Project Summary Form
Id Number 2006-024
NATIONAL FIRE PLAN COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE AND WILDLAND URBAN-INTERFACE PROJECTS
Application for Prevention & Education Projects
Applicant
Applicant/Organization:
Rural Information Technology Center
Phone: (111 111-1111 x 1111)
Type of Applicant: (enter appropriate letter in box)
L
509-684-2588
FAX: (111 111-1111 x 1111)
A. State
B. County
C. Municipal
D. Township
E. Interstate
509-684-9790
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):
985 S. Elm Colville, WA 99114
Project Coordinator
Project Coordinator (Name and Title):
Mr. Al Kowitz President
Organization/Jurisdiction:
Rural Information Technology Center
Phone: (111 111-1111 x 1111)
509-684-2588
FAX: (111 111-1111 x 1111)
509-684-9790
Call Ahead For FAX
Email:
akowitz@wsu.edu
Project Information
Project Title:
Wildland Urban Interface Mapping Phase III
Proposed Project Start Date:
01/01/2006
Federal Funding Request:
$
50,000
Proposed Project End Date:
12/01/2006
Total Project Funding:
$
75,000
Are you submitting multiple projects? If so, please explain and prioritize:
Stand alone but a continuation/expansion of an earlier project: 'NE Washington Wildland/Urban Interface Mapping Project' WNFP-03-002NE
Tasks have been added to the previous project and finalization of the process is needed. The original proposal did not plan on completion,
but was a start.
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).
The RITC with cooperators and volunteers will collect, and organize GIS data useful for NFP goals in 6 NE Wash. counties. These
data will be provided free of charge through a centralized web site via download or on-line mapping.
These data allow more consistent and efficient efforts in other areas of fire management by assisting in: 1] better allocation of
resources, by allowing managers to map terrain for resource distribution 2] restoring fire-damaged ecosystems by having GIS data
easily available 3] teams reducing the fuel loads having current, complete and easily obtainable map data. 4] LCGs and community
risk assessment and mitigation planners to work with consistent data.
This process will assist in better preparedness. It also includes community education and mapping resource availability. We will
assist local fire chiefs in using these data. Use of these data allows for better analysis and protection of water resources, ecosystem
restoration, and reduction of excess fuels.
Project Location:
Latitude: 48.3
Longitude: -119.0
County:
Okanagan
Name of Federal, State or Tribal contact with whom you coordinated this proposal:
Chuck Johnson
Federal Congressional District:
5
Telephone number of Contact:
509-684-7474
Describe project, including, but not limited to:
x type of project to be delivered
x project location
x method of delivery
x project relationship to community or natural
landscape fire plans
x target audience
x timeliness
x tools and/or skills needed to complete project
x projected timelines and cost estimation
x monitoring and evaluation procedures
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?
Response:
The effective and efficient management of a major wildfire, other disaster or emergency, requires a great deal of information to protect life, property and
resources. Pre-attack planning in wildland urban interface zones can reduce the disastrous effects of an out-of-control situation and provide needed
information for data starved emergency teams. Analysis during pre-attack planning requires typical natural resource data, data about human-created
structures, and other special management zones. Analyzing data across multiple jurisdictions is exceptionally difficult in terms of gathering and organizing data
into a systematic usable form. Safety for the public and resources is a fundamental goal for wildfire and disaster planning and management. Federal, state
and county land management agencies, fire departments and law enforcement agencies, timber companies and private land owners, all struggle to obtain
current and viable data. Jurisdictional problems, data incompatibilities and the time to obtain relevant data create nearly insurmountable barriers to access and
use of needed information. A database that is systematically integrated and centrally located can save significant amounts of time and costs over fragmented
single agency centered systems.
This project addresses the issue of creating a systematically integrated and centrally located GIS database. This project comes at a time when many different
agencies from local fire districts to counties are developing on-the-ground plans relating to fire prevention and planning and would find this database useful and
cost-efficient. A number of NFP goals are addressed: [1] Improves wildfire prevention and suppression in six rural counties; [2] Promotes community
assistance; and [3] Creates a collaborative effort across a multiplicity of local interests.
This project was launched with a USDA Forest Service grant: NE Washington Wildland/Urban Interface Mapping Project WNFP-03-002NE. The outcomes of
this funded project to date are: [1] Two beginning ArcGIS users have been trained and developed skills in using ArcGIS software as well as the collection,
management and disbursement of GIS data; [2] A cost free data-retrieval method for all users needing these data has been established [The Rural
Technology Initiative based at the University of Washington and in collaboration with Washington State University has agreed to serve the data]; [3] A
demonstration project has been developed showing the challenges of using data from different sources and how this data can be used for effective pre-attack
planning; [4] The techniques for use have been documented; [5] The data necessary for pre-attack fuel reduction planning has been documented; [6] A priority
list for each type of data needed to complete the project has been developed; [7] A standardized method for plan for collecting, converting, integrating,
standardizing, and storing the data has been designed.
The goals of this continued expanded project are: [1] Train a beginning ArcGIS user through ESRI online courses and upgrade the skills of the current
technician working on the project; [2] Continue to develop data sharing agreements with currently participating counties and agencies, and build new
agreements with Okanogan, Lincoln and Spokane counties and include; [3] Continue to develop partnerships with Local Coordinating Groups including those in
the three additional counties; [4] Build on current relationships with county commissioners and create effective working relationships with commissioners in the
newly added counties; [5] Complete data collection from the numerous Phase I organizations in Ferry, Stevens, and Pend Oreille counties as documents in
Phase I of this project; [6] Complete transfer of data to the Rural Technology Initiative; [7] Collect data from Spokane, Okanogan and Lincoln counties; [8]
Develop and implement outreach programs for potential uses of this database; and
[9] Collect information on structure locations from NAIP aerial photography and aerial surveys using ultralight aircraft through GPS technology.
Data layers proposed are: Digital Raster Graphics; NAIP Scanned Aerial Photos; Roads; Streams; Ownership; Vegetation Classification; Digital Elevation
Models; Shaded Relief ; Contours; Land cover status; Water Sources; Helispots / Helibases / Airports / Medical Evacuation Sites; Structures
The benefits of creating this public accessible 'free' GIS database include [1] Use for fire rehabilitation work; [2] Use for fuel reduction activities [3] Easily
accessible; [4] All agencies, fire departments county government and private landowners have access to the same data in the same format; [5] Data are
seamless across jurisdictions; and [6] The database can be used in any number of emergency situations.
This project is monitored by over twenty professionals listed in the Partnership and Community sections of this proposal.
Project time line: 7/1/06 to 12/31/07.
Tools and Skills: ArcGIS is needed and available through an agreement with the WSU Learning Center in Colville and through RITC. The RITC contractor has
more than 20 years experience in project work and education in GIS.
Project cost [see project budget]: $75,000
1. Prevention of Wildland Urban Interface Fire (40 points)
Describe how the proposal will lead to:
A. Reduction of wildland urban interface fire
B. Reduction of structural losses
C. Homeowner action and personal responsibility to reduce fire loss of private land.
Response:
The integrated mapping system created through this project and distributed through RTI will:
[1] Assist managers plan and implement fire reduction activities. The mapping system will be the most complete and most up-todate possible given available data sets. Potential users will be advised of the availability of the mapping system and ancillary
services through a series of informational bulletins.
[2] Locating structures outside of urban areas and making this information readily available, fire planners and managers can
effectively deploy mitigation efforts and greatly improve emergency response. Often fire manages do not know what structures they
may encounter on any particular mountain road. This system will help them know, within reason, what structures they may
encounter. Structures will be located through a number of methods including aerial photo interpretation [NAIP data is typically good
enough to locate most residential buildings], specially scheduled aerial flights associated with this project, and cooperative
arrangements with others collecting similar data on a smaller scale. The rural fire districts are very excited about the potential of
accessing these digital maps showing these structures.
[3] These data, used in conjunction with programs with local fire districts, state or federal agencies will assist in fire risk reduction
plans. RTI is planning an interactive mapping program for their site where all users, including private individuals, can map their area
of concern. This project will encourage RTI to implement a fire risk and assessment map for the area of coverage. The RTI site can
be found at www.ruraltech.org/gis.
Other agencies can benefit from the products generated by this project. Both EMS and the sheriff office could use this data. The
Border Patrol has expressed an interest in the data. Other benefits could be for floods, storms or other unforeseen emergencies.
When these data become available, RITC will inform the public through a number of avenues such as newspaper articles chamber
of commerce bulletins, web site and public meetings. Additional assistance for users of these data could be delivered through
Extension programs. RITC will provide education in the use of these data to rural fire districts and others having severe budget
limitations.
2.
Community Participation (30 points)
Detail the community participation and collaboration for this project. Define clearly why you believe your group
will be successful in delivering the proposal to the target audience. How will the project be sustained or carried
forward beyond project timelines? How will the project be monitored and evaluated?
Response:
Stevens, Ferry, and Pend Orielle county governments have been instrumental in Phase I & II. We continue to coordinate with them,
through the commissioners and technical people. Okanagon, Lincoln, and Spokane county governments will be added into the
project. As the first three, these should whole-heartedly embrace this project. Why? It is basically free to them.
Local Coordination Groups that we will work with are:
*Spokane County Local Coordinating Group - Bill Wilburn, Chair - wilburn@turboisp.com
*Pend Oreille County L.C.G. - Carol Mack, Chair - cmack@wsu.edu
*Stevens County L.C.G. - Don Stragis, Chair - stragisonian@qwest.net
*Highlands L.C.G. - John Foster, Chair - fanning@televar.com [Ferry & N. Okanogan Counties]
*Methow Valley L.C.G. - Lorah Waters, Chair - lorah@nwi.net
The local fire districts are excited and have volunteered assistance in collecting structure location data. RITC will assist the districts
in using the data as time permits.
Our plan includes data service work from The Rural Technology Initiative, a cooperative effort between WSU and UW. RTI has
funding and direction for a number of years for their service. Conduits for data transfer from counties [such as roads] to RTI will be
established where very little cost is incurred. Since this is public data, the goal is to maintain it on a site where it is served directly to
the public. Public agencies, such as a county GIS group, will only provide one copy to us rather than create multiple copies.
3.
Partnerships (30 points)
Detail the level of involvement of any local multi-agency, emergency services, non-profit coordination group, and
provide a list of partners for this project with their current and expected level of involvement, including any kind of
contributions or matching funds. What is the project relationship to a community risk assessment or mitigation
plan? Include the name of the plan, date it was prepared, and local contact to get a copy of the plan if requested.
Response:
RITC - non-profit: full involvement in all activities and phases of the project. To complete the project, they will contract with a GIS
consultant and pay staff for book keeping and GIS technical activities.
Chuck Johnson: Washington DNR: Advisement, data sharing, strong leadership in establishing and continuing relationships with
LCGs and a number of fire entities.
Multiple fire chiefs from the six counties: Advisement, assist in structure location
LCGs: Advisement [see list in community participation section]
USFS: Advisement, and data sharing [i.e. streams, land cover, etc.]
USFWS: Advisement, and data sharing [i.e. imagery, etc.]
Stevens County: data sharing [i.e. roads, parcels, fire district boundaries], coordination with county fire planners
Pend Oreille County: data sharing [i.e. roads, parcels, fire district boundaries], coordination with county fire planners
Ferry County: data sharing [i.e. roads, parcels, fire district boundaries], coordination with county fire planners
Okanagon County: data sharing [i.e. roads, parcels, fire district boundaries], coordination with county fire planners
Lincoln County: data sharing [i.e. roads, parcels, fire district boundaries], coordination with county fire planners
Spokane County: data sharing [i.e. roads, parcels, fire district boundaries], coordination with county fire planners
Project Work Form
Tasks
Time Frame
Establish / Confirm cooperative agreements with all
groups in six counties
Responsible Party
RITC
7/2006 - 8/2006
Finalize Phase I data collection for first 3 counties
RITC / Cooperators
7/2006 - 10/2006
Transfer Phase I data to RTI for first 3 counties
RITC / RTI
7/2006 - 10/2006
RITC
Develop/Implement plan for information transfer to
public
8/1/2006 - 8/30/2006
Develop/Implement/Collect structure locations
RITC / Cooperators
7/2006 - 10/2007
RITC / Cooperators
Phase I type data collection for second three
counties
1/2007 - 5/2007
Transfer new data to RTI
RITC / RTI
6/2007 - 10/2007
RITC
Education / coordination with fire planners, rural fire
districts, etc.
7/2006 - 12/2007
Project Budget
Fire Districts
Cost Category
Description
Federal
Agency
Applicant
Counties
Partner 1
Partner 2
Total
Partner 3
Personnel
Trainee/Data
$19,700
Admin Management
Subtotal
$0
$0
$0
$0
$19,700
$3,700
$0
$0
$0
$0
$3,700
$23,400
$0
$0
$0
$0
$23,400
$0
$0
$2,925
Fringe Benefits
Trainee/Data
$2,925
$0
$0
$575
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$575
$3,500
$0
$0
$0
$3,500
$3,000
$0
$6,000
$0
$0
$9,000
$0
$0
$0
$3,000
$0
$0
$0
$6,000
$0
$0
$9,000
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$1,500
$0
$0
$0
$0
$1,500
$0
$0
$0
$14,000
$0
$14,000
$1,500
$0
$0
$14,000
$0
$15,500
$15,000
$5,000
$0
$0
$0
$20,000
$0
$0
$5,000
$0
$0
$0
$0
$15,000
$0
$0
$0
$20,000
NAIP Aerial Photos
$1,200
$0
$0
$0
$0
$1,200
Rent
$2,400
$0
$0
$0
$2,400
$3,600
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$3,600
$50,000
$5,000
$6,000
$14,000
$0
$75,000
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
Admin Management
Subtotal
Travel
Fieldwork
$0
Subtotal
Equipment
Subtotal
Supplies
Office/Misc
Data
Subtotal
Contractual
Advisor/Trainer
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.