9.F.
City Council Meeting - FINAL
- Meeting Date:
- 06/18/2013
- Submitted For:
- Stephanie Smith, Executive Assistant to City Manager
- From:
- Stephanie Smith, Executive Assistant to City Manager
Information
TITLE:
Consideration and Approval of Agreement: Participating Agreement Supplemental Project Agreement between City of Flagstaff and USDA, Forest Service Coconino National Forest, for the Flagstaff Watershed Protection Project, Fuels Reduction Demonstration Project
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
-
Approve the Supplemental Project Agreement and authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Policy Decision or Reason for Action:
As part of the Flagstaff Watershed Protection Project (FWPP), The City and U.S. Forest Service will implement a "pilot project" within two areas approved for mechanical treatment and prescribed burning in two areas, located within the Dry Lake Hills.
Both pilot project areas are located on rocky, 40 percent slopes, similar to other adjacent areas of the FWPP project area. The objective of the pilot project is to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of the two treatment prescriptions on the steep, rocky slopes. The evaluation will help The City and U.S. Forest Service determine the effectiveness of such treatments in meeting the desired conditions across the FWPP area.
Both pilot project areas are located on rocky, 40 percent slopes, similar to other adjacent areas of the FWPP project area. The objective of the pilot project is to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of the two treatment prescriptions on the steep, rocky slopes. The evaluation will help The City and U.S. Forest Service determine the effectiveness of such treatments in meeting the desired conditions across the FWPP area.
Financial Impact:
The estimated cost of the project will not exceed $30,000. All expenses for this pilot project will be paid for through the Forest Health and Water Supply Protection Bond.
Connection to Council Goal:
11. Effective governance.
Has There Been Previous Council Decision on This:
January 15, 2013 City Council approved three agreements with the USFS related to the Flagstaff Watershed Protection Project, including:
- Memorandum of Understanding
- Master Participating Agreement
- Memorandum of Understanding - Cooperating Agency Status
Options and Alternatives:
- Approve the agreement as written
- Modify the agreement and approve
- Reject the agreement
Background/History:
In November 2012, Flagstaff voters approved a $10 million bond project, which supports forest treatments within two watersheds critical to our community – Rio De Flag/Dry Lake Hills and Lake Mary.
Community Benefits and Considerations:
The Flagstaff Watershed Protection Project is an innovative approach to help reduce the risk of devastating wildfire and post-fire flooding in the Rio de Flag and Lake Mary watersheds. The project is founded on a unique long-term partnership between the City, US Forest Service, and State of Arizona. The purpose of FWWP is to ensure the sustainability of our forests and local water supply, protect our local economy and improve community health and safety.
Community Involvement:
Collaborate - the Supplemental Project Agreement is supportive of the City's long-term and collaborative partnership with the US Forest Service.
Community involvement is a key element in the implementation of FWPP. The project design encourages the public to be actively engaged throughout the process. Outreach has been constant and includes informational multi-media communication, public meetings and opportunities for the public to provide formal input and comment.
Community involvement is a key element in the implementation of FWPP. The project design encourages the public to be actively engaged throughout the process. Outreach has been constant and includes informational multi-media communication, public meetings and opportunities for the public to provide formal input and comment.
Council Action:
06/18/2013 - EAB - Approved