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HomeMy WebLinkAboutUSFS Grant Opportunity MEMORANDUM DATE: February 17, 2012 TO: Deschutes County BOCC, Interim County Administrator FROM: Joe Stutler, Deschutes County Forester RE: Forest Service Grant Funding Opportunity Over the last nine months I have divided my time between County Forester duties and serving as Chair of the Western Regional Cohesive Strategy Steering Committee. As a result, the Forest Service has offered the opportunity to provide funding to Deschutes County for two years for me to continue to serve as the Chair of the Western Cohesive Strategy. Additionally there would be other duties associated with this role as outlined in the following email from the Forest Service: Joe, Over the past few weeks we have discussed the opportunity to develop a Western Region "pilot" to implement the strategies and actions in the Western Region Wildland Fire Management Cohesive Strategy. Our focus for this pilot is in Deschutes Country Oregon and surrounding areas. It is also important to provide leadership and momentum in building other champion's throughout the West in applying the collaborative principles outlined in the Cohesive Strategy. You have been such a leader and catalyst and we would like you to be able to continue this effort and truly focus your energy on risk management and the Cohesive Strategy. We still have some details to work out but it is the intention of the Forest Service Fire & Aviation Management to enter into an agreement with Deschutes County which would fund your position for up to two years at the rate of $150,000/year. We will continue to develop the scope of work for this agreement in early January. The Forest Service cannot reimburse Deschutes County until we get an agreement in place. I hope this notification is sufficient for you to begin the process to hire a backfill for your Deschutes County Forester position? Let me know if you have any questions. Best, ~Vicki Vicki Christiansen Deputy Director Fire & Aviation Management USDA Forest Service vcchristiansen@fs.fed.us Since this email and subsequent follow up efforts with the Forest Service, we are close to finalizing a formal grant agreement for the Boards consideration. We have also developed an Assistant County Forester position description for advertising and filling the position (Attachment 1). Today, I am requesting concurrence from the Deschutes County Board of County Commissioners to recruit and fill an Assistant County Forester position not to exceed two years. The new person would best be described as “an additional identical” position that would be assuming most of my duties, with my supervision and direction. There would also be an evolving role with planning and implementation a Western Region Pilot in Central OR that would involve the same players currently involved with the Deschutes Collaborative Project and our stakeholders with Project Wildfire, FireFree Program and Community Fire Plan efforts. From a budget perspective, we have sufficient funding remaining from carryover Title III dollars and other grants through next fiscal year. Depending on the outcome of federal legislation pending in Congress, a long term fiscal solution for the position may be solved, if not we would have to address future funding possibilities for the position for fiscal year 2014 and beyond during next and future year’s budget deliberations. From an outreach and recruitment perspective, I am reasonably certain that with my professional connections we will receive sufficient applications to select the right person for the position. On a personal note, I thank the Commissioners for allowing me the opportunity to participate with the National Cohesive Strategy effort; that investment will pay huge dividends for the County and our citizens in the future as we implement the strategy locally. Joe Stutler Deschutes County Forester Attachment DESCHUTES COUNTY POSITION DESCRIPTION POSITION: ASSISTANT COUNTY FORESTER JOB CODE: 1528 DEPARTMENT: BOCC FLSA : EXEMPT REPORTS TO: COUNTY FORESTER PAY GRADE: SUMMARY The Assistant County Forester (ACF) assists the County Forester as liaison between the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners and the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), legislators, county committees or departments, environmental groups, community groups and assists in the development of the County All-Hazards Mitigation Plan and Community Wildfire Protection Plans. He/she assists the County Forester in acting as technical adviser to the Board and County staff regarding forest matters. He/she communicates with federal or state agencies as delegated, regarding County policies, interests, or concerns related to forests, including, environmental impact, land use, thinning projects, and wildland urban-interface fire prevention. The ACF assists the County Forester in providing consultation to County staff and community groups as appropriate. He/she also assists the County Forester in advocating and coordinating County grants projects related to forestry land use, environmental impact, and fire prevention. The ACF also participates in Project Wildfire. NATURE AND SCOPE The ACF assists the County Forester in representing the County’s interests and concerns to federal or state forestry or land management agencies. He/she provides consultation and technical guidance to the Board of Commissioners and County staff regarding forest or wildland urban-interface fire prevention issues, and recommends policies or actions to address concerns. The position requires the application of extensive knowledge of public and private sector forestry practices and their impact on the environment, land use policy, or forest fire prevention. The ACF maintains close working relationships with the Deschutes County Forester, the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners, U.S. Forest Service, BLM, Oregon Dept. of Forestry, County Emergency Services, County Community Development Department and the Project Wildfire Steering Committee. The ACF works with Deschutes County staff, committees, and/or residents regarding measures related to forestland use, environmental impact, or wildfire risks. The ACF develops relationships with community groups concerned with forest and wildland fire prevention, wildland fire hazard mitigation and other environmental programs impacted by forest policy. His/her activities are reviewed for adequacy of professional judgment, and achievement of results consistent with County goals and objectives. The Assistant County Forester has regular in-person and telephone contact with County Board of Commissioners, federal and state departments or agencies, and other County disciplines. This position also has contact with legislators, special interest groups, and the public to provide or obtain information and encourage them to act to protect the forests and prevent fires. ESSENTIAL TYPES OF DUTIES Provides technical guidance to the County Board of Commissioners and other County staff regarding forestry-related matters. Communicates the County’s interests at informational or planning meetings with federal or state forestry or land management agencies regarding forest policies, land use, environmental impact, or fire prevention issues. Consults with County Commissioners and other County representatives on technical issues and to develop plans related to forest fire preparedness, prevention, or thinning. Responds to technical questions from County disciplines or citizens regarding forestry issues or projects. Advocates necessary County actions or policies. In the context of natural resources, forestry or wildland fire issues, reviews and interprets federal and state laws, regulations, and implementation strategies for County Commissioners, staff, and others. Advises County Commissioners on any issues that would affect the County. Reviews and manages technical aspects of grant-funded forestry or land use projects within the County to ensure that project or program activities are achieved according to grant objectives. Provides recommendations to the Board of Commissioners. Coordinates activities of County projects or programs with those of federal, state and local government agencies. Drafts correspondence on behalf of the County to federal or state forest or land management agencies to convey concerns or responses to forestry legislation or regulations. Develops environmental assessments for the County to comply with requirements of the National Environmental Protection Act and State of Oregon environmental laws. Administers related grant programs. Recommends policy or procedural changes in County programs or projects as necessary to respond to federal or state legislative changes. Assists County grant writers with technical aspects of applications to fund major County programs or projects related to natural resource, forestry and wildland fire issues. Works in the field as necessary to assess areas for potential wildland fire hazards in the wildland urban-interface. Recommends action plans, if needed, to County Board of Commissioners. Supports County emergency services during firefighting efforts by providing technical guidance relating to protection of County, residential and commercial properties. Manages federally funded grant projects related to County forest projects as requested. Provides public testimony as necessary and on the County’s behalf related to forest and fire mitigation issues. Organizes and coordinates citizen committees to work on wildland and urban interface fire prevention projects. Meets periodically with homeowner associations to discuss forest or fire prevention issues. QUALIFICATIONS  Knowledge and Skills. Requires general knowledge of forestry issues, including fire prevention, wildland fuels modification methods, the National Environmental Protection Act and land management of forest land, some knowledge of the laws and regulations related to national and private forest lands. Strong verbal and written communication skills and good interpersonal skills. Knowledge of application for and administration of grant-funded programs or projects. Knowledge of problem solving techniques and working with federal and state agencies. Familiarity with central Oregon fire behavior and forest fuel management.  Experience and Training. Requires Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry or related field, supplemented by a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in the public or private sector working in Forestry or a forestry-related field and with federal and state agencies; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.  Abilities. Requires ability to work independently and communicate effectively. Ability to recognize and grasp County needs regarding forestland use, appropriate environmental requirements, and wildfire prevention. Ability to offer sound advice and approaches to meeting the County’s objectives regarding forest and wildland fire prevention programs. Ability to express ideas effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to work with County, federal, or state agencies, boards, committees, or volunteer or citizen groups; and develop and maintain productive, harmonious relations with each group. Ability to prioritize projects presented by groups with competing interests. Ability to maintain accurate records related to grant projects.