LASSEN COUNTY FIRE SAFE COUNCIL
GENERAL MEETING MINUTES
June 6, 2011
The Lassen County Fire Safe Council (LCFSC) convened in regular session at 6:32 p.m. on June 6, 2011 at the Susan River Fire Protection District Office, 705-145 Highway 395 in Susanville. Officers present were Chair Dorine Blankenship, Secretary/Treasurer Cathy Dirden, Managing Director Tom Esgate and Education Coordinator Dan Douglas. Absent were Vice Chair Jerry Fraticelli, and Directors Gary Johns, Tim Keesey, and Ray Nielsen.
I. Opening and Welcome: Dorine welcomed all and asked for introductions around.
Treasurer’s Report: Report was unavailable.
II. Public Comment: None.
III. Managing Director’s Report
Active Projects:
Day Lassen Bench – Tom reported that the last two landowners were signed up. The project will utilize the last of the SNC funding. Activity will begin as soon as conditions allow.
Lake Forest – Dean Tackett was in attendance as a Lake Forest Firewise Community representative. Tom reported that we were receiving excellent response from the landowners. The desire is to have full blocks of landowners on board in order improve logistics. Treatments north of Eagle Lake Road should begin the end of June. Tom stated each parcel would be negotiated with the contractor due to a large percentage of handwork.
Susanville Fuel Reduction – Approximately 150 acres are completed on the Nagel, Gaultieri, and Johnston properties. Completion is expected by the end of next week. Cathy is ramping up the landowner sign-ups.
CCPI/SGI –Ash Valley & Mapes are ready for work to begin when it dries out.
CSI/Conservative Innovative Grant (CIG) Project – An amendment was completed and funds are coming in.
New Funded Projects:
Clear Creek –Currently awaiting the arrival of the WUI grant agreement.
SNC- Ash Valley Ranch - Received the grant agreement; will be executed by Wednesday.
New Potential Projects:
Janesville RAC– The RAC grant for $100,000 is for the 2011/12 grant season.
Milford / Little Valley – Tom is working on the CFSC Clearing House applications.
Doyle – An application will be submitted for the next year.
Eagles Nest – Tom will meet with Dave Sandborg/USFS, and Mark Pustejovsky/SPI for a field day trip to review the project area.
2011-12 CCPI & Sage Grouse Initiative – We are currently waiting on NRCS approval of new applications.
Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Project/Diamond Mountain – Frank Steward stated the solicitation was done but no funding designated.
CWPP – Tom stated all portions have been received and should be on the website soon. Tom explained the CWPP process for the new members. Frank Steward requested maps be placed on the website quickly. Tom talked with Priscilla/USFS regarding minor updates to the new plan.
Almanor Ranger District – Possible aspen project.
VI. Education Director’s Report. Dan Douglas gave the following report.
The NE California Fire Expo was held at the McArthur Fair Grounds on May 14th and 15th. The first days attendance was 250, the second day was very minimal. The Indian Health Fair will be held on July 9th.
Risk Assessment in the Home Ignition Zone – The Council is sponsoring a free class to be given on June 17th and 18th at the old Susan River Fire Protection District Office on Richmond Road. The class Friday will start at 6:00 pm and will be for agency and volunteer fire staff. The class Saturday will also be for the volunteers but will also be open to interested homeowners. A free BBQ lunch is planned. Pat Durland, an expert in the field will be conducting the class.
- Agency Updates.
BLM/Modoc – No report.
BLM/Eagle Lake – No report.
Cal Fire/Lassen –Jay Newman stated staffing was down and only 3 fire fighters will be on an engine. They will hire from the academy to bring back firefighters. Full hire will be the first week of July. The weather and budgets pushed back the date
OES – David Junette, OES, stated that Jim Barry discussed the fire plan for Lake Forest Estates and Gold Run areas. Tom will send Jim the FSC plans for those areas.
NE CA Fire Prevention – Dave Sandborg stated there were 3500 – 4000 participants at the Children’s Fair; they completed the 1st Grade Field Day – 150 1st graders for 3 hours. The Annual Earth Day will be held on June 18th at the Diamond Mountain Casino; the Health Fair will be held at the Casino on July 9th. Dorine reminded Dave that we are still holding funds for NECAFP that could be used towards maintenance of the Smokey Bear Park.
NRCS – No report.
USFS/Eagle Lake – Ann Carlson stated all seasonals are on board now; much of the staff is down in Texas fighting fires. Two engines on the Forest; prescribed burns are yet to be done. Active projects include the Cowbell – out for bids; Ebby – Timber sale out for bids; signed, no significant impact; will go back to the judge and ask to have injunction lifted. Hook timber project to reduce insects and disease; Campbell – planning project open meeting to get input from the public in mid July. A field visit is scheduled for August. They are busy with documentation.
Susanville Fire Department – No report
Susan River Fire District – No report
Sierra Pacific Industries (SPI) – No report
VII Other – Frank Stewart/Quincy Library Group/California Fire Safe Council stated the SOPA is out for the July/August/September projects – it shows the relationship between the projects. With regard to the recent ruling for the Sierra Nevada Guidelines, he stated 3 judges remanded the projects – 4 projects back to District Judge. Judge. Noon ruled the Forest can’t cut trees for revenue. The Agencies are frustrated. He referenced the 4 current projects (Cowbell is in objection period then will go to the consultation period. He suggested the LCFSC comment. The Plumas FSC had projects in other areas. The judge saw the comments. He stated the DFPZ is the same as a shaded fuel break. He encouraged emailing everyone on projects to keep and show involvement and interest.
CFSC – Will Receive $5 million for projects this year; down from $9 million last year. They are checking to see that they get the 50% match as required.
We are currently in the last year of the Secure Rural Schools funding. He encouraged sending letters to Senator Feinstein and others. Frank is following the CDF/EIS on non-commercial chips – later part of June/July (45 day comment period).
SPI – No report
Others – Dennis Hinze introduced himself and shared his concern with too many trees in the forests stating we need to get the excess wood out. He shared his concern with carbon in timber. He stressed we need to get the wood out and use as fuel stating that the US Government is out of touch; there is too much red tape (referencing the example of appeals the US Forest Services has to go through) He is concerned that many of the forests are miss-managed, diseased and bug infested.
Frank Stewart stated there is a bill in the House to address extreme hazards if the county claims a County Emergency they have to react within 7 days to overstocked stands. Herger’s bill supports both the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management.
- Next Meeting: The next General Meeting will be Monday, July 11, 2011 at 6:30 pm at the Susan River Fire Protection District Office at 705-145 Highway 395. Cathy will confirm the location and email all.
VIII. Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 7:40 pm.
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