Enclosure 4A - Project Summary Form
NATIONAL FIRE PLAN COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE AND WILDLAND URBAN INTERFACE PROJECTS
Application for Fuels Utilization and Marketing Projects
Applicant
Applicant/Organization:
Spokane Tribe of Indians
Phone:
FAX:
Email:
509-258-4581
509-258-9243
website: www.spokanetribe.com
Address (Street or P. O. Box, City, State, Zip):
PO Box 100, Wellpinit, WA 99040
Project Coordinator
Project Coordinator (Name and Title):
David Ernst, Planning Director
Organization/Jurisdiction:
Spokane Tribe of Indians
Phone:
FAX:
Email:
509-258-4581 ext 30
509-258-9243
davide@spokanetribe.com
Project Information
Project Title:
Spokane Tribe of Indians: Wood Products Division Project
Proposed Project Start Date:
Proposed Project End Date:
October 1, 2003
June 30, 2004
Federal Funding Request:
Total Project Funding:
$41,000.00
$52,596.00
Are you submitting multiple projects? If so, please explain and prioritize:
No
Brief Project Description:
The Spokane Tribe seeks to purchase an incisor for its Wood Products Division. The equipment
will allow it to use small diameter timbers to make guard rails that meet federal and Washington
State and federal Department of Transportation specifications. The current equipment only allows
the Tribe to make guardrails for Idaho, which has different standards. Significantly, the balance of
the equipment required for guardrail production that meets federal and Washington State guidelines
is the same. The Wood Products Division therefore has all of the equipment it will need, save the
incisor. Consequently, this project will allow the Tribe to use its own resources to make the rails
and at the same time reduce the volume of small diameter combustible materials.
Assistance in purchasing the incisor will make the difference in keeping the division open and
operating and perserve the investment in personnel and equipment. A grant will also ensure that
the three current jobs remain and the demand for guardrails is sufficient to warrant hiring additional
staff. The Division supplies a guardrail installer and the installer has indicated that they would like
to be able to purchase guardrails from the tribe for Washington and federal projects. Significantly,
there is sufficent demand to warrant the investment. A grant will lead to retaining existing jobs and
increase the number of jobs on the reservation, which is a Five-Star EC Enterprise Community.
Project Location (latitude/longitude if applicable):
County:
Congressional District:
Spokane Indian Reservation, WA
Stevens
5th
If the applicant is an unincorporated area, define the geographic area being represented:
The project will serve the Spokane Indian Reservation.
Enclosure 4B (Page 1 of 3) - 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:
 project location
Address these
 project implementation
items as
 anticipated outcomes
applicable:
 measures and reporting
 interagency partners





project relationship to community or natural landscape fire plans.
project time frames and income
specify types of activities and equipment used
amount or extent of actions (acres, number of homes, etc)
environmental, cultural and historical resource requirements
The Spokane Tribe Wood Products Division is a tribally operated business that employs tribal
members and utilizes tribal resources to create value-added commodities. The division is located in Ford, on
the Spokane Indian Reservation in northeastern Washington State. In particular, the Wood Products Division
specializes in the production of pressure treated dimensional lumber and guardrails. However, the current
equipment does not allow the division to provide guardrails for federal or Washington State highway projects.
In addition, at the end of 2003, the production of dimensional pressure treated lumber will significantly
decrease as a result of changing standards and demand. Consequently, the Wood Products Division must find
a way to replace the market they will lose and to use the small diameter timber that is available and created
through thinning as proscribed by the National Fire Plan.
Response:
To find a new market for its products, the Wood Products Division seeks to produce guardrails for
Washington State and the federal government. To meet the specifications, the Products Division requires an
“incisor” that will penetrate the rails sufficiently to allow the chemical treatment to infuse throughout the
timber. The incisor must be able to accommodate white fir timbers that are six inches by eight inches, and it
is the only new equipment the Division needs to make guardrails to the higher specifications. By purchasing
a used incisor, the division will be able to meet a growing demand for guardrails, position itself
advantageously and ensure a market for its own small diameter materials. With the exception of the incisor,
the Division has all of the equipment and expertise needed to manufacture the guardrails.
The Spokane Tribe Wood Products Division currently uses 230,000 board feet of lumber each year and the
new equipment could double that total. Along with a dramatic increase in production, the new equipment
will lead directly to new jobs amounting to 1.5 to 2.0 FTE. The new positions are important, but the new
equipment will also mean the retention of the existing three jobs. Thus, this project has a direct bearing on a
total of five positions, which is a significant number for the rural reservation with a total of 2,004 residents.
To respond to the emergent needs, the Wood Products Division personnel have explored their options and
investigated purchasing the required equipment. A new incisor is prohibitively expensive and not necessary,
given the intended use. Therefore, the Wood Products Division engaged Arch Wood Products to conduct a
national search for a surplus or used incisor. A grant would therefore be used to assist in the purchase of the
incisor. The result of the search is an incisor that Wheeler Lumber in South Dakota wants to sell, but that
needs a new incisor head. The cost of the used incisor shipped is $21,000, plus $20,000 for a new head
compared to a new incisor at $140,000, not including installation or shipping.
The primary anticipated outcomes include creating two new jobs, eventually doubling use and market for
small diameter materials, as well as improving the economy and therefore the quality of life on the
reservation. By allowing the division to pursue federal and Washington State contracts, the project will create
new jobs and increase the demand for lumber. The jobs and revenues from the Division will benefit everyone
on the reservation and, by complying with the National Fire Plan, the project will also further the goals of
eliminating the dangers posed by wildland fires.
The project is intimately related to the communities of the reservation, because it will create a market for the
small diameter materials and thus rid the reservation of much combustible material. The reservation is
adjacent to US Forest Service land and this will decrease the chance of fire spreading to federal lands. The
Tribe will comply with any required reporting, but will evalute the project based on the number of jobs
created and retained, along with the volume of local timber used by the Wood Products Division.
Enclosure 4B (Page 2 of 3) - Project Evaluation Criteria
Applications for funding must include narrative responses that address the following four criteria. Within each criterion, subcriteria are listed in descending order of importance. Limit your responses to the areas provided.
1. Increasing Local Capacity (35 Points)
A. How would the proposal improve or lead to the improvement of the local economy in terms of jobs and sustainable economic
activity? How many jobs are expected to be created or retained and for how long (please distinguish between essentially
year-round and seasonal jobs)? How will this proposal link to other projects (or proposed projects) to create year-round jobs?
B. Will biomass or forest fuels be utilized; if so, in what manner and how much?
C. Which, if any, private businesses will participate?
D. To what extent will this project be offered to serve as a model for other communities or businesses, or natural landscapes?
The project and the work of the Division is focused on developing local infrastructure and capacity
with a goal of becoming self-sustaining. The members of the Tribe are among the state's poorest citizens and
the economy of the reservation has been deplorable for decades. The remoteness of the reservation means
that it is difficult to attract employers and the life expectancy of members is far below the state average.
Addressing the endemic problems of poverty and unemployment requires a multitude of initiatives, but it is
the Tribe’s first priority. This priority is not an esoteric preference, but represents the clear community
consensus and is a key objective of the Tribe’s overall economic development plan. The plan emphasizes
building a diversified economy that takes advantage of its natural resources. These natural resources include
the scenic beauty that the tourism industry is highlighting; the skills of the members, as well as timber.
The incisor is an essential ingredient in the Tribe’s plan to develop a self-sustaining economy and people.
The equipment is the only thing the Division needs to participate in the statewide market for guardrails and
allow it to respond to the changing marketplace. Significantly, there is a huge demand for the guardrails and
the Tribe could sign contracts today if it had the one missing piece of equipment. The incisor will further
make it possible for the Tribe to use its own materials and keep transportation costs to a minimum.
No non-tribal private businesses will participate and the Tribe is happy to demonstrate the project to other
tribes considering a simlar undertaking. However, the specific conditions that lead to this application and
approach may not exist elsewhere.
Response:
2. Reducing fire risk. (30 points)
Describe how the proposal promotes reduction of risk in high hazard areas and communities or natural landscapes.
Describe how the proposed project benefits resources on federal land or adjacent non-federal land, or how it protects the
safety of communities.
C. To what extent does the project implement or create a cooperative (1) fuels treatment plan or (2)community fire strategy
(include evidence of the plan if it already exists)?
D. Explain how the proposal (1) leads to, enhances or restores a local fire-adapted ecosystem, and/or (2) mitigates or leads to the
mitigation of hazardous fuels conditions.
A.
B.
The primary focus of the project is on economic sustainability and the efficient use of small
diameter materials. By emphasizing the capacity of the Tribe to manage and use its available resources, the
project will have the benefit of reducing the risk from wildfires on the reservation and in adjacent forests.
The project will enhance watershed and environmental quality by using more of the resources available,
without requiring the destruction of mature trees. The project will require no permits and will affect the
entire 155,000-acre reservation.
The proposal promotes the redution of risk in high hazard areas, by creating an economic use for timber and
fire fuels that today remain in place and contribute to the likelihood of a catastrophic fire. Moreover, because
the reservation and its timber resources are immediately adjacent to federal lands, the proposal has a large
benefit for other land owners. The reservation is remote, mountainous and timber rich, but it is largely
inaccessible and a fire on the reservation would pose a big threat to federal and non-federal lands. Fighting a
fire in this country would be expensive and difficult.
The proposal does not address a fuels treatment plan or community fire strategy. Instead the project mitigates
the build up of hazardous fuel conditions. In addition to utilizing potential hazardous fuels, the proposal will
also heighten the tribal interest and attention to managing the timber resources, given the source of jobs and
revenus it represents.
Response:
Enclosure 4B (Page 3 of 3) - Project Evaluation Criteria
3. Expanding Community Participation. (15 Points)
A. To what extent have interested individuals, groups, and communities been provided an opportunity to become informed and
involved in this proposal?
B. Describe the extent of local support or opposition for the project, including any cost-sharing arrangements
C. What are the environmental, social and educational benefits or concerns of the project?
Response: The project
is ultimately the result of a community decision to support the creation of the Wood
Products Division. The division is a tribally owned business that represents the investment of community
resources to create jobs and economic activity. As a part of its scope of work, the Division oversees timber
sales on the reservation, as well as the manufacturing of pressure treated lumber, posts and guardrails. The
Tribe expects the equipment purchased to last at least 20 years and to continue to provide a basis for jobs and
revenue for decades to come.
The project is a part of the Tribe’s overall management of its forest resources and the local economy. Much
like the general public everywhere, their concerns tend to be focused on forest resources only when there is a
problem. Therefore, it remains the purview of the Business Council, but the will of the members is
manifestly clear in their continued support for the business and the budgetary support the project has
received.
Through the Products Division, the Spokane Tribe is contributing significant resources to the project. The
Tribe will provide the local work needed for installation, along with the labor and materials to power the
eqiupment and get it operating. The Tribe worked with Arch Wood Products to find a suitable incisor in
South Dakota and will provide travel funding to inspect the incisor. The Tribe will also provide support for
the fundraising effort.
The environmental benefits include an improved and increased focus on forest management and a reduction
in the fire danger. The social benefits from creating jobs and self-sufficiency are enormous. The project will
help fight the historic poverty and instability that accompanies such a condition.
4. Increasing interagency and intergovernmental coordination. (20 Points)
A. Explain the level of cooperation, coordination or strategic planning through a “Local Coordination Group” for wildland fire
activities, or among federal, state, tribal, local government and community organizations in developing this proposal. List the
cooperators (a detailed list of cooperators will be required for projects that are funded).
B. Describe how this project implements a local intergovernmental strategy or plan, or creates such a plan. Describe the plan if
it already exists.
Response:
This project is the direct result of cooperation between the Tribe and the Washington Department of
Community, Trade and Economic Development, as well as with the US Forest Service. The Tribe makes this
application only after consultation with Forest Service representative Sheila Walker and careful study by the
tribal staff and the Wood Products Division.
The project further benefits from intra-tribal cooperation, between the Wood Products Division, the Planning
Department and Administration. The resources of the Planning Department helped create this application and
it fits directly with the overall economic development plan for the reservation. Significantly, the reservation
is a Five-Star EC Enterprise Community and this project fits with the goals of the EC designation, as well as
the specific EC plans.
Enclosure 4C - Project Work Form
Tasks
Time Frame
Responsible Party
Investigate incisor cost & availability
January 2002 – February 2003
Wood Products Division
Identification of preferred surplus/
used incisor
February 2003
Wood Products Division &
Arch Wood Products
National Fire Plan Application
February 2003
Wood Products Division &
Planning Department
Secure grant commitment
Fall 2003
Northwest Interagency
Commitment to purchase incisor
As soon as possible after grant
award or within a month of the
award.
Wood Products Division &
Spokane Tribe of Indians
Pursue State of Washington & federal
contracts for guardrails
As soon as the incisor has been
ordered, the Division will sign
contracts, which it has already
cultivated, or within two months.
Wood Products Division
Install, hook-up and begin production
with new incisor
Within a month of delivery of
incisor.
Wood Products Division
Complete reports & evaluation
As required by grant contract
Wood Products Division &
Spokane Tribe of Indians
Enclosure 4D - Project Budget
Cost Category
Description
Personnel
Program Manager-- $20.40x 65 hrs
Tech-- $13.30x 55hrs
Subtotal
Fringe Benefits
Program Manager
Tech
Subtotal
Federal
Agency
$0.00
$1,326.00
$732.00
$2,058.00
$0.00
$332.00
$211.00
$543.00
Travel
To inspect incisor S. Dakota
Subtotal
Equipment
Incisor, & shipping
New Incisor Heads
Subtotal
$0.00
Other
Concrete, Installation, Hook up
Administration / Search / Planning
Subtotal
Total Costs
$475.00
$21,000.00
$20,000.00
$41,000.00
$0.00
$0.00
Partner 2
Total
$0.00
$0.00
$1326.00
$732.00
$2,058.00
$0.00
$0.00
$332.00
$211.00
$543.00
$0.00
$0.00
$475.00
$0.00
$475.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$21,000.00
$20,000.00
$41,000.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$450.00
$0.00
$450.00
$450.00
$0.00
Contractual
Fundraising
Subtotal
Partner 1
$475.00
Supplies
Wiring & installation supplies
Subtotal
Applicant
$450.00
$0.00
$0.00
$1,645.00
$1,645.00
$0.00
$1,645.00
$0.00
$5,750.00
$675.00
$6,425.00
$41,000.00
$11,596.00
$0.00
$0.00
$1,645.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$5,750.00
$675.00
$6,425.00
$0.00
$0.00
$52,596.00
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.
$0.00