Project Summary Form
Id Number 2006-070
NATIONAL FIRE PLAN COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE AND WILDLAND URBAN-INTERFACE PROJECTS
Application for Prevention & Education Projects
Applicant
Applicant/Organization:
Project Wildfire
Phone: (111 111-1111 x 1111)
Type of Applicant: (enter appropriate letter in box)
B
541-322-6396
FAX: (111 111-1111 x 1111)
A. State
B. County
C. Municipal
D. Township
E. Interstate
541-322-6319
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):
63377 Jamison Street Bend, OR 97701
Project Coordinator
Project Coordinator (Name and Title):
Kate Lighthall Program Coordinator
Organization/Jurisdiction:
Project Wildfire
Phone: (111 111-1111 x 1111)
541-322-6396
FAX: (111 111-1111 x 1111)
541-322-6319
Call Ahead For FAX
Email:
Klighthall@ci.bend.or.us
Project Information
Project Title:
Program Coordinator
Proposed Project Start Date:
01/01/2006
Federal Funding Request:
$
105,110
Proposed Project End Date:
12/31/2007
Total Project Funding:
$
158,810
Are you submitting multiple projects? If so, please explain and prioritize:
We are submitting three requests for funding under the Prevention and Education Program category and one request under the Fuels
Treatment category. This request is our highest priority and stands alone. Our recent strategic plan and updated business plan reveal the
need to fund the Program Coordinator to implement Project Wildfire strategies and programs.
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).
Project Wildfire is the organized result of a Deschutes County effort to create long-term wildfire mitigation strategies and provide for
wildland fire resistant communities. Through collaborative partnerships with public and private individuals, agencies and
businesses, Project Wildfire is the Local Coordinating Group in Deschutes County that facilitates, educates, disseminates and
maximizes community efforts towards effective fire planning and mitigation. Over the next two years, we will be concentrating on
FireFree, community fire planning and other fuels treatment opportunities.
Recent strategic planning has identified the need for the daily coordination of projects and partners to achieve the goals of Project
Wildfire and its partners. A Program Coordinator is necessary at this stage of our growth to provide primary project oversight and to
develop and enhance partnerships to achieve mitigation goals.
Project Location:
Latitude: 43.91453
Longitude: 121.224
County:
Deschutes
Name of Federal, State or Tribal contact with whom you coordinated this proposal:
Federal Congressional District:
2
Telephone number of Contact:
Lisa Clark, Fire Mitigation Specialist, BLM
541-416-6864
Ann Walker, National Fire Plan Coordinator, ODF
503-945-7346
Deschutes County Board of Commissioners
541-388-6572
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:
Project Wildfire seeks to fund the Program Coordinator position for two years to establish and implement the working model for Project Wildfire and provide
primary project coordination to carry out the collaborative efforts of this successful group.
Project Wildfire is the organized result of a Deschutes County effort to create long-term wildfire mitigation strategies and provide for wildland fire-resistant
communities. It is the Local Coordinating Group for Deschutes County that facilitates, educates, disseminates and maximizes community efforts towards
effective fire planning and mitigation. We work in cooperation with the Central Oregon Fire Leadership Council which is the LCG for National Fire Plan projects.
Deschutes County [population 130,500] is in the heart of Central Oregon, a destination resort community and an area well known for its high wildland fire
occurrences and WUI challenges. The Project Wildfire Steering Committee is comprised of twenty-five representatives from private and public organizations,
each with an interest in fire planning and the mitigation of wildfire.
The stated mission of Project Wildfire is to prevent deaths, injuries, property loss, and environmental damage resulting from wildfires in Deschutes County.
Through its collaborative partnership approach and facilitation efforts, Project Wildfire has accomplished dozens of projects since its inception in 2003 including
the Deschutes Riverwoods emergency egress route; the launch of an emergency preparedness network for Deschutes County; GIS addressing of southern
Deschutes County; the commission of a county Hazard Assessment and Vulnerability Study; an Interpretive Trail and ecosystem display with the High Desert
Museum; the creation and distribution of a statewide PSA regarding defensible space through a partnership with Keep Oregon Green; and many other
impactful projects that have led to a safer and more fire-conscious Deschutes County.
Recent strategic planning has identified the need for the daily coordination of projects to achieve the goals of Project Wildfire and its partners. The need for a
point person to establish and maintain partnerships is critical to the success of Project Wildfire as a Local Coordinating Group. To that end, the Steering
Committee has hired a Program Coordinator to provide primary project management and coordination of Project Wildfire programs.
Project Wildfire initially secured funding for the Program Coordinator through the end of December 2005 from Deschutes County, the City of Bend Fire
Department and Rural Fire District #2. This proposal seeks to fund the Coordinator position for two additional years, through the end of December 2007.
Currently, the Program Coordinator is responsible for researching funding opportunities for Project Wildfire as well as completing grant applications and
proposals to secure funding. Responsibilities also include acting as the overall coordinator and manager for the Central Oregon FireFree program; establishing
and enhancing collaborative partnerships to complete projects; developing educational programs to address high risk issues like vacant lots; and acting as the
information officer for Project Wildfire to notify the public of cooperative efforts, goals, accomplishments and general information.
One of the major roles for the Program Coordinator is to work closely with community members as they move forward with individual community fire planning
projects. To avoid duplication and redundancy, Project Wildfire facilitates shared efforts and resources to produce consistent mapping and planning results
across the county. The creation of this position is timely as programs like FireFree are expanding in Deschutes County, the Oregon Forestland Urban Interface
Fire Protection Act is moving forward with implementation, and local agencies are looking for ways to coordinate resources to develop fire plans and mitigation
efforts.
The Program Coordinator will also be tasked with developing a strategic plan for the FireFree program to outline future expansion strategies and track success
of this program.
The budget provides for the contracted duties of the Program Coordinator as well as training costs. Deschutes County Rural Fire District #2 and City of Bend
Fire Department are providing office space, a phone, computer and tech support to support this position. Both entities will continue with this match towards
the Coordinator position. The proposal also includes 15% for the administration of the grant funds through OSU Extension Service.
Evaluation of the Coordinator and the effectiveness of the position itself will be conducted each year by a Project Wildfire subcommittee for feedback and
progress.
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:
A. Project Wildfire is in the unique position to maximize year-round educational opportunities to influence attitudes and behaviors
about wildfire. Through high profile campaigns like FireFree and partnerships with specific organizations, we are able to reach a
variety of community members and impact their thinking about the high risk of wildfire. The more we educate residents about the
risks of wildfire in Central Oregon, and how to mitigate those risks, we will continue to see a reduction in fires that occur in the
wildland urban interface.
Project Wildfire is also in a unique position as a Local Coordination Group. We are able to facilitate education programs and
mitigation efforts among our partners. The Program Coordinator is the necessary point person for developing and enhancing all of
these efforts between agencies and organizations.
We are also developing a Mechanical Fuels Treatment Project to address individual lots and neighborhoods with actual treatments.
This program will dramatically impact neighborhoods by creating strategic areas of FireFree space.
B. Project Wildfire provides the program management of the FireFree program in Central Oregon. This high profile education and
mitigation program reaches over 130,000 residents across Central Oregon with important messages about creating and maintaining
at least 30 feet of defensible space around homes and structures. FireFree also promotes reduction in flammable vegetation,
removing and pruning hazardous fuels in wooded areas, and replacing combustible wood roofing. The educational contacts made
throughout the FireFree program result in a more fire conscious and careful public. The risk mitigation steps of FireFree result in a
reduction of structural losses. The Program Coordinator is a necessary component to the coordination and success of the FireFree
program.
The position of Program Coordinator is necessary to work with our partners to promote defensible space and fire-resistant
landscaping and building materials. For example, Project Wildfire works with the High Desert Museum to bring wildfire awareness
to Central Oregon residents, again resulting in a more fire conscious and careful public. The Program Coordinator will be the point
of contact for the Mechanical Fuels Treatment program as well.
C. FireFree is the model program that continues to show success in motivating homeowners to take responsibility for risk mitigation
on their own property and contribute to wildfire safety within their own neighborhoods. In 2004, the FireFree program experienced a
48% increase in the amount of debris recycled during FireFree days at local landfills and collection sites. Local residents brought
8,430 car-loads of debris, equalling 23,137 cubic yards, for recycling.
This proposal ensures the long term operation of FireFree along with other Project Wildfire tasks that directly influence and motivate
homeowners to take action. By employing a point person, an available contact for Project Wildfire, we ensure consistent
information and communication with the public and our partners.
One of our goals for 2006 is to work with Deschutes County to develop and implement a Vacant Lot Education program. Working
with our partners, the Program Coordinator will identify high risk areas and undeveloped property in the Wildland Urban Interface,
and develop a campaign to educate and motivate landowners to reduce hazardous fuels on their property. We will utilize existing
successful models for disseminating materials and information. This program will increase landowner action and personal
responsibility for the reduction of fire loss on private land. The Mechanical Fuels Treatment Project also enhances homeowner
involvement by linking individuals with contractors for fuels reduction services.
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:
Project Wildfire is a leading example of collaboration and community participation. Our membership structure alone allows for a
broad and diverse group of people committed to mitigating the risk of wildfire. From County Commissioners to Fire Chiefs, from
private forest owners to department heads at Oregon State University, never in the history of providing for mitigation planning in
Central Oregon has there been such a collaborative force toward success in this area.
Our target audiences include broad scale populations for education as well as specific locations, groups and zones for on-theground problem solving and mitigation efforts.
This grant will allow Project Wildfire to move forward as a Local Coordination Group over the next two years and become a working
model for collaboration in mitigation. Job duties for the Program Coordinator include developing funding relationships within our
community, as well as researching and securing grant funding to support Project Wildfire overall and the Coordinator position into
the future.
The Program Coordinator works closely with and reports directly to the Steering Committee Chair. Monthly reports are made to the
Steering Committee so that ongoing evaluation of the effectiveness of the position can be measured. A subgroup of the Steering
Committee will be responsible for the yearly evaluation of the Program Coordinator as well as the formal evaluation of the
effectiveness of the position itself.
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:
In coordination with the Central Oregon Fire Leadership Council, Project Wildfire is the resource and program LCG in Deschutes
County. The high level of participation and dedication has become the driving force behind community risk assessment and
mitigation planning. The group meets monthly to provide a venue for all wildland fire activities across Central Oregon.
We are completing the Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan which outlines four natural disasters with potential impact on Deschutes
County. At the top of the list, as our number one priority, is wildfire. Contact Teresa Hogue at[541] 548-6088. Project Wildfire is
also developing a county-wide community fire plan. Contact Joe Stutler at 541-322-7117.
Project Wildfire is also assisting with local fire planning projects including the Bend Community Fire Plan. Don Jenson, Bend Fire
Department, can be reached at [541] 322-6300.
Currently, the cost of the Program Coordinator is shared between Deschutes County, Rural Fire District #2 and Bend Fire Dept. In
2006-2007, they will continue to provide their match to sustain the position.
Project Work Form
Tasks
Time Frame
Coordinate and manage FireFree risk-mitigation
program.
Responsible Party
Program Coordinator
January - October 2006
Research and record information on potential
funding sources for Project Wildfire and mitigation
programs across Deschutes county.
Program Coordinator
year round
Participate in community fire planning efforts across
Deschutes County.
Program Coordinator and Project Wildfire
Chair.
year round
Act as Information Officer to disseminate
information about Project Wildfire, its partnerships
and programs.
Program Coordinator
year round
Work with Deschutes County to develop and
implement Vacant Lot Education Campaign.
Winter 2005 - Spring 2006
Program Coordinator & Project Wildfire
subcommittee & Deschutes County
personnel.
Program Coordinator and steering
committee.
Monitor effectiveness of FireFree program.
Develop strategic plan for FireFree
Spring 2006 & year round
Develop and implement Mechanical Fuels
Treatment Project.
Program Coordinator, Steering Committee
and partners.
Jan 2006 to Dec 2007
Project Budget
Bend Fire & RFPD #2
Cost Category
Description
Federal
Agency
Applicant
Partner 1
Deschutes County
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
$5,000
$0
$0
$0
$0
$5,000
$0
$0
$0
$5,000
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$5,000
$0
$0
$31,200
$0
$0
$31,200
$0
$0
$2,500
$0
$0
$2,500
$0
$0
$33,700
$0
$0
$33,700
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$86,400
$0
$0
$20,000
$0
$106,400
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$86,400
$0
$20,000
$0
$106,400
$13,710
$0
$0
$0
$0
$13,710
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$13,710
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$13,710
$105,110
$0
$33,700
$20,000
$0
$158,810
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
Travel
Training expenses
$0
Subtotal
Equipment
office, phone, tech supp
computer
Subtotal
Supplies
Subtotal
Contractual
Program Coordinator
Subtotal
Other
15% to admin grant
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.