ID Number 2007-89
Fuels Treatment Projects Application
NATIONAL FIRE PLAN COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE AND WILDLAND URBAN INTERFACE PROJECTS
Applicant
Applicant/Organization:
Flowery Trail Community Association
Type of Applicant:
L (Nonprofit Organization)
Email:
btalbott@aesa.us
Phone:
509-935-7300
FAX:
509-935-7301
Please Call Ahead for FAX:
Off
Please Call Ahead for FAX:
Off
Address (Street or P. O. Box, City, State, Zip):
PO Box 4214 Spokane, WA 99220
Project Coordinator
Project Coordinator (Name and Title):
Mr. Don Stragis, Fire Management Consultant
Organization/Jurisdiction:
Timberland Management Company
Email:
stragisonian@qwest.net
Phone:
509-233-2710
FAX:
509-233-2710
Project Information
Project Title:
FTCA Fuels Reduction Project
Project Location:
Section 36, T33, R41, Stevens County, WA
County:
Stevens
Congressional District:
5
Latitude:
48.3106
Longitude:
-117.573
State the desired outcome in relation to NFP Goals and the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). Project Objectives:
This project begins implementation of the Chewelah CWPP by completing a collaborative fuel reduction effort in a developing community in the Flowery
Trail area east of Chewelah, WA. The CWPP was a cooperative effort initiated from volunteer participation within the community and expanded to include a
diverse group of interests such as the NE Washington Forestry Coalition (NEWFC). This proposal compliments USFS stewardship projects that have
identified 3,144 acres of prescribed burning in the same watershed, downslope, and downwind (prevailing) from the community. A recently completed WA
DNR thinning below the subdivision was also a collaborative effort to reduce the risks from wildfire. The CWPP identifies the area as "very high
risk" and recommends further fuels reduction efforts for the Flowery Trail development and adjacent Chewelah Peak Environmental Learning Center
as well as the 49 Degree's North Ski Area.
Name of CWPP:
Chewelah Community Wildfire Protection Plan
Name of Communit(y/ies) at Risk:
Chewelah
Proposed Project Start Date:
05/01/2007
Proposed Project End Date:
05/01/2009
Federal Funding Request:
$150,000.00
Total Project Cost:
$165,000.00
Are you submitting multiple projects?
No
If YES indicate the relationship of the projects to one
another:
If YES, please list the titles of projects by priority and briefly explain their relationship.
This grant proposal will complete a comprehensive fuels reduction program for the community that was started in 2002 with National Fire Plan funding for
defensible space surrounding the homes. The WA DNR completed a commercial thinning of the timber stand below the subdivision in 2005. This proposal
will complete fuels reduction around the subdivision, tie into the DNR thinning, and expand fuels reduction activities to include the Chewelah Peak Learning
Center.
Name of Federal, State or Tribal contact with whom you coordinated this proposal: Organization/Jurisdiction:
Colville National Forest/Supervisors Office
1) Steve Rawlings, Fuels Specialist
Phone
509-684-7222
Email srawlings@fs.fed.us
2) Chuck Johnson, NE WA Grant Manager
WA Dept. of Natural Resources/Northeast Region
Phone
Email chuck.johnson@wadnr.gov
509-684-7474
3) Don Strand, District Manager
Phone
WA Dept. of Natural Resources
509-684-7474
Email don.strand@wadnr.gov
Project Planning Information
Name of Local Coordinating Group:
Stevens County LCG
For this project, explain the level of cooperation, coordination or strategic planning, through a "Local Coordination Group." If you have not worked with a
local coordination group, why not?
Project has the highest level of cooperation with the local coordination group.
List federal lands that are adjacent to the project and proximity.
Colville National Forest surrounds project area.
A) Is there a current hazardous fuels treatment or one that is planned in the next three years on federal land that is adjacent to this project?
Yes
B) Specifically is this project adjacent to a current prescribed burn project or one that is planned in the next three years on Forest Service lands?
Yes
Please indicate planned treatments and associated acres:
Treatment
Thinning
Acres
100
Treatment
Biomass Removal
Acres
100
Treatment
Mastication/Mowing
Acres
75
Treatment
Hand Pile Burn
Acres
1
Acres
100
Treatment
Hand Treatment
Acres
25
If you have a treatment type other than standard types above:
Treatment
Fuel Ladder Removal
Project Evaluation Criteria
Applications for funding must include narrative responses that address the following criteria. Be sure you address every one briefly, yet thoroughly.
1. Reducing Hazardous Fuels (40 points)
A. Describe the community infrastructure that will be protected. This should include how this project implements all or part of the CWPP strategy. (15
points)
Response:
The Flowery Trail community consists of the FTCA subdivsion(105 lots), the Chewelah Peak Learning Center(lodge
& dorms), and the 49 Degree's North Ski Area. Infrastructure is significant( structures, roads, sewer & water systems,
power) in this remote location. The Flowery Trail road between Stevens and Pend Orielle Counties is in the final
phase of a Federal Highways construction project. This fuels reduction project follows the strategies and
recommendations of the CWPP in order to protect and enhance an important community located between two
economically depressed counties.
B. Explain how the proposal reduces fire behavior in high hazard areas by describing the fuels to be disposed or removed, the techniques and timing of the
treatments, and the treatment location relative to the values to be protected. (15 points)
Response:
This community sits in a high risk area at the head of an old wildfire burn in a narrow drainage on steep slopes. The
location is remote and without adequate fire protection. The timber stand is dominated by Lodgepole Pine, contains
significant brush and ladder fuels as well as downed woody debris. Approximately 100 acres will be treated by
thinning, brushing, pruning, chipping/shreding, and removing ladder fuels. Hand crews will be utilized near structures
while mechanized equipment will complete general fuels reduction in surrounding areas. Implementation will begin
immediately upon funding.
C. Explain how the project is designed to reduce smoke production impacts that affect public health. (10 points)
Response:
Smoke production and burning operations will be minimal for this project. Fuel Management Contractors will produce
hewsaw and chipwood from the small Lodgepole Pine trees being removed. This will significantly reduce the amounts
of slash and debris from the operation. The remaining debris will be chipped or shredded by mechanical means. A
minor amount of debris burning is expected to take place by property owners upon completion of the projects(1 acre).
2. Increasing Local Capacity (20 points)
A. How would the implementation of the proposed project improve or lead to the improvement of the local economy in terms of jobs and sustainable
economic activity assuming that these grant funds would be used as "seed monies" for future projects. i.e. How many community supported jobs would be
created and for how long would they expect to last? (10 points)
Response:
This community has become an important economic center for Stevens County. This project will reduce the risks from
wildfire, stimulate development, and promote a viable economic trend for the future. The local economy will improve
by increased housing construction within FTCA, development of the Chewelah Peak Learning Center, and
implementation of the master plan for the ski area. Improvements to infrastructure, additional residences, and
increased services will enhance employment opportunities.
B. Will biomass that is produced by the project be utilized; if so, in what manner and how much? (10 points)
Response:
The area is fortunate to have several purchasers of small diameter material for the hewsaw and/or chipwood logs
produced from this project. This material constitutes the majority of biomass being removed during thinning
operations (over 50%). The remaining unmerchantable material (tops, branches, shrubs, downed woody debris) will be
chipped or shredded by mechanical means and retained on the ground to provide nutrients and assist in erosion
control.
3. Demonstrating Community and Intergovernmental Collaboration (20 Points)
A. Describe how this project has been collaborated and coordinated with adjacent landowners, local/state/Tribal/federal agencies, and community groups
such as neighborhood associations. (10 points)
Response:
FTCA is a neighborhood association adjacent to the Environmental Learning Center and just down the road from the
49 Degrees North Ski area. Members of the community include co-authors of the CWPP, fire management
consultants, fuels reduction contractors, fire district volunteers, and natural resource professionals. The community
has collaborated with adjacent state and federal agencies and the Stevens County LCG to provide for a comprehensive
fuels reduction program for the community.
B. Describe the communities/partners contributions to this project such as: cash or in-kind contributions, cost share agreements, equipment, or labor
(including volunteer work). (10 points)
Response:
FTCA board will lead the project in cooperation with community members, fire management consultants and
contractors, DNR, USFS, and NEW FC expertise. FTCA sits on DNR leased land and has their full support and
resources to complete the project. The project coordinator and fire management consultants are submitting the grant
on behalf of the association in cooperation with all interested parties. All partners will contribute their expertise to
complete the project in a timely manner.
4. Managing Cost Efficiency (20 points)
Discuss the process you used to arrive at your cost structure for the main Project Budget areas such as personnel, equipment, supplies and other (i.e.
overhead). In your response please justify: cost per acre, purchase of equipment, percent of overhead, percent of partner or matching funds, and portion of
administration cost. (20 points)
Response:
The fuels reduction thinning with debris disposal is the major cost center for the project. This will be contracted to a
Fire Management Consultant and Fuel Management Contractors. Cost estimates are as follows: (70) lots @ $1500/lot
= $105,000 on (25) acres. (75) acres of general fuels reduction @ $750/acre = $56,250. Total estimated costs =
$161250. Utilization of Biomass will generate a net income of $11,250 leaving a net cost of $150,000 to complete the
project. Cost estimates are based on actual costs of 2002 defensible space projects, 2002 - 2006 actual fuels reduction
contractor costs for similar projects, and estimates of biomass utilization from DNR commercial thinning. All partner
costs for administration and expertise will be inkind match. Overhead or administrative costs will be minimal. FTCA
and partners have proven resources to handle the environmental review as well as a responsible group of professionals
that can handle the administrative, accounting, and financial responsibilities of this project. In the event that utilization
of the biomass generates more income then expected the project area will be expanded to treat private land at the ski
area and/or others in the community.
Project Work Form
Tasks
Grant application
Secure funding
Time Frame
Dec '05 - Feb '06
May 2007
Responsible Party
Fire Management Consultant NEWFC FTCA
Agency partners
Fire Management Consultant FTCA NFP Grant
Team
Project planning, preparation, permitting,
environmental review, and contractor solicitation
May - June 2007
Fire Management Consultant FTCA
Project implementation
June - Nov 2007
Fire Management Consultant FTCA Fuel
Management Contractors
Monitoring
June - Nov 2007
DNR & Collaborators
Project accomplishments and report.
Nov - Feb 2008
Fire Management Consultant FTCA Fuel
Management Contractors
Contingency Plan - complete implementation (if
unable to complete in one season)
June - Nov 2008
Fire Management Consultant FTCA Fuel
Management Contractors
Project Budget
Timberland
Cost Category
Description
Federal
Agency
Applicant
Mgmt Co
NEWFC
DNR
Partner 1
Partner 2
Partner 3
Total
Personnel
Administration
Subtotal
$0.00
$1,000.00
$2,000.00
$1,000.00
$6,000.00
$10,000.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$1,000.00
$2,000.00
$1,000.00
$6,000.00
$10,000.00
$0.00
$1,000.00
$0.00
$0.00
$1,000.00
$2,000.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$1,000.00
$0.00
$0.00
$1,000.00
$2,000.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$1,000.00
$1,000.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$1,000.00
$1,000.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$1,000.00
$1,000.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$1,000.00
$1,000.00
$20,000.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$20,000.00
$130,000.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$130,000.00
$150,000.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$150,000.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$1,000.00
$1,000.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$1,000.00
$1,000.00
$150,000.00
$2,000.00
$2,000.00
$1,000.00
$10,000.00
$165,000.00
$0.00
$11,250.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$11,250.00
Fringe Benefits
Indirect Costs
Subtotal
Travel
Mileage
Subtotal
Equipment
Subtotal
Supplies
Mapping, signs, education
Subtotal
Contractual
Fire Management Consult
Fuels Management Contract
Subtotal
Other
Environmental Review
Subtotal
Total Costs
Project (Program) Income 1
(using deductive alternative)
Program income is the gross revenue generated by a grant or cooperative agreement supported activity during the life of the grant. Program income can be
made by recipients from fees charged for conference or workshop attendance, from rental fees earned from renting out real property or equipment acquired
with grant or cooperative agreement funds, or from the sale of commodities or items developed under the grant or cooperative agreement. The use of Program
Income during the project period may require prior approval by the granting agency.
1