HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes 115 - Sunriver Wildfire Protection Plan
Sunriver Community Wildfire Protection Plan
August 10, 2010
Prepared by
Project Wildfire
Klighthall@bendcable.com
www.projectwildfire.com
(541) 322-7129
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Declaration of Agreement
The Sunriver Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) was originally completed and approved in
March 2005. As directed by this CWPP, extensive fuels reduction activities have been completed on
public and private lands. The Steering Committee reconvened in February 2010 to reassess the planning
area and make revisions to the original plan as appropriate. Under the Healthy Forests Restoration Act,
the CWPP is approved by the applicable local government, the local fire department and the state entity
responsible for forest management. The Steering Committee also sought approval from the Sunriver
Owners Association, a key collaborator in the development of this CWPP.
______________________________________________________________________________
Art Hatch, Fire Chief Date
Sunriver Fire Department
______________________________________________________________________________
Mike Supkis, Fire Chief Date
La Pine Rural Fire Protection District
______________________________________________________________________________
Thomas A. Ped, Board President Date
Sunriver Owners Association
_____________________________________________________________________________
Dennis Luke, Chair Date
Deschutes County Board of Commissioners
_____________________________________________________________________________
Kevin Benton, Unit Forester Date
Oregon Department of Forestry
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Table of Contents
Declaration of Agreement ................................................................................................................................................................... ii
Contact information ............................................................................................................................................................................ iv
Purpose................................................................................................................................................................................................. 1
Collaboration ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Background information..................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Community Base Maps ....................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Community Profile .............................................................................................................................................................................. 8
Wildland Urban Interface description ............................................................................................................................. 8
Fuel Hazards & Ecotypes .................................................................................................................................................. 9
Community Assessments of Risk ........................................................................................................................................................ 11
ODF Assessment of Risk Factors ...................................................................................................................................... 11
Risk of Wildfire Occurrence .................................................................................................................................... 17
Hazard ....................................................................................................................................................................... 18
Protection Capability ................................................................................................................................................ 19
Values Protected ....................................................................................................................................................... 19
Structural Vulnerability ........................................................................................................................................... 20
Summary of ODF Assessment of Risk Factors ....................................................................................................... 21
Oregon Forestland – Urban Interface Fire Protection Act of 1997 (SB 360) ................................................................ 21
Sunriver Ladder Fuels Reduction Plan ............................................................................................................................ 23
Fire Regime Condition Class ........................................................................................................................................... 23
Areas of Special Concern .................................................................................................................................................. 26
Hazard Reduction Recommendations
and Preferred Treatment Methods .......................................................................................................................................... 26
Goals ................................................................................................................................................................................... 27
Preferred Treatments – Public Lands ............................................................................................................................. 27
Preferred Treatments – Private and County Owned Lands .......................................................................................... 28
Preferred Treatments – SROA Commons ...................................................................................................................... 29
Recommendations to Reduce Structural Vulnerability .................................................................................................................... 31
Structural Vulnerability Hazards and Recommendations ............................................................................................ 32
Other Recommendations .................................................................................................................................................................... 33
Action Plan and Implementation ....................................................................................................................................................... 34
Evaluation and Monitoring ................................................................................................................................................................ 35
Acknowledgements .............................................................................................................................................................................. 37
Appendices
Appendix A – Community Maps ...................................................................................................................................... 38
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Contact Information
Art Hatch, Chief
Sunriver Fire Department
PO Box 2108
57475 Abbot Drive
Sunriver, OR 97707
(541) 593-8622
Patti Gentiluomo, Environmental Director
Sunriver Owners Association
PO Box 3278
57455 Abbot Drive
Sunriver, OR 97707
(541) 593-1522
Ben Duda, Assistant Unit Forester
Oregon Department of Forestry
PO Box 190
Sisters, OR 97759
(541) 549-2731
Joe Stutler, County Forester
Deschutes County
61150 SE 27th Street
Bend, OR 97702
(541) 322-7117
Doug Johnson, Fire Management Officer
US Forest Service, Bend-Fort Rock District
1230 NE 3rd Street
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 383-4000
Kate Lighthall, Program Director
Project Wildfire
61150 SE 27th Street
Bend, OR 97702
(541) 322-7129
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2010 Sunriver Community Wildfire Protection Plan
Purpose
The purpose of the Sunriver Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) is to:
• Protect lives and property from the threat of wildland fire.
• Instill a sense of personal responsibility and provide steps for taking preventive
actions regarding wildland fire.
• Increase public understanding of living in a fire adapted ecosystem.
• Increase the community’s ability to prepare for and respond to wildland fire.
• Increase the community’s ability to recover from wildland fire.
• Restore fire adapted ecosystems.
• Improve the fire resiliency of the landscape while protecting other social,
economic and ecological values.
Originally completed in 2005, this comprehensive revision outlines a clear purpose with updated
priorities, strategies and action plans for fuels reduction treatments in the Sunriver wildland
urban interface (WUI). The 2010 Sunriver CWPP also addresses special areas of concern and
makes recommendations for reducing structural vulnerability and creating defensible space in
Sunriver. It is intended to be a living vehicle for fuels reduction, educational and other projects
to decrease overall risks of loss from wildland fire; revisited at least annually to address its
purpose.
Although reducing the risk of high intensity wildland fire is the primary motivation behind this
plan, managing the Sunriver WUI for hazardous fuels reduction and fire resilience is only one
part of the larger picture. Residents and visitors desire healthy, fire-resilient forests and
wildlands that provide habitat for wildlife, recreational opportunities, and scenic beauty.
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Wildland fire is a natural and necessary component of ecosystems across the country. Central
Oregon is no exception. Historically, wildland fires have shaped the forests and wildlands
valued by residents and visitors. These landscapes however, are now significantly altered from
otherwise natural conditions due to fire prevention efforts, modern suppression activities and a
general lack of large scale fires, resulting in overgrown forests with dense fuels that burn more
intensely than in the past. In addition, the recent increase in population has led to a swell in
residential development into forested land, in the wildland urban interface.
The 2010 Sunriver CWPP will assist the Sunriver Fire Department and the Sunriver Owners
Association in the identification of lands, including surrounding federal lands at risk from high
intensity wildland fire. The Sunriver CWPP identifies priorities and strategies for reducing
hazardous wildland fuels while improving forest health, supporting local industry and economy
and improving fire protection capabilities. It also identifies strategies to address special areas of
concern such as evacuation routes as well as outlines actions that groups and individuals can take
to help protect themselves and their neighborhoods against the threat of wildland fires.
Collaboration
In 2002, President George Bush established the Healthy Forests Initiative (HFI) to improve
regulatory processes to ensure more timely decisions, greater efficiency and better results in
reducing the risk of high intensity wildfire. This initiative allowed forest management agencies
for the first time, to expedite the documentation process for the purpose of reducing hazardous
fuels on public lands.
In 2003, the US Congress passed historical bi-partisan legislation: the Healthy Forests
Restoration Act (HFRA). This legislation expands the initial effort under the Healthy Forests
Initiative and directs federal agencies to collaborate with communities in developing a CWPP
which includes the identification and prioritization of areas needing hazardous fuels treatment.
It further provides authorities to expedite the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
process for fuels reduction projects on federal lands. The act also requires that 50% of funding
allocated to fuels projects be used in the wildland urban interface.
Communities now have the opportunity to participate in where federal agencies place their fuels
reduction efforts. With a CWPP in place, community groups can apply for federal grants to treat
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hazardous fuels and address special concerns to reduce the risk of catastrophic loss as a result of
wildland fire.
Although some of the authorities under HFI and HFRA have been challenged in federal courts,
all have been successfully upheld and the original intent and authorities under each remain the
same.
The Sunriver CWPP Steering Committee faced a complex task in the comprehensive revision of
the Sunriver Community Wildfire Protection Plan. Implementing and sustaining these efforts
will require a significant commitment. Building a collaborative and cooperative environment
with the fire department, community-based organizations, local government and the public land
management agencies has been the first step in reducing the risk of loss from wildland fire. The
Steering Committee pledges to maintain this cooperation with the public over the long-term with
the commitment of all the partners involved.
At a minimum, the Sunriver CWPP Steering Committee shall include: a member of the Sunriver
Owners Association Board of Directors; SROA staff; the Program Coordinator from Project
Wildfire; a Chief Officer from Sunriver Fire Department; a Chief Officer from the La Pine Rural
Fire Protection District; a representative from Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF); a
representative from Central Oregon Fire Management Service (COFMS), and Deschutes County
along with members of the Sunriver area public.
For the 2010 Sunriver CWPP, representatives and members from the following organizations
and communities came together as the Steering Committee to revisit and update the Sunriver
CWPP.
• Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF)
• USDA Forest Service (USFS)
• USDI Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
• Deschutes County
• Sunriver Owners Association (SROA)
• Sunriver Fire Department
• La Pine Rural Fire Protection District
• Upper Deschutes River Coalition (UDRC)
• Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory
• Sunriver Utilities
• Sunriver Police Department
• Sunriver Resort
• Project Wildfire
• The communities of Crosswater and Sunriver
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The importance of collaboration with neighboring CWPPs is recognized by the Steering
Committee and is referenced throughout this CWPP as both an assessment comparison and
documentation of collaborative efforts to maximize hazardous fuels reduction efforts in the area.
The Steering Committee completed this revision in accordance with Preparing a Community
Wildfire Protection Plan: A Handbook for Wildland-Urban Interface Communities
(Communities Committee, Society of American Foresters, National Association of Counties,
National Association of State Foresters 2005); and Deschutes County Resolution 2004-093.
The Steering Committee agrees that the Sunriver Community Wildfire Protection Plan will be a
living document, intended to promote fuels reduction, educational and other projects to decrease
overall risks of loss from wildland fire; revisited at least annually to address its purpose.
A draft of the Sunriver CWPP was available for public comment for 30 days prior to the final
signing and approval of the plan. Interested parties had the opportunity to provide comments for
consideration by the Steering Committee during this period.
The Sunriver Owners Association approved the 2010 Sunriver CWPP on July 17, 2010. The
original Sunriver CWPP was formally adopted by Deschutes County by resolution #2005 – 114
and this revised CWPP by resolution # 2010 – 243.
Background Information
The community of Sunriver, Oregon is located in central Oregon, on the east side of the Cascade
mountains, 15 miles south of Bend in Deschutes County. Developed in 1968 as a destination
resort community, Sunriver is now home to approximately 1,500 full time residents, with a
population of up to 20,000 visitors per day during peak recreation periods.
Sunriver is known for its outstanding recreational opportunities and scenic beauty with year-
round recreation activities available. Within the CWPP area there is a significant amount of
public land with developed and dispersed recreation sites which also provide valuable recreation
opportunities to both residents and visitors. In the summer months, Deschutes County estimates
an additional population of up to 10,000 people enjoying the rivers, designated and dispersed
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campgrounds and using transportation corridors within the CWPP area. This creates an
increased seasonal challenge for those agencies responsible for fire suppression and evacuation.
Historically, much of the CWPP planning area in Sunriver was dominated by mature ponderosa
pine stands that effectively supplied the logging industry here during the 1920s. Soon after
logging, many of these stands naturally regenerated to lodgepole pine with today’s forests
dominated by thick, overstocked stands of lodgepole pine with interspersed ponderosa pines.
Compared to ponderosa pine, lodgepole pine is a relatively short-lived species that historically
lived and died by high intensity and active crown fires. It is therefore less desirable from a
wildland fire standpoint because of the risk these stands pose to the communities within them.
Much of the understory consists of bitterbrush, manzanita, rabbitbrush, red currant and some
areas of native bunchgrass. Without management intervention, these stands become more and
more overcrowded.
At its inception, Sunriver maintained a restrictive forestry management policy, initially
preferring the untouched forested environment. Community regulations initially restricted tree
and brush removal in most circumstances and wood shake roofing was typical on structures.
The Awbrey Hall fire in1990 in nearby Bend destroyed 3,032 acres and 22 homes and began
changing minds and policies within the Sunriver community. Soon after, in 1991, SROA and the
Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory drafted a Fuels Modification Plan, which would become
the basis for the current Ladder Fuels Reduction Plan. The plan detailed the reduction of
hazardous fuels from private properties and common areas. Fuels reduction became mandatory
for private property owners in 1996. In 1992, the SROA Board of Directors approved a
resolution prohibiting wood roofs in Sunriver by requiring all new and replacement roofs to be
noncombustible with a Class A fire rating.
The 1996 Skeleton fire, a few miles to the northeast of Sunriver, burned 22,000 acres and 19
homes and further motivated the Sunriver community to action. In 1997, SROA hired staff to
oversee private property inspections and fuels reduction compliance as well as manage the
hazardous fuels reduction program on common grounds.
Today, SROA actively collaborates with public land managers and private residents to improve
forest health and reduce the risk of fires both inside the Sunriver community and outside the
community on public lands.
As part of the ongoing wildland fire risk management of the surrounding public and private
forestlands, the US Forest Service, Oregon Department of Forestry, SROA, Deschutes County
and private landowners are engaged in hazardous fuels treatment projects across the Sunriver
WUI.
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The US Forest Service – Bend Fort Rock District manages 66.5% (7,851 acres) of the federal
lands in the Sunriver planning area and continues to make great strides to increase forest health
and reduce the potential for high intensity wildland fire.
It is important to note that each project area requires multiple types of fuels reduction activities
to achieve the desired result including mechanical shrub mowing, tree thinning, hand piling, and
under burning. Therefore, multiple entries are required in order to adequately restore forest
ecosystem health and reduce hazardous fuels. The ultimate goal for these projects is to reduce
the potential for high intensity fire that can spread to tree crowns, requiring costly suppression
efforts and causing large losses on the landscape as well as in and around communities.
The following is a snapshot of fuels treatment projects on federal lands in the Sunriver planning
area as a result of the Sunriver CWPP:
• Sunriver HFRA project – This project lies on the northeast corner of the
Sunriver WUI and will treat a total of 2,327 acres through multiple entries
including 685 acres of thinning, 438 acres of mowing and under-burning of 1,204
acres.
• East Tumbull Environmental Analysis (EA) project – This project is located
on the northwest corner of the Sunriver WUI and will treat 5,217 acres through
multiple entries including 2,849 acres of thinning and 2,368 acres of under-
burning.
• Katalo East EA project – In progress now and located on the west side of the
Sunriver WUI, this project includes mowing 39 acres and 720 acres of under-
burning.
• Myst EA project – Located on the southwest portion of the Sunriver WUI, this
project is underway and includes 57 acres of thinning and 16 acres of mowing.
• Lava Cast project – Located east of the Sunriver CWPP WUI, the total project
area encompasses 10,656 acres. This project is ongoing and includes mowing of
4,956 acres, under burning 6,668 acres, thinning of 4,585 acres and 3,282 acres of
hand piling and burning.
Directly south of the Sunriver CWPP area is the Upper Deschutes River Coalition CWPP area.
Under this neighboring CWPP, the UDRC has successfully treated over 1,000 acres of private
lands through state and federal grants for sweat equity programs and fuels reduction contracts
with private citizens. This collaborative fuels treatment effort by neighboring communities
further protects the Sunriver WUI from potential catastrophic losses from wildfire.
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SROA works closely with the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) under the Oregon
Forestland Urban Interface Fire Protection Act of 1997. SROA developed an alternative plan to
meet the standards outlined under this legislation. This is discussed in detail starting on page 21.
Deschutes County owns only two ¼ acre lots in the Sunriver planning area and works with
SROA to maintain them under the Sunriver Ladder Fuels Reduction Program.
Nationally, Sunriver is recognized for its commitment to fire prevention. SROA received the
Bronze Smokey Bear award in 2002 for its ladder fuels reduction programs, fire prevention and
protection rules, and community development standards. SROA also maintains an active
presence on the Project Wildfire Steering Committee, focusing on the prevention of catastrophic
losses resulting from wildfire in Deschutes County.
The completion of 2009 marks Sunriver’s 30th anniversary as a designated Tree City, USA
denoting a continuing commitment to forest health and educating the community about the
benefits of healthy forests.
Community Base Maps
The Steering Committee relied on the following maps and GIS data:
• Updated Sunriver wildland urban interface boundary and all private & public land
ownership
• Historical fire starts and large fire history
• Fire Regime Condition Class and Oregon Forestland-Urban Interface Fire Protection
Act of 1997 (SB 360) ratings
• US Forest Service fuels treatment
For updated planning purposes, the Steering Committee referenced this data and relied on recent
activities and fuels treatment projects in the Sunriver planning area. All maps are located in the
appendix.
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Community Profile
The Sunriver community presents a unique challenge for the CWPP process. Community
businesses and residences have been intentionally developed in or adjacent to forestlands, and as
described above, are at risk of wildland fire. Thick stands of trees, topographical challenges and
substantial ground vegetation contribute to the overall wildland fire risk in the Sunriver planning
area.
The climate in Sunriver is typical of the east slopes of the Cascade Mountains, with most of the
annual precipitation coming as winter snow or fall and spring rains. Summers are dry and prone
to frequent thunderstorms. These thunderstorms frequently cause multiple fire ignitions.
Sunriver lies just west of US Highway 97, a major transportation route through the state. As
central Oregon grows, more residents, tourists and commuters use the highway and other roads,
particularly during the summer months when fire season reaches its peak. As part of the central
Oregon community, transportation routes are included in the consideration of the WUI boundary
due to their critical role as travel corridors that link communities together and serve as
evacuation routes.
Wildland Urban Interface Description
The Healthy Forests Restoration Act defines the WUI as an area within or adjacent to an at risk
community that has been identified by a community in its wildfire protection plan or, for areas
that do not have such a plan, as an area:
• extending ½ mile from the boundary of an at risk community,
• extending 1½ miles from the boundary of an at risk community when other criteria
are met such as a sustained steep slope or a geographic feature that creates an
effective firebreak, or is classified as fire condition class 3 land,
• or that is adjacent to an evacuation route.
The Steering Committee reviewed the original WUI boundaries and noted the reduction on the
map of the Spring River area. The UDRC included this subdivision in its planning boundary
during the revision of its CWPP in 2007. The Steering Committee agreed that this is a logical
inclusion and therefore omitted the subdivision from the updated Sunriver WUI boundary.
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The Sunriver CWPP WUI boundary is marked on the south by the border of the Upper
Deschutes River Coalition CWPP; on the north by the Greater Bend CWPP; to the east by US
Highway 97; and US Forest Service 41 Road to the west.
The total planning area encompasses 11,801 acres. For planning purposes, the WUI boundary
and CWPP boundary are the same. Public lands include 7,851acres managed by the US Forest
Service. Private lands include 3,950 acres with 4,181 residential structures. See maps in
Appendix A.
Fuel Hazards and Ecotypes
The Sunriver area is an assortment of vegetation types. The predominant species include:
• Ponderosa pine
• Lodgepole pine
• Manzanita
• Bitterbrush
• Riparian areas
In the Sunriver WUI there are fewer ponderosa pine stands than historically found. Also, by
historical standards, ponderosa pine forests, which dominated the Sunriver WUI area, contained
more understory grasses and shrubs and fewer small trees than are present today. These plants
combined with fallen pine needles, formed fast-burning fuels that led to recurrent widespread
burning. Frequent low-intensity ground fires that occurred every 11-15 years characterize the
historical fire regime for ponderosa pine. The pattern of low ground fires and stand dynamics
often resulted in the open park-like conditions that early inhabitants and visitors found in the
region.
Insufficient stand management, logging activity and highly effective wildland fire suppression,
have significantly altered the ponderosa pine forest type in the Sunriver WUI. Removal of the
older, larger thick-bark pines has dramatically decreased clumpy open forests, replacing them
with more evenly spaced and younger, smaller black-bark forests. Similar to other species of
conifer forest types in the western United States, the suppression of fire has greatly increased the
stocking levels (number of trees) and density of trees, creating ladder fuels and putting the stands
more at risk of attack from insects and disease. These factors have also contributed to the
potential for more intense fires in these forests in recent years.
Mature untreated lodgepole pine stands in central Oregon are characterized by dense, uniform
stands, often with an absence of other tree species, and a general lack of understory shrub or
herbs (although bitterbrush is often found with mature lodgepole pine). Lodgepole pine forests
exhibit a moderate severity fire regime with a fire return interval between 60 and 80 years. Fire
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in lodgepole pine stands can be low, moderate, or severe over time and often result in full stand
replacement.
Manzanita is a shrub that occurs throughout the Sunriver WUI, usually mixed with other shrub
species such as bitterbrush, rabbitbrush and red currant. Manzanita is established both through
sprouts and seeds that are stimulated by fire. Fires in manzanita are conducive to rapid and
extensive fire spread due to both physical and chemical characteristics. Manzanita is particularly
susceptible to fire due to its stand density, presence of volatile materials in the leaves, low
moisture content of the foliage and persistence of dead branches and stems.
Bitterbrush occurs throughout the Sunriver area on all aspects and elevations. Fire severely
damages bitterbrush, especially if rain is not received shortly after a burn. Bitterbrush is fire
dependent, but not fire resistant. It regenerates mostly from seed after a fire and is often from
caches of seeds made by rodents. Bitterbrush will sprout after burning regardless of the severity
of the burn and matures relatively quickly. Consequently, the Sunriver WUI area is rich with
patches of bitterbrush that provide fire-ready ladder fuels for tree stands.
A riparian area is defined as the strip of moisture-loving vegetation growing along the edge of a
water body. The exact boundary of the riparian area is often difficult to determine because it is a
zone of transition between the water body and the upland vegetation. The Deschutes River flows
through the Sunriver WUI boundary creating large riparian areas in the planning area. The Sun
River and Lake Aspen also have riparian areas in the WUI. Vegetation types in these riparian
areas are primarily grasses, forbs and willows. The primary concern from a wildland fire
perspective is during the spring and autumn when the vegetation has either cured or “greenup”
has not begun.
The result of the fuel hazards and forest types in the Sunriver WUI is an overgrowth of trees,
forest floor fuels and an abundance of dead or dying vegetation that contribute to a substantially
elevated risk of wildland fires that are difficult to control. These overly dense conditions lead to
fire behavior that produce flame lengths over eight feet with crowning and torching that can
result in stand replacement severity fires.
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Community Assessment of Risk
The Steering Committee reviewed the assessment process from the 2005 Sunriver CWPP. Two
assessment methodologies were utilized: 1) the Oregon Department of Forestry Assessment of
Risk Factors; and 2) Fire Regime – Condition Class. No new data has been collected that would
show the significant amount of fuels reduction treatment performed in the Sunriver WUI since
2005. For the 2010 Sunriver Community Wildfire Protection Plan the Steering Committee
utilized the same two risk assessment methodologies with updated information based on actual
activities since the 2005 plan. The Oregon Forestland-Urban Interface Fire Protection Act of
1997 (aka Senate Bill 360) is also referenced in this section as it relates to activities in Sunriver
under its Ladder Fuels Reduction Plan.
ODF Assessment of Risk Factors
The ODF Assessment of Risk Factors is based on five categories of evaluation that include a
variety of information designed to identify and evaluate wildland fire risk across Oregon: risk of
wildfire occurrence, hazard, protection capability, human and economic values protected and
structural vulnerability. See Table 1 on page 20 for a complete recap of this assessment.
Risk of Wildfire Occurrence
The risk of wildfire occurrence refers to the likelihood of a fire occurring based on historical fire
occurrence, home density and ignition sources. The calculations are based on evidence from the
USFS, ODF and the Sunriver Fire Department of fire occurrences per 1,000 acres per ten years,
as well as home density and ready ignition sources like dry lightning storms, debris burning,
equipment use, juveniles, campfires, and arson.
The current condition of the vegetation on the federal and private lands adjacent to and within
Sunriver pose a serious threat of high intensity wildland fire.
Hazard
The hazard rating describes resistance to control once a fire starts based on weather, topography
(including slope, aspect and elevation), vegetation and crown fire potential. As stated earlier,
effective wildland fire suppression has led to the extensive buildup of overstory and ground
vegetation in the wildland urban interface.
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Protection capability
The ratings for this category are based on fire protection capability and resources to control and
suppress wildland and structural fires. The ratings also consider response times and community
preparedness. A wildland fire could start within the community or in any of the forested areas
adjacent to or surrounding the community. With a fire of any significance, it would be a
challenge to assemble the resources necessary to adequately address all of the fire and life safety
issues that could arise in the early stages of emergency operations.
Fortunately, the fire protection capability rating in Sunriver is low with excellent response times
and active community preparedness.
Sunriver Fire Department
The Sunriver Fire Department is an all risk emergency service provider for the community of
Sunriver and provides Advanced Life Support Emergency Medical Services for a 300 square
mile area including and surrounding Sunriver. Sunriver Fire employs one Fire Chief, one
Assistant Chief, a Training Captain and one Office Manager. The department also employs eight
career firefighter/paramedics involved directly in fire operations and 20 reserve firefighters also
dedicated to fire operations. The department has adopted the National Incident Management
Systems (NIMS) Incident Command System and all personnel have received training and
continue to train in its use. All personnel have received training in wildland firefighting
practices, structural fire protection, and other related topics. The department relies heavily on its
reserve firefighters and emergency medical technicians.
The department works out of one centrally located fire station and maintains a fleet of two
structural fire engines, one ladder truck, two Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances, one
heavy brush engine, one light brush engine and three staff/utility vehicles.
The department is a party to the Central Oregon Mutual Aid Agreement. In the event of a major
structural fire, the department may request assistance from all other fire departments that are
signatory to the agreement. In addition, all Central Oregon fire departments and the wildland
fire agencies including the US Forest Service, Oregon Department of Forestry, and the Bureau of
Land Management are party to the Central Oregon Cooperative Wildland Fire Agreement.
These cooperative agreements allow for interactive coordination in the event of a wildfire that
threatens communities in Central Oregon. Conversely when these agencies need assistance, the
Sunriver Fire Department assists them. Anytime an incident grows beyond the capability of the
regional resources a request may be made to the State to activate the Statewide Mobilization
Plan, whereupon firefighting resources may be requested from across the State.
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The La Pine Rural Fire Protection District, the Sunriver Fire Department and Bend Fire &
Rescue also participate in Automatic Aid responding to mutual response zones in certain parts of
each district.
La Pine Rural Fire Protection District
The La Pine RFPD provides first response fire coverage to the Sunriver Business Park located
along Century Drive in the Sunriver CWPP area. In the event of an emergency here, Sunriver
Fire Department quickly communicates with La Pine RFPD to provide the most appropriate and
timely service.
The La Pine RFPD provides Emergency Medical Services, including Advanced Cardiac Life
Support transport, within a 1,000 square mile boundary. All firefighting personnel have
received training in wildland firefighting practices, structural fire protection and suppression
techniques, and other related topics. The District has adopted the National Incident Management
Systems (NIMS) Incident Command System and all personnel have received training and
continue to train in its use. There are five career personnel and 19 support volunteers not
involved in fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
The District works out of one centrally located fire station and two satellite stations. It maintains
a fleet of three structural fire engines, three Advanced Cardiac Life Support ambulances, three
heavy brush engines, one light brush engine, three water tenders and three staff/utility vehicles.
Oregon Department of Forestry
Within Sunriver, private forestland is protected by the Central Oregon District of ODF. ODF
provides wildland fire response for fires burning on, or threatening private forestlands paying a
Forest Patrol Assessment. There are some areas within the Sunriver CWPP boundary that
receive dual protection from ODF and the Sunriver Fire Department because they are located
within the fire protection district and are also classified as private forestland within the ODF
district.
Oregon Department of Forestry provides two Type 6 engines in southern Deschutes County
during fire season, typically June through October. Nine additional engines are available for
response in the Prineville-Sisters unit. Statewide resources are also available to ODF including
initial attack hand crews, dozers, water tenders, helicopters, air tankers, and overhead staff
positions.
US Forest Service
The US Forest Service provides wildland fire protection on the federal lands adjacent to and
within the Sunriver planning area. Together with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), they
are identified as the Central Oregon Fire Management Service (COFMS). COFMS includes the
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Deschutes National Forest, the Ochoco National Forest, the Crooked River National Grassland,
and the Prineville District of the BLM. These four units are managed cooperatively under
combined leadership, with an Interagency Fire Management Officer, two Deputy Fire
Management Officers, and a Board of Directors including decision makers from both agencies,
with Forest Service District Rangers and BLM Field Managers. COFMS has a central
dispatching facility in partnership with ODF that serves as a communications hub for fire and
fuels operations, as well as safety and training issues for COFMS. In total, COFMS provides the
following resources: 15 engines, four initial attack hand crews, six prevention units, two dozers,
two water tenders, one helicopter with module, 50 smokejumpers, two Inter-agency Hotshot
crews, one air tanker, one National Fire Cache, one interagency dispatch center and 20 overhead
staff positions.
Anytime an incident grows beyond the capability of the local resources a request may be made to
ODF and to the Pacific Northwest Coordination Center for additional wildland fire fighting
resources.
Law Enforcement
The Sunriver Police Department has responsibility for ensuring the safe and orderly evacuation
of the Sunriver community in the event of a major emergency. A number of resources have been
allocated to accomplish this task including sirens and Public Address (PA) systems located
throughout the community; emergency notification via the radio and television; reverse 9-1-1
capability; Police Department staff; and community-wide volunteers. The Sunriver Police
Department cooperates with Deschutes County as needed with any issues related to a major
emergency.
Oregon State Police assists the law enforcement efforts and cooperates with the Deschutes
County Sheriff for protection in the Sunriver area.
In addition to this high level of coordination, all fire departments and agencies in Central Oregon
convene each year for a pre-season meeting to discuss the upcoming wildland fire season.
Topics addressed at this meeting include predicted wildland fire activity, weather forecasts and
how agencies can/will respond to meet the needs of fire events.
Community Preparedness
Also under the category of Protection Capabilities, the ODF Assessment of Risk examines a
community’s level of organization and preparedness to respond in an emergency situation. The
assessment looks at whether the area has an organized stakeholder group that looks out for its
own area through mitigation efforts, a phone tree, etc. Or, does the area only receive outside
efforts such as newsletters, mailings or FireFree information from other groups? The Steering
Committee used local knowledge to determine the level of preparedness.
15
Values Protected
The human and economic values protected in the Sunriver planning area are based on home
density per ten acres and community infrastructure such as power substations, transportation
corridors, water and fuel storage, etc.
As of 2009, there are over 4,100 homes and condominiums, as well as a large resort and multiple
businesses in the unincorporated area of Sunriver, with an appraised value in the billions.
The essential infrastructure in the planning area includes utilities, roads, water and sewer systems
and has an approximate replacement value of $275,000 per mile for electrical transmission lines;
$150,000 per mile of electrical distribution lines; and $2 million per electrical sub-station. Loss
to water and sewer systems would be minimal because most are underground or otherwise not
flammable.
If a large wildland fire occurs in this area which resulted in the closure of US Highway 97, the
economic loss to local businesses and central Oregon in general could exceed $3.5 million per
day, not including other intra- and interstate business losses. The rating for Sunriver in this
category is high.
Also of high importance to residents and business owners in Sunriver is the value placed on
scenic beauty and recreational opportunities that exist on public lands both within and adjacent to
the planning area.
The loss of recreational use by visitors to the area as a result of scenic quality, specifically large
“burn over” areas, would have an unknown economic impact not only to Sunriver, but to the
remainder of Deschutes County and neighboring cities including Bend, La Pine, Redmond and
Sisters. If a large wildland fire occurs in this area, the result will be catastrophic loss to both the
developed and dispersed recreational opportunities around Sunriver.
Structural Vulnerability
Structural vulnerability refers to the defensible space and building materials used on structures.
It also includes the type and amount of fire department access such as the numbers of roads in
and out, road widths and signage.
As mentioned in the Background Information of this CWPP, Sunriver has developed a
progressive approach to decrease the vulnerability of structures to wildland fire. Originally
developed with community regulations that restricted tree and brush removal in most
circumstances, SROA quickly modified these plans following major wildland fires in the area.
16
In 1991, SROA and the Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory drafted a Fuels Modification
Plan, which would become the basis for the current Ladder Fuels Reduction Plan. The plan
detailed the reduction of hazardous fuels from private properties and common areas. Fuels
reduction became mandatory for private property owners in 1996.
Wood shake was initially the typical roofing choice found throughout Sunriver. Following
recent fires and the development of the Fuels Modification Plan, the SROA Board of Directors
approved a resolution in 1992 prohibiting wood roofs in Sunriver by requiring all new and
replacement roofs to be noncombustible with a Class A fire rating.
In recent years, the Sunriver Owners Association and many residents in Sunriver continue to take
steps to decrease the vulnerability of structures to wildland fire. Although attitudes and
behaviors towards fire continue to improve thanks to the progressive direction of SROA
leadership and educational programs like FireFree and Firewise, the population growth and
continued development into the wildland urban interface present fresh challenges each year. The
Steering Committee puts high value on the importance of making structures in Sunriver as fire
safe as possible.
The adequacy of water resources were not considered in this assessment and are addressed as a
priority item under Action Plan and Implementation.
17
The following is the ODF Assessment of Risk with value ratings and corresponding scores. The
higher the total score in this assessment, the higher the overall risk.
1. What is the likelihood of a fire occurring?
The risk of wildfire occurrence refers to the likelihood of a fire occurring based on historical fire occurrence,
home density and ignition sources. The calculations are based on evidence from the USFS, ODF and the
Sunriver Fire Department of fire occurrences per 1,000 acres per ten years, as well as home density and ready
ignition sources such as dry lightning storms, debris burning, equipment use, juveniles, campfires, and arson.
Actual Score
Fire occurrence (per 1000 acres per 10 years)
0 – 0 .1 (low) 5 points
0.1 – 1.1 (moderate) 10 points
1.1+ (high) 20 points
.29 fires per
1000 ac per 10
years
10
Ignition Risk – Home Density (homes per 10 acres)
0 - 0 .9 (rural) 0 points
1 – 5 (suburban) 5 points
5.1+ (urban) 10 points
3.5 homes per
10 acres
5
Ignition Risk – Other Factors Present (see below)
< 1/3 present 0 points
1/3 – 2/3 present 5 points
> 2/3 present 10 points
19 Present 10
Total points: 25
Risk category rating:
0 – 13 points = Low
13 – 27 points = Moderate
27 – 40 points = High
Rating: Moderate
Other factors: Power lines or stations, logging, construction, debris burning, mining, dispersed or developed camping, off-road
vehicle use, flammables, fireworks, dry grass mowing, woodcutting, equipment use, target shooting, military training, arson,
cultural activities, railroad, highways, county or public access road, camps/resorts/stables, schools, business, ranch or farm,
lightning prone, dumping.
18
2. Hazards.
The hazard rating describes resistance to control once a fire starts, based on weather, topography (including
slope, aspect & elevation), vegetation and crown fire potential.
Actual Score
Weather
Zone 3
Auto rating
east of the
Cascades
40
Topography - Slope
0 – 25% 0 points
26 – 40% 3 points
41% + 5 points
Flat 0
Topography - Aspect
N, NW, NE 0 points
W, E 3 points
S, SW, SE 5 points
Equal
heating on
all sides
3
Topography - Elevation
5001 feet + 0 points
3501 – 5000 feet 1 point
0 – 3500 feet 2 points
Appx
4,100 ft. 1
Vegetation (See below)
Non-forest 0 points
HV 1 5 points
HV 2 15 points
HV 3 20 points
HV 2
See below 15
Crown Fire Potential
Passive - Low 0 points
Active – Moderate 5 points
Independent – High 10 points
Moderate
potential 5
Total points: 64
Risk category rating:
0 – 9 points = Low
10 – 40 points = Moderate
41 – 60 points = High
61 – 80 points = Extreme
Rating: Extreme
HV 1 – produces flame lengths up to 5 feet with very little spotting, torching or crowning.
HV 2 – produces flame lengths 5-8 feet high with sporadic spotting, torching or crowning.
HV 3 – produces flame lengths over 8 feet with frequent spotting, torching and crowning.
19
3. Protection Capabilities.
These ratings are based on fire protection capability and resources to control and suppress wildland and
structural fires. They also consider response times and community preparedness. A low score in this
category is preferred as it demonstrates quick response times and effective community preparedness.
Actual Score
Fire response
Organized structural response < 10 minutes 0 points
Inside fire district, response > 10 minutes 8 points
No structural protection, only wildland response 15 points
No structural or wildland protection 36 points
0
Community Preparedness
Organized stakeholder group, community fire plan,
phone tree, or mitigation efforts 0 points
Primarily agency efforts (mailings, FireFree, etc.) 2 points
No efforts 4 points
0
Total points: 0
Protection Capability Category Rating:
0 – 9 points = Low
10 – 16 points = Moderate
17 – 40 points = High
Rating: Low
4. Values Protected: Human and economic.
These ratings are based on home density per ten acres and community infrastructure such as power
substations and transportation corridors, etc.
Actual Score
Homes (density per 10 acres)
0.1 – 0.9 (rural) 2 points
1 – 5 (suburban) 15 points
5.1 + (urban) 30 points
3.5 homes
per ten acres
(4,100+ total)
15
Community Infrastructure (see below)
None 0 points
One present 10 points
More than one present 20 points
More than
one present 20
Total points: 35
Values Protected Category Rating:
0 – 15 points = Low
16 – 30 points = Moderate
31 – 50 points = High
Rating: High
Community infrastructure – Power substations and corridors, transportation corridors, municipal watersheds, water
storage and distribution, fuel storage, health care facilities, landfills and waste treatment, schools, churches, community
centers, and stores.
20
5. Structural Vulnerability.
Structural vulnerability is based on defensible space, building materials, the type and amount of fire service
access.
Actual Score
Structural vulnerability
Flammable roofing present?
non wood - 0
wood - 30
271 homes
have wood
roofing
15
Meets defensible space standards?
Meets SR Ladder Fuels Reduction Plan - 0
All but avg 15-
20 homes are
compliant
0
Non compliant - 30
Ingress - egress
Two or more roads in and out - 0 2+ roads 0
One road - 7
Road width
Greater than 24 feet - 0
20 - 24 feet - 2
Average, but a
few under 20
ft.
2
Less than 20 feet - 4
All season road condition
surfaced, < 10% grade - 0 Asphalt, flat 0
surfaced, > 10% grade - 1
Non surfaced, <10% grade - 1
Non surfaced, >10% grade - 3
Other than all season - 4
Street signs
Present - 4" reflective letters - 0 Yes 0
Absent - 5
Fire Service Access
< 300 ft. with turnaround - 0
> 300 ft. with turnaround - 2
Some over 300
ft, all with
turnaround.
2
< 300 ft. w/o turnaround - 4
> 300 ft. w/o turnaround - 5
Total 19
Rating Low
Category rating: 0 – 30 = Low; 31 – 60 = Moderate; 61 – 90 = High
21
Table 1 – Summary of Sunriver ODF Assessment of Risk
Likelihood of
fire occurring Hazard
Protection
capability
Values
Protected
Structural
Vulnerability Total
Sunriver 25
Moderate
64
Extreme
0
Low
35
High
19
Low 143
Neighboring CWPPs have similar assessments. The Upper Deschutes River Coalition CWPP
includes the Three Rivers assessment area that directly abuts the south end of the Sunriver
CWPP.
Table 2 – Summary of UDRC Three Rivers ODF Assessment of Risk
Likelihood of
fire occurring Hazard
Protection
capability
Values
Protected
Structural
Vulnerability Total
Three Rivers 35
High
71
Extreme
0
Low
35
High
32
Moderate 173
Just north of the Sunriver CWPP boundary lies the West assessment area under the Greater Bend
CWPP.
Table 3 – Summary of Greater Bend West ODF Assessment of Risk
Likelihood of
fire occurring Hazard
Protection
capability
Values
Protected
Structural
Vulnerability Total
West 30
High
76
Extreme
10
Moderate
22
Moderate
43
Moderate 181
The Steering Committee recognizes the risks in adjacent and nearby CWPPs and emphasizes the
importance of collaboration with neighboring CWPP groups to maximize efforts that reduce the
likelihood of high intensity wildfires traveling and spotting in the WUI.
Oregon Forestland-Urban Interface Fire Protection Act of 1997
While not utilized as one of the assessment tools for this CWPP, the Steering Committee offers
and promotes the standards of the act for private lands, other than SROA commons and those
properties subject to the Sunriver Ladder Fuels Reduction plan, explained in the following
section.
22
The Oregon Forestland-Urban Interface Fire Protection Act, also known as Senate Bill 360,
enlists the aid of property owners toward the goal of turning fire-vulnerable urban and
suburban properties into less volatile zones where firefighters may more safely and effectively
defend structures and properties from wildfires. The law requires property owners in identified
forestland-urban interface areas to reduce excess vegetation around structures and along
driveways. In some cases, it is also necessary to create fuel breaks along property lines and
roadsides.
Forestland-urban interface areas are identified in each county by a classification committee.
Once areas are identified, a committee applies fire risk classifications to the areas. The
classifications range from “low” to “high density extreme,” and the classification is used by a
property owner to determine the size of a fuel break that needs to be established around a
structure. The classification committee reconvenes every five years to review and recommend
any changes to the classifications. This process was just completed in Deschutes County in
February 2010. The Sunriver community is rated Extreme under this legislation.
ODF is the agency steward of this program. It supplies information about the act’s fuel-
reduction standards to property owners. ODF also mails each of these property owners a
certification card, which may be signed and returned to ODF after the fuel reduction standards
have been met. Certification relieves a property owner from the act’s fire cost recovery liability.
This takes effect on properties that are within a forestland-urban interface area and for which a
certification card has not been received by the Department of Forestry. In these situations, the
state of Oregon may seek to recover certain fire suppression costs from a property owner if a fire
originates on or travels through the owner's property, the fuel reduction standards have not been
met, and ODF incurs extraordinary suppression costs. The cost-recovery liability under the
Oregon Forestland-Urban Interface Fire Protection Act is capped at $100,000.
The standards under Senate Bill 360 for private lands classified as Extreme are:
• Establish a primary fuel break of 50 feet around structures (100 feet for
wood roofing);
• Create fuel breaks around driveways longer than 150 feet;
• Remove tree branches within 10 feet of chimneys;
• Remove any dead vegetation that overhangs a roof;
• Remove flammable materials from under decks and stairways;
• Move firewood 20 feet away from structures;
23
A detailed description of the standards is available from the Oregon Department of Forestry in
the handbook for the Oregon Forestland – Urban Interface Fire Protection Act of 1997. This
information is also available at www.oregon.gov/ODF/fire/SB360.
Sunriver Ladder Fuels Reduction Plan
SROA has worked cooperatively with ODF to directly address defensible space standards within
Sunriver through a specific Ladder Fuels Reduction Plan that serves as an alternative plan under
this legislation.
In lieu of the Senate Bill 360 certification process described above, Sunriver collaborated with
ODF to develop a Ladder Fuels Reduction (LFR) Plan that is an approved alternative plan under
the legislation.
The Sunriver LFR includes requirements for fuels reduction on private lands in Sunriver and
SROA-owned common grounds. The plan has been reviewed and approved by ODF and the
Sunriver Fire Department. ODF has designated the Sunriver Environmental Director and the
Environmental Assistant as Accredited Assessors and directors of this program, with the
authority to certify Sunriver properties under this legislation. Compliance by landowners with
the Sunriver LFR plan certifies a property under the approved alternative standards and relieves
the owner of the fire cost recovery liability.
Fire Regime - Condition Class
Fire Regime - Condition Class considers the type of vegetation and its departure from its
historical fire return interval.
Five natural (historical) fire regimes are classified based on the average number of years between
fires (fire frequency) combined with the severity of the fire on dominant overstory vegetation.
Fire regimes I, III and IV are represented on the landscape in the Sunriver planning area.
Lodgepole pine for example has a 60-80 year fire interval with the potential for full stand
replacement fires. Lodgepole pine therefore falls within Fire Regime IV which describes species
with fire return intervals between 35 – 100 years. Ponderosa pine has an 11-15 year natural fire
interval with a low potential for stand replacement fires. Therefore, ponderosa pine falls under
Fire Regime I which describes species with fire return intervals between 0-35 years.
The following table summarizes Fire Regimes.
24
Table 4 – Fire Regimes
Fire Regime Group Fire Frequency Fire Severity
Plant Association
Group
I 0 – 35 years Low severity Ponderosa pine,
manzanita, bitterbrush
II 0 – 35 years Stand replacement Western juniper
III 35 – 100+ years Mixed severity Mixed conifer dry
IV 35 – 100+ years Stand replacement Lodgepole pine
V > 200 years Stand replacement Western hemlock,
mixed conifer wet
Condition Class categorizes a departure from the natural fire frequency based on ecosystem
attributes. In Condition Class 1, the historical ecosystem attributes are largely intact and
functioning as defined by the historical natural fire regime. In other words, the stand has not
missed a fire cycle. In Condition Class 2, the historical ecosystem attributes have been
moderately altered. Generally, at least one fire cycle has been missed. In Condition Class 3,
historical ecosystem attributes have been significantly altered. Multiple fire cycles have been
missed. The risk of losing key ecosystem components (e.g. native species, large trees, soil) is low
for Class 1, moderate for Class 2, and high for Class 3. Table 5 summarizes Condition Class.
25
Table 5 – Condition Class
There are 11,801 acres in the Sunriver CWPP area. Significant fuels reduction projects continue
to reduce the amount of acreage in Condition Class 2 & 3. Achieving Condition Class 1 on
public lands however, requires multiple entries on treatment sites, over a period of years. For
example, thinning and mowing may occur over a 12-24 month project period. The under-
burning component of the project may not occur for another year while the land recovers from
the thinning and mowing and produces an adequate shrub content to support prescribed fire.
Condition Class applies on the landscape level. Therefore, the Steering Committee recognizes
that although significant fuels reduction work has been completed by US Forest Service, the
need continues on the landscape as a whole. The Steering Committee supports the ongoing
planning and treatment process on public lands.
Condition Class Attributes
Condition Class 1
Fire regimes are within or near an historical range.
The risk of losing key ecosystem components is low.
Fire frequencies have departed from historical frequencies (either increased or
decreased) by no more than one return interval.
Vegetation attributes are intact and functioning within an historical range.
Condition Class 2
Fire regimes have been moderately altered from their historical range.
The risk of losing key ecosystem components has increased to moderate.
Fire frequencies have departed (either increased or decreased) from historical
frequencies by more than one return interval. This change results in moderate
changes to one or more of the following: fire size, frequency, intensity, severity
or landscape patterns.
Vegetation attributes have been moderately altered from their historic ranges.
Condition Class 3
Fire regimes have been significantly altered from their historical range.
The risk of losing key ecosystem components is high.
Fire frequencies have departed (either increased or decreased) by multiple
return intervals. This change results in dramatic changes to one or more of the
following: fire size, frequency, intensity, severity, or landscape patterns.
Vegetation attributes have been significantly altered from their historic
ranges.
26
Areas of special concern
Critical Transportation Routes
Critical Transportation Routes do not have a standard definition in Deschutes County. For
purposes of the Sunriver CWPP, the Steering Committee defines Critical Transportation Routes
as:
• all routes necessary for the support of routine flow of commerce to and/or through the
Sunriver area,
• all routes that could be used for potential evacuation of citizens and/or visitors from a
wildland fire threat to public safety,
• routes needed for emergency ingress and egress to a wildland fire incident, not
including unimproved or “two-track” roads,
• and, all routes needed to protect and support critical infrastructure (power substations,
communication transmission lines, water and fuel storage, public service facilities,
recreation facilities, etc).
The Steering Committee underscored the need to identify, develop and protect critical
transportation routes as part of this planning process. Ingress/egress issues are included under
Recommendations to Reduce Structural Vulnerability. This issue is also highlighted under
Action Plan and Implementation.
With up to 20,000 visitors in Sunriver per day during peak summer months and an additional
10,000 people using recreation sites and the transportation corridors around Sunriver, critical
transportation routes are a prime concern for those agencies responsible for fire suppression and
evacuation.
Hazard Reduction Recommendations and Preferred
Treatment Methods
The Steering Committee agreed that the Sunriver CWPP is a living tool that can be used for
multiple outcomes. The following is an outline of the preferred treatments and goals for
hazardous fuels reduction under the Sunriver Community Wildfire Protection Plan.
27
Goals
The Steering Committee identified the following goals to meet the Purpose on page one of the
Sunriver CWPP:
• Reduce hazardous fuels on public lands;
• Reduce hazardous fuels on private lands;
• Reduce structural vulnerability;
• Increase education and awareness of the wildfire threat;
• Identify, improve and protect critical transportation routes.
Preferred treatments and goals for hazardous fuels reduction
The overall goal of the Sunriver CWPP is to decrease the risk of high intensity wildland fire
behavior by reducing and maintaining fuel loads to that which can produce flame lengths of less
than four feet. This enables safe and effective initial attack. The CWPP goal is also to provide
for a healthy, fire resilient landscape that supports the social, economic and ecological values of
Sunriver area residents and visitors. The Steering Committee recognizes the effectiveness and
value of maximizing treatment efforts in areas that are adjacent to federal or private projects and
recommends that future projects consider these benefits when selecting areas for treatment. The
following specific standards are recommended for treatments on public and private lands within
the Sunriver planning area.
Public lands
Federal lands make up 66.5% of the Sunriver planning area and are managed by the US Forest
Service from the Bend – Fort Rock Ranger District.
It is the intent of the Steering Committee that the Sunriver WUI area is subject to expedited
measures for hazardous fuels treatment and allocation of funds to protect it as stipulated by the
Healthy Forests Restoration Act.
The Sunriver planning area is directly adjacent to federal lands on all sides except the southern
boundary. The maps in Appendix A detail the WUI boundary throughout the Sunriver CWPP
area calling for protection specifically by reducing wildland fuel hazards on public lands.
The overall standard for public lands under this CWPP is to decrease the risk of high intensity
wildland fire behavior by reducing and maintaining fuel loads to that which can produce flame
lengths of less than four feet in the areas within the WUI boundary. This buffer will begin at the
edge of private lands (except where other land management practices prohibit it such as riparian
or wetland areas) and extend onto the federal lands to the designated WUI boundary. This
28
enables safe and effective initial attack. This standard can be achieved by the federal land
management agency through a variety of treatment methodologies such as thinning, prescribed
burning and mechanical treatments. Specific treatments should address fuels issues on a
landscape scale rather than acre by acre.
Federal land managers are strongly encouraged to work toward the overall standard by treating
Condition Class 2 and 3 lands with the goal of returning the landscape to Condition Class 1 by
reducing fuel loads to that which can produce flame lengths of less than four feet:
• Within a ¼ mile buffer of the Sunriver WUI boundary. Treatments should begin here
and increase in ¼ mile increments until the WUI boundary is reached.
• Within 300 feet of any evacuation route from Sunriver.
• Although the treatments should focus on Condition Class 2 & 3 areas, maintenance of
previously treated lands is also a top priority where treatment is critical to maintain
Condition Class 1 status within the CWPP area. Treatment and maintenance of
previously treated lands before treatment begins again in other places is an important
component of keeping communities safe.
In general, the dominant strategy in all areas should be thinning from below, in an effort to
restore large tree, open park-like ponderosa pine dominated forests. In exclusively lodgepole
pine and mixed conifer stands where site conditions are favorable to ponderosa pine, intensive
thinning should occur with a reforestation strategy to restore a proper ratio, as determined by the
agency, of lodgepole or mixed conifer to ponderosa pine.
In exclusively lodgepole pine stands where site conditions are not favorable to ponderosa pine,
thinning should occur to provide a minimum of 20’ X 20’ spacing. Excessive dead/down fuels
should be removed followed by understory maintenance.
The Steering Committee also encourages federal land managers to work with local landowners to
minimize road closures that could be used as alternate evacuation routes from Sunriver.
Private and county owned lands
Private lands make up 33.5% of the area in the planning area. SROA owns and maintains
common lands in Sunriver and the balance is comprised of individual private properties, a small
portion owned by Sunriver Water Company and a portion owned by Sunriver Utilities.
Deschutes County only owns two ¼ acre lots in this planning area. The Steering Committee
recommends that these County owned lands be treated in the same manner as privately owned
lands.
29
Private lands and SROA Commons
On private lands with structural improvements and SROA common lands in Sunriver, the goal is
for each structure and property to meet the specific standards as identified in the Sunriver Ladder
Fuels Reduction Plan.
The Sunriver Ladder Fuels Reduction Plan is considered an alternative plan to Senate Bill 360
and has been approved by Oregon Department of Forestry and the Sunriver Fire Department.
Generally, it outlines the following standards and requirements on private lands with structures
that are the responsibility of the landowner:
• The entire property, including areas within 30 feet of any structure (up to the
property line) shall be subject to fuels reduction standards.
• All bitterbrush, noxious weeds, dead vegetation, and other flammable shrubs
within 15 feet of a structure shall be removed.
• Bitterbrush and manzanita shall be cleared three feet beyond the drip line of tree
branches.
• Live b ranches of pine trees and other flammable trees shall be removed up to a
minimum of six feet and a maximum of eight feet. For trees less than 20 feet tall,
only the lower 1/3 of branches shall be removed.
• Trees branches of pines and other flammable trees shall be removed to create a
minimum of 15 feet of clearance between chimneys and the branches.
• Roofs, gutters, and areas under decks shall be maintained free of accumulated
pine needles and other debris.
• Dry grass shall be maintained to an average height of less than four inches, during
the fire season (June-November) with the exception of scattered bunchgrasses.
• Firewood shall be stored a minimum of 20 feet from the structure, or at the
property line, during fire season (June – November).
Additional specifications for tree cutting and retention are available in the Sunriver Ladder Fuels
Reduction (LFR) Plan which can be found at www.sunriverowners.org.
Property owners can also help comply with the LFR plan by taking advantage of FireFree and
Firewise suggestions to create and/or maintain defensible space, a fire-resistant buffer that allows
for effective first-response firefighting and a significantly reduced risk of the spread of fire.
These national education programs promote a variety of fire safe actions to help prevent the
spread of fire to protect individual homes and neighborhoods. Information about these programs
can be found at www.firefree.org and www.firewise.org.
30
On SROA commons, SROA Environmental Services Department is responsible for the
maintenance of common lands within Sunriver. The Ladder Fuels Reduction Plan currently
maintains a six-year cycle of treatment to reduce hazardous fuels and outlines specific treatments
for specific vegetation. Generally, the standards for commons include:
• All bitterbrush and manzanita shall be removed within 15 feet of structures. In open areas
an average of 30% coverage shall be maintained of all shrubs following removal of
bitterbrush and manzanita to three feet beyond the drip line of tree branches.
• Live tree branches shall be removed to a minimum height of six feet and a maximum of
eight feet. For trees less than 20 feet tall, only the lower 1/3 of branches shall be
removed.
• Seedlings or saplings four inches in diameter or less at breast height (DBH) shall be
thinned to six to eight foot spacing.
• Trees larger than four inches DBH shall be thinned to a minimum spacing of six to eight
feet between trunks.
• All ponderosa pines shall be retained unless confirmed diseased, a hazard or in an
overcrowded condition.
Additional specifications for tree cutting and retention are available in the Sunriver Ladder Fuels
Reduction Plan which can be found at www.sunriverowners.org.
Private lands outside Sunriver
On private lands with structural improvements outside Sunriver proper, the goal is for each
structure to meet the specific standards for classified lands as identified in the Oregon Forestland
– Urban Interface Fire Protection Act of 1997, also known as Senate Bill 360. This statute
outlines standards and requirements for defensible space on private property that receives fire
protection from Oregon Department of Forestry.
The Oregon Department of Forestry provides wildland fire protection in the Sunriver planning
area and the Steering Committee supports the goals and standards of Senate Bill 360 on those
lands not subject to the Sunriver Ladder Fuels Reduction plan. Five classifications are possible
under the Act – Low, Moderate, High, Extreme and High Density Extreme. East of the Cascades
however, only three are possible due to an automatic rating for weather. Sunriver and the
surrounding lands in the CWPP planning area are classified as Extreme. The standards under
Senate Bill 360 for private lands classified as Extreme are:
• Establish a primary fuel break of 50 feet around structures (100 feet for
wood roofing);
• Create fuel breaks around driveways longer than 150 feet;
31
• Remove tree branches within 10 feet of chimneys;
• Remove any dead vegetation that overhangs a roof;
• Remove flammable materials from under decks and stairways;
• Move firewood 20 feet away from structures.
A detailed description of the standards is available from the Oregon Department of Forestry in
the handbook for the Oregon Forestland – Urban Interface Fire Protection Act of 1997. This
information is also available at www.oregon.gov/ODF/fire/SB360.
Recommendations to Reduce Structural Vulnerability
Structural Vulnerability
Based on the assessment of structural vulnerability for the ODF Assessment of Risk, Table 6
identifies the main hazards within the Sunriver CWPP. For each hazard or risk listed, an action
is recommended to address the threat or decrease the risk. The adequacy of water resources for
fire suppression was not considered under this assessment. This topic is addressed under Action
Plan and Implementation.
32
Table 6 – Structural Vulnerability Hazards and Recommendations
Primary Hazards Recommended Actions
Defensible space – hazardous vegetation
Continue with LFR Compliance,
FireFree, FireWise.
Structural composition – 271 homes still
have wood shake roofing
Continue education efforts to change
roofing to Class A Fire Resistant roof.
Comply with LFR, FireFree, FireWise.
95% have
Class A
roofing
Road widths 20-24 feet
Maintain height and width clearance
through LFR and SB 360 for roads less
than adequate for emergency response
and egress.
Poor fire service access in some areas
Maintain height and width clearance
through LFR and SB 360 for safe
turnarounds.
Poorly signed evacuation routes Sign and maintain routes.
33
Other Recommendations
Education
As stated in the Purpose of the Sunriver CWPP, four of the goals for this planning effort are to:
• Instill a sense of personal responsibility and provide steps for taking preventive actions
regarding wildland fire,
• Increase public understanding of living in a fire-adapted ecosystem,
• Increase the community’s ability to prepare for and respond to wildland fires, and
• Increase the community’s ability to recover from wildland fires.
With these goals in mind, education and outreach are top priorities for the Sunriver CWPP. The
rapid influx of new residents and vacationers is just one reason the Steering Committee places
high value on the education of Sunriver area residents and landowners. Many residents and
visitors are unfamiliar with wildland fire and have limited experience with issues like defensible
space. Residents and visitors will continue to benefit from clear examples of what a fire resilient
forest and community look like as well as easy access to resources that help them take action.
There are several opportunities to enhance educational efforts in the Sunriver area. All local fire
districts, the US Forest Service, the Oregon Department of Forestry, the Central Oregon Fire
Prevention Cooperative and Project Wildfire all provide wildland fire prevention programs
through a variety of individual and collaborative efforts. SROA is working with Project Wildfire
and the Sunriver Scene to develop wildfire awareness and prevention information to distribute
through mailings, displays, bike-path kiosks, in offices, at owner meetings, on the websites and
in rental units in Sunriver.
The Steering Committee also recommends support for projects that enhance a community’s
ability to communicate necessary information in the event of a wildfire. Programs that develop
and maintain neighborhood phone trees or communication lists that identify neighbors who may
need additional assistance during an evacuation are encouraged.
Utilizing the information in Table 6, property owners are strongly encouraged to learn more
about how they can reduce the hazards on their own property. Local residents are encouraged to
contact SROA and their local fire department for information. Residents may also find
additional information on how they can reduce hazards and protect themselves at
www.firefree.org and www.firewise.org.
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Action Plan and Implementation
The Steering Committee recognizes that the Sunriver CWPP is a living tool with multiple
applications. The following actions are intended to assist individuals and agencies in the
implementation of this CWPP across Sunriver and the adjacent WUI.
Reduce hazardous fuels on public lands
Immediately following the acceptance and signed approval of this plan, the Steering Committee
will make copies of the 2010 Sunriver CWPP available to all public land managers including the
Deschutes National Forest and the Oregon Department of Forestry. The intention of the
Steering Committee is to engage in continued discussions with the Sunriver community and
adjacent landowners to implement the CWPP and accomplish hazardous fuels reduction projects
in the most expeditious manner possible. The Steering Committee recognizes the effectiveness
and value of maximizing treatment efforts in areas that are adjacent to federal or other private
projects and recommends that future projects consider these benefits when selecting areas for
treatment.
Reduce hazardous fuels on private lands
The intention of the Steering Committee is to engage in continued discussions with landowners
to facilitate fuels reduction projects on private lands through the approved Sunriver Ladder Fuels
Reduction Plan and the implementation of Senate Bill 360. These actions can be accomplished
through education activities and grants for specific projects on private lands.
Reduce Structural Vulnerability
The Steering Committee is charged with the task of engaging community members to review the
Structural Vulnerability Assessment in this CWPP and identify projects that will strengthen the
potential for the neighborhoods to survive a wildland fire within the Sunriver WUI. The ODF
Assessment of Risk and Tables 6 & 7 can be utilized as a resource for homeowners to improve
the fire resistance of their homes on an individual basis and also by groups to implement
education programs.
The Steering Committee is also charged with the task of working with the fire department and
Sunriver Utilities to identify and assess the water resources available for fire suppression in
Sunriver and the surrounding WUI. The Steering Committee can make recommendations for
projects to ensure adequate water resources are available for fire suppression.
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Increase Awareness and Education
The Steering Committee will work with SROA, the fire departments and Project Wildfire to
review the educational programs available and identify potential projects for implementation.
Identify, Improve and Protect Critical Transportation Routes
The Steering Committee will work with Sunriver Fire Department, Sunriver Police Department,
SROA, Deschutes County, and Oregon Department of Transportation to identify and map
existing transportation and evacuation routes. The Steering Committee will assist in conducting
further assessments to determine the evacuation needs of Sunriver and identify potential projects
developing new routes and/or improving existing routes.
The Steering Committee will continue to encourage federal land managers to work with local
landowners to minimize closures of roads that can be used as alternate evacuation routes.
Fund Projects
The Steering Committee will encourage and assist community groups in seeking funding for
fuels reduction, educational, and other projects to decrease overall risks of loss from wildland
fire.
Evaluation and Monitoring
The Steering Committee faced a complex task in the comprehensive revision of the Sunriver
Community Wildfire Protection Plan. Implementing and sustaining these efforts will require a
significant commitment. Building a collaborative and cooperative environment with the fire
department, community-based organizations, local government and the public land management
agencies has been the first step in reducing the risk of loss from wildland fire. The Steering
Committee pledges to maintain this cooperation with the public over the long-term with the
commitment of all the partners involved.
At a minimum, the Steering Committee shall include: a member of the Sunriver Owners
Association Board of Directors; SROA staff; the Program Coordinator from Project Wildfire; a
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Chief Officer from Sunriver Fire Department; a representative from Oregon Department of
Forestry (ODF); a representative from Central Oregon Fire Management Service (COFMS), and
Deschutes County along with members of the Sunriver area public.
The Steering Committee agrees that the Sunriver Community Wildfire Protection Plan will be a
living document, intended to promote fuels reduction, educational, and other projects to decrease
overall risks of loss from wildland fire; revisited at least annually to address its Purpose.
SROA and the Sunriver Fire Department will work with Project Wildfire to convene the Steering
Committee as often as the Steering Committee deems necessary to implement and review the
Sunriver Community Wildfire Protection Plan. Topics for discussion can include:
• Identification and assessment of new or treated risks.
• Evaluation and tracking of progress toward goals.
• Updating of maps.
• Adoption of new and/or revised priorities.
• Identification of specific projects.
• Discussion of grant opportunities and determination of projects eligible for
funding.
• Writing of grants.
• Identification of appropriate projects to address additional items as
outlined in the Action Plan for Structural Vulnerability, Education and
Critical Transportation Routes.
• Coordination of additional items, projects and assessments.
SROA, the Sunriver Fire Department and Project Wildfire will ensure that the evaluation and
monitoring activities listed above are addressed by the Steering Committee each year. As
members of the Steering Committee change, Project Wildfire will ensure that it maintains a
balanced representation of agency and public members, with a continued focus on inviting
interested parties to participate in the review and planning process.
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Acknowledgements
Assembled within the true spirit of collaboration, the following people are acknowledged for
their participation and commitment resulting in the creation of the 2010 Sunriver Community
Wildfire Protection Plan.
John Allen US Forest Service
Don Barnes Sunriver Owners Association & Resident
Kevin Benton Unit Forester, Oregon Department of Forestry
Rob Bingham Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory
Rod Bjorvik Assistant Chief, Sunriver Fire Department
Melinda Campbell Deschutes County GIS
Herb Dix Sunriver Owners Association & Resident
Ben Duda Oregon Department of Forestry
Heather Fisher US Forest Service
Richard Ford Resident
Patti Gentiluomo Sunriver Owners Association
Art Hatch Chief, Sunriver Fire Department
Sally Heise Risk Management, Sunriver Resort
Carl Jansen Upper Deschutes River Coalition
David Jendro Sunriver Owners Association & Resident
Doug Johnson US Forest Service
John Kahnoski Resident
Jake Keller Upper Deschutes River Coalition
Greg Koozer Sunriver Owners Association
Katie Lighthall Project Wildfire
Rolando Mendez US Forest Service
Hugh Palcic Sunriver Owners Association
Sam Pearcy US Forest Service
Terry Penhollow Sunriver Utilities
Todd Penhollow Sunriver Utilities
Mark Rapp US Forest Service
Cathy Smith Crosswater
Mark Smith Sunriver Owners Association
Brooke Snavely Sunriver Owners Association
Joe Stutler Deschutes County Forester
Mike Supkis Chief, La Pine Rural Fire Protection District