Project Summary Form
Id Number 2006-095
NATIONAL FIRE PLAN COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE AND WILDLAND URBAN-INTERFACE PROJECTS
Application for Fuels Treatment Projects
Applicant
Applicant/Organization:
Oregon Department of Forestry,NEO,Baker Sub-Unit
Phone: (111 111-1111 x 1111)
Type of Applicant: (enter appropriate letter in box)
A
503-945-7341
FAX: (111 111-1111 x 1111)
A. State
B. County
C. Municipal
D. Township
E. Interstate
503-945-7416
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):
2600 State Street Salem, OR 97310
Project Coordinator
Project Coordinator (Name and Title):
Ms. Mary Helen Smith Grant Coordinator/Mark Jacques, Unit Forester
Organization/Jurisdiction:
Oregon Department of Forestry, Northeast Oregon District
Phone: (111 111-1111 x 1111)
503-945-7341
FAX: (111 111-1111 x 1111)
503-945-7416
Call Ahead For FAX
Email:
msmith@odf.state.or.us
Project Information
Project Title:
Continuing Critical Area Fuel Hazard Reduction Baker County
Proposed Project Start Date:
10/01/2006
Federal Funding Request:
$ 205,532
Proposed Project End Date:
12/31/2008
Total Project Funding:
$
477,032
Are you submitting multiple projects? If so, please explain and prioritize:
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).
Private landowners/homeowners in the highest priority areas identified in the Baker County Community Wildfire Protection Plan will be provided
technical and financial assistance through the Oregon Department of Forestry to continue fuel hazard reduction and treatment of homesites in these
areas. Approximately 3,200 acres and 82 homesites have previously been treated with prior NFP grants in Baker County, however, funding from
such grants has nearly expired. Additional work is necessary to complete planned community fuelbreaks in priority areas. This proposal will treat
400 acres and 30 homesites. Landowner interest is high. The existing infrastructure already in place and built with previous NFP grants will be
used, including: trained labor, local coordination group, federal, state, county, and private partnerships, technical guidelines, and tracking and
reporting systems. An emphasis will be placed on project work adjacent to planned or existing federal projects [USFS and BLM].
Project Location:
Latitude: 44.78
Longitude: 117.828
County:
Baker
Name of Federal, State or Tribal contact with whom you coordinated this proposal:
Federal Congressional District:
2
Telephone number of Contact:
Noel Livingston, Whitman Unit, Wallowa-Whitman N.F.
541-523-4476 Ext.
Dale Eckman, Vale District, Bureau of Land Management
541-523-1256 Ext.
Ext.
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:
x project relationship to the community risk assessment and
x project location (e.g., Watershed,
Address
mitigation plan
neighboring community)
these items
as applicable: x anticipated outcomes
x amount or extent of actions (acres, number of homes, etc.)
x project timeline and matching or contributed funds
x community partners and their
role(s)
x proponent’s ability to complete project
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?
The Baker County Local Coordination Group has identified this as their high priority fuels work
Is this project adjacent to a current prescribed burn project on federal lands or to one that is planned within the next
three years? (Yes/No) Yes
Please indicate planned treatments and associated acres:
* Treatment Thinning
Acres 400
Treatment Mastication/Mowing
Acres 250
Treatment Hand Piling
Acres 100
Treatment
Acres 0
If you have a treatment type other than standard types above:
Chipping
Other 1 Biomass removal
Acres 400
Other 2
Acres 100
Project work will be located within Wildland Urban Interface areas in Baker County in order of priority as identified in the Baker County Community
Wildfire Protection Plan [CWPP]: 1] Eastern face of the Elkhorns; Projects will continue to build upon previously started work, some of which is
adjacent to the Baker City Municipal Watershed. This watershed provides water to the 10,200 residents of Baker City. 2] Sumpter and McCully
Forks; Projects will continue to build upon previously started work, some of which is adjacent to the Sumpter City Municipal Watershed. 3] Woodtick
Village and Rattlesnake; These are low density rural residential areas in south Baker County. 4] Stices Gulch; Project work will continue to build
upon previously started work in this low density residential area. 5] City of Greenhorn; This is a small town completely surrounded by USFS
ownership. 6]Bulgar Flat/Rock Creek; Project work will continue to build upon previously started work. Projects are planned to complement current
and future work on USFS and BLM ownership within each area. Fuel hazard reduction work will be done on 400 acres and 30 homesites on private
land. The infrastructure built with previous NFP grants and currently in place will be used to conduct this work. Such infrastructure includes skilled
workers, specialized contractors, spacing and fuel treatment technical guidelines, and local media. Local Federal [USFS, BLM], Oregon Department
of Forestry [ODF], Baker County, Rural Fire Protection Districts [RFPD's], and private interests also have established roles and partnerships. The
Baker County Local Coordinating Group, comprising county officials, USFS, BLM, ODF, environmental interests, Oregon Department of Fish and
Wildlife, RFPD's, Emergency Services, and public representatives has identified this proposal's work as a high priority in the risk assessment and
mitigation needs portion of their Baker County CWPP. These priorities and treatments are coordinated through this group with other National Fire
Plan work planned on USFS and BLM land within and adjacent to the WUI areas listed above. In 4 of these WUI areas this proposal will continue
work already begun with previous NFP grants. Work will begin in two new WUI areas under this proposal. The Current ODF cost-share incentive
program structure will be used to implement this project work. This incentive program reimburses private landowners 75% of the actual costs for
fuels reduction done to pre-determined specifications developed for each ownership. Landowners select their own contractor and/or complete their
own work, keeping track of actual costs. The maiximum cost per acre is pre-determined depending on the difficulty of the work, and ranges from
$280 to $700 per acre, with an average of $500/acre. This includes a variety of site specific treatment methods and equipment, including hand and
machine thinning and piling, slashbusting, chipping, and biomass removal. Biomass in the form of fiber and/or chips is taken to pulp and cogeneration facilities as an alternative to burning. Due to long haul distances and depending on market conditions, this biomass is usually cost-deficit.
Biomass will be utilized as much as is feasible. Depending on current costs/prices, about 7,000 tons of fiber may go to regional energy co-gen plants
with current infrastructure. About 600 cords of firewood will be generated, with about 100 cords going to low income people needing it through an
existing non-profit, if feasible. Efforts by Baker County are currently underway to explore the feasibility of small wood processing facilities, which will
increase the biomass utlized from this proposal if completed during this timeframe. ODF foresters will implement and administer this grant on private
land using current programs for allocation, technical specifications, approval, payment, and accomplishment tracking and reporting. Technical
specifications are developed using OSU Extension guidelines and local USFS recommendations to move fuel hazard condition class from level 3 to
level 1, while meeting individual landowner objectives. Private consultants and contractors, some who have become specialized in fuel reduction
work, are used by landowners to complete this work. When feasible for the work, at-risk youth and inmates are also used. Project work will begin
upon award of funds [10/1/2006] and be complete by 12/31/2008. Landowners will contribute 25% of the actual costs of doing the work, which
ensures they have a vested interest in the success of the project. Maintainance for at least ten years is required as stated in the cost-share
agreement they sign. This level of cost-share generates a high interest and participation among landowners in eligible areas. Homesite [defensible
space] work will be maintained by homeowners as ODF begins implementation of the Oregon Forestland-Urban Interface Fire Protection Act [SB
360]. Contractors and forest consultants will continue in their roles of coordination of work, contacting landowners, and participating in local
coordination groups. Baker County will continue implementing the Baker County CWPP. Current progress on previous NFP grants by the Oregon
Department of Forestry in Baker County [3,200 acres and 80 homesites to date] shows proven success in our ability to complete this type of project.
Project Evaluation Criteria
Applications for funding must include narrative responses that address the following three criteria. Be sure you address every one
briefly, yet thoroughly. Limit your responses to the area provided.
1. Reducing Hazardous Fuels (50 points)
A. Describe the community infrastructure that will be protected.
B. Explain how the proposal reduces fire behavior in high hazard areas by describing the fuels to be disposed or
removed, and the techniques and timing of the treatments.
C. How will the proposed treatments be maintained in future years?
D. How will you use multi-party monitoring to improve this and future projects?
Response:
A. Project work will build upon previous work accomplished in the wildland urban interface areas associated with the communities
of Baker City [pop. 10,200], Sumpter [pop. 170], Rock Creek and Stices Gulch [unincorporated areas] in Northeast Oregon. The
infrastructure typical of these sized communities as well as the low density rural residential areas around these towns will be
protected [roads, powerlines, structures], including the main source of drinking water for the communties of Baker City and
Sumpter. Other significant resources protected include historical/archeological resources, stores, schools, churches, and grange
halls. Prevention of catastrophic fires in these areas will minimize the socio-economic impacts associated with tourism, recreation
and the ag-based industry in Baker County. We would like to initiate work in the WUI areas of Woodtick Village/Rattlesnake [pop
approx 125] and Greenhorn, which would protect infrastructure associated with these low density rural residential areas.
B. Fuels in these priority areas range from low elevation warm/dry,low site Ponderosa Pine types to upper elevation cool/wet, high
site mixed-species forest types with Western Larch, Grand fir, Sub-Alpine fir, Douglas Fir, and Engelmann Spruce. Targeted areas
are associated with dense stand conditions, with a high percentage of small diameter trees and presence of "ladder" fuels. Such
areas can be characterized by a fuel model 8 or 10. These stands will be thinned, generally from below, to reduce stocking levels,
reduce crown density, and lower the risk of bark beetle mortality, which will minimize the potential for extreme fire behavior. Slash
generated from the thinning will be disposed of within 18 months by burning or used as biomass.
Fuels will be manipulated to create discontinuity in the fuel load both vertically and horizontally. The exact treatment will be sitespecific as determined by ODF foresters, designed to move these fuels from condition class 3 to condition class 1 while meeting
indivdual landowner objectives. Treatments may include hand or machine thinning and piling, slashbusting, chipping, and removal
of biomass as determined by feasibility.
Treatments will take place year-round, except when sites are too wet to avoid excessive soil damage and when snow loads are too
deep. Treatments in pine types from January to August must immediately remove or masticate slash over 3" in diameter to avoid
Ips beetle buildup. Small ownerships will be grouped together as feasible to increase efficiency.
This type of treatment has worked very well for prior projects done in these areas. Homesites will also receive site-specfic
prescriptions and treatments to create defensible space. There are specialized fuel hazard reduction contractors available in this
local area.
C. Individual forest stand and fuel prescriptions are designed to create sustainable forest conditions with stand closure not to occur
for at least ten years. These stands will be sustained by future periodic economically viable thinning/fuel treatments by indivdual
landowners. Landowners sign a 10 year maintenance obligation as part of their cost-share agreement. Homesite treatments will be
maintained by homeowners as implementation by ODF of the Oregon Forestland-Urban Interface Fire Protection Act [SB 360]
begins.
D. The Baker County Local Coordinating Group will coordinate monitoring of this project work so feedback can be used to improve
this and future projects. Since this group includes local USFS, BLM, RFPDs, ODF, Baker County, and other participants this
monitoring will be multi-party. We currently use GPS/GIS to map and track progress and provide periodic progress reports to the
USFS/BLM NFPORS as well as conduct frequent tours [including Washington Office] and demonstrations as organizations
request. ODF programs have periodic field spot checks on a sampling [about 10%] of individual projects, with associated reports.
Project Evaluation Criteria
2.
Increasing Local Capacity (25 points)
A. How would the proposal improve or lead to the improvement of the local economy in terms of jobs and
sustainable economic activity?
B. How many jobs are expected to be created or retained and for how long? (Please distinguish between
essentially year-round and seasonal jobs).
C. What tools and skills will be gained or utilized as a result of this project?
D. Will biomass be utilized; if so, in what manner and how much?
Response:
A. This project will create ecological, economical, and socially sustainable forest conditions on 400 acres providing biomass [pulp,
fiber, sawlogs] in the short- and long-term to the local economy. Thinning/fuel reduction work is designed to restore forest conditions
to fuel condition class 1, sustained by future periodic, economically-viable thinning and fuel treatments by individual landowners.
B. We expect 15 skilled year-round jobs to be retained, with 10 seasonal jobs created for 2 years, while 10-20 year-round jobs will be
retained for at least 25 years.
C. Tools and skills to be utilized/gained include skilled thinning/fuel reduction work for maximum sustainibility using efficient
equipment [e.g. slashbuster, singlegrip harvester, etc.] and current technology. Specialized contractors have become available in the
area. OSU Extension guidelines for spacing will be used. Guidelines for moving from fuel condition class 3 to condition class 1 will be
used.
D. Biomass will be utilized as much as is feasible. Depending on current cost/prices, about 7,000 tons of fiber may go to regional
energy co-gen plants with current infrastructure. About 600 cords of firewood will be used, with about 100 cords going to low-income
people needing it through an existing non-profit. Local efforts are currently underway by Baker County to explore feasibility of local
small processing facilities, which would increase biomass utilization if completed during the same timeframe.
3.
Demonstrating Community and Intergovernmental Collaboration (25 Points)
A. How will this project implement a community risk assessment and mitigation plan? Include name of plan, date
it was prepared, and local contact to get a copy of the plan if requested.
B. How has this treatment been coordinated with adjacent landowners and local/State/Tribal/Federal agencies?
C. Identify the cooperators/partners involved in implementation of this project.
D. Describe the extent of current local support for the project, including any cost-sharing agreements.
Response:
A. This proposal will continue implementation of the mitigation portion of the Baker County CWPP, draft prepared in 2004, local
contact Angie Johnson with ODF 541-963-3168, online at www.odf.state.or.us/areas/eastern/northeast/default.asp
This CWPP identifies the type of work and areas for work in this proposal as a high priority in the mitigation needs portion. This
proposal will implement hazard mitigation in a coordinated manner on private lands in the highest priority areas.
B. This treatment has been and will continue to be coordinated with adjacent private, State, Federal and county landowners using
the Baker County Local Coordinating Group which includes these entities as well as Rural Fire Districts, public, and environmental
interests. The CWPP was written in a collaborative manner by this group. Local community meetings will continue to be held to
coordinate work on private land in each local area.
C. Cooperators and partners include private land/home owners in high priority WUI areas, Baker County officials and Emergency
Services, OSU Extension, Oregon Department of Forestry, Rural Fire Districts, the Whitman Unit of the Wallowa-Whitman National
Forest, Vale District Bureau of Land Management, forest consultants, contractors, local non-profits and local private industry.
D. Current local support and interest in this project work is very high. There is more demand from private land and home owners in
the target areas than existing funds can meet. Each individual land and homeowner has a cost-share agreement with ODF for the
project work on their property. Local contractors and forest consultants are asking for more cost-share funding to continue this type
of work.
Project Work Form
Tasks
Assist private landowners with application,
determine eligibility, evaluate site, approve
application, provide ongoing technical
assistance/guidance.
Time Frame
10/01/2006-10/01/2008
Conduct fuels treatment work.
Responsible Party
Oregon Department of Forestry
Foresters: Hessel, Shollenburger,
Cockram.
Contractors, forestry consultants,
landowners, homeowners.
10/15/2006 - 11/30/2008
Inspect and approve completed work, submit
for reimbursement of expenses.
10/30/2005 - 11/30/2008
Oregon Department of Forestry
foresters: Hessel, Shollenburger,
Cockram.
10/30/2006 - 12/31/2008
Oregon Department of Forestry,
Salem office, Vandekoppel, Finance
Section.
11/30/2006 - 12/31/2008
Oregon Department of Forestry
Northeast Oregon District, Baker City
Sub-Unit.
11/31/2006 - 12/31/2008
Oregon Department of Forestry
Northeast Oregon District, Baker City
Sub-Unit.
Provide payment.
Provide accomplishment reports. Coordinate
with Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, Vale
District BLM.
Provide information to public and news media
on project
Coordinate and oversee implementation of
Baker County Community Wildfire Portection
Plan.
Baker County Local Coordinating
Group.
Ongoing
Project Budget
Landowners
Cost Category
Description
Federal
Agency
Applicant
Contractors
Partner 1
County
Partner 2
Total
Partner 3
Personnel
ODF Forester
$15,000
ODF Match
Subtotal
$15,000
$0
$0
$0
$30,000
$0
$170,000
$0
$0
$0
$170,000
$15,000
$185,000
$0
$0
$0
$200,000
$6,000
$6,000
$0
$0
$0
$12,000
$0
$0
$6,000
$0
$0
$0
$0
$6,000
$0
$0
$0
$12,000
$3,000
$3,000
$0
$0
$0
$6,000
$0
$0
$0
$3,000
$0
$3,000
$0
$0
$0
$0
$6,000
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$1,800
$2,000
$0
$0
$0
$3,800
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$1,800
$2,000
$0
$0
$0
$3,800
$150,000
$0
$70,000
$0
$0
$220,000
$17,400
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$17,400
$167,400
$70,000
$0
$0
$237,400
$0
$0
$0
$2,500
$3,000
$5,500
$12,332
$0
$0
$0
$12,332
$12,332
$0
$0
$0
$2,500
$3,000
$17,832
$205,532
$196,000
$70,000
$2,500
$3,000
$477,032
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
Fringe Benefits
Other personnel expenses
Subtotal
Travel
0.75 x 8,000 mi
$0
Subtotal
Equipment
Subtotal
Supplies
Misc forms, postage etc
Subtotal
Contractual
Thin/treat fuel 400 ac
Treat homesites 30
Subtotal
Other
Assistance
Salem 6%(Prot+Financ)
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.