SIERRA COUNTY FIRE SAFE AND WATERSHED COUNCIL
MINUTES July 31, 2009
DRAFT
Roll Call-Introductions- Board members present: Nancy Finney, Robert Eshleman, Laurenc DeVita, Peter Huebner, and Kathleen Goicoechea. Robert and Jean Myles were absent. Other members and guests: Ernest Finney, Mike Delasaux, Gary Shelton, Frank Stewart, Andrew Winberry, Danielle Banchio, Roy Belli. Also present: Interim Directors, Cindy Noble and Mike Freschi.
Approve Agenda July 2009- Laurenc moved to approve, Robert seconded the motion, motion passed.
Approve Minutes June 2009- Robert and Laurenc motioned to approve, motion passed.
1. Alleghany Wrap up- Citizens of Alleghany are very pleased with the project. Grant Manager Dan Lang plans a trip to Plumas County and will conduct site visits for Calpine, Sierraville, and Alleghany. Cindy will accompany him to Alleghany. Public Relations power point presentation and before and after pictures are available on disc and may be accessed through the website. Cindy and Mike F submitted the final report which was accepted and only $2,961 needs to be returned. Robert would like to know the man hours per acre on the Alleghany project.
2. Sierra County Fire Plan- The scope of work will be patterned after the 2006 plan changing the names, dates, maps, wildland urban interfaces, and include Disaster Management Guidelines, and a list of accomplishments of SCFSWC. Sierra County has authorized 20k each year for 2 years for operational expenses and another 45k to be used in cooperation with county staff. Andrew will probably be the key county point person for this project and will begin as soon as authorized to do so. Frank emphasized the importance of the base map which will depict the present and proposed projects. Robert motioned to begin the base map process, Larry seconded, motion passed. The draft base map will be available at all future meetings. Sierra Nevada Conservancy suggested doing the work with County Title III money and then the Conservancy would reimburse the County.
3. Calpine/Sierraville Project-There are a total of 255 acres, 198 mechanical, 68 biomass. Calpine will be hand-thinning, pile and burn. There is a possibility of chipping and sending to SPI since the mill is willing to put dumpsters out for pick up. The matter will be discussed at the next Sierra Economic Development meeting on August 12. Danielle handed out a map delineating the Eastern Sierra County Community Fire Protection Project 2009 which depicts how well the private land projects tie into the USFS projects. The base map discussed earlier for the fire safe plan will look similar to this map configuration.
4. Sierra City Landowners meeting-There were 28 serious participants involving large parcels of 600 acres. There was interest in separating the projects between large and small parcels. Two landowners requested fire consultations after the meeting. A formal expression of assistance from Paul Violet, chief forester and Bob Powell was recommended to help with the general activity.
5. Nortec Funds-Peter reported a coalition of 8 counties requesting stimulus funds for green waste energy projects. Peter will be attending a meeting Aug 11 in Susanville where he will get more information and an application. The director of Nortec is a grant writer. On August 12 a Co-Gen representative will be present at the Sierra County Economic Development meeting.
6. New Sierra Nevada Conservancy Funding- Cindy handed out information regarding the SNC and how to get on the e-mail list.
New Business:
1. Resource Conservation District is focusing on weed control. The RCD received grant funding for weeds reduction along A23 and Highway 70. The funds were turned over to Plumas County who now has a part-time position and uses goats to the control the weeds.
2. Title II funds of $180k for 2008 and 2009 will be pursued through RAC for watershed and fuel reduction projects. One requirement is any work done on private land must benefit Federal ground.
3. Mike D recommended to the council to be prepared for the Sierra City project by retaining the services of a registered professional forester to conduct the preliminary economics of the proposal and be ready the first part of September. Frank S. recommended submitting letters of support from the community, political and business leaders along with the proposal. Mike F. felt there may be enough residual funds to accommodate the recommendation.
4. There are 2 County chippers available. Discussions on hiring a licensed, bonded contractor to operate the chippers would be very helpful in communities interested in fire proofing resident’s property. Arrangements could be made to transport the chips to SPI to help defray the costs.
5. A SCFSWC advisory board was recommended using professionals. Mike F. had made requests of the Forest Service personnel in Sierra County and met with reluctance to being involved on the board. Frank reported cooperation in other counties stating the legal authority of the Healthy Forest Act.
6. Mike F. would like to have SCFSWC signs where comparisons of treated and untreated property were evident. Kathleen wondered if the sign would meet with opposition from the planning commission, however, this was a moot point since it would be a community service.
7. The Board of Forestry website is critical to Fire Safe Councils. Danielle will provide Cindy with information which will change deadlines from 120 days to 1 year. Extending the timeline for completion is essential since the clock starts the date of acceptance for the projects.
Agenda Items For Next Meeting:
Draft of Base Map
Nortec update and status report
County-wide chipping plan
Disc with photographs from Alleghany project
Bylaws regarding increasing the board from seven to nine
Robert and Jean Myles participation
Bob motioned to adjourn, Larry seconded the motion, meeting adjourned at 11:30 a.m.
Respectfully submitted
Kathleen Goicoechea
Secretary/Treasurer
|
|
Agendas/Minutes 