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:
City of Powers
Phone:
FAX:
Email:
541-439-5555
541-439-5555
powersch@ucinet.com
Address (Street or P. O. Box, City, State, Zip):
275 Fir Street; P.O. Box 250; Powers, Oregon 97466
Project Coordinator
Project Coordinator (Name and Title):
Ben M. McMakin , City Manager
Organization/Jurisdiction:
City of Powers
Phone:
FAX:
Email:
541-439-3331
541-439-5555
powersch@ucinet.com
Project Information
Project Title:
High School and Orchard Park Protection
Proposed Project Start Date:
Proposed Project End Date:
October 2003
August 2004
Federal Funding Request:
Total Project Funding:
$$84,600
$$86,000
Are you submitting multiple projects? If so, please explain and prioritize:
The Project can be broken into three (3) sites and prioritized as follows:
1. The High School Hill which surrounds the school on 3 sides and included the upslope around the
School. (16 net Acres)
2. Orchard Park, (49 net acres), a basically unimproved park 5 road miles south of the City.
3. A 21 acre, about 18 acres forested piece of property on the north of the High School adjacent to
BLM forest.
Brief Project Description:
The object at all sites would to reduce the fire danger by reducing the fuel load and reducing the ladder
fuels. No logging or cutting commercial trees would occur at any site. Two operations would occur:
1) Larger trees will be pruned to a height of eight (8) feet above the ground.
2) All brush, particularly Scottish and French broom, will be reduced or eliminated. The slash will be
pilled and burned.
Project Location (latitude/longitude if applicable):
County:
Congressional District:
City of Powers & Sec. 30, T.31S,
R11W
Coos
Oregon 4
Project Type: Check appropriate project type. More than one type may be checked. If only Box (4) is checked, use Enclosure 4.
(1)
(2)
Wildland Urban Interface Fuels Project
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:
Applicant is municipality.
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: Site 1 is on the eastern side of Powers, is the site of the high school and City water storage tanks and is adjacent
to BLM and Plumb Creek forest lands. The parcel is about 21 acres with five acres developed, leaving 16 acres of forested
land. The high school is on a hill (with the elementary school at the bottom of that hill) and forested property surrounds the
high school. The School District is a major partner in this project and as much of the work as possible will be done by
students. Only hand equipment will be used by students, with chain saws being the only power equipment to be used only
by those trained and over the age of 18. Other partners include Powers Ranger District, U. S. Forest Service (USFS), and
the Powers Fire Department. The Powers Ranger District and Powers Fire Department will advise the project to insure the
maximum protection of both schools, valuable community assets, from an accidental fire started in town at the base of the
high school hill and from potential forest fires to the east of the school. Project will begin as grant funds become available
and run through June 2004. The slash created by the project will be burned during the rainy season.
Site 2 is Orchard Park which was acquired by the City in 1947 after the County had owned the property for about 10 years.
During this period no forestry operations have occurred on this property. The 51 acres has a net of 2 acres in a picnic area
and partially open rustic camping area, leaving 49 acres to be cleaned up. The camping area needs almost as much attention
as the wooded areas. The project will is scheduled for November 2003 through May 2004. The east boundary of the park is
the North Fork of the Coquille River, the south boundary is a pasture, the west boundary is recently logged Plum Creek
(formerly Georgia Pacific) land and the south is privately held forest. This park is used extensively by local kids because of
its swimming hole and natural diving platform. The park has the potential of being a community asset but has been closed to
open camping do to the danger of fire in the area and the probability of campers starting a conflagration. The City will work
closely with the U.S. Forest Service, Powers District, in developing the contract and insuring the work is properly
accomplished. The elimination of ladder fuels and slashing will improve the park from a fire resistant standpoint as well as
the surrounding area. Part of the work may be done by High School Students but most of this work will be done through a
bidding system or by City temporary employees. The net 49 acres has no cultural or historical significant. From an
environmental standpoint it is not important unless it burned in which case it could impact the City’s water intake several
miles down stream.
Site 3 is a 21 acres site from the High School property to the Coquille River. About 18 of these acres are forested and in
need of elimination of ladder fuels and slashing. Most of this work will be done by High School students with supervision
being done by the schools forestry instructor. Depending upon the availability of students it is expected some of this work
will need to be contracted out but the aim is to use High School students to the maximum extent. This site forms a buffer
between the City of Powers and the forested lands to the east. As such it will help protect the town from a possible
conflagration coming from the east. The City of Powers, Powers School District and the U. S. Forest Service will be the
partners on this project. Site 3 work will probably start in January and be completed in May 2004. The area has no historical
or cultural significance and is expected to provide environmental problems.
The work at all sites is identical. It is the elimination of ladder fuels and the elimination to the maximum extent possible of
brush which will aid a fire reach the trees. Work done at the High Scholl is expected to be done by students so that the
project can improve to the maximum extent the local economy. Preference will be given to local workers in an effort to
impact the local economy. The population of the town is about ½ what it was when timber was king. The more we can teach
the new generation forest management techniques the better it will be for the long term survival of the town. No income will
be derived from any of these sites. The project will protect two major community asset from fire and help protect the entire
town should the unthinkable occur.
The fire emergency plan will involve the City, School District, City and Rural Fire Departments and Community
Response Team in concert with Powers District of the U. S. Forest Service. This will not only assess the hazards
but provide a map that local residents and visitors to the community can be given which will show the emergency
evacuation routes. We will assess our strenghs and weaknesses from an equipment and training standpoint and
involve the entire community both City and rural residents in a fire safety campaign.
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: Site 1 protects the High School from an accidental fire started on the hill below the school plus protects the
high school and elementary school from a conflagration that might start to the east on BLM or Plum Creek lands. The
elimination of fuels will substantially increase the likelihood that a fire can be controlled or that a fire will not reach the
crowns of the trees. The community has no fire evacuation plan, but with increased awareness and forestry education
that will accompany the use of the high school kids, it is expected that one will be developed. The high school will
maintain the reduction of fuel.
Site 2 will protect Orchard Park, a community asset, the surround lands, and the City’s water intake sever miles
downstream. The City plans on further developing the park but this will only be possible if it is protected. The
elimination of ladder fuels is a necessity for any activity to take place in the park. This project will further increase the
community awareness of the need to manage the forest if it is to be used safely for multiple uses. The city will maintain
the reduction of fuel program. because of the development of the park.
Site 3 which is adjacent to BLM lands will create a strip of land with reduced fuels between the forest and the town.
The School District is looking at this property for a trail system that would promote community health and the
reduction of fuels will not only protect the property but beautify the property for future use. By creating a buffer this
site will protect both sides from potential fire and mitigate the likelihood of fire traversing the area. creating a buffer
this site will protect both sides from potential fire and mitigate the likelihood of fire traversing the area.
The Emergency Fire Plan will increase the community awareness of fire dangers and the measures to protect your
structures as well as the community need to be fire safe.
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: Besides
attempting to keep all of the jobs local so as have the maximum impact on the local
community, the use of the high school students is expected to teach some of the skills necessary in today’s
forest and give some practical lessons in how to implement these skills. The projects will teach work skills
and provide a source of income and jobs for the kids and families in town. Powers has a rich timber history
and the high school is the major player in creating a future for the community in the new forest. They are
doing that through their Native Species Center, actually showing how jobs are created in native species work
and projects like this where actual skills are taught. Strategic planning is underway for the Native Species
program with an eye towards creating a self-sufficient school program that also provides year-round and
seasonal jobs with the Center. Fuel reduction at Sites 1 and 3 will project this new center and economic
development opportunities it represents. Education of our children in the realities of the modern forest will
increase the awareness of problems and insure the future generations will be better stewards of the forest. All
of these sites protect community assets and reduce the fuels in an area that has not been managed for
numerous years. It is estimated these projects will take 6 to 8 man months.
The Fire Plan should take about 3 to 3.5 man months.
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: The U.S. Forest Service, Powers Ranger District, has always been an important element in the town. They
and their personnel have been active participants in all segments of community life. The City has never created an
evacuation plan or other local fire planning document. With the elevated fire risk over the last several years and the
“Biscuit” fire last year, local interest is growing. The increased awareness of dangers and the possibility of mitigating
the risk will be used to spur the community to plan for the possibility.
The Powers Community Response Team (CRT), a grass roots organization of community volunteers and leaders,
working to refine and implement a strategic plan to ensure high quality of life and a vital, sustainable economy. Four
goals were refined in the strategic planning process: Goal 1: Jobs (Economic Development) - By 2010, create a
minimum of 100 quality jobs in the Powers area by developing business, tourism and cottage industry. Goal 2:
Human Resources (Workforce Development) – Prepare the people in Powers to work and live in today’s competitive
world by developing their skills and raising their education levels. Goal 3: Infrastructure – Repair and maintain the
physical infrastructure of Powers. Goal 4: Quality of Life- As Powers grows, maintain a clean, small town feel and a
high quality of life for residents. Developing a Fire Evacuation Plan would fit within Goals 3 and 4.
The CRT would work with the four primary partners – school, USFS, city, and fire department – along with the
Coos County Emergency Management and Rural Fire Association office to bring community members together to
develop a community fire prevention and evacuation plan. This would occur fall 2003-spring 2004. Implementation of
the plan would be the responsibility of the Powers Fire Department.
The plan will take 3 to 3.5 man months to complete but this will be accomplished over an extended period.
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: This
proposal is a cooperative effort between the School District and the City with the
encouragement of the City Fire Department, the Rural Fire District, and the Powers Ranger District, USFS.
As the proposal moves to a reality, the involvement of the High School forestry classes and students will
draw the entire community into the project and the need to protect the community from fire. The key to
involving the entire community is the education and involvement of our young adults. The involvement is not
only in education but in a paying job that will bring money into the community. No cost sharing is proposed
because of the severe financial condition and outlook of the community. From an environmental standpoint
the project will have nominal affect. It is the educational benefits of the ability to practice and see what is
being learned in the classroom that is most important and the involvement of city and surrounding community
residents in developing and implementing a community fire prevention and evacuation planThe pay for work
performed will provide an economic boast to the community and allow some heads to be held higher as the
value of work is emphasized.
Enclosure 3C - Project Work Form
Tasks
Time Frame
Responsible Party
1) Remove ladder fuel and brush
Site 1
Site 2
Site 3
October 2003 to Feb 2004
October 2003 to July 2004
December 2003 to September 2004
School District and City
School District and City
City
2) Fire Protection during slash burns
Decenber 2003 to June 2004
City and Rural Fire District
3) Preparation of Fire Emergency Plan
November 2003 to August 2004
City of Powers
4) Coordination Task 1 to 3
October 2003 to August 2004
City of Powers
5) Administration
October 2003 to August 2004
City of Powers
Enclosure 3D Project Budget
Cost Category
Description
Personnel
WORKERS
ADMINISTRATION
Subtotal
Federal
Agency
Applicant
Partner 1
Partner 2
Total
20,850
3,200
24,050
20850
3,200
24,050
Fringe Benefits
WORKERS
4,350
4,350
Subtotal
4,350
4,350
Travel
Subtotal
Equipment
Subtotal
Supplies
Subtotal
Contractual
ORCHARD PARK
COORDINATOR
Subtotal
39,700
15,000
54,700
1,400
1,400
39,700
16,400
56,100
Other
1,500
1,500
Subtotal
1,500
1,500
Total Costs
84,600
86,000
Project (Program) Income1
(using deductive alternative)
1
-0-
-0-
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-