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: Yakima County Department of Grants Management
Phone:
FAX:
Email:
509 – 574 - 1366
509 – 574 - 1361
Kimberlee.tully@co.yakima.wa.us
Address (Street or P. O. Box, City, State, Zip):
128 N. 2nd Street, Room B- 30, Yakima, WA 98901
Project Coordinator
Project Coordinator (Name and Title):
Sgt. Karen Kelley
Organization/Jurisdiction:
Yakima County Dept. of Corrections
Phone:
FAX:
Email:
509 – 574 - 2836
509 – 457 - 3216
Karen.Kelley@co.yakima.wa.us
Project Information
Project Title:
Safe County Recycling & Abatement Program for Seniors (S.C.R.A.P.S.)
Proposed Project Start Date:
Proposed Project End Date:
October 2003
September 2008
Federal Funding Request:
Total Project Funding:
$922,044
$1,787,382
Are you submitting multiple projects? If so, please explain and prioritize:
NO
Brief Project Description
Provide a DOC supervised work crew of 10 inmates, for 5 years for the following: clear and remove
forest debris, brush and vegetation on forested land in Yakima County. Location and project
priorities will be identified by the USFS, DNR and the Yakima Co. Fire Districts based on
assessments done by those partners. The project targets changing the fuel composition from flash
fuel to low creeping fuel, ladder fuel thinning, as well as weed abatement. The work crew will travel
to the site and chip or remove forest debris from an area of 50 to 200 feet off of the 150 miles of
forested county roads. The crew will also be available for joint projects with partners that address
similar debris and fuel composition needs around homes & buildings with landowner agreement.
Flash fuels will be chipped and returned to the forest floor to provide immediate weed abatement.
Wood greater then 6 inches will be removed to a staging area, and cut for fire wood to be delivered
by the crew to identified elderly. Eligibility for wood delivery will be determined by Yakima Co. Sr.
Citizens Program or to other targeted needy groups in Yakima County free within NEPA guidelines.
The
use
of this flashiffuel
will be determined
by Yakima County’sCongressional
ability to build
a biomass
Projectfuture
Location
(latitude/longitude
applicable):
County:
District:
plant located
in the county.
Data about Yakima
fuel amounts generated by this4th
project will be given to
North
West Yakima
Co.
Yakima Co. Public Works Solid Waste Division to be used in conjunction with the feasibility study
Project Type: Check appropriate project type. More than one type may be checked. If only Box (4) is checked, use Enclosure 4.
funded previously by this grantor. It is the intent of this project to provide that biomass plant with
(1)
Wildland
Interface
(3)
Community Planning for Fire Protection Project
fuelXfrom
thisUrban
project
at aFuels
laterProject
date.
(2)
Wildland Urban Interface Education and Prevention Project
(4) X Fuels Utilization and Marketing Project
If the applicant is an unincorporated area, define the geographic area being represented:
Within Yakima Co. North of the State Route 410 and 12 Fork.
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
This project provides many solutions and results. The first immediate result is the thinning and
removal of flash fuels from county road access areas and communities located in forested lands. This seeks to
ensure a minimum 1 hr response time needed for fire crews to get to fires. Flash fuel removal by shredding
onto the forest floor also creates weed abatement. Secondly, these crews will save both partners (the USFS &
DNR) from using manpower resources and funds for subcontracting for such labor. The project uses a 10
inmate crew from the Yakima Co. DOC. The Co. DOC will benefit by having more flexibility for staffing at
the facility during high inmate movement periods and earn revenues from bed sales. Yakima Co. is a rural
county where 80% of its land is not taxable; therefore, it is a poor county and has a substantial population that
still uses fossil fuels for heating. A neat bi-product of this project is the ability to provide the needy with fuel.
Yakima Co. is working on a feasibility study funded by your agency, to build a biomass plant. It is
envisioned that this project will eventually provide high heat fuel to that plant. Specifically the project
addresses the following issues:
County roads and communities located within the forested boundaries of Yakima Co. that are under the
jurisdiction of the FS, DNR or Yakima Co. Fire Districts will be targeted by this project. Project area and
coverage priorities will be monitored by the Central Cascade Local Cooperative Group. Project
implementation will begin no later then 120 days of notification of successful grant application. The time will
be narrowed as machinery & tools can be purchased and groups can meet. All project work sites will be
assessed by the partner jurisdictions for priority of work and the work assignment details. A Project
Coordinator will oversee the project and provide the link between county, state and federal agencies as well
as making contact with private landowners. Project Coordinator will initiate public service notices, landowner
agreements and public education for the project. The Corrections Officer will track daily the mileage, work
locations, best estimate of cubic feet or yards of fuel that is shredded or removed for fire wood. Daily
paperwork will also contain the amount of time spend at that project location and best estimate of amount of
fuel chipped and acres covered during the work period. The inmate work crew will travel to the designated
site via a 15-passenger van towing a 20ft heavy-duty trailer. The trailer will have a porta-potty equipped with
potable water, mounted on it as well as a 45 horsepower commercial shredder. Tools will be located in a
toolbox specially designed for the trailer. The crew will carry its necessary meals, water, first-aid material,
safety gear, radios and the officer will carry an emergency phone. Designated project sites will be properly
signed for traffic since the Corrections Officer is required to maintain a Washington State Traffic Control
Flagging Card, which is MUTCD compliant. Workers will clear one-acre sections at a time leaving flash fuels
smaller then six inches on the forest floor after shredding. Shredded material will be raked out to no deeper
then three inches. Flash fuels larger then six inches will be transported to a lower elevation staging area for
cutting and delivery to targeted citizens; this will take place during winter and snowfall months on forested
lands. The inmate work crew will also work “behind” crews from the USFS and BLM as they clear
designated areas. This provides the most efficient use of resources for both partners and maximizes the
acreage cleared. The FS estimates a saving of $500.00 per acre by using inmate labor. Eligible citizens for
the free wood will be identified by the Yakima County’s Sr. Citizen program. The Project Coordinator will
provide information to the Corrections Officer on names, times, dates and locations for wood drop-off.
Project will provide data for a feasibility study being done by the Yakima County Public Works Solid Waste
Division. This study will determine feasibility of constructing a biomass plant within the county. This plant,
once built, would benefit greatly from the use of the flash fuels that would be shredded or made into
firewood. Individuals currently working on that study are already estimating a need of 150 tons of fuel a day
and a great need for high heat fuels.
Response:
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?
The goal is to provide labor to existing County, FS or DNR projects assessed for fire hazard by
those entities to eliminate forest floor ladder fuels, woody material debris and clearing of brush, therefore
reducing the risks of flash fires, public safety risks to citizens and property and the protection of natural
resources. The danger for fire is lowered by decreasing hazardous fuels, the chipping and vegetation removal
will retard flames allowing firefighting resources more time to contain fires. More moisture is added by
chipping on the ground. Producing creeping fuels around homes and buildings also increases response times.
Also, clearing forest floors help provide access areas for firefighters and thus adds protection for their
physical safety. All projects will be either on FS, DNR or County owned lands, with landowners permission
or their existing agreements with partners. Most adjacent communities to federal land have working
relationships with the partners and our work crews will be teamed with the partner’s crews. The County will
request permission for access to all public and private lands. Part of this program is to work with partners on
projects associated with their existing plans and to help with the formal completion of the Yakima County
community fire prevention program. Yakima County is performing a feasibility study for a Biomass Facility
and a fuels treatment plan is part of that project. It is the intent of the project to develop a fuel extraction
system that will eventually feed into the needs of the Biomass facility and thus continue on into a viable,
profitable system that will fund the project well into the future. This project will report fuel volume data to
the feasibility study for future benefit. The County has a fire prevention program and materials and
educational information will be distributed to all citizens interacting with this program.
Response:
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 other 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: Yakima Co. DOC relies on the sale of inmate beds to other entities to subsidizes its budget; 10
inmate beds available because of this program equates to approximately $200,000 annually or $1,000,000 in
County revenues for the 5 year project. This relieves potential taxation of the citizens of Yakima County.
Getting inmates out of the facility also eases stress on facility staff and creates contributions to the
community. This project would also create two full time positions.
This project is envisioned to support a future biomass plant that will decrease landfill needs, burn animal
waste, garbage, tires as well as fire wood fuels and generate electricity. The plant proposal calls for the
employment of 25 full time employees and is expected to create “new” types of jobs in agriculture and
farming. This proposal is designed to create important links with partners. By designing this fuel extraction
system, the program can be a blue print for other entities nationwide that need solutions for the removal of
forest flash fuels using available labor resources in an environmentally conscientious plan.
The cost of even small forest fires can be economically and financially devastating, especially if it occurs
in a community or recreation area. There are several small communities located within Yakima Co. that rely
economically on forestland usage. This is an effort to protect those livelihoods and our resources.
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:
In Yakima County there are several agencies implementing thinning of ladder fuels and flash fuel removal
plans. There is no strategy in place currently that would prevent a “Teaming” of studies, materials, resources
and efforts under this project. We believe the addition of available labor is a positive contribution of
resources to existing strategies with partners. It is the goal of this proposal to provide interagency labor and
participate in joint “teams” and in doing so, encourage interagency communication and understanding. The
Central Cascade Local Cooperative Group would advise and support this plan, thereby bringing all the
agencies in the county together at one table and creating a more global approach and expertise to the plan.
This will allow a facilitating of our learning curve. The Project Coordinator will translate the discussions for
implementing flash fuel thinning and removal functions using the assessments and plans of the Partners. The
Coordinator will also compile information on debris volume by area, report work crew activity and provide
data to partners. This will expedite the sharing of studies, data and other resources quickly and efficiently;
thus preventing the duplication of work. Project developers have met with representatives of the Central
Cascade Local Cooperative Group and have received affirmative responses to working through that Group in
order to develop a strategic plan for this project. This Group consists of the FS, DNR, County Fire Marshal
(s), BIA, BLM and the DoD Firing Center. Yakima County itself will be coordinating efforts between our
Solid Waste, DOC, Public Works, County Roads, Community Services and Fire Prevention Departments on
this project. Community Partners will include Dept. on Aging, OIC energy credits program, and our Senior
Centers also.
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?
Yakima County has engaged the federal agencies who are the primary landowners; DNR, USFS,
along with community groups serving the elderly about this project. Also, the environmental leader in the
community, Solid Waste is exploring better ways to recycle resources and have actively been involved in the
formation of the scope of the project. Future coordination with the EPA is a key component of this project.
Since the partners (DNR and FS) have cultivated working relationships with the small communities in these
forested areas and also with the local Fire Districts, we have sought to propose the providing of labor to their
fuel reduction projects to further support these efforts to protect citizen assets and property. Through the
Counties Fire Prevention Program, we are coordinating distribution of educational materials to inform the
public of the shared works of the crews and the partners to jointly protect the public’s interest in our vast
recreational/natural areas and resources. These prevention materials will be shared with landowners and
communities as the project interacts with them throughout the programs life. No opposition to the scope of
this project has been identified. The consensus of the county department administrators and the proposed
partners is, that collectively this is a win/win responsible approach to addressing our obligations to the
citizens to protect and steward public lands, natural resources and public safety of personal assets and
property. The Co. Fire Prevention Program has strong community support and participation. Therefore,
public meetings will be held prior to project commencement to receive public input.
Response:
Enclosure 3C - Project Work Form
Tasks
Time Frame
Responsible Party
Meet with partners to coordinate and develop
crew schedules and priorities. Meet with
Central Cascade Local Cooperative Group to
present schedules and project priorities and
obtain input and support.
ASAP after receiving notification of
successful grant and hiring Project
Coordinator.
Project Administrator and DOC
acting Project Coordinator & Yakima
County Public Works Division.
Hire Project Coordinator
ASAP after receiving notification of
successful grant.
Yakima County Public Works
Division, Administrator and DOC
Officer as a Panel and Yakima
County Human Resources
Project Coordinator Orientation and
Introductions
ASAP after receiving notification of
successful grant.
Yakima County Public Works
Division, rest of project team.
Develop reporting models for financial and
program fuel data to meet maximum partners
needs and measures/outcomes.
Before crews start onsite work.
Administrator, Project Coordinator,
DOC Officer and Partners.
Identify Corrections Officer who will
supervise project and have that individual
complete “training’ process for this specific
project.
No more then 60 days after receiving
notification of successful grant.
Yakima County Department of
Corrections, Sgt. Karen L.Kelley
Purchase tools, vehicle, trailer
No more then 120 days after receiving
notification of successful grant.
Yakima County Department of
Corrections, Sgt. Karen L.Kelley
Inmate work crew begins flash fuel thinning
shredding and removal.
As soon as all tools, trailer and officer has
an opportunity to spend adequate time
with Forest Service for basic training.
Partner/DOC Joint Crew Leaders and
Project Coordinator.
Hold Monthly Status Meetings and Quarterly
review meetings with the partners and the
CCLC Group respectively.
Monthly and Quarterly and as needed.
Project Coordinator, Partner reps and
the CCLC Group.
Enclosure 3D Project Budget
Cost Category
Description
Federal
Agency
Yakima Co.
Personnel
Project Administration
DOC Officer & Inmate Lbr
Subtotal
243,430
230,215
473,645
53,864
754,893
808,757
Fringe Benefits
Project Administration
DOC Officer & inmate Lbr
Subtotal
68,161
89,528
157,689
20,948
DNR
USFS
Total
15,840
14,400
15,840
14,400
327,534
985,108
1,312,642
89,109
89,528
178,637
20,948
Travel
ER&R mileage
Other administrative
Subtotal
70,250
1,830
72,080
Equipment
Crew Van & Trailer
Shredder/Chipper
Subtotal
55,000
23,500
78,500
55,000
23,500
78,500
Supplies
Work Crew
Administrative
Subtotal
24,755
37,600
62,355
24,755
37,600
62,355
32,665
45,110
77,775
32,665
45,110
77,775
3,560
3,560
1,833
1,833
70,250
7,223
77,473
Contractual
Subtotal
Other
L&I insurance, Advertising
Indirect Costs, Equip. Repair
Subtotal
Total Costs
922,044
829,705
19,400
16,233
Project (Program) Income1
(using deductive alternative)
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.
1,787,382