FRWRM Grant

 Routt County  STEPS TO APPLY FOR FRWRM FUNDS:

1 - Schedule an appointment to review project with NRFPD BEFORE HIRING A CONTRACTOR:

     Chief Matt Mathisen - 970-879-6064 (firehouse number) - chief@northrouttfire.org

     Kent Foster - 970-846-9322 - kent_foster_4@msn.com

2 - NRFPD will review with the CSFS for compliance with grant statement of work

3 - Complete work

     - All work must be started after April 1, 2024

     - Track costs (labor, contracting, and other approved costs)

     - Take before and after pictures, WITH DATES

4 - Schedule time with NRFPD/CSFS to review completion

More information on the details of the grant:

NoRoCo FRWRM Grant - $517,000 CSFS fuds available to match

GRANT DURATION - April 1, 2024 to April 1, 2028 

Project Summary

The FRWRM Grant scope of work is to treat 300 acres of private lands within the North Routt Fire Protection District (NRFPD). This grant provides a 50% match to qualifying projects.   Projects will tier to priorities listed in the 2023 Routt County CWPP under the categories of Life Safety, Infrastructure, Economic Drivers and Property.  Over 430 acres have been tentatively identified for treatment to protect priorities listed in the CWPP.   While these areas are higher than the grant request, specific surveys will determine actual acres to be treated.   

WHAT IS A TREATMENT? - Removing flammable vegetation, including trees, brush and trimming  removal of other flammable vegetation - includes cutting and removal, slash reduction, other practices to reduce fuel related fire hazards.  Priority will be within the Home Ignition Zone (HIZ) described in the CSFS “The Home Ignition Zone” document.   Other vegetation treatments outside the HIZ can also be included to reduce fire spread potential, e.g. fuel breaks in common areas.    

Within HIZ - Treat  vegetation within the 3 HIZ zones for defensible space. Also reference Firewise guidelines, and WUI guidelines for hardening of homes. Identify and suggest options to remove ember receptors. 

Outside HIZ - The scope of work lists different management prescriptions depending on forest type.  Landowners will work with NRFPD and CSFS staff to determine treatments specific to their situation.  

REIMBUSABLE Costs include:

• Labor - Paid Staff time
• Contractor costs - actual costs 
• Supplies - Out of pocket expenses, e.g. equipment fuel, bar oil, fuel.
• Rental equipment - e.g. Chipper, skid steer to move wood.   

Costs NOT REIMBUSABLE - 

• Equipment purchase
• Repairs, parts and maintenance for equipment, replacement parts of damaged equipment
• Food and beverage
• Postage - mailings
• Routine Admin Duties - normal staff meetings NOT SPECIFICALLY targeted at project
• Fund raising time
• Selling and Marketing
• Computers, phones, other tech devices
• Landowner travel time and mileage to and from worksite.  

PROJECT TIMELINE

(This timeline and schedule of completion is dynamic)

2024. 2024.

• NRFPD -Hire Coordinator, Complete HIZ training for NRFPD staff (Spring/Summer)
• Develop process for accepting and prioritizing hazard fuel mitigation work
• Complete surveys on at least 60 lots (Summer/Fall)
• Outreach to contractors for work implementation and scheduling
• Pursue additional grant opportunities
• Outreach to communities and HOAs - District wide Meeting (Spring) - followed up with HOAs interested in participating in the opportunity (Summer/Fall)
• Meet with businesses (Guest Ranches) and other stakeholders within the District - regarding participation/status of ongoing projects - seek opportunities to assist (On going)
• Develop agreement with RMYC- 2-3 weeks saw crew implementation (Summer/Fall)
• Collaboration with USFS, CSFS, BLM on cross boundary projects (On going)
• Develop 2025-2027 plan of work
• Grant Deliverables – treat 30 acres, schedule work for 2025-2027  

2025

• Continue outreach/education with landowners and HOA’s for grant mitigation work
• RMYC Saw Crew 3 weeks available  
• Collaboration with USFS, CSFS, BLM on cross boundary projects
• Grant Deliverables - treat 85 acres; accomplishment reporting

2026/2027

• Continued annual program of work 
• RMYC saw crew 3 weeks
• Grant - 2026 treat 85 acres; 2027 treat 100 acres
  • Other non-HOA properties (if needed)
• Continue to monitor progress and provide technical support to landowners. 
• Prepare grant completion reports. 

Project Completion deadline: April 1, 2028

Final Report and reimbursement request due to local CSFS Field Office: May 1, 2028

Standards or Guidelines: Best Management Practices must be followed for all forest management/fuels mitigation work completed under this award. Refer to the handbook Forestry Best Management Practices to Protect Water Quality in Colorado for more information.