United States
Department of
Agriculture
Forest
Service
Pacific
Northwest
Region
File Code:3000/3610
Route To:
333 SW First Avenue
P. O. Box 3623
Portland, OR 97208-3623
Date:January 15,
2002
Subject:Call for Applications for Community Assistance and Wildland Urban Interface Projects
To:All Parties Interested in Helping Implement the National Fire Plan
REPLY DUE: March 15, 2002
This letter is a request for applications for grants and agreements for the Community Assistance
program components of the National Fire Plan being delivered through the USDA-Forest Service
(FS) and the USDI’s National Park Service (NPS), Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Fish and
Wildlife Service (FWS) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in the Pacific Northwest.
Congress designed these programs to support community planning for fire protection, to facilitate
the economic use of woody materials removed during fuels management activities, and to
complement the activities of state and federal land management agencies engaged in implementing
the National Fire Plan. This letter and enclosures describe the programs, eligible projects, eligible
applicants, application process, timelines, and evaluation criteria that will be used to select and fund
program activities. Funds will be awarded on a competitive basis.
The programs included in this request for applications are:
(1) “Wildland Urban Interface Fuels Projects” of all participating federal agencies;
(2) “Fuels Utilization and Marketing Program” of the USDA Forest Service;
(3) “Wildland Urban Interface Education and Prevention Projects” of all participating federal
agencies; and
(4) “Community Planning for Fire Protection Program” of all participating federal agencies.
The combined National Fire Plan federal funding for these programs in Oregon and Washington is
approximately seven to nine million dollars. Of this amount, about one million dollars will be
allocated to the Fuels Utilization and Marketing Program.
The amount of funding tentatively targeted for Education and Prevention projects is five per cent of
the combined total. The amount of funding tentatively targeted for Community Fire Planning
projects is ten per cent of the total. The actual allocation to these programs will be based on the
applications received and the overall program needs.
Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
 Reducing fire risk in the wildland urban interface. Encourage programs and activities that
will reduce the risk of fires to communities.
 Increasing local capacity. Build on local community action plans or develop new ones that
allow communities to respond quickly and effectively to fire hazards and risk situations, and
provide the technical and financial assistance to carry out these plans.
Caring for the Land and Serving People
Printed on
Recycled Paper
3000/3610
Page 2
 Expanding community participation. Expand the participation of local communities and
businesses in efforts to reduce fire hazards and use local labor for fuels treatment, restoration
work and finding economical uses for small diameter wood.
 Increasing interagency coordination. Partner with other federal, state, local, and volunteer
efforts to reduce local fire hazard risks.
The evaluation will also consider cost-effectiveness, likelihood of success (in terms of the
applicant’s ability to carry out the proposal, to meet regulatory requirements, and to meet
environmental needs), reasonability of the proposal, and the clarity and completeness of the
proposal and its outcomes.
Awards may be made to maximize the number of high-hazard communities that will benefit from
these programs. A map and list of high-hazard communities can be viewed at this web site:
http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/coop/
Project applications should focus on community-based fire planning, strive for increased utilization
of small diameter and other material created by fuels treatments, and plan and/or implement
projects for reducing fire hazards in or adjacent to communities, watersheds, and threatened or
endangered species within high fire threat zones. Projects can be interagency in nature and should
be coordinated with FS, NPS, FWS, BLM, BIA and state and other partners’ projects wherever
practical. Projects should emphasize local employment and be coordinated with human resource
programs where appropriate.
Eligible projects may include development of strategic community fire plans and hazardous fuel
reduction project plans; implementation of fuels treatments in the wildland urban interface; studies
of wood utilization options for small diameter forest products; small diameter utilization marketing
and business plans; business feasibility studies to utilize materials from fuels treatment projects;
training in small diameter utilization opportunities; small diameter utilization demonstration
projects; resource inventory and assessment; wood processing equipment design and
demonstration; and wildland urban interface fire prevention and education efforts.
Applications for construction of facilities or acquisition of real estate will not be considered.
These programs may share funding with federal, state, tribal, local agencies and non-profit
organizations where appropriate. For the Fuels Utilization and Marketing Program projects, funds
will be distributed via grants and the federal contribution may not exceed 80% of the total project
cost. Assistance agreements will be used for the Department of Interior's Wildland Urban Interface
Fuels Projects, with no requirement for matching funds. Matching funds are encouraged and will
be considered.
Projects involving habitat or ground-disturbing activities may trigger a requirement to perform
appropriate National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) analysis, Section 7 consultation
procurement under the Endangered Species Act, and National Historical Preservation Act
deliberation. The project may also need some level of analysis to meet State standards. Applicants
are encouraged to contact local offices of participating state and federal agencies early in the
application process.
3000/3610
Page 3
The Forest Service is serving as a clearinghouse for this call for applications. Information on the
National Fire Plan including required grant application forms, assurances and certifications are
available on the Forest Service Internet site at http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/coop/. The following items
are enclosed to assist proponents in preparation of complete proposals under the Community
Assistance Program of the National Fire Plan:

Program Fact Sheet -Enclosure 1

How to Apply - Enclosure 2

Grant Application Forms -Enclosure 3 for Wildland Urban Interface Fuels projects,
Education and Prevention projects, and Community Planning for Fire Protection projects;
Enclosure 4 for Fuels Utilization and Marketing projects.
A request for applications for 2003 grants and agreements will likely be sent out in the spring or
early summer of 2002, with proposals to be submitted in August.
/s/ Charles F. Krebs
CHARLES F. KREBS
Director, Cooperative Programs
Enclosure 1 - Program Fact Sheet
NATIONAL FIRE PLAN
Community Assistance and Wildland Urban Interface Projects
Introduction: National Fire Plan funding in the Pacific Northwest is intended to support strategic community fire
planning in high-risk areas and to cost-share forest products utilization and marketing projects and demonstrations that
explore value-added uses for small diameter wood. Existing program requirements and guidelines apply.
Funding is available from the FS, NPS, FWS, BLM, and BIA as part of the Wildland Urban Interface Fuels program to
implement projects on non-federal lands for reducing hazardous fuels that may threaten communities and critical
ecosystems within the wildland urban interface.
Eligibility: Counties, cities, federal, state and local governmental agencies, federally recognized tribes, universities and
colleges, school districts, and state-chartered non-profit organizations may apply. Solicitations from businesses organized
for profit or individuals will not be accepted. Private entities wishing to participate are encouraged to work with and
through their local government or community development organization.
Eligible Projects under “Wildland Urban Interface Fuels Projects”: Funding is available to plan and implement fuel
treatments to mitigate risk in the wildland urban interface (WUI) where FS, NPS, FWS, BLM, or Indian trust lands are
adjacent to the WUI; education and prevention efforts in WUI areas; and plans, inventories, and assessments in WUI areas
where NPS, FWS, BLM, FS or Indian trust lands are adjacent to WUI lands. Hazardous fuels reduction includes the cost
of implementing fuels treatments, including prescribed fire, mechanical, and other treatments that reduce hazardous fuels
in the WUI. Emphasis is placed on projects where fuels treatment can be accomplished on adjacent state, private, and
other non-federal lands so as to extend greater protection to communities. The project may include the cost of providing
incentives, technical assistance, and education programs to communities and private landowners to encourage reduction or
elimination of hazardous fuels around homeowner properties.
Eligible Projects under the “Fuels Utilization and Marketing Program”: A need exists to transfer and commercialize
new technology that develops or expands uses and markets for low-value woody material, including small diameter trees
removed in fuels treatments projects. Proposals must have the potential to reduce fire hazards by providing incentives for
economic use of small diameter and underutilized forest products, including efforts to help offset the costs of forest
restoration. Funds can be used to provide training and technical assistance to identify and develop new markets for
underutilized wood products; create marketing tools such as product catalogs, trade shows and producer directories;
prepare market assessments and feasibility studies; provide direct marketing assistance; and develop business plans. The
use of forest products consultants to manage and execute these projects is encouraged. Approximately 15 to 20 per cent of
the funds available for this program will be allocated to market assessments and feasibility studies. The maximum amount
the Forest Service will contribute for any one project is $100,000.
Eligible Projects under the “Wildland Urban Interface Education and Prevention Projects”: Funding is available to
create and implement public and community education programs focused on mitigation and reduction of fire risk in the
wildland urban interface. Projects that implement or adapt existing models such as FireFree and Firewise Communities are
encouraged. Examples include education programs that lead to homeowner and community action to reduce fire risk such
as Firewise landscaping and construction, and home and property maintenance.
Eligible Projects under the “Community Planning for Fire Protection Program”: Funding is to help communities
build capacity to prepare community fire plans that identify priority fire hazards, provide local fire protection training and
equipment needs, and support community-based projects. These might include community Fire Safe Plans, Firewise
Communities planning efforts, participation in interagency strategic fire plans, hazardous resource assessments, or fuel
reduction project plans. These plans should provide a platform for interagency assistance and coordination.
Enclosure 2 - How to Apply
NATIONAL FIRE PLAN
Community Assistance and Wildland Urban Interface Projects
Proposal Process: Project proponents should submit applications directly to the Forest Service at the addresses shown
below. The Forest Service will function as the clearinghouse for all the participating federal funding agencies in Oregon
and Washington.
Special Note: Two separate applications are provided. Enclosure 3 is the application to be used for projects related to
Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Fuels Treatments, WUI Education and Prevention, and/or Community Planning for Fire
Protection. Enclosure 4 should be used for projects related only to Fuels Utilization and Marketing.
If a project involves more than one of these program elements, use Enclosure 3 to make your application. For example, if a
proposal has elements for planning, fuels treatment, education/prevention, and utilization and marketing, or any
combination of these, use Enclosure 3.
Complete applications must be received by close of business March 15 and must contain the following:
Enclosure 3

Project Summary Form (Enclosure 3A)

Project Narrative Description and Evaluation Criteria (Enclosure 3B)

Project Work Form (Enclosure 3C)

Project Budget (Enclosure 3D)
Enclosure 4

Project Summary Form (Enclosure 4A)

Project Narrative Description and Evaluation Criteria (Enclosure 4B)

Project Work Form (Enclosure 4C)

Project Budget (Enclosure 4D)
Applicants are encouraged to submit applications via email to facilitate the review and evaluation processes. If
submittal by email is not possible, mailed applications must be received in the Cooperative Programs office by close
of business March 15.
Completed applications may be submitted via the following methods:
Email:
Mail:
r6_nfp@fs.fed.us
National Fire Plan Program
Cooperative Programs
USDA-Forest Service
PO Box 3623
Portland, OR 97208-3623
Attn: Charles F. Krebs, Director
Proposals will be reviewed by an interagency team, screened for eligibility and ranked for funding. Participating federal
agencies will contact applicants regarding the status of their proposal and if additional project scoping or consultation is
necessary.
Funding: The federal contribution for Fuels Utilization and Marketing projects shall not exceed 80 percent of the total cost
of the project. No non-federal matching funds are required for other National Fire Plan projects. In calculating the federal
contribution, project budgets must take into account the fair market value of equipment, personnel, services, administrative
and other costs provided by the Forest Service and other federal agencies. Local contributions (match) may include cash
and/or fair market value of equipment, personnel, and services provided to complete the scope of work defined in the
project.
Initial project selections will be made by May 31. All selected projects should be allocated funds, via grants,
agreements or contracts, before June 30, 2002.
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:
U. S. Forest Service, Umpqua National Forest, Tiller Ranger District
Phone:
FAX:
541-825-3201
Email:
541-825-3259
esands@fs.fed.us
Address (Street or P. O. Box, City, State, Zip):
27812 Tiller Trail Hwy. Tiller, Oregon 97484
Project Coordinator
Project Coordinator (Name and Title):
Emily Sands Fire Management Officer
Organization/Jurisdiction:
Tiller Ranger District, Umpqua National Forest
Phone:
FAX:
541-825-3201
Email:
541-825-3254
esands@fs.fed.us
Project Information
Project Title:
Tiller Community Hazard Reduction Project
Project Start:
Project End:
04-01-01
12-01-03
Federal Funding Request:
Total Project Funding:
$10,000.00
$25,000.00
Are you submitting multiple projects? If so, please explain and prioritize:
Brief Project Description:
The Tiller Ranger District started this project in April of 2001. A Wildland Urban Interface
Grant (WUI) was awarded in the amount of $19,140.00 in cooperation with Douglas Forest
Protective Association (DFPA). Through this grant we were able to establish partners with DFPA,
Tiller Volunteer Fire Department and 4 private landowners.
The project is located in the town of Tiller and the area of work includes 6 private homes, a local
grade school, 2 private business, the community church, volunteer fire department and National
Forest lands.
In 2001 were able to complete 38 acres of work, which included brushing, mowing, pruning and
burning underbrush and ladderfuels around these properties. For this season we need to maintain
the work accomplished and at the same time start on the next phase of including an addition 60
acres.
Project Location:
Tiller, Oregon
County:
Congressional District:
Douglas
46
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 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
 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 project is located in and around the town of Tiller, Oregon. This phase of the project will start April of 2002 and
continue through September of 2002. Anticipated outcomes include fire proofing around 6 private homes, the local grade school, 2
private business, water storage tanks for the volunteer fire department, brushing private property that is next to the Tiller Ranger
District seasonal housing and helibase. We also will maintain the access road to 2 private residences that will provide safe
access/egress to their homes as well as to the Tiller Ranger Station water storage facility and radio tower building.
This project will be completed by the Tiller Ranger District Fire crews and crews from the Douglas Forest
Protective agency and one local 10 person contract crew. For this season $10,000 has been designated toward
wages for these crews. The area is heavily encroached with brush such as blackberries; poison oak, willow
and wild rose, which will be cut, piled and burned. Also the ladder fuels from incense cedar, Douglas fir,
sugar pine, madrone and Oregon white oak will be cut, piled and burned. Equipment used will be a tractor
with a brush hog, chain saws, weed eaters, assorted hand tools and a power chipper. When the project is
completed including the maintenance of existing work approximately 90 acres will be accomplished.
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 consists of brushing, pruning, piling and burning underbrush and ladder fuels around
homes and businesses on private and federal land. Prior to implementation the fuel models in around the area
were basically a heavy brush model with jackpots of young conifers. Now the completed area is a light grass
model but the brush still needs to be maintained to an acceptable level. By maintaining and also including
work in the adjacent area the risk for the community will be greatly reduced. The community has been very
receptive to our work. We have held public meetings to discuss the fire risk in the community and provided
the public information on how to reduce the risk of fire around their property. By actually implementing this
project, several landowners have started clearing their own property.
The Tiller Ranger District’s engine and hand crews will maintain this project.
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 biomass or forest fuels be utilized; if so, in what manner and how much?
Response:
The Tiller Ranger District employees up to 30 seasonal employees in Fire Management. Many of these
employees are local residence.
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:
This project is a cooperative effort between Douglas Forest Protective Association, Tiller Volunteer Fire
Department, Private landowners and the Tiller Ranger District.
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:
Prior to implementation we conducted a community meeting to describe the project. Community members
were very happy to see that “Downtown Tiller” would be cleaned up and more presentable for the summer
tourist population and at the same time the project would reduce the risk of wildfire in the town of Tiller.
Cost sharing is from a cooperative grant from Douglas Protective association.
The educational benefits are that local community members are realizing the fire risk around their own home
and property.
Enclosure 3C - Project Work Form
Tasks
Time Frame
Responsible Party
Maintenance of existing project.
Start April 2002 and end July 2002.
Tiller Ranger District and Douglas
Forest Protective Assoc.
Implement next phase of the project.
Brushing, pruning, mowing and chipping.
June 2002 and end October 2002.
Tiller Ranger District and Douglas
Forest Protective Assoc.
Burn slash created by the project.
November 2003.
Tiller Ranger District
Enclosure 3D - Project Budget
Cost Category
Description
Federal
Agency
Personnel
Wages
Tiller Ranger Dist
20
Subtotal
Applicant
Partner 1
Same
DFPA
10
Partner 2
Total
$10,000
$5000.00
$15,000.00
0
$500.00
$500.00
Fringe Benefits
Subtotal
Travel
Mileage
$500.00
Subtotal
Equipment
Equip. Rental
$2000.00
$2000.00
$2000.00
Subtotal
Supplies
Fuel, hand tools and power
equip.
equipment
Subtotal
Contractual
Equipment operator
for tractor
Subtotal
$1000.00
$1000.00
$500.00
$1500.00
$1000.00
Other
Subtotal
Total Costs
$25,000
$25,000
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.
Enclosure 4A - Project Summary Form
NATIONAL FIRE PLAN COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE AND WILDLAND URBAN INTERFACE PROJECTS
Application for Fuels Utilization and Marketing Projects
Applicant
Applicant/Organization:
Phone:
FAX:
Email:
Address (Street or P. O. Box, City, State, Zip):
Project Coordinator
Project Coordinator (Name and Title):
Organization/Jurisdiction:
Phone:
FAX:
Email:
Project Information
Project Title:
Project Start:
Project End:
Federal Funding Request:
Total Project Funding:
Are you submitting multiple projects? If so, please explain and prioritize:
Brief Project Description:
Project Location:
County:
If the applicant is an unincorporated area, define the geographic area being represented:
Congressional District:
Enclosure 4B (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
Response:





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
Enclosure 4B (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. Increasing Local Capacity (35 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)?
B. Will biomass or forest fuels be utilized; if so, in what manner and how much?
C. Which, if any, private businesses will participate?
D. To what extent will this project be offered to serve as a model for other communities or businesses?
Response:
2. Reducing fire risk. (30 points)
Describe how the proposal promotes reduction of risk in high hazard areas and communities.
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 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 fuels conditions.
A.
B.
Response:
Enclosure 4B (Page 3 of 3) - Project Evaluation Criteria
3. Increasing interagency and intergovernmental coordination. (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:
4. Increasing interagency and intergovernmental coordination. (20 Points)
A. Explain the level of cooperation, coordination or strategic planning among federal, state, tribal, local government and
community organizations in developing this proposal. List the cooperators.
B. Describe how this project implements a local intergovernmental strategy or plan, or creates such a plan. Describe the plan if
it already exists.
Response:
Enclosure 4C - Project Work Form
Tasks
Time Frame
Responsible Party
Enclosure 4D - Project Budget
Cost Category
Description
Federal
Agency
Applicant
Partner 1
Partner 2
Personnel
Subtotal
Fringe Benefits
Subtotal
Travel
Subtotal
Equipment
Subtotal
Supplies
Subtotal
Contractual
Subtotal
Other
Subtotal
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.
Total