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:
Ferry Conservation District
Phone:
FAX:
Email:
509/775-3474
509/775-3170
lyle-gardinier@wa.nacdnet.org
Address (Street or P. O. Box, City, State, Zip):
84 E. Delaware Ave., P.O. Box 1045, Republic, WA 99166
Project Coordinator
Project Coordinator (Name and Title):
Lyle Gardinier, Ferry Conservation District Manager
Organization/Jurisdiction:
Ferry Conservation District
Phone:
FAX:
Email:
509/775-3474
509/775-3170
lyle-gardinier@wa.nacdnet.org
Project Information
Project Title:
Marketing Small Wood
Proposed Project Start Date:
Proposed Project End Date:
July 1, 2003
July 1, 2004
Federal Funding Request:
Total Project Funding:
$50,000.00
$105,200.00
Are you submitting multiple projects? If so, please explain and prioritize:
Yes, this is priority one due to our current industrial closures and the national need for small wood economic development.
Brief Project Description:
The Marketing Small Wood project examines whether small diameter wood obtained from thinning and
cultivated trees can be effectively converted into marketable products. The study is being carried out by the Ferry
Conservation District, the Institute for Washington’s Future and the Washington State Labor Council in
conjunction with the Shed Company, highly successful in developing, producing and marketing the kinds of
products to be studied here.
small
wood
from thinning
projects
and cultivated
canrisk.
be These
effectively
Thisdiameter
project will
sort obtained
materials obtained
from ongoing
thinning
of areas oftrees
high fire
materials will
converted
into
marketable
products.
It
uses
demonstration
components
to
structure
a
feasibility
be supplemented by cultivated trees. We will select 8 to 12 products to be produced from three catgeories of
study1)that
real diameter,
costs and
The and
results
of the
will be
widelytodistributed.
trees:
lessuses
than 3.5”
2) real
3.5” products.
to 5.5” diamter,
3) 5.5”
to 8”study
diameter.
Products
be evaluated
would include some produced from other materials now being sucessfully marketed (e.g. doghouses and sheds).
New product ideas, such as decking, kiosks, and standardized solid logs for home construction will also be tested.
All products will be market tested through the established mechanisms of the Shed Company.
This project will lay the groundwork for significant economic gains, as well as contributing to a significant
reduction in fire risk. New economic opportunities will open up for rural communities when the costs of fuels
reduction are favorably balanced by payments for thinning and the sales of products made from the recovered
wood. Paying work in thinning would support the development of a forest restoration industry, which would
combine thinning with habitat restoration and riparian zone management.
Project Location (latitude/longitude if applicable):
County:
Congressional District:
Republic, Washington
Ferry County
100% in 5th District
If the applicant is an unincorporated area, define the geographic area being represented:
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
Response:





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
Removing small diameter trees is essential to reducing fire hazards and restoring forest health. It is not being
undertaken to anywhere near the degree that is necessary because it is not economically viable. The costs of
removing these trees and the prices paid for products made from them have not produced profits. While much
has been done over the last ten years to address the product side, no significant breakthroughs have occurred. No
simple element in the complex equation of creating viable products—not new uses of the resource, not new
technologies, not more efficient processes—has alone made the difference between red and black ink.
This project proposes a new approach. It will build on past work by addressing several variables in the
product viability equation together. Within an overall feasibility study this project will combine the sorting of
material from a thinning contract—and supplement this wood with wood from cultivated trees—with milling the
wood, creating demonstrations of newly developed products, and undertaking marketing tests of these
demonstration products. The feasibility study will answer the question: Can small diameter wood obtained from
thinning projects and cultivated trees be effectively converted into marketable products by systematically
employing newly developed product designs, smaller scale machinery and market approaches. This project has
several elements:
 Thinning: It will contract to obtain the material from ongoing thinning operations in the area
 Sorting: The project will sort and grade the material from the thinning project and the results will be
compared with results from sorting in other areas. The project will select logs to be milled for use in
demonstration products.
 Product Selection and Design: We will select 8 to 12 products to be produced and evaluated in three
categories, according to tree size: 1) up to 3½ inches in diameter, products like wood chips and kiosks; 2) 3½
to 5½ inches, products like kiosks, playhouses, sheds and decks; and 3) 5½ to 8 inches—sheds and decks,
utility structures, and log homes. Products selected will be adapted to the materials available, including wood
from cultivated trees. We are especially interested in designing and testing “ready to build” packages using
manufactured components.
 Production: The products will be produced under contract by a local manufacturer, the Shed Company
 Evaluation: The products will be evaluated in two ways. First, they will be presented to buyers for large
retailers (e.g. Costco) or institutions (e.g. federal park services). Second, they will be taken to homeshows
around the Northwest, where they will be presented along with a market survey to test consumer opinion.
Finally, they will be offered for sale through the Shed Company’s web site and network of dealers. Results will
be compiled and compared.
 Analysis and Publication: The results of the tests in this project will be analyzed in the context of accepted
methodology. The results of the feasibility study will be reported both in print and on the internet.
The partners for this project include:




The Ferry County Conservation District, an agency which coordinates sustainable use of natural resources by
combining conservation efforts with value-added economic development.
Washington State Labor Council (AFL-CIO) represents over 600,000 working men and women throughout
Washington state. Its Economic Development Program utilizes its expertise in job creation and retention.
The Institute for Washington’s Future—a statewide 501(c)(3) organization focused on sustainable community
development and providing research, communications, and networking and project development assistance.
The Shed Company is a local enterprise producing high-quality utility building “kits”. It has an established
market for buildings—from sheds to doghouses.
The Forest Service has been informed of this project. If funded, they will be asked to actively participate.
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?
Response:
This project will increase local capacity and educate the public. While most of the project activity will take
place in Republic, WA, local participants include groups in Okanogan and Stevens counties and could involve the
Colville Federated Tribes. Through communication of the project report, the project will contribute to building
the capacity of many communities throughout the Pacific Northwest.
The Washington State Labor Council is particularly interested in developing models that they can replicate
throughout Washington state. This project aims to generate the knowledge needed to create these models for
viable businesses. This feasibility study could catalyze many businesses, including forest thinning and regeneration
operations, log-sorting yards, the manufacturing of small wood products farms incorporating cultivated trees, and
marketing enterprises. There is entrepreneurial interest throughout the region for developing these businesses.
This project is vital to creating the capacity of Republic to initiate such businesses. In fact it could provide the
last missing step. The resources and skills already exist in Republic and the Labor Council has proven access to
existing capital. What is missing is the knowledge that says if we fit these pieces together to produce a given
product, we will succeed. This project provides the necessary knowledge capital. This is a significant opportunity
for Republic and the local communities in the network—an opportunity to renew the small, independent forest
products industry in niche markets that are overlooked by large corporations. We estimate we will directly create
15 jobs in Republic and catalyze business development bringing an additional 30. This activity should
subsequently spur industries and job creation in other counties as well.
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.
Response:
A.
B.
This project will have little, if any, direct impact on fire risk reduction. It does not contemplate direct action
affecting biomass. On the other hand, its indirect, long-term impact on fire risk reduction could be of major
importance.
To the degree that this project finds economically viable ways to utilize materials from thinning, and thus
makes thinning a paying proposition, it would bring new people to the effort and make it attractive for private
land owners to better manage their lands. It would also serve to extend the money set aside to pay for thinning by
reducing the amount necessary to pay for thinning services.
It is impossible to estimate the impact of these changes. But, such changes could change the nature of
involvement in forest management, resulting in better fire management. This is particularly true in the critical
forest interface areas where the risks are the greatest and the presence of the private landowners significant.
Since this project is a research and development project, it does not require permits and environmental
clearances. The partners who will undertake the research and publication are in place. Subcontractors for milling
and production have been identified but no agreements are in place. The subcontracts for materials and sorting
will be bid for utilizing the Conservation District’s standard procedures.
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 partnership undertaking this project was identified and selected through a network maintained by the
Institute for Washington’s Future. The primary point for outreach will be the statewide network of community
groups, local entrepreneurs, retail business, government agencies and conservation districts that participate in the
networks maintained by the project partners. Information will be shared through direct contact, websites and
media stories.
The local match for this project is $61,000: $10,000 in cash, $15,000 obtained through project sales and
$36,000 in contributed services. The cash match is from local sustaining funds. Project sales will be of material
from thinning and the sale of test products. Services contributed are from the Institute for Washington’s Future,
Ferry Conservation District and the Washington State Labor Council.
Where feasibility is proven, the local partners and possibly labor-supported venture capital funds will invest in
product production. Supply will be sustained by complementing wood from the thinning with wood from trees
cultivated by local growers. The partnership will keep its combined network closely informed of the progress of
the study. This network includes the United Farm Workers, several tribes of Indians, and many Hispanic groups.
Special attention will be paid to informing these groups representing low-income people and people of color of
new jobs and business opportunities.
There is no local opposition to the project.
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 built on a unique partnership of private for-profit business, organized labor, a non-profit
public interest organization and a governmental agency. This partnership is supported by an informal network of
public and private entities working in economic development in Ferry County. These entities include the City of
Republic, Ferry County, Ferry County PUD, the Republic Chamber of Commerce, the WSU Extension Service,
the Tri-County Economic Development Agency, as well as the Forest Service. This partnership rests on the
foundation of local planning efforts and the product development and marketing presently being carried out by
the Shed Company.
Partners for the marketing small wood project include:
 The Ferry Conservation District, an agency which coordinates sustainable use of natural resources by
combining conservation efforts with value-added economic development.
 Washington State Labor Council (AFL-CIO) represents over 600,000 working men and women throughout
Washington state. Its Economic Development Program utilizes its expertise in job creation and retention.
 The Institute for Washington’s Future—a statewide 501(c)(3) organization focused on sustainable
community development and providing research, communications, and networking and project
development assistance.
 The Shed Company is a local enterprise producing high-quality utility building “kits”. It has an established
market for buildings—from sheds to doghouses.
The Forest Service has been informed of this project. If funded, they will be asked to actively participate.
Enclosure 4C - Project Work Form
Tasks
Time Frame
Responsible Party
Organize project, including developing
contracts
Project months 1-2
Institute for WA’s Future
Ferry Conservation District
Purchase and sort materials
Record findings
Project months 2-4
Shed Company
Ferry Conservation District
Review products
Select and design test products
Project months 2-3
Shed Company
Institute for WA’s Future
Ferry Conservation District
Mill wood according to design
requirements
Project months 4-5
Shed Company
Product production
Project months 5-7
Ferry Conservation District
Institute for WA’s Future
Shed Company
Schedule evaluations
Project months 5-7
Institute for WA’s Future
Ferry Conservation District
Implement evaluations
Project months 7-10
Institute for WA’s Future
Ferry Conservation District
Promotional media placement
Project months 6-12
Institute for WA’s Future
Data collection and analysis
Project months 10-11
Ferry Conservation District
Institute for WA’s Future
Shed Company
Publish and circulate report
Project month 12
Institute for WA’s Future
Enclosure 4D - Project Budget
Cost Category
Description
Federal
Agency
Applicant
FCD
Partner 1
IWF
Partner 2
WSLC
Total
Personnel
Project Coordinator
Project Staff
Subtotal
12,000
11,400
23,400
4,000
2,800
6,800
0
2,300
2,300
0
7,500
7,500
16,000
24,000
40,000
Fringe Benefits
@20% of personnel
0
4,300
2,200
1,500
8,000
Subtotal
0
4,300
2,200
1,500
8,000
1,750
250
2,000
750
0
750
0
250
250
1,500
600
2,100
4,000
1,100
5,100
0
0
0
0
0
Subtotal
0
0
0
0
0
Supplies
Office
Other direct costs
Subtotal
0
0
0
1,700
1,075
2,775
400
200
600
400
225
625
2,500
1,500
4,000
Contractual
Sorting
Milling & manufacturing
Subtotal
0
24,600
24,600
5,000
5,400
10,400
0
0
0
0
0
0
5,000
30,000
35,000
Other
Purchase wood
Publication & promotion
Subtotal
0
0
0
10,000
500
10,500
0
2,000
2,000
0
500
500
10,000
3,000
13,000
$50,000
$35,525
$7,350
$12,225
$105,200
Travel
Automobile (10k mi @ $0.40)
Per diem
Subtotal
Equipment
Total Costs
Project (Program) Income1
1
$15,000
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.
$15,000