Consideration and Approval of Contract Modification:  Modification One to Flagstaff Watershed Protection Project (FWPP): Supplemental Project Agreement (SPA) (13-PA-11030420-013) with the US Forest Service (USFS).

The initial agreement was approved by Council on Jan 19, 2016 and authorized Coconino National Forest to conduct preparation (sites identified w/boundaries marked, treatment prescriptions developed, temporary roads surveyed, and marking of trees) of all of the Phase I area and some of the Phase II areas within the Dry Lake Hills.  To continue the orderly progression of work on the Flagstaff Watershed Protection Project (FWPP) either an amendment to the existing Supplemental Project Agreement (SPA) or a new SPA is required.  Staff recommends amendment of the existing SPA as the most efficient method to incorporate the next phase of work. The proposed Modification, which will complete all Phase II Preparation work (and thus all of the Dry Lake Hills area) is two-fold:

1. Performance Period: Current Agreement expires May 1, 2017.  The new expiration date is December 31, 2017. 
2. Funding: Current Agreement is for up to $654,761.01 (app. 3,000 acres).  The modification authorizes up to an additional $414,354.50 (app. 2,000 acres).  All funding is provided by the FWPP Bond.

The total amount now authorized by the initial Agreement and Modification #1 is now $1,069,116 (app 5,000 acres of Preparation work).  NOTE: The USFS is matching the Modification with an additional $207,375.27.  This Preparation work is necessary/required before any harvesting/other treatments can occur and is an expected cost of FWPP.  Funding is provided via the FWPP Bond, passed by voters in 2012, and does not involve any General Fund or other City monies. Operational efficiencies may result in less than the total authorized amount being spent.  

COUNCIL GOALS:
2) Ensure Flagstaff has a long-term water supply for current and future needs.
3) Provide sustainable and equitable public facilities, services, and infrastructure systems in an efficient and effective manner to serve all population areas and demographics.
7) Address key issues and processes related to the implementation of the Regional Plan.
11) Ensure that we are as prepared as possible for extreme weather events.
 
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 approved the initial Agreement in Jan 2016.  In addition, Council was engaged in the bond issue when it was approved to be presented to the voters (summer 2012), has approved other grant awards and contracts related to FWPP, and has been kept updated on issues throughout the overall effort.  

Two exist:
1) Approve the modification, permitting the remaining Preparation work to be completed.
2) Reject the modification, resulting in either the remaining Preparation work not being completed (and thus forest treatments not being conducted in a portion of the Dry Lake Hills area) OR requiring a new/additional Agreement with the USFS and considered/approved by Council at a future meeting (potentially delaying the required preparation work).

Damage and loss of our forests from destructive wildfire and insect infestations are ever-present threats to our community.  Areas that have undergone proactive forest treatments (ie – thinning, debris disposal, and/or prescribed/managed fire) are not only healthier and more resilient to damaging agents, they also provide a barrier to the spread of these agents once they do become established.  Such treated areas enhance public safety, ensure infrastructure protection, and safe-guard community well-being.   Within our community and immediate area, the Woody Fire (2005), Hardy Fire (2010), and Slide Fire (2014) dramatically demonstrate the value of these treatments: the Schultz Fire (2010) shows what can happen when such treatments are not in-place. 

The Dry Lake Hills and the forest treatments that are planned, and that have occurred, were presented during the bond campaign leading-up to the election as part of the overall goal, area, and effort that would occur with passage of the measure.   Regardless of location or casual factor, insect infestations are always difficult to manage.  Wildfires can be a challenge to control and suppress due to access, lack of on-site water supply, adjacent neighborhoods, and other factors.  Post-disturbance events (ie - flooding) are not manageable and can result in major long-term impacts to the community.  Completion of forest treatments have proven highly effective in reducing occurrence and severity of these events. 

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Multiple partners have been engaged in the FWPP effort since its inception, and these partnership efforts have continued throughout planned and completed work within Dry Lake Hills. The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process lasted 2.5 years during which numerous outreach events occurred and the public was invited to comment.   Completion of the forest treatment work funded by this grant award will protect adjacent neighborhoods, recreational opportunities, wildlife habitat, as well as the community at-large, while promoting forest resiliency and sustainability.

Inform – Following the 50 campaign events leading up to the bond election (Nov 2012), we have continued to work keeping the community informed of what we are doing, and why.  The Project website (www.flagstaffwatershedprotection.org) is one way: numerous news stories have also been crafted and/or otherwise reported.  Public field trips have been conducted, (ex: Festival of Science).  Individual stakeholders, city staff, and Council members have also been provided tours.  City staff has interacted with numerous individuals hiking, running, or biking through the area, as well as with other community members interested in the work.   Information boards have established, and continue to be maintained in the Dry Lake Hills area. 

Consult – During the EIS Scoping Process, the public and community were involved reviewing current conditions and needs, providing comments, and proposing various alternatives and options. 

Involve – Continuing throughout on-going field operations, the public and community have observed and commented on operations and plans.  In addition, various agencies and organizations (ie - US Fish and Wildlife, Greater Flagstaff Forests Partnership, etc) have been present and likewise engaged.  When possible and/or as required, concepts and ideas provided by these individuals and groups have been incorporated into field operations.  In addition, we have also involved NAU students in data collection and field monitoring efforts.  City Stormwater staff have also been engaged.  Community members have also been hired as seasonal Fire Dept crew members and have worked directly on the effort. . 

Empower – The planned forest treatments are part of a larger effort underway in our area and throughout northern AZ.  We and our many partners have been engaged for nearly two decades in this work, on various jurisdictions and site conditions, and have utilized a variety of prescriptions and approaches to ensure we have a full-suite of treatments across the greater landscape.  The work to be funded by this award is based upon credible and proven science-based forest restoration and hazard fuel management standards and knowledge.  It adheres to guidelines established in the Greater Flagstaff Area Community Wildfire Protection Plan (City & County - 2005), is consistent with forest treatments designed and implemented by the Greater Flagstaff Forests Partnership (1999-present) and the City of Flagstaff Wildland Fire Management program (1998-present), meets the goals of the State of AZ 20-Year Strategy (2007), supports the efforts underway within the Four Forests Restoration Initiative, and meets the goals and standards of the Flagstaff Watershed Protection Project's Final Records of Decision (USFS - 2015).