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:
Crooked River Ranch Rural Fire Protection District
Phone:
FAX:
Email:
541-923-6776
541-923-5247
crr_rfpd@onemain.com
Address (Street or P. O. Box, City, State, Zip):
7000 SW Shad Rd, Terrebonne OR 97760-9250
Project Coordinator
Project Coordinator (Name and Title):
Patrick Reitz, Chief
Organization/Jurisdiction:
Crooked River Ranch Rural Fire Protection District
Phone:
FAX:
Email:
541-923-6776
541-923-5247
crr_rfpd@onemain.com
Project Information
Project Title:
Community-wide Wildland Urban Interface Fuels Reduction and/or Modification
Project Start:
Project End:
April 30, 2001
December 31, 2005
Federal Funding Request:
Total Project Funding:
$177,500
$259,000
Are you submitting multiple projects? If so, please explain and prioritize: No
Brief Project Description:
To continue work on the project previously awarded grant monies through the National Fire Plan.
To reduce and/or modify the fuels available within the wildland urban interface and to reduce the perceived need for
outdoor burning of waste to reduce the likelihood of a catastrophic wildland fire. This would be accomplished through
fuels treatment and community education; with community and local business participation and cooperation; and
interagency participation and cooperation.
To expand Wildland Urban Interface community education and outreach programs to better address prevention and
preparation issues.
Project Location:
County:
Congressional District:
Crooked River Ranch RFPD, OR
Jefferson / Deschutes
2 - Rep. Greg Walden
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) X Wildland Urban Interface Education and Prevention Project
(3) X Community Planning for Fire Protection Project
(4)
Fuels Utilization and Marketing Project
If the applicant is an unincorporated area, define the geographic area being represented:
Crooked River Ranch Rural Fire Protection District
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
 partners





project income
project time frames
specify types of activities and equipment used
amount or extent of actions (acres, number of homes, etc)
environmental, cultural and historical resource requirements
Response: The Crooked River Ranch Rural Fire Protection District (CRR RFPD) is an all-Volunteer Fire Department located in the
high dessert of Central Oregon. It serves a community with limited access and a serious Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) problem.
The District is isolated on a "peninsula" between the merging Crooked and Deschutes Rivers Canyons to the north, with only
one paved access road to the south; and is 90+% surrounded by Federal Lands belonging to the Bureau of Land Management
(BLM) and the Crooked River National Grasslands (CRNG). In addition, a portion of the adjacent BLM land is designated a
Wilderness Study Area; portions of the Crooked and Deschutes Rivers are designated Wild and Scenic Waterways; and both rivers
are critical habitat to endangered Salmon and Trout species.
Like all of Central Oregon, the CRR RFPD is rapidly being developed. A voter-mandated fixed tax rate limits available financial
resources, providing just enough to address the daily operations of the District with an all-volunteer fire department. The Grant
Project allows for much needed wildland fire prevention through actual fuels treatment and community education not otherwise
available.
Work on the project was initiated in April of 2001, with the start of planning, coordinating, and community "buy-in", prior to
receiving National Fire Plan (NFP) funding in November, 2001. Since November, 2001: One full-time employee, designated
Project Supervisor/Equipment Operator, has been hired; the majority of the equipment purchased including a 4x4 tractor with a
swing-arm flail mower and a 3-point hitch "tree cutter" mower attachment, a walk behind brush mower, chainsaw, and misc. safety
equipment; cooperative resolutions approved and working relationships built upon between community organizations and agencies
through a series of public meetings; road right-of-way survey completed and planning initiated; survey, planning, and coordinating
completed, and treatment work started on the first large tract (90+acres) of community property; meeting and planning work
initiated for adjacent Federal Lands; with survey and planning work continuing for remaining tracts of community property; and
partnerships established with other NFP Grant recipients to trade equipment and services when possible to reduce program
expenses. Treatment includes the removal and/or modification of fuels and re-seeding where applicable to reduce the more
flammable "light" fuels.
This project focuses on community-wide fuels reduction and/or modification, through actual fuels treatment, and community
education over 3-5 year period. Its effects are both immediate and long-lasting, reducing the threat of a catastrophic wildfire by
reducing available fuels and sources of potential fires, and the potential reliance on outside fire suppression resources.
Past efforts by the communtiy have focused on evacuation, suppression, and outside resources. The District has been actively
pursuing change of that mindset to "sheltering in place", self-empowerment, self-reliance, and reducing the need for outdoor
burning of waste.
Throughout the project, community education efforts will be reinforced through newsletters, mailings, articles, presentations,
and model property sites. In addition to fuels reduction and modification, reducing the perceived need to use outdoor burning as a
disposal method is emphasized. The addition of a part-time WUI Planner/Educator will enable the District to expand the programs
capabilities.
Working with both the BLM and the CRNG, the District will help reduce the fuel load on those areas immediately adjacent to it,
reducing the threat of spread of a wildfire, while protecting critical habitat.
The District enjoys strong working and cooperative relationships with all of the organizations and agencies it interfaces with,
with the goal to make it safer for all. This project aids not only the District, but the BLM and the CRNG toward protecting lives and
property, but also preserving our way of life and critical wildlife habitat.
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.
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 fuels treatment plan or 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 (a) leads to, enhances or restores a local fire-adapted ecosystem, and/or (b) mitigates or leads to the
mitigation of hazardous fuel conditions.
F. How will the proposed treatments be maintained over time?
Response: This project reduces the risk of catastrophic wildfire by reducing the amount of fuels available and the likelihood of
starting a wildland fire by reducing the perceived need to use outdoor burning as a method of waste disposal. It will establish a
cyclic and perpetual fuels treatment program, along with a brush and paper-recycling program, providing both immediate and longterm results; reducing vegetation to a level that can be managed through routine maintenance. Fire protection will be preventive in
nature, with improved access to those areas with limited or no access due to excessive fuels. Because the vegetation will be better
controlled, habitat will be improved and preserved, protecting the soils from eroding into the watershed, and protecting endangered
fish and birds. Wood and brush recovered will be used for trails and mulch (controls moisture, reduces need for watering). The
District fills a 5-acre site throughout a year with wood, brush and other natural material as a result of a limited program now in
place. Estimates indicate that a formal program as in this project would collect five times the material annually. This project serves
the CRR RFPD and those that utilize the adjacent Federal Lands. All told, it will treat or affect approximately 35,000+ acres. No
permits are necessary within the District, however protections are in place for threatened & endangered species. The BLM and
CRNG/USFS have begun assisting on those lands belonging to their respective agencies. The community organizations have
demonstrated their support for this program, formalizing their support with the adopting of cooperative resolutions. This project
combines with the education and awareness efforts through partnering with Project Impact and Fire-Free. Additionally, Community
Assistance Grant Program money though the State will be made available to treat individual private properties.
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)?
B. To what extent will this project be offered to serve as a model for other communities?
C. Will bio-mass or forest fuels be utilized; if so, in what manner and how much?
Response: The project has created 1 permanent full-time position and will create 2-4 part-time and/or seasonal positions. The
District has also partnered with the Heart of Oregon Youth Corp to provide additional jobs and training to local youth. It provides
for grinding and re-using of the natural material, and the recycling of paper waste. The grindings would be used for local trails and
mulch. Because of the expense and liability of owning and operating a large grinder, the District has partnered with another NFP
Grant recipient that has such a grinder, in a trade for services. The other necessary equipment for the project has been or will be
purchased, rented or leased locally when possible; and persons from the community hired to deliver the fuels treatment portion of
the project.
This project allows for wildland fire prevention not otherwise available due to limited financial resources and personnel. It takes the
prevention, education, utilization and protection plans already in place at local, state, and federal levels, and puts them into action
emphasizing building and improving relationships, and working cooperative partnerships. The project serves as a model using
actual fuels treatment to reduce the likelihood of spread of a wildland fire and protecting critical wildlife habitat; and encourages
reducing outdoor burning of waste by using recycling as a means of disposal to reduce the threat of a start of a wildland fire. This
project further improves access to the limited water standpipe system and community property within the District and reduces
roadside fuels, again through fuels treatment, thus improving infrastructure.
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 plan, or creates such a plan. Describe the plan if it
already exists.
B. Explain the level of cooperation, coordination or strategic planning among federal, state, tribal, local government and
community organizations. List the cooperators.
Response: The project improves coordination of local organizations and both local and federal agencies through application of
fuels treatment. It takes the prevention, education, utilization and protection plans already in place at local, state, and federal levels,
and puts them into action emphasizing building and improving relationships, and working cooperative partnerships. The CRR
RFPD is a target area for wildland fire concerns due to the limited access, limited resources, developing WUI environment,
adjacent federal lands, and critical wildlife habitat.
The District is working with the BLM, CRNG/USFS, CRR Club & Maintenance Association (property owners) Board of
Directors and various departments and committees, CRR Special Road District, Jefferson and Deschutes Counties Public Works
Departments, CRR Riders (horse) Club, CRR Fire Volunteers and CRR Fire Auxiliary. The project will also involve other
community organizations including: Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, 4-H, CRR Lions, CRR Chamber of Commerce, CRR Grange, CRR
Seniors, and Mariposa Garden Club. Additionally, the District is working with Project Impact and Fire-Free programs to provide
education and information to the public.
The project requires both environmental and technical assistance from both the BLM and the CRNG/USFS with initial meetings
already taking place. Possible additional assistance from USF&WS and the Oregon Division of Fish & Wildlife may also be
needed. Recreational lands as well as cattle grazing allotments and critical wildlife habitat are involved. The District is also
consulting with the Soil Conservation District for technical assistance and planning.
4. Expanding Community Participation. (15 Points)
A. To what extent have interested people and communities been provided an opportunity to become informed and involved in this
proposal?
B. Describe the extent of local support for the project, including any cost-sharing arrangements.
C. What are the environmental, social and educational benefits of the project?
Response: The District is attempting to regularly publish and mail a newsletter; in addition to articles submitted to 3 area
newspapers and 2 other local publications. The District has also partnered with Project Impact and Fire-Free to make information
available to the community. All of these contain information on wildland fire prevention. Members of the District also regularly
attend community meetings and interagency meetings to network and “co-op” with individuals, organizations, and agencies.
Support from both the community and adjacent agencies have been strong both in terms of principle and function. Community
groups, individuals, and businesses have contributed both financially with assistance in the form of volunteers, labor, and
equipment, as have the homeowners association (CRR C&MA), Special Road District, counties, and the Fire District Board,
Volunteers, and Auxiliary. All are committed to reducing the likelihood of a catastrophic wildfire and protecting both the District
and adjacent lands. Both fuels treatment and community education will be cyclic and ongoing, supported by a cooperative effort by
those mentioned above.
See response to question #3 for additional information.
Enclosure 3C – Project Work Form
Tasks
Time Frame
Responsible Party
Identify and mark boundaries of community
property
Present – September, 2003
CRR C&MA, HoOYC
Identify and mark boundaries of (CRR RFPD
federal lands
June, 2002 – March, 2004
BLM, CRNG, CRR RFPD, CRR
C&MA, HoOYC
Environmental assessments of Federal Lands
June, 2002 – March, 2004
BLM, CRNG
Roadside fuels reduction
Present – June 2003
CRR RFPD, CRR SRD, CRR
C&MA, HoOYC
Community property fuel reduction
Present – December, 2005
CRR RFPD, CRR C&MA, HoOYC
Community Education & Outreach
Present – December, 2005
CRR RFPD
Federal lands fuel reduction
Fall, 2002 – December, 2005
CRR RFPD, BLM, CRNG
Brush Disposal Area Operations – collection,
composting, grinding, distribution
Present – December, 2005
CRR RFPD, CRR C&MA, HoOYC
CRR SRD = Crooked River Ranch
Special Road District
BLM = Bureau of Land
Management
CRR RFPD = Crooked River Ranch
Rural Fire Protection District
HoOYC = Heart of Oregon Youth Corp
CRNG = Crooked River National
Grasslands
CRR C&MA = Crooked River Ranch
Club & Maintenance Association
Enclosure 3D Project Budget
Cost Category
Description
Personnel
Supervisor/Operator – FT
Operator/Laborer (2) – PT
WUI Planner/Educator
Subtotal
Fringe Benefits
Health Insurance
Subtotal
Federal
Agency
Applicant
CRR RFPD
$53, 000
$22,000
$22,000
$97,000
Partner 1
Partner 2
CRR C&MA
CRR SRD
$11, 000
$6,500
$11,000
$6,500
$7,500
$7,500
Travel
Travel & Training
Subtotal
$3,500
$3,500
$3,500
$3,500
$18,000
$3,000
$21,000
$1,000
$1,000
$4,500
$4,500
Supplies
Fuel, PPE, Misc.
Equipment Maintenance
Subtotal
$9,000
$4,000
$13,000
$7,500
$2,000
$9,500
$4,500
$1,500
$4,500
$1,500
Contractual
Heart of Oregon Youth Corp
Subtotal
$39,000
$39,000
Other
Admin., mailings, etc.
Community clean-up event
Subtotal
$177,500
$18,000
$8,500
$26,500
$22,500
$6,000
$28,500
$39,000
$39,000
$24,000
$6,000
$30,000
$2,500
$6,000
$8,500
$1,000
$1,000
$26,500
$13,000
$39,500
$44,000
$28,500
$9,000
$259,000
Project (Program) Income1
(using deductive alternative)
1
$53,000
$39,500
$22,000
$114,500
$7,500
$7,500
Equipment
Fuels Treatment
Other
Subtotal
Total Costs
Total
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.