Enclosure 3A - Project Summary Form
NATIONAL FIRE PLAN COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE AND WILDLAND URBAN INTERFACE PROJECTS
Application for Wildland Urban Interface Fuels / Education and
Prevention / Community Planning for Fire Protection Projects
Applicant
Applicant/Organization:
Multnomah County Adult Community Justice
Phone:
FAX:
503-988-4826
503-988-4007
Email:
Address (Street or P. O. Box, City, State, Zip):
1401 NE 68th Ave. Portland, OR 97213
Project Coordinator
Project Coordinator (Name and Title):
Gerard Welch Program Administrator for Forest Projects
Organization/Jurisdiction:
Multnomah County Adult Community Justice
Phone:
FAX:
Email:
503-988-4826
503-988-4007
Gerard.a.welch@co.multnomah.or.us
Project Information
Project Title:
Wyeth Bench Road Fuels Reduction Project
Proposed Project Start Date:
Spring 2004
Proposed Project End Date:
Spring 2004
Federal Funding Request:
$13,800
Total Project Funding:
$21,000
Are you submitting multiple projects? If so, please explain and prioritize:
No
Brief Project Description:
This is a pilot fuels reduction project, 3-4 acres in size, along the I-84 corridor. Within close
proximity to this project area is the town of Cascade Locks. Emergency responders for the city react
to over 80 motor vehicle accidents per year. Five project fires within the past five years are on
record in this area. These facts coupled with transient traffic, forest visitors and private residences
has brought the potential for distastrous wildfire to our attention. Extreme Gorge winds, overstocked
stands and drought conditions could all lead to extreme fire behavior and a potentially disastrous
situation.
This thinning project is stocked with 2700 trees per acre, continuous ladder fuels and marginal fuel
breaks. Fuels reduction by thinning and debris removal from the site by chipping will minimize
wildfire risk, improve forest health and enhance the visual quality of the stand.
The intended long term desire would be to continue and expand the project area to include all
hazardous fuels all along the I-84 corridor within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.
Project Location (latitude/longitude if applicable):
County:
Congressional District:
Wyeth Bench Road/I-84 interchange
Hood River
2nd
Project Type: Check appropriate project type. More than one type may be checked. If only Box (4) is checked, use Enclosure 4.
(1) X Wildland Urban Interface Fuels Project
(2)
Wildland Urban Interface Education and Prevention Project
(3)
(4)
Community Planning for Fire Protection Project
Fuels Utilization and Marketing Project
If the applicant is an unincorporated area, define the geographic area being represented:
Enclosure 3B (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
Response:
Project Location – The property is adjacent to exit 51 on Interstate 84, located in T 2 N, R 8 E portion of Section 1, W.M. Hood
River County. The common name of the project area road is the Wyeth Bench Road. This road provides access to Forest Service
Wyeth campground, a private ranch and serves as a fuel break between I-84 and Forest Service Scenic Area property.
Project Implementation – The purpose of this project is to reduce continuous ladder fuel structure immediately adjacent to Exit 51
on Interstate 84. The interchange is currently stocked with 2,700 trees per acre, which is about 4 foot x 4 foot spacing. The species
component is primarily Douglas Fir. The stand will be pre-commercially thinned by hand crews and reduced to approximately 10
feet x 10 feet spacing or 436 trees per acre and varied by distance to approximate the look of adjacent native stands. Cut materials
will be chipped on site and moved to a site in Cascade Locks. Canopy closure is currently 100% and will be reduced to 70% to
minimize risk of crown fire.
Anticipated Outcomes – The pre-commercial thinning will reduce fuels in a dog hair stand of Douglas Fir along the I-84 corridor.
The result will lead to reduced fuel loading, decreased rates of spread, lessen the risk of crown fire and allow suppression activities
by hand crews and equipment to be more effective
Measures and Reporting – Multnomah County will monitor grant funding. Work and acres accomplished, timeframes and funds
spent will be recorded for future reference and information
Interagency Partners – The three interagency partners needing financial assistance are: Multnomah County for the hand crews and
equipment, the city of Cascade Locks for rental of its chipper and Oregon Department of Transportation for a 10 yard dump truck
and driver. Other partners include US Forest Service, Cascade Locks Electric, Cascade Locks Lions Club and Oregon Department
of Forestry.
Project Relationship to Community – Chips will be hauled to a site in Cascade Locks and be available for citizens of the city. All
firewood will be available to the Lions Club to be distributed to those in need. Chain saw safety and training opportunities will be
provided to local firefighters from both the US Forest Service, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and Oregon
Department of Forestry. Labor for the project will be accomplished by Multnomah County Corrections, providing work skills and
training opportunities for inmates soon to be released. This project will also be addressing a letter of concern from the Mayor of
Cascade Locks regarding high wildfire risk on forest lands around Cascade Locks.
Project Time Frames – April/May
Project Income - None
Types of Activities and Equipment – Thinning and limbing will be by hand crews using chain saws, power pruners, weed eaters
and loppers to meet silvicultural prescription. Crews will chip the cut debris on site and haul the chips to a designated staging area
in Cascade Locks. The Lions Club will gather the bole wood and distribute to the needy as firewood. A chipper will be rented from
the City of Cascade Locks and a 10 yard dump truck and driver will be provided by the Oregon Department of Transportation.
Grant funding will help with the purchase of mechanical equipment to assist in this project and future projects.
Amount or Extent of Actions – This pilot project will be approximately 3-4 acres, directly adjacent to Interstate 84, located in the
heart of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. The project area borders and includes the entrance to a busy National
Forest campground and is within ¼ mile of a private ranch.
Environmental, Historical and Cultural Resources – Forest practices within Hood River County are under the jurisdiction of the
Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. An application has been submitted to the CRGNSA for this project and all concerns
addressing environmental, historical and cultural issues will be addressed and adhered to.
Enclosure 3B (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. Reducing Fire Risk. (40 points))
A. Describe how the proposal promotes reduction of risk in high hazard areas or communities, or natural landscapes.
B. 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 to what extent the affected community or proponent has been involved or plans to involve the affected community in a
qualified fuels education program (e.g., FIREWISE).
E. 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 fuel conditions.
F. How will the proposed treatments or programs be maintained in future years?
Response: This pilot project will reduce the fire risk by reducing the amount of fuel in the affected area. The priority will be to
reduce stand density. Reducing the fuel loading will decrease spread rates, torching and crown fire potential. The project area will
serve as a fuel break between I-84 and high valued Scenic Area lands, a Forest Service campground and a private ranch. It is our
hope that this pilot project will lead to many more fuels reduction projects along the I-84 corridor. With the Gorge being the wind
surfing capital of the world, extreme wind conditions and rapid rates of spread should make fuels reduction projects a priority for
land managers in the area. This project is very small in scope, but is notably representative of overstocked, highly volatile acres
adjacent to a major interstate, a railroad and a recreational mecca. The project intention is to show what can and should be done in a
cooperative fuels treatment plan throughout the Gorge. Local communities can use this project as a model in protecting their own
values at risk along the I-84 and Highway 14 (WA) corridors. The partners in this project are making a community, interagency
effort to reduce the risk of wildfire. This example is possible for all small communities. Re-entry should not be necessary for a
minimum of 10 years.
2. Increasing local capacity. (30 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 yearround and seasonal jobs)? How will this proposal link to toher projects (or proposed projects) to create year-round jobs?
B. To what extent will this project be offered to serve as a model for other communities or natural landscapes?
C. Will biomass or forest fuels be utilized; if so, in what manner and how much?
Response: Multnomah County personnel direct two10 person corrections crews out of nearby Wyeth. They serve as a very
inexpensive, efficient labor base for the Forest Service 6-7 months per year. This pilot project is very small in scope and will only
last approximately one month. It is possible that as fuels reduction plans are implemented in years to come, this valuable labor
resource will benefit, as well the inmates and communities they serve. The extent of future fuels reduction projects in the Gorge
will dictate the number and type of jobs that will be needed for this type of work.
Once funded and completed, this project area will be a valuable, viewable tool for other small communities in the Gorge to use as
an example of what can be done in the way of fuels reduction in their areas. Knowledge and location of the project can be shared at
community meetings, fire meetings, etc. providing the opportunity for interested parties to tour the area.
All biomass will be recycled in either firewood form or chips for the citizens of Cascade Locks.
Enclosure 3B (Page 3 of 3) - Project Evaluation Criteria
3. Increasing interagency and intergovernmental coordination. (15 Points)
A. Describe how this project implements a local intergovernmental strategy or plan, or creates such a plan. Describe the plan if it
already exists.
B. 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. List the cooperators (a detailed list
of cooperators will be required for projects that are funded).
Response: All coordinated efforts for this project have been local. Agreements have been made with the city of Cascade Locks to
rent a chipper for $1000 per month, Oregon Department of Transportation for a 10 yard dump truck and driver for $250 per day,
one to two days per week, the Forest Service and Oregon Department of Forestry for the use of sawyers and technical assistance,
the Lions Club for distribution of firewood, the city for a chip storage site, and Multnomah county for labor crews and equipment.
The local coordinating group here in the Columbia River Gorge, which consists of USFS, ODF, DNR, USF&W, and WSU
extension service, have been used extensively for forest practice information, silvicultural prescriptions, mapping, networking and
assistance in writing this grant.
4. 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: Landowners of properties adjacent to and included in the project have been notified and have played an active role in the
planning of this project. Due to the scope and size of the project, public notification has not occurred. To date, there are no other
“interested” individuals that have not been notified. Thus far, local support has been outstanding. Please refer to the draft budget
request form for in kind services and dollars.
Improving the health of the stand and preparing the site for an uncontrolled wildfire are both environmental improvements to the
project site. The project will be implemented by several partners, all of whom will be very visible to the public as they work. This
working relationship should send a very positive message to the local public and visitors. Hopefully, the project will generate
enough local interest to stimulate conversations about the project and provide opportunities to educate the public about the
importance of fuels reduction and defensible space.
Enclosure 3C - Project Work Form
Tasks
Time Frame
Responsible Party
Follow up and coordinate with partners:
Oregon Department of Transportation
City of Cascade Locks
USFS
Lions Club of Cascade Locks
1 day
Multnomah County
Apply the prescription guidelines to the
project site: flag leave trees, identify buffers,
flag boundaries
1-2 days
Multnomah County
US Forest Service
Complete a thorough safety briefing with
crews and begin brushing and removal of
small trees and blackberries. Hand pile for the
chipper.
2 weeks
Multnomah County
US Forest Service
City of Cascade Locks
Oregon Department of Transportation
Thin and prune larger trees, following
prescription guidelines, buck and remove
firewood boles. Continue chipping and
cleanup.
1-2 weeks
Multnomah County
US Forest Service
City of Cascade Locks
Lions Club of Cascade Locks
Oregon Department of Transportation
EXIT 51 Fire Control - Inkind and Request
Name
Supervisor
Equip operator
Forester
Sawyer (GS 5)
Crew, 8 -man
Volunteer
GS-9 Fire Tech
Laborer
antyhing
Mult Co
20
$/Day
200
200
250
110
150
Cascade
Locks
ODOT
USFS
ODF
Lions
Total
6
26
0
2
6
20
5
5
2
0
0
66
2
6
20
5
220
150
5
2
Total Days
40
PERSONNEL
2
6
11
2
5
$
7,000
$
300
$
1,200
$
1,760
$
500
$
-
10760
Salary
0.61 $
4,277
$
183
$
733
$
1,075
$
306
$
-
6574.36
Fringe Benefits
0.39 $
2,723
$
117
$
467
$
685
$
195
$
-
4185.64
power pruners
chipper
hand tools
weed wackers
saws,chain
misc
600
150
250
400
20
250
3
7
1
2
20
1
SUPPLIES
3500
1050
0
400
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
CONTRACT
Pickup, 3/4 ton
van, 15 passanger
truck, 10 yd. Dupm
50
50
100
20
0
4
20
6
EQUIP
1000
0
600
0
0
200
1800
`
SUBTOTAL
INDIRECT
TOTAL
INKIND MATH (%)
INKIND $$$$
$
11500
2300
13,800 $
1350
270
1,620 $
1800
360
2,160 $
$
0.2
2,760 $
0.2
324 $
0.4
864 $
2,592
1,296
$
0.2
REQUEST
TOTAL
$
$
11,040
13,800
$
$
1,296
1,620
$
$
2,160
$
2160
432
2,592 $
500
100
600 $
1
2,592
200
40
240 $
1
$
-
600
$
$
1
$
600
17510
3502
21,012
240
$
$
240
$
7,380
-$
13,632
$
21,012