Project Summary Form
Id Number 2006-057
NATIONAL FIRE PLAN COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE AND WILDLAND URBAN-INTERFACE PROJECTS
Application for Community Risk Assessment and Mitigation Planning
Applicant
Applicant/Organization:
Washington State University
Phone: (111 111-1111 x 1111)
Type of Applicant: (enter appropriate letter in box)
I
509-335-9661
FAX: (111 111-1111 x 1111)
A. State
B. County
C. Municipal
D. Township
E. Interstate
509-335-1676
Please Call Ahead For FAX
H. Independent School District
I. State-Controlled Institution of Higher Learning
J. Private University
K. Indian Tribe
L. Nonprofit Organization
Address (Street or P. O. Box, City, State, Zip):
PO Box 643140
Washington state University Pullman , WA 99164-3140
Project Coordinator
Project Coordinator (Name and Title):
Dr. Ole Helgerson Area Extension Forester/County Extension Director
Organization/Jurisdiction:
Washington State University Extension
Phone: (111 111-1111 x 1111)
509-427-9427
FAX: (111 111-1111 x 1111)
509-427-4319
Call Ahead For FAX
Email:
helgerso@wsu.edu
Project Information
Project Title:
Columbia Gorge Wildfire Preparedness Project Supplement: CWPP
Proposed Project Start Date:
Proposed Project End Date:
03/01/2006
02/28/2007
Federal Funding Request:
$
35,192
Total Project Funding:
$
45,792
Are you submitting multiple projects? If so, please explain and prioritize:
No
Brief Project Summary: Who, What, Where, Desired Outcomes in relation to NFP Goals and Community Risk Assessment and
Mitigation Plans (This should summarize page 2).
Led by Washington State University Extension-Skamania County, this project continues the successful 2003, 2004 and 2005
planning work conducted by the NFP-and Title III-funded WSU Columbia Gorge Wildfire Preparedness Project. The 2003 project
initiated WUI structure GIS mapping [NFPA299 protocol]in a four-county Gorge area and a Gorge-wide advisory council that
became the National Fire Plan Local Coordinating Group[LCG]. 2004 and 2005 work focused on completing Skamania County's
GIS data and starting fire risk analysis [Hood River and Wasco County Title III-funded NFPA299 mapping continued under LCG
coordination]. Outcome 1: acquiring state and private forest stand data and developing initial forest wildfire risk estimates for areas
identified in Skamania County's 2005 CWPP using UW Landscape Modeling System wildfire extension, to guide future fuels
mitigation projects. Outcome 2: completing and correcting Skamania County WUI GIS data base as time permits.
Project Location:
Latitude: 45.68817
Longitude: 121.909
County:
Skamania
Name of Federal, State or Tribal contact with whom you coordinated this proposal:
Federal Congressional District:
3
Telephone number of Contact:
Rico George, USFWS
509-427-4256 Ext.
Bob Obedzinski & Mike Matarrese, GPNF
360-891-5000 Ext.
Rod Altig, CGNSA
541-386-2333 Ext.
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:
x change fire behavior
x WHO are your collaborators - are they current or potential collaborators?
Address these
through fuels reduction
x describe the relationship of this plan’s desired outcome to NFP Goals
items as
x increase community
and to any existing community fire protection plan.
applicable:
education and awareness
x project time frames and matching or contributed funds
x enhance fire protection
x tools and/or skills needed to complete project
capability
x specific project location, geographic extent, and fire risk assessment
x desired outcome
methodology
For this project, explain the level of cooperation, coordination or strategic planning, through a “Local Coordination
Group.” If you haven’t worked with a local coordination group, why not?
Cooperation, coordination and strategic planning: Since beginning in 2003, this project has been guided by representatives of local, state and
federal fire management agencies serving Skamania, Klickitat, Wasco, Hood River Counties in the Columbia River Gorge [now the Columbia
Gorge Wildfire Local Coordinating Group]. This project has had accompanying Skamania County Title III funding since its start. Its success has
led to like Title III-funded projects in Klickitat, Hood River and Wasco Counties and potentially Klickitat County. This project is an integral part of
Columbia Gorge area strategic wildfire planning. As before, this next phase is expected to successfully model use of existing technology in
reducing community wildfire risk that can be adapted by surrounding communities.
Relation to NFP and CWPP goals: The National Fire Plan's overarching goal is "minimizing wildland fire threats to communities and the
environment" [http://www.fireplan.gov/reports/399-413-en.pdf]. The 2001 National Registry lists 14 communities and 2 major transportation
corridors within the four-county area as at risk from wildfire. This is an underestimate. Skamania county holds at least 6 such communities and
several major and minor utility and transportation corridors. The Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area, the Gifford Pinchot National Forest adjoin
or are within the project area as are USFWS wildlife refuges and fish hatcheries, a forested Washington State Park [Beacon Rock] and DNR
lands. This project targets the CWPP first goal; "to identify and prioritize the surrounding area, both federal and nonfederal lands, for hazardous
fuels reduction treatments" [http://www.safnet.org/policyandpress/cwppfaq.cfm]. This is an essential first step "in recommending methods for
achieving hazardous fuels reductions"[op cit]. This project will acquire data from state and private lands necessary for more accurately estimating
wildfire risk with the University of Washington Rural Technology Initiative [UW RTI] Landscape Modeling System [LMS] wildfire risk model] for
protection areas identified and ranked in the 2005 Title III-funded, consultant-written, joint Skamania-Klickitat CWPP. Additional Skamania
County 2006 Title III funds are anticipated to be used in acquiring data from Federal lands. Wildfire risk will be modeled on stands surrounding
prioritized CWPP protection areas such as communities, watersheds, wildlife refuges, fish hatcheries, parks, utility corridors and escape corridors
to guide fuel reduction prescription development. Because more than 20,000 public and private forest stand polygons exist in Skamania County,
priorities will need to be carefully established during the 2005 Title III-funded CWPP process. Surplus survey crew time will be used in
completing and correcting Skamania County's WUI GIS data set as survey crew time permits.
Tools and skills: Tools; a powerful desktop computer [on hand], gps dataloggers [on hand], GIS, communications and data management
software [on hand], cruiser vests [on hand], vehicle [from WSU motor pool], Relaskope and misc. gear [obtain]. Skills; a 2006 Title III-funded 1.0
fte project coordinator [proven natural resources, communications, personnel, GIS and data management background] and a NFP-funded 2person survey crew [field survey and basic computer skills, on-the-job-training acceptable].
Time frame and supporting funds: Time frame; Survey crew would be hired and trained late-spring to early summer 2006. LMS risk models will be
developed for prioritized stands through the end of the project as data becomes available either from files or from cruising stands. Supporting
funds; Skamania County has committed 2006 Title III funds of $9600 for rent and $1000 for central services computer time and is expected to
fund the 1.0 fte coordinator position.
Location and risk assessment methods: As before, the project would address the WUI in the south and west central portions of Skamania County
including federal, state, private forest and other land. Project office location would be as before at the Wind River Nursery site, or other suitable
space. Areas identified in the 2005 Skamania County CWPP process would drive stand data collection for the LMS wildfire risk model.
Desired outcome[s]: The central desired outcome is data needed to develop stand specific risk estimates comparing no-action against one or
more fuels reduction treatments to be used by forest managers in developing accurate prescriptions for areas identified in the CWPP process.
Without this information, the chances of error and wasted resources are increased; either from reducing fuels when not needed or not treating
stands that would benefit. The ultimate outcome is more efficient allocation of scarce fuels mitigation funds. A secondary outcome is updating
and correcting the Skamania County WUI GIS data base [NFPA299, private roads, water access, etc.]
Community education and awareness: These are not primary goals of this proposal. However, results from this project phase would be used as
appropriate in Title III-funded education events or in cooperation with other groups submitting NFP education proposals.
Applications for funding, must include narrative responses that address the following four criteria. Be sure you address every one
briefly, yet thoroughly.
1. Planning for Action. (40 Points)
A. Describe your desired plan outcome and how the outcome will be measured.
B. How will the plan address :
x Fire behavior changes through fuels reduction
x Community education and awareness
x Enhanced suppression capability
C. How will the completed plan be implemented, and by whom? OR How does this plan enhance or complete
previous fire planning by the community?
D. How will the plan address landowner responsibility for implementation of this plan?
Describe your ability to complete project in one year of receipt of funds
Response:
A. Desired outcomes and [measures].
A1] Current WA DNR wildfire risk models use census blocks as polygons. These estimates do not geographically coencide well with areas
needing protection such as communities, escape routes, and the like. The census block model also lacks stand-specific data to guide fuels
reduction efforts. The data and modeling outputs from this project will be shared with federal, state and private forest managers to guide stand
specific fuels reduction treatments in protecting areas identified in the 2005 CWPP process.
A2] The Skamania County WUI GIS data base will be updated and corrected as time permits.
B. How will the plan address:
B1] Changed fire behavior from fuels reduction. Wildfire intensity should eventually be reduced in key areas due to more accurately and cost
effectively implementing fuels reduction projects from modeling based on stand and other data including GIS, thus increasing protection of
important community and environmental features identified in the 2005 consultant-written CWPP.
B2] Community education and awareness. Model outputs of wildfire risk will be used in teaching WUI residents "firewise" principles as part of
Title-III funded education events. Field days or classes illustrating high fire risk stands and benefits of fuel reduction will target woodland owners.
B3] Enhanced suppression capability. Local emergency managers will have a clearer picture of wildfire risk around key areas identified in the
CWPP allowing them to better allocate resources if a large-scale fire occurs.
C. Implementation.
C1]How. Results from this project will be conveyed to participating land managers and incorporated into Skamania County's Emergency
Managment Plan and CWPP. Implementation of specific fuels mitigation practices will depend on cooperation and funding availability from
participating land owners.
C2] Whom. Please see individuals under C1].
C3]Previous fire planning. Please see response under C1].
D.Landowner responsibility. Land owner responsibilities will be addressed in county and local plans as congruent with CGNSA and Gorge
Commission requirements.
E.Completion ability. Under WSU leadership and advisory council guidance, 2003 and 2005 goals were met including gathering, cataloging and
analyzing GIS NFPA299 data on more than 2200 homes and delivering maps and GIS data on ArcReader to fire districts and emergency
managers; more than 2000 Living with Fire brochures distributed and education events reaching about 400 individuals with most indicating they
would implement firewise practices. WSU anticipates successful completion of 2006 goal of obtaining stand data for stands surrounding key
protection areas identified in the CWPP.
2.
Enhancing Community Collaboration and Local Capacity. (30 points)
A. Describe your strategy for collaboration to develop this plan across multiple ownerships.
B. Identify the interested partners and members of the community who are involved in this project, and
the level of their involvement.
C.
D.
How will this project enhance local community collaboration and local capacity for cooperative action?
Describe skills or experience the community will gain through development of this plan.
Response:
A. Collaboration strategy. Skamania County lands include federal, state, county, industrial forest, non-industrial forest, federal wildlife
preserves and smaller private agricultural ownership. These adjoin like lands in surrounding Washington and Oregon Counties. The project's
advisory council is the Columbia Gorge LCG [see Project Narrative Description].
B. Partners. Local partners include local rural fire districts, Skamania, County, Washington Department of Natural Resources, local timber
industry, the Gifford Pinchot NF, Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area. Involvement levels vary from active participation in the LCG to ad hoc
participation.
C. Local capacity enhancement. Achieving this project will require close cooperation between private, state and federal land managers. The
results of this project phase will enable local forest managers to coordinate fuels reduction treatments on adjoining lands and identify areas of
concern for local, state and federal fire fighting agencies.
D. Community skills and experience gained. Previous phases of this project have delivered skills in using GIS data to Skamania County's
emergency responders as hardcopy maps and in using ArcReader. Output from this study will be placed on ArcReader. Continuing the
positive experiences developed so far, cooperating agencies and companies are expected to continue to develop closer links in wildfire
preparation planning.
3.
Expanding Community Participation. (30 Points)
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Explain the level of cooperation, coordination and/or involvement of the Local Coordination Group. List the
cooperators/members (in a broad way) of the local area coordination group.
Describe your strategy for leveraging funding. Who are the partners and what is their commitment to the
plan’s completion, including any existing or proposed cost-share agreements and their status.
Describe the extent of local support or opposition for the project.
Describe your strategy for post-plan marketing and collaboration for the successful implementation of the
next steps described in the plan.
To what extent will this project be offered to serve as a model for other communities in your sub-geographic
area, state-wide area?
Response:
A.Level of Cooperation. The Columbia Gorge Local Coordinating Group [CGLCG] coordinates this project with Washington State University
Extension Skamania County leadership. The CGLCG is expected to overlap and work closely with the to-be-formed Skamania-Klickitat CWPP
steering committee.
B.Leveraging funding. Skamania County has committed 2006 Title III funds for rent and computer support and as with 2004 is expected to fund a
wildfire coordinator [data analyses and wildfire risk modeling] and survey crew. UW RTI and Wasco County are expected to continue providing
pro-bono GIS assistance.
C.Extent of local support or opposition. This project is supported by Skamania County, its emergency service providers and the CGLCG. Out of
about 2000 WUI dwellings surveyed, fewer than 10 homeowners have expressed concerns regarding the GIS database. However, after
discussion, most of these agreed with the survey.
D.Strategy for post-plan marketing and collaboration for implementing next steps. Post-plan marketing is achieved through an annual report to the
funding agency and others, reports at CGLCG meetings and the Skamania County Board of Commissioners, emergency responder meetings,
GPNF Provincial Advisory Committee meetings and ad hoc meetings with other officials and news media. Collaboration for implementing next
steps; the Extension Agent and Title III Wildfire Coordinator will work with the Skamania Klickitat CWPP Advisory Committee and the CGLCG.
E. Project as model for other communities As with the WUI GIS development, the LMS risk models should be adaptable to other wildfire-prone
areas Opportunities to share project insights and success at local regional or national conferences will be individually assessed
Project Work Form
Tasks
(pre-project year) Convene CGLCG and
review 2006 tasks; advertise for Title III
coordinator if necessary; prioritize stand
survey areas and GIS gaps
Establish stand survey protocol; continue
wildfire risk modeling with 2005 data for
CWPP
Hire and train summer survey crew and cruise
prioritized stands; fill GIS gaps as time is
available; continue wildfire risk modeling
Coordinate and transfer results to CGLCG,
CWPP committee, local decision makers and
local forest managers
Time Frame
Responsible Party
WSU Extension, Title III Coordinator
Fall-winter 2005-2006
WSU Extension, Title III Coordinator
January-April 2006
WSU Extension, Title III Coordinator
May to August 2006
WSU Extension, Title III Coordinator
Entire project length
Prepare year end report
WSU Extension
February 2007
Project Budget
Ska. Co. Title III
Cost Category
Description
Federal
Agency
Applicant
Partner 1
Partner 2
Total
Partner 3
Personnel
Survey crew
$15,000
Subtotal
$0
$0
$0
$0
$15,000
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$15,000
$0
$0
$0
$0
$15,000
$0
$0
$1,650
Fringe Benefits
Survey crew
$1,650
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$1,650
$0
$0
$0
$1,650
Survey crew
$6,000
$0
$0
$0
$0
$6,000
Coordinator & Ext. agent
$1,000
$0
$0
$1,000
Subtotal
$7,000
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$7,000
$2,325
$0
$0
$0
$0
$2,325
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$2,325
$0
$0
$0
$0
$2,325
$1,000
$0
$0
$0
$0
$1,000
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$1,000
$0
$0
$0
$0
$1,000
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
Util., rent, comp. sup.
$1,800
$0
$10,600
$0
$0
$12,400
WSU Fac.&Admn.
$6,417
$0
$0
$0
$6,417
$8,217
$0
$0
$10,600
$0
$0
$18,817
$35,192
$0
$10,600
$0
$0
$45,792
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
Subtotal
Travel
Equipment
Cruising equipment
Subtotal
Supplies
Office supplies
Subtotal
Contractual
Subtotal
Other
Subtotal
Total Costs
Project (Program)
Income1
___________________________________
1
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.