fire. Every year we
witness major fires burning in other areas of our state but the population ignores the fact that it can strike in
our area. Individual public agencies make wholehearted attempts at educating the populous, but we lack a
strong coordination of resources. By developing partnerships with all levels of government and public
educators, we can reach a greater number of communities at risk and can have a stronger impact in creating
fire safe communities.
Governmental agencies can look to other states that have addressed similar wildfire concerns and have
developed techniques, regulations and fire codes that can minimize the impact on communities. The
development of county or state regulations requiring homeowners in the wildland urban interface to create
and maintain defensible space, and requiring the use of non-combustible roofing materials is something that
should be discussed in depth in the coming years.
4. Expanding Community Participation. (15 Points)
A. To what extent have interested individuals, groups, and communities been provided an opportunity to become informed and
involved in this proposal?
B. Describe the extent of local support or opposition for the project, including any cost-sharing arrangements.
C. What are the environmental, social and educational benefits or concerns of the project?
Response:
Through discussions with local fire district administrators, watershed managers and insurance companies, we
have developed a strong degree of support for a program of this level. Several agencies have expressed an
interest of cooperation and participation through in-kind services with use of their public education
specialists, fire crews, and classroom and meeting facilities. Insurance companies currently have programs
that provide assistance for communities through financial means. These financial resources will be useful in
providing work crews and fire fuel removal for elderly, low income or non-ambulatory citizens.
Of major concern is the impact and environmental hazards a large wildfire will have upon the watersheds that
serve the most densely populated areas of Washington state. Traditional firefighting techniques utilizing class
“A” foams and aerial retardant will most certainly cause serious issues to the drinking water supply of these
metropolitan areas if used in close proximity to initial runoff. Also, the concerns of erosion and rehabilitation
to burned areas are of consideration. Through education, fire prevention, fire fuels reduction and eliminating
or reducing outdoor residential burning, we can reasonably expect a reduction of human caused wildfires and
the potential for disaster.
Another important environmental concern is air quality. Because of the unique climate and weather patterns
in the Puget Sound region, air stagnation alerts are very common. Finding alternatives to residential outdoor
burning and educating the public on these alternatives will help to enhance clean air quality.
Enclosure 3C - Project Work Form
Tasks
Time Frame
Responsible Party
Prepare project plan for presentation to
intergovernmental agencies, private insurance
companies and private foresters.
Define and identify criteria for fire districts to
assess and identify at-risk communities.
November 2004
DNR Coordinator and staff
Develop a hazardous fuel assessment strategy
for King & Pierce County. To identify fuel
profiles, tentative treatment methods and
costs, and a comparative flammability of
treated versus untreated and a suggested
strategy for prioritizing treatments.
January/February 2004
State Foresters and State Fire
Administrators in DNR.
USFS Foresters and Managers
January 2004
DNR Region
DNR Olympia
March/April2004
DNR Coordinator and Fire Districts.
News Media
Train local fire districts on FireWise
defensible space assessments. Distribute risk
assessment forms and develop contractual
agreement for reimbursement of services.
June 2004
Program Coordinator
Fire District Personnel
Develop relationships with King & Pierce
County Solid Waste to develop and market
alternatives to burning and resources for
chipped vegetation.
.
January 2004
DNR Region
Identify and prepare model homes for
defensible space program.
Identify contractor(s) to perform projects
through DNR direction
March/April 2004
DNR Region Coordinator
Provide administrative support to include
meeting coordination and communications in
the form of agendas/notes and newsletter/web
development.
Provide educational outreach in the form of
community events, workshops, news media
releases to foster FireWise awareness within
the communities with the long-range goal of
increasing home survivability and coordinated
hazard fuel reduction work utilizing
community participation.
July 2004
Coordinate with news media.
Coordinate program with Phase II of project
DNR Olympia
March 2004
Program Coordinator
Enclosure 3D Project Budget
Cost Category
Description
Personnel
NR Coordinator x 12mos.
Environmental Education Specialist
Pub Ed Specialist & Fire Crews
Subtotal
Federal
Agency
Applicant
$ 43,074.72 $
$ 39,034.40 $
Fire Districts
Partner 2
$0.00
$
$
$
$
$0.00
$
$
$
18,252.00
16,540.00
$ 82,109.12 $
34,792.00
$ 48,800.00
$ 48,800.00
Total
61,326.72
55,574.40
48,800.00
165,701.12
Fringe Benefits
Subtotal
$0.00
$
-
$0.00
-
Travel
Subtotal
$0.00
0.00
Equipment
Laptop computer & printer x2
$
4,800.00
$
4,800.00
$ 5,000.00 $
$ 7,900.00
$ 12,900.00 $
1,800.00
Subtotal
Supplies
Printing, letterhead, postage
Signs, mailing literature, etc.
Subtotal
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
1,800.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$
$
$
4,800.00
4,800.00
$0.00
$
$
$
6,800.00
7,900.00
14,700.00
$0.00
$
$
$
$
50,000.00
100,000.00
150,000.00
41,588.00
6,300.00
500.00
49,988.00
385,189.12
Contractual
Tree Service for demonstration homes $ 50,000.00
Fire risk assessment crews
$ 100,000.00
Subtotal
Other
Meeting Facilities
2 SUV Vehicles
Fuel and Maintenance
Vehicle Office set up
Subtotal
Total Costs
Project (Program) Income[1]
(using deductive alternative)
$ 150,000.00 $
-
$0.00
$
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
1,600.00
$
$
$
$
41,588.00
6,300.00
500.00
48,388.00
$
1,600.00
$0.00
$
$
$
$
$ 245,009.12 $
89,780.00
$ 50,400.00
$0.00
$
$
-
$
-
From:
To:
Date:
Subject:
<Der1godrd@aol.com>
<james.brog@wadnr.gov>
2/18/03 1:36PM
Re: National Fire Plan Grant
Good afternoon,
I am writing to give full support for the National Fire Plan for Fire Fuels Reduction in the Puget Sound
Area.
The Nisqually Indian Tribe, Medicine Creek Wildland Fire Crews say yes to
this plan and would be a partner in this group. The Nisqually Tribe has always had a great relationship with
Washington Department of Natural Resources, and other local forest/fire agency's. This would be a great
plan for Puget Sound Area.
Derwin Goddard, Fire Coordinator
Nisqually Indian Tribe, Medicine Creek Fire Crews
4820 She-Nah-Num DR, SE
Olympia, WA 98513
(360) 456-5221 ext. 174
(360) 456-9855 Pager
From:
To:
Date:
Subject:
"David F Johnson" <dfjohnson@fs.fed.us>
<charles.frame@wadnr.gov>, <charles.frame@wadnr.gov>
2/18/03 2:26PM
Urban Interface Fuels Management
The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie is very much in support of cooperating in the
formation of local coordinating groups for the creation of a comprehensive
plan for community awareness, public education and fire fuels reduction in
the South Puget Sound area of Washington State. Decades of underbrush,
homes being built out into the urban interface and weather conditions have
lead to increased fire potential. By working together we can help each
other solve problems.
(Embedded image moved to file: pic26208.gif)David F. Johnson
Fire & Aviation Staff
Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Phone Number: 425-744-3510
Cell Phone 425-239-0946
E-Mail address: dfjohnson@fs.fed.us