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
Phone:
FAX:
Email:
360-902-1300
Mark.gray@wadnr.gov
Address (Street or P. O. Box, City, State, Zip):
Project Coordinator
Project Coordinator (Name and Title):
Marc Titus, Fire Prevention Coordinator
Organization/Jurisdiction:
NW Region
Phone:
FAX:
Email:
360-854-2858
360-856-2150
Marc.titus@wadnr.gov
Project Information
Project Title:
NW Region Cooperative Community Assistance Program
Proposed Project Start Date:
October 2003
Proposed Project End Date:
October 2008
Federal Funding Request:
$250,000
Total Project Funding:
$337,300
Are you submitting multiple projects? If so, please explain and prioritize:
No
Brief Project Description:
Funding for FY 2004 is being sought to support Fire Prevention and Education activities, to train
and fund WUI specialists to support Firewise Communities/USA in NW Region, to assist Firewise
Communities/USA participants in implementing Firewise projects and to implement fuels reduction
treatments as identified by a landscape level 5 year strategic action plan(to be developed by LCG).
Cooperation with the BIA, FWS, NPS, USFS, NACD representatives and other local level state and
county fire officials will insure that priorities are set locally and implemented with inter-agency
coordination and cooperation. Cost-effective strategies have been researched and adopted to
insure the greatest cost/benefit ratio. Community participation will be maximized through Firewise
Communities/USA. This application reflects accomplishments since last year’s application. The
regional Risk Assessment is almost complete, Inter-agency commitment to participate on the NW
Region Local Coordination Group has been garnered, Community education and awareness
seminars have occurred and the public is becoming more engaged.
Project Location (latitude/longitude if applicable):
County:
Congressional District:
NW Washington State
See description below
1st, 2nd & 8th
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:
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:
This project is located in NW Washington State and covers Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, Island & San Juan Counties (WADNR’s
NW Region). This proposal follows 2002 & 2003 NFP grant applications, but reflects considerable progress towards the goals of
those applications. Currently, the WADNR NW Region is utilizing a 3 tiered risk assessment process to identify hazard areas in the
region. Tier 1 utilizes the RAMS (Risk Assessment & Mitigation Strategies) software to provide a high level regional risk
assessment. Tier 2 utilizes the NFPA 299 methodology and 2000 census data to identify WUI risk areas. Tier 3 utilizes the RAMS
Communities module to assess and rank communities at risk within the WUI areas. When we input this data to our GIS, this 3
tiered approach to risk assessment in the region will provide a landscape view of the regions hazard areas and provide a means to
communicate this risk to the public and other agency partners. At this time the region has completed Tier 1, collected 80% of the
data for Tier 2 and performed Tier 3 analysis on known high risk areas to assess, rank & prioritize communities for existing grant
funded fuel reduction programs. Inter-agency support and cooperation is high and public support is growing. This process will
also assist cooperating emergency management agencies with federally mandated planning and mitigation requirements. Also,
commitment from federal, state and local government agencies to form a Local Coordination Group has been garnered. The first
meeting is being scheduled for April 2003, with the primary goal to draft and adopt a 5 year action plan, prioritize communities and
foster inter-agency communication and cooperation regarding NFP implementation in NW Washington State.
This application is for funding to support and advance these efforts. The LCG membership is as follows: a representative from
BIA, USFWS, NPS, USFS, WADNR, WA State Parks, the local work group of the 5 county conservation districts, the Fire
Marshal’s office in each county and WSU Extension. The LCG will oversee the implementation of the following activities. 1)
Completion of the regional risk assessment and prioritizing high risk areas and communities. 2) A regional public/community
awareness campaign utilizing existing programs like Firewise, FireFree and Living with Fire. WSU extension, County
Conservation districts and WA State Parks will coordinate the implementation of the education component of this grant. 3) High
risk communities will be solicited to participate in the Firewise Communities/USA program. This will be coordinated and
implemented at the local level, using membership on the LCG to provide a bridge to local community leadership. Implementation
of community firesafe plans will be supported by inter-agency cooperation. 4) Identification of non-WUI hazard areas across the
landscape that have other environmental or ecological concerns. i.e. Habitat for T&E species that could be protected by fuel
reduction activities. 5) Provide a consistent message to the public and local cooperators regarding NFP activities in the Region.
Information exchange at the LCG level will insure more coordination and less duplication of effort. Activities will be implemented
using the collective knowledge and experience of many agencies insuring efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
The activities covered under this grant will support the completion of the regional risk assessment and 5 year mitigation action plan,
a region-wide public & community education campaign, the development and implementation of community Firewise plans using
the Firewise Communities/USA process and fuels reduction activities as identified and prioritized by the LCG. By using the
Firewise Communities/USA process, we can work with multiple communities in the region. Implementation of community action
plans will be supported by multiple agencies, as well as community members, thereby further reducing costs and increasing
outcomes. Measures of success will be determined by the LCG and reported to the WADNR NFP grant coordinator and the State
Forester.
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:
By utilizing the 3 tiered risk assessments with nationally recognized methodology to identify high risk areas in NW Region, we
insure that monies spent under this proposal are directed at the highest risk areas in the region. Risk reduction efforts will be
coordinated through the LCG to insure local governmental participation. Targeted communities will participate in the Firewise
Communities/USA process. This process has been shown to be effective in bringing local government and communities together to
create and implement a community developed risk reduction plan. Implementation of these plans will be funded by this grant,
along with participation of LCG agencies. The LCG will prioritize and rank communities based on mutually agreed upon criteria.
This ranking process will insure that agency specific needs are met along with protection of communities. i.e. Communities that
are adjacent to federal lands and rank high in the risk assessment process will be given higher priority than those communities that
are not threatened by federal lands. By using the Firewise Communities/USA process, community risk reduction plans are created
by a community Firewise Board with assistance of a WUI Specialist. This Firewise Board will be made up of community
leadership, as well as local government and fire officials. Plans created by this board are driven by local community issues as
identified by the site assessment and evaluation conducted by the WUI Specialist. Also, landscape level fuels reduction plans will
be a part of the 5 year action plan developed by the LCG. This landscape plan will consider issues of concern to all the agencies
involved in NFP implementation in NW Washington. Community awareness campaigns in the region have been conducted for the
past year, with phenomenal support from community members. The biggest question raised during these campaigns is: Where will
the funding come from to implement risk reduction plans? With the funding of this proposal, this question will be answered and
communities will be committed to taking the next step. This proposal also incorporates a region wide public education &
awareness campaign spearheaded by the WSU Extension, Conservation Districts and WA State Parks to solicit community
commitment to Firewise Communities/USA. In order to receive and maintain Firewise Communities/USA status, communities
must commit to per capita spending on Firewise activities and maintain projects into the future.
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 toher 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:
Funding will be utilized to support local WUI Specialists as consultants to communities. These consultants will be working on a
part-time basis with participating communities. Implementation of hazard reduction plans will utilize local contractors and vendors
to supply equipment and labor. Funding could be used to support participating agencies and local volunteer fire departments in
plan implementation. Cooperating agencies, such as the Conservation Districts, will be sub-granted funds to implement the
regional education campaign.
Implementation of this project will be used as a model for other communities in the region. The risk assessment process will serve
as a model for cooperating emergency management agencies, supporting their federally mandated processes. Implementation of the
Firewise Communities/USA program will be offered to the other 6 regional Prevention Coordinators in WADNR as a model for
possible implementation in other affected communities statewide.
With the participation of the county conservation districts, effective and efficient use of biomass and forest fuels will be considered.
Local approaches will be considered using the expertise of Conservation District personnel. Past community fuels reduction
projects have shown the need to be creative in removing biomass. This issue supports the need to be proactive in seeking local
solutions to biomass generated from fuels reduction activities.
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:
Commitment from participating agencies to form the NW Region Local Coordination Group has been garnered. The first meeting
is being scheduled for April 2003, with action items to include the creation and adoption of a 5 yr strategic action plan. This action
plan will look at the regional 3 tiered risk assessment, rank and prioritize high risk communities and WUI areas, identify and
prioritize landscape level fuels reduction plans and recommend potential solutions. Funding under this proposal will be used to
support the first 2-3 years of this plan. When additional funding becomes available, we would be ready to go with additional
projects as needed.
Cooperation is high among the participating agencies, with commitment to insuring solid inter-agency support and cross-functional
diversity in planning and implementing regional strategies. Current coordination with County Fire Marshal’s offices, local fire
districts and county emergency management departments has been very successful. With the formation of a LCG, we will expand
upon existing cooperation and insure even more coordination of agency’s involved in the implementation of the National Fire Plan
in NW Washington.
LCG Members: USFWS, NPS, USFS, BIA, WADNR, WA State Parks, Whatcom County Fire Marshal’s Office, Skagit County
Fire Marshal’s Office, Snohomish County Fire Marshal’s Office(pending approval), Island County Fire Marshal’s Office, San Juan
County Fire Marshal’s Office, San Juan County Fire Chief’s Association, WSU Extension & Conservation Districts from each
county.
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:
On-going community awareness campaigns in the region have garnered significant support for this project. Several communities in
high hazard areas have been approached for inclusion in the Firewise Communities/USA program, which is being funded by a
current Western States Assistance grant. Support has been high in these communities, with the main question being asked about
funding for reduction plan implementation.
The fire season last year opened many eyes to the potential for catastrophic fire in western Washington State. The Biscuit Fire was
“too close” to home for many concerned citizens in NW Washington and community awareness campaigns were well received.
Local government support and cooperation has been high, with soft match (in-kind labor) being available for cost sharing related to
this project. Agencies participating in these activities will support this project with matching labor, when activities are consistent
with their agency direction. i.e. WSU extension conducts education in the region, therefore doing Firewise education is consistent
with their agency direction.
The biggest concern related to this project is not receiving funding to support community Firesafe plan implementation. The public
has seen the devastation related to wildfires in the Pacific Northwest and is primed for action. This proposal would support
continuing work towards the goal of Firesafe communities in NW Washington State.
The benefits related to this project are continuing education and community awareness in the region, bringing Firewise
Communities/USA to NW Washington to give communities a process and outcome related to mitigation of hazards in their
community, and increased numbers of Firesafe communities in NW Washington state.
All work performed will meet Washington State Forest Practices Regulations and the State Environmental Policy Act.
Enclosure 3C - Project Work Form
Tasks
Time Frame
Responsible Party
Complete Regional Risk Assessment
June 2003
WADNR
Bring LCG together, develop 5 year action
plan
April 2003 – October 2003
WADNR and LCG
Regional Prevention & Education and
Community Awareness program
January 2004 – October 2008 (on-going)
WADNR
WSU Extension
Conservation Districts
Washington State Parks
Work with Communities at Risk
Firewise Communities/USA
January 2004 – October 2008
WADNR – Lead Agency
LCG support
Implement 5 year action plan
October 2003 – October 2008
WADNR – Lead Agency
LCG Support
Enclosure 3D Project Budget
Cost Category
Description
Federal
Agency
Personnel
WADNR
$35,000
Conservation
Districts
$20,000
Fire Marshal’s
Offices
Total
$75,000
$20,000
Subtotal
Fringe Benefits
$9,800
$9,800
Subtotal
Travel
Subtotal
Equipment
Subtotal
Supplies
Prevention & Education
Materials
Subtotal
$12,500
$2,500
$12,500.00
$15,000
Contractual
WUI Specialists &
Vendors
Subtotal
Other
Sub-grants to Cooperators for
Prevention & Education
Subtotal
Total Costs
$200,000
$200,000.00
$200,000.00
$37,500
$37,500.00
$37,500
$250,000
$337,300
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.
ISLAND COUNTY
GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
P.O. Box 5000
Coupeville, WA 98239
(360) 679-7378
Betty J. Kemp, Director x7279 /
Lee McFarland, Asst. Director x7466
February 20, 2003
Marc Titus
Fire Prevention Coordinator
NW Region, WA State Department of Natural Resources
919 North Township St.
Sedro-Wooley, WA 98284-9384
Dear Mr. Titus:
Island County General Services Administration is in support of the National Fire Plan grant proposal
submitted by the Washington Department of Natural Resources. This grant will be used to develop
community action plans, complete fire risk assessments, and fund the removal of hazardous fuels in the
wildland urban interface areas in the Northwest Region of the State of Washington. Funds will come via the
National Fire Plan Community Assistance Program available through the federal government.
Island County General Services Administration administers the Burn Permit Program in Island County
through an interlocal agreement with Skagit County which has and will continue reducing the risk of
wildfires in the wildland urban interface areas.
Sincerely,
Betty J. Kemp, Director
Island County General Services Administration
BJK/smc
From:
To:
Date:
Subject:
"FredWefer" <fredw@co.skagit.wa.us>
<MARC.TITUS@wadnr.gov>
2/20/03 3:02PM
National Fire Plan Grant
Marc :
As you know working for both Island and Skagit Counties as a Fire
Warden; I am very excited about the Community Assistance program using
this grant to develop community action plans, and do fire risk
assessments has been a goal of mine for some time, it will be a huge
help for myself in day to day efforts to educate the public on the
danger of fire. Removing hazardous fuels in the wild land urban
interface in both counties is a very high priority for myself and all
the fire districts in both counties.
By your hard efforts getting all these diverse groups together
and forming the partnerships that you have, also getting them all at
the same table is unheard of in today's world. I take my hat off to you
and all your hard work, and am looking forward to working with you and
all the public and governmental agencies in the near future. You can
count on my full support on the Local Coordination Group also
Sincerely.
Fred Wafer
Fire Warden Skagit / Island Counties
2911 East College Way Suite B
Mt. Vernon, WA 98273
360-428-3293
From:
To:
Date:
Subject:
"DanCain" <danc@co.skagit.wa.us>
"MARC TITUS" <marc.titus@wadnr.gov>
2/20/03 2:58PM
RE: NW Local Coordination Group ~ email problems resend of Feb 14 email
Washington Department of Natural Resources
Northwest Region
Attn: Mark Titus
Fire Prevention Coordinator
The Skagit County Fire Marshals Office is in full support of the National Fire Plan grant request submitted
by NW Region DNR. In this Region we have developed a very good working relationship between the
agencies involved and have identified potential local project areas. These areas have severe wildfire safety
issues and in atleast one instance significant community excitement about being a 'pilot project'. It is this
type of support garnered by your team that will make this a real and workable project. With the excellent
team that you have in place I hope that funding from the National Fire Plan Community Assistance program
can be obtained. I repeat that this office supports your proposal and encourages the Community Assistance
program to fund your grant p
roposal. Keep up the good work Mark.
Sincerely,
Daniel V. Cain
Skagit County Fire Marshal
Washington Department of Natural Resources
Northwest Region
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Regional Office, is in support of the National Fire Plan grant proposal
submitted by the Washington Department of Natural Resources. This grant will be used to develop
community action plans, complete fire risk assessments, and fund the removal of hazardous fuels in the
wildland urban interface areas in the Northwest Region of the state of Washington. Funds will come via the
National Fire Plan Community Assistance program available through the federal government.
The Northwest Region has developed numerous partnerships with federal and local parties and will continue
towards reducing the risk of wildfires in the wildland urban interface.
Bruce C. Babb
Regional Wildland Urban Interface Coordinator
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Pacific Region
Portland, Oregon