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:
Okanogan Communities Development Council
Phone: 509-997-2245
FAX 509-997-2273:
Email:
OCDC@mymethow.com
Address (Street or P. O. Box, City, State, Zip):
PO Box 404 Twisp, WA 98856
Project Coordinator
Project Coordinator (Name and Title):
Mike Ferris, Executive Director
Organization/Jurisdiction:
Okanogan County
Phone:
FAX:
Email:
509-997-2245
509-997-2273
OCDC@mymethow.com
Project Information
Project Title: Okanogan County Fuels Reduction Project
Proposed Project Start Date: 10/03
Proposed Project End Date 3/05
Federal Funding Request:
Total Project Funding:
$353,000
$391,000
Are you submitting multiple projects? If so, please explain and prioritize:
yes
Brief Project Description:
Okanogan Communities Development Council is a nonprofit community development organization dedicated to
promoting sustainable economical and ecological development. Our region is all of Okanogan County and our focus is
in creating healthy forests and healthy communities through utilizing our small diameter timber resource. Recent
catestophic fires in our county have raised awareness of the need to expand fuels reduction efforts, occuring with
some success in the Methow Valley, to other parts of the county. Through our efforts we have become networked with
many landowners who are asking for assistance with thinning their property and many organizations that provide
services for our forests. This project will focus on organizing the land owners, particularly those adjacent to public
lands, provide them with stewardship education, connect them with existing organizations and businesses and
resources to develop stewardship plans, contractors to harvest, and utilize the harvested material either through
existing and new businesses. We are partnering with several organizations including Okanogan Conservation District,
Okanogan County, Washington State Department of Natural Resources, and many other groups to develop a
cooperative strategy for providing these services more efficiently and effectively in order for public dollars to go
farther toward reducing wildfire risks. The project has two phases, a Strategtic Prioritization phase which identifies
landowners and priority risk areas where treatments are most needed, and an Implementation phase which targets a
300-400 acre pilot watershed for treatments utilizing a coordinated program for service contracts, established and
monitored by a multi-party advisory group.
Project Location (latitude/longitude if applicable):
Congressional
District:4th
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
(3) (X) Community Planning for Fire
Interface Education and Prevention Project
Protection Project (4) Fuels Utilization and
Marketing Project
If the applicant is an unincorporated area, define the geographic area being represented:
County: Okanogan
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:
Address these items
project location
as applicable:
project implementation
anticipated outcomes
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, et
LOCATION: Okanogan County’s population of 38,000 people is spread throughout a county that
is the largest in the state and heavily forested. Fourteen towns are home for about 17,000 people
while the largest number of people live in unincorporated areas. Our focus is to support expanded
fuels reduction on private lands adjacent to public lands where wild fire hazards are highest.
IMPLEMENTATION: OCDC will expand on its current work in the area of fuels utilization in
Okanogan County by using its existing network to create a collaboration of several agencies to
focus on coordinating and expanding the fuels reduction work being undertaken in the Methow
Valley into the north Okanogan Valley. Site selection will follow prioritization developed through
existing and expanded wildfire hazard assessments. The Project has two parts: “Phase 1 Strategic
Prioritization”: OCDC will hire an Outreach Coordinator who will work with the Advisory group
to develop outreach materials, identify priority outreach contacts based on landscape assessments
that indicate those with the highest risk set up and facilitate community meetings, assist with
organizational development of land owners, and coordinate contractors.
“Phase 2 Implementation”: Once prioritization of areas and forest owner agreements are
completed from Phase I, OCDC will contract with agencies and specialists to provide services to
land owners including stewardship plans, treatments, and post removal monitoring for about 300400 acres (as funds allow). OCDC will work with contractors to complete removal of materials for
firewood and other products such as furniture and fencing. The Outreach Coordinator will provide
the coordination between land owners and contractors and assist with fuels reduction
implementation projects.
OUTCOMES: Provide fuels reduction through stewardship outreach to communities throughout
Okanogan County by completing a strategic plan for organizing landowners (by watershed) to best
access resources for completing fuels reduction projects, carry out the activities in the strategic
plan, and facilitate/network with appropriate existing resources for fuels reduction, and provide
stewardship guidelines to simplify stewardship plans on individual properties.
MONITORING: The Project Director will formalize the development of an Advisory Group and a
Technical Coordinating Committees to set policy and provide oversight for the Project. It will
provide the mechanism for agreement between all participating agencies, (see 3B-1C).
PARTNERS: Existing organizations agreeing to participate are identified in Enclosure 3B, 1C.
TIMEFRAMES: Phase 1-6 months; Phase 2-12 months
ACTIVITIES: Treatments and methods will be determined in Phase 1.
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, sub-criteria 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: A) This project promotes the reduction of fire hazard by providing outreach to land
owners throughout the county, linking them to stewardship services, and providing fuels treatment
and other utilization services. In order for fuels reduction projects to be effective, a sustainable
cycle must be found between economic viability, environmental health, and equity of resource
distribution. OCDC has been working in fuels utilization and marketing of small diameter wood.
This work is dependent on a reliable and consistent supply of small wood being available to
produce products. By increasing the access to stewardship processes in high risk areas of the
county, the supply of materials will become more reliable for regional producers. As larger tracts
of land are treated, the risk of catastrophic fire is significantly reduced. Ecological improvement is
seen both by the reduction of fuel loads and the use of environmentally friendly harvesting
strategies. The original harmony between fire and landscape, trees and harvest, and wood workers
and community can be reestablished. OCDC is completing a Demonstration Project (NFP 02) that
is making flooring and paneling from small wood. OCDC has contracted with over 20 businesses
in producing and test-marketing products. We have developed extensive contacts with public
agencies and nonprofit organizations throughout the county. We are assisting the formation of a
Forest owners cooperative in the south part of the Methow Valley (French Creek drainage). We
are working with them on the value-added/slash removal component of the pilot project. Our goal
is to expand this approach to fuels reduction and forest restoration throughout the county.
B) This proposal benefits adjacent resources and the local community, by reducing the intensity of
future fires that come through the area, lowering the likelihood of structure loss at the wildland
interface, and limiting the possibility of a stand replacing fire on adjacent DNR and nearby USFS
lands. The reduced intensity would allow firefighters from the DNR, Forest Service and local
volunteer departments to complete their work more safely and effectively.
C) Partners in this project include Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Okanogan
Conservation District (OCD), Pacific Biodiversity Institute (PBI), Partnership for a Sustainable
Methow (PSM), Okanogan County Commissioners, local Fire Departments, Alliance 2005 and
Pacific Watershed Institute (PWI). All environmental regulations pertaining to forest stewardship
will be followed.
OCDC is collaborating with these organizations in order to ensure that stewardship resources are
available and that fuels reduction and risk reduction is implemented throughout the county in a
coordinated effort. We are also concerned with increasing the effectiveness of grant dollars by
partnering with others to eliminate duplications in our efforts as well as to more effectively share
expertise.
We are working with DNR and the Defensible Space program. OCD will be implementing a Pilot
Project that will provide useful information as we expand much of its structure into a larger
region. OCDC will work with OCD and PSM/FSP to provide utilization support and diminish
slash piles left on the ground. The efforts of these three projects will substantially reduce the
amount of fuel on lands throughout the county.
D) The Firewise program will be incorporated into the project to facilitate fire risk education and
the completion of Defensible Space work around structures in the targeted watershed(s). OCDC’s
Executive Director has met with DNR’s Firewise Coordinator Chuck Johnson for NE Washington
State who has expressed interest in participating in both phases of the project.
E) This proposal will both enhance a fire adaptive ecosystem and mitigate hazardous fuel
conditions by thinning out thicketed stands of Ponderosa Pine and Douglas Fir. Trees will be
thinned to create a condition in which the chance of crown fires would be limited, and trees left on
site would be able to survive low intensity fires which has occurred historically.
F) The project will educate and organize landowners over a large area in stewardship principles.
The organization will support the ongoing prescriptive 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 year-round 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: A) Phase I will create 2-3 part time jobs while Phase 2 will involve work for 2-3
foresters and two-four person crews backed up by 2-3 support jobs. Slash removal, firewood
production, and other fuels utilization will provide additional employment. Contracts with local
agencies will provide additional employment and income both directly and indirectly for the
community. We estimate that this project will provide approximately 25 additional part time and
full time jobs. Monitoring of the project will be provided by collaborating member organizations
on contract with OCDC as indicated by the Advisory Group and Technical Committee. This
process will be established in Phase I.
In order for fuels reduction projects to be effective, a sustainable cycle must be found between
economic viability, environmental health, and equity of resource distribution. OCDC has been
working in fuels utilization and marketing of small diameter wood. This work is dependent on a
reliable and consistent supply of small wood being available to manufacturers throughout the
county. By increasing the access to stewardship processes to high risk areas of the county, the
supply of materials will become more reliable for regional producers. Based upon our Feasibility
and Business Planning, we project a need for thinning of several thousand acres each year in order
to supply manufacturing needs of existing and startup producers. As larger tracts of land are
treated, the risk of catastrophic fire is significantly reduced. Ecological improvement is seen both
by the reduction of fuels load and the use of environmentally friendly harvesting strategies. The
original harmony between fire and landscape, trees and harvest, and wood workers and
community and can be reestablished.
B) Our project is expanding on the efforts of other organizations by increasing the fuels reduction
efforts to other regions of the county, particularly North Okanogan Valley and the Highlands.
C) We have developed projects in the use of small diameter wood and a network of contractors
and business people who are able use the material. Slash and harvested wood will be converted
into products and firewood whenever possible.
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: A) Although no specific interagency plan exists, OCDC has worked with several other
agencies to begin addressing the regions within the county not currently receiving
stewardship/fuels reduction services. Our efforts are focused on using the information from
existing projects and expanding them to new regions.
B .We do not have a formal coordination group. Our project is focused on building collaborations
between several organizations. OCDC is coordinating with OCD and PSM on fuels utilization
component of their project.
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: A) OCDC has a network that was developed through its work in small diameter wood
processing. We have expanded on this network for this project. The first phase of the project will
involve the development of an Advisory Group and a Technical Committee. OCDC will hire an
Outreach Coordinator who will work with the Advisory group to develop outreach materials,
identify priority outreach contacts based on landscape assessments that indicate those with the
highest risk set up and facilitate community meetings, assist with organizational development of
land owners, and coordinate contractors. The Project Director will formalize the development of
The Advisory Group and the Technical Coordinating Committee. The Advisory group’s purpose is
to set policy and provide oversight for the Project. It will provide the mechanism for agreement
between all participating agencies. Members for this group will be from the Board of Directors of
the participating agencies. The Technical Coordinating Committee will be comprised of
community members and specialists from participating agencies. Together, these groups will
develop the implementation strategies for completion of the project.
B) Partners in this project include Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Okanogan
Conservation District (OCD), Pacific Biodiversity Institute (PBI), Partnership for a Sustainable
Methow (PSM), Okanogan County Commissioners, local Fire Departments, Alliance 2005 and
Pacific Watershed Institute (PWI). All environmental regulations pertaining to forest stewardship
will be followed.
OCDC is collaborating with these organizations in order to ensure that stewardship resources are
available and that fuels reduction and risk reduction is implemented throughout the county in a
coordinated effort. We are also concerned with increasing the effectiveness of grant dollars by
partnering with others to eliminate duplications in our efforts as well as to more effectively share
expertise.
We are working with DNR and the Defensible Space program. OCD will be implementing a Pilot
Project that will provide useful information as we expand much of its structure into a larger
region. OCDC will work with OCD and PSM/FSP to provide utilization support and diminish
slash piles left on the ground. The efforts of these three projects will substantially reduce the
amount of fuel on lands throughout the county.
C) Environmental benefits of the project involve the restoration of dense, unhealthy forests in to a
historic range of variability in which stand replacing fires are rare and fire can resume its role as a
natural part of the ecosystem. The social and educational benefits of focusing this effort at the
watershed level include the development of an educated and empowered base of landowners at the
wildland-urban interface, and the creation of communication networks that will be useful in the
future as well as a number of living wage jobs in our community.
Enclosure 3C – Project Work Form
Tasks
Time Frame
Phase I Strategic Prioritization: Hire
10/03-11/03
an Stewardship Outreach Coordinator
Develop advisory group from
10/03-03/04
collaborating agency boards,
Develop Technical Coordinating
10/03-03/04
Committee
Develop outreach materials
10/03-03/04
Collect landscape assessment data,
refine, and expand
Develop contract with monitoring and
other participating agencies
Develop strategic priorities
12/03-01/04
Begin community forums,
01/04-04/04
organizational meetings
Complete draft of outreach and
01/04-03/04
training materials, review and
approval by advisory and technical
groups, prepare for printing and
distribution
Phase II Implementation:
03/04-03/05
Carry out activities as stated in the
strategic prioritizations
Develop stewardship plans for
identified projects
Link treatment projects to available
03/04-duration of
contractors, equipment and trained
project
crews
Assess and refine project according to 03/04-duration of
standards developed by monitoring
project
agency
Responsible Party
OCDC Board and
Executive Director
Executive Director and
Outreach Coordinator
PBI, PWI, UW-RTI,
Executive Director
OCDC Board and
Executive Director
Outreach Coordinator,
Project Director,
Advisory Group
Stewardship Specialist,
Advisory Board
Technical Coordinating
Committee, Outreach
Coordinator and Project
Director
Project Manager
Pacific Watershed
Institute, Project
Manager, and
Stewardship Specialist
Enclosure 3D Project Budget
Cost Category Description Federal
Applicant
Partner 1
Partner 2 Total
Agency
Personnel
Phase I
$20,000
$5,000
$5,000
$30,000
Phase II
$40,000
$5,000
$10,000
$55,000
Subtotal
$60,000
$10,000
$15,000
$85,000
Fringe Benefits
Subtotal
Travel to and from job site
Phase I
Phase II
Subtotal
$5,000
$3,000
$8,000
$1,000
$2,000
$3,000
$6,000
$5,000
$11,000
Equipment
Phase II leasing
Subtotal
$20,000
$20,000
$20,000
$20,000
Supplies
Phase I
Phase II
Subtotal
$10,000
$10,000
$20,000
$10,000
$10,000
$20,000
Contractual
Phase I
Phase II
Subtotal
$40,000
$175,000
$215,000
$40,000
$175,000
$215,000
Other
Phase I overhead
Phase II overhead
Subtotal
Total Costs
Project (Program) Income
(using deductive
alternative)
$10,000
$20,000
$30,000
$353,000
$10,000
$4,000
$6,000
$10,000
$28,000
$14,000
$26,000
$40,000
$391,000