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: The Watershed Research and Training Center Phone: FAX: Email: 530-628-4206 530-628-5100 wrtc@hayfork.net Address (Street or P. O. Box, City, State, Zip): Box 356 Hayfork, CA 06041 Project Coordinator Project Coordinator (Name and Title): Cate Hartzell, project co-ordinator Organization/Jurisdiction: The Watershed Research and Training Center Phone: FAX: Email: 541-482-4421 541-482-7282 hart@mind.net Project Information Project Title: Small Diameter Utilization and Marketing - Southern Oregon Cost Share Trials Proposed Project Start Date: Proposed Project End Date: November 1, 2002 November 1, 2003 Federal Funding Request: Total Project Funding: $50,000 $80,500 Are you submitting multiple projects? If so, please explain and prioritize: yes, Dry Forest Mechanized Fuels Treatment Trials is #2 priority, this is #1 Brief Project Description: This project will make available on a cost share basis (80-20), the use of small scale/small diameter processessing equipment for trials on public, municipal, and private land in southern Oregon. Currently, several treatement projects are planned for the Applegate area, the Ashland Watershed, and the Green Springs area. The Watershed Center has been asked to set up their small log sort yard, small log mechanized sorter, post and pole peeler, and economizer (a portable small log chipper canter) in each area proximate to the treatment area. These utilization and marketing trials lasting at least two weeks, and hopefully up to 2 months in total, will move small diameter utilization out of the demo- stage and into the program stage. The Watershed Center and local partners will work with a local steering committee, implement a public outreach and communication plan, and co-ordinate with those developing product from fuels treatment on municipal, state, federal, and private land. The intent is to prove product value and begin to pay part of the treatment costs through utilization. Deliverables will include a business plan, processing costs summaries, production costs, markets, and market prices. Project Location (latitude/longitude if applicable): County: Ashland-Medford-Soda Mountain Jackson Congressional District: 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: N/A 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: LOCATIONS AND FUELS TREATMENT PLANS - Trials will be held at least two sites: Rogue River NF, Ashland watershed, Applegate Valley and Green Springs are all options, but no project site is completely "ready" at this time. Each location has community partners and landscape fire plans completed or in progress. Most likely the Green Springs and Ashland will be ready first. Medford Water District says it is also ready. Exact locations and amounts will be determined by the steering committee. IMPLEMENTATION, ACTIVITIES, TIME FRAME, AND EQUIPMENT - A similar approach will be used at each project site: 1) Creation of a public/private ad hoc Steering Committee composed of key interested and affected parties; 2) Appointment of Site Liaisons; 3) Final choice of locations, systems, timing, and protocol; 4) Implementation of detailed Communications Plan with targeted outreach to appropriate community, agency, conservation groups, and industry representatives, as well as media; 5) Product /marekt assessment ; 6) Actual field trials with captured production rates and costs; 6)Actual marketing of processed materials 7) Draft and Final Reports and business plans; and 7) Follow-up public meetings and results dissemination, including national forums. Time Frame depends on grant authorization, but is expected to be completed within 12 months, given fire season and winter operational constraints. Each sort yard will be able to process from one to three logging truck loads of small diameter material per day. ANTICIPATED OUTCOMES - Important expected outcomes are increased awareness of different market values for small diameter material generated by fuels treatment activities. These results will help government agencies plan and budget for future fuels treatment projects, assist local contractors make better business decisions about what product mix to target and what portable processing equipment is feasible, and improve ability of local community interests to better assess fuels treatment options. MEASURES AND REPORTING - A clear Work Plan will be the first deliverable from the steering committee from each project site. The Work Plan will be posted on a web site that will also be used to track discussions, Interim Progress Reports, pictures and results. Draft and Final Reports will be prepared and reviewed, and public presentations made to discuss results in conjunction with local partners. INTERAGENCY PARTNERS - The Hayfork Watershed Research & Trng. Cntr. will use existing networks established for the southern Oregon watershed activities. Based on previous experience, Steering Committee membership is expected to be mix of private representatives and government personnel representing USFS Research, NFS, and State/Private Cooperative Forestry, The City of Ashland, local community groups, local conservation groups, local contractors and industry, industry associations, BLM , OSU, and ODF. The Watershed Center will contribute equipment valued at over $28,000 over the cost of the trials (leased costs). Current equipment value is over $320,000. 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: RISK REDUCTION/HAZARDOUS FUELS MITIGATION - More acres can be treated if the fuels removed have a market value. RESOURCE BENEFITS AND MAINTENANCE - Long-term the project will assist agency personnel and contractors to reduce costs and increase locations and acres treated. We hope these trials lead to the private sector or communities establishing permanent utilization yards. This provides the opportunity to implement projects on private and municipal land to help build public acceptance for fuels treatment and utilization of product from federal land. Social awareness and acceptance is a key goal of this strategy. COOPERATIVE FIRE PLAN/STRATEGY AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT - The proposed project was specifically solicited by local interests in SW and Oregon. Intensive cooperative planning and community involvement in fuels reduction and watershed health projects are on-going in all locations. 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: ECONOMIC BENEFITS - The proposed project increases treatment options, potential "treatable" acres, and local job opportunities, especially in the critical forest industry sector. It also creates job in processing currently "sub-merchantable" material. The sort yard, should it be reproduced, would created six year round jobs in each location. Various local enterprises can add jobs through value-added processing. LINKS TO OTHER PROJECTS/PROJECT MODEL- Hayfork Watershed Research & Trng. Cntr. is already involved with BLM on the Boaz Project and small landowner treatment alternatives, both in the Applegate area. We have also submitted a steep ground and riparian area treatment trial proposal. The proposed project will coordinate with these efforts and strengthen them. Steep ground treatment without value-added utilization is very costly. We need to develop both cheaper treatments and value for the material removed. This model has been implemented in Hayfork California and established at $25/ton value for small diameter material delivered to the Hayfork sort yard. UTILIZATION - The sort yard will receive material down to 4" dbh for sorting and processing. Chips, posts and poles and boards will be made from the material. The best appropriate market will be found for each product. The Healthy Forests, Healthy Communities Partnership and the Collaborative Learning Circle as well as other local partners will help with outreach to both small scale and larger value-added producers who can just the raw material to create local jobs. 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: INTERGOVERNMENTAL STRATEGY/PLAN - These projects will take place within areas that are the focus of intergovernmental strategies and plans. The Ashland Watershed and associated projects have been at the center of an intensive effort for the Rogue River NF, Ashland RD, City of Ashland, and local community groups for at least the last couple of years. The Applegate Valley and the Green Springs Area have been the location of intensive partnership efforts for the last 10 years, where interagency planning and cooperation has been fully developed through watershed and fire planning efforts. PARTNERS AND COOPERATION - There is a high degree of cooperation and coordination for each of the project locations proposed. The project areas have several groups and organizations, including the Collaborative Learning Circle, the Applegate Partnership, the City of Ashland, and Jefferson Sustainable Development Institute, World Wildlife Fund, and REACH, among others. The newly founded LeAucoin Institue at SOU and Sustainable Northwest, located in Portland will provide support for outreach to media. The Healthy Forests, Healthy Communities Partnership, a marketing association will provide outreach to small scale producers and assistance in utilization and market analysis. A more detailed list will be prepared if the project is authorized and funded. 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: INVOLVEMENT AND PARTICIPATION - We have been working with the Applegate Partnership, the Southern Oregon Woodland Owners Association, the Medford Area BLM, the City of Ashland, World Wildlife Fund, Jefferson Sustainable Development Institute, the Collaborative Learning Circle and REACH. They have helped with the concept for this proposal. Cate Hartzell, Ashland City Councilperson and Collaborative Learning Circle co-ordinator has helped organize local input and has helped fashion this proposal. LOCAL SUPPORT AND COST-SHARING - Each trial site will be required to provide at least 20% in-kind match, which may be met through providing material for trial processing or steering committee and liaison services. The applicant will provide another $28,000 in equipment as match. ENVIRONMENTAL/SOCIAL/EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS - The proposed project will help continue the critical dialogue about fuels treatment between government agencies, community organizations, private landowners, local contractors, and local forest products industry. It will also heighten awareness of options available within local markets to utilize fuels removed. Besides local interests, outreach is emphasized to local, regional, and national media. Long-term, the proposed project is expected to help make more acres available for fuels treatment that might not otherwise been considered because of high cost of treatments. Enclosure 3C - Project Work Form Tasks Time Frame Responsible Party 1. Organize Core Steering Committee . 60 Days From Notice to Proceed (*Timeline starts with signed agreement-contract between USFS and Hayfork Watershed Research & Training Cnr. (HWRTC) HWRTC Ashland Coordiantor 2. Evaluate and five possible sites including Ashland Watershed, Applegate Valley, Green Springs, Wolfe Creek, Illinios Valley, and Medfor Water District. 90 Days HWRTC Coordinator and Core Steering Committee 3. Complete Work Plan, site selection, equipment alternatives review, product review, schedule field trials, and create web site. 120 Days HWRTC Coordinator, Agency Site Liaisons, Private Landowers, and Expanded Steering Committee 4. Complete Communication and Outreach Plan and implement. 150 days 5. Complete final site layout, Safety Plan, project assessments and cost and production rate studies; train group facilitators; stage field trials; and comlete post-project assessments. 210 days HWRTC Coordinator, Site Liaisons, and Expanded Steering Committee, Collaborative Learning Cirlce,and Sustainable Northwest HWRTC Coordinator, Site Liaisons, and Expanded Steering Committee, Business consultant, marketing consultant 6. Complete Draft Final Report, submit for review, and incorporate comments. 280 days HWRTC Coordinator, Site Liaisons, and Expanded Steering Committee 7. Complete Final Report, make two public presentations in nearby communties, and disseminate results to interested parties, media, professional pubs and conferences. 310 days HWRTC Coordinator, Site Liaisons, and Expanded Steering Committee, Business partners, marketing consultant, HFHC co-ordinator Top of Form Enclosure 4D - Project Budget Cost Category Description Personnel HWRTC Local Coordinator $25/hr x400 Subtotal Federal Agency Applicant Partner 1 Partner 2 Total $0.00 $0.00 $10,000.00 $0.00 $10,000.00 $0.00 $2,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $2,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $2,000.00 $2,500.00 $4,500.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $48,000.00 $48,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $6,000.00 $0.00 $6,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $4,000.00 $0.00 $4,000.00 $10,000.00 $10,000.00 Fringe Benefits 20% of salary $2,000.00 Subtotal $2,000.00 Travel for co-ordination for dissemination Subtotal $2,000.00 $2,500.00 $4,500.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Equipment Economizer, Crew, Loader Subtotal Supplies fuel, r&m $6,000 Subtotal $6,000.00 Contractual Business/Market consultant $4,000.00 Subtotal $4,000.00 000.00 $28,000.00 $28,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Other media, outreach services Admin. @ 7% Subtotal $3,500 $3,500.00 $0.00 $0.00 $2,500.00 $0.00 $2,500.00 $3,500.00 $6,000.00 Total Costs $50,000.00 $28,000.00 $0.00 $2,500.00 $80,500.00 $0.00 $20,000 Project (Program) Income1 1 00 $20,000.00 $20,000.00 $2,500.00 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. $20,000.00