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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-04-15 Work Session MinutesTES Deschutes County Board of Commissioners 1300 NW Wall St., Suite 200, Bend, OR 97701-1960 (541) 388-6570 - Fax (541) 385-3202 - www.deschutes.org MINUTES OF WORK SESSION DESCHUTES COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 1:30 P.M., WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2009 Present were Commissioners Tammy Baney, Dennis R. Luke and Alan Unger. Also present were Erik Kropp, Deputy County Administrator; Anna Johnson, Communications; David Inbody, Assistant to the Administrator; Laurie Craghead, Legal Counsel; media representative from KOTV news; and several other citizens. Chair Baney opened the meeting at 1:30 p.m. Commissioner Baney thanked Commissioner Luke for his time on the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council. LUKE: Move approval to appoint Commissioner Unger to Upper Deschutes Watershed Council through 1/31/2012. BANEY: Second. VOTE: LUKE: Yes. UNGER: Yes. BANEY: Chair votes yes 1. Presentation of Upper Deschutes Watershed Council Activities. Ryan Houston thanked Commissioner Luke for his years of service on the Council. Mr. Houston went over the 2008 Annual Report (see attached.) At this time, he showed a PowerPoint presentation (see attached.) He said the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council is a non-profit organization, which represents a cross section of the County. He said their Council is unique in that their Board of Directors is a diverse representation of the County. Minutes of Board of Commissioners' Work Session Wednesday, April 15, 2009 Page 1 of 7 The system in Oregon works very well with their core programs such as community education and stream restoration. Education teaches about watershed science with a lot of the education begin focused on youth education. There is a lot of community based work, stream restoration, and ongoing work with the reintroduction of salmon and steelhead. Commissioner Baney asked how they reintroduce. Mr. Houston said in the spring of 2007 they dropped 250,000 fry into the system, in 2008, they dropped 200,000 and in 2009, more will be dropped in to the system. Restoration needs are stream restoration, fish passage and screening challenges, stream flow and water quality improvement (information collection, synthesis and communication.) There is old infrastructure that needs to be addressed. On the non-profit side, they work very closely with Deschutes River Conservancy, Watershed Council and Deschutes Land Trust. He showed a slide explaining each group's core key areas. He said in recognizing that they are working together, the focus is on watershed projects. The Camp Polk project will occupy a lot of their time in 2009. The creek was meandering and now it will be channeled. There is a long history of working with Deschutes National Forest and the Council is using their expertise in designing the restoration project. They are trying to put it back the way it was. In 2009, they are going to dig a new channel using a design that is based on historic information and where the channel would function best. There are irrigation improvements they are working on with Deschutes National Forest for Whychus Creek. They will install a major fish screening structure related to salmon and steelhead reintroduction. This is a way to help the irrigation district to continue to function. Farmers Conservation Alliance patented this fish screen and fundraising is now in progress. County money is seed money for some of the operations and start up. Even though it is only 2% of the budget, it is a tremendous resource to help in leveraging to get the rest of the funding. They work to keep overhead very low with 94% of funding coming from grants. Commissioner Unger said with local rule going away he does not understand the relationship with river and nitrates. Mr. Houston said it is a very critical issue. Once the ground water is polluted, it is very hard to clean up. It is an issue that needs to be worked on. He said County staff perspective on that is right on. Minutes of Board of Commissioners' Work Session Wednesday, April 15, 2009 Page 2 of 7 2. Forester Update — Joe Stutler said he sent each of the Commissioners a copy of his update (see attached.) He also handed out articles by FEMA (community planning) and for the Wildland Fire Outlook (see attached.) At this time, Mr. Stutler went over his update handout discussing grants, new grants and Project Wildfire. He said COCC will be holding a Capstone Course and handed out his proposal for the course (see attached.) Commissioner Luke said it is a great class. Mr. Stutler said for the previous land management plan they looked at everything such as wildlife, noxious weeds, what has been done and how to best manage the land. He said they will do a formal MOU with the college for the training and they have a formal program for the Capstone Course. They are waiting for final determination on a request submitted as part of the Presidents Stimulus package for $2 million. They have completed an MOU with ODF to serve as contract inspectors on their upcoming fuels contract works. They are also putting in a lot of effort in completing a Fire Evacuation Signing Plan and will order and install approximately 350 signs. The information will come from the maps they produce. Commissioner Baney said Deschutes Recreation Homesites is a concern. Mr. Stutler said that area is a high priority. On June 12, at 10:00 a.m. Central Oregon Fire Chiefs in conjunction with Project Wildfire will sponsor the annual "Fire Season Coordination" meeting located at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds. They will have Dr. Noreen Krusel from Australia attending to provide lessons learned from their most recent fire season. Senate Bill 360 classification process is ongoing. They have three areas that are Firewise Communities. Commissioner Luke said there are three or four subdivisions with only one way out. Mr. Stutler said the bigger issue in south Deschutes County is not the roads; the real issue is you cannot see on the roads due to the dust let alone the smoke. Deborah Norton with BLM said there are many isolated parcels with urban increase being incredibly challenging. Sherman County is trying to identify who will protect state lands. One of their issues is isolated parcels in La Pine. Their challenge is do they put together a plan that will come with implementation decisions. They almost have to do an annual refresher with all the new people coming in. They have scheduled a public meeting in La Pine for the fire protection plan that will also be an opportunity to update those clients. Minutes of Board of Commissioners' Work Session Wednesday, April 15, 2009 Page 3 of 7 They do not know what they will have for stimulus money or what has been approved for their budget this year. They had nine categories of projects and they applied for projects within those categories. The good news is there are many contractors available. They should have a decision on Deschutes Market Road soon and they have an informal group that has maps that show how to connect a bicycle path from Redmond to Bend. For open range, Ms. Norton said they have 658 range allotments across the districts. Commissioner Luke said most of the area is open range. Although many areas are fenced to keep them off the roads, the cows have the right of way. Commissioner Luke said that yesterday some people talked about the number of slash pile burns that will occur due to stimulus money. John Allen with USFS said they could only put so much smoke in the air and have to follow the guidelines. Commissioner Unger said he was under the impression the federal government limits shorter duration fuel supplies than what a company needs for their investment. Mr. Allen said the federal government does not guarantee the fiber supply. He said it comes back to the discussion of what is appropriate. Any company can compete for the materials and it is inappropriate for them to get involved and guarantee a source. 3. Bio -Brick Project — Phil Chang with COIC handed out a sample "Wildfire Brick" and a handout (see attached.) Biomass is a key role in hazardous fuel reduction that can also save 100's of dollars per acre. Over 100,000 tons of biomass was moved out of Central Oregon last year by T2, a company that works with the County on hazardous fuel reduction. This process greatly reduces slash pile burning. They are trying to develop local markets that will keep T2 in operation and here locally. T2 is a great company and it would be great to have jobs here and not go over to the valley. Commissioner Baney asked why just one company. Mr. Chang said T2 has developed a very efficient product. They will take away the hazardous fuels for free. Mr. Stutler said they have not burned a slash pile on any of their projects in the last three years. There is a minimal set up fee but essentially haul away is free. They have some unique advantages that would be hard for others. Mr. Chang said people need energy most of the time. Biomass is an economical source of electricity. Biomass is one of the least expensive fuels to produce. They use small diameter limbs, bitterbrush and there is no demand for lumber. They can use biomass to make the "bricks" which are made at a plant in Cascade Locks. Minutes of Board of Commissioners' Work Session Wednesday, April 15, 2009 Page 4 of 7 Erik Kropp asked how much the "bricks" cost. Mr. Chang said a flat is $5.00. They do need some kindling to get started, as they do not have a lot of oxygen in them, which in turn causes them to bum for a long time. Commissioner Unger asked if the company is looking at investing in Central Oregon. Mr. Chang said they are rapidly exploring a location in Central Oregon and have been for about a year now. One of the key bottlenecks was they did not have a drying process but they have that now. They are interested in Central Oregon for a number of reasons. There are large volumes of material with a long operating season. There are also major transportation networks and many wood burning stoves in the area. Commissioner Luke asked where they were looking to go. Mr. Chang said La Pine, Redmond, or Sisters. Commissioner Unger said there is an old mill in Redmond that has an empty building that is near the tracks. Mr. Chang said he had not looked into that. Commissioner Luke asked what would make their decision. Mr. Chang said they already have a plant in Cascade Locks and they are working on one other plant. They are looking for stimulus funding which would help them secure a location in Central Oregon. Commissioner Baney asked if they were working with EDCO. Mr. Chang said they are not. He said one of the things that needs to be proven is supply. They have worked with BLM and USFS. They are not sure where they will locate at this time but one thought was locating at the landfill. He said that other than the room for biomass, the rest of the building would not need to be that big. The facility would start at mid sized scale using 30,000 tons of hazardous fuels per year to create 18,000 tons of product. Mr. Stutler said both Cline Butte and Sister's projects came from community fire plans. There is no issue with supply here. Commissioner Luke said if you have to borrow money, the banks would want to see a guaranteed contract that there is plenty of product. Ms. Norton said that is why the stimulus money, it will give them a boost. Mr. Chang said if the funds to build a large plant comes from stimulus funds, they would not need to go to the bank for financing. Commissioner Luke asked what the plant would cost. Mr. Chang said between three to five million with 12 employees to start. Commissioner Luke asked what the Board could do to help. Mr. Chang said the Governor said there is federal stimulus money that will be competitive nationally. The State wants to get behind some of those projects. It will count a lot if the State Minutes of Board of Commissioners' Work Session Wednesday, April 15, 2009 Page 5 of 7 is behind them. He said Deschutes County could be listed as supporting the project. It was a consensus of the Board that they support the project. 4. Other Items Erik Kropp said he received an email from Pinewood Country Estates and asked if anyone wanted to respond. Commissioner Luke said they want to talk about things the Board cannot help them with. They want to come into a road district that has no money. Commissioner Baney stated, as with other communities, if they want to meet, they need to get on a Work Session agenda. County would need staff to do the research. It would be nice to know what the requests or concerns are ahead of time. Mr. Kropp said two terms expire on the Planning Commission on June 30, 2009. There is the option to move Susan Quatre from an at large position to a Bend position and move Chris Brown to an at large position, and then fill a South County seat. Commissioner Luke suggested they advertise for the at large seat and if they get qualified applicants from South County then make the switch. Commissioner Baney asked if that extended to Mr. Browns term. She was not a supporter in the way it went before. Commissioner Luke asked if they were in favor of getting qualified applicants. Commissioner Unger said he was under the impression the code required a South County appointment. Commissioner Luke said it could be south of the city limits. Dave Kanner said the code does not require you to have a South County appointment. Commissioner Luke asked if they would require the person to live in the City of La Pine. Commissioner Unger said there are people who live in area, not just City of La Pine who need representation. Commissioner Baney said it sounds like they would like to restructure some of the positions and go out for a South County position. Commissioner Unger said he is willing to say if there are not any qualified applicants, they will not appoint anyone but will go out for more applicants to apply. Mr. Kropp said the formation of the BAT transit district did not pass in the last election. City of Bend is asking if the County will waive the fees to put it on the ballot again. Commissioner Luke stated that the fees were not waived before. Minutes of Board of Commissioners' Work Session Wednesday, April 15, 2009 Page 6 of 7 Commissioner Baney said they are charging the deputies $5,000 to park downtown. Commissioner Unger said sometimes things could be traded. Mr. Kanner said he personally felt it was very dangerous and that each issue should be considered on its own merits. Commissioner Baney said waiving fees may have been done in past practice but it is not something that can be done in today's times. There are many requests for other issues that they are not able to waive. Commissioner Luke said if you set a precedent, you would be waiving fees for everyone so he was against it. Commissioner Baney said she was against it as well. Mr. Kropp said the Planning Commission would like to hold a joint meeting with the Board. Commissioner Luke suggested they move the meeting until July or until the legislature is done so they will know what they are dealing with. Commissioner Baney said she was happy with the way the legislation is going but asked why they were not actively involved. She said August might be even better. The consensus was to wait until July. Mr. Kropp said May 8 is "Military Family Appreciation Day in Deschutes County." The event will be planned on May 8, 2009 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Riverfront Plaza. He will get a proclamation before the Board. Commissioner Baney said she would like to see the Board have a presence at the function. Being no further items addressed, the meeting adjourned at 4:45 p.m. DATED this 15th Day of April 2009 for the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners. ATTEST: Recording Secretary C.L.0 Tammy Baez ey, Chair i 1 Dennis R. Luke, \Tice Chair C Ct^.L 1/(4 -p --- Alan --Alan Unger, Commissioner Minutes of Board of Commissioners' Work Session Wednesday, April 15, 2009 Page 7 of 7 -44-144-1-411-11 114- #1'ri4e9 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Tom Atkins J.T. Atkins and Company Bob Baker Rimrock Ranch Eric Beck REALMS Herb Blank Central Oregon Flyfishers Chuck Burley Burley and Associates Jim Clinton Bend City Council Tom Davis Water Resources Engineering Michael Fisher Central Oregon Community College Nancy Gilbert Wildlife Biologist Kyle Gorman Oregon Water Resources Department Steve Johnson Central Oregon Irrigation District (Secretary/Treasurer) Jan Lee Swalley Irrigation District (Vice President) Dennis Luke Deschutes County Commission Darcy McNamara Resident Joanne Richter Environmental Consulting Dan Rife Deschutes National Forest / Fisheries Rick Wright Wright Design Group / Paddlers (President) 2008 STAFF & INTERNS Ryan Houston Executive Director Education Programs: Kolleen Yake Education Coordinator Amanda Lindley Intern Laura Campbell Intern LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Dear Friends and Supporters, At the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council, we believe that healthy rivers are at the very core of what makes Central Oregon so unique. The Deschutes River and its tributaries provide clean water to support local economies, ecological diversity, recreational opportunities and unparalleled natural beauty throughout the region. During 2008, we continued developing large-scale stream restoration projects, growing our youth education programs and refining our scientific monitoring. We continued building lasting partnerships with landowners, local governments and other non -profits, and we helped expand the overall reach of our collective efforts to protect and restore local rivers. Thank you for your ongoing support. Please join us as we continue working in 2009 and beyond. Richard S. Wright President Restoration and Monitoring Programs: Mathias Perle Project Manager Kristine Senkier Restoration Hydrologist Lesley Jones Water Quality Specialist Mike Logan Water Quality Technician Joe Checketts Intern Coggin Hill Intern Ryan Houston Executive Director 2008 Projects & Mission I• Ii Since 1996, the Watershed Council has completed more than 30 major stream restoration projects. Restoration activities, including planning, design, implementation and monitoring were focused on the following projects in 2008: ▪ Three Sisters Irrigation District Fish Passage and Screening © Whychus Creek Fish Passage and Screening © Sisters High School Student Stewardship City of Sisters / Whychus Creek Restoration Planning © Camp Polk Restoration 13 Rimrock Ranch Restoration O South Fork Lake Creek Culvert Removal O Lake Creek Fish Passage and Screening 13 Lake Creek Lodge Restoration Metolius River Fish Habitat Enhancement m Riverbend Park Riparian Restoration Tumalo Creek Restoration ® Trapper Creek Fish Habitat Enhancement 4 10 MISSION STATEMENT The Upper Deschutes Watershed Council seeks to protect and restore the two -million acre Upper Deschutes River watershed through collaborative projects in stream restoration, watershed education, and long-term monitoring. Over the past 12 years, the Watershed Council has invested more than $10 million in stream restoration, monitoring and community awareness building. With cocal support from landowners, ranchers, environmental interests, local citizens, and representatives from local governments and agencies, the Watershed Council leads cooperative, grass-roots efforts to improve watershed conditions. This grass-roots approach ensures that a balance of affected and interested stakeholders is involved to craft management strategies for our watersheds. Bag4:n-r;:: STREAM The Metolius River Fish Habitat Enhancement Project focuses on placing more than 900 whole trees instream to improve conditions for native redband trout, bull trout and chinook salmon. RESTORING HEALTHY RIVERS The Watershed Council's projects focus on restoring healthy rivers that support clean water and strong fish populations. These projects, implemented in collaboration with numerous local, state and federal partners, seek to protect and restore the world class rivers that make Central Oregon so unique. Key projects are highlighted here; additional projects are discussed on www.RestoreThe- Deschutes.org. Volunteers helped plant more than 1,500 native trees and shrubs along Lake Creek after the removal of a nine -foot diameter culvert. SALMON & STEELHEAD The relicensing of the Pelton -Round Butte dams has brought new hope that salmon and steelhead will once again inhabit more than 100 miles of river upstream of Lake Billy Chinook. With support from many other partners, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Portland General Electric and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife have launched an ambitious program to re-establish the historic fish runs that have been absent for the past 40 years. While it will take years for the first reintroduced fish to complete their migratory cycle to the Pacific Ocean and back, ongoing restoration work will help ensure that these anadro- mous fish, along with their resident cousins, have a healthy stream to come home to. As one of many local partners interested in seeing the rein- troduction be successful, the Watershed Council is focusing most of the stream restoration work in Whychus Creek and the Metolius River where summer steelhead and spring chinook are being reintroduced. Specifically, projects focus on: • Improving wetland and riparian habitat • Improving instream fish habitat • Removing fish passage barriers • Screening irrigation diversions ▪ Metolius Fish Habitat Enhancement Although much of the Metolius River already provides excellent fish habitat, the addition of rnore than 900 whole trees will create new pools and cover habitat for redband trout, bull trout and reintroduced chinook salmon. The project, led by the Deschutes National Forest and supported by the Watershed Council, is being completed over three phases in 2008-2010. © Lake Creek Culvert Removal Culverts and other barriers often interfere with migration for native fish and can result in population declines. On Lake Creek, a tributary to the Metolius River, the Watershed Council is working on eliminating these barriers in an effort to restore healthy fish populations. The 2008 removal of a nine foot diameter culvert on the Deschutes Land Trust's Metolius Preserve is just one of many projects focused in the Lake Creek area. 2008 Restoration Projects © Camp Polk The 145 acre Camp Polk Meadow Preserve is the home of one of the most ambitious restoration projects in Central Oregon. Working in partnership with the Deschutes Land Trust and more than a dozen other partners, the Water- shed Council is leading an effort to restore 1.7 miles of Whychus Creek, 200,000 native plants and more than 35 acres of wetlands. Phase 1 construction begins in spring 2009 and restoration activities will continue into 2012. 4 Rimrock Ranch The 1,200 acre Rimrock Ranch includes approximately two miles of Whychus Creek. While much of the property sup- ports good quality habitat, historic channelization of the creek has impacted the quality of the fish habitat. Through a partnership with the landowners and the Deschutes Land Trust, the Watershed Council is working on developing a restoration plan that will simultaneously improve fish and wildlife conditions and meet the needs of the landowners. © Trapper Creek The Watershed Council is focused on Trapper Creek because it is one of the most important spawning streams for bull trout in the Upper Deschutes River watershed. Activities in 2008 included placing 70 whole trees along 1,000 feet of creek to improve spawning and rearing habitat.. All of the work in Trapper Creek is through a partnership with the Deschutes National Forest. Q Tumalo Creek Although most of the major construction work on the 2.8 mile Tumalo Creek restoration project was completed by 2007, the Watershed Council is still working with the Deschutes National Forest on site monitoring and maintenance to ensure that the project continues to be successful. Work in 2008 included additional plantings and continued post -project fish population monitoring. Fish population monitoring at Tumalo Creek indicates that the redband trout populations increased significantly following completion of more than 2.8 miles of habitat restoration in 2006. (*denotes incomplete data) REMAND TRIM AER 100 HEMS 6 Although some of the irrigation diversions on Whychus Creek currently block fish passage, a new program launched in 2008 will retrofit many of these barriers to allow migration by native fish. Fish Passage and Screening The Watershed Council is pursuing several projects on Whychus Creek and Lake Creek that will retrofit irrigation diversions to provide up- and downstream passage and protect fish from being trapped in irrigation canals. The largest project, located at the Three Sisters Irrigation District diversion, is scheduled for construction in 2009- 2010. It will include fish screening, fish passage and approximately 1,200 feet of stream channel restoration. 0 City of Sisters Along the banks of Whychus Creek in Sisters, ongoing bank erosion has threatened both property and the health of the creek for many years. In 2008, the Watershed Council initiated the development of the Whychus Creek Restoration and Management Plan which outlines how the community can work to protect the health of the creek while prevent- ing loss of property. The project, implemented through a partnership with the City of Sisters, will lead to numerous restoration projects that balance the needs of the creek with the interests of the homeowners. 120 100 00 00 40 20 0 2 107 PHASE Redband Trout in Tumalo Creek PHASE 11 RES101110fiPen1ECrPHASE PHASE 111 WATERSHED Students of alt ages participate in educational programs through the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council. HEALTHY WATERS INSTITUTE The Healthy Waters Institute is a program of The Freshwater Trust, Implemented locally through a partnership with the Watershed Council. See www.HeaithyWaterslnstitute.org. The Healthy Waters Institute (HWI) seeks to educate the next generation of watershed stewards. Through meaningful educational experiences, the Healthy Waters Institute works to enhance education and provide students with hands-on knowl- edge of their local watershed. HWI projects encourage critical thinking, science inquiry, cre- ative writing, and stewardship of the natural environment. HealthyWaters Institute In 2008, The Healthy Waters Institute successfully: • Coordinated education programs and projects for 19 local schools; • Provided educational materials, programs, presentations or curricula for 2,658 students; • Engaged 210 middle school and high school students in the award winning Salmon Watch program on the Metolius River; • Provided hands-on education opportunities for over 236 students to participate in Student Stewardship Projects to restore riparian habitat conditions on Roaring Creek, Whychus Creek, and the Deschutes River; • Trained 22 students from St. Francis middle school to participate in the reintroduction of 30,000 anadromous steelhead fry into Whychus Creek; • Lead environmental learning activities for the entire school during Eco Day at Tumalo Community School; • Facilitated and instructed multi -day 1000 Drops activities streamside with 126 students from High Lakes Elemen- tary and 122 students from Pine Ridge Elementary; • Coordinated over 40 local volunteers to donate time, equipment, and expertise to HWI programs and projects; • Integrated Hometown Waters teachers and students from St. Francis and Tumalo Community School into Riverfest Deschutes River Clean -Up activities. As part of their Home- town Waters learning activities, classes became site hosts and adopted sections of the Deschutes River during the river clean-up event; • Partnered with Wolftree, Sisters Ranger District, Sisters High School, and the Three Sisters Irrigation District to co- ordinate a month-long interdisciplinary Whychus Creek Student Stewardship Project for 25 juniors and senior interns from Sisters High School; and • Coordinated and led multiple student - mentoring restoration projects to support students teaching students. Student Stewardship Projects Through Student Stewardship Projects, the Healthy Waters Institute plays an active role in cultivating student watershed stewards by integrating interdisciplinary studies, creative writing, art, and science into meaningful hands-on restoration. In 2008, 236 local students from Sisters High School, Sisters Middle School, Cascades Academy, High Lakes, Westside Village, and Highland Elementary participated in hands-on stewardship projects. Student Stewardship Projects seek to: • Elevate student motivation for learning about their watershed; • Increase student participation in meaningful and relevant stewardship projects; • Provide students with essential skills, experience, and watershed knowledge; and • Cultivate civic responsibility by uniting students and community around their home waters. THE PLACE WE CROSS THE WATER Helping students become interested in their local watershed at an early age is an important and effective way to influence their awareness and participation in a lifetime of watershed stewardship. The Place We Cross the Water: Whychus Creek is a publication created to educate and inspire our community to better understand the unique beauty and complex challenges facing Whychus Creek. By combining technical information, social and ecological history, and inspirational artwork and photography from local students and community members, The Place We Cross the Water tells the compelling story of Whychus Creek. This publication was made possible with funding from the Laird Norton Family Foundation, Bonneville Environmental Foundation, and the Oregon Water- shed Enhancement Board. Written and edited by Kolleen Yake and Ryan Houston, The Place We Cross the Water is available free of charge from the Watershed Council, 44 WATERSHED Student -led monitoring activities offer students direct experience with data collection, analysis and interpretation. Since 2001, the Watershed Council has been collecting, analyzing, and distributing information about the health of the local rivers and streams. By evaluating water quality at more than 200 sites, monitoring has helped set restoration priorities, evaluate project effectiveness, and identify emerging conservation issues. The Watershed Council works closely with a network of local advisors, such as the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, to ensure that monitoring work remains scientifically credible and will be widely used among local watershed managers. PROGRAM GOALS • Analyze the status of water quality in local rivers and streams • Track changes in water quality over time • Evaluate the effectiveness of restoration projects • Identify emerging water quality issues that may affect local fish and wildlife • Inform the community about important issues WATER QUALITY In 2008, the Watershed Council focused on several projects, including: Regional Temperature Monitoring Since 2001, the Watershed Council has been tracking tem- perature changes to evaluate if local rivers meet state water temperature criteria set to protect native fish populations. These studies help determine how restoration is improving water quality by reducing stream temperatures. Whychus Creek Restoration Monitoring Monitoring in Whychus Creek focuses on tracking changes in temperature as streamflows are increased. This has allowed development of specific streamflow restoration targets that, when achieved, will result in water temperatures suitable to support thriving fish populations. City of Bend Water Quality Monitoring The Watershed Council has been working with the City of Bend since 2003 to evaluate the water quality of the Deschutes River and Tumalo Creek as they flow through the urban growth boundary. The monitoring, designed to identify baseline condi- tions and track water quality changes, will continue until 2009. Oregon State University Undergraduate Internship Starting in 2005, the Watershed Council partnered with OSU to provide local undergraduate students an 11 -month internship opportunity to study watershed research and science. The internship program will enter its fifth year in 2009. Regional Database The water quality database provides easy access to information about conditions in local rivers and streams. Launched in 2007, it provides researchers and watershed managers with timely information to help guide restoration efforts. Water quality monitoring at Lower Bridge on the Deschutes River tracks temperature, dissolved oxygen and pH throughout the summer months. This monitoring helps guide streamflow restoration efforts that improve habitat for native redband trout. Model Watershed Program 0 ne of the key components of any watershed restoration effort is the implementation of a monitoring program that can accurately detect arid track changes that result from restoration projects. Although the interconnected components of the ecosystem make this kind of tracking very difficult, there are often key indicators that can be used to help measure progress in restoration. With a 10 -year funding commitment from the Bonneville Environ- mental Foundation, the Watershed Council has developed a comprehensive monitoring plan to track the health of Whychus Creek. Working with a network of partners and using 19 indicators of ecosystem health, monitoring will measure how community -wide restoration efforts are leading to improvements in fish habitat, water quality and overall stream health. "The Watershed Council consistently strives tO pm science arra ,aCCOlirli;ahllrty at, the. forefront of their work....they stand out: is one of the very best community-based watershed restoration programs." --'1?,dci Reeve, Vice President, Bonneville Environmental Foundation O ENvIRONM r L C E 1r�7' FOUNDAOIO L FCiUNUAilpry # OF ADULT STEELHEAD TROUT IN WHYCHUS CREEK 100 500 400 300 200 100 0.i 1950 1 Springs bring cold, clean water into the lower reaches of Whychus Creek, provid- ing an important refuge for native fish during the hot summer months. This monitoring is particularly relevant because Portland General Electric, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife are leading an effort to restore steelhead trout to Whychus Creek. Monitoring the health of the creek will help guide this long-term restoration effort. Steelhead trout surveys in the 1950s to 196Os identified as many as 619 adults in Whychus Creek, Based on this, biologists estimated that there may have been up to 1,000 adults present. As steelhead trout reintroduction continues, long-term monitoring will help guide habitat restoration efforts and track the return of this iconic species. (* denotes incomplete information) Steelliead Trout were absenr from Whychus Creek for more than 40 years after dams blocked their migration. 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1985 1985 5001111.40 R0kt1R000C15O9 Brscoratioa Target: 400 Adrdu by 2025 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 YEAR 4441511111144- VALUABLE The Three Sisrers Irrigation District diversion, located upstream from Sisters, currently blacks migratory fah from moving up• and downstream along Whychus Creek. The Watershed Council and its !Remus aredevelaping a retrofit design that will allow fish passage and prevent fish from being trapped in the caned systems that carry water ut nemby farmland. OWEB SPECIAL INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP OWEB While the vast majority of government grants are small, piecemeal and difficult to link into large projects, there are a precious few that fund a more holistic approach to watershed restoration. In 2008, the Oregon Watershed Enhance- ment Board (OWEB) launched its Special Investment Partnership in the Deschutes River basin by dedicating $4 million to fund an integrated portfolio of watershed restoration projects. The Watershed Council is working alongside the Deschutes River Conservancy, Deschutes Land Trust and Crooked River Watershed Council to invest these funds into major restoration projects on Whychus Creek and the Metolius and Crooked Rivers. Core partners in the Special Investment Partnership include: • Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board • Deschutes River Conservancy • Deschutes Land Trust • Crooked River Watershed Council • Pelton Round Butte Fund Si ,IW Aar Prow lMtAdntlnpta� The 1.7 mile stream restoration project ac the Deschutes Land Trust's Camp Polk Meadow Preserve is one of the core projects in the Deschutes Special Investment Partnership. More than $800,000 in funding from OWEB will be matched with funding from the Pelton Round Butte Fund, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of Environmental Qual- ity and others to support the project. Grrc /ta w.re tm.lasr RoeaMd atrrr friars I Old twist - Ara* [bail pTM ADa4 Ili InsR etre, ps• FMN rseau Funding & Support Contract Services $26,352 (2%) Deschutes County --- $20,000 (2%) Events & Other Donations 525,419 (2%) Grants (State) 5231,225 (20%) /,r Grunts (Federai) $43,743 (4%) Grants (Non -Governmental) $813,851 (70%) The Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board, a major funder for most watershed councils in Oregon, uses 7.5% of Oregon Lottery proceeds to support watershed restoration grant programs MAJOR FUNDING SOURCES Pelton Round Butte Mitigation Fund Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board Deschutes Land Trust The Freshwater Trust Deschutes River Conservancy Oregon Department of Environmental Quality Other Sources National Forest Foundation City of Bend Bonneville Environmental Foundation Deschutes County U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Total $ 634,835 $ 224,661 $ 46,350 $ 44,142 $ 42,623 $ 36,823 $ 36,375 $ 25,900 $ 21,961 $ 20,000 $ 20,000 $ 6,920 $1,160,590 REVENUE Grants Deschutes County Contract Services Events & Other Donations Total Revenue EXPENSES Contract Services Personnel Supplies and Maintenance Occupancy / Utilities Printing Travel Insurance Postage Depreciation Total Expenses $1,088,819 $ 20,000 $ 26,352 $ 25,419 $1,160,590 $ 219,615 $ 279,610 $ 31,322 $ 22,645 $ 14,680 $ 12,016 $ 1,971 $ 1,052 $ 8,843 $ 591,754 By minimizing administrative overhead and other expenses, the Watershed Council is able to keep focused on outcomes and direct more than 90% of all funding into programs. This allows the organization to be financially stable even when grant funding varies over time. One of the key components of this streamlined business model is shared administrative expenses with the Deschutes River Conservancy. THANK YOU! The Pelton Round Butte Fund and Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board provided a combined total of more than 74% of Watershed Council funding in 2008. Thank you for your continued support of Audited financial statements available upon request. THE UPPER DESCHUTES WATERSHED COUNCIL is a 501(03 non-profit community organization committed to protecting and restoring clean water, healthy fisheries and overall watershed health in the two -million acre upper Deschutes River watershed. To learn more about the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council: VI S IT restorethedeschutes.org WRITE P.Q. Box 1812 Bend, OR 97703 CALL 541 382 6103 FAX 541 382 4078 Cover photography by Matthew Maloney. Interior photography by Matthew Maloney, Kollaen 'fake, Ryan Houston, Mathias Perie, Lesley Jones, Kristine Senkier, Traci Price, Oregon Water Resources Department. i O N N •,E 0 V C 3 0 V N ai43 i u N ai _0 'u c 0 Li 'D N L N L ai limi RI0CU 4 -Jai � r "0 c.) CI al Dc 0% L- C) a O a N = April 15, 2009 L 0 4J V c L.O "61 0 O 0 1 111M C V 03 >tO W W OCU inn • Nall Ira:1111M i MIGIE:441(01t14 Waters e. educati. r ya Ram • • board of Directors rrigation District Central Oregon ■ Fish and Wildlife rrigated Agriculture Private Residents / Citizens c E E O V �► c L 4-1on• 0) L c O 4_, -a a) L_ on L c O N O li V V . ■ . . ■ L O 4-1 4- 0 4-1c O E L O_ CU La 0 O C O On 0 Lri L- 0 Ce OCe Cattle Ranching Water Resources Engineering . ■ Central Oregon Flyfishers ■ Bend City Council ■ U.S. Forest Service Paddlers of Central Oregon ■ Deschutes County Commission . tin J ■ Education Coordinator Biologist / Ecologist Water Quality Specialist • Hydrologists / Project Managers C 0 :N V isio 0 opc • ..... o De m-0 all 0 ...c u 0 44 ki) —v c co c 0 F co UP) wmCi 0 0 Z 0 Ti3 CO 0 43 0 0 De ntegrated Strateg9 .„.._ p„, ..,„,. ...,-..,,,, _ . ,.-,4,• . . F.0.4, ri ri ri4 rt III DESCHUTES RIVER CONSERVANCY Water Management Fish Passage / Screening Stream Restoration Land Conservation Watershed Monitoring Community Outreach L 0 V) kr) Lima0 311:LiV 4 miles of creek ■ ■ ■ Focused on: c 0 V 0 0 CL ..VI a •L7 0 0 rs w a = ■ Technical and financial assistance W ItSO .°,.0 CU �> •u- -c c/) a..; O �. as CliN 03 c 2 3 o c c o u_ o o -v , on pan CNa)a) .1M00 L O C L. O. O L.0 V ■ T ■ ■ 1.7miles ■ 35 acres wetland ■ 400+ volunteers c O .2 rE3 c O LE (13 cuE ■ ■ $1.7 m budget •• O 4U 0 V ■ N -Fa C 0 E 0 0 0... E c 0 4.3 N C 0 E 0 0 0_, E c 0 Youth Education wimJ u .pm= L VI 0 C N .O �.: 0.on L. ucn LA L. - N on 2 L a) O =iii Li u- 4, r" O a) -97•1 2, 2 .c• O in c 1— =iinl— O -a N L) . o o V N r ei • O u L. • 0. ■ 94°% • rant fun • e u Events and Other Donations Contract Services CNI 64 VI C IMS KS o v o•v--, "Cl C J 3 V 4 - CU ■ i r J ■ .13.1 ■ MITTIMM jI W 0) .4 C C On a) C E 4 •fr 0 th c a) 1 a) c 4- VI E p Cl ,a► ft U C .:+ C u u ■ ■ N• N C O 'era'N u MEMORANDUM DATE: April 13, 2009 TO: Deschutes County BOCC FROM: Joe Stutter, Deschutes County Forester RE: Forester Update For the last two months the following projects and issues have either been accomplished or addressed: 1. Grant Applications—we have applied for two National Fire Plan Grants @ $200,000 each and have received news that we are the recipient of one entitled "Sweat Equity" which will allow us to remove treated fuels throughout the county on private lands, the fuel will be cut and hauled to the roadside by the property owners. We estimate treating approximately 500 properties to Senate Bill 360 Standards. Additionally we have submitted another grant application to FEMA for approximately $560,000 for education and prevention activities for Project Wildfire. We are working with Crook County and expect to expand our collaboration with both Jefferson and Klamath Counties to apply for a significant FEMA grant this fall for fuels treatment, more details later. 2. Existing Grants—Utilizing a FEMA grants we have treated over 350 acres this winter on county owned and private lands with three contracts awarded to local vendors for approximately $500,000. We expect those contracts to run through the calendar year. Additionally we have awarded three additional contracts for marketing, Beyond the Flames publication and FireFree Campaign. We have an additional contract to be awarded, all told we will spent approximately $435,000 in the areas on fire prevention and education all going to local contractors. 3. Project Wildfire/FireFree Programs—in addition to our monthly meetings for coordination, the FireFree Campaign involves three counties and begins May 2-10 @ Knott Landfill and a west side location, Black Butte Ranch, all transfer stations, Alfalfa, both Crook and Jefferson Counties and a special FireFree weekend @ Camp Sherman. We expect 40,000 cubic yards of defensible space debris this year. Additionally, Monterey County requested a presentation regarding Community Fire Plans, Project Wildfire and FireFree Programs in late February. We still offer advice and counsel to their efforts. The County plans to hire a County Forester and model their program from our. 4. I was invited and participated in three Incident Command System (ICS) courses at the Redmond Regional Training Center to assist with the training of approximately 100 federal, state and local government personnel this winter for upcoming emergencies and wildland fire events. 5. I have served as a member of the Central Oregon Community College and OSU Campus Advisory Council for the last three years. In March, met with college officials to review current course curriculum for natural resources and forestry. I will continue to serve on the advisory council in this capacity. 6. The COCC "Capstone Course" is in full swing and the class will be completing a monitor and plan revision for the county property on Wilt Road. The class will be making a formal presentation to the BOCC and County Staff in early June as the final exam for the course. This is a continuation of our M.O.U. with the college to provide hands on training/education for the students and provide quality work on county owned lands. 7. I have been actively participating with the South County "Listening Sessions" dealing with ground water, wildland fire and other resource issues. Project Wildfire and the Upper Deschutes River Coaltion have signed on as co-sponsors. Not too surprising is the high interest in wildland fire and defensible space. The feedback we receive will guide our deliberations in future Comprehensive Plan endeavors. 8. We have submitted a $2 million request as part of the Presidents Stimulus Package to continue our efforts to put people back to work and continue with our fuels treatment efforts on private lands. We are still awaiting a final determination of our requests. 9. We completed a Memorandum of Agreement with Oregon Department of Forestry for assistance by their employees to serve as contract inspectors on our upcoming fuels contract works. 10. We are completing a Fire Evacuation Signing Plan for many of our neighborhoods and will order and install approximately 350 signs in our unincorporated neighborhoods, approximately 90%of the work will be completed by volunteers from the maps we produce. That information will update our Community Fire Plans. 11.In conjunction with the Central Oregon Fire Chiefs, Project Wildfire is co- sponsoring the annual fire season coordination meeting scheduled for June 12, 2009. The location will be the Deschutes County Fairgrounds and we our honored to have Dr. Noreen Krusel from Australia attending to provide Lessons Learned from their most recent fire season including the controversial policy of "prepare, leave early, or stay and defend." 12. The Senate Bill 360 classification process is ongoing and we have most of the current ODF lands reviewed and will begin the fire districts and unprotected lands next. We plan on announcing public meetings in June/July for areas throughout the county for review of our work. Joe Stutter Deschutes County Forester Focus on Fire Safety: Planning for Wildfire U.S. Fire Administration FEMA FOC LIS ON FIRE SAFE r' Focus on Fire Safety Archives - Select - Go » Page 1 of 4 Focus on Fire Safety: Planning for Wildfire Development in the wildland/urban interface, where wildland fuels meet and mix with urban development, is growing and has been on the rise for years. Wildfires that occur in these areas pose threats to citizens and homes and they are complex challenges for firefighters. If you live in or near wildland areas, it is important to design and maintain your home and landscaping with wildfire safety in mind. If you follow simple steps to make your home fire safe Inside and out, you not only reduce the threat to your property but you help protect your home and family, too. Wildfires are a natural process and they can and do occur in all wildland areas, from forests to prairies and brush -covered rangelands. Living in these areas means you should understand some basics about wildfire and be prepared. Construction materials, landscaping plants and design, surrounding wildland fuels, the location of your home on a slope or flat area, and more are all factors that affect your exposure to, and threat from, wildfire. Understanding the Basics Homeowners evacuated to safety watch the destructive progress of a wildfire in their community. Fuel Fuel includes anything that will burn - trees, shrubs, grass, homes, fences, decks, sheds, and more. Unchecked, a wildfire makes no distinction between wildland and urban fuels - between grass or trees and your home. Things you do, however, can alter a fire's behavior and reduce your risk. Low-lying fuels such as grass and shrubs can often carry a fire more quickly than larger fuels but often at lower intensities and with shorter flame lengths. But if they have a continuous path to your deck or your home, they can burn your home as easily as fire in larger fuels. Just as firefighters create firebreaks in the wildland, it's important for you to create space between plants and establish breaks in your landscaping to alter a fire's path to your home. Ladder fuels are grasses, brush, and shrubs that can carry fire from low-lying surface vegetation up into tall trees. You can help keep a fire near the surface, and generally less intense, by trimming or removing these ladder fuels near trees, along with keeping low -hanging branches trimmed up to a minimum of six feet above the ground. Crown fuels are tall trees. Fires in these fuels are difficult to manage and often pose the greatest threats due to high temperatures, high burn intensities, long flame lengths, the probability of spreading embers far distances, and more. Stands of trees on your property should be thinned to create space between them, with branches trimmed up off the ground. Trees adjacent to and touching your home are best removed. Weather http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/citizens/focus/ 4/15/2009 Focus on Fire Safety: Planning for Wildfire Page 2 of 4 Weather is a critical factor in affecting a fire's intensity and rate of spread. High temperatures, low humidity, and wind can make a wildfire in grass or sage every bit as dangerous and threatening as a crown fire and worsen the intensity and spread of crown fires. A long dry spell or drought conditions only intensify a wildfire's behavior and threat. When considering your home, it's perhaps most important to understand that wind can carry embers and firebrands up to a mile or more from the main fire. These embers landing on a roof or in rain gutters cluttered with pine needles or other flammable debris, or getting trapped under or on decks, are responsible for many home losses every year. Terrain The location of your home with respect to the surrounding terrain is also a critical factor to consider. Fires tend to burn upslope with greater speed and intensity than downhill or across flat areas. This effect is made worse if the upslope includes a narrow drainage, called a chimney, which can funnel and intensify the wind and flames. A home located at or near the top of a slope is at a greater risk, and will require proper landscape management for a greater distance downhill than on flat ground to achieve the same threat reduction. What Can You Do? There are two primary goals in reducing the wildfire threat and better protecting your home and property. One is to reduce the exposure and flammability of your home. This can involve one or more steps ranging from A home located at or near the top of a slope is at a greater installing a fire-resistant roof to simply clearing debris from under decks, risk and requires proper landscape management. keeping your roof and rain gutters free of pine needles and other flammable material, and storing firewood away from the house. The second goal is to reduce and manage the fuels surrounding your home to be fire-resistant. This ranges from keeping the landscaping low and clean near your home to raking up pine needles and other debris and keeping enough space between trees and plants to slow an approaching fire. Think and Act in Zones When preparing your property to withstand a wildfire, it's useful to think in terms of zones and consider the area as far as 200 feet from your home. In some cases this may require working with neighbors or other land owners, too. Zone 1: Home Ignition Zone The most critical area is your home ignition zone, which includes your home itself and the landscaping within 30 feet. Remember: windblown embers or firebrands can ignite a home while leaving the surrounding vegetation untouched or only charred. Some tips to better protect this zone include: • Clear pine needles or other woody debris from rain gutters and off the roof. • Clear all vegetation and debris from under decks and touching the foundation. • Be sure all eaves and attic vents are screened with a small, 1/4 -inch screen. • Move stacks of firewood away from the structure. • Keep vegetation in this area trimmed low, well -irrigated, and free of dead material and spaced apart to prevent a continuous path of fuel to your home. Zone 2: Defensible Space Zone This is the second most critical zone and includes the area from 30 to 100 feet from your home. "Think in terms of zones when preparing your property to withstand a fire." - C'Vk to r_n Barcja • Remove dead and dying grass, shrubs and trees. • Reduce the density of vegetation and ladder fuels by thinning and keeping them free of dead material. http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/citizens/focus/ 4/15/2009 Focus on Fire Safety: Planning for Wildfire Page 3 of 4 • Replace hazardous vegetation with less flammable, irrigated landscaping, including lawn or low growing ground cover and flowering plants. Zone 3: Wildland Fuel Reduction Zone In this zone, from about 100 feet and beyond, remove dense undergrowth and thin out densely -crowded smaller trees. Experts recommend keeping 10 feet of space between trees and shrubs. Mature trees should be limbed up 6 to 10 feet above the ground. While there are many steps that can be taken to enhance the survivability of your home and property when wildfire occurs, it's important to remember that each step you take, no matter how small, can make a large difference. Multiple steps together can vastly improve the resistance to fire and subsequent losses. When Wildfire Strikes If you wait until there is smoke in the air to take fire -safe steps around your property, its too late. When a fire occurs near you, be prepared to evacuate. • Gather important and irreplaceable photos, documents, and heirlooms and put them in your car. • Gather pets and put them in your car, too. • Park your car facing out of the garage or in the direction you will be leaving. • Put flammable deck or patio furniture inside; move all flammable furniture away from windows. • Close all windows, doors, vents, blinds, and non-flammable window coverings. • If possible shut off all gas or propane utilities. • Leave a porch or outside light on. • Listen to local TV or radio for evacuation news. Local authorities may also notify you by driving through your neighborhood with loudspeakers. • Leave when asked to do so. Every year across our Nation, some homes survive - while many others do not - after a major wildfire. Those that survive almost always do so because their owners had prepared for the eventuality of fire, which is an inescapable force of nature in fire -prone wildland areas. If it's predictable, it's preventable! Firewise is an interagency program designed to encourage local solutions for wildfire safety by involving homeowners, community leaders, planners, developers, firefighters, and others in the effort to protect people and property from the risk of wildfire. You can find out more information about Firewise and the Firewise Communities program at www.firewise.org. Download Focus on Fire Safety Poster Artwork Adobe Acrobat (PDF) Help Focus on Fire Safety: Planning for Wildfire (PDF, 236 Kb) Download and customize this poster for local use. Related Topics • Wildfire: Are You Prepared? • Focus on Fire Safety: Wildfires • Rural Fire Safety http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/citizens/focus/ 4/15/2009 Focus on Fire Safety: Planning for Wildfire Page 4 of 4 Links of Interest • Eire Free: Midland Defense for Central Oregon • Fire Information Engine Toolkit • Fire Safe Council • Headwaters Economics Organization • National Interagency Fire Center • National Wildfire Programs Database • Partners In Protection Last Reviewed: March 31, 2009 U.S. Fire Administration, 16825 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg, MD 21727 (301) 447-1000 Fax: (301) 447-1346 Admissions Fax: (301) 447-1441 http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/citizens/focus/ 4/15/2009 National Wildland Significant Fire Potential Outlook PREDICTIVE SERVICES National Interagency Fire Center Predictive Services Issued: March 31, 2009 Next Issue: May 1, 2009 Wildland Fire Outlook - April 2009 through July 2009 During April, above normal significant fire potential is expected across portions of the Southwest and Southern Areas. Below normal significant fire potential is forecast for portions of the Southern and Eastern Areas. For May through July, significant fire potential is forecast to increase or persist across parts of California, the Northwest, Southwest, Southern, and Eastern Areas. The primary factors influencing fire potential this outlook period are: • Drought conditions in Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico are expected to persist and/or expand over the next several months. • Long term drought and forecasted dryness will cause significant fire potential to increase in some areas in California by early summer. • Continued dryness combined with carry-over fine fuels across eastern New Mexico and southern Arizona will cause above normal significant fire potential conditions to expand though the outlook period. • Below-average precipitation, abnormally high fire danger indices, as well as developing and persisting drought are forecast across much of Florida this spring. • Below normal snowpack in Washington and projected dry conditions will lead to above normal significant fire potential east of the Cascades this July. National Signitican1WIIdland Fire Potential Outlook Apt° t to Apr1130, 2000 NEP 'WV risco 40 Meek. El .4r61 ti IA�iengP�ee��c ara� Seasonal Significant Wildland Fire Potential Outlook Allay -JUly,2009 "witmaTii art 411* __,e_, itithDecreasing Wil. puirsir 1 +a-. NIIPeraht 1.11ll P. Significant Fire Potential Move Normal lo persel or eamen Inereasmg loAbove Normal Polenleel - Normal tIZZA�' Yereeasyho no.t 6�Aurra pMW peo.NYa. tea MOO NMNaM1aAY, t 1C. Note: Significant fire potential is defined as the likelihood that a wildland fire event will require mobilization of additional resources from outside the area in which the fire situation originates. Past Weather and Drought March was generally drier than normal from southern California, across the Four -Corner states into the central and southern Great Plains. A significant snow storm during the last full week of March provided much needed precipitation to Colorado and the central Great Plains. Florida and the Mid - Atlantic states continued to see dry conditions. Below normal temperatures were common across the central U.S. with an active storm pattern across the Northwest and Great Lakes. Snowpack in Alaska currently varies from below normal to above -normal across the state. The latest Drought Monitor and outlook products are shown below. Drought conditions are expected to persist or expand primarily in Texas, Florida, the Mid -Atlantic States, and portions of New Mexico, California, and Nevada. 5 days, ending 2009Mar29 30 days, ending 2009Mar29 60 days, ending 2009Mar29 dor ,or Way ids nabs a ak ad. . 1 +mar I 40 la Dry ly re !nl Wet 90 days, ending 2009Mar29 Wm aft lila n a a& atm +10111101 1 40 In Dry RIR 9.Int af 1111 Wet vvww.cdc.noaa.gov/Drought/images/prec4.gif U.S. Drought Monitor Manes Z4,er9 ,0 �o}A Oxy 00A IR, MO, On ai r lsuad Typos: 00 Abnormally Ory N DeInaslef donanam impacts 01 Oroophl - Modorala A = Ag,cAursl (crops, pas 20 , it G2 Growl- Saler° gasslanm) W Drawhl - EMreme H = Hydlo4opc9 (wades) Ds Drought Exceptional The Drolwh1 Monitor focuses on broad -scab Conaiana Local candbans may vary. See amorrpan020 real summary &H°rem! slatarnania Released Thursday, March 26, 2009 Mahar: brad Rppay, U.S. Department orAaaeulmrni Q ;vote n http:lldrought.unl.eduldm 9. U.S. Seasonal Drought Outlook Lrought Tandoncy During ato Valid P0riad Yand March 19, 2000- 411n+ 209') '' March 16, 2000 ° ow '•, r K E 'Y : avelop Ordcohl t0 P4 11 Ca= PN13H Mllena{f1 C<Ouphte+weMa. aonM M *,r,:rdr mo.eaklyr�.w'rw--r: Peen.a.raw°r kfaI liInanl 1, 1401. sa16 aarsOs Nae"t+J1Yd d,wf'c�, IagssNt rhe.Y.. r,rn �Mraua*r utM so Mnprr�r, Nlpaelt. Haa u,.�usyde9.m.r.a 0,,,�. o:e:rrfe !°yy rs55.ry0 09' 21 ,r12 lOoiely tlwd0➢mMrrov fd p .w'ferw,n ear...w vswlus wt'w w 0011 b,0pa.�n'f.�..-,.. ,y1 Wd°�ara+�.rMm,iri+l�+i.: a�wsn a,�b.y�saWsa srwr,aaa www.drought.unl.edu/dm/monitor.html Weather and Climate Outlooks La Nina conditions (Le. cooler than normal sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific) are expected to weaken into the spring with eventual dissipation this summer. Climate outlooks for April and May through July (shown below) are based on weather patterns associated with La Nina conditions, Tong -term climate trends, as well as a robust monsoon. La Nina's maximum influence on U.S. climate and weather often occurs during the winter and spring months. A = Above normal, B = Below normal, N = Normal, EC = Equal Chances of Above/Below/Normal. www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/predictions/multi_season/13 seasonal_outlooks/color/page2.gif Area Discussions Alaska: Alaska is currently out of fire season and significant fire potential is projected to be normal through July. Current snow water equivalent amounts are running between 75% and 130% of normal with the lowest levels in the Kenai Mountains. Precipitation totals are running 60% to 160% of normal with the greatest amounts in the Seward Peninsula and Kuparuk River Basin and the lowest amounts in the Copper Basin. Precipitation during the first half of April is forecast to be below normal across much of central Alaska with temperatures well below normal during the first week, then warming towards the middle of the month. During April through June, temperatures are expected to be below normal in the southern half with precipitation amounts above normal across much of the state. Fire season in Alaska officially begins on April 1St, however little fire activity typically occurs until May. Southwest: Above normal significant fire potential is forecast for west Texas, eastern and southern New Mexico, and a portion of southern Arizona during April. For May through July, above normal significant fire potential will expand northwestward across most of New Mexico and much of central and eastern Arizona. At the same time, fire potential will begin to decrease across west Texas and portions of eastern New Mexico by mid to late May as precipitation increases and green up progresses from east to west. Significant fire potential in northern and the far western portions of Arizona is expected to be normal. March was much drier than normal across Arizona and warmer than normal across much of the Area. A significant rain event occurred in Texas the second week of March helping to moisten fuels and initiate green up in central and western portions of the state. During April, precipitation will be normal to slightly above normal across the northern sections of the Area with a strong likelihood of below normal precipitation across much of the southern sections. Periods of enhanced winds are likely across the southern third of the Area and east of the New Mexico central mountain chain during April leading to more severe fire weather conditions. During May through July, temperatures are expected to be above normal and precipitation will generally be below average across the Area, except for portions of southern Arizona and southwest New Mexico. Northern Rockies: Normal significant fire potential is expected for the entire outlook period. Current snowpack amounts are running near average (85% - 110%) across the Area with the lowest amounts in the north. Above normal precipitation across southern portions of the Area during February has helped to mitigate the drought in southwestern North Dakota. Weak La Nina conditions will likely bring cooler than normal temperatures and near normal precipitation in April. In April, pre -green up grass fires are not uncommon east of the Divide, even though it is typically the wettest month of the year. Given climate forecasts and current conditions, the timing of snow melt and green up is expected to be near normal this year. Great Basin: Significant fire potential is expected to be normal across the Area through July. Precipitation during March was below normal across much of Utah, southern Nevada, and southern Idaho. The central and western mountains of Idaho as well as western Wyoming saw above normal precipitation. Current snow water content is running approximately 70% -95% of normal in northern Nevada, the mountains of Idaho and much of Utah. Warmer temperatures across southeast Utah in March have lead to decreased snow water equivalent values. This could dramatically influence significant fire potential toward the end of spring if melting occurs quickly and spring precipitation is below normal. Moderate drought continues across much of southern Idaho, southwest Wyoming, and Nevada. Drought is expected to improve across southwest Idaho, but persist or worsen across much of Nevada. Climate forecasts call for above normal precipitation with below normal temperatures across the Area during mid-April, becoming drier than normal during the extended forecast period. The Area typically has minimal large fire activity until June. Northwest: Normal significant fire potential is expected across the Area through the extended outlook period, except for an area in north/central Washington, which will see above normal significant fire potential by July. Temperatures in March 2009 were cooler than normal across the region with precipitation generally above normal over higher elevations of the Cascades as well as eastern Washington and northeast Oregon. Precipitation was less than normal over western Washington, the east slopes of the Washington Cascades and southeast Oregon as well as lower elevations in western Oregon. Most SNOTEL sites across Oregon are running near to above average precipitation and snow water content, except in sections of the Coast Range and the southeast. Overall, snow basin totals in Washington are running below normal in snow accumulation. Seasonal climate outlooks suggest unusually dry conditions east of the Cascades in Oregon and Washington during May, June and July. Temperatures are expected to be near normal through the period. Significant wildland fire occurrence is unlikely during April; however the potential for large wildland fire outbreaks typically increases during June and rises significantly in July. This year significant fire potential is expected to rise to above normal by July in portions of northern Washington. California: Normal significant fire potential is projected for April, then increase over the central coast and an area extending from the Bay Area to the Sacramento Valley foothills during May through July. Temperatures in March were mostly cooler than normal across the northern two thirds of the state and above normal in the southern deserts. Precipitation was below normal across much of the state during March, except for the northwest coast and mountains, Cascade Range, and Sierras, where above normal precipitation occurred (see image). Heavy snowfall occurred across most of the northern mountains above 5,000 ft with seasonal snowpack returning to near normal levels. However, current snow water content amounts are running 77% - 85% of normal in the central Sierras. Weather models indicate the first few days of April will start out dry, but then transition to a cooler and wetter pattern through the remainder of the first half of April. Climate outlooks call for more normal conditions the latter half of April and into early summer. Moderate to severe drought continues across most of the Area and is expected to persist or worsen through June, except for an area in northwestern California where some improvement is likely. Fire activity is expected to begin to increase across some lower elevation areas by late April. Percent of Average Precipitation (%) /2009 — 3/28/2009 CSao 130 150 100 .0 lGenerated 3/29/1009 d NRC using rMNomdata. NOM RpioM Limb Cmlere Rocky Mountain: Normal significant fire potential is expected across the Area through July. Snow storms in late March were wide spread in eastern Colorado and Kansas. An active weather pattern is expected to persist into early April bringing more opportunities for additional precipitation. This moisture across the grasslands of eastern Colorado and Kansas and the subsequent green up that will follow are expected to keep significant fire potential normal for April. Climate outlooks call for above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation across much of the Area during May through July. At this time, significant fire potential is expected to be normal during the extended forecast period. Eastern Area: Normal significant fire potential is forecast in April, except for an area of below normal significant fire potential in southern West Virginia. During May through July, above normal significant fire potential is expected in north/central Wisconsin and south/central portions of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. A series of storms forecast across Maryland and Delaware in early April are expected to help mitigate fire potential and the long term drought that has been in place over that area through the winter. Snowfall across much of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan this winter is helping to mitigate drought in that area. However, northern Wisconsin and the extreme south central portions of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan will likely see above normal significant fire potential develop this spring after snow cover melts, given the antecedent long term drought over these areas. Southern Area: In April, above normal significant fire potential is expected to develop in much of Florida and persist across western Texas and Oklahoma. Below normal significant fire potential is forecasted for an area extending from far eastern Arkansas and northern Mississippi, eastward into Virginia. During May through July, significant fire potential is expected to persist in Florida and decrease across western Texas and Oklahoma with the onset of green up. Precipitation events in March across eastern Texas and Oklahoma have had a dramatic influence on green -up and the reduction in fire danger. As green -up becomes more fully developed and progresses northwestward, there will continue to be a decline in fire starts and intensity. However, green -up in the Rio Grande Plains of southwest Texas, including areas of the Southern Coastal Plains, is expected to be later than average due to the limited amounts of rainfall. Drought is expected to persist or worsen across Florida, southeast Georgia, portions of central and western Texas, and southwest Oklahoma through June. Fire activity is expected to increase across Florida, southeast Georgia and eastern portions of the Carolinas during March and April as fuel and soil moisture levels drop. Stream flow and soil moisture measures are at critically low levels in Florida with the peninsula area having the worst conditions. Historical ...99 records are being set for the number of days since ■1°0 significant rain and KBDI values are now exceeding 700 in:..: 900-999=1: some locations (see image). Current fire danger values are ❑ ■: at levels more typically seen during May. The return of the Tropical Easterlies and accompanying precipitation should ; help lower fire potential and alleviate fire concerns across ■70G`799 Florida during the month of June. '°°' Mar 29 2009 Keetch Byram Drought Index (KBDI) Historic and Predicted Wildland Fires and Acres Burned Data Based on data reported in 2009, nationally there were 148% of the average numbers of fires burning approximately 126% of the average acres. The following table displays 10 year historical, current and predicted information pertaining to fire statistics. March 30, 2009 Average Projection for Average Historical Year Historical Year Reported reported April Reported Low of High of Year -To -Date for APR YTD+Forecast YTD APR 30 YTD APR 30 Low YTD APR 30 High Fires 0 23 Acres 0 255 ALASKA 23 28 255 327 NORTHWEST 9 2006 49 2003 3 2006 759 2003 Fires 9 44 39 62 13 2003 127 2004 Acres 14 576 360 664 3 2003 1,992 2004 NORTH OPS Fires 82 78 160 113 12 2001 259 2004 Acres 257 500 607 1,610 28 2001 4,367 2000 SOUTH OPS Fires 201 112 313 318 21 2005 637 2002 Acres 1,121 590 1,593 4,475 3 2005 11,106 2006 NORTHERN ROCKIES Fires 7 263 191 284 2 1999 515 1998 Acres 14,490 7,053 20,838 8,245 1,169 1999 20,127 2003 EAST BASIN Fires 20 21 48 32 11 2001 86 2002 Acres 87 930 1,389 975 7 2005 4,806 2008 WEST BASIN Fires 6 7 13 14 0 many 59 2007 Acres 9 394 324 483 0 many 3,436 2007 SOUTHWEST Fires 246 319 597 614 183 2005 1,129 2002 Acres 62,426 31,890 126,205 93,351 7,690 2001 258,107 2006 ROCKY MOUNTAIN Fires Acres 154 147 389 220 78 2001 406 2002 39,652 17,342 69,134 31,011 1,240 2001 138,474 2006 EASTERN AREA Fires 2,790 3,951 7,136 5,052 2,860 2001 7,951 2006 Acres 30,920 45,055 80,481 61,550 29,829 2001 138,992 1 2003 SOUTHERN AREA Fires 18,036 4,828 24,312 17,647 8,708 2003 25,328 2006 Acres 389,830 186,906 670,189 515,758 153,358 2003 1,759,212 2006 NATIONALLY Fires 21,551 9,792 33,221 24,383 15,407 f 2003 35,102 2006 Acres 538,806 291,492 971,376 718,450 I 267,689 1 1998 2,251,409 2006 Prepared March 31, 2009 by the Nat'onal Interagency Coordination Center Predictive Services Staff. The information above was obtained primarily from Incident Management Situation Reports from 1998-2007, however some inaccuracies and inconsistencies have been corrected. Therefore, the data may not reflect other historic records and should not be considered for official statistical purposes. Note: This national outlook and some geographic area assessments are currently available at the NICC and GACC websites. The GACC websites can also be accessed though the NICC webpage at: http://www.nifc.gov/nicc/predictive/outlooks/outlooks.htm 2009 Capstone Proposal For the 2009 Capstone Class I propose two opportunities to utilize the cumulative skills of the group for the following projects: (1) In 2005-2007 Capstone Classes developed a Land Management Plan for Deschutes County property on Wilt Road and assisted with the development of the contracts to complete the work. This project would consist of the following tasks/objectives: • Review Land Management Plan and Contracts along with the work on the ground and complete a "plan in hand" report comparing what was planned versus what was actually accomplished. • For those differences, explore and explain why that happened. • Utilizing monitoring techniques, provide a report on average basal area for the properties, wildlife populations survey, wildland fire fuels survey (did the treatment make a difference?), dispersed recreation survey including OHV issues. • Present the "Three Most important" issues/opportunities or follow up tasks to be performed the next five years on the properties. (2) Since 2004 there have been seven Community Fire Plans created for every acre in Deschutes County and in some cases the plans have been revised. This project would consist of the following tasks/objectives: • Identify how many acres of fuels have been treated on private lands and public lands within each CWPP. • Identify how many properties both with homes and vacant lots have complied with Senate Bill 360 defensible space standards. • Identify how much money (grants, appropriated $'s and cost share) have been spent within each CWPP the last 5 years and a total amount. • Identify the "hard and soft match" of time/dollar contributions to these efforts • Prepare a report summarizing the above mentioned accomplishments with any recommendations for future updates or priorities of CWPP's I will be available to assist with these efforts as necessary. Wildfire T M Bricks A Right -Sized Solution for Rural Job Creation, Energy Security and Forest Health WildfireTM bricks are a densified biomass fuel made from forestry residuals and other woody biomass generated during wildfire risk reduction and forest stewardship activities on public and private forestlands. Wildfire bricks are burned in existing wood stoves and can offset or entirely replace fossil fuel and electricity use for residential and commercial heating. They are an ideal product to amplify public investments in forest restoration and rural economic development. We are proposing constructing a network of 4-6 brick plants in rural communities across Oregon, each capable of processing 20,000- 60,000 green tons of forest biomass annually (12-36,000 tons of finished product). The brick plants represent a simple, economical way to stimulate rural communities, increase energy security and improve forest health. Construction of brick plants can be completed within 6-9 months Job Creation Wildfire bricks plants are similar in size and layout to a small sawmill and require a workforce with similar skills. A series of plants would provide immediate and long-term employment for rural communities including: Construction Employment • Each facility would generate 35-50 family wage jobs during construction, depending on size, including: o 30-45 jobs in project construction and fabrication, full-time for 6 months and o 5 civil, mechanical, structural engineers, full-time for 6 months. Long -Term Employment Each plant would provide approximately 10-18 FTE long-term positions for plant operators, managers, shipping, receiving and inventory management, depending on plant size. o Production facility jobs would be family wage with competitive salary and benefits. Indirect Employment Each facility will also create 5-9 FTE in biomass harvesting, processing and transporting, depending upon plant size including: o Grinding crews at forest landings, o Truck drivers for chip hauling, and o Additional work required for loggers and forest contractors to pile biomass material. Local Sourcing The design and construction of the plants, as well as the fabrication of the machinery, would be conducted by Oregon -based businesses. By design and by necessity, the raw material for the plants will be 100% Oregon -sourced over the lifetime of the plant. Workforce Development Each facility will create stable employment in rural communities by transforming locally available biomass into renewable energy. The skills required to operate a densified biomass production facility are similar to those required to operate a sawmill. A densified biomass energy plant would help rural communities retain and develop a skilled workforce. Energy Impact Production of densified wood heating fuels can help reduce dependence on costly, imported, non- renewable heating fuels. Each facility will initially produce a minimum of 12,000 tons/yr of biomass heating fuel (from 20,000 green tons), in the form of wood bricks, meeting a majority of the space heating Wildfire" Bricks A Right -Sized Solution for Rural Job Creation, Energy Security and Forest Health needs of 6,000 homes. The facilities are modular and can be easily expanded up to 36,000 tons per year of finished product, producing 28 MW of thermal energy per hour or 168 GWhr of thermal energy per year, to meet the heating requirements of 18,000 homes. Integration Wildfire bricks help address important environmental issues. They are made from the residuals of forest management (e.g. slash) and fuels reduction projects—materials that would otherwise be burned in slash piles. Having strong local markets for woody biomass will allow public land managers to accomplish more fuels reduction activities. The Deschutes National Forest estimates that using biomass instead of burning it would save them between $100 and $300 per acre in avoided costs. This savings would result in more acres treated with the same appropriation. If fuels reduction activities generate 10 tons of biomass per acre, then a plant utilizing 20,000 green tons of biomass would help treat 2,000 acres per year, saving the land managers between $200,000 to $600,000 in its first year and up to $600,000 to $1,800,000 per year once it is fully expanded. Applied Innovation Oregon is the birthplace of densified fuels; wood pellets were invented and commercialized here. Project team member Bear Mountain Forest Products still operates the world's first commercial -scale biomass densification plant (built in Linn County in 1983) and has grown its production to over 150,000 tons annually. Given the tumult in the timber industry, the residuals of which are the current source of raw materials for densified fuels, it is imperative that the biomass fuel industry to move towards sourcing raw materials directly from the woods, and to construct facilities that are appropriately scaled to the resources available in rural forest communities. Technology to manufacture the bricks is currently available from A3 Energy Partners and is installed at Bear Mountain's Cascade Locks densification facility. Proposed Facility Locations Proposed sites include upgrading the existing Bear Mountain facility at Cascade Locks and building four new facilities in Lane, Josephine, Deschutes/Jefferson, and Washington/Tillamook Counties. Project Team The project is team a partnership between the public and private sectors and non -profits organizations. • Resource Innovations, University of Oregon • A3 Energy Partners, Inc. • Bear Mountain Forest Products, Inc. • Lane, Deschutes, and Josephine Counties • Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council For More Information Please Contact: Marcus Kauffman Resource Innovations marcusk@uoregon.edu Andrew Haden A3 Energy Partners, Inc. andrew(r,�a3energypartner. s.com 541.346.0661 503.706.6187 Thermal Heat Fuel Comparison Table Price Unit Wood Chips Wood Pellets Natural Gas Electricity Propane Heating OiI $ 45 green ton $ 190 ton $ 1.30 therm $ 0.075 kW $ 2.25 gallon $ 2.50 gallon MMBtulunit $IMMBtu Efficiency $IMMBtu 10.1 $4.46 0.65 S6.85 16 $11.88 0.8 $14.84 0.1 $13.00 0.8 $16.25 0.00341 $21.99 0.9 $24.44 0.0915 $24.59 0.8 $30.74 0.1385 $18.05 0.75 $24.07 $35 $30 $25 2 $20 m $15 a $10 $5 $0 Heating Fuel Cost Comparison rP Wood Wood Chips Pellets Natural Electricity Propane Heating OiI Gas Fuel Type WORK SESSION - BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SIGN -IN SHEET Date: April 15, 2009 Name (Please Print) t/ , ,z/ -/N) AJ \\D Cin 0.44 U411- ((�C'C �'�v�r41 ck42/17 Department. Y)1_ ..1\ mac ("ic,),Z7C S [U f .r%.1 Deschutes County Board of Commissioners " ' 1300 NW Wall St., Suite 200, Bend, OR 97701-1960 'T*11111-0, (541) 388-6570 - Fax (541) 385-3202 - www.deschutes.org REVISED WORK SESSION AGENDA DESCHUTES COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 1:30 P.M., WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2009 1. Presentation of Upper Deschutes Watershed Council Activities — Ryan Houston, Watershed Council 2. Forester Update — Joe Stutter; John Allen, USFS; and Deborah Norton, BLM 3. Bio -Brick Project — Phil Chang, COIC 4. Other Items PLEASE NOTE: At any time during this meeting, an executive session could be called to address issues relating to ORS 192.660(2) (e), real property negotiations; ORS 192.660(2) (h), pending or threatened litigation; or ORS 192.660(2) (b), personnel issues Meeting dates, times and discussion items are subject to change. All meetings are conducted in the Board of Commissioners' meeting rooms at 1300 NW Wall St., Bend, unless otherwise indicated. 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