Project Summary Form
Id Number 2006-161
NATIONAL FIRE PLAN COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE AND WILDLAND URBAN-INTERFACE PROJECTS
Application for Fuels Treatment Projects
Applicant
Applicant/Organization:
Wilson Ranch Home Owners Association
Phone: (111 111-1111 x 1111)
Type of Applicant: (enter appropriate letter in box)
L
509-996-3163
FAX: (111 111-1111 x 1111)
Please Call Ahead For FAX
A. State
B. County
C. Municipal
D. Township
E. Interstate
✔
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):
18 Early Winters Drive Mazama, WA 98833
Project Coordinator
Project Coordinator (Name and Title):
Mr. Jim Gregg Property Manager
Organization/Jurisdiction:
Wilson Ranch Property Owners Association
Phone: (111 111-1111 x 1111)
509-996-3163
FAX: (111 111-1111 x 1111)
Call Ahead For FAX
Email:
jimgregg@methowmet.com
Project Information
Project Title:
urban interface fuel reductioni
Proposed Project Start Date:
04/01/2006
Federal Funding Request:
$ 8,500
Proposed Project End Date:
10/30/2006
Total Project Funding:
$
11,250
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).
In 2001, the Dept of Natural Resources initiated a fuels reduction project at the Wilson Ranch which boarders the Okanogan National Forest. Since
then a Property Owners association has formed and there is now a community of 17 seperate owners along this urban interface which was not
treated in the initial fuels reduction effort. Property Owners have agreed to seek opportunities to initiate a Fire Wise project on approx 8 acres of
private property. The proposed thining and brush/ladder fuel removal would tie into that which was completed in 2002, improving the effectiveness
of the initial nearby clearing and reducing the risk of wildfire. A grant was applied for in 2003 for the same request but was not sreceived. Reduction
of fire risk in this area supports the upper valley's largest employer and economic contributor, ie the Freestone Inn, also located in the immediate
effected area on the Wilson Ranch.
Project Location:
Latitude: 48.36
Longitude: 120.26
County:
Okanogan
Name of Federal, State or Tribal contact with whom you coordinated this proposal:
Washington State Department of Natural Resources
Federal Congressional District:
6
Telephone number of Contact:
509-684-7474 Ext.
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?
We have been in contacted with Dick Roberts, Fire Cheif Dist 6 and Laura Walters local coor.
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 15
Treatment Clipping
Acres 15
Treatment Mastication/Mowing
Acres 15
Treatment Mastication/Mowing
Acres 0
If you have a treatment type other than standard types above:
Other 1
Acres 0
Other 2
Acres 0
Project location: This project area is within the Upper Methow Watershed Planning Unit, at the foot of the North Cascades. Mazama is the closest
community. The project lies within a narrow peninsula of private land that penetrates into the National Forest. The project is within the Wilson
Ranch Planned Development which is an approved planned development for the Freestone Inn [21 rooms and 15 cabins and 27 privately owned
lots].
Anticipated outcomes: It is proposed to thin, [make fire safe] approximately 8 acres along the National Forest boundary. This will reduce wildfire
risk from reaching the adjacent National Forest as well as reducing the risk of fire coming from the National Forest and reaching private land.
Partners: The action proposed with this grant could support the Forest Service in completing similar work on their side of the boundary. Such a
project in this resort type setting could demonstrate to many, a desirable outcome from urban interface fire prevention. In January 2004, an action
item at the WR_POA meeting was to seek opportunities for forest thinning. A limited amount of marketable timber would be made available for local
log manufacturing. Firewood would be made available to the community. Private owners constructing homes may utilize some of the larger
materials.
Risk assessment: Fire has had an active role in the area for many years. Past fires have burned in the area but more recently a build up of fine
fuels has occurred. With a wind driven weather event, much of the private land in this area is at risk of catastrophic wildfire. In addition, the visitor
oriented tourist business can cause a certain risk of human caused fire by those who are unaware of how easily a wildfire can start.
Extent of action: The non-profit WR-POA serves the interest of all owners of the Wilson Ranch. A complete description of the Wilson Ranch
including maps, Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, Covenants Conditions & Restrictions, and Design Guidelines can be found at www.wilsonranch.
com. These documents along with the Landscape/Habitat Management Plan and a Forest Management Plan, filed with the planned development in
2003, support this grant application to improve the natural forest setting in the area
Timeline and match: It is anticipated to complete this grant project as soon as possible, once snow leaves the area in 2006. The WR-POA manager
who will coordinate the project is trained in forestry and has worked for the Forest Service for 30 years. The WR-POA proposes to match the
thinning project by establishing a fire education program for residents and employees, and by constructing two wild fire tool caches on the property.
The association also proposes to purchase a portable pump for basic wildfire control. In addition, it is proposed to establish a limited irrigation plan
to maintain green areas strategically located through out the property.
[Contact has been made with the local coordination group to include this grant as a consideration. Althougha community Plan is anticipated to be
completed soon, it is deemed most important to complete in the Wilson Ranch, the "Fire Wise" task that was initiated by the Department of Natural
Resources in 2002.
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. The Primary reason guests come to the Freestone Inn and Wilson Ranch is to enjoy and participate in the natural environment
of the area. The Inn, cabins and individual homes have all been architecturally designed to complement this forested setting.
Landscaping has been created to support the natural setting and contribute to the aesthetics of the site. The community includes a
3-acre lake with fishing, a wetland area, a full service restaurant, a recreation center, pool, convention facilities and interpretive
trails. Facilities also exist for hiking, biking, skiing, snowshoeing, and horseback riding. The importance of maintaining a healthy
natural forest setting that is fire safe is critical to the survival of our tourist-oriented business.
B. A mixture of Douglas-Fir and Ponderosa Pine exists in the project area. With out disturbance, these stands have become
dense with the fir invading the pine stands and creating a major fuel base for wildfire. The proposal would involve a heavy thinning
to allow Ponderosa Pine to thrive and remove hazardous ladder fuel. Important would be removal of the fine fuels by chipping or
hand piling and burning. The importance of high value real estate and residential screening will be a factor in guiding the level of
thinning. A diversity of landscape that meets wildfire needs will necessitate adjustments to a strictly siliviculturally oriented
thinning.
C. Additional treatments near the actual residential building envelopes will take place by the property owners as residences are
built.
D. All of the lot area and the common open space near the lots are controlled by the Wilson Ranch Property Association [WRPOA]. All cutting of trees and modifications of a residential site must be approved by the Wilson Ranch Design Review
Community. The direction of the Forest Management Plan and the Design Guidelines will provide the framework for future forest
improvements.
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. Due to its remote location and small size the resort has had difficulty competing with larger facilities closer to metropolitan areas.
I t is anticipated that once a residential community is built and established it will allow the resort to stand on its own. Sixteen of the
private lots have been sold and 6 have built residences. It is anticipated that most of the remaining lots will be built on soon. If, on
the other hand, wildfire were allowed to negatively impact the area, the success of the resort would be at risk. Freestone Inn Wilson
Ranch is the largest employer in the upper valley with 30 - 40 employees.
B. A contract is anticipated to implement the project. A seasonal contract crew of five for 20 days would complete the cutting, liming
and fine fuel treatment.
C. A continues awareness for wildfire would be generated among the lot owners. Guests, through self-interpretive trails and guided
nature walks, both winter and summer in the area would also create additional awareness.
D. Fine material would be either chipped or piled and burned. Larger logs would be made available for firewood. Saw logs would be
used for residential construction by the owner or made available to local log manufactures.
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. Lorah Waters is the coordinating person. Although the Freestone Inn Wilson Ranch was not involved in the initial project rating
for this grant, we have since requested to be involved. There is a local forest practices group that is involved in helping private
landowners address forest management.
B. Discussions have taken place with the Methow Ranger District including a site visit. The Department of Natural Resources was
involved in completing an initial thinning a portion of the resort property.
C. The local Forest service is aware of the need to do a project in this area and is planning to address thinning on the National
Forest adjacent to this project. No other landowners are nearby.
D. The WR-POA proposes to match the thinning project by establishing a fire education program for residents and employees, and
by constructing two wild fire tool caches on the property. The association also proposes to purchase a portable pump for basic
wildfire control. In addition, it is proposed to establish a limited irrigation plan to maintain green areas strategically located through
out the property.
Project Work Form
Tasks
Fuel treatment/firewise
(actual work estimate 5 weeks - contract)
contract marking
Time Frame
Responsible Party
Property manager to oversee contract
April 06-Oct 06
Project Budget
Cost Category
Description
Federal
Agency
Applicant
Partner 1
Partner 2
Total
Partner 3
Personnel
$0
Subtotal
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
Fringe Benefits
Subtotal
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$8,500
$0
$0
$0
$0
$8,500
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$8,500
$0
$0
$0
$8,500
$0
$2,750
$0
$0
$0
$2,750
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$2,750
$0
$0
$0
$2,750
$8,500
$2,750
$0
$0
$0
$11,250
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
Travel
$0
Subtotal
Equipment
Subtotal
Supplies
Subtotal
Contractual
local contractor
Subtotal
Other
coordination/planning
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.