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: Illinois Valley Community Response Team
Phone:
541 592-4440
FAX
541 592-4106
Email
ronphillips@ivcrt.org
Address (Street or P. O. Box, City, State, Zip):
PO box 1824 Cave Junction, Or 97523
Project Coordinator
Project Coordinator (Name and Title):
Ronald Phillips, Executive Director
Organization/Jurisdiction:
IVCRT
Phone:
541 592-4440
FAX:
541 592-4106
Email:
ronphillips@ivcrt.org
Project Information
Project Title: Wildland Urban Interface Fuels Reduction
Proposed Project Start Date:
November 1 2003
Proposed Project End Date:
October 31, 2004
Federal Funding Request:
Total Project Funding:
$253,984
Are you submitting multiple projects? If so, please explain and prioritize:
Yes this is priority # 1.
Brief Project Description:
Following last summer’s Biscuit Fire, there is a greatly increased awareness of the danger of wildfire among
the residents of the Illinois Valley. This project will build on this awareness by providing financial incentives
to property owners to conduct defensible space and thinning treatments. Applicants will participate in the
cost according to a sliding scale from 0-50%. The approach is based on offering a range of choices among
contractors to perform an initial assessment and the work itself to optimize the fit between the owners’
expectations/goals and the approach/cost. The work can be undertaken by the owner or approved local
contractor. It is estimated that 125 homes will be protected and 275 acres thinned with priority given to
woodlands adjacent to completed/planned BLM thinning projects and other public land. FireWise training at
community workshops, field visits, and through youth service learning activities will be used to educate and
promote these services. In addition to these outreach efforts, a referral network will be established with ODF,
Forestry Action Committee, IV Fire Department and Lomakatsi. The project will purchase and lease to
participating contractors a Peco Trail Blazer to reduce thinning costs and as an inexpensive way to
encourage maintenance of the fuel break
.
Project Location (latitude/longitude if applicable):
County:
Congressional District:
Josephine
Two
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:
Census tracts
Hayes Hill to California border;
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
The project will be implemented throughout the Illinois Valley with fire hazard reduction thinning
on properties adjacent to BLM and Forest Service land having priority. The project is intended to reduce the
risk of wild fire spread and damage to homes by actively promoting a market choice approach, using financial
incentives to owners to encourage participation. The program will be ‘marketed’ through an activity piloted
by the Biscuit Fire Recovery Task Force Community Fire Education Committee in which meetings are held
where basic FireWise information is provided and various contractors describe their approach to thinning followed by an interactive field visit to properties where the work has been done and/or is being planned. A
diversity of community leaders will be invited to a similar targeted workshop. Middle & high school students
will participate in service learning program where they will learn the principles of and reasons for thinning
and assist in actual defensible space work, using hand tools. Payment for the work will be on a sliding scale
with owners paying 0-50% of the cost. If necessary, assessment planning with the contractor ($30 for
defensible space and $50 for thinning) will be funded so that homeowner concerns (e.g. that their property
will be clear cut) can be addressed. Training on conducting owner-friendly assessments, taking into account
homeowner concerns and aesthetic preferences, will be provided by the more experienced contractors. The
project coordinator, an experienced contractor himself, will review treatment plans to assure reasonable cost
and will visit completed work to ensure quality and customer satisfaction.
It is expected that approximately 125 homes (average cost $500) and 275 acres (average cost, $700/acre) will
be treated. For defensible space, it is anticipated that 30 will pay 50% of the total cost, 40 will pay 25%, and
55 will pay nothing. Similarly it is anticipated that 50% of cost for 65 acres will be paid for by the owner,
25% payment for another 80 acres, and that 130 acres will be done at no cost to the homeowner. The work
will be conducted by an approved contractor, selected by the owner. The work will be done using chain saws
and hand tools. Where required/requested a Morbark chipper, bucket truck, and skidders owned by
Association members will be made available to other contractors at cost for jobs that require it. Also, a Peco
Trail Blazer, which can lay flat and chop material up to 1” in diameter, is being requested for on-leasing to
the contractors as needed. This should reduce labor costs on some jobs and make fire break maintenance more
affordable (i.e. hourly rental @ $45-50 with operator and capable of clearing .75- 1 acre/hour).
A referral network will be created through ODF, the Forestry Action Committee, Lomakatsi and the IV
Forestry Association*. Past/future BLM thinning projects will be identified so that adjacent private properties
can be targeted. The BLM categorical exclusion program, whereby 100 feet of BLM land can be cleared by
the adjacent owner will be publicized and will be eligible for financial support from this project. The IV Fire
Department will refer property owners, requiring thinning work around their homes and/or to improve safe
egress to both Lomakatsi and this project. This project will coordinate with the ODF Residential Assessment
& Defensible Space program by taking referrals for people unable to perform the work themselves and who
lack the resources to pay in advance or to provide the cost share, and those whose property requires further
work beyond the 100’ surrounding the house. Coordination will avoid double payment for the same work.
Work will begin once funds are released, and the project is expected to last one year. Project match is
expected to be $39,375 from property owners and will be used as co-payments to the contractors to pay for
the work. Monthly rental of the Peco is expected to be an average of 50 hours, generating $6,000 of income,
which will either be held to purchase a second, replacement machine if the trial is successful or used to
finance additional acres for thinning.
The IV Forest Contractors Association is an open, voluntary grouping of (currently) 15 businesses who have
decided to collaborate in order to improve their marketing and capacity to access federal (RAC, agency)
forest-work related contracts.
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?
Response:
Surrounded by federal land with numerous interspersed BLM plots, the Illinois Valley – as was so vividly
demonstrated last year during the Biscuit Fire – is a prime example of wildland-urban interface. With an
increasing number of homes being built in wooded areas and multiple acres of private property adjoining
federal forests, the danger of wildfire spreading across these ownership boundaries is enormous. This project
will reduce the risk of this happening by providing property owners the financial incentive and workforce
compatible with their personal goal/property vision to conduct environmentally sound thinning on property
adjacent to federal lands and on up to 100 feet into BLM property. Also, homes will be protected through the
creation of defensible space and by clearing along roadways to allow safe access by fire suppression teams.
Property owners benefiting from the program will be required to sign an agreement to maintain the fire break.
To encourage their doing so, they will be trained – in the Community Workshops, field days, and during the
assessments – on FireWise basics-i.e. the importance and fundamental how-to’s of maintaining defensible
space and a fire adapted woodlot. The introduction of the Peco and its ability to control small brush, thickets,
etc through less labor intensive, mechanical means will make it more affordable for property owners to
finance future work needed to maintain their property at a lower fire risk level. In the medium term, the goal
will be to generate value (either through the owner’s own use of firewood/poles or by creating a market for
thinning off-take) to offset cost to serve as an incentive for future maintenance.
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:
Last summer’s Biscuit Fire raised community awareness around wildfires, reminding people that fire is a natural,
reoccurring phenomena in SW Oregon and that living in the wildland urban interface involves certain risks. While there
have been some people who have responded in the past to this threat by having their homes/property treated, the vast
majority have not. The current workforce doing this type of work (most on a part time basis) is still relatively small;.
The 8 companies doing thinning work that attended the initial Association formation workshop have 10 fulltime and 3
part-time employees (including owners); another 3 people attended, who are exploring going into this field. With the
certain reduction in workforce and possible closure of Rough & Ready Lumber, there will be more interest. In addition
to increasing demand for thinning/defensible space contracts, this project has the potential to strengthen the Association
so that they are better able to identify, bid, manage and win other public contracts (RAC, agency, County Title II)
including road maintenance, culverts, etc; 6 other businesses [6 fulltime & 7 part time employees] with the equipment
to do this type of work are also members. Given an expanding base of private/public contracts, it is anticipated that at
least 7 full time jobs will be retained and another 5 created; 3 part time/seasonal jobs will be retained and another 8
created. Small diameter poles and firewood, and other off-take will be prepared for property owners and/or sold to local
manufacturing businesses (Kaufmanns, WildWood, It’s a Burl, Rogue Valley Fuel, Dovetail Joint). Additional
proposals are being submitted for a biomass cogeneration plant feasibility study and wood fiber/plastic product testing –
both of which would be consumers of high volumes of biomass.
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:
This project advances the implementation of the fire prevention plans of the IV Fire Department, Forest
Service and BLM’s thinning initiative and 100’ categorical exclusion program, the Oregon Department of
Forestry’s Wildland Urban Interface and the Forestry Action Committee’s community Fire Planning by
providing the incentives for home/property owners to conduct the work called for in these other
programs/plans. In addition to the financial incentive, this project will provide property-owners a customerfriendly choice among contractors and an independent monitor to ensure quality/reasonable cost. Cross
referral among agencies and programs will occur so that property owners can be matched with the program
and/or contractor that best addresses their needs and personal property goals.
There are various levels of cooperation at work:
 with agency programs: BLM, FS, IVFD, ODF
 with community groups: Community Fire Education Comm., Forestry Action Comm. Community Fire
Planning, and Lomakatsi
 among contractors through the IV Forestry Contractors Association
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:
The genesis for this project can be traced to the IV Biscuit Fire Recovery Task Force – an ad hoc group of
organizations, businesses, and concerned individuals that arose to deal with the aftermath of last year’s largest
wildfire. Among the needed actions cited by the Task Force were increased protection for homes, protection
of private property to prevent the encroachment of fire from public lands, and better understanding of fire
ecology in this environment. Several community fire education workshops have already been held, the next
topic in March being defensible space when information on the existing ODF, BLM, FAC programs will be
presented and several local contractors will discuss their approach. This will be followed by site visits to
properties already treated or in the planning stage, where participants can view first hand what is required to
protect a property, learn the whys behind removal, and observe the actual dialogue between the owner and
contractor in developing the treatment plan. This project has also been discussed by CRT Quality of Life
Committee and at a full CRT Business meeting. Notice of the formation of the Association and CRT’s
intention to apply for this project was included in an IVCRT Insights that appears in the IV News.
Enclosure 3C - Project Work Form
Tasks
Time Frame
Responsible Party
Formalize Referral procedures with
FAC,ODF,IVFD, Association
First quarter
IVCRT: Project Manager
Develop cost structure based on
critical factors: slope, density, species
First quarter
Project Coordinator with
Association members
Develop sliding scale income ranges
for 100% and 75% support
First quarter
IVCRT Project Manager in
consultation with Fire
Recovery Task Force, Senior
Citizens Center, and Family
Resource Coalition
Organize Community Meetings and
field demonstration days
Organize Community Leader
Workshop
Quarterly
Community Fire Education
Committee
Conduct youth service learning activities
Second & third Quarters
Conduct customer/environmental friendly
contracting training
First Quarter
IVCRT & Association
Finalize monitoring procedures
First Quarter
IVCRT: Project Coordinator
Develop payment procedures
First Quarter
IVCRT: Project Administrator
Implement defensible space and thinning
activities:
 do the work
 monitor the work
 fund the work
On-going
Evaluate the project; prepare reports
Quarterly
First Quarter
Association contractors
IVCRT: Project Manager
IVCRT: Project Administrator
Project Manager
Enclosure 3D Project Budget
Cost Category
Description
Federal
Agency
Applicant
Personnel
Project Manager
Project Administrator
Subtotal
4800
2880
7680
Fringe Benefits
Project Manager
Project Administrator
Subtotal
1440
864
2304
Property Owners
Travel
250 miles/month@$.35
Subtotal
Equipment
Peco Trail Blazer
Subtotal
Partner 2
Total
Contractors
4800
2880
7680
1440
864
2304
1050
1050
1050
1050
12,500
12,500
12,500
12,500
Supplies
Office supplies
600
600
Subtotal
600
600
Contractual
Thinning
Defensible space
Project Coordination
Comm. Fire Ed/Marketing
Workshops/field visits
Youth Service Learning Program
Subtotal
157,500
50,000
15000
Subtotal
Total Costs
Project (Program) Income1
(using deductive alternative)
251,984
194,250
62,500
15,000
36,750
12,500
4,000
3,000
229,500
Other
Office space
1
Partner 1
4,000
3,000
278,750
49,250
900
900
900
900
2,550
49,250
303,784
6,000
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.
6,000