Consideration and Adoption of Resolution No. 2022-17:  A resolution approving a Master Participating Agreement between the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Coconino National Forest, and the City of Flagstaff for Watershed Protection

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service Coconino National Forest and City of Flagstaff desire to enter into an intergovernmental agreement for activities to proactively improve the health and resiliency of US Forest Service lands and watersheds for the mutual benefit of watershed protection, decreased risk from additional flooding and sedimentation, improved public safety, and reduced negative social and economic outcome from wildfires.
 
The purpose of this agreement is to document the cooperation between the parties to conduct all activities necessary for forest treatments to occur on National Forest System (NFS) lands.
 
The City and the U.S. Forest Service resources will be contributed toward implementation of jointly-developed and mutually-agreed to projects identified during Flagstaff Watershed Protection Project (FWPP) planning sessions.
 
City funds collected will be directed to the mutually agreed-upon projects in the specific area and project as discussed in annual planning sessions.

This Master Participating Agreement does not exchange any funds. Financial plans for the exchange of funds will be included in future Supplemental Project Agreements. 

Allows wildfire risk reduction efforts to continue in priority areas around Flagstaff.  In addition, facilitates our partnership with Coconino National Forest and other fire management organizations. 

Priority Based Budget Key Community Priorities and Objectives High Performing Governance: Implement innovative local government programs Safe and Healthy Community: Ensure built environment is safe through the use of consistent standards, rules and regulations, & land use practices Environmental Stewardship: Promote, protect & enhance a healthy, sustainable environment & its natural resources Environmental Stewardship: Strengthen Flagstaff's resilience to climate change impacts on built, natural, economic, health, & social systems Carbon Neutrality Plan Consolidating carbon stocks in fewer, larger trees reduces the risk of carbon loss from fire. The pre-suppression forest structure provides the best target for maintaining sustainable carbon stocks and ecological function. Implementing prescribed fire after mechanical thinning treatments supports the maintenance of the restored natural tree structure and pattern.  Regional Plan Environmental Planning & Conservation – Vision for the Future: In 2013, the long-term health and viability of our natural resource environment is maintained through strategic planning for resource conservation and protection. Policy E&C.3.3 – Invest in forest health and watershed protection measures. Policy E&C.6.1 – Encourage public awareness that the region’s ponderosa pine forest is a fire-dependent ecosystem and strive to restore more natural and sustainable forest composition, structure, and processes. Policy E&C.6.3 – Promote protection, conservation, and ecological restoration of the region’s diverse ecosystem type and associated animals. Policy E&C.6.6 – Support collaborative efforts for forest health initiatives or practices, such as the Four Forest Restoration Initiative (4FRI), to support healthy forests and protect our water system. Policy E&C.10.2 – Protect, conserve, and when possible, enhance and restore wildlife habitat on public land.

Council has not discussed this agreement. 

Council previously approved Master Participating Agreements with the Flagstaff Ranger District in 2012 and 2017. 

This new agreement will replace the 2017 agreement. 

1. Approve the IGA, permitting needed forest treatment work to proceed as planned.
2. Not Approve the IGA, recognizing that the planned work and the direct benefits to the community (reduced wildfire threat and improved ecosystem health and function) will likely not occur without direct City engagement, especially in a timely manner.

Severe and destructive wildfire is an annual and ever-present threat to our forests and the community.  Areas that have undergone science based fuel reduction treatments are healthier, more fire adapted, and enhance public safety and infrastructure protection. We have cooperated with Coconino National Forest on many forest management projects related to wildfire risk reduction and post wildfire rehabilitation. 

Completion of forest treatments within the FWPP footprint have proven highly effective in reducing occurrence and severity of wildfire and post-fire flood events. 

This agreement does not include a budget. Any exchange of funds will be outlined in future Supplemental Project Agreements. 

The Flagstaff community will experience improved forest management due to this agreement.

Approval of this Agreement, and the forest treatment work which will result, will protect adjacent neighborhoods, recreational opportunities, and wildlife habitat, while promoting forest health and long-term sustainability.

Inform: Following the success of the 2012 bond election, FFD has continued to work at keeping the community informed of what we are doing, and why.

Involve: Project outreach efforts will go directly to the Flagstaff community. FFD staff are available to the public to address any concerns.