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):
Roger Jaegel, R&D Director
Organization/Jurisdiction:
The Watershed Research and Training Center
Phone:
FAX:
Email:
530-628-4206
530-628-5100
rjjr@snowcrest.net
Project Information
Project Title:
Dry Forest Mechanized Fuels Treatment Trials - Ashland Watershed/Blue Mountains
Proposed Project Start Date:
Proposed Project End Date:
November 1, 2002
November 1, 2003
Federal Funding Request:
Total Project Funding:
$136,00
$178,500
Are you submitting multiple projects? If so, please explain and prioritize:
n/a
Brief Project Description:
The Dry Forest Mechanized Fuels Treatment Trials (DFMT), funded by the NFP, recently finished its fourth
set of field trials. The trials attracted hundreds of participants and the model created proved highly successful
in encouraging dialogue about fuels treatment objectives and methods between local contractors, government
agency personnel, community representatives, and media. The model was also successful in fulfilling its
goals of introducing various mechanized fuels manipulation options in realistic situations, providing data to
assess analysis of economics and environmental impacts, and utilizing biomass where appropriate. Hayfork
Watershed Research & Trng. Cntr., through its new satellite office in Ashland, proposes to use the model
created by the DFMT project to implement trials in the Ashland Watershed and the Blue Mtns., WallowaWhitman NF. The focus will be on steep ground and riparian areas in the wildland-urban interface (WUI),
situations that were not addressed by the DFMT project. Trials will be accessible to the public, and results
will be synthesized and disseminated to community representatives, government agency personnel, potential
contractors, and other interested groups. A public/private Steering Committee will guide the project.
Project Location (latitude/longitude if applicable):
County:
Congressional District:
Ashland, OR & Wallowa-Whitman NF
NF
Jackson and Wallowa or Union
2 and 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 two sites: Rogue River NF,
Ashland watershed, and Wallowa-Whitman NF. Each location has community partners and landscape fire
plans completed or in progress.
IMPLEMENTATION, ACTIVITIES, TIME FRAME, AND EQUIPMENT - A similar approach will be used
as the successful DFMT Trials: 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) Pre- and post
trial site condition and impacts assessment; 6) Final site layout and actual field trials with detailed time and
work study and Safety Plan; 6) Draft and Final Reports; 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. At least one small-medium
size yarder will be used at each site with a trained crew, as well as at least one specialized ground-based
system. More systems will be included depending on ground conditions in riparian areas and specific site
conditions. Up to eight were used for previous DFMT trials. Projects will occur on Federal lands that are
NEPA-compliant.
ANTICIPATED OUTCOMES - Important expected outcomes are increased awareness of different ways to
approach fuels fuels management objectives on steep ground and in riparian areas, and clear parameters to
measure success. These results will help government agencies plan and budget for future fuels treatment
projects, assist local contractors make better business decisions about what equipment to buy or lease, and
improve ability of local community interests to better assess fuels treatment options. Markets for fuels
removed to meet treatment prescriptions will be explored with local small business and industry cooperators.
Final project results will be examined to determine the need for research-level investigations Fewer than 40
acres will be treated in total because of the nature of the project. Long-term many more acres will be treated
because of expected project results.
MEASURES AND REPORTING - A clear Work Plan will be the first deliverable from the contractor
selected to coordinate and run the trials. The Work Plan will be posted on a web site that will also be used to
track discussions, Interim Progress Reports, and results. Pre- and post-fuels treatment data will be gathered
and reported using protocol already worked-out with Regional Office personnel. 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 Ashland and NE Oregon watershed activities. Based on previous expereince, Steering
Committee membership is expected to be mix of private representatives and government personnel
representing USFS Research, NFS, and State/Private Cooperative Forestry, local community groups, local
contractors and industry, industry associations, BLM , OSU, and possibly ODF. National. Marine Fisheries
Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife may also participate on an informal basis. Equipment vendors are key
partners and contributed on average over $15,000 for each of the previous DFMT trials.
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 - Until recently, fuels reduction planning and
projects concentrated on easily-accessible, flatter ground. However, an average of at least 25% of potential
acres classified as needing treatment are steep (35%+ slope) and at least 10% of total acres are in riparian
conservations areas. Proposed project locations and focus were chosen specifically because of lack of prior
work, and potential threats to communities and threatened/endangered species. This project will improve
dialogue between agency field units, contractors, industry representatives, and local community organizations
about efficacy and economics of fuels treatment methods for steeper ground and riparian areas, and increase
knowledge and awareness of options.
RESOURCE BENEFITS AND MAINTENANCE - Long-term the project will assist agency personnel and
contractors reduce costs and environmental impacts, and increase locations and acres treated. Prescribed fire
will be used in most cases to maintain treatments.
COOPERATIVE FIRE PLAN/STRATEGY AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT - The proposed project
was specifically solicited by local interests in SW and NE Oregon. Intensive cooperative planning and
community involvement in fuels reduction and watershed health projects are on-going in both 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. The types of jobs and equipment
needed for steep ground and riparian areas can be used for other forest management activities. Markets for
fuels removed as part of the treatment prescriptions will be explored with local groups and industry. Cable
operations commonly employ 3-5 persons per side. It is conceivable that 2-3 cable sides could operate on
Eastside and dry forest sites for 9 months/year, directly creating the equivalent of 5-11 FTE jobs.
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. Wallowa Resources also has a small cable project funded in NE OR, but has not yet been implemented.
The proposed project will coordinate with these efforts and strengthen them. The existing successful fuels
treatment trials model is being used as the model for the proposed project. Application to steep ground and
riparian areas will expand the model and help adapt it to other sensitive WUI areas.
UTILIZATION - Fuels removed as part of the treatment prescription will be assessed, and markets explored
with local industry and private businesses. Both locations have interested industry partners.
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 - Both 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. Project locations under consideration on the Wallowa-Whitman
NF are part of the intensive planning efforts assoicated with the Blue Mtn. Demonstration Project.
PARTNERS AND COOPERATION - There is a high degree of cooperation and coordination for each of the
project locations proposed. The Ashland Watershed consists of several groups and organizations, including
the Collaborative Learning Circle, the Applegate Partnership, the City of Ashland, and Jefferson Sustainable
Development Institute, among others. The Wallowa-Whitman NF is within the Blue Mtn. Demonstration
Project which consists of fewer groups and organizations, but includes Wallowa Resources as the main
community organizer. Sustainable Northewest, 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. Based on previous experience, the
Steering Committee for the proposed project will include USFS Research, NFS, and State/Private, BLM,
local contractors and industry, local commuinity organizations, industry associations, OSU, and possbily
ODF. National Marine Fisheries Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife representatives have expressed an
interest in participating on an ad hoc basis and as their work schedule permits. 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 - The model used for the proposed project was shaped by
community and agency representatives in four locations and three states. Over 15 agencies and organizations
were represented at previous trials. It is expected even more will participate in these trials because of already
established contacts. Hayfork Watershed Research & Trng. Cntr. will work with the contractor selected to
ensure participation and intensive public outreach similar to previous treatment trials. Existing groups and
organizations established for planning and involvement purposes will be utilized and included at both the
proposed locations.
LOCAL SUPPORT AND COST-SHARING - There will always be opposition to vegetative manipulation on
public lands. However, both site locations have long-histories of local involvement and support for the
activities proposed. Equipment vendors will contribute in-kind services and supplies equivalent to about
$30,000 for the present proposal. Applicant and other partners will contribute another $10,000 in-kind.
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 and costs to treat highly sensitive areas, such as steep slopes and riparian areas. 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.
Enclosure 3C - Project Work Form
Tasks
Time Frame
Responsible Party
1. Organize Core Steering Committee
and Issue RFP for Contractor, .
60 Days From Notice to Proceed
(*Timeline starts with signed
agreement-contract between USFS
and Hayfork Watershed Research
& Training Cnr. (HWRTC)
HWRTC Ashland Coordiantor
(with assistance from PNW
State & Prvt. Liaison for
Previous Mech. Fuels
Treatment Project)
2. Evaluate and Award Contract
90 Days
HWRTC Coordinator and Core
Steering Committee
3. Complete Work Plan, site selection,
equipment alternatives review,
schedule field trials, and create web
site.
120 Days
HWRTC Coordinator, Primary
Contractor, Site Liaisons, and
Expanded Steering Committee
4. Complete Communication and
Outreach Plan and implement.
150 days
HWRTC Coordinator, Primary
Contractor, Site Liaisons, and
Expanded Steering Committee
5. Complete final site layout, Safety
Plan, pre-project assessments and
time/motion studies; train group
facilitators; stage field trials; and
comlete post-project assessments.
210 days
HWRTC Coordinator, Primary
Contractor, Site Liaisons, and
Expanded Steering Committee
6. Complete Draft Final Report,
submit for review, and incorporate
comments.
280 days
HWRTC Coordinator, Primary
Contractor, 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, Primary
Contractor, Site Liaisons, and
Expanded Steering Committee
Top of Form
Enclosure 4D - Project Budget
Cost Category
Description
Personnel
HWRTC Local Coordinator
$25/hr x400
Subtotal
Federal
Agency
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
$5,000.00
$3,500.00
$8,500.00
$0.00
$0.00
$66,000.00
$10,000.00
$76,000.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$70,000.00
$0.00
$70,000.00
$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
$5,000.00
$3,500.00
$8,500.00
Equipment
Yarder, Crew, Shovel, Lowboy
Economizer, Crew, Loader
Subtotal
Applicant
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$36,000.00
$36,000.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$30,000.00
$10,000
$10,000.00
$30,000.00
Supplies
Subtotal
$0.00
Contractual
Prime Contractor
$70,000.00
Subtotal
$70,000.00
Other
Outreach,media services
Admin. @ 7%
Subtotal
Total Costs
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$9,500.00
$9,500.00
$0.00
$0.00
$2,500.00
$0.00
$2,500.00
$9,500.00
$12,000.00
$136,000.00
$10,000.00
$30,000.00
$2,500.00
$178,500.00
$2,500.00
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