HomeMy WebLinkAboutForester Update
MEMORANDUM
DATE: January 16, 2014
TO: Deschutes County BOCC
FROM: Ed Keith, Deschutes County Forester
RE: January 22 Work Session - Forester Update
The following is a summary of current accomplishments and upcoming projects:
1) Work is recently complete on a USFS Community Assistance grant that provided $200,000 for sweat
equity fuels reduction projects that treated 2,250 acres in the Sisters, Bend, Upper Deschutes and La
Pine CWPP areas.
2) In the second half of 2013 407 acres were treated and 11,713 cubic yards of fuels were removed
through fuel reduction projects and fall Fire Free efforts.
3) The Greater Sisters CWPP revision is currently in progress. A draft of the plan will be available for
review in March and should be ready for signature in April. Our goal is to refresh every plan on a 5
year basis so our plans are up to date and reflect current conditions and priorities.
4) The 2014 RFP for a qualified pool of fuels reduction contractors is currently out for bids. Bids are due
by January 24. I will be submitting a recommended list of contractors for the intent to award to the
BOCC in February.
5) Title III expenditures are required to be certified annually by February 1 to the Secretary of Agriculture.
I have prepared the required report and will have it at the work session for signature.
6) The US Forest Service recently opened the Community Assistance grant process for 2014. Community
Assistance grants have been the source funding for several projects including the just completed grant
awarded in 2011 and the ongoing grant awarded in 2013. I would like to request permission to apply
again this year. We still have some coordination to do with cooperating agencies and community
groups before we know all the details of what we will submit, although we know that we will apply for
$200,000, the allowed maximum, and there is no match required.
7) I’ll provide a brief update on my activities related to the noxious weed program.