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:
Oregon Department of Forestry
Phone:
FAX:
Email:
503-945-7341
503-945-7454
sboro@odf.state.or.us
Address (Street or P. O. Box, City, State, Zip):
2600 State Street, Salem, Oregon 97310
Project Coordinator
Project Coordinator (Name and Title):
David J. Jacobs, Assistant Unit Forester
Organization/Jurisdiction:
Oregon Department of Forestry, Central Oregon District, The Dalles Unit
Phone:
541-296-4626
FAX:
Email:
541-298-4993
david.j.jacobs@state.or.us
Project Information
Project Title:
Chenowith & Browns Creek Defensable Space and Fuels Reduction
Proposed Project Start Date:
Proposed Project End Date:
October, 2003
October, 2006
Federal Funding Request:
Total Project Funding:
$196,665
$232,365
Are you submitting multiple projects? If so, please explain and prioritize:
Brief Project Description:
Provide financial assistance and incentives to non-industrial landowners in the Chenowith Creek and the
Browns Creek areas, just outside of The Dalles, for vegetation management to create defensible space, to
reduce fire hazard, and improve forest health in the adjoining timber stands. The funds would be used as a
cost share incentive to allow landowners to make a single entry into stands and treat the total stand to meet
the objective of reducing the fire hazard and improving forest health.
This area is at extreme risk from wildfire due to an increase in rural Interface residences, and the signifant
role that the Columbia River Gorge winds play in creating extreme fire behavior and potentially disasterous
wildfires.
This is a continuation and expansion of an existing project funded imediately adjacent and would coincide
with this already funded area to provide fuels treatment across the entire area at risk rather than just a portion.
This project will provide continuous funding for all lands at risk in the Seven Mile Hill area, and is one of
two
that are being submitted for the 2003 grant cycle.
Project Location (latitude/longitude if applicable): County:
Congressional District:
Chenowith Creek, Browns Creek
Wasco
2nd, Walden
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
Project Location: The area is located in and around the communities of Chenowith and Browns
Creeks, which are timbered and grassy zones adjoining the Columbia River National Scenic Area. This area
is at significant risk from wildfire due to the population density and influence that Gorge winds have on
creating extreme fire behavior and potentially disastrous fires.
Response:
Project Implementation: Commercial harvest in this area provides little in the way of profit to the landowner.
The landowner can sometimes make a small profit by doing a commercial thinning. This leaves activities
such as precommecial thinning and fuel reduction of the remaining fuel hazard undone. The result is a
continued fuel buildup and a decrease in forest health. These funds would be used to cost share with the
landowner for the total treatment of the site with the objective of reducing the fuel hazard and improving
forest health. The cost share would be only on the portion that would not generate a profit from a commercial
harvest. Cost share incentives would have a base rate of 80%, with additional incentives up to 95%, for
landowners working together, utilization of material, discouraging burning, use of local contractors, and
creating defensible space around improvements. Letters will be sent to each landowner in the grant area
describing the grant and setting up a meeting that will answer additional questions. When a landowner
expresses an interest in participating, a Service Forester will meet with the landowner and decide what needs
to be done. The landowner will sign an agreement that describes the work to be done. When the work is
completed a Service Forester will review and sign off and payment will be made for work completed.
Project Outcome: The outcome of this project will be to reduce the fire hazard and improve forest health on
approximately 9,100 acres and directly and indirectly protect about 250 rural lots and fulltime residences.
This will also serve as a model for landowners and encourage them to take action to protect their personal
investments. Project Measures & Reporting: Each landowner will sign an agreement that will outline the
work to be accomplished. ODF Salem will assist in tracking the grant funds. When the work is completed
the Service Forester will review and sign off on the amount of work completed. ODF Salem will process
payment to the landowner. This process will record the work items accomplished and amount of acres and
the funds spent. Partners: Partners will be the local landowners.
Project Income: None expected Project
Time Frames: This work would be accomplished between October 2003 and September 2006
Activities & Equipment Used: Activities would include pre-commercial thinning, pruning, material
utilization’s, such as poles & posts, chips, hog fuel, firewood, and slash disposal, which would include
chipping, piling, and burning. Burning is discouraged but in some cases it may be the only method to dispose
of the fuel hazard. Equipment will range from mechanical harvesters, chippers, chainsaws, grapple pilers,
and dozer piling. Hand crews will be used where possible to minimize ground disturbance activities.
Extent of Actions: The actions would effect approximately 9,100 acres and directly and indirectly protect
about 250 rural lots and full time residences, and the area of Chenowith and Browns Creeks with a population
estimated of round 700 people.
Environmental, Cultural, and Historic Resources: All activities will follow the requirements for the Forest
Practices Act. Consultation with ODFW and USFS on threatened and endangered species in the area resulted
in no species identified utilizing both Federal and State species lists. Cultural concerns are present in the
area, however through consultation with the CRGNSA no known cultural sites were identified within the
project area. Contact with USFS biologists and archeologists has resulted in a decision that the project is
“Not Likely to Adversely Affect” any known T&E or Cultural sites.
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: This
project will reduce the fire risk directly by reducing the amount of fuel in the affected area.
First priority will be to create defensible space, the next will be to work in the area directly beyond defensible
space. This will reduce the stand density to an appropriate level for the given site class. By reducing the
stand density and getting the stand to a healthy state, it will be able to withstand a moderate intensity fire.
This project will directly reduce the risk of high intensity fire and thereby reduce the risk to the affected
communities. The potential for removal of bio-mass will depend on the specific site. Estimates range from
25 to 75 tons per acre, the material could be used for chips at the local chip mill, or firewood through local
commercial dealers.
Coordination has taken place with the Columbia River National Scenic Area. This project covers the border
of private timberlands adjoining the National Scenic Area. A similar grant was approved directly to the west
of this grant proposal. CRGNSA has plans for additional fuel reduction treatments on adjacent Federal lands.
This project will help by tying the private and Federal lands together for fuels reduction in a critical area.
This community has been involved in the Firewise and defensable space triage programs. Public meetings,
demonstrations, newspaper articles, and fair displays have all recently publicized the issues. Annual tirage
programs have been held in the area. It is estimated that in this dry site Pine and Mixed conifer ecosystem
this fuel hazard mitigation will be good for 10 plus years, during which landowners will be encouraged to use
a low intensity fire and fuel removal around structures to maintain the mitigation work.
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: This
grant will stimuate the landowners to explore alternatives for the treatment of their land. The
local community is very aware of the fire potential and have a concern. This will be the boost to help them
make a positive change in reducing the fire hazard and improving forest health. One of the possible methods
of treatment will be to haul chip logs to the local chip mill in The Dalles which is 5 miles away. Additionally
there is a commercial firewood yard located in Dallesport that can utilize a significant amount of the product
as well. Utilization will be the preferred and recommended method of treatment for the chip logs and
firewood.
This project will help a sagging economy in Wasco County. The timber industry especially is struggling, and
this project has the potential to support other forest related jobs within the area. The diversification would
come from the ability to utilize smaller material and assistance to make it economical to treat these private
non-industrial lands. The local Fire Prevention Coop will share the results through community awareness
programs throughout the Mid Columbia Area.
This projects could potentially be the seed money to keep 25 to 50 people seasonally employeed for
approximately 3 years.
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: This
grant proposal fits into a strategy of The Dalles Unit and the Central Oregon District to apply
for grants to cover identified Communities at Risk. Currently two other grants have been funded. One of
these grants was coordinated with the local County Fire Chiefs in Hood River, as well as representatives from
Mt Hood National Forest. The Mt Hood National Forest is planning to connect their fuel hazard mitigation
projects to the work that is being done on private lands within the Hood River County area. The second
funded grant is in Wasco County and was also a coordinated effort between the Columbia River Gorge NSA,
and local rural and county agencies. The CRGNSA is planning hazard reduction on their lands as well.
A high level of cooperation exists between Wasco County, the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area,
the Mid Columbia Fire Prevention Coop as well as the local fire district in coordination of this grant and
future grant opportunities. There are current and ongoing grants with Wasco County covering spatial data
informational systems that will be made available to all interested parties for aid in prevention and response
to all risk disasters in addition to wildfires. This data will be invaluable for use in this and future grant
proposals. In addition this project fits well with a WSU funded grant designed to assist in the overall
coordination and cooperation in the four county area, in Oregon and Washington.
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:
There has been a series of Firewise workshops in Central Oregon, in which we have had participants from
Hood River and Wasco Counties. Locally we have had Defensible space presentations to the Small
Woodland Owners, and on site Triage programs for local residents. There have been ongoing displays at the
county fairs, direct mailings to the landowners in the grant areas, public meetings, and newspaper articles.
Local government, economic development, state and federal agencies have met to coordinate opportunities
with the National Fire Plan grants. The counties have grant money and are working in coordination with this
effort as well and the National Forests, and the Oregon Department of Forestry. Interagency cooperation and
support of this and all fuels reduction projects has proven extremely successful in this area.
The benefits of this project are direct fire hazard reduction, improved forest health, local economic
stimulation, bio-mass utilization, and local government coordination. These projects have proved a stimulus
to getting local agencies to working together. Hood River and Wasco Counties are economically depressed,
and will benefit from this project. Defendable Space prevention displays and workshops will be utilized and
presented utilizing Power Point Presentations to the general public and local landowners.
Enclosure 3C - Project Work Form
Tasks
Time Frame
Responsible Party
Identify specific landowners and
direct mail the grant information and
set up a meeting for landowners in the
grant area.
October/December 2003
The Dalles Assistant Unit
Forester, Office Specialist
Sign up landowner in the program,
arrange for a site visit. Do a hazard
assessment, determine what activities
need to take place, sign an agreement
for the work, and authorize the work.
October 2003, and ongoing
through 2006
Service Forester/Forest Officer
Monitor projects, document activities
for future educational opportunities,
check for compliance, verify work
accomplished, process final payment
record and submit for payment.
October 2003, and ongoing
through 2006
Service Forester/Forest
Officer/Office Specialist
Use projects as an example of fire
hazard reduction and improved forest
health. Develop public prevention
displays for continuous use in fairs
and public events.
October 2003, and ongoing
through 2006
Service Forester/Assistant Unit
Forester
Top of Form
Enclosure 3D - Project Budget
Cost Category
Description
Federal
Agency
Applicant
Personnel
Service Forester 4 mths
Administrative Support
Subtotal
$22,000.00
$0.00
$22,000.00
$3,400.00
$3,400.00
Fringe Benefits
OPE @ 38.9%
$6,800.00
$1,300.00
Subtotal
$6,800.00
$1,300.00
Travel
Vehicle Mileage
$1,000.00
$500.00
Subtotal
$1,000.00
$500.00
Equipment
Projector for public display
IPAC/GPS/GIS Software
Subtotal
$4,000.00
$2,500.00
$6,500.00
$0.00
Supplies
Service and Supplies
$1,000.00
$500.00
Subtotal
$1,000.00
$500.00
$0.00
Partner 1
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
Contractual
Landowner Cost Share Agrmts
$150,000.00
$0.00
$30,000.00
Subtotal
$150,000.00
$0.00
$30,000.00
Other
Salem Grant Coodinator @ 3%
Subtotal
Partner 2
Total
$0.00
$0.00
$22,000.00
$3,400.00
$25,400.00
$0.00
$0.00
$8,100.00
$0.00
$8,100.00
$0.00
$0.00
$1,500.00
$0.00
$1,500.00
$0.00
$0.00
$4,000.00
$2,500.00
$6,500.00
$0.00
$0.00
$1,500.00
$0.00
$1,500.00
$0.00
$0.00
$180,000.00
$0.00
$180,000.00
$0.00
$5619
$3746
$9365
$5619
$3746
$9365
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$196,665
$5,700.00
$30,000.00
$0.00
$232,365
Total Costs
Project (Program) Income1
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.
$0.00