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:
Washington State Department of Natural Resources – Resource Protection Division
Phone:
360-902-1300
FAX:
Email:
360-902-1757
mark.gray@wadnr.gov
Address (Street or P. O. Box, City, State, Zip):
P.O. Box 47037 Olympia, WA 98504-7037
Project Coordinator
Project Coordinator (Name and Title):
James Brog, Fire Fuels Reduction Specialist
Organization/Jurisdiction:
Washington State Department of Natural Resources, South Puget Sound Region
Phone:
Email: james.brog@wadnr.gov
FAX:
360-825-1631
Charles.frame@wadnr.gov
360-825-1672
Project Information
Project Title:
Greenwater Fuel Break and Defensible Space Project.
Proposed Project Start Date:
Proposed Project End Date:
January 2004
January 2005
Federal Funding Request:
Total Project Funding:
$245,000
$305,000
Are you submitting multiple projects? If so, please explain and prioritize:
Brief Project Description:
Creating a fire fuel break surrounding homes in the Greenwater, Washington community is our primary
focus. This area is prone to east winds that bring hot dry air from eastern Washington through the mountain
passes and creates a fire danger similar to that in the eastern part of our state. Assisting homeowners in
creating defensible space and educating them in identifying fire hazards in and around the community will
also serve to enhance our program.
This area borders the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and is located near the entrance to Mt. Rainier
National Park. Private forestland owners have expressed interest in cooperating to help protect these
communities. Community participation and interest is very high in Greenwater due to efforts of a local
coordinating group of the USFS, local fire district and DNR in 2002. Through a cooperative plan we provided
a condensed “FireWise” workshop and printed materials including; Living With Fire, Creating Defensible
Space, and Home Protection Guide.
This proposal offers a prime opportunity to implement community planning and fire fuels reduction in the
wildland/urban interface.
Project Location (latitude/longitude if applicable):
Pierce County
County:
Congressional District:
Pierce
Eighth (8)
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:
Sections 4, 8, 10, 11, 25 - Township 19 north - Range 9 east
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 community of Greenwater is located approximately 45 miles southeast of Seattle, Washington,
adjacent to Mount Rainier National Park and within the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie Forest in the White River
Valley. The homeowners associations within the project area are: Crystal River Ranch Homeowners
Association, Crystal Village Homeowners Association, Greenwater Maintenance Group and the Lumpy Lane
Maintenance Association. There are approximately 350 homes and businesses.
Response:
This area is prone to east winds that bring hot dry, air through the mountain passes from eastern Washington.
During peak fire season it is common to see temperatures in the mid 90’s, less than 25% relative humidity,
and winds from 10 to 25 miles per hour. Fuel moisture for 1000 hour fuels is typically less than 15%.
This grant request is to contract for the reduction of fire fuels in the area immediately adjacent to the
residential developments by constructing a fuel break. In addition, we will assist homeowners in creating
defensible space around their properties by providing crews and equipment to remove, chip and dispose of
debris. This project will be implemented in cooperation with a community education plan that includes
citizens of the developments and surrounding property owners. The intent of the project is to construct a
shaded fuel break around the community in those areas where standing timber exists. In the portions where
reprod is maturing, the project goal is to remove brush and slash to provide an open fuel break.
This outcome will be measured by the degree of participation from landowners of the properties adjacent to
the community as well as individual property owners. The effectiveness of this project will be improved with
the participation of Pierce County Fire Protection District 26 as an active partner and coordination with USFS
and local tribal agencies. PCFPD 26 provides initial attack to this area from a station located near the
outskirts of the development. The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe is active in preserving and maintaining the
habitat for elk, deer, salmon and other wildlife species indigenous to this area. The Nisqually tribe, in the
southern portion of our region, has performed similar fuels reduction work in Washington state and is in
support of this program
The project will use a combination of mechanical brushing in conjunction with contract thinning crews to
provide an interruption in the continuity of fire fuel surrounding the targeted areas. This will entail the
treatment of approximately 200 acres within an estimated 240-day operating window.
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?
Local homeowners associations, USFS and Pierce County Fire District 26 have cooperated in a
local coordinating group to promote the “FireWise” concept. Community involvement is an integral part of
this proposal.
This project will reduce fire fuel around Crystal River Ranch, Crystal Village, Lumpy Lane and Greenwater
residential areas by thinning and creating a shaded fuel break, thus reducing the potential for a devastating
wildfire in the community. The surrounding forestland is federal, state and privately owned. It includes
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National forest, Federation Forest State Park, and is near the entrance to Mount
Rainier National Park.
In 2002, DNR began educating the residents of this area on the defensible space concept. Because of the
wildfires ongoing throughout the western United States and the devastation left in their wakes, public
awareness was acute to the potential for disaster in this community. The homeowners associations began
actively promoting defensible space in their communities. Crystal River Ranch homeowners association
purchased a small chipper and began reducing fire fuels within the common grounds and park areas. More
importantly, covenants that prohibited the removal of trees and required cedar shake roofs were amended to
allow for fire resistant roofing and removing vegetation within thirty feet of their homes.
Contract agreements will be created with homeowners and the associations to maintain the fuel break for a
minimum of 10 years.
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:
There are several tree service companies in the area that may qualify and bid on the work to be performed. If
local companies are awarded the contract, it is anticipated that a minimum of 12 positions will be available
for this seasonal project. In addition, private forestland owners are interested in cooperating in this project and
will utilize crews for commercial thinning.
The biomass generated will be used in the horse-riding arena and the horse stalls of the homeowners
association. In select areas, chipped fuels will be redistributed or broadcast back into the forest.
This project will serve as a model for other communities, not only in Pierce County, but also throughout
Washington State and the Puget Sound area.
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 relationships between Pierce County Fire District 26, USFS and DNR have contributed to creation of a
plan to reduce the risk of life and homes to wildfire. Public education, fire department training in wildland
firefighting, and coordination of fire fighting resources of these agencies has enhanced the awareness and
cooperation of community members and homeowners.
Cooperating agencies will include DNR, USFS, Washington State Parks, Pierce County Fire Marshal and the
Muckleshoot and Nisqually Indian Tribes.
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:
Through the educational outreach program in 2002, we developed strong support and involvement for
programs designed to prevent loss of homes and forests to wildfires. PCFD 26, USFS and DNR worked
together to identify hazards and create awareness to homeowners. Local homeowners associations responded
favorably to this program and welcome additional support to eliminate hazardous vegetation. The purchase by
the homeowners association of a commercial chipper is an example of their commitment to reducing the fire
risk.
Enclosure 3C - Project Work Form
Tasks
Time Frame
Responsible Party
Prepare project plan for presentation to
community and stakeholders.
January 2004
DNR Coordinator and staff
Develop agreements with stakeholders of
surrounding properties for fuel break project.
Coordinate with USFS, fire district and tribal
agencies.
February/March 2004
DNR Coordinator
March 2004
DNR Region
DNR Olympia
March/April 2004
DNR Coordinator, USFS and Fire
Districts.
News Media
April 2004
Program Coordinator & DNR staff
May 2004
DNR Region
June 2004
DNR Region Coordinator
Prepare contract proposal and call for bids to
contractors.
Provide educational outreach to foster
FireWise awareness within the communities
with the long-range goal of increasing home
survivability and coordinated hazard fuel
reduction work.
Identify and award contract for defensible
space contractor and fuel break contractor.
Develop agreement for use of biomass with
homeowners association and local horse
arena.
Conduct individual property risk assessments
for homeowners in project area.
Contractor to begin work on fuel break
project.
Contractor to begin defensible space projects
through DNR direction.
Coordinate with news media.
DNR Olympia
Project completion and preparation of final
report.
November/December 2004
Program Coordinator
Enclosure 3D Project Budget
Cost Category
Federal
Description
Agency
Applicant
Fire Districts Community
Personnel
NR Coordinator x 12mos.
$ 43,074.72 $ 18,252.00
In-Kind (HOA maintenance personnel)
$ 3,500.00
Fire Crews
$ 1,500.00
Subtotal
$ 43,074.72 $ 18,252.00 $ 1,500.00 $ 3,500.00
Total
$
$
$
$
61,326.72
3,500.00
1,500.00
66,326.72
Fringe Benefits
Subtotal
$0.00
$
-
$0.00
$0.00
$
$
$
-
Travel
Subtotal
$0.00
0.00
Equipment
Laptop computer & printer
Subtotal
$0.00
Supplies
Printing, letterhead, postage
Signs, mailing literature, etc.
Subtotal
$
$
Contractual
Tree Service for defensible space
Shaded Fuel Break Crews
$ 75,000.00
$ 125,000.00
Subtotal
Other
Commercial Chipper
Meeting facilities/office/phone
SUV Vehicle
Fuel and Maintenance
Subtotal
Total Costs
Project (Program) Income[1]
(using deductive alternative)
1,925.00
1,925.00
$ 200,000.00
$0.00
$
2,400.00
$
2,400.00
$
1,800.00
$
1,800.00
$
$0.00
$0.00
$
$
$
2,400.00
2,400.00
$0.00
$
$
$
1,800.00
1,925.00
3,725.00
$0.00
$
$
$
$
75,000.00
125,000.00
200,000.00
9,500.00
$
$
$
20,794.00
1,800.00
32,594.00
$ 13,000.00
$
305,045.72
$0.00
$0.00
-
$0.00
$
$
$
-
$ 244,999.72
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
9,500.00
500.00
$
$
$
20,794.00
1,800.00
22,594.00
$
500.00
$
45,046.00
$
2,000.00
$
$
-
From:
To:
Date:
Subject:
"David F Johnson" <dfjohnson@fs.fed.us>
<charles.frame@wadnr.gov>, <charles.frame@wadnr.gov>
2/18/03 2:26PM
Urban Interface Fuels Management
The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie is very much in support of cooperating in the
formation of local coordinating groups for the creation of a comprehensive
plan for community awareness, public education and fire fuels reduction in
the South Puget Sound area of Washington State. Decades of underbrush,
homes being built out into the urban interface and weather conditions have
lead to increased fire potential. By working together we can help each
other solve problems.
(Embedded image moved to file: pic26208.gif)David F. Johnson
Fire & Aviation Staff
Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Phone Number: 425-744-3510
Cell Phone 425-239-0946
E-Mail address: dfjohnson@fs.fed.us
From:
To:
Date:
Subject:
<Der1godrd@aol.com>
<james.brog@wadnr.gov>
2/18/03 1:36PM
Re: National Fire Plan Grant
Good afternoon,
I am writing to give full support for the National Fire Plan for Fire Fuels Reduction in the Puget Sound
Area.
The Nisqually Indian Tribe, Medicine Creek Wildland Fire Crews say yes to
this plan and would be a partner in this group. The Nisqually Tribe has always had a great relationship with
Washington Department of Natural Resources, and other local forest/fire agencies. This would be a great
plan for Puget Sound Area.
Derwin Goddard, Fire Coordinator
Nisqually Indian Tribe, Medicine Creek Fire Crews
4820 She-Nah-Num DR, SE
Olympia, WA 98513
(360) 456-5221 ext. 174
(360) 456-9855 Pager